Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

CADOGAN CHESS BOOKS

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso by Vasily Smyslov

former World Champion Translated by Ken Neat

EVERYMAN CHESS

First published in 1997 by Gloucester Publishers plc, (fonnerly Everyman Publishers plc), Gloucester Mansions, 140a Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8HD English Translation Copyright

©

1997 Ken Neat

Reprinted 2003 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any fonn or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher.

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EVERYMAN CHESS SERIES

(fonnerly Cadogan Chess)

Chief Advisor: Garry Kasparov Commissioning Editor: Byron Jacobs Russian Series Editor: Ken Neat Typeset by Ken Neat, Durham

Printed by Lightning Source

Co ntents From the Author

6

Pawn Endings

7

2

Minor Piece Endings

10

3

Rook Endings

32

4

Endings with Rooks and Minor Pieces

43

5

Endings with Queens

75

6

My Studies

91

7

Illustrative Games

95

Index of Opponents Index of Openings

175 176

Fro m the Author Many chess games conclude in the endgame, and from ancient times this stage of the game has been analysed. There are monographs and reference books dedicated to the endgame, where a study is made of theoretical positions, a knowledge of which can assist the chess player. The endgame has its specific features. In the middlegame the king hides from the attacks of the enemy pieces, but in the endgame it participates actively in the play. The role of passed pawns increases. The small number pieces on the board creates an illusion of simplicity, but positions that appear simple often conceal deep and beautiful possibilities. In the practical endgame there remains broad scope for creativity, despite all the theoretical analysis. Skill in endgame play demands precise calculation and rich imagination . I have always enjoyed playing endings and have never avoided going into an endgame, if the logic of the struggle demanded it. The properties and peculiarities of the pieces are most clearly revealed in the endgame. Delving into the secrets of the endgame reveals an amazing world of chess hannony. Not without reason did study composition, which can rightly be called the poetry of chess, originate in the concluding stage of the game. This book includes 122 endings from my career, and 40 games played in international competitions and in my own country. In the illustrative games the reader can trace the connection between the opening, the middlegame and the endgame. A few studies com posed by me are also given. A knowledge of the endgame is the magic key to the secrets of chess m astery. Vasily Smyslov

1

Pawn Endi ngs

Pawn endings occur comparatively rarely in practice, because the outcome is usually determined before the minor and heavy pieces disappear from the board. However, the spectre of a pawn ending hangs over the board, when as a result ofexchanges the remaining pieces may leave thefield ofbattle. In this chapter only a few endings are given, but the reader will frequently encounter pawn ending motifs when examining the other types ofendings. Despite the limited material, pawn endings are often very difficult, abounding in study-like subtleties, and paradoxical ideas are sometimes encountered. Normally, pawn endings can be analysed exhaustively and a categorical evaluation of the position given. This makes studying the theory of pawn endings interesting, and even fascinating.

Aronin-Smyslov

19th USSR Championship Moscow 1951

This pawn ending is almost like a study. When my opponent made his next move, he was sure that he was going to win. 4S g4 Suppressing Black's counter-play associated with ...f6-f5 or ...g5-g4.

Now the white king intends to march across to c4. 4S... hxg3! 46 fxg3 g4! A paradoxical decision, since the h-pawn becomes a protected passed pawn. 47 h4 cS 48 <;Pe2 <;Ph7 49 �d3 �h6 50 c3 a5 51 cxb4 axb4

Draw agreed! White cannot play 52 <;Pc4 on

8

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

account of 52 ... f5 ! 53 �d3 (or 53 exf5 e4) 53 . . . f4 54 gxf4 exf4 55 �e2 �h5 56 e5 �g6 and then 57 ... �f5. The king successfully copes with White's two passed pawns.

Janata-8myslov

Lugano Olympiad 1968

Marsza)ek-8mys)ov

European Team Championship Oberhausen 1961

It is Black to move, and he begins an offensive on the kingside. 36...�g4 37 �cS The alternative was 37 �e5 �xg3 38 f5 (or 38 h5 �g4 39 d4 �5 40 f5 g5 4 1 fxe6 fxe6 42 �xe6 g4, and Black wins the resulting queen ending) 38 ...exf5 3,9 �xf5 g6+ 40 �e5 f5 4 1 d4 f4 42 d5 f3 43 d6 f2 44 d7 f1 =.. 45 d8=" "f4+ 46 �e6 "f5+ 47 �e7 �xh4 48 "d4+ �h5 49 'ii'd 1 + "g4, and Black remains two pawns up. 37...�xg3 38 �xbS �xf4 39 �xa4 gS 40 hxgS hxgS White resigns If 4 1 b4 there follows 4 1 ...g4 42 b5 �e5! 43 b6 �d6 44 �b5 g3 45 �a6 g2 46 b7 �c7 47 �a7 g l ="+, and the black pawn promotes with check.

Black is a pawn up, although it is doubled. White's passed pawns restrict the manoeuvrability of the black king. The winning procedure is simple, but instructive. 34... c5 35 a4 bS 36 �e3 c4 Black consistently carries out his plan, aiming for the final position. 37 f4 cS 38 axbS axbS 39 �dl b4 40 �cl cl

White resigns If 4 1 �b3 there follows 4 1 ...c4+ 42

Pawn Endings

9

Reggio Emi/ia 1986/7

side. 4 1 ... b5 was bad on account of 42 cxb5 cxb5 43 �d5 b4 44 cxb4 cxb4 45 �c5, and White wins. 42 h5 �e7 Black sticks to waiting tactics. 42 ... b5 would have been premature on account of 43 cxb5 cxb5 44 �d5 b4 45 cxb4 cxb4 46 �c4 b3 47 axb3 axb3 48 �xb3 �d6 49 �c4, when White wins a pawn. There could have followed 49. ..�c6 50 �d4 �d6 5 1 f5 �d7 52 �d5 �e7 53 �e5 �f7 54 f6 ! gxf6+ 55 �f5 and White wins. 43 �f5

White stands better, since his king is more actively placed. Besides, Black has doubled pawns on the c-fiIe, making it difficult for him to gain counterplay. 41 ...a4! This ensures that Black is able to create a passed pawn on the queen-

43 b5! Now this advance is timely, and gives Black an equal game. 44 cxb5 cxb5 45 �e5 b4 46 cxb4 cxb4 47 �d4 �e6 48 �c4 b3 49 axb3 axb3 50 �xb3 �d5 51 g5 �e4 52 gxh6 gxh6 Draw agreed

�c2 �f6! 43 �c l b3 44 �b l c2+ 45 �c 1 c3 (Black stalemates the king, forcing the white pawns to advance) 46 e5+ �f5 47 e6 �e4 48 e7 �d3 49 e8='if b2 mate. Incidentally, on move 47 there was also another way to win: 47 . . .�xe6 48 f5+ �f7 49 f6 b2+, releasing the stalemate. This would have been the only way, if the white pawns had been on the g- and h-fiIes. Hort-8myslov

.•.

2

M i nor Piece Endi ngs

In this chapter the attention of the reader is drawn to endings where knights battle against each other or against bishops, where bishops oppose each other, and also where there is a large number ofminor pieces on the board. It is well known that, in comparison with the other pieces, the knight's move is a peculiar one. In knight endings, combinational motifs are much in evidence, and in the hands ofresourcefulplayer a knight is exceptionally dangerous. Compared with the bishop, the knightfinds it more difficult to combat passed pawns on opposite flanks, but a countless number ofendings have been decided by knightforks. Calculation in knight endings must be extremely specific. The bishop is a long-range piece, and it is splendid at supporting the march ofits own pawns and halting the advance ofenemy pawns. In bishop endings the deployment of the pawns becomes of enormous importance. When transposing into a bishop ending, it is useful to place one's pawns on squares ofthe opposite colour to those on which the bishop moves. Endings with opposite-colour bishops have acquired a drawing reputation. Indeed, an advantage of one or even more than one pawn often cannot be realised, but experience has shown that positions rich in possibilities can occur, as can positions where the win for one side is predetermined. The answer to the ancient question: 'Which is stronger, bishop or knight? " largely depends on the deployment ofthe pawns. As already mentioned, if there is a battle with passed pawns it is the bishop that more often comes out on top. But, in contrast to the bishop, squares of both colours are accessible to the knight, and in positions with blocked pawn chains the knight is superior to the bishop. In defence, a knight and pawns are capable ofcreating a 'fortress ', which is inaccessible to the enemy king. This property ofthe knight is worth knowing. An ability to sense the individual properties of each minor piece is very important at the transition into the endgame. An important role is played by the development ofintuition and by practical experience.

11

Minor Piece Endings Boleslavsky-Smyslov

12th USSR Championship Moscow 1940

�f7 54 �d4 tLld+ 55 �c5 tLla3! Draw agreed Keene-Smyslov

Teesside 1975

In this knight ending White has a dangerous passed a-pawn. However, his knight is out of play, a factor that Black is able to exploit. 48...tLlb4! An excellent opportunity! The knight aims via d3 for the e 1 square, in order to attack the g2 pawn. 48 .. .<:'>g6 49 tLlg8 �f7 would have led to a difficult situation on account of 50 �xf4 �xg8 5 1 �xf5, when White, after picking up the h4 pawn, gains a great advantage. 49 �xf4 If 49 a4, then 49 ...tLld3 50 �e2 0+ 5 1 �xO tLle l + 52 �e2 tLlxg2 53 a5 h3 54 �O tLlf4 55 �g3 �g6 56 tLlg8 tLld5, gaining a draw. Or 50 a5 tLle 1 + 5 1 �e2 0+ 52 gxO h3 53 a6 h2 54 a7 hI ='i' 55 a8='i' 'i'xh6. 49...tLld3+ 50 �e3 tLlel 51 g4! If 5 1 a4, then 5 1 ... tLlxg2+ 52 �O tLle l + 53 �f4 tLlg2+. 51 ... bxg3 52 fxg3 �g6 53 tLlg8

Black's extra pawn promises him good winning chances. First of all his king heads for the centre. 38 �f7 39 �e3 If 39 �f4, then 39 ... �e6 40 �g5 �d5 41 tLle3+ �e4 42 �h6 'it>0 43 �xh7 �xf2 44 tLlc4 �xg3 45 �xg6 f4 and Black wins. 39 �e6 40 �d2 �d5 41 �c3 g5 4 1 ...�e4 does not achieve anything after 42 tLld2+. Therefore Black strengthens his position by advancing his kingside pawns. 42 a4 f4 43 gxf4 If 43 g4 h6, and White is forced to play 44 0 with the possible contin­ uation 44 ...tLle5 45 tLlxaS c4! 46 'it>b4 �d4 47 �b5 (47 tLlb7 tLlxO 48 as tLle5 49 a6 0 with a decisive advantage, since 50 a7 fails to 50 ... tLlc6+) 47...�d3, and now: (a) 48 'it>b4 c3 49 tLlb3 tLlxO 50 as tLle5 5 1 tLlc5+ �c2 52 a6 0 53 tLle4 ...

•..

12

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

�d3 and Black wins; (b) 48 �c5 c3 49 lbb3 lbxo 50 as lbd2 5 1 lbc 1 + �c2 52 a6 0 53 a7 f2 54 a8='i' f1 ='i' with a decisive advantage, since White loses his knight. 43 gxf4 44 lbd2 lbe5 45 lbb3 lbc4 46 �d3 lbb2+ 47 �e2 lbxa4 48 �fJ lbb2 49 lbxa5 lbd3 50 lbb3 c4 The advance of the passed pawn is quickly decisive. 51 lbd2 cl 52 lbbl cl 53 lbcl+ �e5 White resigns .••

Smyslov-Mestel

Copenhagen 1980

The king in the centre supports the advance of White's passed pawns, while the knight at d2 is given the job of stopping the h-pawn. 45...lbe6+ 46 �d5 lbf4+ 47 �d6 h4 48 lbc6 lbg4 49 it5 h3 50 lbn lbn Resourceful defence. If now 5 1 a6 lbe4+ 52 �c7 lbd5+ 53 �c8 lbexc3 54 a7 lbb5, creating counter-chances. 51 c4! lbe4+ 52 �c7 lbe6+ 53 �b6 lb6c5 54 b4 lbd2! 55 lbh2 lba4+ 56 �b5 lbcl+ 57 �c5 �e6 If 57 . . . lbb3+ 58 �b6 lbd2 59 cS lbc4+ 60 �b7 lbb5 6 1 a6 �f5 62 lbd4+ lbxd4 63 a7, and the pawn queens. 58 b5 lbce4+ 59 �b4 �d6 60 a6 �c7 61 c5 lbb3 62 lbd8! A pretty knight sacrifice. If now 62 . . .lbbxc5 63 a7, and White wins. Black resigns Smejkal-Smyslov

Leningrad 1977

An interesting knight ending. White's position is preferable, since his compact pawn group on the queenside is more dangerous than Black's isolated f- and h-pawns. 41 lbxb6 lbxh4 42 lbbc4 �f6 B lack gives up a pawn, aiming for active play. If 42 ...lbb7 43 b4 axb4 44 cxb4, and the knight at b7 is extremely badly placed. 43 lbxa5 lbg6+ 44 �e3 lbe5 45 �d4!

A remarkable position where, despite his great material advantage, White is unable to win.

1 3,

Minor Piece Endings 81 f6 Black gives his opponent the move. 82 LOf4 �g5 83 LOe6+ �f5 84 LOc5 �g5 85 LOe4+ �f5 86 LOa �g5 If now 87 �g2 h4 88LOe4+ �f5 . 87 LOh3+ �f5 88 LOf4 �g5 Here the game was adjourned and agreed drawn without being resumed. White cannot play his king to h3, because of the threat of a pawn exchange. .••

Smyslov-Derkach

Kiev 1937

.i.c4 42 d6 �e6 43 �g5 �xd6 44 �xg6 �e5 45 �xh5 �f6 46 �h6 .i.d3 47 LOd5+ �e5 48 �g7 �xd5 49 h5, and the passed pawn cannot be prevented from queening. 40 g3 Continuing to play for zugzwang. Now the black king is forced to give way. 40 �e6 41 �g5 �f7 42 LOdl .i.n 43 LOa �g7 44 g4 The decisive breakthrough, after which the knight penetrates into enemy territory. 44 hxg4 45 LOxg4 .i.h3 46 LOf6 .i.e6 47 LOe8+ Black resigns •••

..•

Golombek-Smyslov

Budapest 1952

Here the knight is stronger than the bishop, since Black's pawns are on squares of the same colour as his bishop and restrict its mobility. 38 a6! g6 38 ...exO 39 gxO g6 would also not have saved the game after 40 e4 ! fxe4 41 fxe4 dxe4 42 LOxe4+ �e6 43 LOc3 �f6 44 d5 .i.d3 45 LOe4+ .i.xe4 (45 ...�e7 46 �e5) 46 �xe4 g5 47 hxg5+ �xg? 48 �e5 and White wins. 39 fxe4 fxe4 If 39 ... dxe4 40 g3, with the possible variation 40 ....i.d3 4 1 d5

In this ending the passed b2 pawn restricts the white knight. In addition, White's g3 and h2 pawns are on dark squares and are liable to be attacked. There followed: 47 g4+ 48 �e4 .i.d2 The bishop comes into play. If now 49 �d3 .i.b4 50 LOb 1 .i.c5 with the threat of 5 1 .. ..i.g 1 . •••

14

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

49 iDbl 1..5 50 �d5 �f8 The black king neutralises White's attempt to create a passed pawn. 51 f6 1.b6 52 e6 1.gl ! 53 e7+ �e8 It appears that White can carry out the manoeuvre iDc3-e4-d6+, but the bishop has time to eliminate the pawns and take control of the d6 square. 54 �e4 i.xh2 55 �f4!' h4! 56 �xg4 hxg3 57 �h3 1.gl 58 iDc3 1.d4 59 iDd5 1.e5 White's last chance was 59 ...1.xf6 60 iDxf6+ Q;xe7 6 1 iDd5+ �e6 62 iDc3, when he saves the game. But now he resigned. Geller-Smyslov

20th USSR Championship Moscow 1952

A useful waiting move. Apart from the idea of zugzwang, there is also a deeper point to it. Now the e6 pawn is securely blockaded and the scope of the bishop is restricted. 42 ... f4+ 43 �e4 lLIg6 was weaker on account of 44 e7! lLIxe7 45 1.t7 iDc6 46 �f5 lLIe5 47 1.h5 �d5 48 �f6 �d4 49 �g7, when the situation becomes unclear. 43 g3 The alternative was 43 �t2, when there could have followed 43 ... f4 44 g3 lLId3+ 45 �O fxg3 46 �xg3 lLIc l 47 �g4 (or 47 h4 gxh4+ 48 �xh4 lLIxb3 49 �h5 c4) 47 ...lLIxb3 48 �h5 lLId4 49 Wxh6 lLIxe6 50 1.xe6 �xe6 5 1 �xg5 �e5 52 �g4 �e4, and Black wins. 43...lLIg6 44 �e2 Or 44 �d3 f4 45 gxf4 (45 g4 lLIe5+ 46 �e4 c4 47 �xe5 O !) 45 ... lLIxf4+ 46 Wc4 lLIxh3 47 Wxc5 g4 48 1.h7 lLIg5 49 1.d3 g3 50 1.fl h5 5 1 b4 h4 52 bxaS h3 53 a6 g2 and wins. White also fails to save the game by 44 1.h7 (44 1.t7 lLIfS 45 �d3 lLIxe6) 44 ...�f6 45 �d3 lLIe5+ 46 �e3 �xe6, when Black wins a pawn. 44 ..�f8 45 1.h7 After 45 1.t7lL1e5 46 1.h5 �e7 the e6 pawn is lost. 45...�g7 46 1.xg6 �xg6 47 �d3 �f6 48 �c4 �xe6 The pawn ending is won for B lack, although only after a sharp struggle. 49 �xc5 h5! The most methodical winning plan. The pawn advances to h4, ensuring success in the variation 50 �d4 h4 5 1 gxh4 gxh4 52 �c5 f4 53 �d4 �d6 54 �e4 �c5 55 �xf4 �b4 and wins. .

Black's position is better. He has a pawn majority on the kingside, and his knight is much more active than the bishop, which is tied to the defence of the e6 pawn. White's counterplay is based on attacking the as and cS pawns with his king. 42 ...�e7!

15

Minor Piece Endings

50 b4 f4 5 1 gxf4 g4 52 bxg4 b4! Now the passed h-pawn is un­ stoppable, and the black king success­ fully copes with the enemy pawns. 52 ...hxg4 ! would also have won. 53 15+ �d7 54 g5 b3 55 g6 �e7! 56 buS b2 57 a6 h 1='i' 58 �b6 �d6 Wbite resigns Smyslov-Horberg

Stockholm 1963

the event of the exchange the pawn ending is won for White. 4 1 ...�g6 does not help on account of 42 �f4, and if 42 ... .ie8 43 liJf5, winning the h4 pawn. 41 ... �f6 42 liJO b5 43 liJxh4 bxc4 44 liJo .ib5 45 g4 cS 46 liJd2 .ia6 If 46 ... �g5 47 �f3 �h4 48 �g2 �g5 49 �g3 �f6 50 �f4, and the black king is driven back to its original position. 47 �f4 �e7 48 liJe4 .ic8 49 b4 .ib7 50 liJc3 �f6 51 g5+ hxg5+ 52 hxg5+ �g6 The king tries to deal with the passed g5 pawn. If 52 ...�f7 53 �e4 �g6 54 liJb5 with an attack on the d6 pawn. 53 liJe4 .ixd5 54 liJxd6 c3 . There is nothing better. 55 liJe4 was threatened. 55 bxc3 .ib3 56 liJe4 c4 57 liJd2 Black resigns If 57 ....ia2 58 liJf3 .ib3 59 liJe5+ with a decisive advantage. Vranesic-Smyslov

Amsterdam Interzonal 1 964

41 �e4 Black has weaknesses at c7 and h4. Now 42 liJe6+ is threatened, and in

16

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

Black has a clear advantage. His outside passed pawn is more dan­ gerous than the blockaded e5 pawn. 51 ...a3 ! Black must not delay. The advance of this pawn diverts the white pieces to the edge of the board. The pawn sacrifices itself, but in return time is won for active play on the kingside. 5 1 ...h6 is weaker on account of 52 �c4 l1:Jc7 53 .iaJ �xe5 54 .ifB, when a draw is inevitable. 52 �c4 If 52 �c2 h6! 53 �b3 �xe5 54 �c4 a2 55 .ib2+ �f4 56 �xb5 (56 �b3 l1:Jc7 57 �xa2 l1:Je6 58 �b3 �g3 and wins) 56 ...�g3 57 �c4 �xh3 58 �b3 �xg4 59 �xa2 h5 60 �b3 h4 61 �c2 h3 62 .ie5 �O 63 �d I g4 64' �e l g3 and Black wins. 52...a2 53 .ib2 l1:Jc7 54 �b3 l1:Jd5 55 �xa2 l1:Jf4 56 �b3 �d5! Not allowing the opponent's king to approach the e5 pawn. Weaker is 56...l1:Jxb3 57 �c4l1:Jt2 58 �d4l1:Jxg4 59 �e4, when 59 ...l1:Jt2+ is insuffi­ cient on account of 60 �O l1:Jd3 6 1 �g4 ! with counterplay for White. 57 e6 If 57 �c2 l1:Jxh3 58 .id4 (or 58 e6 �xe6 59 .id4 �d5 60 �d3 l1:Jf4+ 6 1 �e3 l1:Jg2+ 62 �d3 l1:J e 1 + 63 �c3 �e4) 58 ...l1:Jf4 59 .ic3 l1:Jg6, and the white pawns cannot be defended. 57...�xe6 58 .id An excellent chance. 58 �c4 would not have saved the game after 58 ...l1:Jxb3 59 .id4 l1:Jf4 60 .ig7 (Black was threatening to play his knight via g6 to e5; if 60 .ie3 �e5) 60...l1:Jg6 61 �d4 �f7 62 .ih6 (or 62 .ie5 l1:Jxe5 63 �xe5 �g6 64 �e4 h5

and wins) 62 ...�f6 63 �e4 l1:Je5 64 .ig7+ �xg7 65 �xe5 �g6 66 �e4 h5. 58...�e5! Not 58 ...�d5 on account of 59 h4! 59 �c2 �e4 Only not 59 ...l1:Jxb3 60 �d3. 60 �dl l1:Jxh3! A voiding a carefully camouflaged trap. 60 ...�O would appear to win easily, but then comes 61 M! gxb4 62 .ixf4 �xf4 63 �e2 with an inevitable draw. White resigns After 6 1 �e2 l1:Jf4+ he cannot play 62 �f2 on account of 62 . . l1:Jd3+. . Milev-Smyslov

Tel Aviv Olympiad 1 964

The knight at f4 occupies an exceptionally strong position, and Black's king is within the square of the passed b4 pawn. 36...�f8 37 b5 �e7 38 b6 �d6 39 �n �c6 40 b7 �c7 41 �gl �e2+ Black's king has stopped the passed pawn, and now the knight heads back to attack it.

17

Minor Piece Endings 42 �g2 ll)d4 43 � n g5 44 �e1 ll)b5 45 �e2 ll)d6 46 �f3 f6! Zugzwang. The king has to move to e3 . 47 �e3 ll)xb7! 48 .i.xb7 �xb7 49 f3 The pawn ending is lost for White. If 49 �O �b6 50 �g4 �c5 5 1 �f5 �d4 52 0 �e3 53 �xf6 �xO 54 �xg5 �xe4 55 Wxh4 �f4 and Black wins. 49...�b6 White resigns Botvinnik-Smyslov

Trade Unions Team Championship Moscow 1965

37 ll)e4 �h5 38 ll)xf6+ �g5 39 ll)xh7+ �xf5 40 h4 .i.e3 With the idea after 4 1 .. ..i.h6 of isolating the knight. 41 ll)f8 White sealed this move, but resigned without resuming. Indeed, there could have followed 4 1 ...�f4 42 ll)d7 .i.d4 43 h5 (or 43 ll)f6 �xO 44 �d3 �f4 45 ll)d5+ �g4 46 ll)c7 f5 47 ll)xa6 f4 48 lbc7 0 49 ll)xb5 �h3 ! and then 0-12) 43 ...�xO 44 �d3 f5 45 h6 .i.al 46 h7 e4+, and the passed pawns decide the outcome. ...

Smyslov-Yastrebov

2nd Category Tournament Mo'Jcow 1 936

'% ' J '

�;�',;��.

B lack has good chances of realising his advantage, as the white a3 and b4 pawns can be attacked by the bishop. First of all he transfers his bishop to the central d4 square. 34....i.e3 Preventing 35 ll)c5 in view of 35 ....i.xc5) 36 bxc5' �f8 with a won pawn ending. 35 �c2 .i.d4 36 ll)d6 �h6 Commencing decisive action. The king sets off to win the enemy pawns.

In this ending White carries out a pretty pawn breakthrough. 33 b4! ! axb4 If 33 ...cxb4, then 34 .i.xb6 b3 35 �d3 b2 (or 35 ...�f5 36 .i.d4 followed by c4-c5, and White wins) 36 �c2 �f5 37 .i.xaS �xe5 38 �xb2 �d6 39 .i.d8 �c5 40 �c3, and White retains his extra pawn with good winning chances.

18

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

34 .i.xe5! bxeS If 34 ... b3, then White stops the passed pawn by 35 �d3. 35 a5! The point of the combination. Now White's passed pawn queens. 35... b3 36 �d3 .i.xf6(!) 37 a6 White avoids a trap. If 37 exf6 there follows 37 ...e5 38 a6 e4+ 39 �c3 e3 . 37....i.xe5 38 a7 b2 39 �c2 .i.xh2 40 �xb2 .i.eS+ 41 �c2, and White won. Smyslov-Lilienthal

Trades Union Team Championship Moscow 1 945

In this bishop ending White is a pawn up. The plan for realising his advantage includes creating a passed pawn on the queenside. First of all the weakness at a6 is fixed. 33 b4 �e7 34 �e3 gS 35 .i.e2 .i.c8 If 3 5 ... .i.b5 there could have followed 36 .i.d l �d6 37 a4 .i.d7 38 as .i.b5 39 .i.e2 with a won pawn ending. 36 a4 �d6 37 a5 �c6

Preventing b4-b5. 38 .i.c4 h6 39 .i.e2! Playing for zugzwang. Black has no useful moves. If 39 ... .i.b7 there follows 40 .i.f3+ �c7 4 1 .i.xb7 �xb7 42 d5 �c7 43 b5 axb5 44 a6, and the king cannot stop both of the passed pawns. Black's king is forced to abandon the c6 square. 39...�dS 40 bS axbS 41 .i.xb5 f4+ 42 �d3 .i.f5+ 43 �e3 �d6 44 .i.d3 .i.g4 After the exchange 44 ....i.xd3 45 �xd3 the pawn ending is won for White: 45 . . . fxg3 46 hxg3 h5 47 a6 �c7 48 d5. 45 gxf4 gxf4 46 .i.e4! The bishop takes up a very strong position in the centre. The advance of the a-pawn is threatened.

46...�c7 47 �d3 �b8 48 .i.g2 .i.f5+ 49 �c4 �a7 SO .i.fJ �a6 51 �b4 .i.h3 52 d5 �a7 53 d6 .i.d7 54 .i.e2 �b7 55 �eS �a7 Black resigns, as after 56 .i.f3 �a6 57 .i.c6 .i.g4 58 �b4 there is no defence.

19

Minor Piece Endings Tsvetkov-Smyslov

Chigorin Memorial Tournament Moscow 194 7

If 53 c4 bxc4 54 .txc4 .tc2 and then 5S ... .te4, creating two connected passed pawns. 53 .tb3 54 .te2 .tc4! The transition into a pawn ending assures Black of a subtle win. 55 .txc4 bxc4 56 a4 �xd5 57 as �c6 58 �e4 d5+ 59 �e5 d4 60 cxd4 cl 61 d5+ �d7! Creating a mating net around the white king. 62 a6 c2 63 a7 cl='i' 64 a8='" 'i'f4 mate •.•

Donner-Smyslov

Capablanca Memorial Tournament Havana 1964 Black has the superior pawn fonnation and a clear positional advantage. The white pawns on light squares require defending. 42... g5! Fixing the pawns at g4 and h3. 43 �f2 �f6 44 �e3 �e5 45 .te2 .tc2 Now Black prepares a pawn breakthrough on the queenside by ...a7-a6 and ... b6-b5. 46 �d2 .tbl 47 �e3 b6! Black has no reason to hUrry. Moving his pawn onto a dark square forestalls possible counterplay. 48 .tO If 48 .td I .te4 49 .te2 .tc2, and Black plays his bishop to a4 in accordance with his plan. 48....tc2 49 .te2 a6 50 �d2 .ta4 51 �e3 b5! Switching to decisive action. The threat is 52: .. bxc4 53 .txc4 .tb5, attacking the white pawns. 52 cxb5 axb5 53 .to

Black is a pawn up in this bishop ending. The position looks simple, but this appearance is deceptive. The game was adjourned· at this point. A considerable amount of analytical work was required to divine the latent subtleties of the ending. Gradually the winning idea acquired completeness and beauty of fonn. On the resumption there followed: 61 ...�d4

20

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

Not immediately 6 1 ...'�c3 on account of 62 i.f6+. To attack the white pawns the king has to be transferred to e3, but this proves to be no simple matter. 62 i.f2+ �c3 63 i.b6 d2 64 i.f2 �d3 65 i.b6 i.f4 66 i.n i.e5 67 i.gl ! White manoeuvres his bishop with the idea of answering 67 ...i.d4 with 68 i.h2 (he loses after 68 i.xd4 �xd4 69 gxh5 gxh5 70 �xd2 h4 7 1 �e2 f5 72 �d2 f4 7 3 �e2 �c3). Now 68 . . .�e3 69 i.gI + �xfJ 70 i.xd4 leads only to a draw. To win Black has to advance his pawn to h4. 67... b4! 68 i.f2 i.c3 Not immediately 68 ...i.d4 on account of 69 i.xh4 �e3 70 i.g5+' �xfJ 7 1 �xd2. 69 i.gl If 69 f4 �e4 70 f5 g5 71 �e2 i.d4 72 i.xd4 �xd4 73 �xd2 f6 and Black wins. 69... i.d4

70 i.xd4 If 70 i.h2 there would have followed 70 ... �e3 7 1 i.gl + �xfJ 72

i.xd4 �g3 73 �xd2 �xh3 74 i.f2 g5 75 i.e3 �g2 76 i.xg5 h3, and wins. 70...�xd4 71 �xd2 �e5 72 �e3 g5 Wbite resigns After 73 �e2 �f4 74 �f2 f6 he ends up in zugzwang. Smyslov-Ublmann

Mar del Plata 1966

White has a great advantage. He is not only a pawn up, but also his king is active. There followed: 43 �f6 A vigorous plan of action. The king heads for the enemy pawns, while in the meantime Black initiates counter­ play on the queenside. 43... �c6 44 �g7 �xc5 45 �xb7 i.b5 46 i.fl! Much stronger than 46 i.g2 b6 47 axb6 �xb6 48 i.d5 as 49 c5+ �xc5 50 i.f7 a4 5 1 �h6 �d4 with counter­ chances. 46... �b4 47 i.g2 �xa5 If 47 . . .�xc4 48 i.xb7 �b5 49 h3 �xa5 50 i.c8 with the threat of winning the bishop by g3-g4. 48 i.xb7 �b6 49 i.c8!

Minor Piece Endings Not 49 .i.xa6 �xa6 50 h3 �b6 5 1 �h6 �c5 5 2 �g5 �xc4 53 g4 fxg4 54 hxg4 .i.xg4 55 �xg4 �d4 56 �g5 �e4, when the black king succeeds in approaching the f4 pawn. 49... 85 50 .i.d7 �c5 51 h3 .i.f3 The best chance. 5 1 ...�xc4 was not possible on account of 52 g4. 52 �J:g6 .i.c6 53 .i.xfS a4 54 .i.bl a3 55 fS .i.e4 56 .i.a2 .i.d3 57 h4 �d4 If 57 . . . .i.xc4 58 .i.xc4 �xc4 59 f6 a2 60 f7 a 1 ='i' 6 1 f8='i' with a won queen ending. 58 h5 �e5 59 g4 �f4 60 �g7 Black resigns Smyslov-Xu Jun

21

52 .i.e6 .i.d3 53 .i.fi! �e7 If 53 ....i.c2 54 �g4 �e7 55 .i.e6 .i.g6 56 .i.f5 .i.e8 57 .i.e4 �f6 58 �f4 .i.d7 59 .i.f3 .i.f5 60 .i.g4 .i.c2 6 1 d6 .i.d3 62 �e3 .i.c2 63 �d4 .i.a4 64 �c5 �f7 65 .i.c8 �f6 66 h3 �f7 67 h4 �f6 68 h5! �f7 69 .i.a6 �e6 70 .i.b5 .i.xb5 7 1 �xb5 �xd6 72 �a6 �c6 73 �xa7 �c7 74 a6 �c8 75 �b6, and White wins. 54 .i.h5 �d6 55 .i.f3 .i.c2 If 55 ....i.h7 56 .i.e4 .i.g8 57 h4! .i.f7 58 �f5, and the king occupies the key f5 square. 56 .i.e4 .i.dl 57 �fS .i.e2 58 h4 .i.h5 59 �f6 .i.e2 60 .i.g2 .i.g4 6 1 �g6 h5

World Team Championship Lucerne 1985

White's extra pawn is blockaded by the enemy king. In order to attack the h6 pawn, he must break through with his king via the critical f5 square. There followed : 51 .i.ts .i.a6 The bishops cannot be exchanged, as the pawn ending is lost for Black.

62 �f6 Now, after the black pawn has advanced to h5, the king returns to f4. 62....i.e2 63 .i.e4 The immediate 63 �f5 was also possible. 63....i.g4 64 .i.hl .i.e2 64 ....i.d7 does not alter the situation after 65 �g5 .i.g4 66 �f4. 65 �fS! .i.g4+ 66 �f4 .i.e2 67 .i.f3! Black resigns

22

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso Tringov-Smyslov

If 67 . . . .i.b5 there follows 68 �g5 .i.e8 69 .i.xh5, and White wins.

Reykjavik 1974

Smyslov-Stein

3 7th USSR Championship Moscow 1 969

Black wins a pawn by force and creates an outside passed pawn. 48 .i.c1 49 i.d5 i.xb2 50 i.xe4 If 50 i.c6 b4 5 1 axb4 a3 52 i.d5 i.xd4 and Black is a pawn up. 50 i.xa3 51 i.c6 i.b2 52 .i.xb5 a3 53 .i.c4 i.xd4 S4 �e2 fS 55 gxfS gxfS 56 f4 If 56 0 there could have followed 56 ...�f6 57 �d3 �e5 ! 58 �c2 (or 58 f4+ �xf4 59 �xd4 �g3 60 �e3 f4+ 6 1 �e2 0+ and wins) 58 ...�f4 59 i.e6 �xO 60 �b3 f4 6 1 �xa3 �g3, and White is lost. 56... .i.gl 57 �d3 i.b2 58 �e3 �f6 Black wins by taking his king to the queenside. 59 .i.a2 �e7 60 .i.g8 �d6 61 .i.f7 <;PeS 62 i.a2 �b4 63 �d4 i.xf4 64 <;Pd5 .i.g3 65 �d4 f4 Wbite resigns •..

Despite the bishops of opposite colour, Black is unable to save the position. White demonstrates a clear­ cut way to win: he makes a pawn breakthrough on the kingside and creates two connected passed pawns on the f- and e-files. There followed: 42 g4! bxg4 43 �xg4 .i.dl 44 �f4 �f7 45 .i.d4 �f8 46 �e3 �f7 47 .i.e5 �e6 48 .i.g3! The regrouping of the pieces is completed. The ending is not without its subtleties. If now 48...�d7 49 h5 ! gxh5 50 f4, in order to answer 50 ... c5 with 5 1 bxc5 �c6 52 �d4 �b5 53 f5, when White must win. 48 �f6 49 .i.f4 �e6 If 49 ... .i.b3 White wins by 50 .i.g5+ �e6 5 1 h5 gxb5 52 f4 etc. 50 b5! gxb5 51 .i.g3 Black resigns He has no good defence against the advance of the connected pawns. ..•

.

.•.

Smyslov-Golombek

Great Britain v. USSR London 1 94 7

Minor Piece Endings

23

The bishop at f6 forestalls any possible activity by B lack involving ...g6-g5. 37...�d7 38 ttJa �c7 Black sticks to waiting tactics. 38 ...�e7 was better, to drive the white bishop from f6. However, after 39 �c3 the freeing attempt 39 ...g5 does not help: 40 fxg5 ttJxg5+ 4 1 �f4, with a clear advantage to White. 39 ttJd3 �c6

White has a minimal advantage: his king occupies a position in the centre, and his bishop is more active than the -opponent's. The slight separation of the e6, g6 and h7 pawns complicates Black's defence. 33 ttJdl ! The c3 square i s vacated for the bishop, and the knight heads for g4 to attack the opponent's pawns. White is not afraid of 3 3 ...e5, since after 34 f5 it will be easier for him to create a passed pawn on the flank. I n addition, the important central square d5 is weakened. 33 �d6 34 ttJa ttJd8 34 ...ttJd4 would not have achieved anything after 35 �c3. Black plays his knight to fl, where it will occupy a defensive position. 35 i.cJ ttJn 36 ttJg4 The knight is threatening to attack the h7 pawn from f6 and to provoke its advance, which will weaken Black's pawn chai". However, Black falls in with his opponent's plans. 36... h5 37 �r6+! An important intermediate check. •..

Black was probably preparing ... b6-b5. If 40 ttJe5+ he could have played 40... �xe5, when the knight at fl prevents White's activity on the kingside. 40 ttJe1 ! The knight heads for h4, forcing Black to reorganise his defences. 40...ttJd6+ 41 �d3 ttJf5 42 ttJfJ �d7 42 ... b5 is not possible, of course, on account of 43 cxb5+ �xb5 44 lDg5. 43 �e4 This move threatens 44 lDe5+ �xe5 45 �e5, and after the bishop moves the king attacks the g6 pawn.

24

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

43...�d6+ 44 �e3 �f5+ 45 �t2 i.d6 46 b3! The position has clarified. White launches a pawn offensive on the kingside. 46 i.c7 47 g4 bxg4 48 bxg4 lDb6 49 �g3 �f7 Black's knight returns to its previous defensive position, covering the invasion squares e5 and g5. 49 ... �e8 was preferable. White could have continued 50 i.e5 i.d8 5 1 i.b8 a6 52 lDe5 g5 53 �c6 i.f6 54 i.e5 i.xe5 55 lDxe5 gxf4+ 56 �xf4, and in the knight ending he has an outside passed pawn. SO g5 In this way White renews the threat of �h4. Black cannot reply 50 ...lDd6 in view of 5 1 �e5+. His position has become critical. SO i.d8 51 �g4 i.xf6 52 gxf6 �d6 53 �e5! Black resigns .••

..•

Smyslov-Evans

Helsinld Olympiad 1952

White has actively placed pieces and a powerful passed pawn. He

carries out a swift attack and regains with interest his material deficit. 37 i.b5+ �d8 38 �b6 �f6 Forced, in view of the threat of 39 d7 �f6 40 i.c7+. 39 i.g5! i.d5 40 �xa5 b3 41 �b4 i.e6 42 i.a4 �c8 43 i.xf6! This exchange enables White to go into a won bishop ending. B lack will have tripled pawns on the f-file, and his b3 pawn is weak. 43 ... gxf6 44 d7+! An essential finesse for realising the advantage. 44 i.xb3 would have been premature on account of 44 ...�d7 45 i.xe6+ fxe6 46 �c5 e5 47 b4 e4 ! when Black saves the game. Now after 44 ... i.xd7 45 i.xd7+ xd7 46 �xb3 the pawn ending is won for White. 44...�d8 45 i.b5 �c7 If 45 ... i..d5 46 �c5 i..f.3 47 �d6 i..g4 48 i..c4 i..d 1 49 i.xfl h6 50 i..e6 i..c2 5 1 i..d 5 i..d 1 52 �e6 i..c 2 53 i..c6, and Black cannot hold his pawns. 46 i..c6 �d8 47 i..a 4! �c7 48 �c5

Zugzwang. If 48 ... h6 49 h4 !

25

Minor Piece Endings 48 .txd7 49 .txb3 .te6 50 .td5
44 i.xe6 tbc1 45 �e1 a3 46 �d2 a2 47 .txa2 lDxa2 48 �d3 �xb6 49 �d4 �c6 50 �e5 The king heads for the kingside pawns, but Black finds a way to win. 50...tbb4 51 �f6 �d5 52 �g7 �e6 53 �xh7 �f6 54 fJ tbd3 55 �h6 lDe1 56 e4 tbxfJ White resigns Smyslov-O'Kelly

Havana 1965 Gligoric-Smyslov

Hastings 1962/3

The white bishops are badly placed. 39... .tc5! The exchange of the dark-square bishops secures Black a great advantage. 40 a5 i.xb6 41 axb6 a5! The passed pawn advances irrepressibly. 42 �e2 does not help on account of 42 ... a4 43 �d l a3 44 �c2 a2. 42 i.a6 �c6 43 i.c8 a4 43 ... tbc5 is weaker, since after 44 b7 �c7 45 �e2 the king stops the a-pawn.

With more space and two active bishops, White has the advantage. 27 i.b4+ �e8 If 27 ...tbc5, then 28 �e3 �e8 29 �d4 tbd7 30 i.d6, similar to that which occurs in the game. 28 i.d6 The bishop has taken up a strong position, and now it is time to play the king to d4. 28...�d8 29 �e3 f6 With the aim of freeing his game somewhat. 30 exf6 tbxf6 31 i.f8 g6 32 �f4 Now, when Black's kingside pawns have been weakened, the white king goes onto the attack.

26

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

32 ...�e8 33 .i.d6 .i.c6 Forestalling the threat of 34 .i.b8 as 35 .i.c7 lDd7 36 .i.b5 �e7 37 �g5 with a decisive advantage. 34 �e5 �d7? This loses immediately. Black resigned, without waiting for the reply 35 �xf6 �xd6 36 �g7. 34 ...�f7 would also not have saved him: 35 .i.a3 lDe8 36 .i.c4 .i.d7 37 .i.c I b5 38 .i.d3 .i.c6 39 �d4, retain­ ing a great positional advantage. Smyslov-Rumens

Hastings 1 97617

40 �e3 .i.c2 41 exd5 cxd5 42 f4 e4 43 .i.b3 lDf8 44 lDn .i.a4 44 ... .i.d3 could have been met by 45 f5 ! .i.xfI 46 .i.xfI g6 47 f6 lDe6 48 f7. 45 f5 .i.e8 46 �f4 .i.fi 47 lDe3 b6 48 cxb6+ �xb6 49 �e5! The king joins the attack, aiming to penetrate deeply into the enemy defences . 49...�c6 50 b5+ �xb5 51 �d6 .i.h5 52 �e7 The king has completed its victorious advance. Now the black knight is lost. 52...lDg6+ 53 fxg6 .i.xg6 54 �d6 �b4 55 lDxd5+ �c4 56 �e5 �d3 57 lDf4+ Black resigns P.Littlewood-8myslov

Hastings 1 98112

White has a spatial advantage and the superior pawn formation. ' 36 g4! Opening a path for his king on the dark squares, White begins an offensive on the kingside. 36... fxg4 37 bxg4 .i.d3 38 g5 lDd7 If 38 ... lDh5 39 .i.h3 .i.f5 40 .i.g4 g6 4 1 .i.xh5 gxh5 42 �g3 with advantage to White. 39 e4 e5 This freeing attempt is quite understandable.

Black is a pawn up with good winning chances. 59...�e5 60 g5 �f4 61 g6 d4+ 62 �d2 �g5 63 lDg8 If 63 lDe4+ �h6 64 lDg3 �g7 65 lDf5+ �h8, and the white bishop is shut out of the game.

Minor Piece Endings

27

Aruba 1992

42... b5 43 b3 �e8 44 .i.a4 �d8 45 lDb6 .i.e7 46 lDd7 b4 It would have been better not to hurry with this move, but to stick to waiting tactics. 47 gxb4 lDe8 47 ... .i.xh4 was more consistent, with the possible variation 48 lDfB g5 49 lDg6 lDe8 (or 49 ...�e8 50 .i.d l lDb5 5 1 �c2 .i.e 1 52 fxg5 .i.xc3 53 c7 �d7 54 lDfB+ �xc7 55 g6 and the pawn queens) 50 �c2 lDg7 5 1 fxg5 .i.xg5 52 h4 .i.e3 53 lDh8 �c7 54 lDf7 �b6 55 �b2, with the idea after 56 .i.d 1 of advancing the h-pawn.

White is a pawn up, but Black has set up a fortress and blockaded the c6 pawn. White begins a pawn offensive in the centre, with the aim of cramping the enemy position. 35 f3 �f7 36 e4 .i.e7 37 �d2 �g7 38 lDb6 �f7 39 .i.c2 .i.d6 40 f4 fS Black has to prevent f4-fS, after which the position is opened to White's clear advantage . . 41 lDc8 .i.a3 42 e5 Thus White has gained a spatial advantage.

48 .i.dl ! lDg7 If 48 ... .i.xh4 49 lDfB with an attack on the black pawns. 49 lDf6 �c7 50 b5! gxb5 51 .i.xb5 lDxb5 5 1 ... .i.xf6 fails to 52 exf6 lDxh5 53 fl. 52 lDxb5 �xc6 53 lDf6 .i.f8 If 53 ... .i.xf6 54 exf6 �d7 55 �c2 �e8 56 �b2 �fl 57 �a3, and the pawn ending is easily won. 54 b4 �c7 55 bS �d8 S6 lDg8! �e8 57 b6 �f7 58 b7 �g7 59 lDf6

63...lDe5 64 g7 .i.xg8 65 .i.xg8 �g6 Black wins the white pawn and gains a decisive material advantage. 66 .i.d5 �xg7 67 .i.b7 �f6 68 �a6 b4 69 .i.c8 If 69 �c2 lDd7, with the idea of playing the knight to cS. 69...b3 70 .i.a6 �e6 71 �c1 �d5 72 �b2 lDd7! 73 .i.b7+ �c4 74 �a6+ �b4 75 .i.d3 lDe5 Wbite resigns Smyslov-Cbiburdanidze

28

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

i.e7 60 lOe8+ �xh7 611Oc7 This manoeuvre is the point of White's plan. After giving up his passed pawn, he now wins the important e6 pawn, destroying Black's pawn chain. 61. ..i.d8 62 lOxe6 i.a5 63 lLlc5 �g6 63 ...i.d8 did not help in view of 64 lLla6, with the decisive threat of 65 1Ob4. 64 lLlb7! The key square for the knight. By pushing back the bishop, White clears the way for his king to the queenside. 64...i.c7 65 �c2 �f7 65 ...�h5 fails to 66 �b2 �g4 67 e6 and wins. 66 �b2 �e7 67 �a3 �d7 68 �b4 �c6 69 lOd6! , and White woo. Smyslov-Euwe

World Championship The Hague/Moscow 1948

In this minor piece ending White's pieces are much more active, especially if the unfortunate position of the black bishop at a8 is taken into

account. But it is difficult to gain an advantage from this factor, as there are no serious weaknesses in B lack's pawn formation, and his pieces can be transferred to better positions. There followed: 41 g4! Now White is threatening the capture on h5 followed by lOg3, or even g4-g5, shutting the dark-square bishop out of the game. 41...hxg4 This exchange is not essential, and makes it easier for White to take the initiative on the kingside. Black could have continued 4 1 . . . i.f4. True, after 42 g5 lOc8 43 i.a5 i.c l 44 a4 bxa4 45 bxa4 i.b7 46 �g2 White threatens by lLld2-c4 to intensify the positional pressure or to gain the advantage to the two bishops, which would be important in the given position. 42 fxg4 i.cl ! This bishop manoeuvre is associated with a definite defensive plan. After 42 ... f5 43 g5 i.g7 44 lOe3 the black pieces would have been shut in. 42 ...i.f4 43 g5 lLlg8, with the idea of preparing ... f7-f6, was also dubious, a possible plan of attack being 44 a4 bxa4 45 bxa4 i.b7 46 lOd2 f6 47 lOc4 fxg5 48 hxg5 followed by the capture of the d-pawn. This variation discloses the vulnerability of the d6 pawn in the black position. 43 g5 i.b7 44 �f2 lLlc8 Black plans ... lLlb6 followed by playing his knight to d7. 44 . . .lOg8 with the idea of ... f7-f6, as recommended by certain analysts, would have been unsatisfactory in

Minor Piece Endings view of 45 lDg3 ! f6 46 lDe2 i.b2 47 �e3, threatening to pursue the enemy bishop and force it to go to d4. After the exchange on d4 Black loses his central pawn, and the knight at g8 creates a pitiful impression. 45 ll'le3 �e7 46 i.a5 Of course, ... ll'lb6-d7 has to be prevented, but now Black gains the opportunity to post his bishop at a3 and thereby support his d6 pawn. 46... i.a3 47 �g3 i.c5 48 i.d2 Since B lack has managed to consolidate his position on the queenside, White prepares h4-h5, in order to begin active play on the other wing. If now 48 ...ll'lb6 49 h5 ! gxh5 50 ll'lf5+ �d7 5 1 i.e2, or 48 ...i.d4 49 ll'lc2 ll'lb6 50 ll'lxd4 exd4 5 1 i.c 1 ll'ld7 52 i.b2 ll'le5 53 i.f l d3 54 i.xe5 dxe5 55 i.xd3, and White is a pawn up in the bishop ending. 48 �f8 49 lDc2 �e7 If 49 ...lDe7 there could have followed 50 i.a5 i.c8 (or 50 ...ll'lg8 5 1 ll'lb4 f6 52 ll'lc6) 5 1 b4 and then 52 i.c7. 50 �e2 lDa7 ...

29

50...lDb6! was better. After missing this opportunity, B lack is now condemned to passive defence. After 50 ...lDb6 White would prob­ ably have had to play 5 1 h5 gxh5 52 �h4 lDd7 53 �xh5, beginning an out­ flanking manoeuvre on the kingside. 51 i.a5! Preventing 5 1 ... i.c8 - 52 b4 i.gl 53 �g2 i.d4 54 lDxd4 exd4 55 i.b6, when White wins the knight. 51 ... lDc8 52 i.g4! With his bishop moving onto this diagonal, White's pieces have taken up ideal positions. Despite the material equality, the outcome is essentially already decided. 52 f6 The waiting tactics 52 ...�e8 53 i.c7 �e7 are insufficient, since after 54 �g2! B lack has no useful moves: (a) 54 ...�e8 55 b4 i.a7 56 i.xc8 i.xc8 57 i.xd6; (b) 54 ...lDa7 55 b4 i.d4 56 lDxd4 exd4 57 i.b6; (c) 54 ...i.a7 55 lDb4 with the threat of 56 lDc6+. 53 i.e6 fxg5 54 hxg5 lDb6 .•.

30

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

After 54 . . .c�e8 5 5 i.c7 �e7 56 �f.3 B lack is in zugzwang. 56 ...i.a7 is met by 57 lDb4. SS b4 In this way White wins a pawn, since 5 5 ...i.gl is not possible on account of 56 �g2. SS lDc4 56 buS lDxas 57 cxd6+ �d6 S8 i.f7 Now the g6 pawn falls, after which Black's game is lost. s8 lDc4 59 i.xg6 as 60 �g4 b4 6t i.f5 �e7 62 i.e6 lDd6 63 lDe3! lDxe4 If 63 ...a4 64 lDf5+ lDxf5 65 exf5 b3 66 f6+ �d6 67 f7 �e7 68 d6+, and White wins. 64 �f5 lDd6+ 65 �xeS lDf7+ 66 �f4 lDd8 67 lDf5+ �f8 68 g6 lDxe6+ 69 dxe6 a4 70 �eS! Black resigns ••.

•.•

Black sacrifices a pawn in order to free his game. 46 lDxb6 i.xb4 47 lDxd7+ �e7 48 lDb6 i.e1 49 lDc4! An unexpected reply. Now 49...i.xh4 is met by 50 lDaS i.c8 5 1 gxf6+ i.xf6 52 b6, when B lack loses his bishop. 49...�d7 SO bS b6 St lDxeS+! ! A spectacular knight sacrifice, with the idea of making a pawn break­ through on the kingside. St fnS S2 f6 �e8 If 52 ... gxf6 53 gxh6, and the pawn queens. 53 fxg7 �f7 S4 gxb6 i.dS SS exdS Black resigns ••.

Smyslov-Magerramov

Palma de Mallorca 1989

Smyslov-Sliwa

Moscow Olympiad 1 956

White has an advantage in space, which allows him to begin an offensive. 43 gS! lDd7 44 b4 i.d4 45 i.b4+ i.cs

White's pieces are actively placed. To strengthen his position he must take his king to the queenside. 30 �d4 The king starts out on the route to b6, disregarding the threat of a discovered check after 30 .. e6 31 �c5 ! .

31

Minor Piece Endings 30....i.e6 30 ... b6 does not help on account of 3 1 .i.c6 .i.g4 32 ttJxg4 hxg4 33 e4. On 30 ... ttJb5+ there would have followed 3 1 �c4! ttJc7 32 �c5, while if 30 ... h4 3 1 gxh4 ttJf5+ 32 �c5 ttJe3 33 .i.f3 .i.h6 34 �b5 .i.xf4 35 �xa4 .i.xh2 36 �b5 with an active game for White. 31 �c5 .i.b3 32 �b6 The manoeuvre is completed, and now the king is threatening the black pawns. If 32 ....i.d l 33 .i.f3 .i.g7 34 .i.d4 followed by 35 .i.c5, and B lack cannot avoid loss of material. 32 ttJfS 33 .i.xb7 ttJe3 34 .i.c6 A good move, with the idea of answering 34 ... .i.d l with 35 .i.e8 ! 34...ttJdl 35 .i.d4 e6 36 ttJc4 .i.g7 B lack is obliged to rescue the knight which is stranded at d 1 . If 36 ....i.xc4 there follows 37 dxc4 .i.xa3 38 .i.xa4 ttJb2 39 .i.b5 and the passed c-pawn decides matters. 37 .i.xg7 �xg7 38 �c5 ttJc3 39 e4 �f6 It is hard to suggest anything better. I f 39 ... ttJbl 40 �b4. 40 e5+ �e7 41 ttJd6 .i.c2 42 .i.e8 Black resigns With the loss of the f7 pawn Black's position collapses. 42 ... .i.xd3 fai ls to 43 �d4.

bishop has to battle advancing pawns.

against

the

...

Smyslov-Taimanov

19th USSR Championship Moscow 1 951 B lack has three pawns for a bishop. A sharp battle ensues, where the

44 .i.a6! A problem-like idea - the bishop paves the way for the king to the queenside. 44 �e5 45 �c4! The king sets off to win the black pawns. If now 45 ...�d6 46 .i.c8 f4 47 gxf4 gxf4 48 �b5 f3 49 �xb6 e5 50 .i.b7 f2 5 1 .i.a6 �d5 52 .i.c4+ �d4 53 �xaS e4 54 �b6 e3 55 as �c3 56 a6 �d2 57 a7 e2 58 .i.xe2 �xe2 59 a8=_ f1=_ 60 _a6+ and White wins. 45 f4 46 gxf4+ �xf4 47 �b5 g4 48 �xb6 b5 49 �xa5 b4 50 �b6 e5 51 .i.n ! Here every tempo is precious. The bishop takes up the best position for halting the advance of the enemy pawns. 51 ...g3 52 bxg3+ bxg3 53 a5 e4 54 a6 e3 55 a7 e2 56 .i.xe2 g2 57 a8='ii' gl ='ii' 58 'ii'f8+ Black resigns •••

..•

3

Rook E n d i ngs

Rook endings are the most common. In positions without open files, the rooks are not exchanged until the end of the game. These endings have been thoroughly studied: typical positions have been compiled, and there is an extensive literature devoted to these endings. A strong player must be familiar with the theory ofrook endings; he must know the typical positions and be able to play them. This can be achieved by a special study ofthe theory ofrook endings. The main practical recommendation is that the rook should be active. Following this golden rule, it is sometimes advantageous to sacrifice a pawn or even two, to achieve the maximum coordination ofIdng and rook. Siegbert Ta"asch aptly remarked that a rook is best placed behind a passed pawn, whether it be your own, or the opponent 's. It if is your own, then as it advances the scope ofyour rook increases, while ifthe opponent 's passed pawn advances towards its own rook, in so doing it restricts the rook 's freedom. In rook endings the Idng is an extremely active piece. Without its participation virtually no problem can be solved. Smyslov-Konstantinopolsky

Training Tournament Moscow/Leningrad 1 939

3S 1:.e4! The rook moves onto the fourth rank to attack the kingside pawns. Black cannot play his rook to as on account of 39 1:.xb4 1:.xa2 40 1:.b7+
White has a great positional advan­ tage. His king dominates the centre, and with its support the passed pawn is threatening to advance.

33

Rook Endings equality, but White's positional ad­ vantage is even more evident. A mat­ ing attack on the black king is threat­ ened, and the end is already close. 50...':c2 51 �c6! �a7 52 �b5 l:te2 53 l:tb7+ �b8 54 �b6 ':e8 55 c6 f4 56 ':b7+ ! A typical winning manoeuvre. 56 ... �c8 57 ':a7 Black resigns

34 exf4 If 34 �fI ':a l + 35 �e2 f3+ 36 �f2 ':a2+ with a guaranteed draw. 34 ... �f3 35 b3 ':a1+ Draw agreed Gligoric-Smyslov

Chigorin Memorial Tournament Moscow 1947

Lilientbal-Smyslov

Absolute USSR Championship Leningrad/Moscow 1941

Both player's rooks are active. It is White's turn to move, and he attacks the weakened queenside pawns. 28 ':d7+ �e6 29 ':xa7 If 29 ':xg7 ':xa2 30 ':xh7 as with the threat of 3 1 ...':b2. 29... g5 30 ':xb7 ':xa2 31 ':b6+ �eS 32 ':xc6 In this way White gains a material advantage, but now the black king . penetrates into enemy territory. 32 ... �e4! 33 ':xcS f4! By this further pawn sacrifice B lack ensures the successful advance of his king.

Two extra pawns, on the bishop's and rook's files, are not enough for a win in a rook ending. I have several times had to defend this difficult ending, in which there are numerous pitfalls. The present example gives an impression of how to proceed. 80 ...':b4+ 81 f4 ':bS 82 bS �g7 83 ':g6+ �f7 84 ':gS ':b1 A typical procedure in this, one of the critical positions of this ending. Now 85 h6 is met by 85 ... ':al !, and if 86 h7 ':g l + 87 �f5 ':h l , or 86 ':h5 �g8, stopping the h-pawn with the king. Note that if 86 �f5 B lack plays 86 ...':aS+, driving back the king. 8S ':cS �f6 86 ':c6+ �g7 87 �gS ':g1+ 88 �f5 ':a1 89 ':c7+ �b6 The only acceptable square, since retreating onto the back rank loses.

34

Vasi/y Smys/ov: Endgame Virtuoso

90 l:te7 l:tbl 91 l:te8 �g7 92 l:te5 :tal 93 :td5 :to 94 :td4 :ta l 95 :td6 :ta5+ 96 �g4 :tal 97 l:te6 :tgl + 98 �f5 :ta l

Draw agreed. If 1 1 6 l:th4 there follows 1 1 6 ...:ta6+ 1 1 7 �f5 :tal . Lipnitsky-8mysIov

20th USSR Championship Moscow 1952

Note how Black manoeuvres his rook, retaining the possibility of a flank attack on the enemy king. 99 h6+ �h7 100 :td6 :ta2 101 �g5 :tg2+ 102 �f6 �xh6 White has given up a pawn in order to activate his king. The subsequent struggle against the passed f-pawn is not without its subtleties. 103 �e7+ �h7 104 f5 :te2+ 105 :te6 :ta2 106 f6 :ta8! The white king must not be allowed onto the eighth rank. 1 06 ... l::ta7+ would have lost to 1 07 �f8 �g6 1 08 f7+, or 1 07 ...l::ta8+ 1 08 l:te8. 107 �f7 If 1 07 f7 there would have follow­ ed 1 07 ... �g7 with a draw. 107 �h6 108 l:tel :ta7+ 109 :te7 If 1 09 �f8 �g6, or 1 09 �g8 l:ta8+, returning to a previous position. 109 l:ta8! 1 1 0 :td7 �h7 1 1 1 l:tdl :ta7+ 1 12 �e6 l:ta6+ 1 13 :td6 :ta8! 1 14 l:td4 �g8 1 15 :tg4+ �f8 ..•

..•

Black is a pawn down, but he is able to transfer his rook to an active position behind White's passed pawn and obtain sufficient counterplay. 45...:td+ 46 �e2 :tal 47 :td4 White also cannot win with 47 :td8+ �f7 48 :ta8 �g6. 47 :ta3 48 �d2 �f7 49 �c2 If 49 h5 �e6 50 �c2 :txg3 5 1 �b2 g5 with counter-chances. 49... �g6! An accurately calculated move. Black's king aims for h5, and his rook displays great manoeuvrability. 50 �b2 :txg3 51 as �h5 52 a6 l:tg6 53 a7 If 53 :ta4 :tb6+ 54 �c3 :tb8 5 5 a7 l:ta8 56 �d4 �xh4 57 �e5 �g4 58 l:tal g6, and White is unable to strengthen his position. 53 l:ta6 54 :td7 g6! Not 54 ...�xh4 55 l:txg7, when .•.

•••

35

Rook Endings B lack's king is cut off and it hinders the advance of his own passed pawn.

38 �g2 as 39 hS a4 40 l:ta7 �g8 41 g4 a3 42 �g3 Under the cover of his pawn chain, White's king comes into play. If now 42 ...l:tal 43 �f4 a2 44 �f5, and 44 ...l:tfl fails to 45 l:txa2. 42 l:te2 43 �D l:ta2 44 �e3 �f8 45 D l:tal 46 �f4 a2 47 eS This pawn advance enables the white king to penetrate unhindered to g6. 47...�g8 48 �fS l:tfl 49 l:txa2 l:txD+ SO �g6 �f8 51 l:ta8+ �e7 52 l:ta7+ Black resigns ..•

Smyslov-Botvinnik 55 lhh7+ �g4 56 �b3 l:ta l 57 �b4 �xf4 58 �b5 �g3 59 �b6 f4 60 h5 gxhS 61 l:txhS 0 62 l:tgS+ �h2 63 l:taS l:txaS 64 �xa5 f2 65 a8='I' fl ='1' Draw agreed

World Championship Match (5) Moscow 1958

Smyslov-Reshevsky

World Championship The Hague/Moscow 1948

White's kingside pawn majority guarantees him a win. There followed :

With material equal, White's pieces are the more actively placed. B lack is pinning his hopes on his passed f-pawn. 40 l:tb6+ �c5? With his last move before the time control, B lack makes a fatal mistake. 41 �d3! An unexpected reply, which creates the terrible threat of b3-b4 mate.

36

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

Black resigns Instead of 40... �c5? Black should have played 40 ...�c7 4 1 1:xa6 1:f8 42 1:xg6 f3 43 1:g 1 1:b8 44 1:f 1 1:xb3 45 1:xf3 1:bl 46 �d5 �b7!, when he can count on saving the game.

S.Garcia-Smyslov

Capablanca Memorial Tournament Havana 1965

Smyslov-Jimenez

Moscow 1 963

White is in a dangerous position, since Black is a passed pawn to the good and his pieces are actively placed. 62 1:e2 63 1:a3 1:e3 Ensuring the king's advance onto the third rank. 64 1:a8 The logical reply, preventing the invasion of the king at h3. If 64 1:al there could have followed 64 ...1:b3 with the threat of 65 ...�h3 (the immediate 64...�h3 would be parried by 65 1:a5). 64 �f3 65 1:a 1 1:d3 66 �n This natural move, preventing the black king from going to e2, proves to be the decisive mistake. Correct was 66 1:b I ! �e2 67 �g2 g4 68 1:al 1:d2 69 1:bl ! 1:dl 70 1:b2+ �e3 (if 70...�el 7 1 �gl ! ) 7 1 1:b3+ 1:d3 72 1:b l 1:d2+ 73 �g l �f3 74 1:f 1 + �e3 75 1:al , when Black is unable to overcome the opponent's defence. •..

White wins a pawn by force, but Black's passed pawn gives him counter-chances. There followed: 41 1:c8+ �f1 42 1:c7+ �f6 43 1:xa7 g5 44 a5! White gives up a pawn to create a passed b-pawn. 44 bxa5 45 b6 1:b2 46 b7 g4 47 �c6 1:c2+ If 47 ...g3, then 48 1:a8 g2 49 1:g8 and wins. 48 �d7 1:b2 49 �c7 1:c2+ 50 �b8 g3 51 �a8! In the corner the king has found a comfortable shelter. 52 b8=. is threatened. 51 1:b2 52 1:xa5 g2 53 1:a1 �f5 54 b8=. Black resigns •..

•••

...

Rook Endings

66...g4! 67 :bl :a3 The immediate 67 ... g3 does not succeed on account of 68 hxg3 �xg3 69 :b8, e.g. 69 ... �t3 70 �gl �e2 7 1 :b2+. 68 :c1 68 �g 1 is met by 68 ... g3 69 �h 1 �g4 70 hxg3 t3 ! 7 1 �h2 :a2+ 72 �h l �xg3 73 :g 1 + �h3 74 :fl f2 75 :b 1 :a3 76 :b3+ �g4 ! and Black wins. 68...g3 69
Moscow v. Leningrad 1967

37

White is a passed pawn to the good. By defending the second rank, he ensures that he is able to advance his king. 43 :c2! �e7 After 43 ... e5 White could have continued 44 �d3 �e6 45 �c4, preparing the advance of his b-pawn. 44 e4 :a l If 44 ... fxe4 45 �e3 :e 1 + 46 :e2, regaining the e4 pawn, since B lack cannot go into the pawn ending. 45 �d3 �d6 46 exfS exfS 47 �c4 �c6 48 �d4+ �d6 49 b3 White unhurriedly begins an offensive on the queenside. 49...:e1 50 �c4 �c6 51 �d3+ �d5 52 b4 :bl If 52 ... :a l 53 �e3 :a3+ (53 ... �e5 is bad on account of 54 :c5+) 54 �f4 :t3+ 55 �g5 and Black cannot retain his pawns, as White's passed pawn is threatening to advance. 53 �cJ �c6 After 53 ...�e4 54 :b2 :xb2 55 �xb2 �t3 56 b5 �xf2 57 b6 White wins the pawn ending. 54 �d4+ �d6 55 �c4 �c6

38

Vasi/y Smys/ov: Endgame Virtuoso

B lack has halted the passed pawn's advance, but now White switches the attack to the kingside. 56 :e2 :cl+ If 56 ...�d6 57 b5, and B lack is in zugzwang. 57 �d4 �d6 The king cannot be allowed to go to e5. SS :b2 White has achieved the classic deployment of his rook. 58...:al 59 b5 :a4+ 60 �e3 rJ;c7 61 b6+ �b7

62 :b5! :e4+ After 62 ...:a3+ White would have won by 63 �f4 :0+ 64 �g5 :xf2 65 :xf5. 63 �d3 :e8 64 :xf5 �xb6 65 :g5 Now the win is obvious, since the black king is so far away from the action. The game concluded: 65...:d8+ 66 �e4 :e8+ 67 �f5 :18+ 68 �e6 :xfl 69 :xg4 :e2+ 70 �f5 �c5 71 :e4 :f2+ 72 :f4 :d2 73 g4 :d5+ 74 �g6 Black resigns

Smyslov-Forintos

Monte Carlo 1968

In order to realise his advantage, White must first switch his rook to an active position. 68 :d3! :bl + 69 :b3 :hl 70 :0 :h6 71 :f5 �d6 72 :d5+ �c6 73 :f5 �d6 74 O! With this move White prepares to bring his king to the centre. 74...:g6 75 �b3! :h6 76 �c3 �c6 Black is in zugzwang. If 76...�e6 77 :d5 :h I 78 �b4 :al 79 :d3 �e5 80 :a3 :b l + 8 1 �c5, or 76 ...:g6 77 �d4 :h6 78 :d5+ �c6 79 �e4 :h4+ 80 f4, threatening to play the king to f5. 77 �d4 :g6 78 f4 :h6 79 �e4 :g6 Or 79...�d6 80 :d5+ �e6 8 1 f5+ �e7 82 �d4. 80 :h5 :gl 81 :h6 :e1+ 82 �f5 :a l 83 :xf6+ �b7 84 :b6+ �a7 85 :e6 :xa5+ 86 �g6 :c5 87 f5 :xc4 88 f6 :g4+ 89 �f5 :gl 90 f1 Black resigns

Rook Endings Kochiev-8myslov

FIDE Zonal Tournament Lvov 1978

White is a pawn up, but the realisation of this advantage is not easy, in view of the limited number of pawns. Thus after 43 l:td7+ (or 43 �e2 l:tc2+ 44 l:td2 l:tc3 with similar variations) 43 ...'iIi>g6 44 l:txb7 l:tc I + 45 �e2 l:tc2+ 46 'ili>O l:txa2 Black threatens ...a5-a4 with further simplification. 43 'ili>g1 ! A paradoxical manoeuvre. White takes his king to h2, where it is screened against checks by the enemy rook. 43 �g6 44 'ili>h2 l:ta6 If 44 ...l:tc2 there follows 45 l:tg5+ �f6 46 l:ta5 a6 47 'ili>g3, and the white king comes into play. 45 l:td2 l:tb6 46 �h3 a5 47 l:td5 a4 In search of activity Black sacrifices a pawn. 48 bxa4 l:tb4 49 l:tg5+ �h6 50 l:tg4 l:tb2 51 a3 l:tb3+ 52 l:tg3 l:tb1 53 l:td3 'ili>g6 54 'ili>g4 White gradually strengthens his po­ sition. Now his king becomes active. 54 l:tc1 55 l:td6+ 'ili>g7 56 l:td7+ �g6 57 h5+ 'ili>h6 58 l:td6+ 'ili>g7 59 l:td4 l:tc3 If 59 ...l:tc2 60 g3 l:tc3 6 1 l:tb4 �g8 62 'ili>f4 l:txa3 63 g4 l:tc3 64 'ili>e5, and the king joins the attack on the b7 pawn. 60 l:tb4 'ili>g8 61 'ili>f5! l:tc5+ If 6 1 ...l:txa3 there follows 62 g4. 62 'ili>e6 l:txh5 63 l:txb7 l:tg5 64 l:tb2 l:tg3 65 as! l:tg5 65 ...l:txa3 fails to save Black after 66 'ili>f6 h5 67 'ili>g6 'ili>f8 68 l:tb8+ 'ili>e7 69 l:ta8 l:tg3+ 70 'ili>f) ! l:txg2 (or 70...'iIi>d7 7 1 a6 'ili>c7 72 l:th8 'ili>b6 73 l:th6+ 'ili>a7 74 l:tg6) 7 1 a6 l:tf2+ 72 ••.

Even in seemingly simple endings, great care is required. After 78 'ili>e4 White would have gained a draw, but he made an instructive mistake. 78 'ili>e2? 'ili>b5 79 l:tb1+ �a4 80 l:tc1 �b4 81 l:tb1+ �a3 82 l:tc1 l:td5! 83 'ili>e3 �b2 84 l:tc4 �b3 White resigns Smyslov-Belyavsky

Moscow 1981

39

.••

40

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

�e4 l:ta2 73 a7 �f7 74 l:th8, and White wins.

66 �f6 l:tg6+ 67 �e7 h5 68 �d7 h4 69 �c7 �h8 70 l:tb4 l:txg2 71 l:txb4+ �g7 72 a6 l:te2 73 l:td4 Black resigns

47 ... �b7 48 �c5 l:tg5 49 �d6 l:txh5 50 l:tc5 By cutting off the king along the c-fiIe, White strengthens the threat of his passed pawn's advance. If 50 �e6 l:te5+ 5 1 �xf6 l:tg5 !, and the black rook becomes active. 50 ... l:tg5! 51 l:tc7+ �b6 52 l:tct If 52 l:tf7 l:tf5 53 l:th7 h5 54 l:th8 �b7, and Black defends successfully. 52...�b7 53 l:t0 fS 54 �e7 l:tg7+ 55 �f6 l:td7! In this way Black maintains the balance. Now his king joins the battle against the passed d-pawn. 56 �e6 �c7 57 l:txfS l:td6+ 58 �e5 l:tg6 59 l:tfi+ �d8 60 l:tb7 l:ta6 A draw is inevitable, since 6 1 d6 is met by 6 1 .. .l:ta 1 . 61 l:th8+ �d7 62 l:th7+ Draw agreed

Hiibner-Smyslov

Candidates Match (7) Velden 1983

With material equal, White's passed d-pawn, supported by his king, looks very dangerous. Careful defence is required of Black.

Smyslov-Stablberg

Candidates Tournament Budapest 1950

The game was adjourned in this position, White sealing his next move. 43 l:ta8+

41

Rook Endings White is a pawn up and his pieces are more actively placed. However, Black's position is defensible and it is not easy to find a target in it to attack. 43... �e7 After 43 ... �c7 there could have followed 44 rU8, when White's attacking possibilities are illustrated by the following variation: 44 ...l:tfl 45 1:tf4 f5 46 ':'e8 ':'e 1 (or 46 ... �d6 47 c5+ �d5 48 ':'xf5+! ! exf5 49 ':'e5 mate) 47 �d2 l:tb l 48 ':'xe6 ':'xb3 49 l:le5, winning the f5 pawn. 44 ':'b8 .:.n 45 ':'f4 ':'cl+ Black wants to create counterplay on the queenside. After 45 ... f5 White could have proceeded as follows: 46 l:lh8 �d6 47 1:th6 l:tf7 48 g4 �e7 49 gxf5 exf5 50 �b4, further activating his pieces. 46 �b4 ':'d l 47 g4 White's plans include advancing his pawn to g5 and his king to cS, as well as the manoeuvre ':'g8-g7. If 47....:. 1 xd4 he had prepared 48 ':'xd4 l:lxd4 49 �c5 ':'xg4 50 ':'xb7+ �f6 51 ':'a7 ':'f4 52 ':'a2 ':'0 53 ':'b2 and then 54 �xc6, setting up two connected passed pawns. 47 ... b5 An attempt to complicate the situation. If now 48 cxb5 cxb5 49 �xb5 ':' 1 xd4 etc. 48 �c5 ':'c1 49 ':'c8 Insufficient is 49 �xc6 bxc4 50 ':'xf7+ �xf7 5 1 �xd7 ':'d I !, when Black gains real drawing.chances. 49... bxc4 50 bxc4 ':'d5+ 51 �b4 ':'bl+ 52 �c3 ':'cl+ 53 �d3! Successfully avoiding the drawing variations that arise after 53 �b3, for example: 53 ... .:.d7 54 ':'xc6 ':'b7+ 55

�a2 ':'c2+ 56 �a3 ':'c 1 with a repetition of moves. 53 .:.d7 54 ':'xc6 e5 This move is the idea of Black's counterplay: a pair of rooks is exchanged, as well as some pawns. However, the white king gains scope. 55 ':'e4 ':'xd4+ 56 ':'xd4 ':'dl + 57 �e4 exd4 If 57 ....:.xd4+ 58 �xe5 ':'xg4 59 f4, and White's advantage is sufficient for a win. 58 ':'a6 d3 •..

59 ':'a2! Now if 59 ... d2 there follows 60 �d3 ':'g l 6 1 ':'xd2 ':'xg4 62 �c3, and the king and the c-pawn advance. 59...�d6 60 �d4 d2 61 �e3 ':'el+ 62 �xd2 ':'e4 63 ':'a4! An unexpected reply. The rook takes up an ambush position. 63 ...�c5 64 f3 ':'f4 65 �e3 ':'f6 66 �e4 ':'e6+ 67 �f5 Black resigns Clarke-Smyslov

Hastings 1968/9 White's pawns are weakened. Black transposes into a pawn ending,

42

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

after calculating precisely the conse­ quences of the rook exchanges.

By attacking this pawn, he forces Black to weaken the b6 square.

35 l:te8+ 36 l:te3 If 36 �d I l:txd2+ 37 �xd2 l:te4 3 8 l:tO �f6 with advantage to Black. 36 l:txe3+! 37 fxe3 l:txd2+ 38 �xd2 �h6 39 �c3 �h5 40 �b4 �xh4 White resigns The h-pawn promotes to a queen when the white a-pawn is at a7.

43 ... a6 44 l:te6+ l:tf6 45 l:te5 l:tf4 46 l:td8 l:tf6 47 �d4 Now White reveals his intentions. He is aiming to take his king to b6. 47...l:tf4+ 48 �c3 �f6 49 l:tee8 a5 50 �b3 axb4 51 axb4 �g6 52 l:td6+ l:tf6 53 l:td2 White's rooks are controlling the central files. For the moment he avoids rook exchanges, to restrict Black's opportunities for counterplay. 53 ... �f5 54 l:td4 l:te6 55 l:txe6 �xe6 Now, after the exchange of one pair of rooks, the end comes quickly. 56 �a4 �e5 57 l:tg4 �f6 58 f4 Black resigns After 58 ... gxf4 there follows 59 l:txg7 �xg7 60 �a5, and the pawn ending is easily won.

•..

•.•

Smyslov-Paglilla

Buenos Aires 1993 (see diagram next column) White is a pawn up and his pieces are actively placed. He chooses an instructive way of realising his advantage. 43 l:ta8! An important link in White's plan.

4

E n d i ngs with Roo ks a n d M i nor Pieces

In endings where rooks and knights participate, the latter enliven the play. Sharp situations arise, demanding great tactical resourcefulness. Often an initiative can develop into a full-scale attack, where the knight and rook create dangerous threats to the enemy king. Endings where the long-range pieces - rooks and bishops - are opposed are of a different character. The main principle here is the restricting of their harmonious coordination. As in the simpler bishop endings, the pawn structure is ofconsiderable importance. It is desirable to ensure that one 's own bishop is able to manoeuvre, and that such possibilities for the enemy bishop are restricted. The possession ofa passed pawn confers an advantage. With opposite-colour bishops the activity of the pieces plays a decisive role. In endings where rook and bishop oppose rook and knight, if the position is open and there are passed pawns, the situation favours the side with the bishop. But ifthe rook and knight occupy strong blockading positions, it is they that are dominant. Endings with various combinations ofpieces - rooks, knights and bishops are, naturally, very complicated, since many factors have to be taken into account, and systematic play is required, leading to the exchange of a certain piece for a piece of the opponent 's, so that the situation should change in your favour. In endings with a rook against a minor piece, the advantage is of course on the side of the rook. However, positions occur where it is not easy to overcome the defence. The king usuallyjoins the offensive. The rook needs open lines, and its actions are more successful when there is play on both sides ofthe board.

44

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso Ravinsky-8myslov

Moscow Championship 1 942

:a7 �b6 60 ':a8 ':e3 61 a4 bxa4 62 ':xa4 ':xfJ, and Black won easily. Smyslov-Tolusb

Moscow Championship 1943

45...fS+ An interesting continuation. 46 �xf5 or 46 �h5 allows a knight fork. If 46 ':xf5 ':xd2 47 ':xb5 ':d4+ 48 �f5 (48 �h5 �g7 49 ':b7+ �f6 50 ':b6+ �f5 5 1 �xh6 tDe5 52 a4 ':d3 53 �g7 ':d7+ 54 �h6 tDf7+ 55 �g7 tDd8+! 56 �h6 tDe6 57 as ':d3 with a decisive advantage) 48 ...�f7 49 ':b7+ tDe7+ 50 �e5 ':d3 5 1 a4 ':xO 52 as ':xh3 53 a6 ':e3+ 54 �d4 ':a3 55 b5 g4 and Black must win. 46 �g3 tDf4 47 ':d6 �ti! 48 b4 �e7 Now the white rook has no retreat square on the d-fiIe, since if 49 ':d4 tDe2+. 49 ':xb6 ':xd2 50 bxg5 tDe6 51 ':b7+ �d6 52 g6 f4+ 53 �g4 ':d5 54 ':b7 54 :h5 would not have saved the game: S4 ...':xh5 55 �xh5 �e5 56 �h6 �f6 57 �h5 �g7 and the g6 pawn is lost. 54 ... �c6 55 ':e7 :g5+ 56 �b4 ':xg6 57 �b5 ':g5+ 58 �b6 ':e5 59

The black king is cramped, and this allows White to begin a dangerous attack. 52 ':b8+ �a7 53 ':c8 With the dangerous threat of 54 tDb6. 53...':b2 54 tDb6 ':b7+ 55 �e6 tDc7+ 56 �d6! tDb5+ 57 �e5 tDc7 58 b4 Now Black's king is unable to escape, and White's attack is decisive. 58...a5 59 b5 a4 60 ':d8! ':e7+ If 60 ... a3 6 1 tDc8+ �a8 62 tDd6+ �a7 63 b6+ and White wins. 61 �fS Also possible was 6 1 �d6 ':e8 62 �xc7 ':xd8 63 �xd8 a3 64 tDc8+ �b8 65 c6 and wins. 61. ..:e8 62 :xe8 tDxe8 63 tDxa4 Black resigns

Smyslov-8imagin

19th USSR Championship Moscow 1 951

Endings with Rooks and Minor Pieces

45

xe6 tte7+ and 44 . . .ttxe3 . The move played strengthens White's attack. If now 42 ... ttf5+ 43 �d6 tbe8+ 44 c6 rJ;e7 45 ttb7+ f8 46 tbxe6+ �g8 47 tte7, or 42 . . .e7 43 e4 ttf2 44 ttb7 d8 45 d6 ttd2+ 46 c6, and Black cannot save the game.

Despite the material equality, White has a great positional advan­ tage. H is rook controls the open file, and his king dominates in the centre. Black is unable to prevent the further activation of the white pieces. 37 e4 h6 37 ... ttf5 is not possible on account of 38 ttd7+ ttf7 39 ttxc7 ttxc7 40 liJxe6+ and 4 1 liJxc7. Black makes use of his best chance, trying by the advance of the h-pawn to free, even if only a little, his cramped position. 38 ttd6 hxg5 39 fxg5 f8 40 ttc6 e8 41 �e5! White consistently carries out his plan of invading with his pieces into the enemy position. Now the king aims for d6, which is a stronger continuation than 4 1 tbxe6 tte7 42 ttxc7 ttxe6+, when at the cost of a pawn Black rids himself of his 'bad' knight at c7. 41...d8 42 ttb6! Space is needed for the successful penetration of the white king onto the sixth rank. 42 d6 would have been premature in view of 42 . . .tbe8+ 43

42 c8 43 d6 ttf'2 In search of counterplay. If 43 ... tbe8+ 44 c6 ttc7+ 45 b5 and the black pawns come under attack. 44 c6! Of course, not 44 ttb7 tba6. the gained has king White's opposition, and the end is now close. 44 ttc2 45 ttb7 tbe8 The 'sacrifice' 45 . . . liJd5 does not help in view of 46 cxd5 ttxc5+ 47 xc5 xb7 48 dxe6, and White wins. 46 tta7 b8 47 tte7 Black resigns .••

..•

Smyslov-Castillo

Venice 1950 The white pieces occupy attacking positions. In addition, Black's b6 pawn is weak, and his rook is tied to the defence of the f7 pawn.

46

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

41 :b7 liJd5+ 42 �e4 liJc3+ 43 �d4 liJe2+ 44 �e3 liJc3 45 g3 h5 46 �d4 liJa4 47 �d5 After strengthening his pawn chain, White activates his king. If now 47 ... :d8 48 �c6, or 47 .. .c�'g7 48 e6 liJc5 49 e7 ! , winning a piece. Black has no useful move. 47 liJc5 48 :xb6 liJe6 49 h4 :a8 •..

50...liJxf4+ SI gxf4 �xf7 52 :b7+ �f8 Play has gone into a rook ending. 52 ...�e8 was more tenacious, when there would have followed 53 :b6! �f7 (53 ... :a4 54 �e6 �f8 55 f5 gxf5 56 �f6 :a8 57 e6 f4 58 :b5 and White wins) 54 :f6+ �g7 5 5 :c6! �f7 (55 ... :a4 56 :c4 :a7 57 �d6, or 55 ...:d8+ 56 :d6 :a8 57 :d7+ �f8 58 e6! �e8 59 �e5 l:a5+ 60 l:d5 l:a4 61 f5 gxf5 62 �f6 l:xh4 63 e7 and wins) 56 l:c7+ �e8 57 �d6 ! l:b8 (or 57 ...l:a6+ 58 l:c6) 58 e6 l:b6+ 59 l:c6 l:b8 60 l:c5 �f8 6 1 �e5 l:b4 62 f5 ! gxf5 63 �f6 and wins. 53 e6 l:a5+ 54 �d6 Black resigns If 54 ...l:a6+ 55 �e5 l:a5+ 56 �f6 l:f5+ 57 �xg6 l:xf4 58 l:f7+ l:xf7 59 exf7. SmysIov-Penrose

Amsterdam Olympiad 1954

50 liJxf7! An elegant continuation. If now 50 ...�xf7 5 1 :b7+, or 50 ...liJc7+ 5 1 �c6 �xf7 5 2 �xc7 :a3 5 3 �d7 :xg3 54 e6+ and the pawn queens.

Despite the limited material, B lack is in difficulties. His rook is tied to the defence of the f7 pawn. With his next move White begins a pawn offensive.

Endings with Rooks and Minor Pieces 32 h4 �g8 33 g4 �g7 34 gS �g8 3S �g4 �g7 B lack sticks to waiting tactics. 36 fS gxfS+ 37 �xfS tDe6 38 hS lDd4+ 39 ci>e4 tDe6 40 h6+ �g8 If 40 ...�h7 there could have followed 4 1 �f5 with the threat of 42 h8 43 lDxg6 mate. 42 4Jd7! 1:e8+ 43 �dS Black resigns If 43 ...:e6 there would have fol lowed 44 :a8 :xg6 45 :xd8+
Moscow Team Championship 1966

White's pieces are active, whereas B lack' s pawn fonnation is weakened, and his knight occupies a modest position on the edge of · the board. This gives White a positional advan­ tage. 26 g4! Fixing the black pawns. 26 ... h5

47

Black sacrifices a pawn in the hope of activating his game. If 26 .. /�g6 there could have followed 27 �e4 h5 28 gxh5+ �xh5 29 f4 �g6 30 :c6, when the king can cross via d3 to the queenside. 27 gxhS �h6 28 ci>g4 fS+ 29 �h4 f4 30 :c8 fxe3 31 fxe3 :d5 32 :h8+ �g7 33 1:a8 tDc3 34 :a7 :e5 35 tDxe6+ was threatened. Black appears to have created counterplay, but White's next move reveals an attacking possibility invol­ ving the passed h-pawn. 35 tDf3! :e4+ If 35 ...:xe3 36 tDg5, attacking the f7 pawn. 36 �g5 :xe3 37 h6+ �g8 38 h7+ This pawn sacrifice strengthens White's attack. 38...�xh7 39 :xt7+ ci>g8 40 �g6 tDe4 If 40...tDd5 White could have played 4 1 tDg5, when 4 1 ...tDxb4 is not possible on account of 42 tDh7 with the threat of 43 :f8 mate, while if 4 1 . .. e5 he continues the attack by 42 tDe6 tDf4+ 43 tDxf4 exf4 44 :xf4 :h3 45 �f5 ! :xh2 (45 ... �f7? 46 ci>g4+) 46 �e6 :d2 47 :f5 with a decisive advantage. 41 h4 4Jd6 42 :d7 :xt3 43 :xd6 �f8 44 :xe6 White has won a pawn, and the outcome of the game is no longer in doubt. 44...1:g3+ 44 ...:f4 fai ls to 4S :f6+. 45 �fS :gl 45 ...:h3 would not have changed things after 46 �g4. 46 :xb6 Black resigns

48

Vasi/y Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso Evans-Smyslov

Sao Paulo 1978

B lack has a clear advantage, thanks to the better placing of his pieces and pawns. White's scattered pawns are weak and can be attacked. 29 ...�c3+ 30 �c2 �b5 31 :e3 b5! The start of a pawn offensive on the kingside. At the same time B lack threatens to play his rook via d4 to h4. 32 :d3 �d4+ 33 �c3 If 33 �b2 there can follow 33 ... b5 34 �e3 �e5 35 �c2 f4 36 b4 g5, intensifying the positional pressure. 33...�e2+ 34 �c2 :d4 The rook heads along the planned route to h4. This puts White in a critical position, since it is hard for him to defend his scattered pawns. 35 :e3 �gl ! 36 �dl The king approaches the h-pawn, in order after 36 ...:h4 37 �e 1 :xh2 to seek counterplay with 38 d4. Not wishing to allow White an opportunity to activate his game, I preferred a more methodical plan for realising my advantage.

36...f4 37 :c3 g5 38 �e1 g4 39 fxg4 bxg4 40 �f2 �f3 41 b3 �g5 Now B lack wins the exchange and gains an advantage sufficient for a win. The alternative was 4 1 ...�xd2 42 �xd2 :xd2+ 43 �e l :a2 44 hxg4 �g5, and again B lack retains the advantage. Which is better is a question of emotion. I preferred to go into the ending with a rook against a knight. 42 bxg4 �e4+ 43 �f3 �xc3 44 dxe3 :d3+ 45 �xf4 :xc3 46 �d2

Black's rook is active; this enables him to attack the white pawns and win one of them. 46...�e7! Stronger than 46 ... :d3 47 �e4+ �e7 48 �c5 :c3 49 �xb7 :xb3 50 �c5 :xa3 5 1 �e5 as 52 �d4 ! �d6 53 �e4+ �c6 54 g5 a4 5 5 g6 :al 56 �e5, when the g-pawn becomes dangerous. 47 �e4 :g3 48 �f3 White has to part with his passed pawn, since if 48 �f4 :d3. 48...:xg4+ 49 �d5 :g3 50 �d4 :g5+ 51 q;>e4 �d6

Endings with Rooks and Minor Pieces This ending is won for BlacK, although it takes time to drive back the opponent's pieces into unfavour­ able positions. 52 a4 Ag4 S3 �c3 �dS 54 liJc2 :h4 SS liJe3+ �eS 56 liJe2 Ah3+ S7 �b2 �dS S8 liJa3 �d4 Black consistently advances his king towards the enemy pawns. S9 liJe2+ �d3 60 liJb4+ �d2 61 liJdS :h6 Black prevents the knight from going via b6 to c4, and intends to use his rook on the c-file. 62 liJb4 Ad6 63 liJe2 Ae6 64 liJd4 :eS 6S liJf3+ �e2 66 liJd4+ �d3 67 tDe6 Ae2+ 68 �a3 as!

70...Acl 71 �a2 �b4 72 liJd6 Ac2+ 73 �bl �xb3 74 liJb7 Ae7! 75 liJxas+ �xa4 White resigns Smyslov-Fuller

Copenhagen 1980

In this difficult position, where White is threatening to play his knight via c3 to e4, Black finds an interesting defensive possibility: 28 e4! 29 dxe4 If 29 b6 there could have followed 29 ... exd3 30 Axa7 Ab8 3 1 liJc3 liJc8 with counterplay. 29 liJe8 30 Aa6 liJb6 31 eS! With this counter-sacrifice White vacates the e4 square for his pieces. 31 dxeS 32 �f3 liJxc4 If 32 ...Af8+ 33 �e4 Af2 (or 33 ... Af7 34 d6 liJxc4 35 �d5 and White's pieces are dominant) 34 liJc3 Ac2 35 �d3 with a decisive advantage. 33 �e4 Ad8 34 liJc3 White had aimed for this position. Black is a pawn up, but all his pawns require defending. 34 Ad7 3S Ae6 �g7 36 AxeS tDd6+ 37 �xeS �f1 38 liJe4 .••

.•.

Now the white king has no way out, and Black only has to keep an eye on the knight' s movements. 69 liJd8 �c3 ! The most vigorous. Black gives up a pawn to create a mating net around the white king. 70 liJxb7 Or 70 liJe6 Ab2 7 1 liJd4 b6 72 It)b5+ �c2 73 liJd4+ �b 1 and mate next move.

49

...

.•.

50

Vosily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

A simple solution. The rook ending is won without difficulty. 38 ... lDxe4 39 �xe4 l:te7+ 40 �f5 Black resigns If 40 ... h6 there follows 4 1 d6.

Smyslov-Karlsson

Interzonal Tournament Los Palmos J 982

B lack controls the d-fiIe, but now White begins action on the kingside with the aim of opening a file for his rook. 40 ... �f6 41 g5+ �g7 4 1 ...lDxg5 is not possible, as White interposes 42 lDc6. 42 lDc6 l:td7 43 l:tg2 Preventing 43 . . . h5 in view of 44 gxh6+ �xh6 45 l:txg6+ �xg6 46 toe5+. 43 . �f8 44 h4 �e8 45 l:th2 �f8 46 h5 White systematically conducts the offensive. He now threatens 47 hxg6 hxg6 48 l:th6, when B lack cannot hold the g6 pawn. 46 ... gxb5 47 l:txh5 �g8 48 l:thl White is playing for zugzwang. 48... �g7 49 lDe5 l:td8 50 l:th6 l:td6 50 ... lDc5 was not possible on account of 5 1 l:tf6 l:tfS 52 l:txfS �xfS 53 lDc6. .

White has a great positional advan­ tage, thanks to his active pieces and queenside pawn majority. 37 as! White consistently strengthens his position, threatening to advance his pawn to a6 and then attack the a7 pawn with his knight. If now 37 ... bxaS 38 l:ta l with an attack on the a-file. 37 lDc5 If 37 ... l:td2 there could have followed 38 a6 l:txg2 39 lDc6, when the a7 pawn is lost. 38 a6 �g7 39 l:tc2 toe4 White was threatening 40 l:td2 with the exchange of rooks, after which his knight would invade at c6. 40 g4!

.

•..

51 �e2! A good waiting move, after which Black is unable to do anything. The immediate 5 1 lDc6 was less attractive on account of 5 1 . . .tod2.

Endings with Rooks and Minor Pieces

51

51 ...4.Jc3+ If 5 1 . ..l:td2+ 52 �e 1 l:td6 53 4.Jc6, winning a pawn. 52 �e1 l:td1+ 53 �f2 l:td4 54 �f3 :d6 55 :f6 �g8 56 :17 :td3+ 57 tDxd3 Black resigns

:xf7 73 l:txf7 b3 74 4.Jc5, and 74 ... b2 fails to 75 4.Ja4+. 71 4.Jd7 4.Jb5 72 :fS 4.Jg7 73 4.JxfS 4.JxfS 74 4.Je6 4.Jb4+ 75 �g4 4.Jg6 76 �b5 Black resigns

Smyslov-Spangenberg

Buenos Aires 1993

1 st Category Tournament Gorky 1938

White cannot hold on to his extra pawn, but he succeeds in driving back the black pieces to unfavourable positions. There followed: 63 �e3 4.Je6 64 l:tg6 4.Jxg7 65 �fJ The best square for the king. 65 �e4 did not work on account of 65 ... liJh5. After the move played White is ready to answer 65 ... b4 with 66 4.Jc6+ �a4 67 4.Je7, winning material. 65... 'ita 4 66 fS :fS If 66 ...l:te8, then 67 f6! 4.Jf5 68 fl. 67 :a6+! �b3 68 f6 4.JfS 69 17 White' s passed pawn has made a rapid advance to the seventh rank. Despite the limited material, it is di fficult for Black to defend. 69... b4 70 ':'f6 4.Jg7 If 70 ... 4.Jd4+ 7 1 'ite4 'itc3 72 4.Jd7

White has the better pawn for­ mation, and his knight at f5 occupies a strong blockading position. There followed: 32 b4 .i.b6 33 l:tdl ':'f6 The invasion of the rook at d7 was threatened. If 33 ... .:.e5, then 34 lDd6 ':'h5 35 4.Jxb7 ':'xh4 36 a4 f5 37 as .i.e3 38 4.Jd6 f4 39 4.Jf5 l:th2+ 40 'itd3 and the white pieces become very active. 34 l:ld5 i.f2 35 b5! his consolidated White has advantage. Now Black has no defence against a massed offensive on the queenside. 35... b6 36 'itd3 a6 37 c4 :c6 38 a4 The pawn phalanx begins to advance. The black king is cut off

Smyslov-Rudnev

52

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

from the field of battle and is unable to come into play. 38 .i.e1 39 b5 axb5 40 axb5 l:e6 41 l:d6 l:xd6+ 42 li)xd6 �g7 The game is decided. After 42 . . . f6 an approximate finish would be 43 li)f5 �h7 44 cS bxc5 45 b6 .ia5 46 b7 and 47 �c4, and White promotes his b-pawn and then his h-pawn. If 42 ... .if2 there could have fol­ lowed 43 li)xf7+ �g7 44 li)e5 ! .ig l 45 li)g4, ensuring the invasion of the white king into the enemy position. 43 cS Black resigns After 43 ... bxc5 there follows 44 b6 .iaS 45 b7 .ic7 46 li)e8+. •••

�xe3 d 1 ='W" 53 .ixd I �xg6 54 �d4 �f6 55 �d5 li)d8 56 .ib3 �f5 57 �c5 �e5 58 .id5, and White wins. 45 g6 bxg6 46 bxg6 li)f6 47 d6+ �d8 48 g7 Black resigns

Smyslov-8imagin

20th USSR Championship Moscow 1 952

Smyslov-Geller

19th USSR Championship Moscow 1951

White has a material advantage, but B lack' s passed d-pawn is threatening to advance. 42 �g2! l:xd5 43 exd5 li)d6 44 b5 li)e4 I f 44 ... d3, then 45 �f1 e4 46 g6 bxg6 47 hxg6 li)b7 48 d6+ �f6 49 .if5 d2 50 �e2 e3 5 1 .ic2 �g7 52

Both sides have passed pawns. In such situations bishop and rook are normally stronger than knight and rook. 42 cS li)d7+ If 42 ... h3 there would have followed 43 c6 h2 44 l:h 1 l:g2 45 .ixe5 fxe5 46 c7 l:c2 47 l:xh2 and wins. 43 �c6 �e6 44 b4 l:g4 45 l:bl g5 46 a4 l:c4 47 b5 axb5 48 axb5 f5 49 b6 li)xb6 Hoping for 50 l:xb6 f4, but White has available a stronger continuation. SO l:e1+! �f6 51 �b5! A subtle manoeuvre. 5 1 ... l:d4 fails to 52 .ie5+, while if 5 1 ...l:e4 there follows 52 l:xe4 fxe4 53 cxb6 e3 54 b7 e2 55 .ih4.

Endings with Rooks and Minor Pieces 51 ...f4 52 cxb6 :c8 53 b7 :g8 54 �c4 This is a clearer way to win than 54 J:c 1 f3 ! 55 :cS £2, when the pawn queens with check. 54...'�1S 55 �d3 h3 56 b8=" Axb8 57 .i.xb8 �g4 58 �e2 �g3 59 Ag1+ �h4 60 �f2 h2 61 :hl �h3 62 .i.c7 Black resigns

53

Smyslov-Matanovic

Monte Carlo 1967

Botvinnik-Smyslov

World Championship Match (20) Moscow 1954

With material equal, Black has a decisive positional advantage. His pieces are excellently placed to ensure the advance of the passed pawn. 69 ... e4! 70 l:tc4 70 :lh3 would not have saved the game in view of 70 ...�e5 7 1 :h5 �f4, when 72 tLld2 fails to 72 ... :xd2+ 73 �xd2 �xg4+ 74 :lxg5+ �xg5 7 5 �e3 �f5 . . 70...�e5 71 :a4 :h7! 72 :xa3 :h2+ White resigns After 73 �d l there follows 73 ...e3 74 tLlc l :h l + 75 �c2 :xc l +! 76 �xc l e2+ 77 �c2 e l =".

The ending favours White thanks to the more active placing of his pieces. However, the attempt to penetrate with the rook onto the seventh rank by 33 :d 1 proves a failure after 33 ... tLla6 34 b5 tLlbS, when B lack defends successfully. 33 :al ! A subtle positional move. White wants to provoke either ...a7-a6 or the king move to bS. 33... a6 If 33 ...�bS 34 :d l tLla6 35 :d7, and 35 ...tLlxb4 loses to 36 l:tb7+. 34 :dl :f8 Of course Black cannot reply 34 ... :dS because of 35 .i.b7+. But now White's rook invades the 7th rank. 35 :d7 �b8 36 e5 �a7 This king manoeuvre, based on the tactical 37 :xc7+ �b6, does not bring B lack any significant relief. 37 .i.e4 �b6 38 �f2 h6 39 �g3 IS 40 exf6 :xf6 41 �g4 :f8 The sealed move. It is not difficult to see that Black has no useful moves.

54

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

If 4 1 ... e5 there would have followed 42 l:th7 and then 43 �h5, winning material. 42 l:th7 l:td8 43 l:txh6 �b5 44 l:th7 �d5 45 l:tb7+ �c6 Or 45 ...�c4 46 �xg5 l:tg8+ 47 .ltg6 fol lowed by the advance of the h-pawn. 46 llg7 �b5 47 �xg5 �xb4 48 h4 �xe3 Also insufficient is 48 ... a5 49 h5 a4 50 h6 a3 5 1 l:tb7+ �c3 52 l:ta7 �b2 53 .ltxd5 exd5 54 h7 a2 55 f4 a 1 =W 56 l:txal �xal 57 f5 �b2 58 f6 �c3 59 f7 �d3 60 �g6, and it is easy to see that White wins. 49 h5 l:tf8 50 h6 �fS 51 l:tb7+ �c5 52 h7 �d6 53 l:tc7+ �d4 54 .ltg6 �fS 55 l:tn Black resigns

Zonal Tournament, Lvov 1 9 78

Black has managed to restore material equality, but his king and knight are a long way from the main field of battle. 64 c4 a4 65 l:ta6 l:td8 66 .ltd6 l:te8+ 67 �d5 �fS 68 c5 �e3+ 69 �c6 ':e4 70 �d7 �d5 71 c6 ':c4 Black battles against the dangerous passed pawn. The question is whether he can give up his knight for the pawn, in order to reach a theoretically drawn ending. 72 �e6 �c3 73 �d7 If 73 .lte5 there would have followed 73 ... a3 ! , and the rook ending after 74 .ltxc3 ':xc3 75 �d7 ':d3+ 76 �c8 �f2 is drawish. 73...�d5 74 .lta3 �fJ 74 ...l:td4 75 .ltd6 ':c4 was better. 75 �d6 �f6 76 l:ta8! l:tcl If 76 ... �e4+ 77 �d5 l:tc2 78 .ltb4, and it is not easy for B lack to defend.

White is a pawn up, but the limited material makes it difficult to realise his advantage. 58 c4 �fS 59 cl �h4 60 l:tf6+ �g3 61 �e4 �xg2 62 c5 bxc5 63 .ltxc5 a5

77 l:U8! An accurately calculated manoeu­ vre. The rook ending is won. 77 .lha3 If 77 ... l:td3+ 78 �c5 l:tc3+ 79 �b5, and the king escapes from the pursuit.

Smyslov-Bagirov

•.

Endings with Rooks and Minor Pieces 78 ':xf6+ �e2 79 c7 ':d3+ 80 �c6 l:.c3+ 81 �b7 �d2 82 l:tc6 Black resigns Smyslov-Valbom

Team Competition, Lund 1976

55

45...l:ta8 46 exfS gxfS 47 l:te7 l:ta3+ 48 �d2 e4 49 b5 cxb5 50 cxb5 l:tb3 51 l:te5 White has a dangerous passed pawn. He combines defence with an attack on the enemy pawns. 51...lDg3 52 Wc2 l:td3 53 b6 l:td7 S4 .i.e3 l:tb7 55 l:ta5 lDfl 56 .tc5 ':b8 57 l:ta7 e3 58 �d3 f4 59 b7 l:td8+ 60 �e2 lDg3+ 61 �f3 e2 62 .i.b4 l:td3+ 63 g4 Black resigns SmysIov-IIIescas

Palma de Mal/orea 1989

White stands better, thanks to his more active pieces. His rook and bishop are stronger than Black's rook and knight. There followed: 35 �f3 lDd7 36 ':a8+ �g7 37 �e3 �f6 If 37 ... f5 38 l:ta7 l:te7 39 .taJ ':f7 40 .td6 fxe4 4 1 l:tc7 with a great advantage for White. 38 .ta3 �g7 39 l:td8 lDf6 40 .tf8+ �h7 41 b4 White has strengthened his posit­ ion, and he now begins advancing his queenside pawns. If 4 1 ... l:te8, then 42 l:txe8 lDxe8 43 c4 lDc7 44 .td6. 41 ... lDh5 42 c4 fS If 42 ...lDf4 43 �f3 l:tf6 44 .te7 l:te6 45 .td6 and then 46 b5. 43 l:td6 l:te8 44 ':d7+ �g8 45 .ixh6 White has won a pawn and Black's position has become hopeless.

White's pieces are more actively placed, and his king has invaded the enemy position. He is able to increase the threats and, despite the l imited material, he has a clear advantage. 43 .i.a3 lDd5+ 44 �a7 ':c7 45 ':fS lDc3 Of course, not 45 ...l:td7 46 l:tf8 mate. 45 ...lDe7 is also unsatisfactory on account of 46 l:te5 . 46 �b8! The attack continues. White's king has penetrated deep into the enemy rear, and now he wins a pawn.

56

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

46...l:f7 If 46...l:g7 there follows 47 .i.b2 ! 47 l:If7 �If7 48 �Ib7 as 49 .i.d lDe4 If 49 ... a4 there would have follow­ ed 50 b4 and 5 1 �c6, ensuring the advance of the b-pawn. 50 .i.e3 �g6 51 �b6 �h5 52 f3 lDc3 53 .i.d2 lDe2 54 �c5! �h4 If 54 ... lDg l 55 .i.xaS lDxf3 56 b4, and the passed pawn advances. 55 .i.xa5 �xh3 56 .i.c7 �g2 57 f4 lDg3 58 b4 h5 59 .i.d8 The bishop easily stops B lack's passed pawn. 59...�h3 60 b5 lDe4+ 61 �c6 Black resigns

43 l:xd4 h6 Black's difficulties are aggravated by the poor position of his knight. The attempt to bring it into play by 43 ... l:c8 proves insufficient in view of 44 .i.e4 l:c l + 45 �g2 l:d l 46 l:b4 l:d2 47 �fl lDd l 48 l:b8+ �g7 49 l:b7+ �f6 50 �e 1 and White wins. If 43 ...l:e8, then 44 .i.e4 lDd l 45 .i.f5 l:f8 46 .i.xh7 ! lDxf2 47 .i.c2 lDh3+ (or 47 ... l:c8 48 .i.a4 l:f8 49 �g2 �g7 50 g4 l:f7 5 1 .i.c2 with the threat of 52 .i.f5) 48 �g2 l:f2+ 49 �xh3 l:xc2 50 l:d5 g4+ 5 1 �xg4 l:xh2 52 l:h5+, and the pawn ending is easily won. 44 .i.e4 l:f6 45 f3 �g7

Smyslov-Krogius

Anniversary Tpurnament Moscow 1991

White is a pawn up and has good chances of realising his advantage, thanks to the weakened position of the black king. 42 l:d l lDxb2 After 42 ... lDxf2 43 l:fl B lack loses his knight.

46 �g2! The king heads for h5, in order to attack the enemy pawns. I f now 46 . . . h5, then 47 l:d5 �h6 48 l:d7. 46...l:a6 47 �h3 lDa4 48 l:c4! lDb2 If 48 ...h5 49 l:c7+ �f6 50 l:h7, winning a pawn. 49 l:c7+ �f8 50 �g4 lDdl 51 �h5 lDe3 52 l:c3 lDn 53 .i.d3 Black resigns

Endings with Rooks and Minor Pieces Tseshkovsky-Smyslov

Zonal Tournament, Lvov 1978

57

rook too takes up an 'ambush' position. 86 �fl b3 87 l1xh6 l1a2 White resigns The passed b-pawn cannot be stopped. Smyslov-Kottnauer

Chigorin Memorial Tournament Moscow 1947

Black is a pawn up, but White's pieces are well placed, and he is threatening 78 l1a6+, winning the h6 pawn. 77... .i.fS! Black's plan for realising his advantage includes an attack on the king with all his forces. Now if 78 l1a6+ there follows 78 ... �e5 79 l1xh6 l1d3+ 80 �e2 l1xb3 with an active game for Black. 78 l1a8 �eS 79 l1e8+ �f6 80 l1g8 i.c2 81 l1c8 �e5! The king again returns to this central square. If now 82 l1e8+ �f5, and then, after another check, the king goes to g5 . 82 l1xcs l1d3+ 83 �e2 �d4! A good illustration of the theme 'The king is an active piece in the endgame' . 84 l:tc6 l1xb3 8 5 l1d6 There is no way of saving the game. If 85 l1xh6 l1h3 . 85...l1b2 Black returns the compliment: his

White has a clear positional advantage. His bishop at e4 is splen­ didly placed, and his passed pawn on the g-fiIe is much stronger than the blockaded e5 pawn. 40 11c7 �e8 An enforced retreat, since after 40 ... l1d8 4 1 .i.f5 the pawn ending is lost for Black. 41 gS :d8 Not 41 ...l1c8 42 .i.g6+ �d8 43 l1xd7+ �xd7 44 i.f5+, and wins. 42 g6 .i.e6 42 ...�f8 fails to 43 .i.d5, when there is nothing that Black can move. 43 g7 l1d4 The g-pawn has advanced swiftly to the seventh rank. If 43 ...l1d ] + 44

58

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

�f2 l:ld2+ 45 �g3 l:lxb2 46 .i.c6+ �d8 47 l:ld7+ �c8 48 .i.d5 ! �xd7 49 .i.xe6+ �xe6 50 g8='i'+ �d6 5 1 'ifc4, and White gains a won ending. 44 .i.fJ! l:ld3 45 .i.e2 l:lg3+ 46 �f2 l:lg5 47 l:la7 �d8 48 .i.f3 .i.c4 49 �e3 .i.e6 50 .i.c6 .i.b3 This makes things easier for White. 50 ...l:lg4 was a tougher defence, not allowing the king to go to e4. There could have followed 5 1 .i.e4 l:lg 1 52 �f2 l:lg4 (52 ...l:ld 1 53 .i.g6 l:ld2+ 54 �g3 .i.d5 55 �h4 l:lxb2 56 .i.n l:lh2+ 57 �g5 l:lg2+ 58 �f6 l:tf2+ 59 �xe5 ! and wins) 53 .i.h7 �e8 54 l:ta8+ �e7 55 g8='if .i.xg8 56 .i.xg8. 51 �e4! .i.e6 52 .id5 Now Black's defences are disrup­ ted. With the exchange of bishops the g7 pawn comes alive. 52 ....i.xd5+ 53 �xd5 �e8 54 �e6 l:tg6+ 55 �xeS l:tg2 S6 l:la8+ �fi 57 g8='i'+ l:lxg8 58 l:lxg8 �xg8 S9 �d4 Black resigns

B lack has a big material advantage, but he has to reckon with the threat of .i.f8, and therefore his next move is perfectly understandable. 41....i.f3 42 �c2 hS 43 l:lh3 l:lg2+ 44 �c3 l:tf2 Black has greatly activated his game, while retaining both extra pawns on the h-fiIe. 45 �d4 .i.g4 46 l:ld3 �c6! Not allowing the white king to go to c5. Now 47 l:tc3+ is met by 47 ... �b7 48 �c5 l:ld2 49 �b5 h4 !, and if 50 .id6 l:td5+ 51 �xa4 h3 52 l:tc7+ �b6 53 l:lxh7 l:tb5 with the threat of 54 ....id 1 mate. 47 �c3 �bS 48 l:td6 l:tfJ+ 49 �d2 l:txf4 50 l:txe6 l:te4! Black ties down the white rook with the need to defend the e5 pawn, and meanwhile his passed pawns quickly decide the outcome. 51 �d3 h4 S2 l:te7 h3 53 .id6 hS 54 e6 .ie2+ SS �d2 .i.c4 56 l:th7 l:td4+ White resigns

Aronin-8myslov

18th USSR Championship Moscow 1950

Alexander-8myslov

Great Britain v. USSR. London 1 954

Endings with Roolcs and Minor Pieces Black has the initiative on the ueenside, where his bishop at c3 is q excellently placed. There followed: 34...c5 35 �h5 a4! 36 g4 Of course, 36 bxa4 fails to 36 ...c4. 36... �e5 37 g5 hxg5 38 hxg5 :b4 With the threat of 39 ...�g3 . 39 :e3 :f4 40 c4 �d4 The white king is in danger. 4 1 %te2 is not possible due t o 4 1 ... �f2. 41 l:t g3 a3! 42 cxd5 Here the game was adjourned, and White resigned without resuming play. There could have followed 42 ...%tf2, when 43 �b l :b2 does not help, as the a2 pawn is lost.

59

After 4 1 :c2 :xb3 42 :d2 �c3 43 �xb3 �xd2 this ending is won for Black: 44 �e2 �f4 45 h3 �e5 46 �d3 �g5 47 �a4 �4 ! 48 �e2 (48 �e8 f5 ! 49 �fl �xO, and Black wins) 48 ... �e7 49 �b3 �c5 50 �a4 �e5 5 1 �b3 �d4 52 �d2 �e7 53 �a4 �h4, and now, if White does not allow the king to go to c3, he loses the f2 pawn and the game. 41 ...�g5 The sealed move. Now Black activates his king. 42 :c4 �e5

Milev-Smyslov

Leipzig Olympiad 1960

Despite the presence of opposite­ colour bishops, Black has good winning chances. 35 ... �h6 Black aims to transfer his bishop to c3 and then bring his king into play. 36 �g2 :bl 37 �c2 :b2 38 :c8 .td2 39 �fl �c3 40 �dl �d4 41 .tc2

43 �dl Analysis showed that after 43 h3 Black wins by 43 ... �c3 44 �d l e5 45 %tc7 �d4, and now: (a) 46 :xfl :xf2+ 47 �e l h5 48 �e2 :h2 49 �fl �c3+ 50 �d l :d2+ 5 1 �c I �h4 52 :f6 g5 53 :h6 :f2 54 �c4 g4 with the threat of 55 ...�d2+; (b) 46 �c2 h5 47 �e2 (worse is 47 �g2 �c3 48 �d 1 :d2, winning the bishop) 47 ...�h4 48 �d3 �xf2 49 %txfl �g3 50 :f6 �xh3 5 1 lbg6 h4, and the h-pawn queens.

60

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

43 ':bl 44 �e2 �xb2 45 l:bb4 b5 The advance of this pawn secures the win for Black. 46 :b7 �f6 47 :d7 b4 48 f4 If 48 �f1 h3 49 :d8 �f4 50 �gl h2+ 5 1 �g2 :b2 with the decisive threat of 52 ...:xf2+. 48...�xf4 49 �fJ g5 50 �g2 �e5 51 �b5 An oversight, which hastens the end. 51 ... h3+ White resigns, as after 52 �xh3 :h I + he loses his bishop. ••

enemy position, after which White has insufficient defensive resources. 37 b4+ �xc4 38 :xd6 �b2 39 �xa4 �xa3 40 :d4+ �cl 41 :d7 :xb4 42 �dl c5 Black's plan has proved successful, and now his passed pawns decide the outcome. 43 �fJ b5 44 �d5 c4 45 e4 �b2 46 e5 cl 47 e6 :d4 Wbite resigns Valcarcel-Smyslov Los Palmas 1972

O'Kelly-Smyslov

Palma de Mal/orea 1967

Black has a positional advantage. His king is taking an active part in the play, and White's queenside needs defending. With his next move Black carries out the plan of transferring his rook to b6. 31...:t8! 32 e3 �f6 33 �e4 :a8 34 �fJ :a6 35 :d2 :b6 36 �dl a4! If 37 bxa4 there could have followed 37 ...:b l , invading the

Black is a pawn up. He is threat­ ening 43 ...:c l , and he can answer 43 �f3 with 43 ... .i.e4+ 44 �e2 :b l 45 :h7+ �c6 46 :e7 :b2+ 47 .i.d2 �d6, with good prospects. 43 :h7+ �c6 44 :c7+ �b5 45 .i.d6 Now if 45 ...:c I 46 .i.b4. 45....i.e4 46 :a7 :dl 47 .i.b4 :d3+ 48 �f4 Of course, not 48 �e2 on account of 48 ... .i.f3+ 49 �e I :d I mate. 48...:xd4!! The decisive blow. With this exchange sacrifice Black creates

Endings with Rooks and Minor Pieces connected passed pawns on the b- and c-fiIes. 49 cxd4 �xb4 50 f3 .i.d5 51 l:tal 51 �e3 would not have saved the game after 5 1 ...�c3 52 l:ta3+ �b2 53 :a4 c3 54 :b4+ .i.b3 55 :xb6 c2, when Black wins. 51 .�c3 52 �e3 b5 53 f4 b4 White resigns

61

lost) 50 ...a3 ! 5 1 l:txb4 l:tb2, and the a-pawn will cost White his rook.

..

Wedberg-Smyslov

New York 1989

Despite bishops of opposite colour, the ending is won for Black. White's main difficulties are caused by the fact that his bishop is restricted. 40...l:tal 41 l:tb2 l:txa5 42 l:txb7 :a2 43 �gl .i.f6 44 �fl .i.d4 45 :d7 White defends tenaciously. He is aiming to capture the d6 pawn and create counter-chances. 45....i.c5 46 d4 .i.b4 47 .i.g4 �f6 48 :c7 a5 49 l:tc4 49 .i.d7 would not have saved the game on account of 49 ... a4. 50 l:tc4 (50 .i.e8 is not possible, since after 50 ...l:ta l + 5 1 �e2 l:te l + the bishop is

49... �g5! The black king comes into play. Its triumphal procession through the central squares to the queenside cannot be prevented. If 50 g3 hxg3 5 1 fxg3 :a1 + 5 2 �g2 .i.e l 5 3 .i.d7 l:ta2+. 50 .i.dl �f4 51 l:tc2 If 5 1 .i.c2 Black wins by 5 1 ...l:ta 1 + 5 2 �e2 l:te l + 5 3 �d3 l:tg l 5 4 l:tc7 f5. 51 ...l:ta I 52 �e2 �e4 The king is an attacking piece. Both the d-pawns are threatened. 53 l:tc4 53 l:tC( would not have helped on account of 53 ... f5 54 l:tg7 l:ta2+ 55 �fl �d3 with the threat of winning the bishop (56 ... l:ta l ). 53 ...:a3 Black does not hurry to take the d5 pawn, but first deprives the white bishop of the b3 square. 54 l:tc7 f5 55 l:te7+ �xd4 56 l:tg7 l:ta2+ 57 �f3 .i.e1 White resigns If 58 .i.e2 there follows 58 ... l:ta3+ 59 �f4 .i.d2 mate.

62

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso Smyslov-Kasparian

Pamu 1947

White has the more active position. With the advance of his a-pawn he intensifies the queenside pressure. 27 a4! lId6 28 lIc7+ �f8 If 28 ...lId7 29 lIbc3 lIxc7 30 lIxc7+ �f6 3 1 �e3 with advantage to White. 29 as lIdd8 30 libel g6 31 e3 �e6 By sacrificing a pawn, Black frees his game somewhat. 32 lIxb7 lIb8 33 lIb6! lIxb6 34 axb6 lIb8 35 lIb3 �c8 36 �fl �e7 37 g4! A typical strategic procedure. White's activity on the other flank enables him to support the advance of his b-pawn. 37...�d6 38 g5 �c6 39 b7! Decisive. If 39 ...�xb7 40 .i.xa6, or 39 ...lIxb7 40 lIc3+ �d7 4 1 �h3+. 39...�e6 40 �xa6 �c7 41 1Ic3+ Black resigns Smyslov-Bronstein

Candidates Tournament Amsterdam 1956

Despite the material equality, Black is in a difficult position. White's king is completely secure, and his rook at b7 creates strong threats. This enables him to begin an attack on the l ight squares. 42 g6 If 42 ...h6 43 lIe3+ �f8 (43 ... �d8 44 lIb8+ �c7 45 lIc8+, winning a rook) 44 lIb8+ �d8 (after 44 ...lId8 45 lIxd8+ �xd8 46 �g6 �e7 47 lIe6 White wins the b6 pawn and retains a positional advantage, while if 44 ... �f7 45 h5 �e7 46 lIb7, winning) 45 �g6 lIxg6 46 lIxd8+ �f7 47 lId7+ �f8 48 lIxd5, and White is a pawn up with a great positional advantage. 43 �d3 Now it is clear that Black stands badly, since the b6 and h7 pawns are weak and loss of material is inevitable. 43 �e7 44 1Ie3 lId7 45 lIxb6 d4 46 1I0 �d6 47 lIa6 �e7 48 lIa8 �c5 The white rooks are very active, and it is hard to recommend anything better for Black. If 48 ... lId8 there .•.

.•.

Endings with Rooks and Minor Pieces follows 49 l:ta7+ l:tc7 (49 ... l:td7 50 :f7+ �xf7 51 :xd7+ �e6 52 l:txh7 with a decisive advantage) 50 b6 l:txa7 5 1 bxa7 i.c5 52 i.c4 d3 53 l:tf7+ �e8 54 ':'xh7 d2 55 i.b5+ �f8 56 ':'h8+ and White wins. 49 ':'b8 �d6 50 ':'c8 �d5 51 b5! Exploiting the pin on the c-fiIe, White breaks up the kingside pawns. 5 1 . . .gxh5 fails to 52 ':'f5+ �d6 53 ':'c6+, while if 5 1 ...':'d6 52 ':'c7. Sl...':'c3 52 bxg6 bxg6 53 ':'c6 ':'b7 54 l:txg6 l:txd3 55 l:txd3 �c4 56 ':'dl d3 57 ':'cl+ Black resigns Smyslov-Stablberg

Alekhine Memorial Tournament Moscow 1 956

White' s pieces are actively placed. His rooks control the open a-file, and his bishop is exerting pressure on the black d-pawn. First of all, White improves the position of his king. 45 �n! �f7 46 �e2 �e6 47 ':'la6 l:[dc7 48 ':'d8 c4 49 d4 White forestalls the threat of ...':'c5, and succeeds in stopping the passed c-pawn with his king.

63

49 c3 50 �dl l:tc4 51 �c2 l:tb4 52 �xc3 l:txb5 53 l:t.2 It is essential to defend the second rank, to avoid the counterattack with ...':'c7+. 53...':'c7+ 54 �d2 lDc8 Black tries to play his knight to d6, but it proves not so simple to carry out this plan, in view of the activity of the white pieces. 55 ':'e8+ �f7 56 ':'d8 �e6 57 �n ! ':'a5 58 ':'b2 �e7 59 ':'g8 �f7 60 l:tb8 �f6 61 �d3 ':'c6 62 i.b5 ':'c7 63 ':'d8 �e6 64 i.d7+! Now play goes into a rook ending, where it is hard for Black to defend in view of his pawn weaknesses. 64 ... ':'xd7 If 64 ... �e7 65 ':'xc8 �xd7 66 ':'b8, winning a pawn. 65 ':'xc8 ':'d6 66 ':'b8 ':'a6 67 ':'c2 ':'a7 •..

White has a positional advantage thanks to his superior pawn formation and more active rooks. He now improves the position of his king, taking it to the kingside to attack the g6 pawn.

64

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

68 e2 d7 69 l:tg8 l:ta4 70 l:tg7+ d8 71 l:tee7 This occupation of the seventh rank with the rooks ensures White a decisive advantage. 71 ... l:ta2+ 72 fJ l:ta5 73 l:tef7 e8 74 l:tb7 f8 75 l:tbf7+ e8 76 l:th7! l:ta8 77 l:tb7 l:tf6 All Black's pieces have been forced into passive positions. Now the manoeuvre of the white king decides matters. 78 g3 Black resigns He cannot prevent the white king from going to g5.

cxd4 c4, and the passed c-pawn decides the outcome. 28....i.xa4 29 l:ta2 exd4+ 30 exd4 exd4+ 31 l:txd4 l:t8b3+ 32 l:td3 l:txd3+ 33 xd3 .i.b5+ 34 d4 34 c2 can be met by 34 ...l:tgl , maintaining the material advantage. 34...l:tdl+ 35 cS a6 Thus Black is a pawn up with good winning chances. 36 e5 fnS 37 .i.dS+ g7 38 fxeS l:td3 39 l:to .i.e8 The bishop succeeds in coming to the aid of the king. 40 l:tg2 as 41 .i.e4 l:te3 42 d4 l:tel 43 e6

Neikireh-Smyslov

Munich Olympiad 1958

43 g5! Black does not forget about improving his pawn formation, while providing an outlet for his bishop at g6. 44 g4 .i.g6 45 l:tg3 If 45 l:ta2 l:te4+ 46 c5 (46 c3 l:te3+ 47 d4 l:txh3) 46...l:te3 47 l:txa5 l:te5+ 48 b6 (48 .i.d5 .i.e4 with a won pawn ending) 48 ...l:txaS 49 xaS .i.e4 with a won bishop ending. ..•

Black's position is preferable. He has the more active bishop, and his rooks control the open b-fiJe. There followed: 26...l:tbl 27 d4 .i.d7! An unexpected reply. Now 28 dxe5 is met by 28 ....i.a4, winning the exchange. 28 a4 If 28 l:tf2 .i.a4 29 l:tcd2 exd4+ 30

Endings with Rooks and Minor Pieces 45...l:te4+ 46 �d5 �f6 47 l:tf3+ :f4 48 l:te3 If 48 l:ta3 i.e4+ 49 �c5 l:tO, retaining the advantage. 48 ... h5 49 i.e2 h4! 50 i.d3 i.xd3 51 l:txd3 a4 The rook ending is won for Black. He has not only a material advantage, but also a positional one. 52 l:ta3 l:tb4 53 l:tf3+ �g6 54 l:ta3 If 54 l:t17 a3 55 l:txe7 l:ta4, ensuring the advance of the passed pawn. 54 ... l:tb5+ 55 �c6 l:tb3 56 l:txa4 l:txh3 57 l:ta8 l:td3! Wbite resigns

65

59 l:tb6 �f8 Or 59 ...ltJb4 60 f6+ �g8 6 1 �g6 l:td7 62 l:th 1 l:tc7 63 l:td 1 and White wins. 60 f6 ltJe7 61 l:tb8+ ltJg8 I f 6 1 ...'iif17 62 l:th7+. 62 i.d5 Black resigns Smyslov-Browne

Rovinj/Zagreb 1970

Smyslov-Bouwmeester

Leipzig Olympiad 1960

Despite the limited number of pawns, White's advantage promises him good winning chances. There followed: 56 l:te5 ltJc6 57 l:t5e6 l:txe6 57 ...ltJxaS loses to 58 l:txf6 l:txf6 59 i.d5 l:td6 60 f6+. 58 l:txe6 l:tc7 If 58 ... ltJxaS 59 f6+ �f8 60 l:td6 :c7 61 l:td8+ �f7 62 i.d5 mate.

White's advantage is obvious. He has a great spatial superiority and his pieces are exerting strong pressure on the f6 pawn. There followed: 47 b4 i.c6 48 b5 i.xd5 Black eliminates the active knight, forestalling the threat of 49 hxg6 hxg6 50 ltJf4+. If 48 ...gxh5 White continues 49 gxh5 i.xd5 50 exd5+ �d7 5 1 l:tf5, in order to play c4-c5 and then transfer his rook via e2 to e6. 49 cxd5+ 'iifd7 SO h6 The h6 pawn is bound to play an important role in the rook ending. 50 'iifd8 51 l:tc2 l:td7 The freeing attempt 5 1 ...f5 does not succeed on account of 52 g5 fxe4 (52 ...l:te8 53 l:tfc3 l:txe4+ 54 'iifd3 ..•

66

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

:d7 55 :c8+ �e7 56 :h8, or 52 ... f4 53 :fc3 :e8 54 :c8+ �e7 55 :2c7+, exchanging rooks) 53 :fc3 :e8 54 :c8+ �e7 55 �e4 :xc8 56 :xc8 �d7 57 :h8 �c7 58 b5! axb5 59 �d4, when the king goes to b4 to win the b5 pawn. Then by :g8-g7 White transposes into a won pawn ending. 52 g5

52 15 If 52 ... :df7 there would have followed 53 gxf6 :xf6 54 :fc3 :6f7 55 :c8+ �e7 56 :2c7+ �f6 57 :xfS :xfS 58 :xh7 g5 59 :xb7 �g6 60 :d7 g4 6 1 :g7+, winning. 53 exfS gxf5 54 :fc3 �e7 55 :c8 :fd8 56 �e3 :xc8 57 :xc8 �f7 58 �f4 Now the win is simple. White easily creates passed g- and h-pawns. 58..':e7 59 � :e5+ 60 �g4 :xd5 61 :c7+ �e6 62 :xh7 :d4+ 63 �h5 :xb4 64 :g7 Black resigns .•.

Smyslov-Ribli

Candidates Match London 1983

This position was reached in the first game of our Candidates Semi­ Final Match. White has an attacking position, and the black king is in danger. 42 h5! f4! If 42. . .�b3 there would have followed 43 :g7+ �h8 44 :ff7 �xe6 45 :xh7+ �g8 46 :fg7+ �fS 47 h6 with irresistible threats to the black king. If 42 ...gxh5 there follows 43 f4! �b3 44 :g7+ �h8 45 :h6 with inevitable mate. 43 h6 �f5 44 :g7+ �h8 45 :m g5 The only defence against the mating threats. Now 46 lbxg5 is met by 46...:xh6. 46 lbd4 :c1+ 47 �h2 �g6 Black has managed to avoid losing material, but White's attack continues. 48 :(6 :1c5 49 :d7 :g8 50 :e7 :.5 51 lbc6 :.6 52 :ee6 Threatening 53 lbe7, and after 53 ...:xe6 54 :xe6 :a8 55 :e5, winning an important pawn.

Endings with Rooks and Minor Pieces 52 .ih5 53 lDe5 l:ta7 54 l:tf5 l:tb7 SS l:td6 l:ta7 S6 l:tb6 l:te7 Before the control at move 56, both players were short of time. 57 l:tbf6 Threatening by 58 l:tf8 to win the g5 pawn. 57 ... l:tee8 58 lDc4 The knight heads via d6 to the central square e4. In a difficult position B lack decides on a piece sacrifice. 58...g4 .•.

59 lDe5! This leads to a win. 59 l:txh5 would have been rash in view of 59 ... g3+ 60 �h3 l:te l with counterplay. 59 gxfJ 59 ....ig6 did not help on account of 60 fxg4 .ixf5 6 1 lDf7 mate. 60 l:txh5 l:txg2+ Forced, in view of the mate threat at f7. 61 �h3 l:tg3+ If immediately 6 1 ...l:tg l , then 62 l:thf5 �g8 63 l:txf4 wins. 62 �h4 Cl 63 l:txf4 l:tgl 64 l:thf5 l:thl+ •..

67

Of course, not 64 ... fl ='ii' 65 l:txfl . 6S
Moscow Championship 1942

White's pieces are actively placed, and the black pawns in the centre have been halted. This allows White to create a passed pawn on the queenside. 27 a4! Played in attacking style. 27 f4 was also good, but the move played is more energetic. The pawn sacrifice sharpens the play, since B lack acquires a passed pawn on the a-file. 27 bxa4 28 b5 Now the significance of the bishop at h6 becomes apparent. The advance of the b-pawn is threatened, and the knight cannot go to d5 in view of the rook sacrifice at d6. 28...lDe8 If 28 ...a3 29 .ig5 l:tdd7 30 b6 lDe8 (30 ... lDd5 3 1 b7 l:tf8 32 l:txd6 l:txd6 33 l:tc8 l:tb6 34 .ih6) 3 1 l:tc8 l:tf8 •..

68

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

(3 t ...�fS 32 llxe8+) 32 .tb5 llb7 33 .txe8 llxb6 34 .th6 a2 35 .txfS .txfS (35 ...11b t 36 .th6 a t =. 37 .th5+) 36 lla8 llb2 37 g3 d3 3 8 �g2 d2 39 lid 1 �g7 40 .th5 followed by 4 1 lla I , winning. 29 llc8 llfd7 30 b6 �f7 31 .tb5 a3 Best. After 3 1 ...11xc8 32 llxc8 lle7 33 .txa4 llJf6 34 .tfS! loss of material is inevitable. 32 .txd7 llxd7 33 lla8 llJf6 34 lla7 With the strong threat of 35 .tg5, which could have been parried by 34 ...�g6, although even then after 35 .td2 White retains a great advantage. 34 .tb8 35 llxa3 llJd5 If 3 5 ... 11b7 36 lla7! .txa7 (or 36 ...11xa7 37 bxa7 .txa7 38 llc7+ �g6 39 llxa7 �xh6 40 lle7) 37 llc7+ llxc7 38 bxc7 and wins. 36 lla8 llb7 37 llc8 .td6 38 lla7 llxa7 39 bxa7 llJb6 40 llc6 Black resigns

Black has a great positional advan� tage. With his next move he restricts the movements of the white pieces on the kingside. 21 ...g4! 22 �fl �f7 23 �e2 �e6 24 b3 llJb6 25 llJd2 �f5! The king heads for g5, to free the bishop from having to defend the h4 pawn. 26 .tfl �g5 27 .tel .ta3! 28 llJn If 28 llbt .td6! 28....tb2 29 lldl lla6 If 29 ... 11xa2 30 lld2 with the threat of llc2, .td2 and .tc I . 30 �fl llJc8 31 �e2 llJd6 32 �fl White has no useful moves, and he is obliged to stick to waiting tactics. 32 �f5 33 �e2 �e6 34 �fl b6 35 �e2 c5 36 �fl c4! B lack has systematically intensified the positional pressure, and he now embarks on decisive action. 37 bxc4 bxc4 38 �gl llJf5 39 llbl llxa2 White resigns

Nestler-Smyslov

Candidates Tournament Yugoslavia 1 959

•••

Venice 1 950

•••

Smyslov-Benko

Endings with Rooks and Minor Pieces It would appear that the pawn at e6 will not last long, but by exploiting a pin White succeeds in beginning active play. 30 /t)d4! ':b7 31 /t)c6 i.f6 32 lha7 ':xa7 33 /t)xa7 ':a8 If 33 ...':xe6 34 ':c l . Black prefers to get rid of the outside passed pawn. 34 /t)c6 ':xa2 35 ':b1! e4 36 i.e5 i.xe5 If 36 ...':c2 37 e7 rj,(f7 38 /t)d8+ ri;xe7 39 i.xf6+ rj,(xf6 40 ':xb6+ 'i;e7 4 1 /t)c6+ rj,(d7 42 /t)e5+, and White remains a knight up. 37 /t)xe5 /t)d5 38 h3 By creating an escape square for his king, White frees his rook for the attack. 38...':a6 If 38 ... 'i;f8 there could have followed 39 ':b7 /t)e7 (39...':a6 40 lL'lg6+ �g8 4 1 ':b8+ �g7 42 e7) 40 lL'ld7+ �g7 4 1 /t)c5 'i;f6 42 /t)xe4+ 'i;xe6 43 ':b6+ 'i;e5 44 /t)g3 ':al + 45 'i;h2 ':a2 46 ':xh6 ':xf2 47 ':h5 'i;f4 48 ':h7, and Black loses his g5 pawn. 39 ':b8+ 'i;g7 40 l:b7+ �f6 41 lL'ld7+ �CS

69

The e6 pawn is immune on account of 42 /t)c5+, but 4 1 ...'�g6 was a tougher defence. 42 g4+! �f4 43 /t)c5 ':c6 If 43 ...':a1 + 44 �g2 e3 45 ':f7+ 'i;e5 46 e7 /t)xe7 47 ':xe7+ �d6 48 /t)b3 and White wins a piece. 44 ':17+ �e5 45 .:CS+ �d6 Or 45 ...�d4 46 /t)b3+ �c3 47 ':xd5 �xb3 48 ':e5. 46 /t)b7+! �c7 47 ':xd5 �b7 48 ':e5 Thus White has managed to hold on to his e6 pawn and transpose into a won rook ending. 48 ':c8 49 e7 ':e8 SO ':xe4 �c7 51 ':e6 �d7 52 ':xh6 ':xe7 53 �g2 Black resigns .•.

Sofrevski-Smyslov

Skopje 1 969

Black is a pawn up, but the play is double-edged, and both kings come under attack. 50...':c3 51 ':dl White cannot reply 5 1 i.f5 on account of 5 1 ...�d4+ 52 �f1 ':0+ 53 �e 1 �c3+ 54 �d 1 ':f1 mate.

70

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

51 ...lbc6! Black combines attack with defence. After 5 1 ...lbxb3 52 l:tb7+ it would have been bad to play 52 .. /�)e6 on account of 53 l:txb3 ! l:txb3 54 i.c4+. 52 l:tb7+ �e8 53 i.g5 lbd4 54 �O l:th2 55 i.e4 �f8 Black has greatly strengthened his position. His knight has been transferred to the central d4 square, and now he improves the position of his king. 56 i.d5 lbe6 57 i.d2 Not 57 i.xe6 fxe6 58 i.e7+ �e8 59 i.xd6 in view of 59 ... i.xd6 60 l:txd6 l:tc 1 + and mate next move. 57...l:tg3 Of course, not 57 ... l:td3 5 8 i.h6+. 58 i.b4 l:txg4 59 i.xe6 l:tb1+ 60 �e2 l:te4+ 61 �O l:tf4+ 62 �e2 l:txdl 63 �xdl fxe6 64 �c2 �e8 The situation has clarified to Black's obvious advantage. He has not only retained a material advantage, but has also acquired passed d6 and e6 pawns. 65 l:tb6 �d7 66 i.d2 l:to 67 �d3 l:tO+ 68 �c2 i.f4 69 i.e1 If 69 i.xf4 l:txf4 70 l:txa6 e5 7 1 �c3 d 5 72 b4 l:tc4+ 73 �b3 e4 74 b5 l:tc 1 , and Black must win. 69 d5 70 l:txa6 d4 71 l:ta2 d3+ 72 �dl l:to Wbite resigns

42 l:txc6! White sacrifices the exchange, in order to invade the seventh rank with his other rook. 42 bxc6 43 l:txc6 l:te5 If 43 ...l:tc5 44 l:ta6 lbf8 45 l:ta7+ �g8 46 l:te7! l:td8 47 lbxe6 lbxe6 48 i.xe6+ with an easy win. 44 l:tc7 l:td8 45 lbxe6!! l:txe6 46 b4 Black resigns •..

..•

Smyslov-Eingorn

55th USSR Championship Moscow 1987 White is a pawn up, but by playing his knight to e5 Black intends to set up a solid defence.

A rare zugzwang situation in an actual game. Despite his extra rook, there is nothing that Black can move. If 46...a4 there follows 47 i.d5.

Endings with Rooks and Minor Pieces Smyslov-Flohr

1 7th USSR Championship Moscow 1949

71

52 hxg6 If 52 ...�xg6 53 llgS+ r:tf7 54 l:tbg 1 l:txc6 55 l:t 1 g7 mate, or 52 ...�g7 53 l:tc7+ r:txg6 54 l:tg 1 + �h6 55 l:th 1 + �g6 5 6 l:thxh7 l:txc6 57 l:tcg7 mate. 53 l:tb7 mate •..

Smyslov-Korchnoi

USSR Team Championship Moscow 1961

In this ending the outcome is decided by an attack on the king. 49 l:tc8 .i.d5 50 c6 l:tO+ Forced, since the immediate 50 ... l:tc3 would be met by 51 l:tb7+ �g6 52 l:tgS+ �h5 53 l:txh7 mate. 51 �e5 l:tc3

52 g6+!! A pretty combinational blow. The black king is unable to break out of the mating net.

White is the exchange up, but his king is unable to approach the enemy pawns. He finds an interesting winning plan. 59 l:tc2 .i.al 60 l:tg2! �g7 61 g4! fxg4 62 hxg4 �h6 If 62 ... hxg4 63 l:txg4 .i.b2 64 f4 with the threat of 65 fS, and White wins. 63 r:tf7 .i.e5 64 gxh5 g5 65 l:te2 .i.c3 66 l:th2 .i.e1 67 �f6 .i.g3 68 l:thl .i.fl Or 6S ... .i.h4 69 �fS �xh5 70 l:th2 �h6 7 1 f4 �h5 ! 72 l:tg2 ! gxf4 73 l:tgS and wins. 69 �f5 .i.h4 70 �g4 Black resigns

72

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso Smyslov-Matulovic

European Team Championship Oberhausen 1961

43 b4 44 b5 lLld4 If 44 ... b3 there would have followed 45 h6 b2 46 :e7+ �d8 47 h7, and White wins. 45 b6 lLlf5+ 46 �f4 .i.e6 47 :b8+ �d7 48 b7 Black resigns •..

HUbner-Smyslov

Interzonal Tournament Palma de Mal/orea 1970

White has the exchange for a pawn and good winning chances. Black is unable to set up a ' fortress' and to forestall the activity of the white pieces. 32 �f3 g5 33 �e4 lLlg7 34 :0 The rook switches to the f-tile, in order to penetrate deep into the enemy defences. 34 .i.d5+ 35 �e3 lLle6 36 .i.d6 g4 37 :15 .i.xa2 38 :xbS cS 39 :b7 The rook has become very active and can successfully combat Black's passed pawns on the queenside. If now 39 ... b5 40 :xa7 .i.d5 (40 ... .i.c4 4 1 �e4 b4 42 .i.xc5 lLlxc5+ 43 �d4) 4 1 .i.xc5 lLlxc5 42 �d4 with a decisive advantage for White. 39 .i.d5 40 :b4 .i.f3 If 40...b5 4 1 .i.xc5 lLlxc5 42 �d4, regaining the piece. 41 b3 b5 42 :b7 .i.d5 43 b4! The passed h-pawn constitutes a powerful force, whereas Black's b-pawn can be stopped by the rook. ••.

•••

B lack has the exchange for a pawn, but there are no obvious weaknesses in White's position. 24 :b5 This rook move is aimed at provoking an advance of the enemy pawns and beginning active play on the queenside. For example: 25 b3 :a5 26 a4 b5 27 axb5 cxb5, and the rook penetrates to a I . 25 lLlc4 lLlc5! A well thought-out manoeuvre with the aim of provoking an advance of the e-pawn. If now 26 lLla3 :xb2 27 .i.xc5 :xa2, and White loses his knight in the variation 28 �e2 b6 29 .i.e7 �t7. 26 e5 lLle6 27 .i.o :dS 28 .i.g3 ..•

Endings with Roolcs and Minor Pieces White has managed to parry the threat of 28 ...b5, but he is unable to prevent the penetration of the rook deep into his rear. 28 :ldl + 29 �e2 :lbl 30 b3 bS 31 lba5 cS 32 lbc6 :lal Now White loses a pawn and his position becomes lost. His further resistance is merely symbolic. 33 Wd2 :lxa2 34 i.f2 �f7 35 �c1 :a1+ 36 �b2 :lhl 37 i.g3 :lgl 38 lDb8 :xg2 39 lbxa6 lbd4 40 �c3 lDe2+ White resigns •..

73

55 �e7 �g7 56 �d6 �f6 57 ':a4 lbfS+ 58 �d5 �g5 If 58 ...lbe3+ 59 �e4 lbxg2 60 :la2 lbe 1 6 1 :le2, and the knight is lost. 59 �e5 f6+ If 59 ...lbe3, then 60 :le4 lbxg2? 6 1 :lg4+ is possible. 60 �e6 lbg7+ 61 �f7 lbh5 62 :g4+ Black resigns Smyslov-Rohde

New York 1989

Smyslov-Visier

Las Palmas 1972

White's exchange advantage assures him of a win. First of all he advances his king for an attack on the fl pawn. 46 Wd4 lbg8 47 �e5 lbh6 48 �d6 �f8 49 �d7 �g8 50 �e8 �g7 51 :ta7 �g8 52 :ld7 �g7 53 O! The second part of the plan. Now the advance of the g-pawn to g5 is threatened. 53... h4 54 :la7 �g8 If 54 ...Wf6 55 �f8.

White has the exchange for a pawn, but it is not so easy to pierce Black' s defensive lines. In order to succeed, White must open another file for his rook. This can be done on the kingside. 32 g4! h6 33 h4 �d8 34 :tet Of course, not 34 g5 hxg5 35 hxg5 lbh7, when the g5 pawn is attacked. 34...lbd7 35 i.gl lbf6 36 gS hxgS 37 hxgS lbh5 38 �e3 lbg7 39 i.h3 White has achieved his aim: he has opened the h-file for his rook. Now his bishop takes up a favourable position, putting the e6 and f5 squares under fire.

74

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

39 lOge8 40 �f4 liJc7 41 �e5 A good illustration of the axiom: 'the king in the endgame is an active piece' . 41 lOde8 4 2 Ild1+ lOd5 4 3 i.g2 lOec7 44 i.xd5 lOxd5 45 Ilhl ! .••

.••

White's plan has been carried out in full. H is king at e5 occupies a dominating position, and now his rook invades the 8th rank along the open file. 45 �d6 would have been over-hasty on account of 45 ...lOc3. 45 �e7 46 Ilh8 lOb6 47 �d4 lOd7 48 lla8 �d6 Black loses a pawn, since if 48 ... a6 there follows 49 lla7. 49 Ilxa7 �c7 50 :.8 �d6 51 f4 �e6 52 :a7 Black resigns If 52 ...b5 there follows 53 a4 bxa4 54 bxa4 �d6 55 Ilxd7+ �xd7 56 �c5 with a won pawn ending. •••

Smyslov�anjgava

Rome 1 990

White has a rook for a knight and pawn, but the realisation of his advantage demands considerable effort. 90 i.a8 lOe3 If 90 ...i.e3 White could have continued 9 1 �g4, attacking the h4 pawn. 91 :b5+ i.c5 92 a5 lOf5 93 Ilxb6! i.xb6 94 axb6 lOd4+ 95 �g4 �d6 96 i.e4 In the resulting ending with passed pawns, the bishop is stronger than the knight, but accuracy is required. 96 �xh4 would have been weaker: 96 ...�c5, and if 97 b7 lOc6 98 �g4 �d6. Here the black king succeeds in stopping the h-pawn, and his knight the b-pawn, since the bishop at a8 is shut out ofthe game. 96 lOe6 97 �h4 lOeS 98 i.f3 lOd7 99 b7 �c7 100 �g5 Black resigns The h-pawn cannot be stopped. ...

5

E n d i ngs with Queens

In this chapter the attention of the reader is drawn to endings where there are queens on the board, and where they also operate together with other pieces. The queen is the most mobile piece. In the endgame there is greater scope for manoeuvring by it, and the possibility ofthreats to the enemy king. However, it would be incorrect to assume that in queen endings the king should withoutfail be kept covered. It is often necessary to support the advance ofa passed pawn with active king manoeuvres. Queen endings usually demand lengthy calculation. It is no accident that, in the analysis ofthe ending with queen and pawn against queen, it was computers that showed the way. However, it can be said that here too, in over-the-board play, a very important part is played by understanding, and sometimes also by intuition. In endings where other pieces operate together with the queens, the play is often typical of the middlegame. Faced by dangerous enemy attacks, the king is obliged to seek a secure shelter. An important role is played by the initiative, and also by passed pawns. Often the outcome is decided by a direct attack on the king. Typical in this respect are endings where queen and rooks are opposed by queen and rooks. Smyslov-Lilienthal

15th USSR Championship Leningrad 1 94 7

I t i s not easy for White to realise his material advantage. With queens

on the board one has to pay particular attention to the opponent's threats. White's plan involves advancing e5-e6, in order to open up the position of the black king. 43 "'d5 "'a7+ 44 �el �g8 45 e6! fxe6 45 ......e7 is met by the decisive 46 "'d7 !, while if 45 ......a6+ 46 �d2 fxe6 47 'i'd3, and Black loses his g6 pawn, as he cannot exchange queens. 46 'i'e4! "'a6+ After 46 ...�f7 47 "xb4 the passed b-pawn guarantees a win for White. 47 "'d3 "b6 48 "xg6+ �f8 49 "'xh5 "'d4 If 49 ...'i'a6+ there would have followed 50 �d2 ! 'i'd6+ 5 1 �e l , and the checks come to an end.

76

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

50 "0+ �g7 51 b3 White has consolidated his material advantage. With two extra pawns the win is achieved without particular difficulty. 51 ..."b2+ 52 �n "c1+ 53 �g2 "cl 54 "e3 e5 55 h5 "c6+ 56 �gl "cl 57 "g5+ �f7 58 "g6+ �e7 59 h6 The advance of this pawn is quickly decisive. 59..."xb3 60 h7 "d1+ 61 �g2 "d5+ 62 0 "d2+ 63 �h3 "d7+ 64 "g4 "dl 65 "g7+ Black resigns

72.....d3 73 "b4+ �f2 74 "c5+ e3 75 �h2 'iWbl White resigns The threat of mate by 76 ...•g 1 is irresistible. Smyslov-Chin Ruan

Buenos Aires 1978

W.Schmidt-Smyslov

Polanica Zdroj 1 968

Black is a pawn up in a queen ending. The plan for realising his advantage involves advancing his king and pawns. There followed: 63 15 64 "a7+ �g6 65 "a8 e4 66 "g8+ �f6 67 'iWh8+ �g5 68 "g8+ �r4 69 "a2 �e3 70 ..at �e2 71 "a2+ �e1 72 'iWb3 If 72 .a t + .d l 73 .a2 .c l 74 �g l e3, and Black strengthens his position. ..•

64.....d5+ 65 e4! This pawn sacrifice activates White's game. 65 �h2 was not good on account of 65 ... b3, when Black's passed pawns are dangerous. 6S.....xe4+ 66 �h2 "cl 67 "f7+ �c6 68 h5 b3 69 h6 b2 70 h7 bl=" Over-hasty. 70 ...•c3 ! 7 1 .e8+ �b7 was better. 71 h8=" Black has allowed the transition into an ending where each side has two queens. However, his king is exposed, and it now comes under an irresistible attack. 71 ...�b5 72 "dS+ �b4 73 "hd4+ Black resigns Smyslov-Boleslavsky

Samara 1 942

Endings with Queens

77

The outcome is already decided in White's favour. 45 'ii'd3 46 a4 lDf6 47 lDxd6 ..-d4+ 48 �hl liJg4 49 'ii'c l! Black resigns •..

Bondarevsky-Smyslov

18th USSR Championship Moscow 1 950

White has a spatial advantage and the better pawn formation. This allows him to develop a dangerous initiative. 38 ..-0 ! White occupies the f-file with gain of tempo, without removing the attack on the b5 pawn. Now Black is forced to play his knight to an unfavourable post, to prevent the queen from going to f6. 38...lDh7 39 1Dbl The decisive knight manoeuvre, winning the b5 pawn. If 39 .. 5.Pa7, then 40 lDc3 �a6 4 1 a4. In view of this variation, B lack gives up his doomed pawn, and seeks counterplay in complications. 39 ..-c8 40 ..-xb5 ..-c1+ 41 ..-0 'i'cl The queen takes up an active position. 4 1 ...'ii'e 3+ would not have saved the game in view of 42 'ii'f2 'W'c l + 43 �h2 'ii'xb l 44 'ii'xb6+, when White soon regains the piece. 42 'ii'e t g4 43 hxg4 1Df6 44 1Dc3 lLlxg4 45 liJb5 Threatening liJxd6, as well as 'ii'fl . .••

Black's passed pawn is very dangerous and promises him a strong initiative. There followed: 44....tdl! This move threatens 45 ...'ii'e2+! 46 'ii'xe2 .txe2 47 c6 b2 48 c7 .tg4, when Black wins by force. 45 h3 does not help in view of 45 ...'ii'f4+ 46 �gl (46 lDO i.xO 47 gxO 'ii'h2+) 46 ... 'ii'e 3+ 47 �fl 'ii'e2+ 48 'ii'xe2 i.xe2+ 49 �xe2 b2, and the pawn queens. 45 c6 'ii'xc6 46 lDd3 'ii'c4 47 �e3 i.c2 48 1De1 Or 48 lDc5 'ii'b4 with the threat of 49 ... 'ii'e l +, and if 49 �e2 there follows 49 ...'ii'xaS 50 lDxb3 'ii'b5 +, when Black wins. 48 i.f5 49 �dl 'ifb5 50 �dl .tg4+ 51 �cl 'ii'c4+ White resigns •••

78

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso Smyslov-Lutikov

3 7th USSR Championship Moscow 1 969

lOxd6 �xd6 46 f4 c4 47 �f2, and White wins the pawn ending. 41 "'d1+ �c7 42 "'xa4 �xg5 43 hxg5 �d6, and Black resigned There could have followed 44 'it'b4+ �c7 (44 ...c5 45 'it'b6+ "'c6 46 "'xc6+ �c6 47 �f3 �b5 48 �e3 with a won pawn ending) 45 a4, and the a-pawn quickly advances. Smyslov-Guimard

Mar del Plata 1962

White has the better pawn formation, and he begins active play with his queen and knight against Black's pawn weaknesses. 35 ....6 b5 36 "'h8 The queen has penetrated deep into the enemy position, preventing the black king from going to b7. 36......e6 37 lOg5 "'e8 38 ",a; a4 In search of counterplay, Black advances his pawn. However, here it is not easy to find a good reply. If 38 ...�d6 39 1Of7, or 38 ...�d8 39 "'g7+ �c8 40 1Of7 with an attack. Finally, 38 ... �c8 is also strongly met by 39 1Of7 "'g8 40 lOh8. 39 bxa4 bxa4 40 "'fJ! The queen returns to its starting point in order to win the a4 pawn. The threat is 4 1 "'d l +. 40...�d8 40...�c8 would not have saved the game after 4 1 "'a3. If 40 ...�d6, then 4 1 "'d l a3 (4 1 . .....a8 42 1Of7) 42 'it'b3 �c7 43 "'f7+ "'xf7 44 lOxfl cS 45

There was an interesting finish to this game with the Argentine grandmaster. 25 'it'b5 l:te6 This weakens the back rank. Better was 25 ...l:tc8 26 l:tb l "'xcS 27 "'xc5 l:txc5 28 l:txb7 g6 29 l:txa7 l:txc2, when Black retains drawing chances in the rook ending. 26 a6! b6 27 l:tbl b5 On this move, which opens an escape square for his king, Black was pinning all his hopes. 28 cxb6!! l:te1+ In this way B lack wins the queen, but... loses the game.

79

Endings with Queens 29 l:txel 'i'xb5 30 bxa7 The rook and the two passed a-pawns prove stronger than the black queen. 30..:"c6 31 l:tbl �h7 32 l:tb8 Black resigns

Smyslov-F.Olafsson

Reylcjavik 1974

Hug-Smyslov

Interzonal Tournament Petropolis 1973

Black has a great advantage. He is not only a pawn up, but also his pieces are more actively placed. 36... b5! Beginning an offensive on the queenside. After ...b5-b4-b3 White's king will face mating threats, while at the same time his queen and rook are tied to the defence of the f5 pawn. 37 "d7 b4 38 �bl 1f 38 ..-xa7 l:tc2 39 .-a2 (or 39 l:tb l l:tc6) 39 ...l:txb2 ! 40 "xb2 "a6+ 4 1 �b 1 "xfl + 42 �a2 "c4+ and Black exchanges queens, obtaining a won pawn ending. 38 ... a5 39 "dl "e5 40 'i'd3 'W'd5 41 "e2 b3 42 f6 l:tc4 43 l:tO l:te4 White resigns

White has a great positional advantage. His far-advanced passed pawn at c6 restricts the mobility of the black pieces. Exploiting zugzwang motifs, he first of all takes his king to a safe place. 42 �g1 ! b5 43 'i'c5 l:tb8 44 �h2 Now the king has acquired a secure shelter, and Black is in zugzwang. If 44... b4 there follows 45 "d6 "a7 46 c7 l:tc8 47 "d8 Wb7 48 f5 ! exf5 49 l:tc4 with a decisive attack. 44...'i'a5 45 l:tdl ! 'i'a4 If 45 ... l:tc8 there could have followed 46 'i'e7 ..-c3 47 c7 ! "g3+ (or 47 .....xc7 48 l:td7) 48 �h l "xf4 49 "d7 ..-a4 50 l:tfl and White wins. 46 c7 'i'xf4+ If 46...l:tc8 47 l:td8, similar to the game continuation. 47 �gl l:tc8 48 l:td8 Black resigns Smyslov-Rodriguez

Capablanca Memorial Tournament CienJuegos 1973

80

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso Black resigns If 33 ...:c8, then 34 c7 "e8 35 "d2 �g7 36 :d8 "e6 37 :xc8 "xc8 38 "d8, or 33 ...e4 34 c7 exf3+ 35 exf3 "a2+ 36 :d2 "e6 37 :d8 "e2+ 38 �h3 "fl + (38 ......e6+ 39 g4) 39 �h4, and White wins. Smyslov-Suetin

World Senior Championship Bad Worishofen 1991

White's extra pawn and well placed pieces promise him good winning chances. With his next move his queen takes up a dominating position. 27 "'e5! � 28 c5 "'a5 Of course, not 28 .....xc5 29 :d8+. 29 :d7 "'xa2 If 29 ... :xc5 there would have fol lowed 30 "f6 :f5 3 1 :d8+. 30 c6 "'a4 3 1 "'f6 :f8 32 "'cl! e5 If 32 ... :c8 33 :d4 'Wb5 34 c7 "xe2+ 35 �h3 "'fl + 36 �h4 and wins. 33 :d5

With material equal, Black has a weak central pawn at d5, and this allows White to begin active play. 22 b4 :b5 If22 ... 'Wb5 23 "d2 :c8 24 a3 :d8 25 "d4 "a4 26 :d3, with the threat of 27 e4. 23 "'g4! "'e6 23 ... h6 did not help in view of 24 a4 :b6 25 :xd5 "xa4 26 :d8+ �h7 27 "f5+ :g6 28 "xfl. If 23 ...a5, then 24 :c l h5 25 "xh5 axb4 26 "g4 was possible, renewing the threat of 27 :c8. 24 "'f4 h6 25 a4 :b6 26 "'d4 The attack on the d5 pawn restricts Black's game.

81

Endings with Queens 2 6...a6 27 'i'c5 �h7 28 b5 axb5 29 axb5 l:td6 30 e4! This elegant continuation strength­ ens the attack. The pawn is, of course, immune. 30...b6 31 "'d4 "'d7 32 'i'd3 d4 33 e5+ l:tg6 34 f4 "'d5

35 g4 White's attack gathers strength. If now 35 ...h5 36 g5, cramping Black's position. 35 �g8 36 fS l:tg5 37 "'xd4 White has finally won an important pawn, since Black cannot reply 37 ......xb5 because of 38 h4. 37......0 38 'i'd8+ Only not 38 l:td3 "'xf5. 38 �h7 39 'i'd3 'i'f4 40 e6! "'e5 40 ... fxe6 also loses to 4 1 fxe6+ �g8 42 e7 "'e5 (42 ...l:te5 43 l:tfl ) 43 l:tc I 'ilxe7 44 l:tc8+ �fl 45 "c4+ ..tg6 46 "c2+ ..tf6 47 :'c6+ ..tfl 48 :'c7, winning the queen. 41 exf7 "'f6 42 "'d7 Black resigns If 42 .....c3 there could have followed 43 f8=lD+ ..tg8 44 "e6+ �h8 45 lDg6+ �h7 46 "g8+ �xg8 47 l:td8+ and mate next move. ••.

..•

Mednis-Smyslov

Szolnok 1975

Black has the more active position, and he begins an attack on the kingside: 27...g5 28 'i'd2 "'g6 29 l:te3 g4 30 h4 White halts the advance of the opponent's pawns, but in so doing he weakens his king's pawn screen. 30...l:tf4 31 "'e2 l:t0! 32 �hl "'f6! Sacrificing a rook for an attack. 33 gxO gxO 34 l:tg 1+ �h7 35 l:txO "'xh4+ 36 �g2 "'g4+ 37 �n "'xfJ As a result of the combination Black is a pawn up with a continuing attack. 38 "'d2 l:tf4 39 l:tg2 "'xe4 40 "'dl "'fS White resigns Polugayevsky-8myslov

Moscow 1960 Black stands better, thanks to the activity of his pieces and the protected passed d4 pawn, which cramps

82

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

White's game. In addition, the position of the white king is seriously weakened and liable to come under attack. There followed:

37......e4 38 l:gd3 l:e5 39 l:c2 h5! Black dominates the centre, and he now aims to open the h-fiIe in order to create threats to the white king. 40 l:cd2 hxg4 41 hxg4 Not 4 1 "'xg4 in view of 4 1 ...l:xf2+ 42 l:xf2 "'xd3. Here the game was adjourned. Analysis showed that Black's advan­ tage was sufficient for a win. 41 g5 The sealed move. Black threatens to move his rook along the rank. 42 l:th3 l:tee6! 43 "'c2 After 43 �g l l:h6 44 l:dd3 f5 ! 45 gxfS g4 Black would have gained an irresistible attack, for example: (a) 46 fxe6 l:xh3 47 l:xh3 gxh3 48 "f1 "g4+ 49 �h2 d3, winning in view of the threat of .....g2+; (b) 46 l:xh6 l:xh6 47 f3 gxf3 48 "xf3 "e I + 49 �g2 W'h l +; (c) 46 l:dg3, with the interesting variation 46 .....e I + 47 "xe l l:txe l +

48 �g2 l:xh3 49 l:xg4+ �f7 50 �xh3 d3 !, and the pawn queens. 43.....f4+ 44 l:g3 l:e1 45 �g2 The threat was ...l:h6+ and ...l:h 1 . Now a spectacular blow decides matters.

45 l:e3! White resigns ...

Porath-Smyslov

Interzonal Tournament Amsterdam 1964

.•.

Black's pieces are actively placed, and he begins an attack on the kingside.

83

Endings with Queens 42.....h3 43 :tgl :te4! With the threat of 44 ...:txh4 45 gxh4 'i'h2+. If 44 fxe4 Wh2+ 45 :tg2 :f6+ 46 'ii'O :txf3+ 4 7 �xO dxe4+ 48 �f2 'ii'xg2+ 49 �xg2 exd3 50 �f2 f5 5 1 �e 1 �f7, and the pawn ending is won for Black. 44 f4 "f5 45 :c3 :ge6 46 g4 "f6 47 g5 "e7 48 :tg3 g6 49 "cl cS! This pawn break destroys White's defences. Now his king finds itself in danger. 50 dxe5 d4 51 :e4 bxe5 52 :to :xe3 53 :txe3 dxe3+ 54 �e2 ....7 55 :xe5 "g2+ 56 �d3 e2 White resigns

"'e4 51 "'g2 "'d5 52 :tbfl 1:t1e4 53 "'0 :te1 54 "'g2 "'e6 SS 'i'b3 :t le2 The exchange of one pair of rooks makes it easier to realise the advantage. 56 'iWgl :txfl 57 :txfl :te4 58 "'0 �g6! 59 'iWa3 'ii'e 5! White resigns If 60 �g2, then 60 ...:e3 61 'iWa6+ Wh7. Szabo-Smyslov

Match Moscow v. Budapest Moscow 1 949

Malieh-Smyslov

Berlin 1979

Black is a pawn up and his heavy pieces control the central files. This gives him the opportunity for active play. 47 ...:e1 48 g3 Of course, 48 :txfS is bad on account of 48 ...:th 1 + 49 �g3 "d3+ 50 :f3 'iWg6+ with a decisive attack. 48...:tde5 49 :d2 'ii'b l 50 :b2

An interesting position, where a queen and two pawns are opposed by two rooks. It is not easy for Black to overcome White's defensive line along the second rank. 57... h4 58 Wh2 'ii'e5+ 59 �h3 �h5 60 :tbe2 'i'f5+ 61 �h2 'ii'f4+ 62 �h3 'ii'o+ 63 Wh2 h3 64 :ga 'i'c3 65 :tb2 If 65 :tfl , then 65 ...'ii'd3 66 :tef2 b2. 65...�g4 The advance of the h-pawn has cramped White's game. The aim of Black's following manoeuvres is to

84

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

drive the white king from h2 and penetrate with his own king to g3. 66 l:tfd2 "e3 67 l:te2 "f4+ 68 �gl "c1+ 69 �h2 "c7+ 70 �h l Wf3 71 l:ted2 "cl 72 l:te2 In allowing the king to go to g3, White sets a trap. If now 72 ... �g3, then 73 l:txb3 .xb3 74 l:te3+ .xe3 stalemate. 72.....c1+ 73 �h2 "c7+ 74 �hl

White has a material advantage: queen against rook and knight. However, his king is in a cramped position. 58 f4! Securing space for the king. 58 'il'b7+ �g8 59 .xa6 tiJh5+ 60 �g4 tiJf4 6 1 .xf6 l:tg2+ would have led to a draw. 58 exf4+ If 58 ...l:td3+ 59 �g2 l:td2+ 60 �O with advantage to White, or 58 ... tiJh5+ 59 �g4 tiJxf4 60 'il'b7+ �g8 6 1 .xa6. 59 �g4! l:td4 If 59 ...l:tg2+ there follows 60 �O l:txa2 61 .d7+ �f8 62 .d6+ �e8 63 .xf6 with an attack. 60 "b7+ g8 61 "xa6 l:txb4 62 "xf6 0+ 63 xo l:tbl 64 "d8+ f7 65 "d5+ f8 66 "d6+ g8 67 f6 tiJf5 68 "d3! l:te1 69 "xf5 l:tn+ 70 g4 l:txf5 71 �xf5 �f7 72 a3! Black resigns After 72 ...f8 73 e6 e8 74 d6 f7 75 c5 xf6 76 �b5 �e6 77 �c6 the a-pawn promotes to a queen. •••

74.....c6! The queen takes up an ambush position. 75 ...�g3+ is threatened, and 75 �h2 is met by 75 ....d6+ 76 �h 1 •d 1 +, when Black wins. 75 �gl "c4 76 l:ted2 If 76 l:te I .c3 77 l:tee2 �g3 78 l:tg2+ hxg2 79 l:txb3 .O ! and wins. 76 �g3 The aim is achieved. Now (because of the threat of mate) White is forced to separate his rooks. 77 l:tdl "c5+ 78 �hl "c6+ 79 �gl "0 80 l:te1 "cl White resigns ..•

Smyslov-Keres

Absolute USSR Championship Moscow/Leningrad 1941

85

Endings with Queens Smyslov-Averbakb

Moscow Championship 1 946

At first sight a draw seems inevitable, since after 50 fxg7 �xg7 Black has an impregnable position. 50 "'g4! This manoeuvre disrupts the coordination of the black pieces. 50...l:lxf6 51 'ilfc8+ lDe8 52 'ilfxe8+ �g7 53 "'e5! Thanks to this pin, White is able to disorganise Black's defences. 53. .�g6 If 53 . . .a4 54 h4 with the threat of 55 h5. 54 'ilfxa5 ':'f5 55 'ilfc3! The queen occupies an important diagonal, preventing the black king from returning to the eighth rank. 55...l:lg5+ If55 ... h6, then 56 �8! 56 �f2 l:lf5+ 57 �g3 ':'g5+ 58 �r4 ':'f5+ 59 �e4 h6 60 h4 f6 B lack tries to make use of stalemate motifs, but his defensive line along the sixth rank proves insufficient. 61 "'g3+ �h5

62 "'gl ! l:la5 63 �r4 ':'a4+ 64 �f5 l:la5+ 65 �xf6 l:la6+ 66 �g7 l:le6 67 'ilfc5+ �g4 68 'ilfc8 Black resigns Smyslov-Filip

Munich Olympiad 1958

.

A rare balance of material : rook, bishop, knight and pawn against queen and two pawns. To win White must bring his king into the attack. First he secures a path for his king into the centre in order to attack the enemy pawns. There followed:

86

Vasi/y Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

84 ltd7+ �g6 85 lbd3! "'c6+ 86 �e3 'i'b6+ 87 �e4 "'c6+ 88 �e5 "'c3+ 89 �e6 "'c4+ 90 ltdS "'c8+ 91 �e5 "'e8+ 92 .ie6 "'b8+ 93 ltd6 "'c7 94 �d5 "'b7+ 95 ltc6 "'b3+ 96 �d4 "'a4+ 97 .ic4+! �g7 Of course, 97 . . ...xc6 fails to 98 lbe5+. 98 ltc7+ �f6 99 ltf7+ �g6 100 lbe5+ �h6 101 �e4

Now that the black king has been driven away from f5, White's king makes for this square. 101 ......a8+ If 1 0 1 .. ....c2+ there fol lows 1 02 .id3 "'g2+ 1 03 �d4 "g t + 1 04 �c4 "'c t + 1 05 �d5 � t + 1 06 �d6, and the checks come to an end. 102 �f5 "'c8+ 103 ltd7 "'c5 104 .id5 "'12+ 105 .iO "'c2+ 106 �f6 The encirclement of the black king is complete. Now the end is close. 106 ... �2 107 ltd6! �h7 108 .ie4+ �h6 1 09 �f7+ Black resigns Keller-8myslov

World Team Championship Lucerne 1985

White has a great material advan­ tage, but Black finds an amazing way to save the game. 74...�g5 75 "'g8+ �h4 76 .if2+ �h3 77 g5 �g4 After the pawn has advanced, the king begins pursuing it. 77 . ....0+ would have been wrong on account of 78 "b3. 78 g6 �g5! The basic idea of the defence. 78 .....0+ was still bad: 79 'W'b3 "xt2 80 g7 "'a7+ 8 1 "a4+ and wins. 79 g7 The alternative was 79 .ih4+ �xh4 80 "f7 (80 "'d8+ �h5 8 1 g7 "'0+ 82 �b4 "g4+) 80 ...�g5 8 1 g7 �h6! 82 g8="(lt) 'W'b4+ 83 �xb4 stalemate. 79 ... �g6 80 "'f8 If 80 .ic5 there follows 80.....d3+ 81 �b4 "d2+ 82 �a4 "c2+ 83 �b5 "'b2+. 80......d3+ 81 �b4 "'d2+ 82 �c4 "'c2+ 83 �dS "'a2+ 84 �e5 "'e2+ 8S �d5 "'a2+ All the time the queen gives checks on the second rank.

87

Endings with Queens 86 �e4 "'c2+ 87 �fJ "'c3+ Draw agreed An instructive example. One should not lose heart even in the most difficult situations. Portisch-Smyslov

Interzonal Tournament Amsterdam 1964

�xa6 'W'fl 68 �fI c4, and the advance of the c-pawn is decisive) 67 ......xd3 with a won queen ending. 60...�e8 61 tDg7+ �d8 62 "'bl tDxg4! 63 hxg4 'W'h4+ 64 �gl 'W'g3+ White resigns, since if 65 �h l there follows 65 .. fl. .

Suba-Smyslov

Interzonal Tournament Las Palmas 1982

The diagram position was reached after a difficult positional struggle. Black has a strong attack, but the game is still sharp. There followed: 55......e3+ 56 Wbl ...n 57 "'bl �g8 58 "'a t Wf8! The king heads for the queenside. Now White has no useful moves with his queen. If 59 Wb l tDxc4 60 'W'f5+ q;e7 and the king escapes from the checks, or 59 "'C 1 tDxg4 60 hxg4 "'h4+ 6 1 �g l 'W'xg4+ 62 Wfl 'W'xh5 with advantage to Black. 59 d6 �f7 60 "'dl Or 60 Wb 1 �e8 6 1 tDg7+ �d8 62 tDf5 (62 tDe6+ �c8 63 'W'al tDxg4 64 'W'h8+ �b7 65 tDd8+ �b6) 62 ... tDxc4 63 'W'al tDde5 64 Wb l tDb2 65 tDe3 tDed3 66 �xd3 "'xe3 67 'W'xb2 (67

With material equal, Black's position is preferable, since his pieces are actively placed. This enables him to develop an offensive on the light squares. 37.....c6 38 i.fl c4! 39 d4 After 39 dxc4 i.xc4 the Iight­ square bishops are exchanged and an ending favourable for Black is reached. 39... a5 40 'W'b2 tDc7 Black intends to manoeuvre his knight via b5 and d6 to e4. 41 �cl tDb5 42 "c2 �f6 43 �gl i.e4 Black consistently strengthens his position, occupying the e4 square

88

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

with his bishop. For the moment the knight at b5 keeps the c3 pawn under fire. 44 "12 In his cramped position White seeks chances of counterplay. Now 44 ...lLlxc3 can be met by 45 1t'h4+ �fl (45 ...�g6 fails to 46 "g3+) 46 "xh7, creating threats to the king. For example, if 46 ...lLlxa2 there can follow 47 1t'h5+ �g8 48 �xc4+ ! "xc4 49 "e8+ with a draw by perpetual check. 44 �f7 45 �d2 lLld6 46 "h4 h6 Black has prepared a comfortable shelter for his king at h7. 47 "h5+ �g8 48 "g6 ..•

48 �d5! This calm manoeuvre enables Black to carry out an important regrouping of his pieces. Now if 49 Wg3 there can follow 49 ...lLle4 50 We3 Wa4, winning the a2 pawn. 49 �el �f7 50 "g3 "e4 Playing the queen to e4 strengthens Black' s attack decisively. 51 'ii'b4 �h7 52 �12 �d5 53 Wd8 After 53 'W"g3 'W"c2 White has no

satisfactory defence. It is probably for this reason that he makes an attempt to attack with his lone queen. 53...lLlb5 54 Wxb6 lLlxc3 55 ":185 This loses immediately, although 55 Wb2 would also not have saved the- game on account of 55 ...lLlb l 56 We2 c3 ! 57 Wxe4 fxe4 58 a4 c2 59 �e3 lLlc3 with a decisive advantage. 55...lLle2+ 56 �xe2 "xgl mate White's last move was an oversight in time trouble. However, if 56 Kh I Black would have won by 56 ... c3 with the threats of 57 ... c2 and 57 ...'i'b 1 . F.OIafsson-Smyslov

Candidates Tournament Yugoslavia 1959

..•

Black's queen and rook occupy strong attacking positions. 32 ..c2! A typical example of activity on both flanks. The b3 pawn is a convenient target to attack. Without removing the threats against the king's position, Black intensifies the pressure on the pawn weaknesses and ...

Endings with Queens restricts still further the movements of the white pieces. 33 l:let l:lb2 34 l:le3 h5! Now 35 ... hxg4 36 hxg4 lOxg4 37 -'xg4 'ii'c 1 + is threatened, and so White is forced to advance his g-pawn, thus stabilising the pawn situation on the kingside. 35 g5 lOh7 36 l:lc3 'ii'b 1+ 37 i.n Safely avoiding a little trap: 37 'ii'fl l:lxg2+ 3 8 �xg2 'ii'b2+, and the rook at c3 is lost. 37 lOf8 The decisive manoeuvre - the knight heads for the central square d4. If 38 f5 there follows 38 ... gxf5 39 -.xh5 'ii'e l 40 l:ln 1id2 with an irresistible threat of mate. 38 'ii'e3 lOe6 39 h4 'ii'd l 40 'ii'e5+ �h7 41 f5 :bl White resigns After 42 fxg6+ fxg6 43 'ii'f6 'ii'g4+ 44 �h l 'ii'xh4+ 45 �gl 'ii'xg5+ Black is two passed pawns to the good. ...

Smyslov-Matulovic

European Team Championship Oberhausen 1961

89

Despite the material equality, Black's position is difficult. White has a great positional advantage. His rook occupies the open file, and the presence of opposite-colour bishops increases his attacking possibilities. 25 f4 �f6 26 :00 'ji'd7 27 b3! Forestalling the advance of the black pawns. If now 27 ... b5 28 :c6 'ii'e7 29 d6 'ii'e3+ 30 'ii'xe3 dxe3 3 1 �fl :d8 32 �h3 and then 33 d7 with a winning position. 27...�g7 28 'ji'e4 :f7 29 g4! A strong move, preventing 29 .. :e7 on account of 30 g5. And 29 .. . �xh4 is bad in view of 30 g5 with the threat of 3 1 'ii'e5+. 29 d3 30 g5 �d4+ 31 �h2 d2 32 �f3 'ji'd8 33 h5 gxh5 34 �dl The immediate 34 �xh5 was also possible. 34 �f8 35 �xh5 'ji'd7 If 35 ... :e7, then 36 d6 :xe6 37 'ii'xe6 �g7 3 8 'ii'f7+ �h8 39 d7 and 40 'ii'e8+. 36 d6 �7 37 :e8+ �g7 38 'ji'xb7 :xb7 39 f5 h6 .

•..

..•

40 :e7+! :xe7 41 dxe7 dl='if 42

90

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

.iIdl �f7 43 f6 .ie5+ 44 �h3 hIg5 45 .ih5+ Black resigns Smyslov-Lengyel

Interzonal Tournament Amsterdam 1 964

White is a pawn up, but the play is still double-edged. After 43 ':c8 ':xc8 44 "'xc8+ �g7 Black may be able to create dangerous threats on the kingside. Therefore the rook must be preserved from exchange. 43 .:O! lDe3 Or 43 ...lDf4 44 a4, and the a-pawn begins its victorious advance. 44 .ib5 ':e7 45 "'c8+ �h7 46

"'cl

The attack gathers pace. 47 .id3 is threatened. 46 15 47 .id3 "'e6 48 "'c5 �g7 If 48 ...�g6, then 49 g4 ! 49 .iIf5 Black resigns ..•

Smyslov-Uhlmann

Capab/anca Memorial Tournament Cienfuegos 1973

White is not only a pawn up, but he also has the more secure king position. This allows him to build up an attack. 31 a3 This useful move is possible, since 3 1 .. ..:d 1 does not work on account of 32 �3+. 31 ....:d3 32 lDIf6 gIf6 33 "'h6 '1'15 34 �a 1 ':d7 35 ':gl White has achieved his aim. His king is secure, whereas the black king has no shelter. 35... a4 36 'l'g7+ �e6 37 'l'g8+ �d6 38 ':d1+ �c7 39 ':c1+ A fter a series of checks the black king has moved across to the queenside, but here too it is unable to find a quiet refuge. 40... �b7 If 40...�b6, then 4 1 �8+ ':b7 42 "'d6+ �a7 43 ':c6 with an irresistible attack. 41 "'c8+ �a7 42 ':c7+ Black resigns

My Stud i es

6

My interest in the analysis of endgame positions is accompanied by an interest in study composition. From my early days in chess I loved trying to solve studies, preferring positions that were close to practical play. In studies it is vivid and unexpected ideas that are attractive. OccaSionally, at various periods, I have tried composing studies, without setting myself such an aim beforehand. A few of them, evoked by practical play, I should like to offer to the reader. I think that an involvement in study composition develops a player 's analytical ability, i.e. it makes him stronger, and does not divert him from practical play. 64, 1 936

Shakhmaty v SSSR, 1937

White to play and win

White to play and draw

1 lDd6+ �b8 2 l:lbl+ �a8 3 lDe8 "g3+ 4 �a4 .iod4 S eS t .ionS (5 . . ...xe5 6 h8='i') 6 lDc7+ and White wins. ' In simple study form the author has succeeded in expressing one of the typical problem ideas' - this was the evaluation given by the chess newspaper.

I lDh8+ �g8 If 1 ...�f8 2 lDg6+ �g8 3 lDe7+ �f7 4 fxg7 �xg7 5 lDf5+ and 6 lDxd4. 2 f7+ �f8 3 �g6 a2 4 �h7 a l=" If 4. . . g6 there follows 5 .iof4 ! .ioxf4 6 lDxg6+ �xf7 7 lDxf4 a l =" 8 g6+ �e7 9 b8=". S g6

92

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

Now White's knight and king are shut in, and to draw he only needs to give up his bishop and the b7 pawn. Despite his extra queen, Black is unable to prevent this. If now s ...lDcs, then 6 .i.f4 ! 5 �1! The queen takes up an ambush position, in order to answer 6 .i.b4+ with 6 ... .i.d6 mate. 6 .i.h6! .i.eS If 6...�e7, then 7 .i.gS+ �d7 8 fS='iW .i.d6+ 9 �g8 .i.xfS 1 0 b8='iW. 7 b8=..-+ .i.xb8 stalemate!

3 .i.c8 4 f6! .i.xh3 S c7 as 6 l:td8 6 a4 is bad on account of 6 ...�g8 7 l:td8 l:tfS 8 �c2 .i.g4 9 �c3 .i.e6. 6 a4 7 �b2 .i.e6 8 �c2! (zugzwang) 8 .i.f5+ 9 �cl .i.e6 10 a3, and White wins. •••

•.•

•••

...

Shakhmllty v SSSR, 1938 4th prize

-

The idea of the following study was evoked by my own practical experience. A similar position was reached in one of my games. 64, 1938

White to play and draw

White to play and win 1 f5 gxf5 2 .i.h3 l:te8! 3 exf5 Not 3 c7 in view of 3 ....i.c8 4 .i.xfS (or 4 exfS f6) 4 ... �e7, and Black saves the game.

1 .i.f6+ exf6 2 f4 l:th8+ If 2 ...l:tb8, then 3 �g6 l:tb2 4 h6 etc. 3 �g7 l:txhS 4 a4 l:tgS+ S �h8! �hS 6 �h7 l:tg6 7 �h8 l:th6+ 8 �g7 l:tg6+ 9 �h8 9 �h7 10ses to 9 . . .l:tgS ! 9...�h6 - stalemate ! Black is unable to realise his great material advantage - a natural fulfilment of the 'fortress' theme. The following twin studies are dedicated to Gia Nadareishvili, the wonderful Georgian study composer.

My Studies Pravda, 1976

93

battle of three like-colour bishops concludes in White's favour. Pravda, 1976

White to play and win 1 f7! White does not win by either 1 �b4 �d3 2 �e l (2 f7 �d2) 2 ... 0 3 gxO e2 4 f7 �f4, or I �e 1 �d3 2 �xh4 �d2 3 �e l + �d l 4 f7 �a3 5 �c3 �c5 ! 1...�a3 2 �g7 2 �b2 would be a loss of time: 2 ... �f8 3 �e2 �d5 4 �f6 �e6 5 �xh4 �xf7 with a draw. 2 ... 0! Preparing a stalemating trap. 3 gxO Not 3 f8='i' on account of 3 ... �xf8 4 �xf8 e2+ 5 �f2 fxg2. 3...�d3 4 f8=�! The hasty 4 f8='i' would have led to stalemate after 4 ... e2+ 5 �f2 (5 �e l �xf8 6 �xf8 �e3) 5 ... �c5+! 6 'i'xc5 e 1 ='i'+ 7 �xe 1 . 4 e2+ If 4 ... �c I 5 �h6 �d2 6 �g2 �e 1 7 �c5 e2 8 �f2 and wins. S �f2 e1='i'+! 6 �xe1 �e3 7 f4! �xf4 8 �f2 �c1 9 �h6+ and the •.•

White to play and draw Here White is trying to draw - this change of goal is common in study composition. 1 c6! I �e6 is bad on account of 1 ...c2 2 d6 c l ='i' 3 d7+ �c7 4 �g3+ �c6 5 d8='i' 'i'c4+ 6 �f5 'i'd5+, when Black wins. 1 ...c2 If 1 ... bxc6, then 2 �e6 cxd5 3 �xd5 c2 4 �d2 �b2 5 �c6. 2 �d2 �b2 3 d6! bxc6 4 �e6 c1=� Or 4 ... c l ='i' 5 d7+ �c7! 6 �f4+ 'i'xf4 7 d8='i'+ �xd8 - stalemate. S d7+ �c7 6 d8='i'+ �xd8 7 �d6 cS 8 �xcS �c7 9 �e1! Now the white king will occupy a2, when the draw is obvious, since the two like-colour bishops are unable to trap White's bishop.

94

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

I composed the following study during the 1 986 Olympiad.

Dubai, 1986

1 g6! bxg6 2 b7 �f6 3 �b8!! Preventing queenside castling. A fter 3 'iPxf6 O--{)....Q the outcome is a draw. 3 .lhb8 4 'iPJ:f6 'iPd8 5 b8=-.+ Q;c7 6 -.b2+, and White wins. There is also an interesting echo­ variation: 1 ...�b6 2 �b8 ! ! ':xb8 3 g7. ..

White to play and win

7

I l l ustrative G a mes

In the first halfofthe book the reader has been offered endgame positions taken from practical games. In the following illustrative games the reader will be able to follow how the endgame is linked with the opening and the middlegame. The player who is the first to discern the contours of the coming endgame, and to evaluate correctly the deployment of the pawns and the activity of his and the enemypieces, has a substantial advantage. It often happens that an attempt by one ofthe players to maintain the balance by exchanges may lead to an unfavourable ending. This type ofplaying for a draw is equivalent to playingfor a loss. When evaluating the events on the board, one should always remember about a possible endgame. The author hopes that these illustrative games may prove usefulfor the study ofthis important practical problem.

Moscow Championship 1946

thereby increasing the activity of his bishops.

e5 1 e4 2 ll:)f3 ttJc6 3 �b5 a6 4 �a4 ll:)f6 i.e7 5 � 6 i.xc6 A voiding well-studied continua­ tions, White takes the play along lines similar to the Exchange Variation. 6 dxc6 7 l:tel ttJd7 8 d4 exd4 9 'ifxd4 � ll:)c5 10 i.f4 i.xd8 1 1 'ifxd8 12 ll:)c3 IS! White's extra pawn on the kingside is of no great importance, as long as a sufficient number of pieces remains on the board. Black's move has the aim of opening up the position and

13 e5 This advance does not meet the demands of the position, since it gives the black knight the fine blockading square e6. White should play 1 3 i.g5, provoking further simplification. After 1 3 ... �xg5 1 4 ll:)xg5 h6 1 5 b4 ll:)xe4 1 6 ll:)gxe4 fxe4 I 7 ll:)xe4 i.f5 a roughly equal position is reached.

Bondarevsky-Smyslov Ruy Lopez

96

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

ll)e6 13 g5 14 .td2 The pawn chain is set in motion. Apart from gaining space, Black parries the manoeuvre ll)e2 with the threat by ll)f4 (or ll)d4) of exchanging his knight, which is important for his attack. The problem with White's position is that he has no strong points in the centre for his minor pieces. c5 15 ll)e2 b5 16 .tc3 Black develops a pawn offensive over the entire board. He is already threatening 1 7 .. g4 1 8 ll)d2 b4, winning a piece. Soon an active part is bound to be played by the powerful bishops, which at the moment are dozing on the back rank. 17 b3 .tb7 18 ll)g3 g4 19 ll)d2 .te7 20 ll)h5 •

.

•

.

20 . . . The king heads for support the f5 pawn white knight at hS. 2 1 ll)f1

�f7! g6, in order to and harass the �g6

l:tad8 22 ll)f6 l:txdl 23 l:tadl l:td8 24 l:txdl 25 l:txd8 .txd8 With the exchange of rooks the position has simplified, but has not become any easier for White. After ...ll)d4 by Black the position of the white knight at f6 may prove insecure, and in addition he is threatening ...ll)f4 with a double attack on the g2 pawn and the bishop at c3. Here 26 .tb2 was relatively best for White. 26 ll)e3

26 . . . f4! This move was not anticipated by White. The attacked knight cannot capture the g4 pawn on account of 27... hS, nor go to d5 in view of 27 ... c6. All that remains is an unhappy retreat to the back rank. .txf6 27 ll)dl .te4 28 ed6 b4 29 .tb2 Black prevents ll)c3, and threatens in the event of 30 c3 to win a piece by 30 ....tc2.

Illustrative Games 30 fJ .txc2 31 iDfl gxfJ 32 gxfJ .tbl 33 iDe4 .txa2 as 34 iDd2 B lack has won two pawns, and is ready at any moment to free his light­ square bishop by ... as-a4. 3S �fl iDd4 36 .txd4 cxd4 �xf6 37 �e2 38 �d3 �eS 39 �c2 39 �c4 fails to 39 ...a4 40 �xb4 .txb3, freeing the bishop. If 39 iDc4+ B lack replies 39 ...�dS 40 iDxaS .tb 1 + with an easy win. a4 39 cS 40 bxa4 c4 41 as d3+ 42 a6 White resigns If 43 �d 1 c3 44 a7 .tdS, or 43 �b2 c3+ 44 �xa2 cxd2 4S a7 d 1 ='i' 46 a8=" b3+ and Black wins. SmysIov-Euwe

97

7 � .tg7 bS 8 :e1 A committing advance, by which Black seriously weakens his pawn formation. Usually 8 ... bS is associated with two ideas: ( 1 ) after 9 .tb3 to take play along the lines of the familiar Chigorin formations by 9 ...lbaS 1 0 .tc2 cS etc.; (2) if 9 .tc2 to advance in the centre with ... d6-dS . 9 .tc2 � h6 10 .tgS "'e8 1 1 .th4 Black unpins his knight, intending ...lbhS-f4, when under the cover of his powerful outpost at f4 he will be able to prepare an attack on the king. 1 1 ... dS was possible, but even then after 1 2 lbbd2 dxe4 1 3 lbxe4 gS 1 4 lbxf6+ .txf6 I S .tg3 or 1 2 ...gS 1 3 .tg3 dxe4 1 4 dxe4 ! White retains a comfortable game. 12 lbbd2 lbhS gS 13 iDn 14 .tg3 lbe7

Groningen 1946 Ruy Lopez

eS 1 e4 iDc6 2 iDfJ a6 3 .tbS iDf6 4 .ta4 S d3 An old move. It does not promise White any advantage, but on the other hand it rules out the Open Variation (S 0-0 iDxe4), which had been very well studied by the Dutch champion. d6 S 6 cl g6

In transferring this knight to the scene of impending events, B lack

98

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

underestimates the tactical possibili­ ties arising (after White's reply) from an attack on the knight at h5. More expedient was 1 4 . . . iLlf4, advancing the knight to a strong position. Now, with a blow on the queen­ side, White disrupts his opponent's plans on the kingside. 15 a4! At just the right moment! White creates pawn tension on the queen­ side, and threatens after axb5 to seize control of the a-file. Now Black cannot reply either 1 5 ...�d7 1 6 iLlxe5, or 1 5 ...�e6 1 6 iLlxg5. In both variations the undefended state of the knight at h5 is the telling factor. Black therefore goes in for simplification, reconciling himself to the loss of his kingside initiative. 15 . . . iLlxg3 16 bxg3 The capture with the pawn sup­ presses Black's initiative associated with playing his other knight to f4. The fl knight still has a good square at e3. 16 �e6 17 d4 f6 18 �b3 �xb3 19 'i'xb3+ 'i'f7 20 'i'xf7+ �xf7 21 iLle3 The ending favours White. He has the freer position, and in addition B lack has a 'bad' bishop, restricted by its own pawns. Now White is threatening to double rooks on the a-file, but Black easily eliminates this danger. 21 l:tfb8! 22 axb5 axb5

23 d5 White closes the centre, establish­ ing his pawns on light squares. He now threatens 24 g4, with a complete bind. 23 b5 g4 24 �n �b6 25 iLlb4 26 iLlef5! This knight, otherwise B lack will significantly improve his position by exchanging his bishop. iLlg8 26 l:ta4 27 �e2 27 ... �g5 should have been con­ sidered, aiming for the exchange of the minor pieces, since Black's defence would have been easier in the rook ending. After the move in the game White forces the exchange of all the rooks, after which his advantage becomes clearly apparent. bxa4 28 lha4 l:tb3 29 l:tbl Forced, since White was threat­ ening to play his king to c2, freeing his rook to attack the a-pawn. Of course, 29 ... a3 does not help, since after 30 b4 the lone black pawn is doomed. a3 30 �d3 31 �c2 l:txb2+ axb2 32 l:txb2 33 �xb2 The position has simplified. B lack has managed to avert the danger on the queenside, but he still has a ' bad' bishop, and his knight is stalemated. He could now have played 33 ... ..tg5 with the aim of exchanging the bishop, but this would not have saved the game. There would have followed

99

Illustrative Games 34 �b3 .ixh4 35 gxh4 liJe7 36 liJxe7 �xe7 37 �c4 f5 . Passive defence by 37 ...�d7 is weaker in view of 38 �b5 followed by the advance of the c-pawn to c5. Earlier I had thought that 37 ... f5 would give Black counter-chances, but White has a clear winning plan: 38 f3 ! f4 39 �b5 �d7 40 c4 �d8 4 1 �c6 �c8 42 c5 dxc5 43 �xc5 �d7 44 �c4 �e7 45 �b4 �d6 46 �b5 (zugzwang) 46...g3 47 �b4 ! �e7 (or 47 ... c6 48 dxc6 �xc6 49 �c4, taking the opposition) 48 �c4 �d6 49 �b5 �d7 50 �c5 �c8 5 1 d6, and White wins. The manoeuvre carried out by Black in the game has the aim of activating his bishop.

33 .id2 34 �c2 .ie1 liJe7 35 f3 36 liJxe7 �xe7 37 fxg4 This exchange fixes the kingside pawns. 37 hxg4 38 liJf5+ �f7

�g6 39 c4 40 �b3 �g5 Black intends to sacrifice his bish­ op, to open a way for his king into the enemy rear. With passive defence he could have prolonged the resistance, but not saved the game, for example: 40 ... �f7 41 �a4 �e8 42 �b5 �d7 43 liJh6 .ixg3 44 liJxg4 .ih4 45 liJh6 .ig5 46 liJf5 .i- (any square) 47 �a6 �c8 48 �a7 .i- 49 �a8; then White plays 50 g4, freeing his knight for the manoeuvre 5 1 liJe7+ �d7 52 liJc6 �c8 53 liJa7+ and 54 �b7, or, if the black bishop is at 12, 5 1 liJe7+ �d7 52 liJg8 .iM 53 �b8 ! .ig5 54 �b7, and Black is in zugzwang. .ixg3 41 �a4 42 liJxg3 �f4 43 liJh5+ �xe4 44 liJxf6+ �f5 Or 44 ...�f4 45 �b5 e4 (45 ... �f5 46 liJh5 �g5 47 liJg3 �f4 48 liJf1 e4 49 �c6 e3 50 liJxe3) 46 liJxe4 �xe4 47 �c6. 45 liJe8! e4 46 liJxc7! e3 47 liJb5 The idea behind White's manoeuvre. 47 ... e2 is met by 48 liJd4+. 47 �f4 48 liJc3 �g3 49 cS Black resigns Boleslavsky-Smyslov

USSR Team Championship Leningrad 1 948 Ruy Lopez

1 2

e4 liJf3

e5 liJc6

1 00

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

a6 3 �bS d6 4 �a4 S e4 The move of the Czech grand­ master Duras. White intends to deve­ lop his queen's knight at c3, in order after d2-d4 to obtain a dominant position in the centre. The subsequent battle around the d4 square is the basic strategy in this variation. S �g4 6 tDe3 tDf6 �xfl 7 h3 8 'i'xfl �e7 9 tDe2 � 10 �xe6 bxe6

1 1 d4 White has achieved the advance of his central pawn, but he is behind in development and his king has not yet castled. It would have been better to play I I 0-0, taking his king into safety, although in this case, by playing 1 1 ... cS, Black could have gained firm control over d4. 11 . . . dS! An unexpected counter. Exploiting his superior development, Black

immediately initiates a sharp battle and simultaneously opens the way for his bishop to give a dangerous check at b4. An interesting situation arises with a typical pawn clash in the centre. Now 1 2 exdS can be met by 1 2 ...e4 1 3 'ii'c3 cxdS, with the freer game. Because of this Boleslavsky chooses a different continuation, but the initiative is already with Black. 12 dxeS �b4+ tDxe4 13 tDc3 �xc3 14 0-0 'ii'e7 IS bxe3 Beginning an attack on the enemy pawns. The position has clarified to Black's obvious advantage, since his knight has taken up a strong post in the centre. 16 exdS exdS 17 e4! The best move. 1 7 �f4 is weaker on account of 1 7 ...gS ! with the following variations: 1 8 �e3 'ii'xeS, 1 8 �g3 tDd2, or, finally, 1 8 'ii'g4 hS ! White also fails to achieve his aim with 1 7 We3 'ii'xeS 1 8 f3 in view of 1 8 ...'ii'xc3, attacking the rook. After the move played he succeeds in exchanging his weak pawns. 'i'xeS 17 18 �f4 'ii'c 3! Forcibly transposing into a favourable ending. Since after 1 9 'ii'xc3 tDxc3 White loses a pawn, he is forced to choose the lesser evil and allow the doubling of his pawns on the kingside. 19 exdS 'i'xfl 20 gxfl tDc3 2 1 �xe7 tDxdS 22 �g3 :fe8

Illustrative Games

101

his king into play and begin active play, with the aim of exploiting the weaknesses in the opponent's pawn formation. The correct solution here for White was 30 %ld6, in order to exchange the remaining rooks and thus reduce the offensive possibilities of the black pieces. After 30 ...%lxd6 3 1 .ixd6 f5 32 f4 �f1 33 �O White has a passive but probably solid enough position, with drawing chances. A seemingly simple ending has been reached, where most of the pieces have been exchanged and there is only a limited number of pieces and pawns remaining. %le5 23 lUdl h6 24 %ld2 Black avoids playing 24 ... f6, so as not to weaken the seventh rank. As long as the opponent has two rooks, he has to consider the safety of his own position. 25 %let %lae8 26 .id6 White provokes an exchange of rooks. 26 �g2 came into consider­ ation, retaining both rooks for active counterplay. %ld 26 27 :xd %lxet+ 28 �g2 It)b6 %le6 29 .ig3 Defending the sixth rank. The exchange of one pair of rooks has led to a balance of forces that is more favourable to B lack in the given situation: rook and knight against rook and bishop. Now he can bring

30 �n f6 31 �e2 �f1 32 �d3 %leS Intending to play the rook to as, where it will be more actively placed. 33 %lb2 It)d7 %la5 34 �d4 �e6 35 %le2 36 %le6+ �f5 37 %le7 It)eS 38 %le5 After 38 %lxg7 It)xf3+ 39 �e3 %la3+ 40 �e2 It)d4+ 4 1 �fl %lxa2 Black remains a pawn up. Therefore White seeks counter-chances, threat­ ening to win a piece by 39 f4, and in

1 02

Vasi/y Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

the event of the exchange of rooks to take his king up to the a6 pawn. If now 38 ...l:ta4+, then 39 �c3 l:ta3+ 40 �b4 l:txO 4 1 a4 gS 42 �a5, and White has counterplay on the queen­ side; 42 ... hS can be met by 43 h4.

38 . . . l:ta3! A strong manoeuvre, which disrupts White's plans in view of the mate threat at d3 . Now he has nothing better than to go into a difficult rook ending. l:ta4+ 39 .i.xe5 40 l:tc4 An unfortunate reply. The only way to continue the struggle was by 40 �e3 fxeS 4 1 l:tc2 l:ta3+ 42 �e2. However, even in this case after 42 ... a5 43 l:td2 g6 44 l:tc2 hS 45 l:tb2 l:tc3 Black would have threatened 46...�f4 and would have won a pawn, which in the end would be bound to lead to a win. 40 fxe5+ 41 �d5 l:txa2 42 l:tg4 g5 White resigns

Smyslov-Barcza

Bucharest 1953 Ruy Lopez

e5 1 e4 tDc6 2 tDfJ a6 3 .i.b5 tDf6 4 .i.a4 .i.e7 5 0--0 b5 6 l:te1 7 .i.b3 d6 0--0 8 cl .i.e6 9 h3 .i.xb3 10 d4 11 axb3 This reply has its virtues. White opens the a-file for his rook, and also gains the possibility after d4-dS of supporting his pawn centre by c3-c4. "d7 11 . . . The alternative is 1 1 .. .exd4 1 2 cxd4 dS 1 3 eS tDe4 1 4 tDc3, when White maintains his opening initiative. tDd8 12 d5 13 c4 tDb7 l:tfb8 14 tDcl 15 cxb5 axb5 16 l:txa8 l:txa8 17 b4 h6 Black does not intend to defend his bS pawn, but hopes in return to gain counterplay on the queenside. If 1 7 ... cS there can follow 1 8 dxc6 "xc6 1 9 "d3 l:ta l ( 1 9 ....c4 20 .xc4 bxc4 2 1 .i.gS and then 22 tDd2, or 1 9 ... tDd8 20 .i.gS tDe6 2 1 tDdS) 20 .i.gS l:txe I + 2 1 tDxe I , and it is hard for Black to hold his bS pawn. 18 "d3 c6 19 dxc6 "xc6 "xb5 20 "xb5 21 tDxb5 l:tc8

1 03

Illustrative Games

continuation 30 exd5 e4 3 1 lild2 �xb2 32 lilxe4, when it is not so easy for White to realise his advantage in the minor piece ending. 26 rJtf8 27 ':b3 �e7 If 27 ... lilaS, then 28 ':c3. In the event of 27 ...':b5 there follows 28 ':c3 lile7 (28 ...lilxb4 fails to 29 ':b3) 29 ':c4 d5 30 exd5 lilxd5 3 1 ':e4, and the e5 pawn comes under attack. ':b7 28 b5 29 �fl �e6 30 �e2 �d8 d5 31 �d3 32 exd5+ �xd5 .

Black has given up a pawn, but now he is threatening to restore material equality by playing his rook to c4. lild8 22 �d2! After 22 ...':c4 23 �c3 ':xe4 (or 23 ... lilxe4 24 lila3 ':xc3 25 bxc3 lilxc3 26 lild4 !) 24 ':al lild8 (24 ... d5 25 ':a8+ �h7 26 ':a7 lild6 27 ':xe7 lilxb5 28 �xe5 ':xb4 29 ':xf7 rJtg6 30 ':b7, or 28 ...�g6 29 ':b7 ':xb4 30 �c3 ':b3 3 1 lild2) 25 lild2 ':h4 (25 ... ':f4 26 g3 ':f5 27 ':a7 �f8 28 lilc4) 26 ':a7 �f8 27 lilc7 d5 28 b5 d4 29 �aS e4 30 b6 e3 3 1 lilo White retains the advantage. lilc6 23 llJc3 I f 23 ... ':c4, then 24 lild5 ! ':b8 24 lild5 25 lilxf6+ �xf6 26 ':e3 The ending is developing in favour of White, who has maintained his extra pawn. If now 26...lilxb4, then 27 ':b3 lilc6 28 ':xb8+ lilxb8 29 �b4, and in the event of 29 ... �e7 30 lilxe5. Perhaps Black should have preferred here 29 ... d5, with the

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33 �c2 The king approaches the rook, and the capture of the knight is now threatened. 33 ... rJtc4 is unfavourable in view of 34 bxc6 ':xb3 35 lilxe5+, while 33 ...lilaS is also not possible on account of34 ':d3+. lild4+ 33 . . . exd4 34 lilxd4 Of course, not 34... �xd4 35 ':d3+. �b6 35 �d3 b5 36 �b4

1 04

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

l:tb8 37 .i.f8 g5 38 .i.b4 .i.c7 39 l:t83 40 .i.a5! With this bishop manoeuvre White either transposes into a rook ending, or ensures the further advance of his passed pawn. .i.d6 40 41 l:tb3 g4 42 b6 �c6 IS 43 b7 44 f3 l:te8 45 �xd4 Black's position is lost. .i.c5+ 45 46 �c4 .i.a7 .i.b8 47 .i.c3 48 .i.d4 g3 If 4S ...l:te2, then 49 fxg4 fxg4 50 bxg4 bxg4 5 1 g3 l:tg2 (or 5 1 . .. l:tc2+ 52 �d3 l:tg2 53 �e4 l:txg3 54 l:tb6+ �c7 55 l:tb4 followed by 56 .i.e5) 52 l:tb6+ �d7 (or 52 ...�c7 53 �b5) 53 l:tg6 l:txg3 54 l:tgS. l:td8 49 l:te3 50 l:te7 Black resigns

This system of development, involving the regrouping of the rook at eS and the bishop at fS, was developed by me in the late 1 950s and has withstood the test of time. In contrast to the Chigorin manoeuvre 9 ... tLlaS, Black first and foremost creates pressure on White's central e4 and d4 pawns. l:te8 10 d4 .i.f8 1 1 tLlbd2 12 tLln .i.d7 The more active 1 2 ... .i.b7 is also perfectly possible. 13 dxe5 This exchange in the centre does not promise White any advantage, and leads to an equal game. 13 dxe5 tLla5 14 tLle3 .i.c6 15 .i.c2 tLlxg4 16 tLlg4 17 hxg4 1Vxdl 18 l:txdl tLlc4

Flores-Smyslov

Santiago 1965 Ruy Lopez

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

e4 tLlf3 .i.b5 .i.a4 0-0 l:te1 .i.b3 c3 h3

e5 tLlc6 86 tLlC6 .i.e7 b5 0-0 d6 h6

19 tLld2! An excellent manoeuvre, involving the correct strategic idea. White not only drives the black knight from its

Illustrative Games active position, but also intends to play his knight via fl to the good square e3. In addition, he gains the oppportunity of supporting his e4 pawn by f2-fJ . 19 . . . iDd6 20 f3 l:tad8 In the endgame the chances are roughly equal. However, despite the exchange of queens, many double­ edged possibilities still remain. 21 �f2 If 2 1 a4, then 2 1 ...i.d7 22 axbS (or 22 b4 cS 23 bxcS iDb7) 22 ... axbS 23 iDb3 (or 23 l:ta7 iDc8, and 24 l:txc7 fails to 24 ... i.d6 2S l:tb7 i.c6, when the rook is lost) 23 ...iDc4 24 l:ta7 i.d6 followed by 2S ...l:ta8. 21 l:td7 22 iDn l:ted8 23 iDe3 i.e7! �f8 24 i.b3 25 �e2 If 2S a4, then 2S ...bxa4 26 i.xa4 (26 i.dS i.bS 27 c4 iDxc4 !) 26 ... iDxe4+ ! 27 fxe4 i.xa4. 25 iDb7! i.xd7 26 l:txd7 i.d6 27 iDd5 28 g5 This advance is hardly justified. It later turns out that White has difficulties over the defence of his gS pawn. h5! 28 29 .i.e3 e6 30 iDb6 i.e8 The knight at b6 has ventured boldly into enemy territory. However, B lack's defensive resources are quite adequate to parry this raid, and he can soon begin counterplay. .

•

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I OS

i.e5 31 a4 axb5 32 axb5 i.xe3 33 l:ta7 iDe5 34 �xe3 35 i.a2 In the event of 3S i.c2 B lack would have fixed the g2 pawn by 3S ... h4 ! Then 36 f4 is not good on account of 36 ...exf4+ 37 �xf4 l:tb8 38 b4 iDe6+, while if 36 b4 iDe6 37 i.b3 iDf4, creating threats on the kingside. iDd3 35 . . . 36 g6 A clever, but inadequate attempt to bring into play the knight, which is stuck at b6. If 36 b4 h4 37 iDdS iDc I 38 iDc7 l:td3+ 39 �f2 l:td2+ 40 �fl l:txa2. fxg6 36 iDxb2 37 iDd5 iDdl+ 38 iDe7 lDxc3+ 39 �e2 40 �el If 40 �e3, then 40... i.d7. l:tdl+ 40 . . . l:td2+ 41 �f2 42 �g3 Or 42 �e3 l:txa2.

1 06

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

i.d7 White resigns If 43 tLle6+, then 43 ...i.xe6 44 i.xe6 tLle2+ 45 �h4 tLlf4. 42

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Ivkov-Smyslov

Yugoslavia v USSR Belgrade 1956 Ruy Lopez

e5 1 e4 tLlc6 2 tLlO 3 i.b5 a6 4 i.a4 d6 5 i.xc6+ This exchange, which ensures White a rapid development, is recommended in many opening books. However, I prefer the variation with 5 c3 and 6 d4, in which the Iight­ square bishop is retained. 5 bxc6 6 d4 f6 The logical reply. Black's central pawn fonnation becomes very solid, and his slightly retarded development can hardly be exploited by White without his light-square bishop. The alternative, 6 ...exd4 7 tLlxd4 cS, leaves White with the better chances. tLle7 7 i.e3 8 tLlc3 tLlg6 9 'ii'd2 i.e7 i.e6 10 0-{)-() 1 1 b4 h5 12 dxe5 In this way White gains control of g5, aiming for a kingside initiative, but, as the present game shows, this plan is unsuccessful. Black's threats on the b-fiIe prove more real. 1 2 d5 is not dangerous for Black in view of .

•

1 2 ...cxd5 1 3 tLlxd5 "-"8 1 4 c4 "-"7 with sufficient counterplay. fxe5 12 . . . 13 tLlg5 1 3 i.g5 looks tempting, with the idea of exchanging the dark-square bishops and securing g5 for the knight. But Black can reply I 3 ...i.f6, and if 1 4 i.xf6 gxf6 ! i.xg5 13 . . . 14 i.xg5 Or 14 hxg5 'ii'b8 1 5 0 h4, preventing the advance of the white pawns (g2-g3 and O-f4).

.

'ii'b8 14 involves Black's counterattack playing his queen to the b-file. The position of the white king on the queenside proves to be more vul­ nerable than Black's in the centre, and it is not easy for White to · devise a sensible plan. 1 5 g3 was bad because of 1 5 ....i.g4 followed by ...i.0, blockading the white pawns, but 1 5 f4 exf4 1 6 i.xf4 0-0 1 7 i.g3 came into consideration. In the present game Ivkov fails to find an expedient arrangement of his

1 07

Illustrative Games pieces, and as a result White ends up in a lost position without having made any serious mistake. IS b3 -.b4 16 0 as cS 17 ttJa4 0-0 18 �b2 19 'iixb4 White exchanges queens, so as to reduce Black's attacking chances, but the transition into the endgame fails to bring the desired relief. axb4 19 :ttb8 20 c3 :txb4 2 1 cxb4 c4 22 ttJc3 :tb7! 23 ttJdS Now there is no satisfactory defence against the threat of ... c7-c6, for example: 24 :tc 1 c6 25 ttJe3 d5 26 exd5 cxd5 27 :thd 1 :tb5 followed by the doubling of rooks on the a- or b-fiIe. White decides to give up a pawn and seek salvation in an ending with opposite-colour bishops. 24 ttJe7+ ttJxe7 25 �xe7

This is stronger than 25 ...cxb3 26 a3, when White can organise a defence. Now if 26 �b 1 there fol lows 26 ...c2+, so therefore White is forced to capture the pawn and allow the black rook onto the second rank. 26 �xc3 :txa2 27 :tbl :txg2 :ta2 28 :thO 29 f4 In view of the threat of 29...:ta3, White has to do something, but now trouble strikes from the other side. �h3! 29 30 :ta l :te2 31 :tfel The threats of ...�xfl and ...:te3+ have to be parried. :txel 31 32 :txel exf4 0 33 �g5 34 �e3 �f7 35 :tal cS Black's great material advantage assures him of an easy win. �e6 36 :ta6 :tb4 37 :ta3 38 eS :te4 39 �d2 :txeS 40 :ta7+ �g6 �f6 41 :te7 White resigns •

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Petrosian-Smyslov

1 7th USSR Championship Moscow 1949 Sicilian Defence

25

. . .

c3+!

1 2 3 4

e4 ttJO d4 ttJxd4

cS d6 cxd4 ttJf6

1 08

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

86 5 tDc3 6 i.e2 e6 The fonnation with black pawns at d6 and e6 characterises the Scheveningen Variation. This set-up promises Black a solid, but rather cramped game. 7 0-0 i.e7 8 i.e3 0-0 9 f4 "c7 1 0 IS By advancing this pawn, to a certain extent White commits himself to an attack on the kingside. More­ over, he has to reckon with the weakening of his position in the centre, where his e4 pawn becomes vulnerable. "e l -g3 is more often played, developing the queen in an active position and for the moment not revealing his plans. e5 10 1 1 tDb3 b5 12 83 i.b7 13 i.o

13 :d8 B lack prepares a counter in the centre, in the event of aggressive •

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action by White involving 1 4 g4. The variation 1 4 ...d5 1 5 exd5 e4 1 6 tDxe4 tDxd5 1 7 "e2 tDd7 leads to a sharp game, where for the pawn Black gains fair chances of an attack on White's weakened kingside. tDbd7 14 tDd2 :ac8 15 �b1 tDb6 16 "e2 tDc4 17 "fl "xc4 18 tDxc4 19 i.g5 b6 .ixf6 20 i.xf6 White's exchange of bishop for knight is aimed at exploiting the weakness at d5, but Black's pressure on the c-fiIe, together with his two bishops, gives him good prospects. His backward d-pawn is easily defended. "c5 21 :8d1 Intending after 22 W'xc5 :xc5 to begin a queenside pawn offensive. In addition, by exchanging queens Black ensures the safety of his king in the event of the position being opened. 22 i.e2 "'xfl 23 :xfl

1 09

Illustrative Games dS! 23 The central break finally comes. Now White should have chosen 24 exd5 e4 25 tt:)xe4 .i.xb2 26 .i.f3 .i.xa3 27 IId3, when his passed d-pawn gives him play. 24 tt:)xdS White counts on simplifying the position, but this allows a black rook onto his second rank. .i.xdS 24 IIxc2 2S exdS e4! 26 b3 The pawn advances, and Black threatens to win a piece by 27 ... e3 . e3 27 g4 IId2 28 IIg2 The decisive manoeuvre: Black wins a pawn, while keeping his strong passed pawn. The presence of opposite-colour bishops does nothing to ease White's defence, since with rooks on the board it is difficult to combat the far­ advanced pawn. exd2 29 IIxd2 IIxdS 30 .i.dl �f8 31 �gl .i.gS 32 �n 33 a4 hS h4 34 h3 The black h4 pawn fixes White' s kingside pawns, and denies his rook space on the third rank. axbS 3S axbS �e7 36 lIa lieS 37 lIa lidS 38 .i.e2 Repeating moves to gain time on the clock. 3S ....i.e3 seemed insuff­ icient to Black on account of 39 f6+ gxf6 40 IIfS. •

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39 40 41 42

.i.dl 1Ic3 �e2 lIa

�f6 .i.f4 �gS

b4! 42 Tightening the blockade around the white pieces. If 43 IId3 B lack replies 43 ... lIe5+ 44 �f2 lie 1 45 .i.f3 f6 46 .i.e2 IIh 1 , and White cannot avoid loss of material . lieS 43 �n .i.e3 44 .i.e2 4S .i.dl �f6 lIe4 46 .i.e2 White resigns, since Black's king cannot be prevented from approach­ ing his d2 pawn, with an easy win. Smyslov-Botvinnik

World Championship Match (12) Moscow 1957 Sicilian Defence

cS 1 e4 g6 2 tt:)a A surprise: in previous games of the match Botvinnik had replied 2... tt:)c6. The move played is

1 10

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

considered not altogether sound, and it occurs comparatively rarely in serious events. At this point I sensed that I would have to face some innovation on the part of Black. 3 c4 A good plan of development. White wishes to establish control over the central squares, and then to gain space. 3 i.g7 4 d4 d6 In the given position this is a new idea: Black wishes to retain his pawn base in the centre. After 4 ...cxd4 5 lbxd4 lbc6 6 i.e3 lbf6 7 lbc3 lbg4 8 "xg4 lbxd4 9 "d l e5 1 0 i.d3 it is difficult for Black to gain any active play, as shown by the game between the same players from the Alekhine Memorial Tournament in 1 956. S lbc3 lbc6 6 i.e3 After 6 dxc5 dxc5 7 "xd8+ �xd8 8 i.e3 lbd4 9 ()....(}.....() e5 Black loses the right to castle, but on the other hand he obtains a strong post for his knight. 6 i.g4 My suppositions were confirmed Black is prepared to sacrifice a pawn for the sake of carrying out his opening idea. The entire variation had no doubt been prepared beforehand by Black, but nevertheless, after weighing up the position, White decided to accept the challenge. dxcS 7 dxeS 8 'ii'xd8+ lhd8 9 i.xcs A perfectly logical and consistent continuation. It is not only the win of .

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a pawn that is important. White eliminates Black's control of d4. i.xc3+ 9 10 bxc3 lbf6

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This position was possibly exam­ ined by Botvinnik in his preparatory analysis. At first sight Black seems to have a good game. The pawn cannot be defended by 1 1 lbd2 in view of 1 1 ...:xd2 1 2 �xd2 lbxe4+ and 1 3 ... lbxc5 . Also, 1 1 i.d4 does not promise any advantage after 1 1 ... lbxd4 1 2 lbxd4 lbxe4 13 f3 lbxc3. But there was one subtlety that Black had failed to take into account. 1 1 lbd4! This strong reply secures White an advantage. The subsequent events are forced. lbxe4 11 bxc6 1 2 lbxc6 13 i.xa7 It is now clear that the opening battle has concluded in White's favour. He has gained the two bishops and a passed pawn on the a-file, whereas Black has no real counter­ chances.

Illustrative Games 13 . . . i.fS It)d6 14 fJ A greeing to play on a pawn down. 1 4 ...liJxc3 was risky in view of 1 5 i.b6 Ad7 1 6 a4, threatening to advance the passed pawn. IS a4 Aa8 16 i.b6 � It)c8 17 cS i.e6 18 g4 19 as It)xb6 Atb8 20 cxb6 21 i.d3

This was the position that White was aiming for when he began his pawn offensive on the queenside. The game would have concluded more quickly after 2 1 �f2 Axb6 22 axb6 Axal 23 b7 Ab } 24 i.a6 Ab2+ 25 �e3 �ffl 26 Ad } �e8 27 Ad4 c5 28 Ab4, but the move played is also good enough to win. 21 . . . Axb6 22 axb6 Axal+ 23 �d2 Aa2+ Of course, not 23 ...Axh l 24 b7 Axh2+ 25 i.e2, when the b-pawn queens.

III

24 �e3 i.c8 Ab2 2S Adl 26 i.c4! �g7 27 Ad8 i.e6 Black seeks drawing chances in a rook ending. If 27 ...i.b7 there would have followed 28 Ad7 Axb6 29 Axe7 and 30 Axf7+. 28 i.xe6 fxe6 eS 29 Ab8 Or 29 ...�f6 30 �d4 Ab5 3 1 f4, and White must win thanks to his passed pawn. 30 c4 �f7 �e6 31 cS

32 Ad8! White frees his rook and cuts off the black king from the passed pawn. The aim of his subsequent man­ oeuvres is to improve the position of his own king, and then to block the action of the enemy rook, transposing into a pawn ending or ensuring the advance of his b-pawn. 32 g5 Abl 33 h3 34 �d2 AbS 35 �d3 Abl

1 12

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

36 �c4 :cl+ :b1+ 37 . �b4 :a 1+ 38 �a4 39 �b4 :bl+ :a1+ 40 �a3 :a5 41 �b2 42 :d3 The goal is achieved. Now the black rook is forced to abandon its ac­ tive position, and White wins easily. :a8 42 . . . :a5 43 �b3 Black resigns There could have followed 44 �b4 :b5+ 45 �c4 :b l 46 :b3 :c l + 47 �d3 :d l + 48 �e3 :d8 49 b7 :b8 50 �e4 �d7 5 1 �f5!, and White wins.

and if 1 1 ...iLlxd5 12 "'xd5, or 1 1 ...iLlxe4 1 2 .if3 ! .ie6 10 . . . 'ifc6 11 a5 Black strives for ... d6-d5, but White is able to prevent this freeing advance. iLlbd7 12 .if3 .ixd5 13 iLld5! 'ifb5 14 exd5 After 1 4 ...'iWc4 there could have followed 1 5 iLld2, and if 1 5 ...W'h4 1 6 g3 W'h3 1 7 :a4, or 1 5 ....,,5 1 6 "' 1 1 with the idea of 1 7 c4.

Smyslov-Tal

Candidates Tournament Yugoslavia 1959 Sicilian Defence 1 e4 c5 d6 2 iLlf3 cxd4 3 d4 4 iLlxd4 iLlf6 a6 5 iLlc3 6 .ie2 This quiet plan of development has its virtues. White can unhurriedly develop his forces and restrain Black's possible counterplay on the queenside. e5 6 7 iLlb3 .ie7 8 0-0 0-0 'ifc7 9 .ie3 10 a4 Preventing 1 0 ...b5 . On the previous move 9 ... b5 was unfavourable for Black on account of 1 0 a4 b4 I 1 iLld5,

15 1Ii'd3! The correct way of handling the position. The exchange of queens favours White, since he gains favourable opportunities for play with his rooks on the c-fiJe. With the advantage of the two bishops and strong queenside pressure, he can be hopeful of success in the endgame. :rc8 15 'iWxd3 16 :fcl g6 17 cxd3 1 7 ...iLlc5 is unfavourable on account of 1 8 iLlxc5 dxc5 1 9 d6!

Illustrative Games l:txc3 18 l:tc3 19 bxc3 l:tc8 20 c4 e4! The only possibility for Black to activate his game. Otherwise White would have continued 2 ] l:tb ] , putting pressure on the b7 pawn. 2 1 dxe4 l:txc4 22 lDd2 l:tc2 l:tc3 23 �dl 24 �O White aims to strengthen his position by playing his king to e2 and his bishop to d4. lDe5 24 . . . l:td3 25 �d4 dxe5 26 �xe5 I f 26...l:txd2 there follows 27 .ie3 l:tb2 28 l:tc ] , when the e4 pawn is immune: 28 ... lDxe4 29 l:tc8+ �g7 30 .id4+, winning the exchange. 27 �e2

l:txd2+ 27 After 27 ...l:td4 28 f3 White's central pawns may become very dangerous. The as pawn restrains two black pawns, and 28 ...c4 is not possible due to 29 l:ta4. .

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By sacrificing the exchange and eliminating the important e4 pawn, my opponent was hoping to set up a 'fortress' on the dark squares. 28 �d2 lDxe4+ 29 �c2 lDd6 29...lDxfl fails to 30 .iO f5 3 ] l:tb 1 . 30 .ie2 .if6 If 30 ... .id8 there would have followed 3 ] �b3 �f8 32 �a4 with the threat of 33 l:tc 1 . 31 l:tbl �f8 If 3 1 . . . .id8 there could have followed 32 .ixa6 bxa6 33 l:tb8. 32 �b3 �e7 I f 32 ... lDe4, then 33 l:tc l .id4 34 f3 lDd6 35 .id3. 33 .id3 �d7 34 f4 White's king has taken up a good post, from where it restrains the ... c5c4 advance and in certain variations defends the as pawn. Noy' he can begin active play on the kingside, in order to open a file for his rook. 34 .id4 35 l:to .ie3 If 35 ... f5 White could have played 36 l:te I , subsequently strengthening his position by 37 l:te2 with the idea of h2-h4-h5. .id2 36 fS 37 fxg6 hxg6 38 l:tal Of course, White does not intend to give up his as pawn. 38 �e7 39 l:ta2 .ib4 40 h4 White's plan includes creating a passed pawn on the kingside. Now 40 ... .ie l fails to 4 ] l:te2+. .

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Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso 40 41

g4

The game was adjourned in this position, with Black sealing his next move. 41 . . . .i.e1 Analysis showed that Black is unable to hold the position, since the passed h-pawn diverts his forces which are needed for the defence of the queenside. �g5 42 b5 43 :a l .i.d2 44 :bl The h-pawn is threatening to advance, and so the exchange on h5 is forced. 44 gxb5 c4+ 45 gxb5 If immediately 45 ... �h6, then 46 �a4 c4 47 .i.e2 is possible, when Black's 'fortress' is destroyed. 46 .tIC4 �b6 47 :n ! Threatening 48 :f6+. 47 �xb5 If 47....i.g5 there would have followed 48 .te2. •

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48 :f6 LDe4 49 .i.e2+ Vacating c4 for the king in the event of ... LDc5+. �g5 49 50 :x17 .te3 If 50 ....txaS, then 5 1 .td3 LDd6 52 :d7. �f4 51 :e7 LDd6 52 .i.d3 53 �b4 Threatening 54 :e6. b6 53 .txb6 54 axb6 55 .i.xa6 The win for White is not far off. .td4 55 . . . 56 :e6 .te5 57 �c5 LD17 58 .i.d3 .i.b2 59 .i.g6 LDg5 60 :e8 .i.a3+ 61 �c6 LDfJ 62 :e4+ �g5 63 .i.b7 �b6 64 .i.f5 �g5 65 .i.g4 Black resigns •

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Smyslov-Langeweg

Amsterdam 1981 Sicilian Defence 1 e4 cS e6 2 LDO 3 d4 cxd4 4 LDxd4 LDc6 d6 5 LDc3 6 .i.e3 LDf6 e5 7 f4 7 ....i.e7 is more solid. 8 LDde2 Now in the event of 8 ...exf4 White will recapture with his knight. His plans include queenside castling. LDg4 8 9 .i.gl exf4 10 LDxf4 .i.e7 11 'ii'd2 0-0

Illustrative Games 12 � .i.e6 "d7 13 �bl l:tfd8 14 liJfd5 As a result of the opening stage White controls the key square d5. He was threatening 1 5 liJxe7+, and so Black defends his weakness at d6. 15 .i.b5 .i.f8

16 h3 Up to this point the play was identical to the game Sax-Langeweg (Wijk aan Zee 1 98 1 ), which contin­ ued 1 6 "g5 l:tdc8 1 7 h3 h6 1 8 "d2 liJge5 1 9 .i.e3 'ifd8 20 g4 liJe7 2 1 g5 .i.xd5 22 liJxd5 liJxd5 23 "xd5 hxg5 24 l:thgl .i.e7 25 .i.a4 .i.f6 26 .i.b3 l:tc6 27 l:tdfl "e7 28 l:tf5 �f8 29 .i.xg5 with a strong attack for White. 16 liJge5 �h8 17 -'g5 18 .i.e3 l:tdc8 19 l:thfl 'ifd8 In contrast to the afore-mentioned game, Langeweg has avoided the weakening move ...h7-h6, and he invites White to go into an ending, assuming that the weakness of his d6 pawn will not be of decisive

1 15

importance. However, even after the exchange of queens White's chances are preferable in the resulting man­ oeuvring battle. 10 -.xd8 liJxd8 11 .i.e1 With the threat of 22 liJb5 a6 23 liJbc7 l:tab8 24 .i.a7, winning the exchange. .i.d7 11 11 .i.f4 White prevents 22 ...liJe6 in view of 23 .i.xe5 dxe5 24 l:txf7. 12 .i.e8 23 .i.b5 .i.c6 f6 24 liJe3 liJdf1 25 liJfS 26 l:td4 Over-protection of the e4 pawn. At d4 the rook is actively placed. g6 26 liJd8 27 liJe3 28 l:tddl Not allowing the manoeuvre that was possible after 28 l:td2 liJe6 29 .i.g3 .i.h6. 28 �g7 liJd7 29 liJed5 •

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Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

1 16

30 �d! White switches his attention to the weakness at f6. He intends 3 1 b3 and then 32 �b2, intensifying the press­ ure on this pawn. 30 31 32 33 34

b3 �b2 a4 �e2

1tJf7 l:tab8 ItJfe5 a6 �f7

An unnecessary move, caused by shortage of time. If 34 ... b5 there would have followed 35 axb5 axb5 36 1tJb4 �a8 37 ItJcd5 with a great positional advantage to White.

35 g4 36 a5! 37 l:tfl 38 l:tdfl Black overstepped

�g7 l:td8 l:tbc8 the time limit.

The loss of his f6 pawn and the complete collapse of his defences are inevitable.

Smyslov-Letelier

Venice 1 950 French Defence

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

e4 d4 ltJel

e5 a3 bxel a4 "d2

10 11

cxd4 �xd2

As a result of the exchanges White has got rid of his doubled pawns. He prevents ...ltJaS, and with his two bishops he has good prospects in the ending. 1tJf5 11 •

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.tel! When he played his knight to f5 Black was counting on 1 2 c3 ltJaS. While retaining control of as, at the same time White vacates d2 for his king.

12 13 14 15 16

.td3 �d2 a5 l:the1

.td7 l:tc8 � l:tc7

A prophylactic manoeuvre in the event of Black's counterplay with ... t7-f6. In reply Black should have stuck to waiting tactics, aiming to regroup his forces by ... a7-a6, ...ltJa7 and ... .tb5. His following move falls in with the opponent's plans.

16

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17

.txf5!

e6 d5 �b4 c5 �xel+ ltJe7 "a5 ItJbc6 cxd4

ltJo Black forcibly transposes into an ending. 9 ... �d7 was a more flexible reply, retaining the option of opening the game by ... cxd4, as well as block­ ading the queenside after ... c5-c4.

"xd2+

f6

Illustrative Games The correct decision: White gives up his light-square bishop, but he prevents the opening of the f-file and transposes into a favourable position. 17 e:d5 18 exffi l:lxffi 19 l:labl The start of a systematic attack on the opponent's pawn weaknesses. A significant defect of Black's position is the weakness of the e5 and c5 squares. The pawn formation gives White the better chances in the resulting ending. 19 h6 �e6 20 l:lb5! 21 l:lebl l:lf17 22 lLlet f4 23 f3 g5 24 lLld3 The knight has taken up a strong position. All White's pieces are mobilised for a decisive attack, and soon it becomes difficult for Black to parry the combined threats. 24 �h7 l:lf6 25 l:let

26

l:lc5

1 17

Threatening to win a pawn by 27 lLlb4, White begins a forcing man­ oeuvre, as a result of which he secures a clear advantage. Black cannot reply 26 ... b6, since after 27 axb6 axb6 28 l:lb5 the defence 28 ...l:lb7 fails to 29 lLlc5. 26 l:le8 lLlxb4 27 lLlb4 The alternative 27 ...lLle7 would have allowed the spectacular combin­ ational blow 28 lLlxd5! lLlxd5 29 l:lxe6! l:lxc5 30 l:lxf6 l:lxc3 3 1 l:ld6, when Whitr regains the piece, remaining a pawn up, or 30 ...lLlxf6 3 1 dxc5 lLld7 3 2 �d3 ! lLlxc5+ 3 3 �c4, and the white king heads for Black's queenside pawns. 28 l:lxe6! l:lxe6 lLlc6 29 l:lxe8 It appears that Black has suc­ cessfully extricated himself from his difficult position, since 30 l:lc7+ can be met by 30 ...l:le7. But with the following pawn sacrifice White breaks up Black's position on the queenside. .

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a6!

bxa6

1 18

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

�g6 31 ':c7+ liJe7 32 ':d7 liJfS 33 �b4 34 ':xd5 White had aimed for this position when he made his 26th move. He has gained two passed pawns in the centre and is threatening their rapid advance. Black's counterplay on the kingside is obviously too late. liJe3 34 liJxg2 35 ':d8 ':b6 36 d5 ':b7 37 �c5

38 ':c8! While ensuring the stability of the position, at the same time the rook supports the advance of the white pawns. 38 liJh4 liJf5 39 �e2 40 ':c6+ �h5 40...�f7 was slightly more tenacious, although after 4 1 �d3 White's advantage is enough to win. ':d7 41 d6 42 ':c7 Black resigns

If 42 ...':d8 there follows 43 d7 g4 44 fxg4+ �xg4 45 ':xa7 and the unavoidable 46 �b6. Smyslov-Botvinnik

World Championship Match (20) Moscow 1 95 7 French Defence e6 1 e4 d5 2 d4 �b4 3 liJc3 cS 4 e5 �xc3+ 5 83 'i'c7 6 bxc3 7 'i'g4 An active plan of development, with the queen taking up an attacking position on the kingside. The 1 4th game of the match continued here 7 ... f5 8 'i'g3 liJe7, but for the present game my opponent had prepared a new variation. f6 7 ... Hardly a good idea, most probably provoked by a desire to avoid the well-trodden paths. The usual replies here, 7 ... f5 and 7 ... liJe7, are at any rate no worse. liJc6 8 liJrJ 9 'i'g3! A good move. White supports his central pawn and indirectly protects his third rank (the square c3). Now 9 . .fxe5 is met by 1 0 liJxe5 liJxe5 1 1 �f4, while if 9 .. cxd4 1 0 exf6 'iWxg3 1 1 hxg3 lDxf6 1 2 cxd4 with the better chances for White. 'iWf7 9 ... 10 dxc5 With two bishops, White naturally wants to open the position. He now .

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Illustrative Games obtains a tripled, but nevertheless extra pawn. He also gains the possibility of developing his bishop at d3, without having to fear the blockading advance ...c5-c4. lDge7 10 fxe5 1 1 .i.d3 Botvinnik usually tries to · clarify the central pawn fonnation. After the exchanges Black is counting on the strength of his central pawns, but in this way he fails to equalise. However, the alternative 1 1 ... .i.d7 is also not altogether sound, for example 1 2 l:tb 1 0-0-0 1 3 0-{) lDg6 1 4 exf6 gxf6 1 5 lDd4 a6 1 6 .i.xa6 bxa6 1 7 lDxc6 .i.xc6 I 8 l:tb8+ �d7 1 9 'i'd6+. 12 lDxe5 lDxe5 0-0 13 'i'xe5 lDc6 14 (H) e5 15 'i'g3 16 .i.e3 •

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The opening battle has gone in favour of White, who has completed his development and retained a material advantage. His further plans involve exploiting the b-file or under­ mining the black pawns by f2-f4.

1 19

16 .i.fS 17 l:tabl Here the rook is excellently placed, restricting the mobility of the black pieces by the necessity to defend the b7 pawn. 17 .i.xd3 Passive defence such as I 7 ...l:tab8 is not in Botvinnik's style, but now White's pawns are straightened out. 18 cxd3 l:ta e8 19 f4! "ilc7 Black should avoid exchanges, which in the end favour the side who is a pawn up. He could have tried to complicate matters by I 9 ... e4, but after 20 dxe4 l:txe4 2 1 f5 l:tfe8 22 .i.g5 lDe5 23 h3 White threatens to build up a strong attack by f5-f6. l:txfi + 20 fxe5 'i'xe5 21 l:txfi lDxe5 22 'i'xe5 23 l:tdl Thus White's task has been reduced to the prosaic realisation of a material advantage in the endgame. However, to win he still has to over­ come certain technical difficulties. �f7 23 lDc6 24 h3 25 .i.f4 l:te7 26 .i.d6 l:td7 �e6 27 l:tfi+ �f7 28 l:el+ 29 �f2 White has significantly strength­ ened his position. Now the main endgame piece - the king - comes into play. 29 . . . b6 It is difficult for Black to undertake anything. By the move played he at •

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1 20

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

last gets rid of his weakness at b7, but this in turn eliminates White's doubled pawns. 30 :bl �e6

:f6 39 .igl lDxd4 40 .i.xd4 :f2+ 41 :xd4 42 �cJ The sealed move. Black resigned without resuming. After 42 ...:xg2 43 :f4 hS 44 :f7 :g3 4S :g7 the connected passed pawns guarantee White the win. Smyslov-Haag

Chigorin Memorial Tournament Sochi J 963 French Defence

31 :bS! Playing the rook to the fifth rank is highly effective: the bishop is freed from having to defend the cS pawn. 31 . . . d4 The operation begun with this move merely worsens Black's position, as he has overlooked a small tactical point. buS 32 c4 33 .i.h2! The decisive manoeuvre. Weaker is 33 .i.xcs :f7+ 34 �e2 :fS, when it is not easy for White to disentangle his pieces. :f7+ 33 34 �e2 :e7 It turns out that 34 ...:(5 fails to 3S g4 :gS 36 .tf4 :g6 37 :xcS. The remainder is now simple. 3S :xcS �d7+ 36 �d2 :e6 g6 37 :gS �c8 38 :dS+ •

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e6 1 d4 dS 2 e4 lDf6 3 lDcJ 4 .i.gS .ie7 S eS lDfd7 'i'xe7 6 .i.xe7 f6 7 f4 This move can hardly be recom­ mended. The usual continuation here is 7...a6 or 7...().....{) followed by 8 ...cS. 8 'i'hS+! g6 8 .....f7 probably did not appeal to Black on account of 9 "xf7+ �f7 1 0 lDbS lDa6 1 1 lDo with the better game for White, but now his pawn formation is weakened even more. 'i'f8 9 'i'h6 10 "xf8+ :xf8 :xf6 11 exf6 12 g3 From the opening White has achieved an excellent position. The weakness of the dark squares in the opponent's territory is obvious, and the central eS square, which White firmly controls, may serve as a convenient outpost for his pieces.

Illustrative Games lOb6 12 lOe6 13 lOa i.d7 14 ()....6...() 15 i.g2 ()....6...() h6 16 :he1 :g8 17 b3 18 h4! By natural moves White has gained a marked advantage. Now his pieces are splendidly placed, and for the moment the attempt by Black to free his game with 1 8 ... g5 is prevented. �b8 18 i.e8 19 �h3

20 :d3! The rook on the third rank strength­ ens White's position. In addition, the d1 square is vacated for the knight manoeuvre c3-d 1 -e3(f2)-g4. 20 lOe7 lLlf5 21 lLld l gS 22 lLleS 23 fxgS hxgS 24 h5 Now White has acquired a passed h-pawn, which is destined to play a decisive role in the endgame. lLld6 24 . . .

121 25 26 27 28 29 30

1Oe3 lD3g4 h6 i.g2 :d2 lLlxg4

:h8

:15

lOe4 lOa lOxg4 �d7

:a 31 i.O ! 32 :g2 �e8 33 �d3 The bishop has switched to an active position, from where it can assist the passed h-pawn. lLle8 33 . . . 34 h7 Forward ! 34 :xe6 would have been bad on account of 34 ...�d7. lLld6 34 . . . �d7 3S :xe6 If 35 ...:xd3, then 36 cxd3 �d7 37 :g6. 36 lLle5 :0+ If 36 ...:xd3 White wins by 37 lLlxd7+ �c8 38 cxd3. 37 �XO �xe6 38 i.d3 lLle4 39 i.xe4 dxe4 40 :h2 i.f5 41 �d2 cS 42 dxeS �e7 43 �e3 :xh7 44 :xh7+ i.xh7 4s lLln The ending is easily won for White.

1 22

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

45... .ig6 46 lDxg5 �c6 47 lDxe4 �d5 48 c4+ �e5 49 lDd2 .ie8 50 g4 as 51 lDfJ+ �f6 52 �f4 a4 53 g5+ rj;e7 54 lDd4 .ig6 55 bxa4 .id3 56 c6 bxc6 57 cS Black resigns Hfibner-Smyslov

Hastings 1968/9 Caro-Kann Defence c6 1 e4 d5 2 d4 cxd5 3 exd5 4 .id3 lDc6 5 cl lDf6 6 .if4 .ig4 7 'i'b3 If White plays 7 lDO, then 7 ...a6 is uite good, when the queen sortie 8 q Wb3 can be parried by 8 ... lDaS. 'i'c8 7 ... 7 ...lDaS 8 'i'a4+ .id7 9 'i'c2 e6 1 0 lDO 'i'b6 occurred in the game Fischer-Petrosian ('Match of the Century', Belgrade 1 970), and after 1 1 a4 White prevented 1 1 ....ib5 and obtained a promising game. 8 lDd2 e6 9 lDgfJ .ie7 9 ....txO 1 0 lDxO .ie7 came into consideration, with a satisfactory position for Black. 10 lDe5 lDxe5 1 1 dxe5 lDd7 lDc5 12 0-0 Black is not afraid of losing the right to castle. After 1 2 . 0-0 I did not care for 1 3 .c2 h6, when the bishop at g4 is badly placed. 13 .ib5+ rj;f8 h6 14 'i'c2 15 lDb3 ..

15 a6! 16 lDxc5 If 16 .ie2 .ixe2 1 7 .xe2 lDxb3 1 8 axb3 g6 followed by 1 9 ...rj;g7. axb5 16 . . . 17 lDb3 M! Black gets rid of his b5 pawn, which could have become a target for the white pieces. 18 l:lfcl gS rj;g7 19 .ie3 Here we can take stock. Black has moved his king away from the centre to the kingside, and with two bishops and the open a-file he has counter­ chances. 20 cxb4 With this exchange White begins a plan that involves penetrating with his rook onto the seventh rank. Two other continuations came into consider­ ation: (a) 20 'i'd2 bxc3 2 1 l:lxc3 'W'd7 22 lDc5 .ixc5 23 .ixc5 .ifS with a defensible position; (b) 20 c4 dxc4 2 1 'W'xc4 .xc4 22 l:lxc4 .ie2 23 l:lc7 l:lhe8 24 l:lxb7 .ic4, and the activity of Black's

Illustrative Games pieces compensates for the pawn deficit. 'i'xe2 20 .i.xb4 2 1 :bc2 :hb8 22 :e7 23 h3 .i.hS Of course, not 23 ....i.f5 on account of 24 tOd4. 24 a3 White, aiming to intensify the pressure on the queenside, begins advancing his a-pawn. His rook on the seventh rank is actively placed. However, B lack has sufficient resources for counterplay: he has the two bishops, and the white e5 pawn may find itself in danger. 24 .i.f8 �g8 2S a4 26 as .i.e2 The bishop comes to the defence of the queenside. The retreat of the king to g8 pursued two aims: it forestalled 27 tOd4 with an attack on the bishop at e2 and the e6 pawn, and it also freed g7 for the other bishop. 27 h4 This pawn sacrifice was evidently the result of White overestimating his chances. 27 . . . gxh4 28 .i.b6 hS Black widens the scope of his bishop at fS. 29 f4 .i.e4 With this move Black forces the knight to determine its position. If now 30 tOd4 .i.h6 3 1 b3 .i.a6 32 f5 .i.e3+ 3 3 �h 1 :c8 34 :xc8+ :xc8 35 fxe6 .i.xd4 36 exf7+ �xf7 3 7 .i.xd4 �e6, and the black pieces are more actively placed.

1 23

.i.xeS+ 30 tOeS 31 :xeS :e8 3 1 .i.xc5 would of course have been answered by the same move. It becomes obvious that Black has completely consolidated his position. 32 �f2 :xeS 33 .i.xeS

33 . . . �h7! An interesting ending has arisen, where B lack has retained his extra pawn. With rooks on the board, the opposite-colour bishops do not guarantee White complete equality. The black king comes into play and simultaneously vacates g8 for its rook. 34 b4 Now Black builds up an attack. If 34 .i.e7 there could have followed 34 ... .i.b5, with the threat of 35 ... :c8 . For example: 35 :c 1 :xaS 36 :c5 b6 37 .i.d8 :a8 38 .i.xb6 .i.d3, remaining a pawn up . :g8 34 . . . :g4 3S .i.e7 d4 36 .i.gS Now Black is threatening not only

1 24

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

to advance his central pawn, but also to play his bishop to dS, after which White's position will become critical. 37 l:tbl .i.d5 38 l:tb2 �g6 39 b5 l:tg3 40 .i.xb4 l:tb3 41 �e2 .i.c4+ l:txb5 42 �dl

Mikenas-Smyslov

13th USSR Championship Moscow 1944 Slav Defence d5 1 d4 2 c4 c6 3 lLlo lLlf6 4 lLlc3 dxc4 5 84 .i.f5 6 e3 e6 7 .i.xc4 .i.b4 lLlbd7 8 0-0 .i.g6 9 'We2 10 lLla2 1 0 e4 is more active, not fearing I O .. .i.xc3 I I bxc3 lLlxe4, since after 1 2 .i.a3 ! White gains a strong initiative for the sacrificed pawn. 10 . . . .i.d6 1 1 lLlc3 Thus the knight has returned to its fonner post, but Black avoids the repetition of moves. 0-0 11 . . . e5 12 e4 This move frees Black's game and promises him equal chances. lLlxe5 13 dxe5 .i.xe5 14 lLlxe5 15 fJ 'Wc7 16 g4! ? Played with the obvious intention of isolating Black's light-square bishop. Now it will have to wait a long time before it can take an active part in the game. 16 l:tfe8 .i.f4 17 .i.e3 18 'tWd2 'tWb6 The exchange of queens eases Black's defence, since it enables him .

Black is again a pawn up with an excellent position. 43 .i.e1 l:tb1+ 44 �d2 l:tal 45 15+ �xf5 46 l:txh5+ �e4 47 l:th7 l:txa5 48 l:txn l:t82+ 49 �c1 bS White's position is lost: apart from Black being a pawn up, all his pieces are taking part in the attack. �d3! 50 .i.d2 51 l:tfl .i.d5 52 g4 b4 53 g5 l:tc2+ White resigns If 54 �d l there follows 54 ... b3 55 .i.e I b2, and the b-pawn queens.

Illustrative Games to free his g6 bishop in a quieter situation.

.ltxd2 19 .ltxb6 lLld7 20 .ltd4 21 lad 1 .ltf4 22 .ltb3 White cannot play 22 .ltxg7 lLlb6 or 22 .ltxa7 lLle5. as! 22 . . . A typical blockading manoeuvre in such positions. It is useful to fix the weakness of b4 in order to control the dark squares. Again 23 .ltxg7 does not work, in view of 23 ... lLlc5. 23 �g2 l:tad8 24 lLle2 .lte7 25 .lte3 h6 lLle5 26 l:td2 27 l:tad l l:txd2 28 l:txd2 l:td8 29 l:txd8+ .ltxd8 30 .!Df4 �h7 In the resulting minor piece ending the chances of the two sides are roughly equal. Soon Black's king will be able to approach the centre and help the h7 bishop to break out. 31 �d4 �c7

1 25

32 .ltxe5 There was absolutely no need for White to make this exchange. Now Black gains the two bishops and favourable chances in the endgame, thanks to the weakness of the dark squares in the opponent's position. 32 .ltxe5 33 lLld3 .ltd4 34 �n �f8 35 .lte4 �e7 g5! 36 b3

Play on the dark squares. After . .. f7-f6 Black's light-square bishop will again become mobile. 37 �e2 f6 .ltg6 38 lLle1 39 lLlc2 .ltgl 40 h3 �d6 41 .ltg8 .ltc5! By depriving the knight of the a3 square, Black prepares to play his king to the central square e5. 42 lLle1 �e5 �d4 43 lLld3+ �xc5 44 .!Dxe5 b5 45 �e3 The bishop ending is won for

1 26

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

Black. If now 46 .*.e6 bxa4 47 bxa4 �b4 48 f4 gxf4+ 49 �xf4 �xa4 50 e5 fxe5+ 5 1 �xe5 �b4, and the advance of the a-pawn is decisive. 46 axb5 (xb5 gxf4+ 47 f4 �d4! 48 �xf4 Black prevents e4-e5 and then creates an outside passed pawn on the queenside. a4 49 .*.d5 bxa4 50 bxa4 51 h4 a3 52 h5 .*.xe4! 53 .*.a2 .*.d5 �(3 54 .*.bl White resigns Stahlberg-Smyslov

Played by Telegraph, 1961 Slav Defence In the Spring of 1 96 1 grandmaster Stahlberg told me that the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet wanted me to play a game with him by telegraph. When we drew for colours, it was my opponent who obtained the white pieces. The game lasted two and a half months. 1 d4 d5 2 (4 c6 3 iDfJ iDf6 4 iDc3 dxc4 5 84 iDa6 first employed this original continuation against Gligoric in 1 959. Black allows e2-e4, but Stahlberg chooses a different path. iDg4 6 iDe5 This knight sortie aims for active counterplay in the centre. After 7

iDxg4 .*.xg4 8 0 .*.e6 9 e4 iDb4 1 0 .*.e3 g6 for the moment B lack holds on to the gambit pawn. 7 iDxc4 e5! Black sacrifices a pawn for rapid development. Moreover, the weak­ ening of White's queenside tells, for example: 8 dxe5 'i'xd l + 9 iDxd l iDb4 1 0 iDde3 .*.e6, or 8 iDxe5 iDxe5 9 dxe5 'i'xd 1 + 1 0 �xd 1 ( 1 0 iDxd 1 iDb4 1 1 iDe3 .*.e6 1 2 f4 .*.c5) 1 0...iDb4 1 1 e4 .*.e6 1 2 f4 O--()-.{)+, and Black has excellent prospects in the endgame. iDb4 8 e3 9 h3 If 9 .*.e2 exd4 1 0 .*.xg4 ( l O exd4 'i'xd4 !) 1 0...dxc3 and White is in serious difficulties. 9 exd4 10 hxg4 dxc3 1 1 bxc3 Unfavourable is 1 1 'i'xd8+ �xd8, when White has to defend against the threat of 1 2 ...iDc2+. He also achieves nothing with 1 1 'i'b3 in view of 1 1 .. ..*.xg4 1 2 iDe5 'i'd5 !, when I 3 'i'xd5 fails to 1 3 ...iDc2 mate. 'i'xd1+ 11 . . . iDd5 12 �xdl The c3 and g4 pawns are attacked, and one of them is lost. 13 �c2 In my view, White would have done better to keep his strong pawns on the kingside. After 1 3 0 iDxc3+ 1 4 �c2 iDd5 1 5 e4 iDb4+ 1 6 �c3 .*.e6 1 7 .*.e3 the game would still have been sharp. 13 .*.xg4 .*.e6 14 fJ 15 l:tbl .

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Illustrative Games

1 27

Black would have been set more difficult problems by 23 c4 f6 24 i.d4 i.xd4 25 exd4 h5 26 �c3, when White acquires certain chances in the centre. 23 i.xa3 24 l:txa3 �d6 25 �d2 i.e6 g5 26 e4 �c5 27 �e3

15 . . . lLlb6! Black returns the pawn, but opens the a-file for his rook. Now if 1 6 lLlaS there could have followed 1 6 ...0--0-0 1 7 e4 i.d6 1 8 i.e3 i.c7. 1 5 ... 0--0-0 would have been weaker on account of 1 6 e4 lLlf6 1 7 lLla5. 16 lLlxb6 axb6 17 lhb6 i.c8 18 i.d3 White does not try to maintain material equality by 1 8 l:th4 on account of 1 8 ... i.e7 1 9 l:tf4 g5 20 l:tc4 �d8 followed by 2 1 ... �c7 and ... i.e6. l:txa4 18 Thus Black has again won a pawn. Now 1 9 l:txh7 l:txh7 20 i.xh7 fails to 20 ...g6. 19 l:tbl b6 i.c5 20 i.b2 2 1 l:tal White strives to occupy the open file and to exchange Black's active rook. 21 l:txal �e7 22 l:txa l 23 i.a3 •

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After occupying a key square with his king, Black now intends to bring his rook into play. This is achieved by advancing the h-pawn, opening lines on the kingside. b5 28 l:ta7 29 e5 b5 30 f4 gxf4+ b4! 31 �xf4 32 i.e4 b3 Black carries out his plan. 33 l:ta6 is met by 33 ...l:.h4+ 34 �e3 l:.xe4+! 35 �xe4 h2 36 l:ta l i.d5+ 37 �e3 i.xg2, and wins. l:.b4+ 33 gxb3 34 �e3 l:txb3+ 35 �d2 �b6 The final subtlety. Black forestalls

1 28

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

the threat of 36 l:lc7, in order then to attack the eS pawn with his rook. White resigns Portisch-Smyslov

Amsterdam 1 981 Slav Defence

1 llJo d5 2 d4 llJf6 3 c4 c6 dxc4 4 llJc3 5 a4 .i.f5 6 e3 e6 7 .i.xc4 .i.b4 8 0-0 llJbd7 9 llJh4 An original plan. 9 'l'e2 .i.g6 is more common. The variation 9 ""3 as 1 0 llJa2 .i.e7 is not dangerous for B lack, since if I I 'l'xb7 there follows 1 1 . .. l:lb8 1 2 'l'a6 l:la8, and the white queen cannot escape from the pursuit. 9 .i.g4 10 0 .i.b5

11 e4 A sharp continuation, involving a pawn sacrifice. If now 1 1 ...i.xc3 (but

not 1 1 . .. llJxe4 1 2 llJxe4 'l'xh4 1 3 g4! .i.g6 14 j,gS 'l'h3 1 5 llJf2 winning the queen) 12 bxc3 llJxe4 1 3 'l'e l with a strong attack for White. An alternative to the move played is 1 1 g4 llJdS 1 2 'l'e l .i.e7 1 3 llJg2 .i.g6 with an unclear game. llJb6 11 . . . 12 .i.e2 If 12 .i.b3 there can follow 1 2 ... i.xc3 1 3 bxc3 llJxe4 1 4 'l'el llJxc3 ! with great complications, for example: 1 5 g4 ( I S llJfS 0-0 1 6 llJxg7 'l'xd4+ 1 7 �h I 'l'xg7 1 8 .i.b2 llJbdS 1 9 .i.xdS cxdS 20 .i.xc3 d4 !) I S ... 'l'xd4+ 1 6 .i.e3 'I'b4 1 7 l:lc I 'l'xb3 1 8 l:lxc3 'l'xa4 1 9 gxh5 llJd5, and Black has four pawns for the piece. 12 llJrd7 13 g3 as An important move, stabilising Black's position on the queenside. It can be concluded that from the opening he has achieved a comfor­ table game. 0-0 14 .i.e3 15 llJg2 f6 16 llJr4 .i.f7 17 llJd3 A poor move, which leads to difficulties. 1 7 i.f2 was more circumspect. 17 llJc4 18 .i.d If 1 8 .i.f2 there would have followed 1 8 ...llJxb2 1 9 l1Jxb2 .i.xc3. 18 e5 19 dxe5 19 llJxb4 is bad on account of 1 9...axb4 20 llJa2 'I'b6. 19 llJdxe5 llJxd3 20 �bl •

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Illustrative Games A clear and simple plan. By a series of exchanges Black takes play into an ending where White's weak pawns on the queenside become a target for attack. tOeS 2 1 i.xd3 'l'xdl 22 i.e2 23 tOxdl If 23 l:txd I there would have followed 23 ... i.b3 . l:tfd8 23 . . . i.c4 24 tOn Black consistently carries out his plan, with the aim of invading the second rank with his rook. 25 i.xc4+ tOxc4 tOd2 26 b3 l:txd2 27 i.xd2

1 29

31 �g2 l:te3 32 lIfdl lidS! An essential subtlety. If immed­ iately 32 ...lIxd 1 33 lIxd 1 lIxb3, then after 34 lId7 b5 35 axb5 cxb5 36 tOg5 White gains counter-chances. lIxdl 33 �n lIxb3 34 l:txdl 35 l:td7 If 35 l:td8+ �f7 36 lId7+ �g6, and the b7 pawn is immune on account of 37 ... i.e 1 +. h6! 35 . . . The outcome is decided. Black's queenside pawn majority assures him of a win. bS 36 �e2 cxbS 37 axbS eIf4 38 f4 a4 39 gxf4 83 40 f5 41 lIa7 If 4 1 f6 a2 42 l:txg7+ (or 42 fxg7 a l ='ij 42 ...�f8 43 l:ta7 1Ia3, and the a-pawn queens. lIh3 41 White resigns Smyslov-Alexander

Hastings 196213 Queen's Gambit Accepted Black has achieved his aim and gained a positional advantage. If 28 l:tad 1 there follows 28 ... l:tad8 29 �g2 �c5 !, and White is lost. 28 eS With this pawn sacrifice White hopes to secure a good post for his knight. fxeS 28 l:td3 29 tOe4 %tad8 30 %tabl

1 d4 dS dxc4 2 c4 tOf6 3 tOo 4 '1'84+ This move is associated with the idea of fianchettoing the light-square bishop. 4 e3 is more usual. 4 'l'd7 5 'l'xc4 'l'c6 �e6 6 tObd2 .

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130

Vasily Smys/ov: Endgame Virtuoso

Black is aiming for rapid develop­ ment, but his pieces are modestly placed. It would have been better to exchange queens. 7 "'d3 8 a3

9 b4! With this active pawn advance White not only secures a spatial advantage, but also prevents ...lLlcs. He now threatens 10 bS. "'a4 9 10 i.b2 g6 1 1 g3 c6 12 i.g2 i.g7 lLlc7 13 0-0 "'b5 14 :lCd Black offers the exchange of queens, hoping in the endgame to restrain White's dangerous initiative. The queen at a4 was fulfilling a modest blockading role, but now the white a- and b-pawns become mobile. 15 "'xbS lLlxbS lLlc7 16 a4 17 lLlg5! A good manoeuvre, securing White the advantage of the two bishops.

Now there is a great future in store for the bishop at g2. �b8 17 lLlxe6 18 lLlxe6 lLlc7 19 e3 lLlCd5 20 lLlc4 :lbe8 21 i.a3 2 1 ...fS ! was preferable, ensuring a secure position for the knight at dS. 22 :lab1 a6

23 e4! Now White launches an attack, destroying Black's defences in the centre. 23 lLlC6 24 :ldl lLld7 cxdS 25 dS 26 exd5 lLle5 bS 27 lLle3 Black forestalls the threat of b4-bS, but weakens his king's position. lLlxb5 28 axb5 If 28 ... axbS 29 ib2 if6 30 i.d4 lLld7 3 1 i.cs lLla6 32 if1 , and the bS pawn comes under attack. if6 29 i.b2 �a7 30 :lal lLld7 31 :la2!

Illustrative Games 32 33 34

i.n i.xf6 l:lda l

�b7 tDxf6

131 Smyslov-O'Kelly

Groningen 1946 Catalan Opening 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

l:la8 34 . . . If 34 ...tDc7 there would have followed 35 i.xa6+ tDxa6 36 l:lxa6 tDxd5 (or 36 ... l:la8 3 7 l:l6aS l:lxaS 38 l:lxaS l:la8 39 l:lb5+ �c7 40 l:lc5+ �d7 4 1 tDc4, and White keeps his extra pawn) 37 l:la7+ �c6 38 l:l 1 a6+ �b5 (or 38 ... tDb6 39 tDc4 l:lb8 40 tDe5+ �d5 4 1 tDxf7) 39 l:laS+ �c6 40 l:l7a6+ �b7 4 1 tDc4 tDc7 42 l:lb6+ �c8 43 l:la7 with a strong attack. 35 l:la5 tDc7 36 i.g2 �a7 37 b5! An attacking continuation. The simple 37 d6 exd6 38 i.xa8, winning the exchange, was also sufficient. 37 l:lab8 If 37 ...l:lad8 38 tDc4 tDfxd5 39 i.xd5 tDxd5 40 l:lxa6+ with a decisive attack. Now comes a mating finish. exd6 38 d6! 39 l:lxa6+ tDxa6 40 l:lxa6 mate •

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d4 c4 g3 i.g2 'i'a4+ 'i'xc4 tDf3 'i'c2

tDf6 e6 d5 dxc4 tDbd7 c5 a6

cxd4 8 ... An instructive mistake, after which White gains a positional advantage. 8 ...b6 was better, and if 9 tDe5 tDdS with a satisfactory game for Black. 9 tDxd4 'i'b6 i.b4+ 10 tDb3 tDc5 11 i.d2 tDxb3 12 0-0 13 'i'xb3 i.c5 i.xb6 14 'i'xb6 15 tDa3 The game has gone into an ending that is favourable for White. Black has not managed to develop his queenside.

1 32

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

15 iDdS 16 e4 iDe7 17 �c3 0-0 18 iDe4 �e7 19 :lfdl iDe6 Here B lack could have played 1 9... b5, when a possible continuation was 20 e5 :lb8 (20...iDd5 2 1 �xd5 exd5 22 iDe3) 2 1 �aS �xa5 22 iDxaS b4 23 f4 with a positional advantage, or 2 1 ...bxc4 22 �xc7 :lxb2 23 �d6! iDd5 24 �xf8 �xf8 25 :lab 1 and White wins. 20 eSt

White strengthens his position. This move is much stronger than 28 :lxc8 and 29 �xe6+, winning a pawn. 28 :lxO+ �f'8 29 �xO Defending against the threat of 30 :lxc8+. a5 30 �f2 31 :la7 :lb6 3 1 .. .:lb5 loses a piece after 32 :la8 :lc5 33 �xe6. 32 �g2 �a6 a4 33 b3 A final attempt by Black to activate his game. White was threatening to take his king to c5. 34 bxa4 �e4 35 a5 :lbS 36 :le7 �xa2 37 a6 :la5 38 a7 b3 39 a8="+ :lxa8 40 �xa8 b2 41 �e4 Black resigns .

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Smyslov-Taimanov

Chigorin Memorial Tournament Leningrad 1 951 Catalan Opening Now the h l -a8 diagonal is open, and Black is unable to complete his queenside development. f6 20 :lb8 2 1 f4 fxeS 22 :lacl iDxeS 23 iDxeS �xeS 24 �xeS 25 fxeS bS Finally, Black has made this advance, but it is too late. b4 26 :le7 h6 27 �h3 28 :lO!

1 d4 iDf6 2 e4 e6 3 g3 dS dxe4 4 �g2 5 "a4+ �d7 6 "xe4 �e6 7 iDo �dS 8 "a4+ �e6 In this variation it is important for Black to advance ... c7-c5. Instead of this bishop move, which blocks the c-pawn, he should have considered 8 .....d7, and if 9 "d l c5 1 0 iDe5 "c7.

1 33

Illustrative Games h6 10 0-0 1 1 iDbd2 Usually this knight is developed at c3 . I n the present game White plans to transfer it to e5. .i.b4 11 . . . 0-0 12 iDe4 iDb6 13 .i.f4 A typical arrangement of the pieces. After 1 3 ...iDdS 1 4 .i.d2 .i.xd2 I S 'ii'xd2 iDSb6 White would have created positional pressure on the ql.leenside by 1 6 iDaS. .i.e4 14 iDeeS 15 iDd3 .i.d6

16 iDeS! The manoeuvring battle is marked by White's growing initiative. If now 1 6 ....i.xf4 1 7 iDxe4 iDxe4 1 8 gxf4, and White obtains a strong position in the centre and good prospects on the h 1 -a8 diagonal. .i.xe5 16 'ii'x dl 17 dxeS iDa4 18 l:fxdl 19 .i.xe7 After the exchange of queens White has retained the more active

game. If 1 9...iDxb2 there follows 20 l:d4, cutting off the knight. l:fe8 19 20 .i.d6 iDxeS .i.dS 21 l:d4 22 .i.n This move is an integral part of White's plan. After withdrawing his knight he is considering the pawn advances f2-f3 and e2-e4. l:e6 22 .i.xfJ 23 .i.e7 If 23 ...l:e8 there could have followed 24 .i.xf6 gxf6 2S e4 .i.xe4 26 iDd2 with the threat of 27 .i.bS, winning the exchange. Black is counting on 24 exf3 iDdS 2S .i.xcs l:xcS, with a solid position in the centre. 24 .i.xf6 This manoeuvre, preventing ... iDdS, is based on the variation 24 ... .i.xe2 2S .i.xe2 gxf6 26 b4 iDa4 27 bS iDc3 28 l:g4+ �f8 29 bxc6 and White wins. Black's best was probably 24 ....i.d5 25 .i.eS iDd7 26 .i.f4 l:c2 with a satisfactory game. 24 .i.e4 .

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1 34

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

25 iLe7 iLd5 This bishop must guard the h l -a8 diagonal, since if 25 ...iLg6 there fol lows 26 iLg2 :c7 27 iLd6 :cc8 28 b4 and 29 iLxb7. But now the unfor­ tunate placing of the black pieces in the centre allows White to begin a dangerous offensive. The subsequent events are virtually forced. 26 b4! Driving away the enemy knight. LDe4 26 . . . If 26 ...LDa4, then 27 e4 :c7 28 iLd6 :d7 29 iLb5 iLc6 (29 ... :xd6 30 iLxa4 :a6 3 1 b5) 30 iLxc6 bxc6 3 1 :c l :c8 32 b5 with advantage. LDel 27 fJ 28 e4 :c7 This move is the best practical chance and indicates that Black is aiming for counterplay. If 28 ... iLxa2 29 b5 :c7 30 iLd6 :cc8 3 1 iLb4 iLb3 32 :a3, and White wins a piece. :d7 29 iLd6 f6 30 iLe5

:d3! LDa4 31 If 3 1 ...LDb5, then 32 :xd5 exd5 33 iLxb5 :e7 34 iLd6 :e6 35 iLc5 . fxe5 32 exd5 33 dxe6 The other significance of the rook move to d3 becomes evident. Thanks to the fact that it is defended, White wins an important pawn. :xd3 33 . . . 34 iLxd3 �f8 34 ...:e8 is not possible in view of 35 iLb5, with a simultaneous attack on Black's two pieces. White soon wins another pawn, after which his material advantage decides the outcome. 35 :et :d8 36 iLc2 LDel 37 :xe5 �e7 38 iLb3 :d2 LDe2+ 39 :c5 LDd4 40 �n �e8 41 :c7+ 42 :xb7 Black resigns Smyslov-Lilienthal

Moscow Championship 1 942 GrUnfeld Defence

The idea of Black's defence. He seems to have got out of his difficul­ ties, but White's reply clarifies matters.

LDf6 1 d4 g6 2 c4 d5 3 g3 This move reflects the influence of new ideas, typical of the modem understanding of opening strategy. The struggle against a pawn centre by piece pressure on the central squares is a topical problem, representing the ideological basis of the GrOnfeld Defence.

Illustrative Games tbxdS 4 cxdS 5 .i. g2 .i. g7 6 tbfJ 0-0 tbb6 7 0-0 S tbc3 tbc6 An interesting manoeuvre, tempt­ ing the white pawn forward, where it comes under a further attack. If 9 e3, then Black can continue 9 ... a5, in order to cramp White on the queen­ side by the advance of the a-pawn. At the same time he retains the option of opening up the game by ... e7-eS. tbbS 9 dS 10 tbd4 White aims to prevent 1O ...c6, on which there would follow 1 1 dxc6! But the position of the knight at d4 has its drawbacks. e6! 10 exdS 1 1 e4 But this is wrong! Black should have played I I ...c6, purposefully undennining the white pawn wedge. After 1 2 tbb3 exdS 1 3 exdS cxdS 1 4 tbxdS tbc6 h e has no development problems. 12 exdS The white pawn at dS is now isolated, and it was probably this factor that Black was hoping to exploit. But in the given situation the isolated pawn is by no means a weakness; on the contrary, it disrupts the nonnal development of Black's queenside. 12 tbSd7 13 .i.f4 tbeS 14 h3 tbbc4 IS b3 Care is required. The natural I S 'ii'c 2 would have allowed I S ...cS ! , for

13S

example: 1 6 dxc6 'ii'xd4 1 7 cxb7 .i.xb7 1 8 .i.xb7 l:tab8, and Black gains the initiative. 15 tbd6 16 l:tel l:teS 17 l:td Threatening to launch an offensive with 1 8 tbcbS. If 1 7... .i.d7 1 8 l:tc2 followed by playing the rook to e2. 17 a6 IS tba4 tbbS

19 tbe6! A spectacular combinational blow, opening the position to White's advantage. His pieces are excellently placed, and now, with the removal of the pawn from dS, the fianchettoed bishop becomes a powerful force. If 19 ... fxe6, then 20 .i.xeS exdS 2 1 'ii'xdS+, and Black cannot avoid loss of material. .i.xe6 19 l:txe6 20 dxe6 2 1 tbcs "xdl Black is in a difficult position. 2 1 ...l:td6 is unfavourable on account of 22 'ii'e2 tbd4 (or 22... tbd3 23 tbxd3 l:txd3 24 .i.xb7) 23 'ii'e4 f5 24

1 36

Vasily Smys/ov: Endgame Virtuoso

.e3, when his knights become entangled. ':'d6 22 ':'exdl ':'xd1+ 23 liJxb7 ':'b8 24 ':'xdl

Thus White's efforts have been rewarded. But it is still not easy to realise the extra pawn, since the black pieces are actively placed. 32 . . . liJd3

The ending has not brought Black any relief: it is difficult for him to hold his weak queenside pawns. Rely­ ing on his strong bishop pair, White combines pursuit of the black knight with attacks on the isolated pawns. liJc3 25 a4 ':'e8 26 ':'d2 27 liJc5 as 28 ':'c2! The pursuit continues. Black's bishop cannot come to the assistance, since the knight at eS, blocking the diagonal, has no retreat square. liJdl 28 29 i.d2 i. f8! Resourceful defence. If 30 i.xaS liJxf2! with counter-chances. Then 3 1 �xf2 i.xcS+ 32 ':'xcS fails to 32 . . . �d3+. White prefers a different plan. 30 liJe4 ':'b8 31 i.xaS lhb3 32 i.xc7

33 i.fl! A good defensive move, preventing Black's counterplay associated with 33 ....:.b l . Black sets up a covering force with his knights, in order to cut off the outside passed pawn from the white pieces. liJlb2 33 15 34 as ':'a3 35 �d2 36 liJc4! Breaking up the knight barrier. Now events are soon bound to be resolved. The whole question is: can Black exploit the fact that the white pieces are slightly tied up and regain the pawn? If not, it will quicldy decide the outcome. 36 liJxc4 37 ':'xc4 ':'al 38 i.b6 The bishop takes up its best position and simultaneously clears the

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Illustrative Games way for the rook to the eighth rank. 3 8 ... i.b4 is parried by 39 l:td4, while 38 ... liJe l can be met by 39 l:tc3 i.b4 40 l:tc8+ q;f7 4 1 a6 liJf3+ 42 q;g2 liJe 1 + 43 q;h l liJd3 44 a7, retaining an advantage sufficient for a win. 38 iDe5 39 l:tc3 i.b4 40 l:tc8+ q;fi 41 �g2! Black resigns, since the white pawn is immune. After 4 1 ...i.xaS 42 .i.d4 l:te 1 43 l:tc5 he loses a piece, while if 4 1 ... iDd7 42 i.b5 iDxb6 43 axb6 .i.d6 44 b7 and White wins. Euwe-Smyslov

World Championship The Hague/Moscow 1948 Grilnfeld Defence 1 d4 iDf6 2 c4 g6 d5 3 iDc3 4 iDfJ .i.g7 dxc4 5 'ifb3 This game, which was my last in the tournament, was of great sig­ nificance for the allocation of places. The opening variation chosen by Black was, of course, well known to Euwe, but at this most critical moment I wanted to test again the viability of a system that I often used to employ at that time. 0-{) 6 'ifxc4 .i.g4 7 e4 Black carries out a plan of piece pressure on the centre, which is one of the most interesting problems in modem chess strategy. iDfd7 8 .i.e3

1 37 9 10

'i'b3 a4

liJb6 as

i.xfJ 1 1 d5 'i'd6! 12 gxfJ An excellent position for the queen, from where it can go to b4. Euwe thought for a long time over his reply, and found an active continuation. 13 liJbS 'ifb4+ 14 'ifxb4 axb4 15 liJxc7 Consistently carrying out his plan. 1 5 a5 could have been met by 1 5 ... i.xb2 1 6 l:ta2 (or 1 6 l:tb l liJa4) l 6 ...i.e5 1 7 f4 i.d6 1 8 e5 b3 ! with complications favourable to Black. 15 l:txa4 16 l:tbl Euwe retains the rook for the defence of his queenside. After 1 6 l:txa4 iDxa4 1 7 b3 iDc3 1 8 .i.h3 .i.e5 1 9 �b6 It:)a6 20 It:)xa6 l:ta8! B lack would have gained the initiative. 16 iD6d7 l:tc8 17 iDbS 18 �e2 1 8 iDd4 was preferable, when there could have followed l 8 ... b3 1 9 lDxb3 .

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138

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

l:b4 20 lDd2 l:xb2 with chances for both sides. 18 . . . b3 19 lDa3 Covering c2 against invasion by the enemy rook. After 1 9 0-0 l:c2 20 �d 1 l:xb2 B lack wins a pawn, since 2 1 �xb3 fails to 2 1 . . .l:b4, when White's minor pieces come under attack. 19 �xb2 An apparently simple, but in fact crucial decision. Euwe undoubtedly considered this reply, and was hoping with the help of the two bishops to regain the b3 pawn and obtain the better ending. Such is the great belief in our time in the advantage of the two bishops! Here it is interesting to recall that Chigorin willingly used to battle with two knights against two bishops, and frequently with success. I n chess there are no immutable laws that are suitable for every position, otherwise the game would have lost its lasting attraction. 20 l:xb2 l:xa3 •

21

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�d2

Both players had aimed for this position. White has a strong centre and the two bishops, while Black has an extra pawn which is also passed. The question is whether or not he can hold on to his gain. It is around Black's passed pawn that all the subsequent play develops, with his knights displaying great resource­ fulness and activity. If 21 �d 1 there would have followed 2 1 .. .lDc5 22 �xc5 l:xc5 23 l:xb3 l:xb3 24 �xb3 l:c 1 + 25 �d 1 lDd7, when Black retains the advan­ tage. 21 lDa6 22 l:hbl lD a cS 23 �d4 It turns out to be not so easy to re­ gain the b3 pawn. After 23 �b5 lDe5 24 �xc5 l:xc5 25 l:xb3 lDxf3+ 26 �e3 l:xb5 27 l:xa3 l:xb 1 28 �xf3 f6 29 l:c3 h5 30 l:c7 �f8 Black retains his extra pawn, with winning chances. If 23 �dl there follows 23 ...l:a2 24 l:xa2 bxa2 25 l:a 1 l:a8 26 �c3 e6 27 dxe6 fxe6 28 �c2 b6, and if 29 �b2 lDe5, when once again Black retains a positional advantage. eS! 23 . . . 24 dxe6 White should not be too severely criticised for this exchange. I f 24 �e3 there could have followed 24 ... f5 25 exfS gxfS 26 f4 (or 26 d6 f4 27 �c4+ �g7 28 �xc5 lDxc5, and White has parted with his dark-square bishop; if 29 �xb3 Black replies 29 ...l:c6, winning in return the d-pawn) 26... exf4 27 �xf4 l:a4 28 �e3 f4 or 28 �h6 �f7, and Black has all his pieces in play, whereas the white rooks are

1 39

Illustrative Games tied up with blockading the enemy pawn. 24 �c3 also fails to give White full equality. After 24 ... f5 25 exf5 gxf5 26 �b5 b6 he has a difficult game, and Black retains his extra pawn, for example: 27 �xd7 ttJxd7 28 l1xb3 l1xb3 29 l1xb3 l1c5. 24 ttJxe6 2S �e3 ttJdcS

26 �xc5 Thus White gives up one of his bishops and goes totally onto the defensive. In their battle against the knights, his bishops have failed to display their superiority, and it is psychologically understandable that Euwe should now decide on this exchange, so as to free e3 for his king. 26 �c4 is no better in view of 26 ... ttJxe4+! , for example: 27 fxe4 l1xc4 28 �d3 11b4 29 f.3 f5 ! 30 �c3 l1b5 3 1 exf5 gxf5 32 l1xb3 l1bxb3+ 33 l1xb3 l1xb3+ 34 �xb3 f4 35 �d2 �f7 followed by playing the king to f5, when this ending is just as won for Black as the one after 26 �xc5. ttJxc5 26 . . .

27 �c3 Hoping to answer 27 ...ttJa4+ with 28 �b4, but Black avoids any un­ necessary simplification. 27 1184 2S �d2 �g7! A good positional move. Black plays his king to a dark square, indirectly supporting his passed pawn, as will subsequently become clear. 29 �e3 lIdS 30 lId b6 l1daS 31 �c4 The black pawn is immune, since if 32 �xb3 there follows 32 ...11b4 33 l1c3 11a3. This variation reveals the points of Black's 28th move: there is no check by the bishop. l1a2 32 i.d5 33 l1cbl l1Sa4 34 �d2 After this move Black forces a win by a simple but elegant combination.

34 35 �e2 36 l1x82 37 1181 If 3 7 �xa2, then

l1d4+ ttJa4! bxa2 37 ... ttJc3+ 3 8

1 40

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

�e3 :la4 39 .i.b3 :la3, winning a piece. 37 lbc3+ :ldl 3S �e3 White resigns Smyslov-Szabo

lbSe6 The Botvinnik-Bronstein game went 1 2 a3 lbd3 1 3 .i.e3 .i.g4 1 4 h3 .i.xf3 15 'if'xf3 lbdxe5 16 'if'e4 'if'd3 1 7 'if'a4 'if'c4. The move played leads to a different type of game.

Hastings 1954/5

GrUnfeld Defence 1 e4 lbf6 2 lbf3 g6 3 d4 .i.g7 4 g3 0-0 S .i.g2 dS 6 exdS lbxdS 7 0-0 cS A good continuation. By the advance of his pawn Black intends to open the diagonal for his fianchettoed bishop, and to disturb somewhat White's position in the centre. Also to be considered is piece play by 7 ... lbc6 8 lbc3 lbb6, and if 9 d5 lbb4 1 0 e4 c6, almmg to undermine the opponent's pawn wedge. S e4 The most active attempt to gain an advantage in the centre. 8 dxc5 can be met by 8 ...lba6, regaining the pawn. S lbf6 lbdS 9 eS lbb4 10 dxeS This move occurred in the 1 9th game of the Botvinnik-Bronstein match in 1 95 1 . At the 1 954 Amster­ dam Olympiad, Szabo in a game against Stahlberg played 1 0...lbc6, but after 1 1 a3 lbc7 1 2 'Wb3 lba6 1 3 .i.e3 'if'c7 1 4 lbc3 .i.e6 1 5 'if'a4 h6 1 6 :lac 1 g5 1 7 b4 White gained the advantage.

'i'd3 12 To parry the threat of 1 3 :ld l , Black forces the exchange of queens. 13 :ldl 'i'xe2 lbxeS 14 lbxe2 .i.xeS IS lbxeS 16 .i.h6 :leS 17 :ld2 As a result of the simplification, an ending has been reached where White's chances are slightly pre­ ferable, thanks to his better develop­ ment and queenside pawn majority. Black has to defend carefully and accurately. 17 lbe6 IS lbf4 .i.f5 19 :let .i.g7 19 ... f6 came into consideration, keeping the bishop in its active position. •

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Illustrative Games 2 0 i.xg7 �xg7 gS 21 a3 Black does not yet sense the danger, and he chooses an ineffective method of defence. He should have tried 2 1 ...l:tad8, so as after 22 i.xc6 bxc6 23 lhd8 l:txd8 24 lhe7 g5 to gain counterplay at the cost of a pawn. White probably does better to answer 2 I ... l:tad8 with 22 l:ted 1 . l:ted8 22 ttJd5 23 l:tedl i.g4 i.e6 24 f3

25 b4 White consistently carries out his plan of a queenside pawn offensive. The tempting 25 ttJc7 would not have gained any advantage after 25 ...i.b3 ! 26 ttJxa8 i.xd 1 , equalising. b6 25 . Black strengthens his position. If 25 ... l:td7 he was afraid of 26 ttJf4 l:txd2 27 ttJxe6+ fxe6 28 l:txd2. l:td7 26 �f2 Now 27 ttJf4 no longer works, in view of 27 ...l:txd2+. 27 ttJc3 l:txd2+ 28 l:txd2 l:td8 .

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141

Hoping to relieve his position by exchanges. 28 ...a5 was bad in view of 29 b5 ttJe5 30 f4 ttJc4 3 1 l:td4, with the double threat of f4-f5 and i.xb7. ttJxd8 29 l:txd8 30 f4 This move opens the diagonal for White's bishop and establishes cont­ rol of the central square e5. Despite the limited material, his advantage be­ gins to assume real proportions. The black king is unable to reach in time the decisive part of the battlefield. 30 gxf4 i.b3 31 gxf4 �f6 32 �e3 33 b5

It now turns out that 33 ... �e6 is refuted by 34 c6 �d6 (or 34 ... bxc6 35 bxc6 �d6 36 ttJb5+) 35 b6! ttJxc6 36 i.xc6, when White wins. Black's next move also proves inadequate. e5 33 . . . 34 ttJe4+ �e6 35 c6! This pawn breakthrough, based on a little combination, is the logical

1 42

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

culmination of White's active play on the queenside. exf4+ 35 . . . 36 �xf4 bxc6 36 ...�e7 does not help in view of 37 ltJcS. 37 ltJc5+ �d6 38 ltJxb3 cxb5 39 h4 ltJc6 40 .i.xc6 �xc6 41 �g4! The best plan for realising White's advantage. He threatens to attack the h-pawn with his king, leaving his knight to cope with the opposing passed pawns. 41 b4 42 axb4 �bS 43 ltJd4+ Black resigns If 43 ... 'iPxb4 there follows 44 ltJc6+ and 4S ltJxa7. Browne-Smyslov

Interzonal Tournament Las Palmas 1982 Bogo-Indian Defence

1 d4 ltJr6 e6 2 c4 .i.b4+ 3 ltJO 4 .i.dl as This move leads to a more complicated game than the exchange on d2. S g3 d5 6 .i.g2 dxc4 The start of an interesting plan of counterplay on the queenside. 7 Wcl ltJc6 Wd5 8 Wxc4 9 Wxd5

If 9 Wd3 there could have followed 0-0 1 0 ltJc3 Whs I I 0-0 :d8 with quite good chances for Black. exdS 9 10 ltJc3 .i.e6 a4! 1 1 :c1

Black gains space on the queenside and in some cases threatens the fur­ ther advance ... a4-aJ. If White plays 1 2 aJ, the b3 square becomes weak. 12 ltJb5 With this active sortie White tries to take the initiative. 12 . . . .i.xdl+ 13 �xd2 �d8! A well thought-out defensive plan. The Queen's rook will come into play via as. :a5! 14 ltJe5 Browne probably did not expect this move. If now I S :xc6 there would have followed I S ... :xbS 1 6 :xe6 fxe6 1 7 ltJf7+ �e7 1 8 ltJxh8 :xb2+ 1 9 'iPd3 :xa2 (Black gains two passed pawns for the knight, which is shut out of the game and may be lost) 20 :b I b6 2 1 :c I ltJe8, and Black's chances are better.

Illustrative Games 15 ft)xc6+ bxc6 16 ft)c3 �e7 This is more accurate than 1 6 ... �d7, when there could have followed 1 7 b3 axb3 1 8 axb3 l:tb8 1 9 ft)a4. �d6 17 ft)dl 18 f3 c5 Black commences decisive action. After the exchange of his doubled pawns, his king takes an active part in the play. 19 dxc5+ l:txc5 �xc5 20 l:txc5 21 ft)c3 c.tb4! 22 l:tct c5 Black's pressure on the queenside assumes real proportions. 22 ... d4 would have been weaker on account of 23 a3+ c.tb3 24 ft)b5. d4 23 e3 24 exd4 cxd4 25 a3+ This natural move saves the pawn, but allows the black king to invade further. 25 c.tb3 .i.c4 26 ft)dl

1 43

is threatened, with an invasion of the second rank. 27 ft)fl ft)d5 If 27 ...l:te8 there could have followed 28 .i.fl .i.xfl 29 l:txfl �xb2 30 ft)d3+ �xa3 3 1 l:tal + c.tb3 32 l:tb 1 + with counter-chances. ft)e3 28 ft)e4 c.ta2! 29 ft)c5+ 29 ...�xb2 would have definitely been weaker on account of 30 ft)xa4+. If now 30 ft)xa4 there follows 30 ... .i.b5 31 ft)b6 l:tb8 32 a4 .i.a6 33 as ft)xg2 34 l:tc7 l:te8! .i.b3 30 .i.h3 The success of Black's strategy is assured by the fact that he has retained the important a4 pawn, which is destined to play the decisive role. ft)c4+ 31 .i.d7 32 c.td3 White lost on time. Black wins by 32 ...ft)e5+ 33 c.txd4 (or 33 c.td2 ft)xd7 34 ft)xd7 c.txb2) 33 ... ft)xd7 34 ft)xd7 l:td8 35 l:tc7 .i.e6, when he remains a piece up. Smyslov-Dueball

European Team Championship Bath 1 973 King's Indian Defence

ft)f6 c4 d4 g6 .i.g7 g3 .i.g2 0-0 d6 ft)c3 c5 ft)f3 Black employs the Yugoslav Variation. He aims to extend the scope of his bishop by attacking the d4 pawn. 1 2 3 4 5 6

The critical position. Now 27 ...l:te8

1 44

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

7 � lbc6 8 dxcS The alternative is 8 dS lbaS 9 lbd2, when White has a spatial advantage, but B lack has chances of effecting ...b7-bS. dxcS 8 ... 9 .i.f4 White's opening idea is not without venom. In a symmetric position he has an extra tempo. 9 .i.e6 If 9 ...lbd4 1 0 .i.eS lbc6 I I 'i'xd8 Axd8 1 2 .i.c7 Ad7 1 3 .i.f4 Ad8 1 4 lbeS with the initiative for White. 9 ...lbhS came into consideration. 10 lbeS lbd4 After 1 0...lbxeS 1 1 .i.xeS .i.xc4 1 2 .i.xb7 'i'xd l 1 3 Afxd l Aad8 1 4 b3 .i.e6 I S lba4 White has the better chances. 1 1 e3 lbes 12 .i.xb7 'i'xdl 13 Afxdl Aab8 Axb2 14 .i.f3 .

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Despite the exchange of queens, there is a tense battle in progress. B lack has regained his pawn, but

White finds a way to take the initiative. IS lba4! Thanks to this manoeuvre White gains the advantage. Ac2 IS If I S ...Ab4 1 6 lbxcs .i.xc4 1 7 e4 AbS ( 1 7 ...lbd6 I 8 lbc6) 1 8 exfS AxcS 1 9 Aac 1 Afc8 20 Axc4 Axc4 2 1 lbxc4 Axc4 22 Ad8+ .i.f8 2 3 .i.h6 lbd7 24 fxg6 hxg6 2S Axd7 .i.xh6 26 Axe7 with the threats of 27 .i.dS and 2S Axa7. White has a decisive advantage. 16 Add ! I 6 lbxcs was inadequate in view of I 6....i.xc4 1 7 e4 .i.bS ! By exchanging Black's active rook, White intensifies the pressure on the pawn . 16 . . . Axc1+ 17 Axd lbbS No better was 1 7 ...Ac8 1 8 lbc6 .i.d7 1 9 lbxa7, when White is a pawn up with an active position. 18 .i.xbS gxbS .i.c8 19 lbxcs Ae8 20 lbc6 21 .i.eS This is stronger than 2 1 lbxa7, when there would have fol lowed 2 1 ...e5 22 .i.gS f6 23 .i.h4 lbxh4 24 gxh4 .i.h3. f6 21 .i.b6 22 .i.c7 23 Ac3 There is an interesting arrangement of pieces on the c-fiIe. White has parried the threat of ...lbxe3. Now if 23 ... a6 24 iba7 lbd6 2S lbxc8 Axc8 26 .i.xd6 exd6 27 lbxa6 White is two pawns up with an excellent position. •

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Illustrative Games

1 4S 11

lLlg7 23 i.b3 24 lLlxa7 25 a4 his material White realises advantage without difficulty. 25 lLlfS 26 f4 e5 27 �t2 exf4 28 gxf4 i.f8 29 lLld7 l:te7 30 lLlxf6+ �b8 3 1 lLld5 l:te6 32 i.e5+ �g8 33 e4 i.c5+ 34 �el Black resigns .

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lLlxd4

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Bukal-Smyslov

Linz 1 980

King's Indian Defence 1 c4 e5 2 lLlc3 lLlf6 3 lLlo d6 4 d4 lLlbd7 5 g3 g6 6 i.g2 i.g7 7 � � 8 e4 c6 9 b3 "b6 One of the most popular continuations. This active queen move intensifies the pressure on White's centre and queenside. exd4 10 l:tel

11 lLle8! It is interesting that I prepared this move for my match with Botvinnik in 1 9S4, but I was able to make use of this analysis only a quarter of a century later. The idea of Black's last move is that his knight defends the d6 pawn, enabling him to initiate play around the c4 pawn. 12 lLlce2 1 2 lLlde2 is met by 1 2 . .'i'h4 with an attack on the c4 pawn. 12 lLlc7 13 lLlb3 If 1 3 i.f4 Black can reply 1 3 ...lLleS 14 "c2 cS I s lLlb3 as 1 6 l:tad l a4 1 7 lLld2 lLle6 1 8 i.e3 lLlc6 with good piece play. "b4 13 . . . 14 lLlc3 a5! An important link in Black's plan. The advance of the a-pawn threatens to disrupt the coordination of the white pieces. 1 4.....xc4 is weaker on account of I S "xd6. a4 15 lLld2 .

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1 46

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

'i'aS 16 a3 tDeS 17 tDo 18 tDxeS Perhaps the most advisable contin­ uation. If 1 8 'ifxd6 there could have followed 1 8 ...tDxc4 1 9 'ifd3 .i.e6 with advantage to Black (20 tDg5 is not good on account of 20 ... tDxb2). dxeS 18 19 .i.d2 tDe6 The outcome of the opening is favourable for Black. He controls the important d4 square, and White is obliged to defend. 20 tDdS 'i'd8 l:te8! 21 tDc3 With this cool reply Black emphasises that White's threat to capture on a4 is illusory, since after 22 tDxa4 l:txa4 23 'i'xa4 "xd2 Black has two pieces for a rook and pawn. 'i'xdl 22 .i.e3 23 l:texdl tDd4 24 l:tact If 24 .i.xd4 exd4 25 tDe2 there could have followed 25 ....i.e6 26 l:tac 1 l:tad8 27 tDf4 .i.c8 28 tDd3 f5 29 exf5 .i.xf5 with a good game for Black. 30 tDc5 is not dangerous on account of 30 . . .d3 3 1 l:td2 .i.xb2 ! 32 l:txb2 d2, when Black wins. 24 tDb3 2S l:tcl .i.e6 26 .i.n .i.f8 27 f4 f6 28 �g2 �g7 29 l:ta exf4 B lack opens the e-fiIe in order to attack the e4 pawn. 30 gxf4 .i.cs 31 .i.xcs tDxcs 32 l:tfd2 gS! .

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Play on the dark squares. .i.f7 33 �g3 .i.g6! 34 l:tel 3S fxgS Of course, 35 f5 fails to 35 ....i.xf5. If 35 .i.g2 Black could have played 35 ...gxf4+ 36 �xf4 l:te5 fol lowed by doubling rooks on the e-file. fxgS 3S 36 eS l:te7 gxb4+ 37 b4 l:tae8 38 �xb4 39 e6 White gives up a pawn. 39 l:tde2 is somewhat more tenacious, when there can follow 39 ...l:tffl!, and now: (a) 40 �g3 .i.d3 4 1 l:tf2 l:txf2 42 �xf2 l:tt7+, and after the exchanges on fl Black wins the e5 pawn with his king, and his extra passed h-pawn secures him a decisive advantage; (b) 40 e6 l:tf4+ 4 1 �g3 l:txc4 42 l:te5 (42 l:td2 tDe4+ 43 lDxe4 l:txe4) 42 ...tDd3 43 .i.xd3 .i.xd3, and if 44 l:td 1 �f6 with a decisive advantage; (c) 40 l:te3 l:tf2 4 1 tDdl l:td2 and White's pieces are tied up. If 42 �g3 there follows 42 ...tDe4+.

1 47

Illustrative Games 39 :xe6 40 :xe6 :xe6 :e3 41 �e2 42 �d1 White defends resourcefully, creating difficulties for the opponent in realising his pawn advantage. �f5 42 43 �g5 Freeing the king. 43 ...�f6 was threatened, and if 43 lLlxa4 Black could have played 43 ...:h3+ 44 �g5 lLle4+, winning the exchange. 43 :xc3 lLle4+ 44 bxc3 lLlxd2 45 xf5 .

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when the h-pawn cannot be stopped) 53 ...�e5 54 �xc6 lLld2 55 �h l lLlb l ! 56 �b5 (56 c4 lLlxa3 57 c5 lLlc4 58 �b5 a3 and Black wins) 56 ...lLlxc3+ 57 �c4 lLle4! - zugzwang, and Black wins (58 �b4 �d4); (b2) 53 �g4 h2 54 �f3 c5 ! 55 �b6 �e5 56 �hl (56 �b5 is bad on account of 56 ...lLld4+) 56 ...�f4 57 �b5 �e3 ! 58 �xa4 lLld4 ! ! 59 aS �d3 60 �b6 c4; (c) 48 �g4 lLlb3 49 �d6 lLlaS ! 50 �c5 �f6 ! 51 �b4 b6 52 c4 lLlb3 53 �d7 lLld4 ! 54 c5 b5 and Black wins. lLlxc4 46 lLlxa3 47 �e6 48 �d6 Or 48 d7 lLlb5 49 c4 lLlc3 50 �c2 h5 5 1 �c7 h4 52 �f5 f6 53 �h3 b5 ! lLlb5+ 48 lLlxc3 49 d7 h5 SO �c2 White resigns •

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PfeifTer-8myslov

European Team Championship Oberhausen 1961 King's Indian Defence

46 �xa4 46 c5 would have set Black more difficult problems. There could have followed 46 ... lLlb3 47 �e5 lLlxc5, with the following variations: (a) 48 �d6 lLle4+ 49 �c7 lLlxc3 50 �c2 lLlb5+ 5 1 xb7 lLlxa3 52 �xa4 c5 and Black wins; (b) 48 �c2 h5 49 d6 lLlb3 50 �c7 h4 5 1 �xb7 h3 52 �d I f6, and now: (b I ) 53 �f3 (bad is 53 �xc6 lLld2,

lLlf6 1 d4 g6 2 lLlo �g7 3 c3 b6 4 h3 �a6 5 �f4 Forestall ing White's intention of completing his development by e2-e3, �c4 and O-{). This bishop manoeuvre is positionally well-founded. Ten years later I again carried out this idea in a game with Hartoch (IBM Tournament, Amsterdam).

1 48

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

CH) 6 ti)bd2 7 Wa4 d6 8 0-0-0 White employs an active plan of development, not wishing to reconcile himself to losing time after 8 e3 .txfl 9 ti)xfl . cS 8 9 e4 .txn ti)bd7 10 :hxn 1 1 <;Pbl

bS! 11 . . . A pawn sacrifice for the initiative: Black gains good attacking chances on the open b-fiIe. :b8 12 WxbS 13 Wd3 cxd4 14 cxd4 Wb6 IS ti)c4 'ifb5 16 :c1 White defends carefully and does not allow 1 6...�xe4. 16 :fc8 17 b3 ti)b6 18 �b2 White decides to give back the pawn and, by exchanging queens, to relieve the situation. If 1 8 ti)fd2 there •

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could have followed 1 8 ...ti)xe4! 1 9 Wxe4 lDxc4 20 ti)xc4 :xc4 with the initiative for Black. Wxd3+ 18 19 lDxd3 lDxe4 :xc8 20 :xc8+ 2 1 :c1 :a8! A voiding the exchange of rooks. Black's knight reaches the key square d5, and he plans an attack by ...as-a4. 22 :c2 If 22 :c7 there could have followed 22 ... ti)d5 23 :b7 as. 22 ti)d5 as 23 .tc1 24 .tb2 f3 Black systematically strengthens the placing of his pieces, and White's position becomes difficult. 25 ti)d2 a4 axb3 26 lDc4 :b8 27 axb3 <;Pf7 28 <;Pa2 ti)gS 29 fJ Threatening 30 ...ti)e6 with an attack on d4. 30 :d2 ti)e6 h5 31 ti)e1

Illustrative Games White's pieces are tied to the defence of his pawn weaknesses at d4 and b3 . This allows Black to strength­ en his position on the kingside. 32 lDc2 .lh6 33 l:ta h4 Effecting a blockade. White is deprived of counterplay and is obliged to await events. 34 lD4a3 lDef4 35 lDc4 lDd3 36 l:tn lD5f4 37 l:tgl Defending the g2 pawn, but now problems await White on the other wing. 37 lDe2 38 l:tdl lDdct+ 39 �bl lDxb3 becomes advantage Black's decisive. 40 d5 .lg7 41 lD2a3 If 4 1 .lxg7, then 4 1 ...�xg7 42 l:te l lDc3+ 43 �b2 lDxd5. .lxb2 41 lDbd4+ 42 �xb2 �f6 43 �al �g5! 44 l:te1 The king heads for g3, thus concluding the battle. 45 �a2 �f4 White resigns Smyslov-Ernst

London 1988 Torre Attack

1 2 3 4

d4 lDo .lg5 lDbd2

lDf6 g6 .lg7 cS

1 49

5 .lxf6 A well-known theoretical contin­ uation. White forces an exchange of minor pieces and gains a slight positional advantage. 5 .lxf6 6 lDe4 .lxd4 7 lDxd4 exd4 8 'i'xd4 0-0 9 c4 White takes control of the important d5 square, in order to secure superiority in the centre. 9 lDc6 10 'i'd2 d6 .le6 1 1 lDc3 12 e4 'i'aS 13 .le2 a6 14 lDdS! In this way White forces the exchange of queens and obtains a favourable ending. 'i'xd2+ 14 .lxdS 15 �xd2 lDd4 16 cxdS l:tfe8 1 7 .ld3 18 l:tact �f8 I 8 ...e5 was preferable, when after the possible 1 9 dxe6 fxe6 20 �e3 White's position is slightly better. lDbS 19 �e3 20 g4 White's plan includes a pawn offensive on the kingside, to open lines for his rooks. If now 20... g5, then 2 1 l:tcfl ! �g7 22 h4 h6 23 hxg5 hxg5 24 l:th5 f6 25 l:tfh I, threatening a mating attack. 25 ... l:th8 fails to save Black after 26 l:txh8 l:txh8 27 l:txh8 �xh8 28 .lxb5 axb5 29 �d4, when White wins the pawn ending.

1 50

Vasi/y Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso If 27 ...CiJc7 there could have followed 28 b4 l:tc3 29 l:tc 1 l:txc 1 30 l:txc I, when White seizes control of the c-file with a decisive positional advantage. 28 �d4 White systematically strengthens the placing of his pieces, preparing the decisive offensive. a5 28 CiJe8 29 e5 30 l:tct

b6 20 . . . 21 b4 CiJa7 B lack prepares to exchange rooks on the c-file, to ease his defence. 22 l:ten ! White preserves his rooks from exchange, in order to use them for an attack on the kingside. �g7 22 . . . l:te5 23 f4 l:tb8 24 b5 24 ...g5 was bad on account of 25 fxg5 hxg5 26 h6+! �g8 27 h7+ �g7 28 h8=W+ l:txh8 29 l:txh8 �xh8 30 l:txf7 CiJc8 3 I l:tf5, and White wins the g5 pawn. fxg6 25 bxg6 26 l:tbgl CiJb5 After 26 ...g5 White could have continued 27 fxg5 hxg5 28 l:tg3, and if 28 ... l:th2 29 l:tgO, when Black's position is hardly defensible. In the event of 28 ...l:tfS there follows 29 l:txfS �xf8 30 l:t0+ �g7 3 I l:tf5 �g6 32 e5! (threatening 3 3 e6 with a mating attack) 32 ...l:txd5 33 �e4 l:tc5 34 exd6, and White wins. 27 a4 CiJa7

CiJb6 30 . . A natural attempt to activate the knight. After 30 ... b6 White could have continued 3 1 f5 : (a) 3 1 ... g5 32 f6+ exf6 33 exd6 l:txc 1 34 l:txc 1 CiJxd6 35 l:tc7+ �fS 36 l:td7 CiJf7 37 d6 and Black has no satisfactory defence; (b) 3 1 ...dxe5+ 32 �xe5 gxf5 33 �xf5 CiJd6 34 l:txc5 bxc5 35 �e6 l:te8 36 �d7 �fS 37 �e6 with a positional advantage for White; (c) 3 1 ...l:td8 32 exd6 l:txd6 (if 32 ... exd6 33 l:tee l followed by 34 l:te6) 33 l:txc5 bxc5+ 34 �xc5 CiJb6 35 �b5 CiJxd5 36 l:td l ! CiJe3 37 l:txd6 .

Illustrative Games exd6+ 3 S �b6 ! gxfS 3 9 gxfS hS 40 �xa5 h4 4 1 .ie2 h3 42 .in with a . clear advantage for White. In all variations the bishop triumphs over the knight! dxc5+ 31 :xc5 32 �xc5 ll)xa4+ 33 �d4 ll)xb2 If 33 ...:cS there could have followed 34 d6! exd6 (or 34 ...ll)cS 35 .ic4) 35 exd6 :dS 36 .ibS ! ll)b6 (after 36 ...:xd6+ 37 �e5 Black loses a piece) 37 eS �f1 3S :c l ll)d7+ 39 .ixd7 :xd7 40 :c7 eS 4 1 �e6, and White wins. a4 34 .ib5 35 d6! White has sacrificed a pawn, but the black knight is again out of play. 35 exd6 :d8 36 exd6 37 d7 �f6 a3 38 :el 39 �cl White easily stops the passed a­ pawn, while maintaining the decisive threat of invading with his rook at eS. 39 :a8 40 :e8 ll)a4+ 41 .ixa4 Black resigns Smyslov-Gufeld

Palma de Mallorca 1989 Benoni Defence

1 2 3 4 5 6

g3 .i.g2 d4 d5 ll)cl e4

g6 .i.g7 cS d6 ll)f6 6-0

151

e6 7 a4 7...ll)a6 is usually played here, so as after S ...ltJc7 to prepare a pawn advance on the queenside. fxe6 8 dxe6 After S . . . .ixe6 an unclear game results from 9 e5 ll)eS 1 0 .i.xb7 ll)d7 I I .ixaS 'i'xaS. Therefore 9 ll)ge2 is simpler. 9 ll)ge2 ll)c6 10 6-0 ll)b4 Black prepares ... d6-d5, but White finds a way to retain his opening initiative. d5 1 1 ll)b5 ll)c6 12 cl 13 .ig5

White completes the development of his pieces and intensifies the pressure on the opponent's centre. After 1 3 ... dxe4 there could have followed 1 4 ll)d6, and if 1 4 ...'Wb6 1 5 'i'c2 with a positional advantage. a6 13 . . . exd5 14 exd5 :xf6 15 .i.xf6 If 1 5 ....xf6 there would have followed 1 6 ll)c7, with advantage.

1 52

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

16 .txd5+ �f8 1 6... .te6 was unfavourable because of 1 7 .txe6+ :xe6 1 8 'lb3 ! 17 .txc6 'ibdl 18 :axdl :xc6 19 iOd6 .th3 20 :fe1 g5 2 1 f3 Forcing play has led to an end­ game. White is a pawn up, while Black has two bishops against two knights. White's pieces are actively placed, and this gives him the advantage. :b6 21 22 iOe4 The knight takes up a central position, attacking the opponent's pawns. If 22 iOc4 there could have fol lowed 22 ...:f6 23 f4 .th6 24 fxg5 .txg5 25 :d5 :e8 with dangerous counterplay for Black. 22 :xb2 If 22 ...g4 White could have played 23 :d2 gxf.3 24 iOf4 .th6 25 �f2, retaining the advantage. 23 iOxg5 :e8 23 ....tfS would be well met by 24 :d5 .tg6 25 iOe6+ with an active game for White. 24 iOxh3 :exe2 25 :xe2 :xe2 26 iOf4 White has managed to exchange one of the black bishops and keep his extra pawn in the endgame. 26 . . . :e8 If 26...:e3 an interesting variation was possible: 27 :d8+ �f7 (27 ... �e7 28 :b8) 28 :d7+ �g8 29 �g2 :xc3 30 lOe6 :c2+ 3 1 �h3 .tb2 32 :xb7 c4 33 f4 c3 34 :tg7+ �h8 35 :c7 •

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�g8 36 fS :f2 37 iOf4 c2 38 00 with advantage to White. :e3 27 c4 If 27 ....td4+, then 28 �g2 :e3 29 :tb l . 28 :d7! .td4 29 �g2 :e7 The rook at d7 occupies too dangerous a position.

30 :d8+! White retains the rooks. Now 30 ...:e8 is not possible because of 3 1 iOe6+, taking play into a won pawn ending. 30 �f7 b5 31 h4 axb5 32 axb5 33 cxb5 :tb7 34 �h3 :xb5 35 :d7+ �g8 36 lOe6 .to 37 :g7+ �h8 38 :c7 �g8 39 �g4 White's pieces have taken up their best positions, and now his king comes decisively into play. 39 . . . :b4+

Illustrative Games l:tb3 40 �b5 4 1 l:tg7+ �b8 l:tb8 42 l:tn 43 �b6 l:tc8 Black's last hope is his c-pawn. 43 ....i.xg3 fails to 44 l:txh7+ �g8 45 :g7+. c4 44 f4! 45 l:txb7+ �g8 l:tc6 46 f5 46 ... c3 fails to 47 f6, threatening mate. 47 l:tg7+ �b8 �g8 48 l:te7 49 �g6 Black resigns Gligoric-8myslov

Candidates Tournament Yugoslavia 1959 Nimzo-Indian Defence

1 d4 tDf6 2 c4 e6 3 tDc3 .i.b4 4 e3 0-0 5 .i.d3 c5 6 tDf3 dS 7 0-0 dxc4 8 .i.xc4 "e7 The queen move to e7 was first employed in the present game. Subsequent practice confirmed the viability of the innovation. 9 a3 .i.aS 10 "c2 Ji.d7 With the white queen at c2, Black must immediately vacate c8 for his rook. 1 1 dxcS "xcS 12 tDe4 tDxe4 13 b4 'iWbs

1 53

14 "xe4 If 1 4 bxaS Black could have replied 14 ...tDd6 with a good game. 14 .i.c6 IS "f4 Ji.b6 16 .i.b2 tDd7 Black has achieved a good game. White has to reckon with the possibility of ...:c8 and ....i.c7. 17 "g3 "g6 18 tDd4 Of course, it is hard to attach a question mark to this move, but the further course of the game shows that the black bishop is very strongly posted at a4, and it should not have been ' invited' there. The prophylactic 1 8 .i.b3 was preferable. .i.a4! 18 "xg3 19 l:tfd l:tfd8 20 bxg3 This move emphasises Black's desire to continue the struggle. 21 Ji.e2 tDf6 22 .i.dl 22 .i.f3 was better. .i.xdl 22 tDe4 23 :xdl

1 54

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

The knight has taken up a strong post in the centre. By ...e6-e5 and ... f7-f6 Black is threatening to limit the scope of White's minor pieces and to take the initiative. 24 tDb3 If 24 �f1 B lack gains the advantage by 24 ... l:tac8 25 l:tac I e5 26 tDe2 (bad is 26 tDf5 l:txd I + 27 l:txd I l:tc2) 26 ...l:txd 1 + 27 l:txd 1 f6 28 f3 (28 l:tc I l:td8) 28 ...l:tc2. f6 24 . . . 25 g4 If 25 .td4 there would have followed 25 ... e5 26 .txb6 l:txd 1 + 27 l:txd 1 axb6 with advantage. 25 �f1 can be met by 25 ...l:tac8 26 l:txd8+ (26 l:tac I l:txd I + 27 l:txd I l:tc2) 26 ...l:txd8 27 �e2 (27 l:tc 1 l:td3) 27 ... tDxf2 28 �xf2 l:td3, again with the advantage. 25 e5 26 �n l:tac8 27 l:txd8+ l:txd8 28 �e2 28 l:tc l is bad because of 28 ...l:td3, while if 28 l:te I l:td3 29 tDa 1 (or 29 tDc 1 l:td2 30 l:te2 l:td l + 3 1 l:te 1 tDd2+ 32 �e2 l:txe 1 + 33 �xe 1 tDc4, winning an important pawn) 29 ... l:td2 30 l:te2 .txe3 ! 3 1 l:txe3 (3 1 fxe3 lDg3+) 3 1 ...l:txf2+ 32 �e l l:txb2, and B lack wins. lDxfl 28 29 �xfl l:td3! Black regains the piece, retaining his extra pawn. 30 tDc5 .txc5 31 bu5 l:td2+ 32 �fJ l:txb2 For the moment the rook ending involves certain technical difficulties. .

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33 l:td l a6 b6 34 l:td7 a5 35 l:tc7 36 �e4 �b7 a4 37 �d5 �g6 38 �d6 39 �d7 This makes the win easier for Black, as he is able to activate his king.

f5! 39 . . . 40 gxf5+ �xf5 41 �d6 If 4 1 �c8, then 4 1 ...l:tb5 42 l:txg7 l:txc5+ 43 �xb7 l:tc3 and wins. 41 l:td2+ l:td5 42 �e7 �e4 43 �f7 44 �xg7 44 �e6 can be met by 44 ...g6 45 g4 g5 46 l:tc8 l:td3 47 l:tc7 l:tb3 48 �f6 �xe3 49 �xe5 �f3 50 �f5 l:txa3 5 1 l:txb7 l:tc3, winning. 44 �xe3 e4 45 �xb6 l:txc5 46 l:txb7 White has restored material equality, but Black has a very danger­ ous passed pawn. .

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1 55

Illustrative Games 47 g4 �C4 48 l%b4 If 48 l%e7 there follows 48 ...l%e5 49 l%xe5 �xe5 50 g5 e3, and the pawn ending is won for Black. 48 �f3 49 g5 e3 SO g6 e2 White resigns If 5 1 l%b l Black wins by 5 t . ..�f2 52 g7 l%c8 53 �h7 e l =" 54 l%xe l �xe 1 55 g8=" l%xg8 56 �xg8 �d2, when his king succeeds in winning the a3 pawn and in ensuring the promotion of his pawn.

l%ac8 14 Here 1 4 ...tDg4 is refuted by 1 5 .i.xh7+ �7 1 6 tDg5+. ::tCe8 15 c4 In the variation 1 5 ... ltJg4 1 6 .i.xh7+ 1 6 ...�xh7 1 7 tDg5+ �g8 1 8 "xg4 "xc4 Black gains counterplay, but 1 6 g3 leads to double-edged play. 16 ::tCe1 "d6 1 6 ... .i.xO 1 7 "xO e5 came into consideration, with an equal game. 17 .i.c3

Smyslov-Matanovic

European Team Championship Hamburg 1965 Nimzo-Indian Defence

1 d4 tDC6 2 e4 e6 3 tDc3 .i.b4 e5 4 e3 5 tDo 0-0 6 .i.d3 d5 7 0-0 dxe4 b6 8 .i.xe4 9 'ii'e2 exd4 10 exd4 .i.b7 1 1 .i.g5 .i.xc3 12 bxc3 tDbd7 This system of development is con­ sidered one of Black's most reliable in the Nimzo-Indian Defence. 13 .i.d3 'fIe7 14 .i.d2 This move looks better than 1 4 l%ac l , when by 1 4 ...tDg4 Black forces 1 5 .i.e4, with a favourable exchange of bishops.

17 'ii'C4 If Black had played 1 7 ...tDd5, then after 1 8 cxd5 ::txc3 19 .i.xh7+ the following variations could have arisen: (a) 1 9 ...�xh7 20 tDg5+ �g6 (20 ... �g8 21 �S with a decisive attack) 2 1 tDe4 "'c7 (now 2 1 . . :i'xd5 is bad because of 22 "'g4+ and 23 tDxc3) 22 d6 "'c6 23 d5 exd5 (23 .....xd5 24 _g4+) 24 "g4+ �h6 25 "g5+ �h7 26 �5+ �g8 27 ltJg5 with irresistible threats, e.g. 27 ...lhe 1 + 28 l%xe l tDf6 29 "'xf7+ �h8 30 d7 ! ; (b) 1 9...�h8 2 0 .i.e4! "f4 (or 20... exdS 2 1 tDg5) 2 1 'iWb2 ! ::tc7 22 .

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1 56

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

g3 ! .g4 (22 •d6 23 lDg5 .e7 24 d6; 22 ...�6 23 d6!) 23 lDh4, and 23 ...exd5 is not possible because of 24 .ifS, while after 23 ...lDf6 24 .in White is a pawn up with a good position. 18 'ifd2 19 lDxd2 20 .in 21 a4 ...

lDb3 :xb3 30 :xd6 �f8 3 1 :c6 as 32 :c4 �e7 33 .id3, and White wins. 26 cxb5 .ib7 27 lDb3 .ie4 :xc:l 28 :c:1 .id5 29 :xc:1 30 lDc5 The white pieces have taken up active posts, and the b5 pawn seriously cramps Black's position. 30 :e7 •

White has ' hanging' but mobile pawns in the centre plus the two bishops. This gives him the initiative in the endgame. lDb8 II . . . 22 as bS 23 :ebl lDd6 At first sight Black appears to have set up a defence. 24 cS would be met by 24...a6 with a good position. 24 a6! With this temporary pawn sacrifice White disrupts the opponent's defences. .ixa6 24 . . . :d7 25 .i.a5 If 25 ...bxc4 there follows 26 .i.xd8 :xd8 27 :xb8 :xb8 28 :xa6 c3 29

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31 lDd3! Now the b-pawn cannot be taken on account of mate, and meanwhile White is threatening 32 .ic7 and 32 .ib4. 3 1 ...lDc4 is not possible because of 32 lDe5 ! 31 . . . :e8 32 lDb4 :c8 33 :c7! .i.b7 In a difficult position B lack defends resourcefully. 34 lDd3 Threatening 35 lDc5 with a decisive advantage. 34 lDc4 lDxa5 35 :xb7 36 :xa7 lDb3

Illustrative Games 37 b6 �xd4 B lack has managed to restore material equality, but White's far­ advanced passed pawn, supported by his pieces, is extremely dangerous. 38 :c7 :d8 �dc6 39 b7 If 39 ...�b5 there would have fol lowed 40 :c8 :f8 4 1 �c5 �a7 (or 4 1 ...�d6 42 :xf8+ �xf8 43 �a6) 42 :c7 g6 43 �a6 �ac6 44 .i.b5 ! �xa6 45 :xc6 �b8 46 :c8 f5 47 .i.e8 and White wins. :m 40 :c8 40 ...�f8 fails to save Black after 4 1 �b4 or 4 1 �e5. �e7 41 �c5 With time trouble over, Black resigned in view of 42 :xf8+ �xf8 43 .i.b5 with the decisive threat of 44 �d7+.

1 57

used to employ this defence, but in the present game he prefers a different plan. 6 �xd5 7 d4 .i.e7 8 dxc5 .i.xc5 .i.e7 9 Wcl 0-0 10 :dl 1 1 e4 �db4 Wbp 12 We2 13 �c3

Smyslov-Aronin

Team Championship Moscow 1966 English Opening

e6 1 c4 2 g3 This move order has occurred many times in my games. Switching to a Catalan set-up promises White a slight but enduring initiative. 2 d5 c5 3 .i.g2 �c6 4 �f3 5 0-0 �f6 6 cxd5 Now Black is at the cross-roads. 6 ... exd5 7 d4 leads to variations with an isolated d5 pawn, typical of the Tarrasch Defence. Aronin frequently

Wa6! 13 Black's difficulties stem from the fact that his queenside is undevel­ oped. The exchange of queens eases the defence, by enabling his minor pieces to manoeuvre more freely. �I86 14 'ii'I a6 15 .i.f4 �c5 16 .i.d6 .i.xd6 �d7 17 :xd6 �b6 18 :adl e5 19 b3 20 :ld2 White all the time maintains a slight advantage, but it is not easy to achieve anything real, as B lack's position has no marked weaknesses.

1 58

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

20 .*.g4? Black's desire to complete his queenside development is quite un­ derstandable, but this bishop man­ oeuvre proves premature. He should have played 20 ... f6, although after 2 1 lbb5 .*.g4 22 h 3 .*.xf3 (or 2 2....*.h5 23 lbh4) 23 .*.xf3 White would have retained the initiative, e.g. 23 ...a6 24 lbc7 l:tac8 25 lbe6 l:tfe8 26 .*.g4. bxc6 11 l:txc6! If 2 1 ...i.xf3 22 l:txb6 ! .*.xg2 23 l:txb7 .*.h3 24 f3 l:tfc8 25 lbd5, and White consolidates his advantage. 22 lbxe5 i.e6 23 lbxc6 .

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As a result of his little combination White has gained two pawns for the . exchange and maintained the active placing of his pieces. Now the best defensive possibility was 23 ... i.d7, after which there would still have been a struggle in prospect. There could have followed 24 lbds lbxdS (or 24 ....*.xc6 2S lbe7+ �h8 26 lbxc6) 2S exd5 i.xc6 26 dxc6 l:tfdS 27 l:tc2 l:td 1 + 28 i.f1 %lc8 29 b4, and the pawns gradually advance.

23 .l:tfe8 24 lbb5! .*.d7 25 lbbxa7 ffi 26 f4 .*.xc6 27 lbxc6 lbc8 28 e5 fxe5 29 lbxe5 l:ta7 30 .*.d5+ � 31 i.c6 Black resigns ••

Smyslov-Benko

Monte Carlo J 969 English Opening

c5 1 c4 2 lbfJ lbC6 g6 3 g3 i.g7 4 b3 5 i.b2 b6 6 i.g2 i.b7 � 7 � d5 8 lbc3 The start of the game has seen symmetrical development, but here S ...lba6 came into consideration, when White can reply 9 l:tc 1 . 9 lbxd5 lbxd5 10 .*.xg7 �xg7 'ifxd5 1 1 cxd5 12 d4 cxd4 13 'ifxd4+ 'ifxd4 14 lbxd4 i.xg2 IS �xg2

Illustrative Games Thus after numerous exchanges an ending has been reached with a slight advantage for White. But his initiative is an enduring one, and despite the limited amount of material, it is not easy for Black to defend. 15 l:tc8 16 l:tac1 tiJd7 17 l:tfd 1 tiJc5 18 b4 It is essential to prevent ... a7-aS, consolidating the knight's position. 18 tiJa4 l:txc1 19 tiJbS 20 l:txc1 as 21 a3 Now the black knight is for a long time shut out of the game. l:td8 21 l:tdS 22 l:tc7 23 tiJa7 axb4 e6 24 axb4

1 59

25 l:td2 26 tiJe5 l:txe2 27 tiJxf1 h5 28 tiJgS+ �f6 If 28 ...�g8, then 29 l:tc6 tiJb2 30 �f3 l:te5 3 1 tiJxe6, winning a pawn. 29 �fl ! A 'quiet' manoeuvre with the terrible threat of f2-f4. For example, 29 ... l:tb2 30 f4 �f5 3 1 h3 !, and the black king ends up in a mating net. 29 . . . l:txfl+ This is equivalent to capitulation, but there is no other way out. 30 �xfl �xgS �g4 31 �e3 �h3 32 bS 33 l:tc4 tiJb2 34 l:tc2 Black resigns Smyslov-Tal

37th USSR Championship Moscow 1969 English Opening

25 tiJc6! Threatening 26 e4, driving the opponent's rook away from the centre. If 2S ... l:tbS there follows 26 tiJd8, and 2S ...tiJc3 also does not work, in view of 26 tiJe7.

tiJf6 1 c4 cS 2 g3 tiJc6 3 .ig2 g6 4 tiJc3 .ig7 5 tiJfJ 0-0 6 0-0 7 b3 White plays the opening quite unpretentiously. More active is 7 d4 cxd4 8 tiJxd4, aiming for spatial gains in the centre. d5 7 tiJxd5 8 cxd5 tiJxc3 9 .ib2 .ixc3 10 .ixc3 1 0... eS leads to more interesting

1 60

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

play, but Black carries out exchanges, assuming that the chances in the resulting ending will be equal. 1 1 dxc3 'ii'x dl 12 l:txdl .tf5 Here Black offered a draw. However, White enjoys a slight initiative, and the game continued . . . 1 3 iDb4 .te6 If 1 3 . . .l:tad8 White could have continued 1 4 iDxfS gxf5 1 5 f4 with the more pleasant game.

14 .txc6! The exchange of the long-range bishop for the knight involves a concrete evaluation of the ending. The weakening of Black's pawn chain secures White a slight but enduring advantage. 14 bxc6 f6 15 iDo White was threatening to play his knight to e5, intensifying the pressure on the doubled pawns. If 1 5 ....tg4, then 1 6 iDeS .txe2 1 7 l:te 1 .ta6 1 8 iDd7 l:tfe8 1 9 iDxc5 .tc8 20 l:tad 1 with a positional advantage. Endings are often encountered where .

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a knight proves superior to a bishop when there are doubled pawns. 16 iDd2 l:tfd8 c4 17 iDe4 This pawn advance is forced, but now the knight takes up a dominating position at cS. 18 iDc5 .tf5 .tc2 19 fJ 20 l:txd8+ l:txd8 Black has succeeded in occupying the d-file, but this is of no sig­ nificance, since the white king comes into play and takes control of d2, for where the black rook is aiming. �f7 11 �a .tf5 22 b4 e5 23 �e1 It would have been more cautious to retreat the bishop to c8, when White could have increased the positional pressure by 24 a4.

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l:td7 24 iDb7! The rook has no other move. After 24 ...l:td5 there follows 25 e4, while if 24 ... l:tb8 25 iDd6+, winning a pawn. 25 iDa5 c5 l:td5 26 bxc5

Illustrative Games 27 lOb7 27 e4 was less good on account of 27 ...l:txcS 281Ob7 l:tc7 291Od6+ q;e7 30 lOxf5+ (30 lObS l:tb7) 30...gxfS 31 exfS l:tb7, and in the rook ending it is easier for Black to defend. 27 28 29

lOd6+ g4!

l:td7 q;e7

161 38 39

gxfS f4

gxfS

At just the right time! Now if 39...Q;xcS there follows 40 fxeS Q;dS 41 Q;f4. 39 ... Q;dS

A useful move, securing the ,b1 square for the rook. If 29...�c2 there follows 30 lOxc4, when 30...l:tc7 fails to 31 lOe3 with a double threat.

�e6 l:tbl l:tc7 l:tb7 White retains his extra pawn. Black cannot reply 31...q;d7 because of 32 l:txc7+ q;xc7 33 lOe8+. 31 ... l:txb7 32 lDxb7 q;d7 33 lOd6 A difficult moment in the game. After 33 lDaS fS 34 gxfS gxfS a position is reached where White plans to take his king to b4, but at a certain point Black gains freedom of action on the kingside. At d6 the knight occupies a more flexible post than at as, and is ready to join the action on the kingside. h6 33 34 q;a q;c6 35 q;e3 This move is possible, since if 35 ... q;xc5 there follows 36lDe4. 35 ... as If 3S...fS, then 36 gxfS gxfS 37 f4 q;dS 38 lDe8! exf4+ 39 �xf4 q;xcS 40 lDg7. fS 36 lDe8 37 lDg7 �d7 29 30 31

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40 41 42

c6! c7 h4

�c8 Q;d6

White sealed this move. Black resigned without resuming.

If 42...�d7, then 43 lOhS �c8 44 fxeS+ Q;xeS 4S lDf4 followed by 46 lOg6+ Q;f6 47 hS and 48 Q;f4. It is easy to see that the passed c7 pawn restricts Black's manoeuvrability, and White realises his material advantage. Smyslov-Benko Szolnok 1975

English Opening 1 lDo 2 c4 3 g3 4 �g2 50-0 6 liJc3

lDf6

cS b6 �b7 e6 �e7

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Vasi/y Smys/ov: Endgame Virtuoso

7 d4 cxd4 8 "xd4 lLlc6 This move, together with the following queen manoeuvre to b8, is quite playable. At the present time 8 ...d6 is more common here followed by the development of the queen's knight at d7. 9 "f4 � "b8 10 Adl Black offers the exchange of queens. In the endgame White will stand somewhat freer, but this advan­ tage is insignificant, since in Black's position there are no marked weak­ nesses. 1 1 e4 can be met by 1 1 ... d6, leading to a complicated middlegame. 11 "xb8 Aaxb8 12 �f4 Abc8 13 e4 Afd8 lLle8 14 e5 15 lLlb5!

An original idea, involving playing the knight to d6. This plan looks logical, since if Black should succeed in playing ... d7-d6, simplification, easing his defence, will be inevitable. 15 �a8 .

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Black withdraws his bishop to a square where it is defended. If 1 5 ...a6 there could have followed 1 6 lLld6 lLlxd6 1 7 exd6 �f6 1 8 Aac I , when 1 8 ...�xb2 is not dangerous in view of 1 9 Ab 1 �f6 20 Axb6 with a good game for White. b6 16 b3 �f8 17 b4 �c5 18 Aac1 a6 19 lLle1 Nevertheless, Black cannot get by without this move. Now the knight advances to the prepared square d6. lLlxd6 20 lLld6 e5 21 exd6 lLld4 22 �e3 Black tries to get rid of the unpleasant pawn that is cramping his game. After 22 ... �xe3 23 fxe3 White could have strengthened his position by advancing his queenside pawns. 23 �xd4 exd4 Of course, not 23 ...�xd4 24 �xa8 Axa8 25 lLlO, when the e5 pawn is lost. An8 24 �xa8 Aac8 25 lLlc2 26 lLlxd4 �xd6 27 Ad3 White has gained some positional advantage, since Black has a back­ ward pawn at d7. This pawn is not so much a weakness in itself, but rather it allows White to move freely on the d-file, creating opportunities for play on both wings. 27 . . . �c5 If 27 ... b5 28 lLlxb5 �xg3 29 lLld6 �xd6 30 Axd6 Ac6 3 1 Ad5 with the better ending for White. 28 Acdl �xd4

1 64

Vasi/y Smys/ov: Endgame Virtuoso 60 61

Zlf6+ ZlIh6

�c5 ZlIg4

b6 1 0 0-0 bxc5 1 1 .i.e3 with the better game for White. 8 cId5 lLlId5 9 lLlId5 exd5 10 .i.g2 1 0 .xd5 is not good in view of I O ..i.b4+ 1 1 .i.d2 .i.e6 with a dangerous initiative for Black. 10 .i.b4+ .i.g4 1 1 .i.d2 ..

62 Zlf6 Zle4 If 62 ...Zlg7 63 h6 Zlh7 64 �e7 �d5 65 �f8 �e5 66 �gS !, and White wins. 63 h6 �d4 64 h7 Zlh4 65 ZlIf7 �e5 66 �e7 Zlhl 67 �f8 �e6 68 �g8 Black resigns Smyslov-H.OlaCssoD

Copenhagen 1985 English Opening

1 c4 c5 2 lLlo lLlC6 3 d4 cxd4 4 lLlId4 e6 5 lLlc3 lLlc6 6 g3 �6 7 lLlb3 d5 Played with the aim of quickly developing the pieces. Another possibility is 7 ....i.b4 S .i.g2 .a6 9 cS

12 .i.Ib4! The most logical move. White aims for the exchange of queens, and is not afraid to leave his king in the centre of the board. In the endgame it will be easier for him to exploit the weakness of the isolated d-pawn. Of course, 1 2 .i.xd5 is unfavourable on account of 1 2 ...ZldS. 12 "Ib4+ 13 "d2 "Id2+ 14 �Id2 � 15 h3 A useful move. By driving back the bishop, White forestalls an attack on his e2 pawn. His king at d2 is very well placed, enabling him easily to bring his rooks into play.

Illustrative Games 15 .i.hS �b8 16 l:tad l:td6 17 ltJcs If 1 7 ... l:the8 there would have followed 1 8 g4 .i.g6 1 9 ltJa6+ �c8 20 l:tc5 l:td6 (20 ...�d7 2 1 l:thc l !) 2 1 ltJb4 �d7 2 2 ltJxc6 bxc6 2 3 l:ta5 with a positional advantage for White. 18 l:thd l f6 19 �e1 The regrouping of the pieces is completed, and now the white rooks are very actively placed. 19 l:thd8 20 l:td2 .i.f7 21 b3 ltJe7 22 l:tdc2 .i.g6 This move is certainly over-hasty and leads to the loss of a pawn. If 22 ...l:tc8 there can follow 23 b4 .i.g6 (or 23 ...l:tdc6 24 b5 l:t6c7 25 e3 and then 26 �d2 with a positional advantage) 24 l:tc3 d4 25 l:tc4 .i.f7 26 .i.xb7 .i.xc4 27 .i.xc8 .i.xa2 28 lDa6+ �a8 29 b5, and the black king faces serious threats. •

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23 lDxb7! An ele ant tactical blow, which is

1 65

possible thanks to 23 ... �xb7 24 l:tc7+. 23 .i.xc2 .i.xb3 24 ltJxd6 25 ltJf7 l:tf8 26 axb3 l:txf7 27 l:tcS! The crux of White's plan. Now Black loses a pawn, since 27 ... d4 is unfavourable because of 28 l:tb5+ �c7 29 l:tb7+ �d6 30 l:txa7 l:tf8 3 1 �d2, with a won position. l:tf8 27 28 .i.xdS ltJxdS �c7 29 l:txdS 30 �d2

The initial position of the rook ending. White is not only a pawn up, but also has an active rook, an advantage that assures him of a win. �c6 30 . . . 31 l:thS With the aim of weakening Black' s pawn chain. l:td8+ 31 h6 3 2 �c3 �b6 33 l:taS 34 l:t.4!

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Vasily Smys/ov: Endgame Virtuoso

Now the rook switches to the fourth rank to attack the enemy pawns. 34 1%dl 35 b4 1%n 1%bl 36 fJ If 36 ...l:te 1 , then 37 l:te4 with the threat of 38 1%e7. 37 l:tg4 g5 38 l:te4 �c5 3 8 ...gxh4 fails to 39 l:txh4! 39 bxg5 fxg5 Or 39 ... hxg5 40 1%e6 l:th6 41 1%a6 g4 42 1%xa7 l:th3 43 l:tf7, and White is two pawns up. a5 40 g4 �b6 41 l:te5+ �c5 42 l:te8 �b5 43 l:tc8+ If 43.Ai)d5, then 44 1%a8 1%al 45 �b2. 44 �d4! The king heads to the kingside, in order to support the advance of its passed pawn. l:td1+ 44 �b4 45 �e4 �c3 46 1%b8+ 47 1%b5! l:tal �d2 48 �fS 49 e4 l:tn If 49 ... �e3 50 e5 �xf3 5 1 e6, and the passed pawn is certain to promote. 50 �g6 l:txfJ 51 �xb6 l:tf4 52 �xg5 l:txe4 53 l:txa5 Black resigns Milos-Smyslov

Buenos Aires 1990 English Opening

1 2

c4 g3

e5 fS

In his comments on this game, Miguel Najdorf (in the honour of whose 80th birthday this international tournament was held) remarked on the energy of this move, which invites a sharp struggle. 3 �g2 lDf6 �b4 4 lDc3 lDc6 5 lDfJ e4 6 0-0 Black carries out a plan involving the restriction of the opponent's Iight­ square bishop. He intends to ex­ change his bishop for the knight at c3, in order to weaken the pressure on the e4 pawn. �xc3 7 lDe1 d6 8 bxc3 b6 9 d3 An important link in Black's plan. He forestalls the positional threat of �g5 followed by the exchange on f6. exd3 10 fJ 0-0 1 1 exd3 12 l:tbl A superfluous move, since Black's intentions include developing his bishop at b7. 1 2 lDc2 was better. b6 12 13 lDc2 �b7 14 �b3 lDb7 15 lDd4 "'f6! An interesting positional idea. By the temporary sacrifice of a pawn, Black provokes a favourable ex­ change of minor pieces. 16 lDxfS �c8 17 g4 After 1 7 l:tb5 a6 1 8 l:td5 �e6 1 9 �e3 l:tae8 20 "'a4 lDd8 2 1 �d4 1If7 Black has the better game. �xfS 17 . . .

Illustrative Games 18 19 20 21

gxfS f4 1*'0 .id2

/1:)e7 /1:)xfS l:tae8

A classic confrontation has arisen: two knights against two bishops. Black' s pawn formation is more ad­ vantageous, and he begins active play. 21 . . . /1:)h4 1*'g6! 22 1*'g4 The exchange of queens secures Black active play on the e-file. 23 1*'xg6 ttJxg6 ttJf6 24 l:tfl The knight comes into play. If now 25 f5 /1:)e5 26 .iO /1:)fg4 27 l:tf4 g5 28 fxg6 ttJf3+ and wins, or 25 l:te 1 l:txe 1 + 26 .ixe I ttJh5 27 f5 ttJgf4 28 .ig4 /1:)xd3 . 2S .ig2 ttJh4 26 .ih3 If 26 .ic6, then 26 ...ltJg4 27 .ixe8 l:txe8 and Black retains a positional advantage, since 28 l:tffl is unfavour­ able on account of 28 ... l:te2 29 .ie 1 l:tg2+ 30 �h 1 l:txh2+ 3 1 �g 1 h5, when the pawn advances unhindered to h3.

1 67

hS! 26 Threatening 27 .../1:)g4. l:txel+ 27 l:tel l:te8 28 .ixel Black continues to control the e-file, and if now 29 �O l:te3, winning a pawn. 29 l:to /1:)0+ 30 l:txf3 l:txel+ 31 l:to

l:te2! 31 . . . This is much stronger than the immediate 3 1 ...l:te3, when there can follow 32 .ifS �f7 33 �t2. 32 l:tfl l:te3 33 .io If here 33 .ifS, then 3 3 ...�f7 is now good: 34 l:tO l:te2 35 l:tt2 l:te7 (with the threat of 36 ...g6 and 37 ... l:te3) 36 l:tg2 l:te 1 + 37 �t2 l:tc l , winning a pawn. �f7 33 h4 34 h3 This move consolidates Black's positional advantage. The bishop is restricted by its own pawns, and the knight invades White's position via h5. .

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1 68

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso 35 36 37 38

lDhS ':b2 ':g3 �fl cS ':bS lDIf4 ':b3 White resigns

Despite its deceptive simplicity, the ending sets Black difficult problems. See also my game against Benko (Monte Carlo 1 969) - p. 1 58.

Smyslov-Castro

Interzonal Tournament Biel 1976 English Opening

filr6 1 lDo g6 2 b3 �g7 3 �b2 b6 4 g3 �b7 5 �g2 cS 6 0-0 7 c4 0-0 8 lDc3 This characteristic position of the double fianchetto variation has occurred several times in my games. My opponents have tried 8 ...e6 and 8 ... fila6, with a complicated game where White retains the advantage of the first move. dS 8 ... This advance of the central pawn leads almost by force to numerous exchanges and to an endgame where White retains the better chances. 9 lDxdS lDxdS 10 i.xg7 �g7 WxdS 1 1 cxdS cxd4 12 d4 13 Wxd4+ Wxd4 14 lDxd4 �xg2 IS �xg2 White has the advantage. His knight at d4 occupies a strong post, and Black's queenside pawns can be attacked.

IS lDa6 .:rc8 16 .:rdl � 17 ':ad 18 lDbS A similar knight manoeuvre to b5 occurred in another game of mine with Benko (p. 1 6 1 ). Now exceptionally precise defence is demanded of B lack. 18 lDcs Preferable was 1 8 ... .:xc 1 1 9 ':xc 1 lDc5 20 b4 lDe6, when Black can put up a tenacious struggle. 19 b4 file6 ':xc8 20 ':xc8 ':c2 21 lDxa7 Black was pinning great hopes on this active move. Although he regains his pawn, he fails to equalise. 22 a4 ':xe2 23 lDc8! The white knight displays an enviable capacity for work. It now takes over the defence of the a41b4 pawn pair. If 23 ... .:b2 there follows •

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1 69

Illustrative Games 24 iDxb6, and the b4 pawn is immune due to the fork at dS.

bS 23 24 axbS Ab2 iDc7 25 iDb6 26 iDd7+ �g7 27 b6 The advance of the passed pawn decides the outcome. 27 iDa6 iDxb4 28 iDcs iDc6 29 b7 30 Ad7 Now the threat is 3 1 iDa6 and 32 Ac7. iDaS 30 . . . If 30 . . .Ab5 there could have followed 3 1 iDa6 Ab6 32 Ac7 Axa6 33 Axc6 Axc6 34 b8='ii, and Black is unable to set up a ' fortress' . 3 1 Axe7 Black resigns Smyslov-Polugayevsky

Interzonal Tournament Palma de Mallorca 1970 King's Indian Defence

iDr6 1 iDfJ g6 2 g3 .ig7 3 b3 d6 4 .ib2 Black chooses a King's Indian set-up, in the hope of achieving a more active game than with the fianchetto of his other bishop ( ... b6 and ....ib7). 5 d4 � 6 .ig2 eS 7 dxeS iDg4 This leads to the exchange of queens and an ending that is more promising for White. 7 ... iDfd7 8 iDc3 iDxe5 9 iDxe5 .ixe5 1 0 'iid2 would have led to interesting play. iDIeS 8 b3 9 iDxes dxeS 10 'iiId8 AIdS 1 1 iDd2!

The opening has turned out well for White, and this modest development of his knight reveals the idea behind the exchange of queens. He now prepares queenside castling and gains the advantage on the open d-fiIe. 11 iDd7 .

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1 70

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

12 0-0-0 :e8 lbb6 13 lbc4 14 lba5 :b8 15 :d2 c6 16 :hdl f6 White consistently carries out his plan, and now intends to penetrate with his rook onto the eighth rank. The knight at as restricts the development of Black's queenside. 16 ....i.e6 fails to 1 7 lbxb7 !, when after 1 7 ...:xb7 1 8 .i.xc6 : bb8 1 9 .i.xe8 :xe8 2 0 :d8 Black i s lost. 17 :d8 �f7 18 :xe8 �xe8 19 .i.a3 Now the bishop is threatening to penetrate to d6, and 1 9. . . .i.f8 fails to 20 .i.xf8 �xf8 2 1 :d8+. 19 . . . lbd5 20 .i.d6 :a8 21 c4 White intensifies the pressure, and clears the way for his rook to invade the eighth rank. 21 lbe7 22 .i.c7 �f7 23 :d8

White has carried out his plan. Black has been unable to complete his queenside development and is condemned to a cheerless defence. IS 23 . . . 24 c5 With the threat of 25 lbc4. 24 lbd5 25 .i.d6 Of course, White is not satisfied with 25 .i.xd5+ cxd5 26 :xd5 .i.e6 27 :d8 :xd8 28 .i.xd8 .i.d5, when Black can put up a successful defence. .i.f6 25 26 :18+ �g7 27 lbc4 e4 27 . . . lbc3 was not possible, on account of 28 :xf6 lbxe2+ 29 �d2 �xf6 30 .i.xe5+ and then 3 1 �xe2 with two pieces for a rook. exf3 28 f3 29 .i.xf3 .i.g5+ 30 �dl lbc3+ lbbS 31 �e1 If 3 1 ... lbxa2 32 lbe5 lbb4 33 :e8 with a decisive attack. �f7 32 :e8 33 :h8 .i.f6 Black has no way of driving the rook off the back rank. I f 3 3 ...�g7 34 .i.e5+ .i.f6 35 .i.xf6+ �xf6 36 lbd6 ! lbxd6 37 cxd6 �e6 38 :d8 and White wins. 34 lbe5+ Of course, not 34 :xh7+ �g8, when Black gets rid of the troublesome rook. 34 �g7 35 :e8 With the mating threat of, 36 .i.f8+, against which 35 . . .lbxd6 does not •

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171

Illustrative Games help, since after 3 6 cxd6 i.xe5 :xe5 �f8 38 :e7 Black is zugzwang. h5 35 36 e3 By controlling the important square, White prepares to attack knight by 37 a4. lDc3 36 . . .

37 in

Botvinnik-8myslov

World Championship Match (J 7) Moscow 1957 GrOnfeld Defence

d4 the

37 lDxc6! This spectacular, although fairly simple tactical blow shatters Black's defences. bxc6 37 38 i.xc6 i.b7 39 :xa8 i.xc6 40 l:txa7+ �g8 41 l:ta6 This ensures the advance of the passed c-pawn. 41 i.d5 lDe4 42 c6 43 c7 i.b7 �f7 44 l:ta8+ 45 i.b4 Black resigns

lDf6 1 lDo 2 g3 g6 c6 3 c4 i.g7 4 i.g2 5 lDc3 � d5 6 d4 7 cxd5 cxd5 8 lDe5 b6 A satisfactory way of developing. After 8 ...lDc6 9 lDxc6 bxc6 Black would be saddled with a weak pawn at c6. i.b7 9 i.g5 i.xf6 10 i.xf6 1 1 0--0 In the variation 1 1 e4 dxe4 1 2 lDxe4 i.xe5 1 3 dxe5 lDd7 1 4 f4 lDc5 Black has a good game. e6 11 . . . 12 f4 If 1 2 e4 lDc6 1 3 exd5 ( 1 3 lDxc6 i.xc6 1 4 exd5 exd5) 1 3 ...lDxe5 1 4 dxe5 i.xe5 1 5 dxe6 i.xg2 1 6 exf7+ l:txf7 1 7 �xg2 i.xc3 1 8 bxc3 'ifxd 1 1 9 l:tfxd 1 l:tc8 20 l:td3 l:tc4, and Black can successfully battle for a draw in the rook ending. i.g7 12 Now if 1 3 e4 there would have followed 1 3 ... f6, when White faces a choice: whether to sacrifice a piece by 1 4 exd5 fxe5 1 5 dxe5 exd5 1 6 lDxd5 �h8 with chances for both sides, or to continue 1 4 lDg4 dxe4 1 5 lDxe4 �h8, when Black has a solid position. 13 l:tct f6 lDc6 14 lDo •

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1 72

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

Black has successfully solved his opening problems, and is already contemplating counterplay on the queenside. 17 h4 lLlc4 18 �h3 lLld6 19 �h2 as

b5 20 :fel 21 lLld l White's activity with h2-M and �h3 has not brought him any gains, and he is now forced to parry Black's offensive on the queenside. b4 21 �a6 22 lLlfl :fc8 23 ..-d l 24 :xc8+ White concedes the open file, since if 24 �fl there could have followed 24 ...:xc l 25 ..-xc I :c8. :xc8 24 25 �fl �xfl ..-c6 26 :xfl Black decides to take play into a slightly superior ending. As the further course of the game shows,

White is obliged to conduct a difficult defence. ..-c2+ 27 lLld3 :xc2+ 28 ..-xc2 :xfl+ 29 :fl lLlc4 30 lLlxfl 31 lLld l Black was aiming for this position when he took play into the minor piece ending. The knight at c4 is actively placed. In the end White will be forced to play b2-b3, which weakens the c3 square and the a2 pawn. Black will have the possibility of activating his game by . . . e6-e5. �f7 31 . . . 32 b3 If White had played 32 g4, there could have followed 32 ... h5 33 g5 �h8 ! , preparing 34 ...e5. lLld6 32 33 �g2 hS lLle4 34 �h3 35 g4 hxg4+ 36 �xg4 f5+ 37 �h3 �f6 38 lLlel Of course, not 38 lLlg5+ �xg5 39 hxg5 lLlc3, winning the a2 pawn. 38 �g7 lLlc3 39 lLld3 Black should perhaps not have hurried with this move. It was advisable to play the bishop via e7 to d6. However, both players were short of time. 40 lLlxc3 bxc3 41 lLlel White in turn is over-hasty. Better was 4 1 b4 axb4 42 lLlxb4 �h6 43 a4 �d8 44 lLlc2, maintaining the balance. .

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1 73

Illustrative Games The game was adjourned, and the following morning Goldberg, Bot­ vinnik's second, sent me an offer of a draw. The b3 pawn and knight at c2 create a defensive line which the black king is unable to cross. However, Black has a plan of penetrating with his king to the queenside, using zugzwang motifs, via the first rank. And so the game continued.

(instead of 50 lbe 1 ) White would have retained drawing chances. 43 �b5 44 �f3 �xb4 45 lbe1 g5 46 fxg5 �xg5 47 lbc2 J.d6 48 lbe1 White sticks to waiting tactics. I f 4 8 a3 there could have followed 48 ...�h4 49 b4 a4 (also possible is 49...axb4 50 axb4 �g5 5 1 b5 J.c7, similar to the previous note, but the retention of the a-pawns has its advantages for Black) 50 b5 iLc7 5 1 lbe l �g5 52 lbc2 iLa5 5 3 lbe l (53 �g3 �f6) 53 ...iLb6 54 lbc2 �f6. Play can continue as in the above variation, with the a-pawns improving Black's winning chances. 48 �b4 �b3 49 lbc2 The king is threatening a deep outflanking manoeuvre. �b2 50 lbal J.g3+ 51 �f2 iLb4 52 �f3 �gl 53 lbc2 �g2 54 �e2 An important achievement by Black. The white king has been pushed back one file. 55 lba l iLe7 �g3 56 lbc2 57 lbe1 iLd8 58 lbc2 iLf6 Zugzwang. White cannot move his knight because of the threat of ... f5-f4. If 59 �d3 �f2 60 lbal �e l 6 1 lbc2+ �d l 62 lbal J.e7 63 lbc2 iLd6 64 lbal �c l 65 �xc3 iLb4+ 66 �d3 �b2 67 lbc2 �xa2, and B lack wins. •

�b6 41 . . . The sealed move. iLe7 42 lbc2 43 �g3 If 43 a3 there could have followed 43 ... �h5 44 b4 axb4 45 axb4 J.xh4 46 b5 iLd8 47 �g3 g5 48 fxg5 �xg5 49 �fJ iLb6 50 lbe l �f6 5 1 lbc2 (5 1 �e2 f4, and 52 �d3 is bad because of 52 ... fxe3, while if 52 �fJ there follows 52 ... �f5 53 lbc2 e5 ! 54 dxe5 fxe3, and Black wins) 5·1 ...e5 52 dxe5+ �xe5 53 lbe 1 d4 54 exd4+ �xd4 55 �f4 �c4 56 �xf5 J.f2 57 lbc2 �b3, and the knight is lost. However, by playing 50 lbb4 !

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1 74

Vasi/y Smys/ov: Endgame Virtuoso 59

a3

�e7

60 b4 60 a4 also fails to save the game: 60...�d6 6 1 lDe l e5 62 dxe5 �xe5 63 �d3 (63 lDc2 d4 ! 64 exd4 �d6 65 lDe3 f4 66 lDf5+ �g4 67 lDxd6 0+, and one of the pawns queens) 63 ... d4 ! 64 exd4 �d6 65 lDc2 (65 �xc3 �b4+) 65 ... f4 66 �xc3 0 67 lDe3 f2 68 �d3 �O 69 lDfl �f4 ! 70 d5 �g2 7 1 �e2 �g l , and Black wins. 60 . . . a4 �g5 61 lDe1 62 lDc2 �f6 White is again in zugzwang. If his knight moves, there follows 63 ... f4. If 63 b5 �d8 64 lDe 1 �a5 65 lDc2 �g4 66 lDe l �c7 67 lDc2 (67 lDd3 c2 68 �d2 �a5+ 69 �xc2 �O, or 67 �d3 �b6 68 �e2 f4 69 exf4 �xd4) 67 ... �b6 68 lDb4 f4 69 exf4 �xd4 70

�d3 (70 lDd3 �f5 71 �O �b6) 70 ...�b6 7 1 �xc3 �xf4 72 lDc6 (72 �d3 �e5 73 lDc6+ �d6) 72 ...�e3 73 �b4 d4 74 lDe5 d3 75 �xa4 (75 lDc4+ �d4) 75 ...d2 76 lDc4+ �e2 77 lDxd2 �xd2 78 �b4 e5 79 a4 e4 80 a5 �d8 81 b6 e3, and Black wins. �fl 63 �d3 �d8 64 lDa l 65 lDc2 �g5 66 b5 l.d8 67 lDb4 �b6 �a5 68 lDc2 Now the bishop is defending the c3 pawn, and the black king can complete its outflanking manoeuvre. 69 lDb4 �el !

White resigns. If 70 �xc3 �e2, or 70 lDc2+ �d l 7 1 lDal �c I 72 lDc2 �b2.

I n dex of O p p o nents Alexander 58, 1 29 Aronin 7, 58, 1 57 Averbakh 85 Bagirov 54 Barcza 1 02 Belyavsky 39 Benko 68, 1 5 8, 1 6 1 Boleslavsky 1 1 , 76, 99 Bondarevsky 77, 95 Botvinnik 1 7, 35, 53, 1 09, 1 1 8, 1 7 1 Bouwmeester 65 Bronstein 62 Browne 65, 1 42 Bukal 1 45 Castillo 45 Castro 1 68 Chiburdanidze 27 Chin Huan 76 Clarke 4 1 Derkach 1 3 Donner 1 9 Dueball 1 43 Eingom 70 Emst 1 49 Euwe 28, 97, 1 3 7 Evans 24, 48 Filip 85 Flohr 7 1 Flores 1 04 Forintos 3 8 Fuller 49

Garcia, S. 36 Geller 1 4, 52 Gligoric 25, 33, 1 53 Golombek 1 3, 22 Gufeld 1 5 1 Guimard 78 Haag 1 20 Horberg I S Hort 9 HUbner 40, 72, 1 22 Hug 79 Illescas 55 Ivkov 1 06 Janata 8 Janjgava 74 Jimenez 36 Kamyshov 67 Karlsson 50 Kasparian 62 Keene 1 1 Keller 86 Keres 84 Kochiev 39 Konstantinopolsky 32 Korchnoi 37, 7 1 Kottnauer 57 Krogius 56 Langeweg 1 1 4 Lengyel 90 Letelier 1 t 6 Lilienthal 1 8, 33, 75, 1 34 Lipnitsky 34

Littlewood, P. 26 Lutikov 78 Magerramov 30 Malich 83 Marszalek 8 Matanovic 53, 1 55 Matulovic 72, 89 Mednis 8 1 Mestel 1 2 Mikenas 1 24 Milev 1 6, 59 Milos 1 66 Neikirch 64 Nestler 68 O'Kelly 25, 60, 1 3 1 Olafsson, F. 79, 88 Olafsson, H. 1 64 Paglilla 42 Penrose 46 Petrosian 1 07 Pfeiffer 1 47 Polugayevsky 8 1 , 1 69 Porath 82 Portisch 87, 1 28 Ravinsky 44 Reshevsky 35 Ribli 66 Rodriguez 79 Rohde 73 Rudnev 5 1 Rumens 26 Schmidt, W. 76

1 76

Vasily Smyslov: Endgame Virtuoso

Sirnagin 44, 47, 52 SHwa 3 0 Srnejkal 1 2 Sofrevski 69 Spangenberg 5 1 Stahlberg 40, 63, 1 26 Stein 22 Suba 87 Suetin 80 Szabo 83, 1 40

Tairnanov 3 1 , 1 32 Tal 1 1 2, 1 59 Tolush 44 Tringov 22 Tseshkovsky 57 Tsvetkov 1 9 Uhlrnann 20, 90 Valborn 55

Valcarcel 60 Visier 73 Vranesic 1 5 Wedberg 6 1 Xu Jun 2 1 Yastrebov 1 7

I ndex of Ope n i ngs Benoni Defence 1 5 1 Bogo-Indian Defence 1 42 Caro-Kann Defence 1 22 Catalan Opening 1 3 1 , 1 3 2 English Opening 1 57, 1 58, 1 59, 1 6 1 , 1 64, 1 66, 1 68 French Defence 1 1 6, 1 1 8, 1 20 GrUnfeld Defence 1 34, 1 37, 1 40, 1 7 1 King's Indian Defence 1 43, 1 45, 1 47, 1 69 Nirnzo-Indian Defence 1 53, 1 55 Ruy Lopez 95, 97, 99, 1 02, 1 04, 1 06 Queen's Gambit Accepted 1 29 Sicilian Defence 1 07, 1 09, 1 1 2, 1 1 4 Slav Defence 1 24, 1 26, 1 28 Torre Attack 149