More on Flexibility « Chess Strategy

More on Flexibility

28 Mar, 2007 Lessons

In the 2nd video lesson we have seen Bobby Fischer skillfully transferring the advantage from one shape into another. Now example by his successor Anatoly Karpov.

White has space advantage and the only real weakness to press against is c5 pawn. To get more from this position, Karpov has to regroup his pieces and provide them greater mobility.

Anatoly Karpov - Svetozar Gligoric

42. Qg1!

Here is how Karpov elaborated his plan:
- Black’s only weakness is c5 and White should press against it in order to tie in defence as many units as possible.
- Best place for King is f3. Checks are not possible, Bg4 is being over-protected, g1-a7 diagonal is cleared for pressing on c5 and 2nd rank is available for fast Rooks’ transfer.
- White has to fight for h-file and kingside initiative. H-file cannot be taken after Black regroups his pieces to oppose the threat, but then White will suddenly strike on queenside using excellent mobility of pieces.

Qg1 fulfils all the necessary conditions for this plan. It attacks against c5, fights for h-file and has the possibility of fast move to the other side of the board.

42…Nb6

Clearing way for Queen to support battle for the h-file.

43. Rh2 Qe7?!

Straightforward run to f8. Gligoric has no feeling of danger on the queenside. Otherwise, he would have played 43…a5 to have 44…a4 at hand on possible 44. Kf3 or 44. Nb3, and just if 44. Qh1 Rxh2 45. Qxh2 Qf8 when Queen is no longer on g1.

Rh2 was another fine move, having option of both fighting for h-file and moving on 2nd rank.

44. Nb3 Kc7 45. Kf3!

According to plan, diagonal is open for attack on c5 and 2nd rank is available for Rh2. Another good feature is that Bg4 is overprotected, which will be important on move 48.

45… Nd7 46. a3!