Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
B71 Nb5 17.Kd2 Nxa3 Bd8 30.Rf4 Rxf4 31.Nxf4
Krajina,D 18.Rxa7 Nb1+ 19.Ke3
Kozul,Z Nxc3 20.Re7 b5 21.Rxe6
Vinkovci 1989 b4 22.Rb6 Na2 23.Kd2
[Jacob Aagaard] Kf7 24.Ra6 b3
25.cxb3??
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 [ 25.Ra7+!
cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 wins immediately ]
Nc6 6.f4 g6 7.Nxc6 [ and 25.c3 would also
bxc6 8.e5 Ng8 9.Qf3 d5 win in the long run. Now
10.Be3 h5 11.h3 Bf5 it goes the other way. ]
12.0-0-0 e6 13.Ba6 Ba3!! 25...c3+! What White had
What makes this move imagined would happen
most fantastic is that there here is hard to guess, but
is no immediate threat. this game was played with
Black simply undermines FIDE-time (where both
White's defence on the players get an extra 30
queenside. 14.bxa3 seconds after each move)
[ Stronger perhaps was and White still had about
14.Qe2 Qa5 15.Nb5! a minute left, so should
with unclear play. ] have smelt the trap.
14...Qa5 15.g4 hxg4 Possibly the stress of
16.hxg4 Rxh1 17.Rxh1 prolonged time trouble
Bxg4 18.Qxg4 Qxc3 was getting to him.
19.Bg1 26.Kd3??
[ 19.Qh3! would have [ 26.Ke3 c2 27.Rc6
kept White alive. ] c1Q+ 28.Rxc1 Nxc1
19...Qxa3+ 20.Kd1 Qxa6 29.b4 would still draw
21.Rh8 0-0-0 22.Rh7 d4 since the knight cannot
23.Rxf7 Qc4 24.Rxa7 escape the attentions of
Kb8 25.Ra3 Ne7 26.Qh3 the white king; e.g. Na2
Nd5 ( or 29...Nb3 30.Kd3 )
0-1 30.b5 Ke7 ( 30...Nc3??
31.b6 wins ) 31.Kd2
etc. ]
Resika,N 26...Nb4+ 27.Kxc3 Nxa6
Lund,E 28.b4 Nc7 29.Kd3 Kf6
Budapest 2002 30.Ke3 Kf5
[Jacob Aagaard] 0-1
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-+r+( B67
7zp-+l+nmk-' 1 Nijboer,F
6-zp-vLp+r+& Acs,P
5+-+p+-+-% Wijk aan Zee 2003
4-+pzP-tR-+$ [Jacob Aagaard]
3zP-zP-+L+-#
2-+PmK-zP-+" XABCDEFGHY
1+-+-+-+R![ 8-+r+k+-tr(
xabcdefghy 7+-+-vl-+p' 2
1.Bh5! A nice tactical 6-+-zpNzp-+&
move that wins the 5+-+-wq-+-%
exchange, 4pzpL+l+-+$
[ because of 1.Bh5 Nxd6 3+-+-+-+-#
2.Bxg6 Kxg6 3.Rg1+ 2PzPP+-+PzP"
Kh7 4.Rh4# . 1+K+RwQR+-![
Black could resign here, xabcdefghy
but instead he played... ] 22.Qxe4!? Qxe4 23.Bb5+
1...Rf6 2.Rg1+? Qc6 Now White obtains a
This is sufficient to win, better endgame.
[ but the computer comes [ If instead 23...Kf7
up with 2.Rg4+! 24.Ng5+ wins ]
which wins a lot more [ or 23...Rc6 24.Nd4!
than a rook. ] Kf7 ( 24...0-0 25.Bxc6
2...Kh7 3.Rxf6 Nxd6 d5 26.Nf5 wins ) 25.Bxc6
4.Rfg6 Rxg6 5.Bxg6+ Qe5 26.Rfe1 Qh5
Kh6 6.f3 Nb5 7.Bf7 Nd6 27.Bf3! with a strong,
8.Bg8 Nf5 9.Ke2 Nh4 probably winning
10.Bf7 Nf5 11.Rg6+ Kh7 attack. ]
12.Rg1 Nd6 13.Bg8+ 24.Bxc6+ Rxc6 25.Nf4
Kh6 14.Rh1+ Kg7 Kf7 26.Nd5 Rg8 27.g3
15.Rh7+ Kxg8 16.Rxd7 Rg4 28.b3 axb3 29.cxb3
XABCDEFGHY
Bb6 32.Nd5 Bc5 33.Rf1
Ke6 34.Nxf6 d5 35.Nxh7
Be7 36.g4 d4 37.g5 d3
38.g6 d2 39.g7 Rc1+
40.Rxc1 dxc1Q+
41.Kxc1 Kf7 42.Nf8
Kxg7 43.Nd7 Kf7 44.Kc2
Ke6 45.Nb6 Bc5 46.Na4
Bf2 47.Kd3 Kd5 48.Nb2
. 6.Nd5+ Kd6 7.Ne3
All very convincing. But in
fact White could have
done better at the
beginning!
. check is always attractive.
(press F10 to continue)
1-0
analysis Nijboer-Acs
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+r+k+-tr(
7+-+-vl-+p' 3
6-+-zpNzp-+&
5+-+-wq-+-%
4pzpL+l+-+$
3+-+-+-+-#
2PzPP+-+PzP"
1+K+RwQR+-![
xabcdefghy
If he had played 22.Bb5+!
[ instead of 22.Qxe4!?
, then Black would not
have been able to reach
an endgame in which he
had some chances of
survival. ]
After something like
22...Bc6 23.Bxc6+ Rxc6
24.Rd4! Black is
completely outplayed and
it is not easy to see how
he should improve on this.
The method which could
have helped Nijboer to
find this is changing the
move order of the
combination, as explained
in Chapter Four.
Afek #1
Chess in Israel 1999
[Jacob Aagaard]
(Diagram 4)
The following analysis
was given in the Study
Database 2000 and
probably comes from Afek.
1.b6! Rxa7+
[ 1...Bd8? If 2.Nc5+ Kc8
3.Bd7# ]
[ or 1...Bf2 2.Bd1 Bxb6+
3.Nxb6 Rxa7+ 4.Kb5 f2
5.Bf3+ ( 5.Be2? Ra2
6.Bf3+ Ka7! ) 5...Kc7
1
8r+-+-+-+(
7zPk+N+-+-' 4
6-+-+-+-+&
5mKP+-+-+-%
4L+-+-+-vl$
3+-+-+p+-#
2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
and Black cannot win. ]
2.bxa7 Be1+ 3.Kb5 f2
4.a8Q+! Kxa8 5.Ka6!
To allow a promotion with
[ If instead 5.Kb6?
Ba5+!! and Black wins. ]
5...f1Q+ 6.Bb5 Qf3
7.Bc6+! Qxc6+ 8.Nb6+
Kb8 Stalemate.
All of this is extremely
nice, but there is a small
problem in one of the
lines...
.
(press F10 to continue)
½-½
analysis Afek #1 pt.1
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8r+-+-+-+(
7zPk+N+-+-' 5
6-+-+-+-+&
5mKP+-+-+-%
4L+-+-+-vl$
3+-+-+p+-#
2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
After 1.b6 Bf2 2.Bd1
Bxb6+ 3.Nxb6
Black can play f2!
, changing the move order,
[ instead of 3...Rxa7+ ]
4.Be2
[ No better is 4.Bf3+
Kxa7 5.Bg2 Rg8 6.Bh3
Rg5+ and Black wins
first the knight and then
the bishop. ]
4...Rxa7+ 5.Kb5 Ra2
6.Bf3+ Ka7!! 7.Bg2
Rb2+ and Black wins.
One of the points of the
study was meant to be
that White could force the
black king away from the
knight, and thereby be in
time to stop the f-pawn.
After 2 Bd1 this is no
longer the case.
So what would we do if
we reached this position in
a game?
.
(press F10 to continue)
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
analysis Afek #1 pt.2
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8r+-+-+-+(
7zPk+N+-+-' 6
6-+-+-+-+&
5mKP+-+-+-%
4L+-+-+-vl$
3+-+-+p+-#
2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
Well, 1.b6 is the only move
that does not lose very
quickly.
[ For instance 1.Nc5+
Kxa7 2.b6+ Kb8+
3.Na6+ Kb7 4.Bb5
Be1+ and Black wins
without a fight is easy
to calculate. With 1 b6
we would at least have
a little counterplay. ]
So after 1...Bf2!
we would again stand at a
crossroads.
Here we would try to set
up our candidates.
Besides 2 Bd1 we also
have 2 Bc2 and 2 Bb3, all
of which send the bishop
in the direction of the
f1-square. From our
calculation of 2 Bd1
(which is the most forcing
move and therefore the
first one we should
analyse) we discovered
that the undefended
bishop became a problem.
Therefore it is better to
keep the bishop closer to
the king. Of course this is
an abstract conclusion
which it would be
impossible to reach
without calculation. In
such a complex position
as this experience will
only help so far, while
general rules and
guidelines will not help not
at all. What we need to do
is to analyse the moves
carefully. Actually, when
we get to the bottom of it,
there are not that many
variations: 2.--
[ 2.Bd1 Bxb6+ 3.Nxb6
A) 3...Rxa7+ 4.Kb5 f2
5.Bf3+! ( 5.Be2? Ra2
6.Bf3+ Ka7! ) 5...Kc7
6.Nd5+ Kd6 7.Ne3
and Black cannot win.;
B) 3...f2! 4.Be2 ( or
4.Bf3+ Kxa7 5.Bg2
Rg8 6.Bh3 Rg5+
and wins ) 4...Rxa7+
5.Kb5 Ra2 6.Bf3+
Ka7!! 7.Bg2 Rb2+
and Black wins.;
2
C) 3...-- ] leaving the accurate get his finger out and
[ 2.Bc2 Bxb6+ 3.Nxb6 calculation to the get the queenside into
A) 3...Rxa7+ 4.Kb5 f2 opponent.; play! This is what we
( or 4...Ra2 5.Be4+ C) 2...-- ] would expect a
Ka7 6.Bxf3 ) 5.Be4+ ½-½ grandmaster would most
Kc7 6.Nd5+ Kd6 likely try to achieve.
7.Ne3 Ke5 8.Bg2 Rg7 The first of the two
9.Bf1 Rg1 10.Kc5!! Nohr,F relevant candidates is
Ke4 11.Nc4! Nielsen,M the following:
and it appears that Taastrup 2002 19.dxe7!? Qxe7
Black cannot win.; [Jacob Aagaard] 20.Bg5! . This is the
B) 3...f2! 4.Be4+ most logical and simple
Kxa7 5.Bd3 Rd8! XABCDEFGHY way of mobilizing the
6.Be2 Re8 and Black 8r+l+-trk+( queenside: f6 is under
wins.; 7zpp+qzpnvlp' 7 attack and White
C) 3...-- ] 6-sn-zP-+p+& develops the bishop
[ 2.Bb3! 5+-+-+-+-% with tempo. Soon the
A) 2...Bxb6+ 3.Nxb6 4-+-+N+-+$ rook will enter the action
Rxa7+ ( this time 3...f2 3+L+-+Q+-# and White will have a
4.Bc4 Rxa7+ 5.Kb5 2PzP-+-zPPzP" move or two to start a
is a little different! ) 1tR-vL-tR-mK-![ direct assault on the
4.Kb5 f2 5.Bc4 Kc7 xabcdefghy black kingside, before
6.Nd5+ Kd6 7.Ne3 19.-- Black is able to develop
Rb7+ 8.Ka6 Rb1 [ In this position White his own pieces from the
9.Bd3 Re1 10.Nf1 was soon lost after queenside. Quick
Kc6 11.Ka5 Kc5 19.Ng5? exd6 20.Ne6? analysis shows that
12.Ka4 Kd4 13.Bb5 , since Black, had he Black should probably
Rb1 14.Ng3 Ke3 been trained in looking respond with 20...Qb4!.
15.Nf1+ Kf4 for candidates, could A) . After 20...Qd7
and it does not seem have used the 21.Bf6!! Black cannot
possible for Black to unprotected rook on the defend himself. Qf5
make progress.; first rank to eliminate the ( or 21...Kh8 22.Qc3
B) 2...Kc6 is an extra unpleasant knight by the Nh6 23.Qc5 Rg8
option, but after odd-looking Qe8! 24.Rad1 Bxf6 25.Nxf6
3.Nb8+ Kc5 4.Na6+ , pinning the knight and and White wins )
Kc6 5.Bd5+! preparing ...Bxe6, thus 22.Qc3 Bh6 23.Nd6
(we do not even need securing the king and Qh5 24.Nxf7 Rxf7
to see this since we his material advantage. 25.Re8+ Bf8 26.Rxf8+
are happy with a draw) ( The more natural Kxf8 27.Qb4+
Kxd5 6.b7 and White 20...Qc6! , forcing an and Black is mated.;
even wins. endgame with two minor B) 20...Qc7 21.Rac1
(Thanks to John Shaw pieces against a rook, Qd7 22.Bf6
for his help with should also have won is similar. It is not easy
analysing this study.) quite easily. )] to imagine a line where
Of course it is difficult [ Instead of 19 Ng5?, the rook is worse on c1
to calculate all this, White has two equally than it was on a1.;
and I imagine that an interesting opportunities, C) . After 20...Qb4
average grandmaster both leading to sufficient , if he has nothing
between 2500 and compensation for the better, White has
2600 would take 10-15 piece. But before we turn 21.Bd2 Qe7 22.Bg5
minutes to make the to the concrete options, with repetition,
right choice, and let us linger a second to ( though 22.Ng5!?
occasionally fail. But is consider the abstract looks far more
it impossible to learn objectives in the position. tempting now than it
how to calculate it all? White has sacrificed a did earlier. Sometimes
No. First of all, let us piece in order to attack. it is enough to know
look at what really He needs either to you have a definite
needs to be seen: regain his material, or draw in order to go for
The difference equivalent material, or a line, especially if
between 3...f2 and 3... deliver mate in order to that line includes the
Rxa7+ is important. In justify his actions. There sacrifice of a minor
two out of three lines is no doubt that he has piece, a rook or even
everything becomes the initiative, but in order more.
clear very quickly, so to take advantage of that All this is not so
they can be he needs to bring all his surprising. That White
disregarded altogether pieces into play as went for 19 Ng5 in the
as invalid. Just as quickly as possible, to game should be
easily we would not be gain a majority at the accredited to a lack
able to refute 2 Bb3! scene of action, in order of attacking technique
which, in a game, to fulfil his objectives. (Finn Nøhr is mainly
would alone be enough Less abstractly, this a positional player)
to inspire us to play it, means that he needs to rather than an inability
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
to calculate
variations. );
D) 20...-- ]
[ However, some
unimpressed youngsters
and the equally
unimpressed Fritz 7
came up with:
19.Bh6!! .
A) . The main idea is
not so hard to spot. If
Black plays 19...Bxh6
then 20.dxe7
and White wins a lot of
material due to Qxe7
21.Nf6+ and Black has
to give up his queen
for insufficient
compensation. But
Black of course needs
to respond.;
B) . He cannot play
19...exd6 because of
20.Nf6+;
C) ; nor can he play
19...Qf5 (an attempt to
free the queenside
and relieve the
pressure on the king
by exchanging queens)
since after 20.dxe7
Qxf3 21.exf8Q+ Bxf8
22.gxf3 Bxh6 23.Nd6
the pin costs Black a
piece and he ends up
the exchange down.;
D) . But what is White
really threatening?
Nothing in particular;
his next move would
be 20 Rad1, after
which he does start to
have a lot of threats,
but mainly 19 Bh6! is
about domination.
Black cannot get out of
this with 19...e6
since after 20.Bxg7
Kxg7 21.Qf6+
D1) 21...Kh6
22.Re3 ( or 22.Ng5
illustrates the need to
see little other than
candidates );
D2) 21...Kg8 22.Qd4
White has a very
strong, probably
decisive attack.;
E) . Black's only move
is to force White to
exchange on g7
without relinquishing
his weak, but still
existing control of f6.
19...Kh8! is therefore
the only defensive
option that gives Black
any hope of surviving.
White should now
proceed with 20.Bxg7+
Kxg7 21.Rad1!
bringing the rook into
3
play as described in discovered this If you tried to solve the
the abstract objectives possibility. Strong study, this was the main
above. As yet we have chess-playing thing you should have
not managed to find a programs have spotted, and what can be
defence here for Black, transformed the way done about it. 5.Kc3!
and most likely there we think by showing Retaining the pawn is non-
isn't one. One attempt us corridors between negotiable. a3 6.Nd5 a2
starts Qd8 but then our logic and our 7.Ne3+ Kc1
22.Qc3+ e5 eyes that previously [ Or 7...Ke1 8.Kb2
( Black has no choice were dark and hazy, and wins. ]
here as after 22...Kh6 if not completely 8.Ne2+ Kb1 9.Kd2!
23.dxe7 Qxe7 24.Nd6! closed to us. Though Setting up the cage where
he is under heavy a computer makes a Black will be smothered to
artillery fire, unable lousy chess teacher death. a1Q 10.Nc3+ Kb2
to find cover it can be a useful tool 11.Nc4#
anywhere ) , White has in the hands of the 1-0
time and active pieces serious chess player
enough for launch a and chess trainer,
deadly attack on the by pointing out O'Donovan,J
dark squares, different alleyways British Chess Magazine
weakened by the and possibilities. But [Jacob Aagaard]
exchange of the more about that
bishops. Best is 23.f4! later.; XABCDEFGHY
and Black seems to be E3) 23...--; 8-+-+-+nmk(
quite lost. The F) 19...-- ] 7+-+-wq-tR-' 9
variations go 6-+p+-snP+&
something like this: 5+-zPQ+-zP-%
E1) 23...Bg4 24.fxe5 Liburkin,M 4-+-+-mK-+$
Bxd1 25.e6+ Kh6 64 magazine 1939 3+-+-+-+-#
26.e7 Qd7 27.Qd2+ [Jacob Aagaard] 2-+-+-+-+"
Kg7 28.Qd4+ Kh6 1+-+-+-+-![
29.Rxd1!; XABCDEFGHY xabcdefghy
E2) 23...Nd7 24.Bxf7 8-+-+-+-+( 1.--
Kxf7 ( or 24...Rxf7 7+-sN-+-+-' 8 [ White cannot win after
25.fxe5 Qb6+ 6-+-+-+-sN& the tempting zugzwang
26.Kh1 Qc6 27.e6+ 5zp-+-+-+-% operation 1.Rxg8+ Nxg8
Qxc3 28.Nxc3 Rf5 4-+-+-+-+$ 2.Qf7 as Black has the
29.e7 Nf6 30.e8Q 3+K+-+-zp-# stalemate defence Qf8!!
Nxe8 31.Rxe8 Rf8 2-+P+-+-+" . So White needs to
32.d7 and White has 1+-+-mk-+-![ find another way to
not yet finished xabcdefghy proceed. There is hardly
cashing in ) 25.Ng5+ 1.Nf5! any methodology that
Kg8 26.Qc4+ Kh8 [ Using the other knight, e. can be used for solving
27.Nf7+ Rxf7 g. by 1.Ne6 g2 2.Ng5 this study that you
28.Qxf7 and White fails to a4+! 3.Ka3 ( if could take with you into
has a winning attack 3.Kc3 a3 etc ) 3...g1Q a practical game. The
without having 4.Nf3+ Kd1 5.Nxg1 only thing is open eyes
invested any serious Kxc2 with a book draw. ] to additional
material in the 1...g2 2.Nh4 g1Q opportunities, i.e. the
process. [ 2...g1N is of course conscious incompetence
So the conclusion to also possible, but it will as a chess player that
this exercise is that not make a draw in the gives you the right to
White wins after 19 long run, so we stop look at all possibilities
Bh6!! – truly a there after a few afresh.
stunning move that general observations, Here that might assist
neither of the such as that the knight you to find: ]
players considered cannot immediately [ 1.Qxg8+! Nxg8 2.Rf7!
during the game, nor catch the c-pawn and and White wins, as the
any of the spectators. force the undesired stalemate trick is gone, e.
The tactics following endgame. ] g. Nf6 3.gxf6 Qxc5
this move are not so 3.Nf3+ Kd1! This is again 4.Rh7+ Kg8 5.f7+ Kf8
hard for a strong the idea. 6.Rh8+ Kg7 7.Rg8+
player with [ After 3...Kf1 4.Nxg1 Kh6 8.f8Q+ and so on. ]
sufficient knowledge Kxg1 the c-pawn cruises 1-0
of attacking down to the eighth
technique to find, but rank. ]
simply seeing the 4.Nxg1 a4+! An important
first move is difficult. thing to remember when
It is probably no one calculates is that the
surprise to the reader opponent is playing
that it was Fritz 7 according to his plans,
which originally and not according to yours.
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
Karpov,A
Serper,G
Dortmund 1993
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+r+-+k+(
7zpltr-wqpzpp' 10
6-zp-+psn-+&
5+-+-wQ-+-%
4-zPPtR-+-sN$
3zP-+-+-zP-#
2-+-+-zPLzP"
1+-+R+-mK-![
xabcdefghy
Many candidates can be
selected for White in this
position, but the move 23
Nf5 would not make
sense unless you see the
idea behind the knight
sacrifice. Most
experienced players
would spot the idea of
sacrificing the knight first
and only afterwards find
the reasoning behind it.
Abstract ideas like
overloading and the
weakness of the back
rank would not matter, but
a quick scan over all
possible meaningful
moves would pick up on
the knight sacrifice
immediately, and the
consequences of it would
soon become apparent –
and once these
consequences are clear, it
is hard to imagine that
White should play any
other move, so probably
Karpov played it rather
quickly and focused his
energy on the resulting
endgame.
23.Nf5! Black cannot
allow the knight to come
to d6, so the following
endgame cannot be
avoided. exf5 24.Qxe7
Rxe7 25.Bxb7 Rf8
26.Ba6! The tactics are
now over and White has a
clear advantage. With his
last move White keeps
control over the c-file and
the promoting square for
his c-pawn. So now, with
a strong bishop vs. knight,
with more active rooks and
an extra pawn on the
queenside, White had no
problems converting his
advantage into a full point.
g6 27.c5 bxc5 28.bxc5
Rc7 29.Rc1 Re8 30.c6
Kg7 31.Kf1 Re5 32.Bb7
Ra5 33.Rcd1 Re5 34.Rd7
Re7 35.Rxc7 Rxc7
36.Rd8 Re7 37.f3 g5
38.Ra8 g4 39.fxg4 fxg4 calculation. No matter
40.Rxa7 Nd5 41.Ra4 whether White is winning
Ne3+ 42.Kg1 Kf6 43.Rf4+ or not, it is obvious that
1-0 the second line is
preferable to the first,
and for the practical
Breder,D player that is all the
Aagaard,J information required.
Budapest 2002 Actually White is
[Jacob Aagaard] probably going to win
without too much
XABCDEFGHY difficulty.
8-+-+-+k+( But, as said, in the
7zp-+q+-+p' 11 game White played 1
6-+-+-+p+& Qa8+. ]
5+-+-+R+-% 1...Qd8 2.Qxd8+ Rxd8
4-zpptr-+-+$ 3.Rf3 b3! I am not sure if
3+-+P+Q+-# White had overlooked this
2PzPP+-zP-zP" move. He probably did,
1+-+-+-mK-![ which is just another
xabcdefghy reason why he should
1.Qa8+? have focused on the
[ There are of course starting position and found
many ways to solve this the solution to the
position, but the simplest problem. 4.axb3 cxb3
is to list candidates. In 5.cxb3?
the game the critical [ 5.c3!? was worth
position is that after considering, although
1.Qa8+ Qd8 2.Qxd8+ after a5 6.d4 a4 7.Re3
Rxd8 3.Rf3 , when the Rc8 Black should have
opponent's counter- sufficient counterplay.
chances should be taken Now the next move
into consideration. But secures an active black
first we should do our job rook and thereby a
of selecting candidates draw. ]
for calculation, as this 5...Rd4! 6.Re3 Kf7 7.Kf1
often saves us time Rb4 8.Re2 Rxb3 9.Rd2
compared with analysing a5 10.Ke2 a4 Black has a
one line deeply first. ] very active rook vs. a
[ The second (and better) passive rook. The extra
idea in the position is to pawn does not matter
play 1.Rf8+ Kg7 2.Rb8! much anymore. 11.Ke3
. This move escaped my Ke6 12.Kd4 g5 13.Ke4
opponent's attention h6 14.f3 Rb4+ 15.d4
completely. Rb3 16.Rf2 Kd6 17.Rc2
( He only calculated at Rb8 18.h3 Re8+ 19.Kd3
the tempting 2.Qf6+ Rf8 20.Ke3 Re8+ 21.Kd3
, but did not see any Rf8 22.Ke3 Re8+ 23.Kf2
purpose to it. Had he Rb8 24.Ke3
taken the time to look ½-½
for other possibilities I
am sure he would have
found 2 Rb8! ) Nunn,J
. The deadly threat of 3 Meyer,E
Rb7 is so terrible that World Student Team Ch., Teesside
Black will have to hurry [Jacob Aagaard]
into a rook endgame with
2...Qg4+ 3.Qxg4 Rxg4+ XABCDEFGHY
4.Kf1 . 8-+r+-+k+(
We now have two 7+q+-+pzpp' 12
candidates which can 6-tr-zpp+-+&
be calculated, but 5+-+-+-vl-%
actually we do not need 4-zpQ+-sN-+$
to. It is obvious that 3+P+-sNnzP-#
White is worse off with 2-vLP+-zP-zP"
a passive rook on f3 in 1tR-+R+-+K![
the 1 Qa8+ line, than xabcdefghy
with an active rook on b8 28.Ra7!
in the second line. This [ It is tempting to start
kind of comparison can calculating the different
often save us time in lines after 28.Qf1 Ne1+
evaluation and 29.Nfg2 Nxc2 30.Nxc2
4
Rxc2 31.Bd4 Rbc6
32.f4 and the attack is
repelled, though some
play still exists.
Actually this might be
what you would end up
playing no matter
whether you picked all
the candidates or not.
But Nunn is and always
has been a very
aggressive player and
here he came up with a
nice combination. ]
28...Qb8 29.Rxf7!
Nunn gives this an '?' in
his book, unjustly, as we
shall see below. Here we
are really talking about
candidate ideas. White
could either have come up
with this highly original
rook sacrifice,
[ or he could have
foreseen the opportunity
to exploit the back rank
with the following
sequence: 29.Rda1!
Rxc4 30.Nxc4
and White is winning.
Black cannot defend his
back rank so he is simply
a piece down in the
resulting endgame after
he loses his own queen.
One line could go d5
31.Nxb6 Qxb6 32.R1a6
and wins.
It is not really fair to
talk about 29 Rxf7 and
29 Rda1 as candidate
moves. They both
include certain ideas
and just seeing the
moves themselves
proves little. If you do
not spot the idea behind
29 Rda1, which is the
simplest win in the
position, then you have
no chance of actually
including it in your list
of candidates. You
simply see that 29...
Rxc4 wins your queen
and you move on.
Actually, you probably
would not see 29 Rda1
at all, unless you are
well trained in finding
surprising candidate
moves. ]
29...Ne5 This seems
forced, even though it is
objectively no better than
alternatives;
[ e.g. 29...Rxc4
30.Rxg7+ Kh8 ( if
30...Kf8 31.Nxe6+ Ke8
32.Nxc4 and White's
position is completely
overwhelming – the
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 5

threats are so many that the computer's choice in XABCDEFGHY is best refuted by
it seems they can hardly the position). Instead, 8-+-+-+k+({ 30.Rxf7 Qxf7 31.Qxd5
be counted! ) 31.Rb7+ the text move is so 7+-+l+-zpp' 13 when it is all about the
Rc3 32.Rxb8+ Rxb8 obvious that it is easy 6p+-+-zp-+& three extra pawns )
33.Nxe6 and White is a to play it without thinking. 5+p+P+-+-% 29.Qe5! and White will
few pawns up. ] It is a check, a fork even. 4-+-+-+-+$ enter the endgame a full
30.Rxg7+! White of course By comparison the 3+LwqpwQ-+-# pawn up with no doubt
had this in mind. Kxg7 queen is not doing 2P+P+-mKPzP" about the result, e.g.
[ 30...Kh8 31.Rxg5 Rxc4 anything directly on e6, 1+-+-+-+-! Qxe5 30.Nxe5 Rf5
32.Nxc4 and Black's there is no immediate xabcdefghy 31.Nd7 and Black is out
position is collapsing. ] threat to the black king combination at all. 30.d6+ of ideas.
31.Nxe6+? Don't think, or queen. But if you do Kh8 Here White used a What is the only defence
feel! – Bruce Lee. stop to think for a good deal of time before to this kind of
It is easy to see the knight moment, then you will realizing that he had aggression? ]
fork and then start to quickly see all these nothing better than to take 28...Rae8! This is the
calculate the complex great threats and start the queen and hope for a chess equivalent to
lines after 31 Nxe6 Kg8!. to calculate. And before swindle in the endgame a turning the other cheek. It
But if Nunn had stopped we can calculate, we piece down, but with an is clearly the only move,
for a moment and actually must realize whether we active queen. 31.Qxc3 as the alternatives all lose
just looked at the position, have a choice or not. ] [ 31.Qe7 Qd4+ 32.Kg3 directly. For a practical
he would undoubtedly 31...Kf6? This is just Qg4+ 33.Kf2 Qf4+ player this is a nice move
have spotted a far reckless. 34.Ke2 Bg4+ to find. Under pressure,
stronger continuation. [ Black needs to get his and mates is one line losing another pawn and
[ 31.Qxe6! is more or king into safety and this that Heini was forced clearly close to complete
less winning on the spot. can only be done with to analyse. ] failure, he finds a move
There is no way for 31...Kg8! , when the king [ 31.Qb6 d1N+ 32.Kf1 that at least keeps the
Black to defend his king and queen might be on Ne3+ 33.Kf2 Qd2+ engine running for a while.
against all the intruding the same line, but White 34.Kf3 Qxg2+ 35.Kxe3 Now White simply
white pieces. In the cannot exploit it. After Qg1+ was another panicked and was not able
position White is 32.Qe2 Bxe3 33.fxe3 possible line. All in all to use his limited time to
threatening Nf5+, Qg4, Qb7+ 34.e4 Qd7 nothing looks alright for find a playable
Bxe5+ and Rxd6. Black is only slightly White. ] continuation. But still,
Against so many threats worse. The reason for 31...d1N+ The rest is giving up the rook gives
there can be no defence, Black's mistake is likely simple. 32.Ke2 Nxc3+ no chance at all of a
as analysis of the to be time trouble, 33.Kd3 b4 34.Kd4 g5 playable position, and the
position proves: Re8 ( or though Nunn does not 35.Kc5 Ne4+ 36.Kb6 f5 practical chances are also
31...Qb7+ 32.Nfg2 Kf8 mention anything thereof 37.Bd5 Nxd6 38.Kc7 close to nil. So it would
33.Rxd6 Rxd6 in his book. ] Ne8+ 39.Kxd7 Nf6+ have been better to
34.Qxd6+ Qe7 35.Bxe5 32.Bxe5+! It seems that 40.Ke6 Nxd5 41.Kxd5 choose one of the
and wins; actually it is Black somehow missed Kg7 42.Kc4 a5 43.a3 alternatives and then see
a more a slaughter this, bxa3 44.Kb3 f4 45.c4 if anything turned up.
house than a chess [ but even so 32.Nc7!? g4 46.c5 Kf7 29.Rxd5?? Qxd5+
game here ) 32.Bxe5+ is also a winning move. 0-1 From here on the game is
( the most human The attack is simply over. 30.Qxd5 exd5
approach; 32.Qf5; , and too strong. ] 31.Ng5 Rxe2 32.Nf3
32.Qg4 also win easily ) 32...dxe5 33.Nd5+ Webb,S Rxa2 33.Rd7 Rb2
32...dxe5 33.Rd7+ [ 33.Ng4+ Ke7 34.Qd5 Aagaard,J 34.Rxd5 Rxb3 35.Ng5
and White wins, as after Rxe6 35.Qd7+ Swedish League 2002 Ra8 36.Ne6 Rb6 37.Nc7
Kh8 there is a simple would also have won. ] [Jacob Aagaard] Rc8 38.Nb5 a4 39.Nd4
combination with 33...Kxe6 34.Qg4+ Kf7 Ra8 40.Rd7 a3 41.Nf5
34.Ng6+ hxg6 35.Qh3+ 35.Nxb6 Rd8 36.Qf5+ XABCDEFGHY a2 42.Rxg7+ Kh8 .
and mate follows. Ke8 37.Qe6+ Be7 8r+-+-trk+( How should White have
Why did Nunn overlook 38.Rxd8+ Qxd8 39.Nd5 7+R+-+pzpp' 14 continued after 18...Rae8 -
this both in the game 1-0 6-+-wQp+-+& ?
and in his later analysis? 5zp-tRnsN-+-% .
In the game there could 4-+-+-+-+$ (press F10 to continue)
have been all kinds of Danielsen,Hei 3+P+-+-zP-# 0-1
reasons: time pressure, Aagaard,J 2P+-wqPzPKzP"
assumptions, bad form, Taastrup 1999 1+-+-+-+-![
or whatever. In the [Jacob Aagaard] xabcdefghy analysis Webb-Aagaard
preparation of the book it White should start with [Jacob Aagaard]
is another matter. No 28.Nxf7!! This is the only
computer program would (Diagram 13) serious candidate. The
miss this move for the method of elimination (Diagram 15)
world, and yet Nunn 29...d2! A neat idea. It should make this clear.
still does not include it always feels good to Webb played this with This is a truly complicated
in his book (and Nunn is sacrifice the queen, and only five minutes left on situation and it takes
very famous for his use even better to under- his clock, some time to calculate all
of computers in his promote a pawn in the [ seeing lines like: the possibilities. I have
writing). The reason is process. But to be honest 28.Nxf7 Qxe2 ( or personally listed three
that he did not stop to the combination is so 28...Rxf7 29.Qxe6 candidates beyond the
think here (or check simple that it is really no just wins; the tricky Qf4!? move Simon played in the
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 6

XABCDEFGHY 32.Nh6+ Kh8 fantastic route to , which was brutally met by

8-+-+rtrk+( . Afterwards, when I was equality: Rd8 34.Qc6 44...Rxf1+! 45.Kxf1 Bb5+
7+R+-+Nzpp' 15 showing the game to a h5 35.Nf2 Qf5+ 36.Kg2 46.Re2
6-+-wQp+-+& few friends, GM Ne3+ 37.Kg1 and now [ There is nothing better;
5zp-tRn+-+-% Djurhuus suggested that Qh3!! 38.Nxh3 Rd1+ after 46.Kf2 Qc2+
4-+-+-+-+$ White would be able to 39.Kf2 Ng4+ Black makes a draw. ]
3+P+-+-zP-# make a draw like this, etc. An amazing and 46...Bxe2+ 47.Qxe2 Qf7+
2P+-wqPzPKzP" but actually he is more original drawing 48.Qf2 Kg7
1+-+-+-+-![ or less winning instantly combination! ] . This endgame is still
xabcdefghy with the defensive/ 31...Qb2 nominally better for White
game: 29 Qe5, 29 Rcc7 aggressive move 33.Rf7! [ After the forcing with the extra pawn, but it
and 29 Qd7. The right which leaves Black in 31...Ne3+ 32.Kh3 Qf6 is not that easy to make
thing, I believe, is to serious trouble. Black 33.Ng4 Nxg4 then progress, and Lasker
calculate them one at a will be able to offer 34.Kxg4! and White eventually drew it without
time and come to resistance after this wins. ] too many problems.
conclusions as quickly as move, but it should not 32.Kh3! Qa1! 49.Ne3 Bf4 50.Ke2 Qc7
possible. Remember, we be too difficult to work [ If 32...Qf6 33.Ng4 51.Qg2+ Kf8 52.Nxd5
calculate not to indulge out that he will be wins. ] Qc2+ 53.Kf3 Bd2 54.Qf1
ourselves in variations, running around like a 33.Nf7+! Qxb3+ 55.Ke2+ Ke8
but to find the best move wounded animal for the [ If 33.Rc1 Qf6 34.Ng4 56.Qf5 Qc4+ 57.Kxd2
as quickly and as reliably rest of the game, if Qg5 35.Kg2 Rd8 Qxd4+ 58.Ke2 Qc4+
as possible. Pseudo- White plays correctly. ] 36.Qc6 h5 37.Nf2 Qd2 ] 59.Kf2 Qc5+ 60.Kg2
thinking with concepts and After 29...Qd4 White needs [ while 33.Rxd5 exd5 Qd6 61.Kf3 Kd8 62.Ke4
ideas will bring you little to find his candidates 34.Nf7+ Kg8 35.Qxd5 Qe6+
satisfaction here. You again. But first things first. Qf6 36.Ng5+ ½-½
need to be concrete and Should White have only leaves White with
to find the relevant predicted this move? I am a clear advantage, but
variations. not sure. He should have at least now we have analysis Marshall-Lasker pt.1
It should not take too long seen it, but also that he choices. ] [Jacob Aagaard]
to find the right first move. would have a wide choice 33...Kg8 34.Rxa5 Qf1+
29.Qd7! afterwards and that Black 35.Kh4 Qa1 36.Raa7 XABCDEFGHY
[ Not too relevant is the has not solved his Qf6+ 37.Kh3 Ne3 8-+-+l+-mk(
piece sacrifice 29.Qe5? problems immediately. If 38.Qd3 Rxf7 39.Qxe3 7+-wq-+-+-' 17
Rxf7 30.Rxf7 Kxf7 we compare this with the and White will win. 6-+-vlp+-+&
31.e4 when it is hard to previous variations it is 5+-+p+-+-%
believe in the white obvious that only after 29 4-+-zP-trN+$
attack, and for this Qd7 can White play for a Marshall,F 3+P+-wQ-+-#
reason alone it is win, and once we have Lasker,Em 2-+-+-+R+"
possible to disregard it assured ourselves that New York 1924 1+-+-+LmK-![
as a serious candidate. Black does not have an [Jacob Aagaard] xabcdefghy
The combination also easy way to neutralize the 44.Bd3! This move has a
has an easy tactical initiative, we can play the XABCDEFGHY double function. First of all
refutation in Qe2! move without wasting time. 8-+-+l+-mk( it pre-empts the tactics
32.Qd4 Nf6 and Black is Here I have analysed two 7+-wq-+-+-' 16 with 44...Rxf1+! which the
close to winning. ] continuations: 6-+-vlp+-+& kids got really tired of
[ More persistent is 30.Nh6+! 5+-+p+-+-% looking at. Secondly, it
29.Rcc7!? Qxe2 [ Stronger than 30.Rc4 4-+-zP-trN+$ sets up a serious threat of
30.Nh6+ ( but not Qf6 , when it is all about 3+P+-wQ-+-# 45 Qh3+, which Black
30.Qe5 Qxe5 31.Nxe5 finding the right path out 2-+-+-+R+" simply cannot allow. So
Nxc7 32.Rxc7 Rc8 of the jungle! 31.Qb5 1+-+-+LmK-![ his response is forced.
and Black is winning ) ( if instead 31.Qa4 Ra8 xabcdefghy Bh5 45.Nh6 The natural
30...Kh8 . This position 32.e4 Ne7 33.Ne5 Here Marshall did not see way to proceed. Black has
could easily have been Qxf2+ 34.Kh3 Qf1+ Black's threat and went for no counterplay, so White
foreseen as well. A 35.Kh4 Qg2 36.Rxe7 44.Qxe6? threatens with 46 Rg8
closer look would have Qxh2+ 37.Kg4 h5+ [ There are other mate and thereby forces
revealed that White is 38.Kg5 Qxg3+ 39.Kxh5 continuations that prove Black's next reply. Rf8
actually in trouble! Qxe5+ and Black wins ) insufficient for White on . Here it is important to
However, there is a nice 31...Rd8 32.Nxd8 Qxf2+ similar accounts; e.g. calculate slowly in order to
resource in 31.Qxf8+!! 33.Kh3 Rxd8 34.Rg4 44.Rh2+? Kg7 grasp the finesses in the
( if he plays 31.Nf7+? Qf1+ 35.Kh4 Qf6+ 45.Qxe6?! Rxf1+ position. Training in
then Rxf7 wins on the 36.Kh3 with a draw. So 46.Kxf1 Bb5+ finding candidate moves
spot ) 31...Rxf8 32.Nf7+ 30 Rc4 does not provide and Black escapes with is also very important.
and White has perpetual us with any advantage. ] a draw once again. ] [ Byron continues with
check because of the 30...Kh8 31.f3! [ Even worse is 44.Nh6? 45...Rf8 46.Qg5
various rook mates. ] [ If 31.Nf5 Qe4+ 32.Kg1 , when Rxf1+ 45.Kxf1 , writing "White suddenly
29...Qd4!? Black's best Qb1+ with a draw. ] Bb5+ is terrible for has the attractive threats
defence. [ After 31.Kh3!? Qf6 White: after 46.Kg1 of 47 Qg8+ and 47 Qf6+
[ He has to be careful, as 32.Ng4 Qg6 33.f3 ( and 46.Ke1 Bf4 as well as the more
after 29...Re7 White remains a pawn 47.Qxe6 Qc1+ 48.Kf2 mundane 47 Qxh5.
White will surely answer up with good chances. Qf1# is not exactly an Black has no good reply.
30.Rxd5!! Rxd7 Or so it seems, but in improvement ) 46...Bf4 Not a difficult
31.Rdxd7 Qxe2 fact Black has a Black is winning. ] continuation to find, but
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 7

tricky enough to cause
Marshall to lose his way.
" And then he continues
with the next position.
I would like to mention
that I have not been able
to find any other
mistakes in Byron's book
from the examples I
have been working with.
But here we shall see
what 12-year old Alex
Hansen decided to play
before we do anything
else, as it impressed
me quite a bit. ]
46.Nf7+! This is certainly
more forceful, and Black
cannot do anything to
defend himself. Rxf7
47.Qh6+ Rh7 48.Bxh7
Qxh7 49.Qf6+ and mates.
This was done in a
training session where the
two other boys found 46
Qg5 and were praised
therefore. But when I went
home and had a second
look at the position, I
began to have doubts
about the correctness of
Byron's explanation above.
Maybe it was not as simple
as I thought, and maybe
Alex's win was not just an
alternative way to do it, as
I had explained him, but
actually the only safe way
to decide the game in
White's favour.
Korchnoi,V
Vaganian,R
Skelleftea 1989
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-+-+({
7zpp+-+-+-' 18
6k+l+R+-+&
5+-wQp+p+-%
4-zPnzP-zP-+$
3zP-+-+-zP-#
2-+P+-+KzP"
1+-+q+-+-!
xabcdefghy
35...b6!! 36.Qxc6 Ne3+
37.Rxe3 Qf1+ 38.Kxf1
and stalemate.
½-½
analysis Marshall-Lasker pt.2
[Jacob Aagaard]
(Diagram 19)
46.Qg5?! is met by a very
unexpected counter-strike:
Bg6!! .
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-tr-mk(
7+-wq-+-+-' 19
6-+-vlp+-sN&
5+-+p+-+l%
4-+-zP-+-+$
3+P+LwQ-+-#
2-+-+-+R+"
1+-+-+-mK-![
xabcdefghy
How should White
continue here? 47.--
[ 47.Bxg6 Bf4 48.Nf7+
Kg7 49.Qh4! ( 49.Qh5
allows Black an
immediate draw with
Qc1+ 50.Kf2 Qe3+ )
49...Qc1+ 50.Kf2 Qd2+
51.Kf3 ( the only way still
to play for the full point;
51.Kf1 Qd1+ 52.Qe1
Qf3+ 53.Kg1 Be3+
is another draw )
51...Qe3+ 52.Kg4 Kxg6
53.Nh8+ Rxh8 54.Qxh8
Kf7 55.Qh7+ Kf8
56.Qg6 Bd6 57.Qf6+
Ke8 58.Rf2 Be7 59.Qf4
Qxb3 and despite the
extra exchange it is not
obvious that White has
serious winning chances.
The position is
obviously better for
White, but whether the
advantage is decisive or
not hard to estimate. ]
[ 47.Rc2 (I like this move
more, but White is still
not winning as easily as
before) Qg7! 48.Qxg6
( 48.Bxg6 Bf4 49.Nf7+
Rxf7 50.Qh5+ Kg8
51.Qg4 is only slightly
better for White )
48...Qxg6+ 49.Bxg6 Kg7
50.Nf7 Bf4 51.Rg2
Be3+ 52.Kf1 Bxd4
53.Bh5+ Kf6 54.Nh6
and White has a piece
more in the endgame.
But with only one pawn
left, who knows? There
are many drawn
endgames which can
arise out of the blue. ]
½-½
B01
Aagaard,J
Ostergaard,J
Helsingor 2003
[Jacob Aagaard]
1.e4 d5 Jens said after
the game that he suddenly
got the impulse to try
something new. I can
understand that – but the
Scandinavian Defence...?
2.exd5 Nf6
[ 2...Qxd5 is the best
move here according to
theory and also
according to my own
practical experience. ]
3.d4 Nxd5 4.Nf3
This is rather harmless
but still gives White a
good chance of getting a
better game. When
confronted with a sideline
(such as the Scandinavian
Defence) even strong
players often play too
cautiously and therefore
do not get all the
advantage they could; but
on the other hand they
avoid walking into nasty
traps and snowstorms of
blurring tactics, while still
securing just as good
chances for an advantage
as they would have in a
normal opening system.
g6 5.Be2
[ 5.c4 was objectively
stronger. ]
5...Bg7 6.0-0 0-0 7.c4
Nb6 8.Nc3 c6!?
This move is actually not
as bad as I initially
thought when Jens played
it, but Black should utilize
its advantages creatively.
[ Theory recommends
8...Nc6 9.d5 Ne5
10.Nxe5 Bxe5 11.Bh6
Re8 12.Qd2 e6 13.Rfe1
exd5 14.cxd5
when White is a little
bit better, though it is
nothing special. ]
[ During the game I also
considered 8...Bg4
, but afterwards quickly
found what looks to be a
positional refutation: 9.h3
Bxf3 10.Bxf3 Nc6
(the critical moment)
11.c5! Nd7 12.Be3 e5
13.Bxc6! (a surprise, but
the black queenside is
completely ruined and ...
Nxd4 is prevented) bxc6
14.d5 cxd5 15.Qxd5
with a clear advantage
to White, e.g. Qe7
16.Qc6 Nf6 17.Bg5 . ]
9.h3 With his last move
Black defended the
diagonal f3-b7 and after ...
Bg4 would be attacking
both c4 and d4. Therefore
9 h3 is a natural reaction.
Now comes the first
critical moment in the
game. What should Black
play here?
N8d7? A specious move.
A badly placed piece is en
route to a more active
square (f6), as Black
slowly completes his
development. But in fact
9...N8d7 is the more or
less the decisive mistake.
The knight has no real
function on f6; the only
plan available is
connected to ...Bf5 and ...
Ne4 in order to relieve
some of the pressure
through exchanges. But
White can easily prevent
this, and does so in the
game. Instead it was
necessary to find real
work for the black pieces,
and not just let the fingers
do the talking. Black
needed to perform a
correct evaluation of the
position and a discovery
of White's plan (though
not so easy to predict, this
was the task Black had
put before himself by
choosing a passive
formation with 8...c6).
[ The correct move was
9...Be6! in order to force
White to decide upon
his queenside set-up
straight away. White has
two possible ways to
meet this:
A) 10.Qb3!?
is tempting when one
sees how the game
continues, but here
Black has a strong
reaction in a5! 11.a4
Na6! , when the knight
finds an active square
on b4 from which it is
truly restricting
White's options, as well
as preventing any
problems down the b-
file. I find it hard to
believe that White has
a real advantage here.
His co-ordination is
simply not good
enough.;
B) 10.b3 is the most
natural move. Now
Black can either
develop slowly and be
somewhat worse, or
enter the more
complicated variation
c5 11.Be3 Nc6 12.d5!
Bxc3 13.Rc1!
( Black looks fine after
13.dxe6 Bxa1
14.Qxa1 f6 15.Bxc5
Qc8 16.Re1 Qxe6
– White has the two
bishops, but I doubt
they are sufficient for
an advantage or even
for equality ) 13...Bxd5
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
14.Rxc3 Bxf3 15.Bxf3
Qc7 16.Bxc5 Qe5
17.Bxc6 Qxc3
18.Bxb7 Rab8 19.Qf3
and White is better as
here the bishops and
the pawn are more
than enough for the
exchange. Of course
Black has other
choices, but White
seems to be able to
prove an opening
advantage.;
C) 10.-- ]
[ A pupil of mine
suggested 9...Bf5
, but as the idea of ...
Ne4 will not happen,
there is no function for
the bishop on f5, and
the move is hardly an
improvement on the
game. ]
10.Bf4 The natural post for
the bishop in any case,
and while it might look as
if the bishop is shooting
into thin air, it actually
has some important
prophylactic functions.
The black queen has only
two available squares on
the 7th rank (c7, d7) and
none on the 6th. White
can severely disturb
Black's development by
not allowing the queen
access to these two
squares. The bishop takes
control over c7, as well as
preventing the only active
possibility behind 9...N8d7,
i.e. 10...e5. The knight
can always jump to e5
later and disturb the queen,
so Black has no easy way
to develop his pieces, as
the queen will always be
in the way of the rooks.
Nf6 The problem with a
move like this is that
White now has complete
control over e5, and Black
cannot do anything
against the white pawns
on c4 an d4.
This is the first critical
moment for White in the
game. He has three pieces
yet to be developed. It is
natural to think that White
will play Qd2, Rad1, Rfe1
and Bf1 when his pieces
are in harmony and he
has more space. But
although this gives White
a slight advantage there is
nowhere particular to go
afterwards. White could
play Bh6 and exchange
the right set of bishops,
but Black has no real
weaknesses. Instead, what
I did was to approach the
position prophylactically –
as Mark Dvoretsky has
advised in all his books
and told me to do on
every occasion we have
met. So I started to look
for Black's plans and
found two.
The first involves 11...Bf5
with the idea of 12...Ne4.
The knight is a bit stupid
on f6 and the bishop has
no good square either.
The exchange of knights
on c3 would give some
breathing room and
maybe indicate ...Bf5-e4,
which White cannot really
allow as the pawn on d4
would come under attack.
[ So my first thought was
to play 10...Nf6 11.Re1
in order to meet Bf5
with the natural and
desirable 12.Bf1
. Not a great plan, but
at least something that
develops my pieces, as
well as preventing ...Ne4.
Nevertheless, I was
not filled with a feeling
of ease by this. It
seemed that I was not
exploiting the full
potential of my position,
but rather making a
specious operation of my
own. ]
[ Also, Black has a
different plan: he can
play 10...Nf6 11.Re1
Be6 12.b3 a5
, when after 13.a4
I have more space and
some problems persist
for Black, but he has
forced me to fix my
queenside pawns and
therefore lose flexibility.
I did not like that much
either. I evaluated the
position after h6
to be better for White,
but besides completing
my development I did not
see how to improve my
position. So perhaps
White's advantage is not
so large after all? ]
[ What I needed was a
way to combat both 11...
Be6 and 11...Bf5. I
quickly came up with
10...Nf6 11.Bd3 Be6
12.Qe2 , avoiding 12 b3.
But after Qc8 13.Rad1
Bf5! Black succeeds in
getting rid of his most
troublesome piece for
8
my potentially best piece, intuition nor calculation
and at the same time can help much in solving
solves some of the such a problem. The
problems with his queen. longest variation was four
Note that after 14.Qxe7 moves long and hardly
Bxd3 15.Rxd3 Qf5 anything more than an
White suddenly has illustration of why White
three unprotected pieces, was moving in the wrong
and all of them are direction. With this kind of
threatened. So it positional thinking a
appears there is no way strong player can outplay
to prevent ...Be6. a weaker player virtually
However, this is not every time. Unfortunately
the point of prophylaxis. for me it is seldom that I
The point is to ensure can muster that kind of
that the opponent's concentration and clarity.
every desirable But if we go through the
operation comes at a games of great players,
high cost. So I started to we will find this depth of
go through my shortlist though all the time if we
of positional factors to look for it – especially if
check when in doubt we go through the games
about my future of Capablanca, Alekhine,
operations. One of Lasker and all the other
these factors is old guys, who were clearly
weaknesses. My better than their opponents.
weakness is obviously So when they found a
c4; Black's potential strong plan the opponents
weaknesses are e7 and, usually did not see them
to my surprise, b7. After and hence did not prevent
the light-squared them.
bishop moves away b7 is [ Incidentally, in case it
not easy to guard. So seems seem that the
the move played in the first move that came into
game entered my mind my head was the right
with a strong sense of one, I should add that in
clarity and I quickly fact it was not so. I did
decided upon it. ] not want to waste your
11.a4!? It was a great time with 11.Qd2?! Bf5
surprise to my opponent and Black is more or less
that his position after 11 OK, even though White
a4 is close to being has 12.Qe3! preventing
strategically lost. But to ...Nf6-e4. ]
me it felt logical. He had 11...Be6 Black has no
played a passive opening good moves anymore.
system and wasted two [ After 11...a5 12.Re1!
moves on an operation of Bf5 13.Bf1 White will
cosmetic character. continue with 14 Qb3
Beyond the aesthetic and 15 Rad1. It is not
nature of the knight easy to see how Black
manoeuvre to f6 there is will continue. My team-
nothing: no function of the mate Michael
move, no nothing. As I Jørgensen noticed that
wrote earlier, some 15 Be3 with the idea 16
people say that the move d5 was also possible.
you think of first is the one But I would not try to
you play in 75% of cases capitalize on my
– which may be true, but opponent's problems in
how many of these moves such a fashion. Not
are theoretical moves, because I am a nice guy,
recaptures, exchanges or but because I do not see
mistakes? Chess is a how he can improve
game with great potential his position. When I have
for depth, both in the chance to improve
calculation and in my position more than
strategic thinking. The my opponent has the
solution to this position chance to improve his,
was a move that White at I would rather complete
first thought Black wanted my mobilization and only
to provoke, but actually it then strike. We shall
turns out to be the other return to this
way round. Neither interesting idea at move
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 9

16. ] difference between the right moment for White to do so; instead I saw a
[ 11...Bf5 was perhaps two kinds of advantage take action. When the short line and believed
the objectively strongest is not so great and game changes in this way, that I would not have to
move. White would then Mark thinks this kind of from the positional build- think at all.
continue 12.a5 Nc8 problem is not that up where calculation is [ Correct was 19.Qb4!
( not 12...Nbd7? 13.g4! relevant for training or not really needed, to a full and now we have:
and the bishop is writing, and completely fledged frontal attack, the A) 19...Na6
trapped ) , and either clear examples create way of thinking also needs – I did not like the look
13.Ne5 ( or 13.a6 a stronger impression. to change. Both players of this, but had I gone
with a very large Actually I disagree a little. will have to calculate as far as 20.Qxe7
positional advantage in I believe that clearly accurately and play the it would have been
both cases. explained examples best moves, or the quite obvious that I
Nevertheless, White is create the best evaluation of the position was just being silly.
forced to undertake impression, examples can alter very quickly. White will advance his
active operations before that give the core of a What I personally find extra pawn to d6 and
he has finished his position and the most difficult is to change enjoy life, having a
development and Black reasons behind from feeling the right way clear advantage as
should therefore have different claims. But intuitively and evaluating it well.;
more chances of survival. everybody has their by logic, to working with B) 19...Nd3
Actually this is why I own opinions. )] accuracy and calculation. does not look good
have come to the 12.Qb3! This was of I often mess up my because of 20.Nxf5
conclusion that, although course the idea. Qc8 position in exactly this Nxb4 ( 20...Qxf5
I was enormously proud 13.Rfe1! kind of situation because I 21.Bxd3 Qxd3
about my decision in the [ This is another am not playing with the 22.Qxb7 wins a pawn,
game, and had the important moment in this right frame of mind since if cxd5 23.cxd5
feeling that I penetrated game. It is tempting for (although my logic often Nxd5? 24.Rcd1
to the heart of the White to play 13.a5 proves correct and I and White wins even
problem completely, this Nbd7 14.d5 maintain my playing level more ) 21.Nxe7+ Kf8
was not in fact the case. with an initiative in the despite this obvious flaw 22.Nxc8 Raxc8 23.d6
I was so close and yet so centre. The question is in my thinking technique). Nd7 24.Red1
far. whether this is too soon. In this game I make such and White will win with
The correct move order It did not take me a mistake which I present his extra pawn.;
was 11 Re1! Be6 12 many seconds to decide to you as a pertinent C) 19...Nfe4 20.Nxf5
Qb3 followed by 13 a4 that it was. Black has example, one that should Qxf5 21.Nxe4 Nxe4
and White is no convincing way to not be ignored just 22.Bf3 is the line I had
strategically winning prevent this advance because I win the game prepared in the game.
beyond any doubt. There later, and meanwhile all the same (see the Only here there is a
is nothing to regret about White can improve his Nataf game later on for a big difference: Black
11 a4!? as White still has position more than Black true failure). 16.a5 does not have ...Nd2
a clear advantage; but can improve his. This There is no reason now to with counterplay.
the absolutely special kind of hesitate in playing this Instead the game
prophylactic 11 Re1 consideration often move. I am clearly better might continue cxd5
would not have allowed exists when you have and have no obvious way 23.cxd5 Nf6 24.Qxb7
even the feeble try for an advantage. ] of improving my position Nxd5 25.Bg4 Qf6
counterplay with 11...Bf5. 13...h6 14.Bh2 anymore. It is time to fight. 26.Bc8! and Black
I must say that I am The bishop was Nbd7 17.d5 Again this loses the exchange.
unsure whether unguarded on f4 and a just has to be right. While This is a simple matter
anybody (except a true possible prey to tactics this 17 d5 was not played of comparison. Note
chess genius on a good when White eventually blindfold, I did not see the that it was not that
day) could solve this takes decisive action. need to calculate the position was too
problem in all its details Therefore it is better everything here, as Black difficult for me to
at the board. Sometimes placed on h2. Also, White has only one move and calculate, but that I
true depth is only now has a wide range of White's play follows had problems
possible through long possible answers to 14... naturally. Bf5 18.Nd4 changing my frame of
and hard analysis g5. Rd8 Black cannot do Nc5 mind from logical
repeated many times. much with his position; [ 18...Bg6 was not an thinking and positional
Because honestly, who [ trying to mess things up alternative: 19.a6! play to calculation.
would refuse a position with 14...g5!? and the black queenside Luckily I still managed
such as that after 13 a6 was possibly the best falls apart. ] to win the game.;
when he saw the choice. ] 19.Qa3?! So here it is – D) 19...-- ]
possibility of it arising 15.Rac1 g5!? This is less the miscalculation. 19...Nfe4
with his opponent's best strong now that White has Actually this position [ White is clearly better
play? completed development. should not be too difficult after 19...Nd3 20.Nxf5
I discussed these The only move White for an International Master ( 20.Bxd3 Bxd3 21.a6
considerations with Mark. might still want to play is such as myself. White has Bxc4 22.Rxe7 b6
At first I showed him 11 Be2-f1 when all pieces two obvious moves and 23.Nxc6 Nxd5 24.Rc7
a4 as if it was the are ideally placed, but this one of them could very Nxc7 25.Ne7+ Kh7
solution to the position, is not so important, well be better than the 26.Nxc8 Raxc8
but when I found the especially now Black is other. So the thing to do is is probably good for
refinement and told him, considering some to calculate both and find White, but
he was not too counterplay with ...g5-g4. the difference between unnecessarily
impressed. The Therefore it is logically the them. Here I did not really complicated ) 20...Qxf5
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
21.Bxd3 Qxd3 22.dxc6
bxc6 23.Qxe7 Qxc4
24.Ne4 Qe6 25.Qxe6
fxe6 26.Nc5
and the endgame looks
rather sad for Black.
Now I had to really think
for the first time since
my 11th move. I had
clearly done my best to
throw the advantage
away, but at least I had
had my cold shower and
now found it no problem
to concentrate on playing
the best moves. After
around 35 minutes
thought I came up with
the right way to
continue. ]
20.Nxe4 Nxe4 21.Qe3!
It turns out that White can
still put Black under a lot
of pressure, who has no
easy way of getting out of
this alive.
[ Instead 21.Nxf5? Qxf5
22.Bf3 cxd5 23.cxd5
Nd2! is not clear at all. ]
21...Bg6
[ If 21...Nd6 22.Be5!
and the black kingside
is enormously fragile. I
would consider White's
position to be
strategically winning,
though it might require a
lot of work to prove it. ]
[ 21...e6 loses more or
less by force to 22.Bf3
c5 23.Nxe6 fxe6
24.Bxe4 Bxb2 25.Rb1
Bd4 26.Bxf5 exf5
27.Qe6+ Qxe6 28.Rxe6
Rd7 29.Rxh6
with an extra pawn in
the endgame. ]
22.Bf3! An accurate move.
White wants to answer a
later ...f5-f4 with Qd3 in
order to target the g6-
bishop. Suddenly he is
playing chess again! c5
[ 22...f5 loses to several
moves, but most clearly
to 23.Ne6 Bxb2
24.Bxe4 fxe4 25.Rb1
Bf6 26.Nxd8 Qxd8
27.a6 bxa6 28.dxc6
with an extra exchange
and the plan c6-c7 and
Rb8. ]
23.Nb5 f5 24.g4!
Undermining e4. I want
that e7-pawn! f4?
A result of time trouble
and a bad position.
25.Qd3 a6 26.Nc3?!
This works out OK, but
again actual calculation
would have been helpful.
[ After 26.Na3! Bxb2
27.Bxe4 Bxc1 28.Bxg6 indeed. White is thinking
the win is even easier. ] about Qd4+, but mainly he
26...Nxc3 27.Qxg6 Na4? is reorganizing his pieces
[ After 27...Rd6 for entering the c-file.
White wins by 28.Qh5! White's chances for an
Na2 29.Rxe7 Qf8 advantage are still very
30.Rce1 and Black much based on his lead in
cannot defend himself. development.
If nothing else then 31 Peter said in the
h4 will free the h2- commentary room that,
bishop and White will although it appears that
enjoy his material there are no other
advantage. ] constructive moves in the
28.Rxe7 There is no position, it took him 30
defence against mate. minutes before he even
A lucky escape, even started to consider this
though it might not seem move. I think this is a
so superficially. great example of his two
1-0 greatest strengths in action.
The first is thorough
preparation; 17...Rd8 is a
D86 novelty and Peter was
Nielsen,PH aware of that. The second
McShane,L is his great feel for the
Copenhagen 2003 pieces. Being an intuitive
[Jacob Aagaard] player he mixes
calculation with evaluation
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 and intuition constantly,
d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 and this way finds the
Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Bc4 right move using many
c5 8.Ne2 Nc6 9.Be3 criteria, as he did here. e5
cxd4 10.cxd4 Qa5+ This was the move Black
This was the third main wanted to play. 19.Qa1
line Grünfeld between the f6? This weakens too
two players in just two many squares.
months. For the second [ It was much better to
time McShane deviates keep the control over e5
from the previous game – with 19...Re8
here with a speciality of when "it would take a
Svidler's. 11.Bd2 Qd8 long time to come to
12.d5 Ne5 13.Bc3 0-0 any definite conclusions.
14.Bb3 Qb6 15.f4 Nd7 But I would rather show
[ In V.Kramnik-P.Svidler, my tricks." – Nielsen in
Dortmund 1998, White the commentary room.
soon had a winning Actually Luke McShane
positional advantage simply overlooked
after 15...Ng4 16.Bd4 something later on (26
Qb4+ 17.Qd2 Qxd2+ Rf8+!) and therefore
18.Kxd2 e5 19.h3 exd4 saw nothing wrong with
20.hxg4 19...f6. So was it a
. The forthcoming positional or a tactical
opposite-coloured mistake? I would argue
bishops are of little both. A tactical mistake
importance, compared is an oversight and the
with the strong d-pawn game was decided
and the weakness of f7. ] partly because of a
16.Bxg7 Kxg7 17.Rc1 blind spot in
Rd8! McShane's calculation
[ 17...Nf6 18.e5 Qb4+ (the first of its kind in
19.Kf2 Ne4+ 20.Ke3 three years according to
Nc5 21.Qd4 Qxd4+ the man himself). My
22.Nxd4 b6 23.Bd1 Bb7 argument for it being a
24.Bf3 gave White a positional mistake, and
clear edge in the primarily a positional
endgame in S.Atalik-S. mistake, is that
Berndt, European Club McShane allows an
Cup, Chalkidiki 2002. ] awful lot, and lets the
White to move. The game go in a direction
opening is over. How where his weakened
should the pieces be position depends on a
organized? minor finesse eight
18.Rc4!! A very fine move moves further on.
10
Positional evaluation, or
a player with a
stronger intuition, would
not go so far down the
wrong road but notice
the rook invading the
seventh rank, indirectly
attacking the king, the
weakness of f6 and e6,
and the continued X-
ray threat on the long
diagonal. All these
danger signs are of a
positional nature and,
added together, are
decisive. Had no safer
path existed for Black it
would be hard to argue
like this, but it does. He
does not have to weaken
his position or create a
route for the white rooks
and knight to enter the
position.
McShane, on the other
hand, who knows what
he is talking about, saw
19...f6 as a purely
tactical mistake. He said
he had not overlooked
anything like this for
the last year or two,
and still saw nothing
wrong with his
approach.
So we disagree. It would
be easy for the reader
to take the point of
view that McShane is
right, simply because he
is a much better player
than me. But if this was
true then Dorfman's two
books should be
masterpieces, simply
because he is very
strong. Life is not that
simple.
McShane explains how
he plays chess and I
explain how I would
make a decision in this
position. That McShane
does better with his
method than I do with
mine is irrelevant, since
I am sure he would do
better with mine as well.
I think the right thing is
to look at his opponent,
Peter Heine Nielsen
(who is of the same
strength as McShane),
and realize that Peter
does not solve his
problems through
calculation alone, but
also through a strong
intuition. Obviously there
is the matter of style
and personality here. I
am sceptical of relying
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 11

too much on calculation, overlooked this. Now he is [ Previously the feeble 26.Qxg7+ Ke8
and fear that this mated. Rxf8 27.Qxe5+ 15.Nd2 was played in S. 27.Bd6! and Black is
practice might be a 1-0 Kishnev-S.Smagin, mated.;
roadblock in the German League 1999. B) 20...Bxe1 21.Be5!
development of Luke With the text move the ( if 21.Rxe1 gxf6
McShane's enormous A21 Norwegian junior 22.Nxf6+ Kg7
chess talent. But I Murshed,N develops his rook to 23.Ne8+ Rxe8
believe that, for the Dorfman,J take over the only fully 24.Rxe8 Be6 25.Rxe6
reader, the lesson Palma de Mallorca 1989 open file in the position fxe6 26.Qxe6 Rf8 )
should be obvious. If you [Jacob Aagaard] and prepares for the 21...Qb6 (the only
can calculate very well, middlegame. Now Black move) 22.Qd3!!
you should of course use 1.d4 d6 2.c4 e5 3.Nc3 has some serious ( a cunning move with
this ability to your exd4 4.Qxd4 Nc6 5.Qd2 problems with continuing the twin threats of 23
advantage; if you cannot, g6 6.b3 Bg7 7.Bb2 Nf6 his development. He Qg3 and 23 Rxe1;
do not feel any pressure 8.g3 0-0 9.Nh3 cannot easily mobilize after 22.Rxe1 Be6
to play as if you can, "Here on White's part one the queenside without Black is OK ) 22...Bb4
but use your intuition can contemplate evolution removing the protection 23.Qg3 ( the attack
and other facets of by Nf4, Bg2 and 0-0. of the knight on f6. ] with 23.Nf6+ gxf6
your chess ability in Nothing similar exists for 15...h6 16.Bh4 Bd6 24.Bxf6 does not really
order to find your own Black. This means that 17.h3! Nb6?! work after Qc7 25.Qe3
balance. ] White has a static [ 17...b6 was the quiet Be7 , though White
20.Qc3 exf4 advantage. Therefore move here. After should still make a
Black executes his plan. Black went in for vigorous something natural like draw ) 23...f6 24.Nxf6+
Now it is also virtually measures, and a double- 18.Re2 White would be Kf7 25.Ne4
impossible to turn back. edged situation after:" a5!? slightly better. Instead and White has a
21.Nxf4 Ne5 22.Rc7+ [ However, it is difficult to Kasparov, in winning attack; e.g. g5
White calculated the understand why Black characteristic fashion, ( or 25...Rg8 26.Qf3+
position accurately in does not have every tries to solve his Ke7 27.Nbc5 Qd8
order to allow his rook to chance to equalize with problems tactically, 28.Bxg7 and Black's
enter the lion's den. Kh8 9...Bf5 10.Bg2 Qd7 though this seems to position collapses )
23.Rf1! Bringing the last 11.Nf4 Rae8 completing violate the inherent 26.f4 g4 27.Nbc5
piece into play. Bd7?! his development. ] principles of the position. Bxc5 28.dxc5 Qb4
After this the win is 10.Nf4 a4 11.Nxa4 Ne4 Black is in no way ready 29.Nd6+ Kg6 30.Nxc8
straightforward as Black 12.Qc1 Nd4 13.Bg2 Re8 for a full frontal and White wins.;
loses a tempo. 14.0-0 Bg4 15.f3 g5 confrontation, and he C) 20...-- ]
[ Nielsen gave the Here Dorfman turns to his comes out of it in a very 20.Kh1 Nd6? Kasparov
following winning line in next example. The game bad way. ] still tries to solve his
the commentary room: finished: 16.e3 Nxf3+ 18.Bxf6! The critical test. problems tactically, but
23...Re8 24.h3!! 17.Bxf3 Bxf3 18.Rxf3 White is obviously ready again his position is not
(a fine waiting move) gxf4 19.Bxg7 Kxg7 for a fight. Nxc4 19.Ne4! ready for it.
Bd7 25.Ne6 Bxe6 20.Qb2+ Qf6 21.Qxf6+ Hitting the knight and [ Necessary was
26.Rxf6 Qg1+ 27.Rf1 Kxf6 22.Re1 d5 23.cxd5 indirectly protecting the 20...Nb6! after which
Qh2 28.dxe6 b5 24.Nb2 Kg7 25.Rxf4 bishop; White can respond in
followed by g2-g3 and Rxa2 26.Nd3 Rd2 [ the point was to avoid two ways:
Black's control over e5 27.Rg4+ Kh8 28.Nf4 f5 playing 19.Bh4?! . ] A) 21.f4!? Bxf4 22.g3
is broken. Here it is 29.Rh4 Ng5 30.Rf1 Rxe3 19...Bh2+ Bg5 ( 22...Bxg3?
very useful that the h- 31.Rh5 Nf3+ 32.Kh1 [ 19...Nb6?? 20.Nxd6 23.Qg2
pawn has advanced Rxb3 33.Ra1 Rbb2 gives White a great is not advisable )
since there is no check 34.Ra8+ Kg7 35.Ne6+ advantage as Black's 23.Bxg5 hxg5
on h4. Kf6 36.Rf8+ Ke7 only move is gxf6 24.Nxg5 f5
Now White calculates 0-1 with a ruin. ] and Black is OK.;
the position sufficiently [ 19...gxf6?? leads to B) 21.g3 Bxh3
to make the correct immediate mate by 22.Be5! ( compare this
decision. ] D52 20.Nxf6+ Kg7 21.Qh7+ with 22.Kxh2 Bxf1
24.Ne6! Rdc8 Carlsen,M Kxf6 22.Qxh6+ Kf5 23.Be5 when Black
[ When he got home after Kasparov,G 23.g4# . ] has an extra option in
the game Nielsen found Reykjavik (rapid) 2004 [ 19...Bb4? Qd7! 24.Rxf1 Nxa4
an email sent by an [Jacob Aagaard] is met strongly by and the position is less
internet spectator, with 20.Qxc4! clear ) 22...Qd8
the following winning 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 with a branching of the 23.Kxh2 Bxf1 24.Rxf1
line: 24...Bxe6 25.Rxf6 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 ways: Nd5 ( 24...Nxa4?!
Qg1+ 26.Rf1 Qxh2 Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5 7.Nd2 A) 20...Be6 21.Qd3 25.Ra1 Nb6 26.Nd6
27.g3 Qh5 28.Bd1 Qg5 Bb4 8.Qc2 0-0 9.Be2 e5 Bxe1 ( or 21...Bxb3 is particularly
29.Rf5! gxf5 30.Qxe5+ 10.0-0 exd4 11.Nb3 Qb6 22.Be5 Qe7 23.Qg3 unpleasant for Black )
Kg8 31.Qxe6+ Kh8 I don't much like this move, f6 24.Nxf6+ Rxf6 25.Nbc5 b6 26.Nd3
32.Qe5+ Kg8 33.d6 but that is a question of 25.Bxf6 Qf7 26.Bxg7 Qd7 and Black is only
Qe3+ 34.Kf1 Qd3+ opening theory and not a Kh7 27.Bxh6 Bxe1 a little bit worse.
35.Kf2 Qd2+ 36.Be2 subject for this book. 28.Rxe1 Kxh6 29.Re4 White's best now is
and Black will be 12.exd4 dxc4 13.Bxc4 and White wins ) 27.Nc3! to eliminate
mated. ] a5 14.a4 Qc7 15.Rae1! 22.Be5 Qb6 23.Qg3 the strong knight on
25.Rxf6 Rxc7 26.Rf8+! Amazingly this natural f6 24.Nxf6+ Kf7 d5.;
McShane had simply move is a novelty. 25.Nd7! Bxd7 C) 21.-- ]
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
21.Kxh2 Nxe4+ 22.Be5
Nd6 23.Qc5
[ 23.d5!? Rd8 24.Nd4
is also strong, but after
Qd7 White does not
have anything better
than 25.Qc5 transposing
below. ]
23...Rd8 24.d5 Qd7
25.Nd4!! This move is
particularly tasty. Black is
not given a chance to
develop. Nf5
[ Black is in a terrible
state. If 25...b6 26.Qxc6
Ba6 27.Rg1 and White
has an extra pawn ]
[ or 25...cxd5 26.Qxd6
Qxd6 27.Bxd6 Rxd6
28.Re8+ Kh7 29.Rc1
and the resulting
endgame with an extra
piece should win easily
for White, although
Kasparov would
probably make hell hot
for the little boy and
fight to the absolute
end. ]
26.dxc6 bxc6 27.Nxc6
Re8
[ The queen is exposed
on d7, so in principle it
was better to play
27...Qd5!? , although
28.Qxd5! ( keeping it
simple; 28.Qb6!? Re8
29.Qb5 is also strong )
28...Rxd5 29.Rd1 Rc5
30.Rc1 Rxc1 31.Rxc1
Bd7 32.Bc7! Rc8
33.Nxa5 Bxa4 34.b4
gives White a winning
endgame. ]
28.Rd1 Qe6
[ If 28...Qb7 29.Nxa5
Qe4 30.Rfe1 Qxa4
31.b4 and White has an
extra pawn for nothing. ]
29.Rfe1? The critical
moment. White makes a
natural move, but after
this Black is able to
develop some counterplay.
[ The correct move was
29.Bc7! which is pure
prophylaxis against the
Black's coming
development. The
bishop is aiming at a5
and is no longer in 29...Bb7 30.Nd4!?
trouble on e5. But most Putting on the brakes.
importantly, Black no
longer controls the g5-
square, which is very
important in the lines
after ...Bb7 (as can be
seen by comparison).
After 29 Bc7! we have:
A) 29...Qb3 30.Qb5
Qc2 ( or 30...Be6
31.Nxa5 Qxb5
12
32.axb5 Ra7 33.Rc1 34...Qxh3+ to depart from theory as
Nd4 34.Bb6 Rxa5 with a strong attack.; soon as possible. My
35.Bxa5 Nb3 36.Bc7 B) . However, White opponent is well known
Nxc1 37.Rxc1 could reply in similar for his hard work on
and wins ) 31.Rc1 Qd2 fashion: 31.Bxg7! the opening, so this
32.Nb8 Qe2 33.Qxe2 (this would need to be approach made good
Rxe2 34.Rfe1 Rxe1 found before playing practical sense. But
35.Rxe1 Be6 36.Re5 30 Nxa5) Qg6 usually I do not like to
and White wins.; 32.Rxe8+ Rxe8 deviate from my
B) 29...Bb7 30.Nxa5 33.Re1 ( 33.Qb5? opening repertoire and
wins. Here Bxg2 Nxg7 34.Rg1 Qe4! play inferior moves, as
does not work: gives Black the this often means ending
31.Kxg2 Nh4+ 32.Kg3 initiative, as 35.Rxg2? up in a bad position. I
Qe2 ( after 32...Qg6+ loses to Qf4+ 36.Kh1 would rather risk meeting
33.Kxh4 the white Re1+ 37.Rg1 Qf3+ my opponent's opening
queen controls g5 ) 38.Kh2 Qxf2+ 39.Rg2 repertoire head on, as
33.Qd5 and Black's Qf4+ 40.Rg3 Re3 ) experience tells me that
attack has been 33...Rd8 34.Rd1 they are not perfectly
refuted ( but not here with a draw by prepared either, and I
33.Kxh4?? Qf3! repetition. These lines might improve on their
and Black wins. ); are not conclusive, but analysis or on other
C) 29...Qf6 30.b3 Ba6 at least show that people's play in similar
31.Rfe1 and Black is a Black has good positions. ]
pawn down without counterplay.; 12.f4 This move is not
counterplay.; C) 31.-- ] really very good. Nataf
D) 29...Bd7 30.Nb8!! 30...Nxd4 31.Qxd4 Qg6 decided upon it within five
Bxa4 ( if 30...Raxb8 32.Qg4!? White is minutes, and at first I
31.Bxb8 Rxb8 32.Qc7 nominally better in this thought it was very strong
and White ends the endgame but has no real as the white knight gains
exchange up ) 31.Rfe1! winning chances. the d4 square. Later I
( the right rook; after [ 32.f3 was a bit more decided that this square
31.Rde1 Qc8! ambitious, though was not so important.
Black survives, at least Black should be able to [ After the game, when I
for the time being ) make it by now. ] was falling apart with
31...Bxd1 ( 31...Qc8 32...Qxg4 33.hxg4 Bc6 fatigue and Nataf had
32.Rxe8+ Bxe8 34.b3 f6 35.Bc3 Rxe1 awoken fully, he found
33.Rd8 leads to a 36.Rxe1 Bd5 37.Rb1 Kf7 the following convincing
winning endgame for 38.Kg3 Rb8 39.b4 axb4 way to gain an
White, since if Qe6 40.Bxb4 Bc4 41.a5 Ba6 advantage: 12.c4! a6
34.Qb5! Nd6 35.Qc6! 42.f3 Kg6 43.Kf4 h5 13.Nc3
wins the house ) 44.gxh5+ Kxh5 45.Rh1+ A) 13...Nd7 14.a5
32.Rxe6 fxe6 33.Qc6! Kg6 46.Bc5 Rb2 47.Kg3 and White is better.;
(a nice fork) Raxb8 Ra2 48.Bb6 Kf7 49.Rc1 B) . My attempt to
34.Bxb8 Rxb8 g5 50.Rc7+ Kg6 51.Rc6 create a blockade on
35.Qxe6+ Kh8 Bf1 52.Bf2 the queenside dark
36.Qxf5 a4 ( if ½-½ squares with 13...a5
36...Rxb2 37.Qc8+ was eliminated by
Kh7 38.Qc1 14.c5! dxc5 15.f4! e4!
wins; Black does not B33 ( Black has to play this
have a fortress since Nataf,I since 15...exf4?
White can return the Aagaard,J 16.Bxf4 Bg6 17.Qb3
queen at the right Stockholm 2004 gives White a
moment and enter a [Jacob Aagaard] decisive positional
winning pawn advantage ) 16.g4 Bd7
endgame ) 37.Qe5 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 17.Nxe4 f5 18.gxf5
and White has a cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Bxf5 19.Ng3
winning endgame, e5 6.Ndb5 d6 7.Nd5 and Black is in
although it would still Nxd5 8.exd5 Nb8 9.a4 trouble.;
take some converting.; Be7 10.Be2 0-0 11.0-0 C) 13...-- ]
E) 29...-- ] Bf5?! 12...exf4 13.Bxf4 Bg6
[ I had only prepared for 9 14.a5?! As I said, White
c4 and did not know the was not at his best.
[ After 30.Nxa5 theory of 11...f5 [ Later we quickly agreed
Black has a nice tactical (which I was and am that White is better after
idea in Bxg2! convinced is the best 14.Qd2! a6 15.Na3 Nd7
A) , and if 31.Kxg2? move). I had seen that 16.Nc4 with a standard
Nh4+ 32.Kh2 Illescas Cordoba had position for this variation.
( 32.Kg3?? loses here played 11...Bf5 against 9 With the text move he
to Qg6+! ) 32...Nf3+ c4 (although that could loses the chance of
33.Kg3 Ng5! 34.f4 have been a mistake in going to a3. ]
( 34.Rh1?? Ne4+ the database!), so I 14...a6 15.Nd4 Nd7
wins the queen ) decided to play like this 16.c4 Re8 Another critical
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
moment. On a normal day
Nataf would have realized
which way the tide was
moving and used a lot of
time at this critical
moment to find the right
way. Instead he played a
very suspect move.
17.Bh5?! In principle this
should be a good
exchange for White, as it
is his 'bad' bishop for my
'good' bishop. But actually
this is a naive
understanding of the
position. The important
question is where the
pieces are going and
where they would like to
go: to give them a definite
function and avoid
specious moves, as
described above in
Aagaard-Østergaard.
Here the exchange on g6
is completely in Black's
favour. The knight
manoeuvre ...Nd7-c5-e4 is
now much more pleasant,
while the d4-knight
becomes somewhat lost
in space with no prospects,
despite its central position;
its only dream was of the
f5-square, which will now
evaporate. Black's dark-
squared bishop is in no
way bad either: after ...
Be7-f6 the bishop will
become a monster with
strong influence on the
centre; the white bishop
on f4 has nothing similar
in its crystal ball. Finally,
White no longer guards the
d3-square very well and
will have some problems
with his pawns on the light
squares, which were
better off with the
protection of his light-
squared bishop.
[ White's position was not
easy, but moves like
17.Kh1 ]
[ or even 17.Bd3
would have served him
better. ]
17...Qc7! I used some 10
minutes to picture the
organization of the black
pieces. To be honest, it
was not very difficult and I
could have done it faster,
but I had enough time.
18.Bxg6 hxg6 19.b3 Bf6
It is easy for Black to find
the right move order once
he has decided where his
pieces belong. He just
needs to find the move
order that grants him the
greatest flexibility and his
opponent the greatest
inconvenience, if only from
a practical viewpoint. If
the opponent has to attend
to a lot of tactical threats
all the time, if nothing else
he will have to invest time
in avoiding them.
20.Bg3?! This logical
move is actually rather
bad as from here on it is
hard for White to organize
his pieces effectively.
[ The natural move
20.Qd2!? was better.
Black has a pleasant
game with Re4
( 20...Nc5!? ) 21.Be3
Rae8 22.Bf2 Nc5
23.Ra3 R4e7
, but White can still
defend with 24.Qc2!
, and if Ne4?
( instead Black should
probably continue with
24...Qc8! , bringing the
least active piece into
the game ) 25.Ne6!
White is definitely back
in business. Attention
to such small tricks is
an important part of the
defence. ]
20...Nc5 Again an easy
move to play, as the
natural move is assisted
by the threat of winning
the exchange. 21.Rf3
Things are no fun for
White.
[ If 21.Bf2 Ne4 22.Be3
( 22.Qd3!? is probably
necessary and Black is
clearly better ) 22...Nc3
23.Qd2 Ne2+! 24.Nxe2
Bxa1 25.Rxa1 Qe7
26.Bf4 Qxe2 27.Qxe2
Rxe2 28.Bxd6 Rae8
and Black should win
the endgame, though
White still has some
counterplay. ]
21...Ne4 22.Be1
Allowing the exchange of
knight for bishop would
leave White permanently
and unpleasantly worse.
Re7! Making room for the
other rook to enter the
game. Everything is still
easy for Black.
[ 22...b5!? was also
possible, but with 22...
Re7 I had an simple way
of improving my position
and bringing all the
pieces into play before
seeking a direct
confrontation. ]
23.Bb4 Rae8 24.Rc1?!
After this move I am sure
13
White's position simply candidates, White played
cannot be saved with best the text move. ]
play by Black. 27...Re2 This looks logical.
[ 24.Qd3 was necessary [ An interesting
in order to bring the rook alternative was
quickly to d1, and after 27...Re4!? (found by
Nc5 25.Qd2 Black is Alexander Rosenkilde),
clearly better, but when White is more or
nothing immediately less forced to give up
conclusive strikes the the exchange on f6, as
eye. ] 28.Bxc5 ( and 28.Qf2
24...Qb8! Neither to me loses to Bxd4 29.Rxd4
nor my opponent was this Re2 30.Qh4 Nxb3
move anything special. 31.Rxb3 g5 32.Qg4
The queen is the worst R2e4 and White's
placed piece and position collapses )
activating it via a7 is a 28...Qxc5 is horrible. ]
standard manoeuvre in 28.Qc3 "Sometimes, now
these kind of structures. is not tomorrow." – Esben
25.Qd3 Lund. Bxd4+!!
[ At first my computer Quite a surprising and
program believes that paradoxical move. Black
White should try 25.Ne2 gives up his powerful
, but quickly realizes its bishop for the weak and
mistake. Suddenly Black pinned knight. All in the
has an extra option in name of tactics of course.
b5! which is very [ I also calculated a long
uncomfortable for White. variation with 28...Nxb3
He is completely 29.Qxb3 Bxd4+ 30.Kh1
disorganized and Black Bc5 ( 30...Qb8!
is ready to increase the was an important move
pressure. One possible I missed, but I would
line to show what White still have rejected the
can expect is 26.Rc2 line since Black is not
bxc4 27.Rxc4 Rb7! well coordinated and
28.Nd4!? ( if 28.Be1 White has counterplay
Ng5 29.Rd3 Rbe7 against d6 and b7 )
30.Rc2 Ne4 31.Bxc5 Qxc5
with enormous when, compared with 27
pressure ) 28...Bxd4+! Qc3, White has an extra
29.Qxd4 Nf6 30.Bc3 option in 32.Qxb7 Re1+
Rxb3 31.Rxf6 gxf6 ( 32...f5 leaves Black
32.Qxf6 Rxc3 33.Qxc3 with a structural
Qb1+ 34.Kf2 ( 34.Qc1?? advantage, but this is
Re1+! ) 34...Qf5+ 35.Qf3 less than I was
Qe5 and White has bargaining for ) 33.Rf1
enormous problems with . At first I thought I could
his king and pawns, win with Qf2!?
which cannot all be , but instead of ending
saved. ] my analysis here, I
25...Qa7 26.Rd1 looked for the
Now Black can no longer opponent's move at the
improve his position and end of the variation and
must strike before White found 34.Rdxe1! Rxe1
has a chance to get out of 35.Qc8+ Kh7 36.Qh3+
trouble. The first move is with perpetual check. ]
not difficult. Nc5 27.Qd2 29.Qxd4 R8e4
This looks strange, but it Winning the queen.
is understandable if we try 30.Bxc5 Rxd4 31.Bxd4
to follow the Qb8 32.Re3! White needs
grandmaster's line of to exchange the rook in
thought. order to protect his
[ 27.Qc3 loses to Nxb3 second rank.
28.Qxb3 Bxd4+ 29.Kh1 [ 32.Rdf1 Qe8 33.Rxf7
Bc5 and White has no Qxf7 34.Rxf7 Kxf7
compensation for the is not an endgame White
pawn ] can survive. ]
[ while after 27.Bxc5 32...Rxe3 There is no
Qxc5 he has no defence choice.
on the dark squares. [ If 32...Ra2? 33.Rde1
Having eliminated Kf8 34.Re8+! Qxe8
these possible 35.Bxg7+ Kxg7 36.Rxe8
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 14

and Black has made completely finished. undermine the c4-pawn In the game White must
trouble for himself. ] So Black has at least and then Black will win a have felt completely
33.Bxe3 Qe8 34.Bf4! three directly winning pawn. Later he will be exposed to the public in
My opponent was fully lines, which could bring his king to h5 and all his stupidity, just as we
awake now and started to easily have been push the g-pawn and in all have over and over
display some of his calculated accurately the end White will not be again. He resigned.
enormous strength. At this had I invested some able to resist. But Nataf 0-1
point I had 25 minutes energy in doing so. would probably not have
remaining to reach move The problem was that I allowed me to do all of
40 and should have been was getting tired and, this without a fight... Ziegler,A
cruising. My simple chess facing a little resistance ½-½ Aschauer,G
had won the queen for in the most promising Aschach 1999
insufficient material and line, chose not to make [Jacob Aagaard]
with just a little accuracy I a real effort calculating it. A27
should win. However, I Not so strange, then, Doroshkievich,V XABCDEFGHY
was now getting tired and that things went as they Tukmakov,V 8r+-wqkvl-tr(
losing focus. So instead of did. ] USSR Championship, Riga 7zplzpp+-+-' 20
sensing the critical 35.h4! I was still under the [Jacob Aagaard] 6nzp-+psn-+&
moment, I decided on a impression that I just had 5+-+P+psN-%
long-term plan. This was a to bring the king to d7, 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Nf3 4-+P+-+-zp$
great psychological and then the black queen f5 4.d4 e4 5.Bg5 Nf6 3+-+-zP-zPP#
practical mistake, no would enter the white Up to this point everything 2PzP-+-zPL+"
matter the objective value position and some pawn looks normal and had 1tRNvLQmK-+R![
of my long-term planning. would drop off. This kind White now played 6 Nd2 xabcdefghy
If I want to make things of thinking will be dealt probably no one would Sometimes surprises can
easier for myself, it is with under the heading remember this game. throw us off balance and
better to expend some "assumptions" in the next However, White decided then it is important to stay
energy in calculating the chapter. Kf8 36.g3 Ke8 to play actively and enter alert. It is easy to lose
win at the appropriate [ Even now after a mass exchange, which balance when something
moment, rather than 36...Qe2!? 37.Bxd6+ he expected to lead to a surprising happens on the
delaying it for a later Ke8 38.Rb1 Qe4 superiority in the centre. board. It seems fairly
occasion. Qe7?! 39.Rf1 Qe3+ 40.Kg2 Unfortunately, what he did definite that Black had not
Thus I played a horrible, Qxb3 Black is doing was to calculate only the anticipated... 10.Nf7?!
unambitious move. There well. ] most obvious moves in his This move is not very good,
are no real excuses 37.Kf2 Qc7 38.Re1+ Kd7 head, forgetting that the but it wins the game
though one can be 39.Bg5 f6 40.Bd2 Qc5+ opponent is not a passive almost immediately. If
produced. 41.Re3 Qd4 collaborator but the Black had been able to
[ After the game Nataf Having reached the time antagonist, who will try to keep his cool he would
showed me the control, I suddenly crush us if we give him have seen through
following winning line: realized that things are the chance. Here White White's bluff and not taken
34...Qe2 not as easy as I had completely forgot that his him on his word.
A) 35.Rf1 Qa2 36.Rf3 expected. 42.Bc3 Qg4 opponent would look [ Correct was 10.0-0!
( 36.Bxd6 Qxa5 43.Bd2 Qd1 44.Bb4 seriously at every move , after which Black would
also wins ) 36...Qxa5 Qc2+ 45.Ke1 Qb1+ and be more than happy not have enough for his
37.Bxd6 Qe1+ 38.Rf1 46.Ke2 Qc2+ . to find a mistake in his pawn. ]
Qe3+ 39.Kh1 Qxb3 The position is still calculation. 6.d5? exf3 10...Qe7?
and Black wins.; winning, but I could not 7.dxc6 fxg2 8.cxd7+ [ Black should of course
B) . I had in fact seen see how and, with no Nxd7! It is so easy to think play 10...Kxf7! 11.dxe6+
all of this, but simply fighting energy left, that Black is forced to dxe6 12.Bxb7 ( not
overlooked that 35.Rd2 decided to end the game recapture with the queen 12.Qxd8?? Bxg2!!
is met strongly by here. Nataf was very or bishop, as the knight is and Black ends with a lot
Qe1# .; surprised when I offered pinned. But once we start of material for the
C) 35.-- ] him a draw, as he really to look at the queen ) 12...Qxd1+
[ I did not spend much considered his position lost, position and think about 13.Kxd1 Rd8+ 14.Nd2
additional time on this but previous experiences the moves, instead of ( 14.Ke2 Nc5 15.Bc6
position before writing have taught me not to assuming anything, we will hxg3 16.fxg3 Nfe4
this book, and as I partly burn the bridge I am be able to avoid these is also very tasty for
expected it is actually crossing when I am tired, kind of mistakes. This is Black ) 14...Nc5 15.Bg2
much worse for White as everything is happening why I say, first of all, hxg3 16.fxg3 Nfe4
than it looks. Besides in a very slow tempo and I calculate wide, not deep. and Black has taken
34...Qe2 Black has other might not get off the The point is that whatever over the initiative. ]
ways to terminate the bridge before it falls apart. happens in the long run is 11.Nxh8 Qg7 Black had
game to his advantage; After the game Nataf and I not important, if you drop probably counted on
for instance 34...Qd8 did not find it easy to find something here and now. winning back the knight
35.Ra1 Qf6 36.Rf1 Qc3 a winning plan, which First be sure that you now and thereby gaining
37.Bxd6 Qxb3 states something about know what is going on compensation, but he was
and Black wins. ] how tired we both were. right in front of your nose, in for a cruel shock.
[ But best of all I like The next day I did not find before you run away in 12.Nf7! If it works once, it
34...g5!? 35.Bxd6 Qe3+ it difficult to see that long variations. This is can work again! Nc5
36.Kh1 Qxb3 37.Rc1 Black needs to play ...b7- best achieved by lowering 13.Ne5 and White
Qb2 38.Rg1 Qa2 b6, take it with the queen, the tempo at which we managed to win the game
and White is get his pawn to a4 to calculate.
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
a rook up.
1-0
B63
Anand,V
Benjamin,J
Wijk aan Zee 1989
[Jacob Aagaard]
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4
cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3
Nc6 6.Bg5 e6 7.Qd2
Be7 8.0-0-0 0-0 9.Nb3
Qb6 10.f3 Rd8 11.Kb1
d5 12.Bxf6 dxe4??
This mistake is due to
assumptions. If Black had
investigated the lines
properly he would have
realized his mistake in
advance.
[ Theory seems otherwise
to offer Black
reasonable chances
here. For example,
12...Bxf6 13.exd5 Bxc3
14.Qxc3 exd5 15.Qc5
d4! gave Black an
acceptable game in F.
Handke-A.Kveinys,
German League 2001. ]
13.Bxe7! Rxd2 14.Nxd2!
It is not hard to guess that
this move was somehow
overlooked by Benjamin,
or at least the
consequences of it were.
Or it might have been that
he did not analyse the line
all the way to the end – a
form of mistake we will
discuss in the next
chapter. exf3
[ If 14...Nxe7 15.Nc4
Qc7 16.Nb5 and White
wins. ]
15.gxf3?!
[ Here White should have
played 15.Nc4! Qc7 ( if
15...Qf2 16.Ne4! )
16.Bd6! after which there
is no defence to be
found for Black. Instead
the rest of the game was
a collection of errors. ]
15...e5 16.Bh4? Be6
17.Nde4 Nd4 18.Bg2?
Rc8 19.Bf2 f5! 20.f4!
fxe4 21.fxe5 Rc4
22.Rhe1? Rb4? 23.Kc1!
Bg4? 24.Nd5 Qc5
25.Nxb4 Bxd1 26.Kxd1!
e3 27.Rxe3 Nf5 28.Bd5+
Kf8 29.Rf3 Qxb4
30.Rxf5+ Ke8 31.e6
1-0
Miezis,N Nc6!
Manievich,V
Zuerich 1999
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8r+-+-trk+({
7zppzpqsnpvlp' 21
6-+-zp-snp+&
5+-+-zpPvL-%
4-+P+P+-+$
3+-sNP+-zP-#
2PzP-wQN+KzP"
1tR-+-+R+-!
xabcdefghy
13...gxf5 14.Bxf6 Bxf6
15.Nd5! This move might
surprise some people, but
it is very natural indeed.
White exchanges the
black knight and in this
way achieves superiority
on the light squares. The
next move is of course the
real point. Nxd5
16.Rxf5!?
[ 16.cxd5 would give
Black the chance to
contemplate f4!?
, which Miezis decided 14.gxf6?
there was no reason to
allow. White will win
his piece back next
move and keep his
strong pressure down
the f-file. ]
16...Bg7 Now White has a
good knight vs. a bad
bishop as well,
[ so Black should have
considered 16...Ne7
to keep his own knight,
though his position
remains untenable
nevertheless. ]
17.cxd5 Qa4 18.Nc3
Qb4 19.Raf1 f6 20.R1f2
c6 21.Qe2 Rf7 22.Qg4
Raf8 23.Qh5 Qb6
24.R5f3 Qd8 25.g4 Qd7
26.Rg3 a6 27.Rf5 Qe8
28.Qh4 Qd7 29.Kh1 Bh8
30.Qh3 Bg7 31.Qf1 c5
32.Rff3 Bh8 33.h3 Re8
34.Kh2
1-0
B82
De Firmian,N
Ehlvest,J
Reggio Emilia 1989
[Jacob Aagaard]
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4
cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3
d6 6.f4 Be7 7.Qf3 0-0
8.Be3 e5 9.Nf5 Bxf5
10.exf5 Qa5 11.g4?
This does not look sound.
e4! 12.Qd1 d5 13.g5
A threat to the knight?!
15
(again an unforcing
[ Another interesting way move) when White
to play the position was cannot play 16.Qxg4?!
with the more forcing Qxc3+ 17.Kf2 d4
13...d4!? 14.Qxd4 Ng4 as his position is torn
15.Qxe4 Nc6 16.0-0-0 to pieces. ]
( not 16.Be2?! Rfe8! 14...Bxf6 15.Qd2
17.Bxg4 Bf6 18.Qd3 White tries to unpin the
Nb4 19.Qd2 Bxc3 knight. Now 15...d4 is
20.bxc3 Nd5 and White perfectly playable but
is torn apart ) 16...Rae8 Black was looking for
which gives Black something more.
good counterplay as [ My computer is so fed
well: while White has up with the white
gained two pawns Black position that it suggests
has mobilized all his 15.Ke2!? , but this is not
forces. ] a real option as after d4
[ 13...Ba3?! 16.Nxe4 Rae8
is also thinking outside the white king is wide
the box, with the idea open and Black wins
14.bxa3? ( but after easily; e.g. 17.Bg2 Qxf5
14.Bc1! there is no 18.Bd2 Rxe4+ 19.Bxe4
obvious way to proceed ) Qxe4+ 20.Kf2 Bh4+
14...Qxc3+ 15.Bd2 21.Kg1 Re8 22.Qh5
Qxa3 16.gxf6 e3 Re6 23.f5 g6
17.fxg7 Re8 and Black and it is about time to
gets a very strong resign. ]
attack against the 15...Bh4+ 16.Kd1
uncastled white king. ] [ If 16.Bf2 e3! 17.Qxe3
Rfe8 and Black wins the
[ 14.Bd2 is met by the queen ]
archetypal e3!! [ while 16.Ke2 d4
and White cannot keep 17.Nxe4 Qxf5
the centre closed. After looks no better than the
15.Bxe3 ( White cannot game. ]
be unforcing himself as 16...d4! This now comes
Black will not buy it: if with greater force.
15.gxf6 Bxf6! 16.Bxe3 17.Nxe4
Rfe8 17.Qd2 d4 18.Ne2 [ 17.Bxd4 should also be
Nb4! and White is analysed. Then Black
outplayed ) 15...Rfe8! has a very clear
(all Black cares about is advantage after Rad8
development at this 18.Nxe4 Rxd4 19.Bd3
stage) 16.Bd2 ( 16.gxf6 Qxf5 20.Qe3 Rfd8
Bxf6 transposes to the and it is a miracle that
previous bracket ) White has not lost any
16...Bc5+ 17.Be2 Ng4 material yet. But do not
18.Ne4 ( or 18.Rf1 Qb6 worry – he soon will! ]
and it will soon be all 17...Qxf5 18.Ng3
over ) 18...Bb4! 19.c3 [ After 18.Bd3 dxe3
Rxe4 20.cxb4 Qb6 19.Qxe3 Nb4
and Black wins. ] White will have similar
[ White would do better problems to those in
to develop some pieces the previous note. ]
of his own and try to 18...Bxg3 19.hxg3 dxe3
combat Black's plan 20.Bd3 Rad8! Black is
instead of fighting his still awake and does not
individual pieces. feel at all forced to
14.Bb5! was the best exchange queens on
chance, even though White's terms. 21.Qc3
White still appears to be [ If 21.Qxe3 Nb4 22.Kd2
in trouble. Fritz comes Qd5 and White will not
up with the wonderful survive the attack. ]
Ba3!? as a possible 21...Qe4
refutation. The main idea [ Black has many ways to
is 15.bxa3 win here; e.g. 21...Ne5!?
( White should probably 22.Qxe5 Rxd3+ 23.Ke1
try something calm like Qxe5 24.fxe5 Rd2
15.Bc1!? and there might with a winning rook
still be hope; suddenly endgame ]
it will be possible to [ or 21...Rxd3+ 22.cxd3
take on f6! ) 15...Ng4! Rd8 23.Kc1 Rxd3
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
24.Qc4 Nd4 25.Re1
Rd2 and White loses the
queen. ]
22.Rg1 Rxd3+!
Time to wrap up the game.
23.cxd3 Rd8 24.Kc2
Rxd3 25.Qxd3 Nb4+
26.Kc3 Nxd3
0-1
Rinck,H
Deutsche Schachzeitung
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8k+-sn-+-+(
7zp-vLK+-+-' 22
6-+-+-+-+&
5+p+-+-+-%
4-+-+-+-+$
3+P+L+-+-#
2q+-+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
1.Be4+ Nb7 2.Kc8
The first two moves had to
be played, otherwise
White had no counterplay,
but what happens after...
Qa6 3.Bd5! Again the only
move, but after... b4
...it is easy to stop here
and search in another
direction. But White still
has one possible move.
4.Bc6! Now it is zugzwang.
Black has no alternative to
taking the bishop. Qxc6
stalemate.
½-½
Velicka,P
Jansa,V
Czech Championship, Zlin
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8r+-tr-snk+(
7+-wq-vlpzpp' 23
6-+lzpp+-+&
5+-zp-+-+-%
4-+P+PsN-zP$
3+p+-+-zP-#
2PvL-wQ-zPL+"
1+-+RtR-mK-![
xabcdefghy
White uses the three piece
rule to crack Black's
defence: one piece to
sacrifice, one to protect
and one to deliver mate.
21.Bxg7!? Kxg7
22.Nh5+ Kg6!
[ Not 22...Kh8? 23.Qh6
and mates. ]
23.Qf4! With the idea of
Qg4+. Kxh5?! Maybe not
the best defence,
[ but if 23...h6 24.Qg4+
Bg5 25.hxg5 hxg5
26.axb3 and White has a XABCDEFGHY
strong attack for nothing. 8r+-tr-snk+(
One line could go Nh7 7+-wq-vlpzpp' 24
27.f4 Qe7 28.f5+ Kh6 6-+lzpp+-+&
29.Qh3 g4 30.Qh1 Rh8 5+-zp-+-+-%
31.Nf4+ Kg7 32.e5 4-+P+PsN-zP$
Bxg2 33.f6+ Nxf6 3+p+-+-zP-#
34.exf6+ Qxf6 35.Qxg2 ] 2PvL-wQ-zPL+"
24.Qxf7+ Kh6 25.g4! 1+-+RtR-mK-![
It looks as if Black should xabcdefghy
be able to survive, but Kxg7? still loses to
surprisingly it is not so. 23.Nh5+ Kg6 24.Qf4
Ra7 26.g5+ Bxg5 Kxh5 25.Qxf7+ Kh6
27.hxg5+ Kxg5 28.f4+ 26.g4 Qd7 27.g5+ Bxg5
Kg4 28.hxg5+ Kxg5 29.f4+
[ Or 28...Kh6 29.Qf6+ Kh6 30.Qf6+ Ng6
Ng6 30.Re3 with mate 31.Re3 e5 32.f5
next move. ] and wins. ]
29.Bh3+! But Fritz wants to try the
[ Black resigned because subtle 22...Rb8!!
of 29.Bh3+ Kxh3 and there is no easy way
30.Qh5+ Kg3 31.Qg5+ for White to create a quick
Kf3 32.Rd3# . mate. For example:
At first sight this looks 23.Nh5 Black needs to
like a nice combination defend the king, but how?
by White, which wins at f6!
least a piece. But [ If 23...Nd7 24.Qh6 Qd8
closer inspection shows 25.Bh3 b2 26.Bxe6
that Black should not and Black will soon find
follow these natural the attack irresistible. ]
and seemingly forced 24.Qh6 Ng6
lines. When defending it [ Not 24...b2? 25.e5!
is especially important Bxg2 26.exd6 Bxd6
to step out from the 27.Nxf6+ Kf7 28.Bxf8
most obvious variations, Rxf8 29.Kxg2
as these are usually and Black is in deep
the justification for the trouble. ]
attacker's aggression. 25.Bh3 Qd7 26.Bh8
Of course these lines Incidentally, you cannot
should be checked and expect a computer
mistakes in them instantly to give you the
exploited, but often we right answers. It is just
need to think out of the another tool to help you
box. improve your thinking.
In the example above, Here it takes the computer
had he decided not to fall a long time to understand
in with White's logic of that White is not cruising
hunter and prey, but towards a full point, but is
instead taken up the actually on his way into
challenge fully, Black trouble. Bf8! 27.Nxf6+
might have spotted some Kxh8 28.Nxd7 Bxh6
extra resources which 29.Nxb8 Ba4 30.Rxd6!
would have kept the White needs to fight for a
game very unclear draw here;
indeed: [ if 30.Rb1?! Ne5
. 31.Kg2 Nxc4
(press F10 to continue) ] and Black has a strong
1-0 initiative. ]
30...b2 31.Rb6 Bc2
32.Nd7 Ra1 33.Rf1
B80 Rxf1+ 34.Kxf1 b1Q+
analysis Velicka-Jansa 35.Rxb1 Bxb1 36.Bxe6
[Jacob Aagaard] Bxe4 37.Nxc5
and the endgame should
be a draw.
(Diagram 24) I do not present this as in
any way conclusive
21.Bxg7!? Rxa2! analysis to the position,
[ instead of 21...Kxg7 ] but at least this approach
22.Qe3 would have offered Black
[ This seems to make a much better chance of
little difference. 22.Qe3 survival.
16
D20
Miles,A
Deep Thought,COMP
Long Beach 1989
[Jacob Aagaard]
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.e4
Nf6 4.Nc3 e5 5.Nf3
exd4 6.Qxd4 Bd6
7.Bxc4 0-0 8.Bg5 Nc6
9.Qd2 h6 10.Bh4 Bg4
11.0-0-0 Bxf3 12.gxf3
Nxe4! Exploiting the
unprotected bishop on h4.
13.Bxd8
[ Actually White could
still have saved the
position after 13.Qxh6!!
, when it appears that
White keeps the skin on
his teeth: gxh6 14.Bxd8
Nxf2 ( or 14...Rfxd8
15.fxe4 with a roughly
equal position. )
15.Rhg1+ Kh7 16.Bf6
Bf4+ 17.Kc2 Bg5
18.Nd5 Nxd1 19.Bd3+
Kg8 20.Bxg5 hxg5
21.Rxg5+ Kh8 22.Rh5+
Kg8 with a draw. ]
13...Nxd2 14.Bxc7
Bxh2!! A wonderful
desperado – the bishop
sells itself for a pawn, as
the white bishop will
continue to hang on c4.
[ Instead if 14...Bxc7
15.Kxd2 and White is
only very slightly worse
and will probably escape
with a draw. ]
15.Bxh2 Nxc4
The resulting endgame
holds no real hope for
White. 16.Rd7 b6 17.f4
Rad8 18.Rhd1 Rfe8
19.b3 Rxd7 20.Rxd7
Re1+ 21.Nd1 N4a5
22.Kd2 Rh1 23.Bg3 h5
24.f5 h4 25.Bf4 Nb4
26.a3 Nbc6 27.Rd3 Nd4
28.b4 Nac6 29.f6 gxf6
30.Nc3 Ne6 31.Nd5 Kg7
32.Bd6 Ng5 33.Ke2 h3
34.Rd1 Rxd1 35.Kxd1
Ne5 36.Ne3 h2 37.Nf5+
Kg6 38.Ng3 Ne4 .
A very impressive win
from the computer
program, whose
descendent later went on
to beat Garry Kasparov.
0-1
Liberzon,V
Dlugy,M
Palma de Mallorca 1989
[Jacob Aagaard]
35.c4?
[ Here White could have
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 17

XABCDEFGHY develop the bishop. ] XABCDEFGHY when he remains a piece

8-+-+-+k+( 10...Rb8 11.b3 Ng4?
7+-+-+pzpp' 25 Spot the desperado!
6-+-sn-vl-+& 12.Nxc6!! Only like this.
5sNqvL-+Q+-% The idea is to remove the
4-zP-+p+-+$ protection of the knight on
3+-zPn+-+-# g4 and simply grab a
2-+-+-+PzP" pawn.
1+-+L+-+K![ [ If White had changed
xabcdefghy the move order, it would
kept his position alive have been Black who
with 35.Qd5! Nxc5 stepped out of the
36.c4!! when Black has desperado scenario:
no way to win the game 12.Bxe7 Qxe7
straight away, albeit 13.Nxc6??
several ways to keep is met strongly by Qf6!
the advantage, one of winning material, since
which is Qb6 ( 36...Qe8 after 14.Nxb8 Qxf2+
37.bxc5!? 15.Kh1 Qh4 White has
is not completely clear ) to give up the queen by
37.Qa8+ Qd8 38.Qxd8+ 16.Qxg4 ( as 16.Kg1
Bxd8 39.bxc5 Ne8 Qxh2+ 17.Kf1 Qh1+
and Black looks better, 18.Ke2 Qxg2+ 19.Kd3
but how much? Qg3+ 20.Kc4 Ne5+
Instead of this the leads to mate. )]
game ended quickly. ] 12...Bxc6 13.Bxe7 Nxf2
35...Qxb4!! Otherwise White just won
This desperado wins the a pawn. This is a true
game instantly. desperado scenario. Both
[ The alternatives cannot players have pieces
compete: hanging and they are
35...Qxa5? 36.bxa5 trying to sell themselves
Nxf5 37.a6 and White as dearly as possible.
wins. ] 14.Bxd8 Nxd1
[ 35...Qxc5 36.Qxc5 So what was the point of
Nxc5 37.bxc5 all of this? 15.Nd5!!
with a slight edge for The white knight removes
Black. ] itself from the possibility
[ 35...Qxc4 36.Bxd6 Qc1 of being captured and
37.Qf1 Qxd1 38.Qxd1 indicates a check on e7.
Nf2+ 39.Kg1 Nxd1 The idea behind the move,
with unclear and the entire combination,
consequences. ] is that the knight is better
36.Bxb4 Nxf5! lost on d5, where the
White is lost. The twin bishop will be hanging
threats of ...Nxb4 and ... later, than on c3, where
Nf2+ decide the game. the knight can capture it
37.g4 Nd4 on its way out. Rbxd8?
0-1 After this White wins the
exchange.
[ The only move was
C66 15...Bxd5 16.Bxc7 Rbc8
Skovgaard,T 17.Bxd6 Rfe8 18.Raxd1
Haubro,S Bxe4 19.c4 and White
Copenhagen (rapid) 1998 has excellent winning
[Jacob Aagaard] chances with his extra
pawn in the endgame. ]
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 16.Ne7+ Kh8 17.Nxc6
exd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 Nc3 18.Nxd8 Rxd8
Not a very theoretical 19.Re3 Nb5 20.e5 Nd4
opening, but with the next 21.exd6 cxd6 and White
move we return to normal won.
lines. 5.Bb5 1-0
[ 5.Nc3 was probably
better, in order to
organize queenside Topko,L
castling after Be3, f2-f3 Ceskoslovensky Sach
and Qd2. ] [Jacob Aagaard]
5...Bd7 6.Bxc6 bxc6
7.Nc3 Nf6 8.0-0 Be7 1.Rd6+ Kc8 There is no
9.Re1 0-0 10.Bg5 choice.
[ 10.b3 is another way to [ If 1...Ke7 2.Nf5+ wins. ]
8-+-mk-+-+(
7+-+-+-sN-' 26
6-mK-+-+-tR&
5+-zp-+-+-%
4-+-+-+-+$
3+-+-tr-+-#
2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
2.Ne6 Rb3+ Again Black
has little choice. Notice
that the threat of mate or
a threat to the queen is
often as useful as a check
when calculating variations,
as the opponent is no less
limited in his options.
3.Kc6 Kb8 4.Rd8+ Ka7
5.Rd7+! White keeps the
black king under control.
Kb8
[ If 5...Ka6 6.Nxc5+
wins the rook ]
[ or 5...Ka8 6.Nc7+ Ka7
7.Nb5+ and mate next
move. ]
6.Nc7! Threatening 7
Rd8+ leading to mate.
Black again has only one
move. Kc8 7.Re7!
[ Not 7.Rh7? Kd8
8.Rh8+? allowing the
king to escape to e7;
( instead 8.Rd7+
would repeat moves and
still win the game. )]
7...Rd3 Again forced.
8.Nd5
[ White could also
prevent ...Rd8 by 8.Ne6
Kb8 9.Re8+ Ka7
10.Nc7 which wins as
well. ]
8...Kd8 9.Rd7+
White wins the black rook
with a knight check on the
next move.
1-0
Leko,P
Bareev,E
Dortmund Candidates
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+N+-+k+({
7zp-+-+-zp-' 27
6-+-+p+-zp&
5+-+-+-+n%
4-tr-+-+-+$
3+-+-+-+-#
2-vL-+-zPP+"
1+R+-+-mK-!
xabcdefghy
35...Nf4 36.Ne7+ Kh7
37.Nc6 Rb3 38.Ne5! a5
[ 38...Ne2+ 39.Kf1 Nc3
does not win the
exchange, since White
has 40.Rc1!
up. ]
39.g3 Nd5 40.Nc4 Nb6
41.Nd2 Rb4 42.Bc3
Rxb1+ 43.Nxb1 a4
44.Na3 Nd5 45.Bb2 g5
46.Nc4 h5 47.Ne5 Nb4
48.Kf1 Nc2 49.Ke2 Kh6
[ If 49...a3 50.Kd2 axb2
51.Kxc2 Kg7 52.Kxb2
Kf6 53.Nf3 Kf5 54.Nh2!
Ke4 55.Kc2 and White
wins. ]
50.Kd3 Nb4+ 51.Kc4
Nd5 52.Bc1 Nf6 53.Kd3!
Leko is well known for his
superb endgame
technique.
[ Here, instead of winning
a pawn with 53.Nf7+
Kg6 54.Nxg5
, he removes all hints
of counterplay. ]
53...Nh7 54.Ke2 Kg7
55.Nd7 Kg6 56.Nc5 Kf5
57.Kf3 Nf6 58.Nxa4 h4
59.gxh4 gxh4 60.Nc3
Ng4 61.Ne2 Ne5+
62.Kg2 Nd3 63.Be3 Kg4
64.f3+ Kf5 65.Nc3 e5
66.Ne4 Ne1+ 67.Kf2 Nc2
68.Ke2 Nd4+ 69.Bxd4
exd4 70.Kf2 Ke5 71.Nc5
Kd5 72.Nd3 Kc4
73.Ne5+ Kc5
[ If 73...Kd5 74.Ng6
wins. ]
74.Kg2 Kd5 75.Ng6 d3
76.Kf2 d2 77.Ke2 Kd4
78.Nxh4 .
All this is very well, but as
Leko writes in his
annotations, Bareev had a
good chance of keeping
White in the unpleasant
pin by dominating the
white knight with:
.
(press F10 to continue)
1-0
B19
analysis Leko-Bareev
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+N+-+k+({
7zp-+-+-zp-' 28
6-+-+p+-zp&
5+-+-+-+n%
4-tr-+-+-+$
3+-+-+-+-#
2-vL-+-zPP+"
1+R+-+-mK-!
xabcdefghy
35...Rb7!! Now Black has
serious threats like ...a7-
a5-a4-a3 and ...Nh5-f4-d3,
in both cases regaining
the piece. If White wants
to avoid this, he can try to
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
escape with the knight.
36.Nd6 Now 37 Nc4 is
coming, after which White
will be able to untangle
himself and proceed to
exploit the extra piece.
But Black can continue his
domination of the knight
with the amazing: Rb4!!
The knight has nowhere to
go, and the pin is still very
much a reality, so the
outcome would probably
be a draw by repetition of
moves: 37.Nc8 Rb7
38.Nd6 Rb4 etc.
Timman,J
Unzicker,W
Haifa Olympiad 1976
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8r+-+-+k+({
7zpl+n+rzp-' 29
6-wq-+p+-zp&
5+P+n+-+-%
4-+L+-+-+$
3zP-vL-+-+-#
2-+-+NzPPzP"
1tR-+Q+RmK-!
xabcdefghy
Black has a combination,
but its consequences are
not completely clear.
20...Ne3! 21.Bd4!
Candidates! Did you
anticipate this response?
[ If instead 21.fxe3
Qxe3+ 22.Kh1 Qe4!
23.Rg1 Qxc4
and the pressure down
the long diagonal is
very uncomfortable for
White, besides which
there is the small
problem of the pawn. I
think it is dubious
whether or not White can
keep his position
together. ]
[ But notice how this little
line is again a matter of
candidates, e.g. 21.fxe3
Qxe3+ 22.Kh1 Qh3?
23.Nf4! (Jonathan Faydi)
Rxf4 24.Bxe6+!
and White is better. So
once more, by
calculating more slowly
and seeing 22...Qe4
we actually save time! ]
21...Nxd1 22.Bxb6
[ Here Black would like to
play 22.Bxb6 axb6
. Unfortunately White
would simply respond
23.Rfxd1 ( rather than
23.Bxe6 Nb2
and Black ends up with
two pieces for a rook
with solid control over
the c5-square).
Therefore Black decided
to force White to take on
e6 by recapturing with
the knight. )]
22...Nxb6 Now the game
faded to a draw. But why
don't you reverse the
move order?
[ 22...Nb2!! was Esben's
improvement. By
reversing the move
order Black gets his
desired position with the
advantage after 23.Bxe6
axb6 . ]
23.Bxe6 Nb2 24.Rfc1
Bd5 25.Bxf7+ Bxf7
26.Nd4 N2a4 27.h3 a6
28.bxa6 Rxa6 29.Rab1
Ra7 30.Rb4 Kh7 31.Nb5
Ra5 32.Rc7 Be8 33.Nd6
Bg6 34.Rc6 Nd7 35.Rc7
Nab6 36.Nc4 Nxc4
37.Rbxc4 Nf6 38.Rc3
Be8 39.Rb3 h5 40.Rbb7
Bd7 41.Ra7 Rd5 42.a4
Rd1+ 43.Kh2 Rd2 44.f3
Ra2 45.h4 Kg8 46.a5
Kf8 47.Rc5 Kf7 48.Re5
Kf8 49.Kg3 Be8 50.Ra8
Kf7 51.Ra7+ Kf8 52.Rb7
Nd7 53.Rg5 g6 54.Rb4
Bf7 55.Kf4 Nf6 56.Rd4
Ke7 57.g3 Nd7 58.Rb5
Nf8 59.Re4+ Ne6+
60.Ke3 Ra3+ 61.Kf2
Ra2+ 62.Ke3 Ra3+
63.Ke2 Ra2+ 64.Kd3
Kd6 65.Rc4 Be8
66.Rb6+ Kd5 67.Rc8
Bd7 68.Rg8
½-½
Hansen,LB
Campora,D
Biel 1991
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+r+-+-+(
7zp-+-+pmk-' 30
6-+q+-sNpzp&
5+-+-+-+-%
4-+lzP-+-+$
3+-+-+-+-#
2P+-+-zPPzP"
1wQ-+-tR-mK-![
xabcdefghy
28.Ne8+!
[ Here the natural
continuation is 28.d5
followed by 29 Ne8+
winning, but Black can
defend against this with
Qxf6 and wins. So White
decides to change the
move order. ]
28...Kg8
[ 28...Rxe8 29.d5+
is no improvement for
Black. After Qf6
30.Qxf6+ Kxf6 31.Rxe8
he has no chance of
saving the endgame. ]
29.d5 This double threat
decides the game. Qxe8
30.Rxe8+ Rxe8 31.d6
Rd8 32.Qf6 Rd7 33.a4
Be6 34.Qd4 Rb7 35.h3
a5 36.Kh2 h5 37.Qe5
Rd7 38.Kg3 Kh7 39.f3
Bb3 40.Qb5 Be6 41.Qe5
Bb3 42.Qxa5 Rxd6
43.Qb4 Rd3 44.Qb5 h4+
45.Kh2 Re3 46.a5 Be6
47.a6 Ra3 48.Qb7 Rb3
49.Qe7 Rb5 50.a7 Ra5
51.Qxh4+
1-0
Leko,P
Kasparov,G
Bled Olympiad 2002
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-+-+(
7+-+-+-+-' 31
6-+P+k+N+&
5+-+-+-vl-%
4-+-+-zp-+$
3zp-+-+-+-#
2P+-+K+-+"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
With little time left on his
clock Peter Leko failed in
slaying the giant
(physically Kasparov is
small of course, but
mentally...!). The game
concluded: 53.Ne5??
[ The line 53.c7 Kd7
54.Nf8+ only leads to a
draw after Kc8! . ]
[ But reversing the
moves prevents this
defensive manoeuvre
and White wins by
53.Nf8+! Kd6 54.c7
Kxc7 55.Ne6+
and the bishop is lost. ]
53...Bd8 54.Nc4 Kd5 .
Later Leko was not too
bothered about missing
the win, as he felt that it
was just luck that he had
the chance in the first
place.
½-½
Tetenkina,I
Aagaard,J
Stockholm 2003
[Jacob Aagaard]
24...Qxc6??
[ Had I played 24...Rxc6
25.Nf6+ Rxf6 26.Qxf6
18
XABCDEFGHY
8-+r+r+k+({
7+-+-+pzPp' 32
6p+N+-+p+&
5+pwqN+-+-%
4-+-+-+-+$
3+-+-+QzPP#
2P+-+-zPK+"
1+-+R+-+-!
xabcdefghy
Qe7 27.Qxa6 Qe4+
28.Kg1 Qf3 29.Rf1 Qf5
, I would never have
been able to lose the
game. Instead I swam
like an axe, as the
Russians say. ]
25.Nf6+ Kxg7 26.Qxc6!
This simple move is easy
to overlook. When you
can take a rook with
check why would you want
to exchange queens?!
Rxc6 27.Nxe8+ Kf8
28.Nd6 Rc2 29.a4 bxa4
30.Ra1 Ke7 31.Ne4 Rc4
32.Kf3 f5 33.Nd2 Rc3+
34.Ke2 a3 35.Ra2
1-0
Blundell,D
Diagrammes 1994
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-+-+(
7+-+-+-+-' 33
6-+-+-+-+&
5+-+-zp-+k%
4-+-+Pzp-+$
3+-+-+-+-#
2-+N+-+-+"
1+K+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
1.Na1! The white king
needs the c4-square in
order to win the game,
[ as can be seen in the
analysis of the
alternative: 1.Na3? f3
2.Nc4 Kh4!
( Black needs only to
avoid the mined square
g4 in order to make the
draw; 2...Kg5!? 3.Kc2
Kg4 4.Kd3 f2 5.Nd2
Kf4 is also sufficient,
transposing below )
A) 3.Kc1 Kg3 4.Kd2
f2 5.Ne3 Kf3 6.Kd3
Kg3 and White cannot
win.;
B) 3.Kc2 Kg4 4.Kd3
Kf4 5.Nd2 f2 6.Ke2
f1Q+ 7.Kxf1 Ke3
and White cannot
win.;
C) 3.Kb2 Kh3 4.Kc3
( or 4.Kb3 Kg2 5.Kc2
f2 6.Ne3+ Kf3 7.Kd3
Kg3 and White cannot
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
win ) 4...Kg3! Karpov,A
and White is in Kasparov,G
zugzwang. Had the Skelleftea 1989
knight been on b3 here, [Jacob Aagaard]
then 5 Kc4! would win
without any resistance, XABCDEFGHY
as can be seen after 1 8-+lwq-tr-+(
Na1.; 7+pzp-+-mk-' 35
D) , and now: 3.-- ] 6-+-zp-vlp+&
1...f3 2.Nb3 Kg4 3.Kc2 5+-+Pzp-snp%
Kg3 4-zPP+PzpP+$
[ If 3...Kf4 4.Kd3 Kg3 3+NsN-+P+R#
5.Ke3 Kg2 6.Nd2 f2 2-+-+L+K+"
7.Ke2 Kg3 8.Kf1 wins. ] 1+-wQ-vL-+-![
4.Kc3 Kg4 5.Kc4 Kg3 xabcdefghy
6.Kd5 Kf4 7.Nd2 f2 29.Rh2!
8.Nf1 and White wins. [ No matter which White
1-0 plays, Black will consider
29.-- hxg4 30.fxg4 f3+
31.Bxf3 Nxf3 32.Qh6+
Ponomariov,R Kf7 33.Kxf3 ( 33.Qh7+
Al Modiahki,M Bg7 makes no
FIDE World Ch., Las Vegas (analysis) difference ) 33...Rh8
[Jacob Aagaard] . When you see this plan
it should be possible to
XABCDEFGHY find the difference
8-+l+-+k+({ between the two white
7+pvl-+-+p' 34 rook moves and avoid
6-+n+p+-+& losing instantly –
5zP-+-+-+-% White's primary ambition
4-+-+P+ptr$ here. ]
3+-zP-+-zp-# [ If 29.Rh1? hxg4
2-+Q+-+LzP" 30.fxg4 ( 30.Bh4 gxf3+
1+-+-+R+K! 31.Bxf3 Nxf3 32.Bxf6+
xabcdefghy Qxf6 33.Kxf3 g5
31...Bb8! The right square, gives Black a strong
as the following line attack according to
shows: 32.Rd1 Ba7 Kasparov ) 30...f3+!
33.h3 Forced. gxh3 31.Bxf3 Nxf3 32.Qh6+
34.Qd3 Kf7 33.Kxf3 Rh8!
[ If 34.Bf3 Ne5 35.Rd8+ skewering queen and
Kg7 and White has no rook and winning the
defence against ...Nxf3 game. ]
followed by ...g2+. ] 29...hxg4 30.fxg4 Rh8
34...hxg2+ 35.Kxg2 Rh2+ [ Now the line is less
36.Kxg3 Bb8+! appealing: 30...f3+
Had the bishop been at c5, 31.Bxf3 Nxf3 32.Qh6+
there would be no check Kf7 33.Kxf3 Rh8
on d6. These kind of 34.Qd2! is the subtle
things cannot be predicted difference. With the rook
easily, but can be on h2 White can defend
understood using the it with this retreat. Now
method of comparison he quite possibly stands
simultaneously with better, e.g. Bg5 35.Qg2
accurate calculation. Now Qf6+ 36.Ke2 Rxh2
Black wins after: 37.e5 37.Qxh2 Bxg4+ 38.Kd3
Bxe5+ 38.Kg4 Bxc3! Qf1+ 39.Kc2 Qxe1
And White has no defence; 40.Qh7+ and the best
e.g. 39.Qxc3 e5+ 40.Kg5 Black can hope to
Kg7! 41.Rd6 h6+ achieve is the perpetual
42.Rxh6 Rxh6 check after Kf8 41.Qxc7
and Black should win the Qf2+ 42.Kb1 Qf1+
endgame without too 43.Kb2 Qf2+ , though
much trouble. White can still go for a
1-0 full point with 44.Ka3!?
Qa7+ 45.Na4!
– here we see why the
king needed to go to f8
and not f6; an act of
comparison again –
Black's only move is
Be7! defending the d-
pawn, and keeping the
position afloat for now. ]
31.Bh4 f3+! 32.Bxf3
Nxf3 33.Bxf6+ Qxf6
34.Rxh8 Kxh8 35.Kg3
g5?
[ As Kasparov showed
later, 35...Kg8! 36.Qe3
Nd4 was the correct
winning sequence, when
White has:
A) 37.g5 Qh8!!
and Black wins
(Kasparov).;
B) 37.Ne2 Nxe2+
38.Qxe2 Qf4+
and Black has a very
serious advantage.
One idea is 39.Kh4
Qh6+! 40.Kg3 g5!
and Black will win the
g-pawn and the
game.;
C) 37.Nd2!?
was suggested by
someone at
ChessBase as OK for
White, but this is not
the case: Nc2 38.Qf3
Qg5! ( an improvement
from Fritz on
38...Qxf3+ 39.Nxf3
Nxb4 ) 39.Nf1 Ne1
40.Qe2 Qf4+ 41.Kh3
Nf3 42.Qg2 Ng5+
43.Kh4 Nh7 44.Ne2
Qg5+ and Black wins a
pawn and presumably
also the game.;
D) 37.-- ]
36.Ne2 Kg7
[ Not 36...Kh7?? 37.Qf1!
and White wins. ]
37.Qh1
[ Now 37.Qf1
is answered by Bxg4!
38.Qh1 Nh2!
and Black wins
(Kasparov). ]
37...Nd4?
[ 37...Nh4! would still
have kept White under
pressure, according to
Kasparov. ]
38.Nbxd4 exd4 39.Qd1!
Qe5+ 40.Kf3 Qf6+
41.Kg3 Qe5+ 42.Kf3
Qf6+
½-½
Afek #2
Pfeiter JT 1981
[Jacob Aagaard]
(Diagram 36)
1.g7+
[ All other legal moves
can quickly be
disregarded:
19
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-+rmk(
7zP-+-+-+-' 36
6-+-+-mKP+&
5+-+-+-zP-%
4-+-+-+-+$
3+-+-+-+-#
2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
1.Kf7 Rg7+ ]
[ 1.Ke6 Kg7 ]
[ 1.a8Q Rxa8 2.g7+
Kg8! and in all cases
Black wins without a fight.
1 g7+ at least needs a
few moves of
calculation. ]
1...Kh7 2.g6+
[ Same story. If 2.a8Q
Rxa8 3.g6+ Kg8!
and Black wins. This
could be eliminated
simply because it gives
the opponent more
opportunities. ]
2...Kh6 3.a8Q Again the
only move. Rxa8 4.Kf7
And again. Ra7+
You should have made it
this far just by eliminating
the alternatives. 5.Kg8!
This idea needs to be seen.
But as you could easily
calculate this far without
any chance to find any
alternatives on the way,
this is no longer so hard to
find. And here again
elimination would be
sufficient to solve the
problem, even if you used
elimination from all legal
moves. Rxg7+
[ 5...Kxg6 6.Kh8
is little different. ]
6.Kh8 Ra7 7.g7 Rxg7
stalemate.
½-½
Afek #3
Schach-Herold 1983
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-+N+(
7+-+-mK-mk-' 37
6-+-+-+-+&
5+-+-+Pzp-%
4-+-+-+P+$
3+-+-+-zPr#
2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
1.f6+ No other moves
make much sense,
[ although 1.Nf6
should be calculated:
Rh2 2.Ne8+ Kh6 3.f6
Re2+ 4.Kf8 Kh7 5.f7
Re3 and there is no way
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
for White to make
progress. If he ever gets
his knight to e7 and king
to e8, then ...Kg7 will
easily stop all the fun. ]
1...Kg6 2.f7 Again White
does not have a serious
alternative.
[ If 2.Ke6 Rh1 3.Ne7+
Kh7 4.Kf5!? ( or 4.f7
Kg7 5.Nf5+ Kf8
and White can never
hope to win ) 4...Kh6!
and Black makes a draw.
So this line can be
eliminated. ]
2...Rh7 3.Nh6 Again the
only move that makes any
sense,
[ as 3.Ke6 Rxf7 4.Ne7+
Kg7 5.Nf5+ Kg6
is only a draw. ]
3...Kxh6 4.Ke8
Again no alternatives.
Rh8+
[ If 4...Kg6 5.f8N+!
and White wins ( but not
5.f8Q? Rh8!!
with a draw: 6.Ke7 Rxf8
7.Kxf8 Kf6 . )]
5.f8R! Once again a
question of elimination.
[ Not 5.f8Q+? Kg6!
and White cannot win. ]
5...Rh7
[ If 5...Rxf8+ 6.Kxf8 Kg6
7.Ke7 Kg7 8.Ke6 Kg6
9.Ke5 and White wins
the pawn ending. ]
6.Rf6+ Forcing the winning
pawn ending. Kg7 7.Rf7+
and White wins.
1-0
Gurevich,M
Mikhalevski,V
Antwerp 1999
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+r+-+({
7zpp+-+-mk-' 38
6-+-tr-+-+&
5+-wq-+-zpQ%
4l+-sN-+-+$
3+P+-zPPzP-#
2P+-+-+LzP"
1+-+R+-mK-!
xabcdefghy
Black was in time trouble
and lost the game
immediately. What he
should have done, had he
had the time, was to
perform an elimination of
the different possibilities.
Here Black could select
from a long line of
possibilities: 28...--
[ 28...Rh8 29.Qg4 Bd7
30.Qe4 Re8 31.Qxb7
20
Rxe3 ( 31...Kg8 XABCDEFGHY [ However, in the game
looks better for White, 8r+-mklvl-tr( Black was oblivious to
but is not completely 7zpp+-+p+p' 39 White's main threat:
clear, so we remember 6-wq-+-+-+& 23...h6?? 24.Qd7+!
this for later ) 5+-+psN-zP-% 1-0 ]
, when White needs to 4-+-zp-+-+$ 1-0
find 32.b4! (and so does 3wQ-+L+-zP-#
Black of course) and 2PzP-+-mK-zP"
now after Qb6 33.Qxb6 1+-tR-tR-+-![ Alexander
Rxb6 34.b5 White has xabcdefghy Marshall
the advantage. ] [ If 23...Bxa4? 24.Nxf7+ Cambridge 1928
[ 28...Bd7 is met strongly Kd7 25.Bf5+ wins. [Jacob Aagaard]
by 29.f4! when Black Instead Black has a
has only Rxe3 large number of moves. XABCDEFGHY
30.Qxg5+ Qxg5 31.fxg5 Many of them can be 8r+lsn-trk+(
Kg6 (otherwise Nf5+) rejected immediately 7+-+-+p+p' 40
32.Bxb7 Bg4 33.Rd2 because they do not 6-wqp+-zp-wQ&
Kxg5 34.Bg2 pay attention to White's 5zppvl-zpP+-%
and since it is not main threat (supposing 4-+-zpP+-sN$
possible to find Black sees what that is!), 3zP-sNP+-zP-#
something clear for but there are some that 2LzPP+K+-zP"
Black here, probably need to be calculated. ] 1tR-+-+R+-![
White simply has three [ 23...Qxb2+? 24.Rc2! xabcdefghy
pawns for the exchange Bxa4 ( 24...Qxc2+ 1.--
and hence excellent 25.Qxc2! ) 25.Nxf7+ Kd7 [ The natural first try is
chances of winning the 26.Bf5# . ] 1.Rf4 exf4 2.gxf4
game. ] [ 23...Qe6? 24.Qb3 , but Black can defend
[ 28...Rxe3 looks bad ( 24.Bb5!? himself with dxc3
because of 29.Nf5+ is also strong ) 24...Rb8 . This line can now be
Qxf5 ( Black can quickly 25.Nc6+! and White is improved upon. ]
eliminate 29...Kf6 clearly better. ] [ One try is 1.Nd5
30.Qh6+ Kxf5 31.Bh3+ [ But Black has two good , but after cxd5 2.Rf4
Ke5 32.Qxg5# ) 30.Rxd6 moves at hand. Both are exf4 3.gxf4 Kh8
Re1+ 31.Kf2 . This does very complicated, so it the black queen
not look too good for makes sense to try to suddenly protects f6. ]
Black, but he can come refute them, when it will [ So the right move is:
up with Qc2+!! 32.Kxe1 quickly become apparent 1.Na4! and White wins
Qc1+ 33.Kf2 ( 33.Rd1? which one offers Black because of bxa4 2.Rf4
Qe3+ 34.Kf1 Bb5+ the best chances: exf4 3.gxf4 and Black
and mates ) 33...Qc5+ 23...Bc5!? 24.Nxf7+! has no defence; e.g. Ne6
and Black has perpetual (this combination is the 4.Rg1+ Ng5 5.Rxg5+
check. While this is not reason for eliminating fxg5 6.f6 etc.
so easy to determine, it this line) Bxf7 25.Bf5 That White should also
is clear that of the Qc6! ( Black needs to win after the more
three this is the line return the piece; if modest 1 Nd1 or 1 Qxf6
Black should go for. ] 25...d3+? 26.Kg2 Qxb2+ is not important. ]
[ However, there is a 27.Kh1 b5 28.Qa5+ 1-0
fourth line which could Bb6 29.Qa6 and Black
quickly have been will have to part with
eliminated from the list his queen to prevent Naes,F
of candidates. mate on c8 ) 26.Qxc6 Raetsky,A
28...Rh6? This loses in bxc6 27.Rxc5 Bg6 Taastrup 2002
one move: 29.Qg4 28.g4 Rf8 29.Re5 Bxf5 [Jacob Aagaard]
(the bishop on a4 is 30.gxf5 Kd7
hanging, and White and the endgame is XABCDEFGHY
threatens 30 Nf5+ as roughly even. ] 8-+-+-+-+({
well) Bd7?! 30.Qxd7+ [ 23...Be7! forces White 7+-+-mk-+-' 41
1-0 ] to retreat with 24.Qd1 6-+-+p+-+&
1-0 , after which the position 5zp-sn-+p+-%
is at least no worse for 4PzpLtR-+p+$
Black. ( It is important 3+P+-zP-zP-#
Solak,D that 24.Nxf7+ Bxf7 2-+-+KzP-+"
Kozamernik,J 25.Bf5 no longer works 1+-+-+-tr-!
Ljubljana 2003 due to Be8! . This is the xabcdefghy
[Jacob Aagaard] major difference to 23... 38...--
Bc5, and why 23...Be7 [ On 38...Ne4!?
is stronger. We do not White has prepared a
(Diagram 39) need to see anything fortress with 39.Rxe4
further to appreciate fxe4 40.Kd2 . The idea
23.Qa4!? This queen that 23...Be7 is clearly is that Black cannot
sacrifice obviously cannot the better of the options easily get the king into
be accepted. -- at hand. )] play, but if he is able to
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
sacrifice the exchange
on c4, then he will have
a won pawn ending,
because of the extra
move ...e6-e5. White
would therefore try to
get his bishop to d1 in
order to secure the draw.
Black could try to
calculate the lines to the
end to see if it is
possible for White to
establish a fortress or
not – and actually it isn't:
Rb1 41.Kc2 ( if 41.Ke2
Rc1! wins, because Bc4-
e2 is not possible )
41...Ra1 42.Kd2 ( if
42.Be2 Ra2+ 43.Kd1
Rb2 wins ) 42...Ra2+
43.Ke1 Rb2 44.Kf1 Kf6
(the black king moves to
protect all the pawns
before the final
manoeuvring) 45.Ke1
Kf5 46.Kf1 Rb1+
47.Kg2 ( if 47.Ke2 Rc1!
wins ) 47...Rc1 48.Be2
Kg5 and White is now in
zugzwang. If he moves
the bishop then 49...Rc3
wins more or less on the
spot, or if 49.Kh2 then
Rc2 and it is all over.
However, as Raetsky
correctly pointed out
after the game, this is
too much calculation for
any human to do in the
five minutes he had left
on the clock. So to
avoid that he made a
simple move which he
was still very upset
with after the game: ]
[ 38...Rb1?? 39.Rd1!
(because of this Black's
last move could have
been eliminated from
the calculation) Rb2+
40.Rd2 Rb1 41.Rd1
Rb2+ 42.Rd2 Rxd2+
43.Kxd2 Kd6 44.Ke2
Ke5 45.Kd2 Kf6 46.Ke2
Kg5 47.Kd2 Ne4+
48.Ke1 e5 49.Bd5 Nc5
50.Ke2 f4 51.e4 Kf6
52.Kd2 Ke7 53.Ke2
Kd6 54.Kd2 Nd7
55.Kd3 Nf6 56.Bf7 Kc5
57.Bg6 fxg3 58.fxg3
Ng8 59.Bf5 Nf6 60.Ke3
Kd6 61.Kd3 Nh5
62.Bxg4 Nxg3 63.Bf3
Kc5 64.Ke3 Nf1+
65.Kd3 Ng3 66.Ke3
½-½ ]
[ Raetsky's approach
was correct, but wrongly
executed. He eliminated
38...Ne4 because of the
possibility of the fortress,
21
and he was unsure we cannot pick up on their Beliavsky,A
whether or not he would ideas, it is because we Brondum,E
be able to break it down. ourselves are left in the Copenhagen 2002
Remember it is one thing dark. Black was surprised [Jacob Aagaard]
to work this out in by this move, which he
analysis, it is quite himself would have found XABCDEFGHY
another to do so over instantly, had he been 8r+q+l+k+(
the board. given the chance. 7+-+-+pvl-' 42
We can argue that he [ Black seems to have 6-+p+-+p+&
should have eliminated prepared for something 5+pzPp+-vL-%
38...Rb1 quickly because like: 4-zP-zP-wQN+$
of 39 Rd1 (which he 13.a3 Qb6 14.Na4 Qa7 3+-+-+-+-#
obviously missed) and 15.Bc7?! ( 15.Rc1!? e5 2-+-+-zPP+"
instead played 38...Ne4, 16.Rxc6 bxc6 17.Bxe5 1+-+-tR-mK-![
because then at least with compensation is xabcdefghy
there was a chance of possible ) 15...b5 16.Nb6 30.Re5!! By preventing
winning (at no risk), Qxc7 17.Nxa8 Qb7 Black's defensive idea
while after 38...Rb1 the with a clear advantage White's attack
game is quite obviously for Black. ] immediately becomes
going to be a draw. [ 13.e5 dxc3 14.bxc3 decisive. Bd7 There is
However, as Raetsky Qb6 15.exf6 nothing Black can do to
himself pointed out after with unclear play. ] defend himself.
the game, Black had a 13...exd5 [ After 30...Bxe5 31.dxe5
much stronger move, [ If 13...Nxd5 14.exd5 Ra1+ 32.Kh2 f5
which can probably only exd5 15.Bxd5 Be6 33.Nf6+ Kf7 34.Qh4
be found after seeing 16.Bxe6 fxe6 17.Qh5+ Qa8 35.Qh7+ Ke6
the faults in 38...Rb1 g6 18.Qg4 and White 36.Nh5 the attack on the
and 38...Ne4; that is would be a little better. ] dark squares will be
38...Rc1! which will win 14.exd5 Nd8? Black is decisive. ]
the game without too drifting. This is actually a 31.Nf6+ Kf8 32.Re1!
much counterplay. Had form of forcing thinking: Black cannot answer the
Raetsky looked for new because Black intuitively threat of Qd6 mate in a
ideas in the position wants to hang on to his satisfactory manner, and
before making his move, extra piece he analyses therefore decided to call it
and not after the the wrong moves. a day.
opponent's reply, he [ Instead after 14...Bg4 1-0
would have found this. 15.Qd3 Nxd5 16.Bxd5
On the other hand, he Be6 ( if 16...Rd8 17.Qe4
would not have played with an attack ) 17.Bxe6 test position 8
38...Rb1 had he not fxe6 18.Rxe6 0-0 Inside the Chess Mind 2004
overlooked 39 Rd1, but 19.Rc1 White is only a [Jacob Aagaard]
instead used more of little bit better. ]
his precious remaining 15.d6 XABCDEFGHY
minutes on finding the [ Even the weird 15.Qxd4 8rsnlwqkvl-tr({
best move in the was possible: after 0-0 7zpp+-+pzpp' 43
position. ] 16.d6 Bxd6 17.Bxd6 6-+p+-sn-+&
½-½ Qxd4 18.Nxd4 Re8 5+-+-zP-+-%
19.Be7 White has a clear 4P+Lzp-+-sN$
advantage. ] 3+-sN-+-+-#
A32 15...Ne6 16.dxe7 Qb6 2-zP-+-zPPzP"
Raetsky,A [ If 16...Qxe7 17.Nxd4 1tR-vLQmK-+R!
Jakobsen,O 0-0 18.Nxe6 Bxe6 xabcdefghy
Taastrup 2002 19.Bd6 wins ] 1...-- .
[Jacob Aagaard] [ or 16...Nxf4 17.gxf4 "The last moves must
Ng8 18.Nxd4 Nxe7? have been ...d4 and e5,
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.Nf3 19.Nc6! and White so let me see. White is
cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6 5.Nc3 wins. ] one pawn down. He has
e6 6.g3 Qc7 7.Bg2 17.Rc1 three minor pieces in play.
Qxc4 8.Bf4 Nc6 9.Nb3 [ 17.Be5!? Kxe7 Black has just one, the
Qb4 10.0-0 d5 11.Re1!? 18.Bxd4 also wins. ] knight on f6.
Be7 12.e4 d4 17...Kxe7 18.Bc7 Qa7 What does Black want?
[ 12...dxe4 13.Bc7!? e3 19.Nxd4 Kf8 20.Nxe6+ There are some problems
14.Rxe3 0-0 15.h3 Na7 Bxe6 21.Qd6+ Kg8 in the position. For
16.Rc1 Nb5 17.a3 Nxc3 22.Rxe6 instance: If the d-file
18.Rcxc3 with an attack 1-0 opens, then Bxf7+ could
in G.Kasparov-V. be a problem at some
Kramnik, Moscow (blitz point. If the knight on f6
match) 2001. ] moves, then Nh4 is
13.Nd5! This was White's hanging.
intention. Usually when White is close to castling,
we think our opponents while Black needs one
are playing bad moves, but more move. So it should
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
probably be one of Black's
objectives: to get the king
into safety. But let me first
check the candidate
moves. Obviously both
knights are hanging.
[ 1...dxc3 is one move. ]
[ Another candidate is
1...Bb4 . ]
[ One more is 1...Qa5
, but I am not sure if
this is any good. ]
[ 1...Qe7 seems a bit odd
after 2.0-0 . Then dxc3
3.exf6 leaves White fully
developed. ]
[ Let us start by looking at
1...dxc3 . ]
[ There might be other
candidates like 1...Qb6
, but let us first look at
the normal moves. ]
[ 1...dxc3 2.Bxf7+ Kxf7
3.Qxd8 cxb2
, threatening ...Bb4+.
Okay... ]
[ 1...dxc3 2.Bxf7+ Ke7
3.exf6+ and something
nasty, I suppose. Okay. ]
[ 1...dxc3 2.Bxf7+ Kxf7
3.Qxd8 cxb2 – ( oh
3...Bb4 straight away )
. No, I think I will take on
b2. Take, take, take. If
4.Bxb2 Bb4+ then
5.Qd2 and Bxd2+
and it is ok. This is
probably not what you
want to do. White will
take on f6 and Black has
a horrible pawn structure,
so it is probably not good.
(JA: It is not clear to
me exactly what line Ivo
was looking at here.
Maybe 2 Qxd8+ – see
the following.)
So White has the
advantage in both 2
Bxf7+ and the 2 Qxd8+
line. ]
[ So do you want to play
1...Bb4 ? This is
interesting. At least
there is no more threat
of Bxf7+ if I take on c3.
So Black cannot escape
the pin. Now he can take
on f6, he can castle, he
can play Qb3. If 2.Qb3
then even Nd5 3.Bxd5
Bxc3+ and then both d5
and h4 are hanging, and
I can castle. So 2 Qb3 is
not so dangerous. ]
[ What you probably do is
1...Bb4 2.0-0 dxc3
3.exf6 0-0 and then you
cannot... Well, you can
play 4.fxg7 , well, it is a
bad position. ]
[ 1...Bb4 . Okay, let us
say that you play 2.0-0
and I play 0-0 3.exf6
. Okay not very... ]
[ 1...Bb4 2.0-0 dxc3
threatening to exchange
queens. 3.Qxd8+ Kxd8
4.exf6 . And then I can
play... Hmm. I will just
go back again. ]
[ 1...Bb4 2.0-0 dxc3
3.Qxd8+ Kxd8 4.exf6
. I might play gxf6
in this line. ( Or 4...Be6
, but White is still
better in this line. )]
[ So what I would like to
do is to play something
more active like 1...Ng4
, possibly. Okay, the
knight is hanging on h4.
So what do you do after
1...Ng4? You save the
knight on h4, not by
playing in to f5. You can
play 2.Qf3
, threatening... Because
then Qxh4
is not possible – 3.Qxf7+
.]
[ 1...Ng4 2.Qf3 Qxh4
3.Qxf7+ Kd8 . Okay, try
again. ]
[ 1...Ng4 . Okay, if he
plays 2.Nf3
or something, I will play
Bb4 and I castle, without
problems. ( Or maybe I
will play 2...Bc5 . )]
[ 1...Ng4 2.Ne4 Bb4+
, and you got a pretty
normal position. Black
is still a pawn up, so... ]
[ 1...Ng4 . The critical
line is maybe 2.Qf3
Qxh4 3.Qxf7+ Kd8
and maybe 4.h3 ( or
4.e6; , or 4.Ne4
. Black should be able
to hold this position. If
the knight goes away
from c3 you got a check
on b4. And ...Rf8 is
coming up. )]
[ So 1...Ng4 . ]
[ Okay, so 1...dxc3
is not working. ]
[ 1...Bb4 gives a bad
position. ]
[ 1...Ng4 seems ok, very
sharp, but you can
probably survive the
attack. As White
cannot castle directly,
you can always sacrifice
a piece back with ...
Qxf2+ if you do not like it.
Black can probably
survive this position.
Are there other
candidates that I have
missed? ]
[ 1...Be7
is also interesting.
Missed that one. ]
[ 1...Be7 with the idea
2.exf6 Bxf6 and both
knights are hanging.
If you play 3.Nf3 then
dxc3 . ]
[ If 1...Be7 2.exf6 Bxf6
3.Qe2+ then Kf8
you can always escape
via g8 and h7. ]
[ If 1...Be7 2.Ne4 Nxe4
.]
[ If 1...Be7 2.0-0 then
0-0 as well without
ruining your pawn chain.
Yes, I like that move. ]
[ Let me just check if it
does not fail tactically.
1...Be7 2.exf6 Bxf6
3.Ne4 Bxh4 then 4.Bf4
is coming, maybe with
Nd6+, but you simply
play 0-0 and you are out
of harm's way. Let me
just check. ]
[ 1...Be7 2.exf6 Bxf6
. Another idea is to play
3.Qf3 because f7 is
hanging, but you play
0-0 . Okay, 4.Ne4 Bxh4
5.Qh5 . It is possible that
it gives some initiative.
But I can always play...
Okay – time up. ]
[ 1...Be7 is my first
choice ]
[ and my second choice
is 1...Ng4 ."
.]
B03
Lilja,R
Aagaard,J
Copenhagen 1989
[Jacob Aagaard]
1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4
d6 4.f4 dxe5 5.fxe5 Nc6
6.Bb5 Bd7 7.Bxc6?!
Bxc6 8.c4?
White's operation looked
promising: after the black
knight moves White is
looking forward to 9 d5.
Unfortunately Black had
an active defence. Ne3!
9.Bxe3 Bxg2 10.Ne2
Bxh1 11.Ng3 Bc6 12.d5
Bd7 13.e6 fxe6 14.Qh5+
g6 15.Qe5 Rg8 16.dxe6
White's compensation for
the exchange is coming to
an end. I could pretend
that both players in this
game were playing really
deep chess, and that
White had overestimated
his compensation here.
But that was not the case:
he simply overlooked 8...
22
Ne3 and tried to make the
most of it.
But let us turn to the
theme in focus here:
stepping-stones. In the
following there are a lot of
moves that are obviously
forced, which can be
found quickly by going
through the variations and
identifying the correct
ideas at each stop.
Whether or not you tried
to analyse my move (16...
Bg7), try now to follow the
rest of the game in your
head and create clear
focus at the stepping-
stone positions. Bg7!?
[ The easiest way to play
for Black was something
like 16...Bc8 17.Nc3
Bg7 18.Qe4 Bxc3+
19.bxc3 Qd6
which would have won
the game without too
much difficulty, but the
text move is also very
strong. Black gives up
a piece and in return
wins the b2-pawn and,
I thought, the a1-rook. ]
17.exd7+ Qxd7
Time for the first stepping-
stone position. By fixing
this position in your mind
you will be able to
continue your calculation
from here in several
directions, and return to
this position instead of the
original position with 16...
Bg7. Sometimes,
especially when you first
start to use this technique,
you will find it necessary
to update the stepping-
stone position from time to
time, because your
visualization of the
position is not very clear.
Here you have to look
around in order to find a
response to Black's piece
sacrifice. Only one move
gives White any chance of
resistance. 18.Qe4!
Only a threat to the b7-
pawn gives White any
hope of not just being two
exchanges down. Of
course 18 Qe4 would have
to be found, and being a
move for the opponent,
this is not so easy. Bxb2!
Without this Black's
combination starting with
16...Bg7!? does not make
any sense. So this is not
really a stepping-stone
position as such. To look
for a strong move on
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 23

every move does not in White tries to get his rook Now White can escape be able to look for
itself require a stepping- into play. the worst by means of a possibilities as easily as if
stone position to be [ The alternatives also small combination you were looking at a
visualized in our heads. needed to be checked to involving an exchange diagram, you'll have a
But once we begin to make sure they did not sacrifice. ] good idea about how
calculate variations they save White: 17.e5 dxe5 18.fxe5 Nd5 useful stepping-stones are.
are necessary. 19.Qxb7 27.Qe2 Re5! 28.Qxe3 19.Bxh7+ Kxh7 20.Rxd5 f5! The pawn ending is lost.
Rd8 Again the only moves Rxe3 and White cannot I had seen this position White cannot prevent the
that make sense from develop his queenside but failed to evaluate it h-pawn from queening.
both players. 20.Qxb2 without losing a piece, correctly. Bxd5 53.f4!? A nice try.
Qd1+ 21.Kf2 Rf8+ after which Black will [ Had I been in [ After 53.Kxe5 g4
22.Kg2 Qf3+ 23.Kh3 win easily with his reasonable form and 54.fxg4 fxg4 55.Kf4
[ Not 23.Kg1?? Rd1+ material advantage. ] able to fix the position in gxh3 56.Kf3 Kc7
and mates. ] [ 27.Qe4 Re5! 28.Qa8+ my head while searching White will soon run out
[ Here there would be no Kd7 29.Qh1 Rf8 for candidates here, I of moves. ]
need to calculate much and Black has a winning would have seen that 53...exf4 54.Ke5 g4
further: after 23.Kh3 attack. ] my intended 20...Bxg5 55.hxg4 h3! The pawn
Qxe3 Black regains his 27...Rd4 28.Qe2 is useless because of cannot be stopped.
piece with a very clear [ Not 28.Ra3 Qh6+ . ] 21.Qd3+ and White wins. [ White was pinning his
advantage. This could 28...Rh4+!! So I had to accept a last hopes on 55...fxg4
be enough to decide A nice sacrifice which position with opposite- 56.Kxf4 h3 57.Kg3 Kc7
upon this line rather drags the white king coloured bishops and 58.f3 and draws.
than 16...Bc8 – further into the open. roughly even chances, So in fact White could
subjectively it depends 29.Kxh4 where my grandmaster not improve his position
whether Black prefers to [ If 29.Kg2 Rf2+ 30.Qxf2 opponent outplayed me and should have been
keep the initiative or Rxh2+ 31.Kxh2 Qxf2+ in mutual time trouble. ] content with a draw.
defend with more 32.Kh3 Qb2 and Black 21.Bxe7 Re8 22.Bb4 Using stepping-stones
material. But objectively, wins decisive material. ] Kg8 23.Qe3 f6 24.Bd6 was one way of finding
it should be a matter of 29...Qh6+ 30.Nh5 Qc4 25.exf6 Nxf6 26.h3 that out. ]
which lines are most [ Or 30.Kg4 Rf4# . ] a5 27.g4 Rc8 28.Be5 0-1
reliable. As 16...Bc8! 30...Rxh5+ 31.Kg4 Rh4+ Nd7 29.Bd4 Qc7 30.Qg5
does not take much 32.Kg3 Qg5+ 33.Kf2 e5 31.Nc1 exd4
calculation, it should Rxh2+ 34.Ke1 Rxe2+ 32.Qxd5+ Kf8 33.Qf5+ D27
therefore be preferred. If [ More precise was Nf6 34.g5 d3 35.gxf6 Riazantsev,A
it was less clear, then 34...Qc1+ 35.Qd1 Qe3+ 1-0 Arbakov,V
this would be where we with mate next move. Voronezh 2003
would end our But Black won easily [Jacob Aagaard]
calculation of 16...Bg7. anyway. ] Brynell,S
Now, however, we have 35.Kxe2 Qe5+ Hellborg,T 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3
a new position for and White resigned after a Swedish League 2002 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Bxc4 c5
calculation, where we few more moves. [Jacob Aagaard] 6.0-0 a6 7.Bd3 Nc6
would not necessarily go 0-1 8.Nc3 cxd4 9.exd4 Be7
for the simple 23...Qxe3, XABCDEFGHY 10.Bg5 0-0 11.Rc1 b6
even though we had 8-+r+-+-+( 12.Re1 Bb7 13.Bb1 Rc8
previously ended our Hebden,M 7+-+nmkp+-' 45 14.a3 Re8 15.Qd3 g6
calculation with this Aagaard,J 6p+-+-+-+& 16.Bh6 Rc7 17.Ba2 Rd7
move. Now it is time for Port Erin 2003 5+-zP-zp-zp-% 18.Rcd1 b5 19.b4 Bf8
an improvement to the [Jacob Aagaard] 4N+K+-+-zp$ 20.Bg5 Be7 21.d5!?
variation. ] 3zP-+-+P+P# A natural reaction.
23...Rf5! The immediate XABCDEFGHY 2-+-+-zP-+" However, even in his
threat of ...Rh5 mate 8-+-+k+-tr({ 1+-+R+-+-![ annotations in Informator,
forces White to look for a 7+lwqnvlpzpp' 44 xabcdefghy Riazantsev does not give
defence. Again this 6p+-zppsn-+& 49.Rxd7+? Kxd7 an accurate picture of the
position could be a useful 5+p+-+-vL-% 50.Nb6+ Kc7 51.Nxc8 position.
stepping-stone. White 4-+-+PzP-+$ Kxc8 52.Kd5 All of this [ 21.Qe3! , with the plan
only has one chance. 3zPNzPL+-+-# was indeed forced. of 22 Qf4, was better, as
24.Qh8+ Kd7 25.Qd4+ 2-+P+Q+PzP" White's move was the only it is not easy to see
Kc8 26.Qg4 Qxe3 1+K+RtR-+-! one that made sense and how Black can improve
Black now regains one of xabcdefghy now it looks as if he is just his position.
his sacrificed pieces and 16...0-0? This was simply winning. After the text Black
White cannot defend. This a matter of being unable By taking this position as should start by selecting
would be the moment for to maintain the stepping- a stepping-stone, White his candidates. There
another stepping-stone in stone position in my head. would have been able to are two that
our calculation at move 23. [ 16...Nb6 was much see that Black has one, immediately spring to
White now has several stronger and would and only one idea that mind: the two different
possibilities and it would have prevented White's gives him counterplay. captures on d5, with
be necessary to calculate subsequent counterplay. Looking at the diagram the knight and with the
them all in order to After something like you should probably be pawn. But we should
choose between 23...Qxe3 17.Na5 Ba8 18.Qd2 0-0 able to see the also look outside the box
or 23...Rf5. Here we shall 19.e5 dxe5 20.fxe5 breakthrough pretty quickly. for extra opportunities,
only concentrate on the Nfd5 21.Bxe7 Qxe7 So if you imagine that with to see the position as it
game continuation. 27.a4 Black is close to winning. stepping-stones you would really is and not through
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 24

the mirror of our learn from our can improve his only see simple lines like
preconceptions. mistakes. (Then we position in a lot of lines. 27.Rxd7!? ( though I
Arbakov failed to do so would discover that, This is by no means quite like Riazantsev's
during the game, and although Black is easy, but as we shall 27.Bd5! with a clear
Riazantsev does not uncomfortable, 26... see later, this was advantage, based on
seem to have paid Bb7 is by no means forced sooner or later Bxd5? 28.Qc3
attention to these extra forced and Black does in order to save the and White wins )
possibilities in his not have to sink like a game. 27...Nxd7 ( 27...Bxf3
annotations. ] stone.); However, the game is 28.Rxh7# ) 28.Qxb7
21...Nxd5?! It is easy to C) 24...-- ] still not completely lost Nxf6 29.Qf3 to convince
understand why [ With 21...exd5 out of for Black.; ourselves that this is
Riazantsev believes this the picture, it could be D) 22.-- ] bad for Black. ]
to be the right move. But easy to analyse 22.Nxd5 Bxg5 24.Rxe8+ Qxe8 25.Bxd5
now, let us look at the 21...Nxd5 a little and [ 22...exd5 23.Bxd5 We have reached another
position from the eyes of a play it as soon as we A) 23...Bxg5 critical position. Black
Black defender. see that it is at least no 24.Rxe8+ Qxe8 needs to list his
[ There are a few lines worse (elimination). If 25.Nxg5 Ne5 26.Qh3 candidates and think
that needs to be no other options existed, transposes to the outside the box as usual;
calculated: then yes. But we should game.; but first, why not just
21...exd5? take a fresh look at the B) . On the funny analyse the most obvious
can be quickly position and decide if we 23...Nb8 all we need to move in the position? Ne5
disregarded as White are really forced to see is 24.Bxf7+! Kxf7 This forces White's reply.
has a standard reaction, enter these lines 25.Ne5+ and it is hard 26.Qh3
well known to both initiated by White. For to believe that Black [ 26.Qb3? Bxd5
players: 22.Rxe7! Qxe7 there is a pin down the will survive. We just 27.Rxd5 Nc4! 28.Rd1
23.Nxd5 Rxd5 24.Bxd5 d-file to the white queen, have to look a little at Qe2 29.Rf1 Qxf1+
. This is forced, and we and although this should Black's options, before and Black wins should
have the first stepping- not be overestimated, it quickly realizing that not be difficult to
stone. It is possible to is still an important this is much more calculate. But actually,
evaluate this position as feature of the position. ] difficult than the game after 27...Nc4! Black
dangerous for Black and [ In his annotations continuation. For does not need to see
simply look for Riazantsev did not example: Kg8 any further: it is
alternatives and save mention a move I 26.Nxd7 Bxg5 obvious that he will not
time. But we could also consider to be a serious 27.Qb3+ Kg7 28.Qc3+ be worse off. ]
investigate this a bit alternative. Black could and White wins in a 26...h5 Forced.
further... have avoided a lot of large number of ways, [ If 26...Rxd5 27.Qxh7+
A) . Analysis of problems if he had such as Kh6 29.Ne5! Kf8 28.Rxd5 Nf3+
unforcing options (such stepped out of the threat Qc8 30.Nf7+ Kh5 29.Nxf3 Bxd5 30.Qh8+
as 24...Rd8 25.Qb1 of dxe6 and exf7+ with 31.Qg7! with a winning Ke7 31.Qe5+
Na5 26.Re1 Qd6 21...Kg7! when White attack. ( 31.-- ); and White is a clear
27.Qa1 and White is has no easy way to C) 23...-- ] pawn up and on his way
much better) quickly continue the attack. 23.Nxg5 to win the endgame.
convinces us that A) 22.Bxf6+ Bxf6 [ 23.Nf6+?! Bxf6 But before heading into
Black needs to look 23.Ne4 does not seem 24.Qxd7 Qb8! this variation it was
at something more to give White anything. would give Black important that we
direct.; After exd5 24.Nc5 decent compensation for stopped and really
B) . However, 24...Ne5 Rxe1+ 25.Rxe1 Rc7 the exchange. We looked for the
is answered by 26.Nxb7 Rxb7 needed to see this when opponent's opportunities
25.Nxe5 Bxd5 26.Re1 Black is equal, as we chose the 22...Bxg5 here. If we had done that
and it is easy to see 27.Bxd5?? Rd7! move order. ] we would have seen that
that White has the would lose at least a 23...exd5 Another easy White has a strong
initiative. Riazantsev pawn.; decision. continuation. ]
gives the following line B) 22.Qe3 exd5! [ We should of course 27.Qxd7!! Not really a
to show the dangers of ( but not 22...Nxd5? look for alternatives, but queen sacrifice, but rather
the position for Black: 23.Nxd5 exd5 it is easy to eliminate flashy all the same. Qxd7
Bb7 27.Qf1 Kg7 24.Bh6+ Kg8 25.Ng5! them: 28.Bxf7+ Qxf7 29.Nxf7
28.Re3 Qe6 29.Qa1 when the threat of 26 23...Qxg5 24.Nf6+ Nxf7
Qf5 30.Bh6+! Kxh6 Nxf7! forces Black to and Black does not [ If 29...Kxf7? 30.f4
( if 30...Kg8 31.h3! give up the exchange have enough for the and White wins. ]
with the irresistible with Rf8 ) 23.Bxf6+ exchange. ] 30.Rd7 Bc8 31.Rc7 Bf5
threat of 32 Ng4! ) Bxf6 24.Qxe8 Bxc3 [ 23...Nb8!? (again we 32.Rc6 White was able to
31.Nxf7+ Kg7 32.Nd6 25.Re2 d4 and here quickly find that Black win this endgame
and White wins. We Black has fine should avoid this) comfortably. This could
would not need to see compensation for the 24.Nxf7! Kxf7 ( if and should have been
all this during the game exchange.; 24...Rxf7 25.Nf4! calculated accurately by
to get the impression C) 22.Qd2 exd5 and White has a great Black. Unfortunately
that Black is under will transpose in most structural advantage ) Arbakov is not really
pressure. Rather it is lines. 25.Qf3+ Kg8 ( or interested in calculation.
something we should To see all of this we 25...Kg7 26.Qc3+ Kf7 His main strength is
analyse afterwards to would first have to 27.Ne3 and White is natural talent and,
improve our feeling for think up 21...Kg7 and clearly better ) 26.Nf6+ therefore, rapid chess, in
the position and to see that Black indeed Kh8 , and now we need which he does not need to
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
display any discipline. In even see this extra
normal chess he has been resource; but this is a
able to reach, on talent good day, so we see 27...
alone, the level of a Nb8! and, hopefully, the
normal grandmaster, but opponent's chances too)
not beyond that. Here 28.Qxh7+ Kf8 29.Qh6+!
talent was not enough and Qg7 ( unfortunately
his opponent simply out- forced, as after 29...Kg8
calculated him. Kg7 30.Bxf7+ Rxf7 31.Rd8+
33.Rxa6 Bc2 34.f4 Nh6 leads to mate; , or if
35.Kf2 Ng4+ 36.Kg3 Ne3 29...Ke7 30.Nf3! Rxd5
37.Rb6 Bd3 38.Kf2 Nd5 31.Re1 wins ) 30.Qxg7+
39.Rd6 Bc4 40.Kf3 Nc3 Kxg7 31.Bb3
41.Ke3 Nb1 42.Ra6 Bb3 and White is a pawn
43.Kd3 Kf7 44.Kd4 Ba4 up.
45.Ke5 Kg7 46.Ra7+ So 25...Kg7 is very
Kh6 47.Kf6 Nxa3 48.Ra8 tempting, but simple
Kh7 49.Kg5 Nc2 calculation will quickly
50.Ra7+ Kg8 51.Kxg6 determine that this move
Kf8 52.f5 Bb3 53.Ra8+ is no good. However, it
Ke7 54.f6+ Kd7 55.Rb8 would probably have
Kc6 56.Rc8+ Kd6 helped us to get a new
57.Rc3 . idea, a move far out of
So 25...Ne5?! was a the box which would
mistake. Probably this is have saved the game: ]
the first thing we would [ 25...Kf8! . This is in fact
see in our calculation, the only move. Black
even before we listed all avoids the two
the candidates, and this uncomfortable checks (at
should not have taken f7 or c3) and all the
more than a few minutes. forcing lines which lead
But as explained above, it to trouble.
is not likely that Arbakov A) . Of course White
used even this amount of can take the h-pawn,
time on his move. but this is not as
At some point Black would tempting as it seems.
have to list the candidates. After 26.Nxh7+ Kg7
. 27.Ng5 Ne5
(press F10 to continue) Black has basically
1-0 played both 25...Ne5
and 25...Kg7 (at the
cost of a meaningless
analysis Riazantsev-Arbakov pawn) and White is in
[Jacob Aagaard] trouble, e.g. 28.Qe4
( or 28.Qh3 Bxd5
XABCDEFGHY 29.Qh7+ Kf6 30.Qh6
8-+-+q+k+( Ke7 31.Qh4 f6 )
7+l+r+p+p' 46 28...f6 29.f4 fxg5
6p+n+-+p+& 30.fxe5 Qd8
5+p+p+-sN-% wins a piece.;
4-zP-+-+-+$ B) . Therefore White
3zP-+Q+-+-# might play something
2L+-+-zPPzP" careful like 26.Qb1
1+-+R+-mK-![ which can be
xabcdefghy answered with Qe7
25.Bxd5 -- and Black should be
[ 25...Nxb4? does not OK.;
work because of 26.Qh3 C) . Actually the most
h5 ( 26...Kg7 27.Qxh7+ dangerous move is
Kf6 28.Qh6 ) 27.Bxf7+! ] 26.f4! with strong
[ 25...Kg7? is another threats. In analysis it
idea, the point of which might eventually work
is to avoid Bxf7+ by out that Black's
stepping onto a dark position cannot be
square. However, it saved after all; for
should be easy to spot a instance there might
strong continuation for be a win in the
White: 26.Qc3+ Qe5 ( if endgame after Qd8
26...Ne5 27.Nxf7! 27.Nxh7+ Kg7 28.Ng5
wins a pawn ) 27.Qh3! Nxb4 29.Qc3+ Qf6
Nb8! (often we would 30.Qxf6+ Kxf6
just cave in here and not 31.Ne4+ Ke7 32.axb4
Rxd5 33.Rxd5 Bxd5
. But at least it is
difficult for White to
get the job done. As it
was Black lost without
much of a fight really.;
D) 26.-- ]
1-0
D32
Aagaard,J
Andersen,Ib
Copenhagen 1991
[Jacob Aagaard]
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3
c5 4.cxd5 cxd4?!
This gambit is not good,
even though it can at
times lead to interesting
games. 5.Qa4+ Bd7
6.Qxd4 exd5 7.Qxd5
Nc6 8.e3 Nf6 9.Qb3 Bc5
10.Nf3 Qe7 11.Be2 0-0-0
12.Bd2 Bf5 13.0-0 g5
14.Rfd1 g4 15.Nd4!
This is what White was
aiming at. By returning the
pawn he opens up the
black king's position and
should be able to prove
an advantage. Now it is
time to list the candidates.
As 15...Bd7 does not
make much sense, there
are only the three ways of
capturing the knight to
consider. All need to be
calculated accurately
once this has been
established.
The most important thing
to do in such a critical
moment is to organize the
moves that need to be
calculated in the right
order. It is logical to take
the most obvious move
first, since if this works,
it might be possible to
eliminate the alternatives
quickly, without
calculating them too
deeply.
[ 15.Nd4
A) 15...Bxd4? 16.exd4
Nxd4 is probably the
most obvious line to
look at first. But this
can be eliminated from
the candidates rather
quickly, as after
17.Qc4+ Qc7 ( or
17...Nc6 18.Nb5!
and Black lacks a good
response ) 18.Qxc7+
Kxc7 19.Bf4+ Kc8
20.Rxd4! Rxd4 21.Be5
and White wins
material. This line is
not too difficult, and
25
when calculated
carefully enough, it
should be apparent
after two minutes that
there is nothing to
search for here.
Because it is such an
obvious option, it could
be tempting to return to
it again and again.
However, while it might
make sense to return
to it once later, it is
now time to move on
and calculate the other
two options.
Depending on your
style, personality and
taste, you will choose
either the exchange
sacrifice or the more
passive line first.;
B) 15...Nxd4 16.exd4
and then:
B1) 16...Bxd4?
fails to a brilliant
combination:
17.Nb5!! ( not
17.Qc4+? Qc5!
and Black survives )
17...Qxe2 ( if
17...Bc5 18.Qc4
wins ) 18.Nxd4 Rxd4
19.Qc3+ Qc4
20.Rdc1!!
and White wins, as
after 20...Qxc3 21
Bxc3! the skewer
wins at least a rook.
Qxc3 21.Bxc3!
the skewer wins at
least a rook.;
B2) 16...Rxd4!
17.Rac1 Kb8 ( if
17...Rhd8? 18.Be3
Rxd1+ 19.Nxd1!
wins ) 18.Nb5 Rxd2
19.Qg3+ Bd6
20.Nxd6 Rxd1+
21.Rxd1 Ka8
and Black at least
does not lose
instantly. By
calculating all three
candidates in order,
you would probably
come to a conclusion
– and that should be
that this is the best
one possible. In the
game Black went for
the exchange
sacrifice.;
B3) 16...--;
C) 15...-- ]
15...Rxd4?! 16.exd4
Nxd4 17.Qc4 b5!?
This was Black's idea
behind the sacrifice. White
now has no choice.
18.Nxb5 Nxe2+
[ 18...Be6 19.Qd3 Bf5
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 26

does not force a draw, and then: ] Aagaard,J matter of character

though it might not be [ Actually I rejected Hofmann,M which way you want to
objectively weaker than 20.hxg3 because of Budapest 2003 win, i.e. by long
the text move. White Nxg3+ 21.fxg3 Ng4 [Jacob Aagaard] calculation or in a
has either to sacrifice which I believed was clearly winning endgame.
his queen with 20.Qxd4 winning for Black, but XABCDEFGHY Usually I would go for
(which is quite strong) 22.Nd4!! (found by 8-+r+-+k+( calculation, were the
( or find the combination Thomas Ernst) wins 7+-wq-+pzPp' 47 endgame not so easy. ]
20.Nxa7+ Qxa7 easily for White. This 6p+-+p+-+& 34...Rxb3+!? Desperation;
21.Qa6+ Qxa6 kind of defensive tactic 5+-sN-vllzP-% [ but after 34...Bxe4
22.Bxa6+ Kb8 23.Bf4+ later came in handy, as 4-zp-+-+-+$ 35.Qxf7+ Kh8 36.Qf6+
Ka7 24.Be5 and wins. )] can be seen below in my 3+-+-+-+-# Qxf6 37.gxf6
19.Kf1? Always, when game against Hofmann. ] 2PzPPtR-wQ-zP" the endgame is easily
moves seem to be too 20...Nxf4 21.Nd6+ 1+-mK-+R+-![ won for White. ]
obvious, we should pause. [ 21.Qxf4 Bg4 22.f3 xabcdefghy 35.cxb3 Qxb3+ 36.Ka1
Here White throws a Re8! gives Black the 29.Nd7! Bxb2+!? Qa4+ 37.Ra2 Qxe4
winning position away initiative. It does not [ Since 29...Bxg7 38.Re1
without even pausing for a take much calculation to 30.Nf6+ is nice for White, 1-0
second. dislike White's position. Black decides to go for
[ Instead after 19.Kh1! One line goes 23.Re1 the sacrifice, but White
Kb7 20.Re1 Black is gxh2 24.Qxh2 Be6 is fully prepared. ] Botvinnik,M
completely lost, whereas 25.Rxe6 fxe6 26.Rc1 30.Kxb2 Qc3+ 31.Kb1 Sorokin,N
now he has strong Kb7 27.b4 Ng4! 28.Qg3 b3 Black obviously thought USSR Championship, Moscow
counterplay. Equally, this Ne3+ 29.Ke2 Nf5 that this muddy position [Jacob Aagaard]
is the variation Black 30.Qe5 Bd6 31.Nxd6+ would give him a better
would have needed to Nxd6 and Black should chance than being an XABCDEFGHY
see in order to discard win eventually. ] exchange down with 8r+lwq-trk+(
15...Rxd4. ] 21...Kb8? Black misses limited counterplay. 7+p+nvlpzp-' 48
19...g3! Without this move his chance by thinking 32.Nf6+! An important in- 6p+-+p+-zp&
Black has nothing, but now inside the box. It appears between move, otherwise 5+-+-+-+n%
it becomes apparent that that no other moves exist, ...Bg4+ is possible. 4P+L+-+-vL$
the white king is far from but as so often before it is [ Not 32.axb3? Qxb3+ 3+-sN-zPN+-#
comfortable on f1. So the seemingly simple 33.Kc1 Qa3+ 2-zP-+QzPPzP"
what now for White? moves that are the with perpetual check, 1tR-+R+-mK-![
20.Bf4 It appears that both mistakes. since 34.Kd1 Bg4+ xabcdefghy
20 Bf4 and 20 hxg3 [ During the game I saw 35.Re2 Bxe2+ 36.Qxe2 15.Bxe7!
should objectively lead to no way to win against Rd8 gives Black a clear [ As explanation for his
a draw, but in the game 21...Qxd6!! 22.Rxd6 advantage. By decision he gave the
Black needs to prove it, gxh2 23.Qxc5+ Kb8 interposing the check on following line: 15.Ne5?!
which makes White's and, indeed, perpetual f6, White avoids all this. ] Bxh4 16.Qxh5 Qe7
choice clearly preferable. check is all there is. ] 32...Kxg7 33.axb3 Rb8!? 17.Nxd7 Bxd7 18.Rxd7
[ Instead 20.hxg3 22.Nxf5! I am quite pleased at Bxf2+! 19.Kxf2 Qxd7
is strongly met by Ng4! [ 22.Qxf4? having anticipated this 20.Rd1 and White is only
21.Qxe2 Qxe2+ looks dangerous, but idea. slightly better. I am
22.Kxe2 Black has Bg4! 23.f3 [ If instead 33...Qxb3+ sure that many a young
A) 22...Re8+ 23.Kf1? ( or if 23.Nf5+ Qc7! 34.Kc1 Qa2 35.Qd4! man would be really
Bd3+ 24.Kg1 Bxf2+ and all the white pieces ( 35.Kd1 Bxc2+ 36.Ke2 proud of himself if he
25.Kh1 Re5 are hanging – remember Qc4+ 37.Ke1 Bg6 had performed such a
and Black wins.; the threat of ...gxh2 ) 38.Qe3 also wins ) tactical operation,
B) 22...Re8+ 23.Kf3 23...Nh5!! 24.Qxg4 Qe3 35...Rxc2+ 36.Kd1 gaining bishop and
Ne5+ 24.Kf4 Bd7! 25.Ne4 Nf4 and Black and White wins. ] knight for rook. But the
25.a4 a6 26.Nc3 wins. ] 34.Ne4!? This move, fact is that, although
Ng6+ 27.Kg5 Re5+ 22...Qe4 23.Qxe4 Nxe4 which I found easily White is better, his
28.Kf6 Bd4 29.Kg7 24.hxg3 Now White can because I remembered advantage is not greater
Rh5+ 30.Kg8 Ne7+ relax. The resulting the analysis to Aagaard- than after the simple
31.Kf8 ( not 31.Kxf7?? endgame is better for him. Andersen above, is exchange. ]
Rf5+ 32.Kxe7 Bc5# ) Ne6 25.f3 Nf6 26.b4 probably the simplest. 15...Qxe7 16.Rd2!
31...Ng6+ Bb6 27.Rac1 h5 28.a4 [ The computer came up Black has no easy way of
with perpetual check.; a6 29.a5 with the much more freeing himself while
C) 22...Re8+ 23.Be3!? [ 29.Nd6! was even complex 34.Ka2 Rb5 White adds pressure. Nb6
Nxe3 24.fxe3 Rxe3+ stronger. ] 35.Nh5+ ( 35.Rd4 17.Rad1 Qc5 White was
25.Kd2 Rxg3 29...Ba7 30.Ne7 should also win, but I planning Rd2-d6.
gives Black excellent . Here Black lost on time. did not like this – it [ If instead 17...Bd7
compensation for the His position is worse, but seemed as if my king 18.Ne5 Nf6 19.a5 Nxc4
exchange. There is no not yet without some would be a little exposed, 20.Rxd7 Nxd7 21.Rxd7
obvious reason why he chances of survival. and the win therefore and this time White is
should lose the 1-0 less certain ) 35...Kg6 very close to winning. ]
coming endgame. Still, 36.Nf4+ Kxg5 37.Rg1+ [ 17...Qb4 18.Rd4!
this is the only place Bg4 38.Nxe6+ fxe6 would not have brought
White can seek for 39.h4+ Kh5 40.Qf7+ Black relief either. ]
an advantage.; Kh6 41.Qf4+ and White 18.Ba2 Nf6 19.e4 e5
D) 22...Re8+ wins. It is probably a 20.Qe3! A famous
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
decision. White now has a 23.Be5+ Kb6
very large positional 24.Qxf7 Rc8 25.Ne6
advantage. Qxe3 21.fxe3 and the black
Bg4 22.a5 Nc8 23.Rc1 position is beyond
Bxf3 24.gxf3 Ne7 salvation.;
25.Nd5 Nc6?! 26.Nxf6+ B3) 20...Qg2
gxf6 27.Rd7 Rab8 21.Qh4 Kc8
28.Kf2! Nxa5 29.Rcc7 ( 21...Rxh8 22.Qxh8
Rbc8 30.Rxf7 Rxc7 Qxf2+ 23.Ne2
31.Rxc7+ Kh8 32.Bd5 does not look
b5 33.b3 Rd8 34.Kg3 f5 promising either )
35.Kh4 fxe4 36.fxe4 Rd6 22.Bf6 Rg8 23.Nf5
37.Kh5 Rf6 38.h3 Rd6 Bxf5 24.Bxf5+ Kb8
39.h4 Rb6 40.Kg4 Rf6 25.b3 and White is
41.Ra7 Rb6 42.Re7 Rd6 close to winning.;
43.Rc7 Rf6 44.Ra7 Rb6 B4) 20...Qg1
45.Rc7 Rf6 46.Kh5 Rd6 21.Qh4
47.Bf7! Rf6 48.Bg6 B4a) or 21...Bg4
Nxb3 49.Kxh6 Rf8 22.f3 Re8
50.Rh7+ Kg8 51.Rg7+ 23.Qxg4+
Kh8 52.Bf7 Rxf7 53.Rxf7 ( 23.Be5!?
Kg8 54.Kg6 Nd2 55.Rd7 is also possible )
1-0 23...Qxg4 24.fxg4
Rxh8 25.Nf3 Rh3
26.Be4 and White
Tunik,G has the
Shumiakina,T advantage;
Pardubice 1994 B4b) 21...Kc8
[Jacob Aagaard] 22.Bf6 Rg8
23.Ne2!
XABCDEFGHY would be less
8r+-+k+-tr({ clear. ( 23.Nxe6
7zpp+-snp+p' 49 fxe6 );
6-+pwQlvL-+& B5) 20...-- ]
5+-+-+-+-% 16.Nxf5 Bxf5 17.f3 Qe6
4-+PsNq+-+$ [ Not 17...Qc2+? 18.Ke1
3+-+-+-+-# Qc1+ 19.Kf2 Qc2+
2PzP-mK-zPPzP" 20.Kg1 and Black has no
1sn-+-+L+R! defence against mate. ]
xabcdefghy 18.Qxe6+ fxe6 19.Bxh8
15...Nf5! This is the first 0-0-0+ 20.Kc3 All this was
move in a longer forced forced. It is tempting to
sequence. continue with the forcing
[ Black could also try the lines, but first you should
very original idea of make sure that they are
15...Ng8?! absolutely forced, and that
, but unfortunately it they are in your favour.
does not work out after Here that is not the case.
16.Bxh8 Rd8 17.Bd3! Rxh8? This leads to an
( not 17.Qe5 Qc2+ inferior endgame.
18.Ke3 Qc1+ 19.Kf3 [ 20...Nc2! was much
Qd1+ 20.Ke4 Qe1+ stronger, when White
with perpetual check ) has problems with his
17...Qxg2 18.Qg3 Qxh1 development; e.g.
A) 19.Nxe6 21.Be5 Rd1 22.Bf4
is again only a draw ( otherwise ...Ne3; here
because of Rxd3+!! 22.g4?! Bg6 23.Bg2
( but not 19...fxe6? does not work because
20.Qxg8+ Kd7 of Ne1! with a strong
21.Qxh7+ Kc8 22.Be5! attack against the white
with a decisive attack ) king ) 22...c5 when, in
20.Kxd3 Qd1+ etc; my opinion, Black has
B) 19.Qxg8+ Kd7 sufficient compensation
20.Qxh7 and now: for the exchange. This
B1) 20...Kc8 would be the starting
21.Nxe6 fxe6 point for the game. White
22.Be5 and White has many moves at his
has a decisive disposal here. One
attack.; fantasy line goes 23.g4
B2) 20...Bg4 Bg6 24.h4 Nd4 25.h5
21.Bf5+ Bxf5 Bb1 26.Be3 Nxf3 27.g5
22.Qxf5+ Kc7 Nd4 28.g6 hxg6 29.h6
Ne2+ 30.Kb3 g5
31.Bxc5 Ng3 32.h7
Bxh7 33.Rxh7 Rxf1
with even chances. ]
21.Bd3 Bxd3 22.Kxd3
Rg8 23.g3 Rf8 24.f4 e5
25.fxe5 Rf2 26.Rxa1
Kd7?!
[ More natural perhaps
was 26...Rxb2 27.Rf1
Rxh2 28.e6 Kd8 29.Rf7
Rxa2 30.Rxb7 h5
31.Ke4 ( not 31.Kd4
Re2! ) 31...Ra5 32.Kd4
and White is also close
to winning, though
Black might have
chances for a draw, plus
this line is not forced of
course. ]
27.Rd1
[ 27.Kc3 Rxh2 28.Rf1!
Ke6 29.Rf6+ Kxe5
30.Rf7 was also
interesting. ]
27...Rxh2 28.Kc3+
[ Also strong was
28.Ke4+!? Ke7 29.b4
h5 ( if 29...Rxa2 30.Rh1
and White probably
wins ) 30.a3 with a very
large advantage. ]
28...Ke7 29.Rd4! Rg2
30.Rg4 Ke6 31.Rg7
Kxe5 32.Rxb7 Rxg3+
33.Kb4 Rg2 34.Kc5 h5
35.a3 a5 36.b4 axb4
37.axb4 Rg5 38.Rh7
Ke4+ 39.Kxc6 Kd4 40.c5
Kc4 41.Kb7 Kxb4 42.c6
Rb5+ 43.Kc8 Ka5 44.c7
1-0
Hermansson,E
Nolsoe,E
Taastrup 2002
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+k+-tr({
7+-wq-+p+-' 50
6p+-zp-+pzp&
5+-+-vl-+-%
4-+-sNQ+P+$
3+P+-+-+-#
2P+P+-+-+"
1+K+-+R+-!
xabcdefghy
29...Qe7? Now Black is in
serious difficulties.
[ Instead 29...Qc3!!
was the correct move.
Probably Black did not
see that after 30.Qa8+
Ke7 31.Qb7+ Ke8!!
White cannot improve
his position. It is easy to
ignore a move like 31...
Ke8, since White has a
tempting check on f7, but
we need to be concrete
27
and then we discover
that 32.Qxf7+ Kd8
33.Ne6+ Kc8 34.Kc1
does not give White
anything after another
subtle king move: Kb8!!
preventing 35.Qa7+
, when it is not clear
that White should have
any advantage.
Actually 29...Qe7 could
easily be eliminated and
29...Qc3 found on the
basic grounds that Black
has no other possibility
that does not stink. ]
30.Nc6 Qe6
[ 30...Qb7 was better,
but after 31.Qf3!
(threatening 32 Nxe5)
White has a very
strong ongoing attack. ]
31.Nxe5 Qxe5 32.Qa8+
Ke7 33.Qb7+ Kd8
34.Rxf7 Qe1+ 35.Kb2
Qe5+ 36.c3
1-0
Kosikov,A
Bezman,V
USSR 1986
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-sn-mk(
7+r+-+P+p' 51
6p+-zp-+-zP&
5zP-+-+-+-%
4-+-+-+-+$
3+N+-+-+-#
2-tR-+-+-+"
1+-+-mK-+-![
xabcdefghy
50.Rf2!? This was the
suggested solution;
[ but in fact the strongest
continuation was 50.Rc2!
Rxf7 51.Rc6 and Black
is still under some
pressure. Now Black
should find White's idea
and defend himself
against it, which is
actually not so difficult. ]
50...Rxb3? This is not the
right way! Now White wins
easily.
[ Instead 50...Re7+!
51.Kd2 Re6
was the correct
manoeuvre. Now ...Rxh6
is threatened, so White
seems to have no
choice: 52.Rg2 ( 52.Rh2
Rf6 is no improvement )
52...Rg6 53.Rxg6 hxg6
54.Nd4 Kh7 55.Nb5
Kxh6 56.Nc7 Kg7
57.Nxa6 Ne6
and Black is at least no
worse. ]
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
51.Rg2 Rb1+ 52.Kf2 proceeds unhindered
Rb2+ 53.Kg1 Rxg2+ with his own plans. For
54.Kxg2 Now White is instance: 16.Nd2!? h6!
winning. It was not too ( the only move; not
difficult for Black to see 16...Bd6?? 17.Nxe4
this, so why did he play and wins; , while 16...e3
like this? The best guess I 17.Ne4 exf2+ 18.Qxf2
can give is that Black Bb6 19.Qh4 Bc6
went along with the forced 20.Bxe7 Qd5 21.Re1
line because it seemed leaves White with a
natural. Instead he should clear advantage )
have been looking out for 17.Nxe4 and now:
his own interests. Ne6 A) 17...hxg5?!
55.Kf2 Nf8 56.Ke3 Ne6 (I dislike this as now it
57.Kd3 d5 58.Ke3 is Black who has to
. White wins first the d- prove something)
pawn and then the a- 18.Nxc5! ( not 18.Nxg5
pawn. Qe8; , or 18.Qh5+ Kg8
1-0 19.Nxg5 Qe8 20.Qh7+
Kf8 21.dxc5 Qg6
and Black is better )
Neukirch,D 18...Be8 ( Black does
Radulov,I not have time for
European Team Ch., Sinaia 18...b6? because of
[Jacob Aagaard] 19.Nxd7 Qxd7 20.Re1
Re8 21.Re3
XABCDEFGHY and there is no
8r+-wq-+-mk({ defence, e.g. g4
7vlpzplsnQzpp' 52 22.h3! g3 23.Re4
6p+-+-+-+& wins ) 19.Qf8+ Ng8
5+-+-+-vL-% 20.Ne6 Qf6 21.Qxf6
4-+-zPp+-+$ gxf6 22.Nxc7 Rc8
3+-zP-+-+-# 23.Nxe8 Rxe8 24.Kf1
2PzP-+-zPPzP" with an unclear
1tRN+-+-mK-! endgame ahead. But if
xabcdefghy anyone is better here,
15...Bc5!! it would probably be
[ Not 15...h6? 16.Bxe7 White.;
Qe8 17.Qxe8+ Rxe8 B) 17...Bb6!!
A) Notice that is a fantastic move,
18.Bh4?! is less strong which would be easy to
because of the tactical find had we not just
trick e3 19.fxe3 Rxe3 played 15...Bc5. Why
20.Kf2? ( White is try to sacrifice the
forced to play 20.Nd2 bishop and then, after
Re2 21.Rd1 Bf5 White develops his
22.Rf1 Rxd2 23.Rxf5 knight, retreat it again?
Rxb2 with a draw. ) The short answer is
20...Re4 21.Bg3 tactics.
Rxd4! and Black has a B1) 18.Bxe7? Qe8
clear advantage.; and Black is clearly
B) 18.Bb4 and Black better.;
does not have B2) 18.Bxh6 Qf8
serious compensation 19.Qxf8+ Rxf8
for his pawn. The 20.Bg5 Re8
main problem is that and Black is better
the a7-bishop is out of again.;
play, and White will B3) 18.Re1?! Qe8
have time to ( 18...hxg5 19.Nf6 )
consolidate before it 19.Qxe7 hxg5
is activated via b8 with 20.Nxg5 Qxe7
...c7-c6. ] 21.Rxe7 Re8
16.dxc5 with a clear edge for
[ When you make this Black.;
sort of silent sacrifice, it B4) 18.Nf6 Ng8!
is not enough to have an ( simplest; if 18...Bf5
idea for their acceptance. 19.Nh5! Qg8!
It is just as important to 20.Qxe7 hxg5
have a defence against 21.Qxg5 Bh7
moves where the 22.Re1 and I do not
opponent ignores our like this for Black as
generous offer, and his pieces are out of
play, and while the
correct evaluation
might be a draw,
White is in the driving
seat ) 19.Nxd7 Qxg5
20.Nxb6 cxb6
21.Qxb7 Re8
22.Qxb6 Qd2 23.Rf1
Re2 24.Qxa6 Qxb2
and the best White
can hope for is a
draw. Even the
endgames do not
seem comfortable for
him.;
B5) 18.--;
C) 17...-- ]
16...Be6! Was this move a
shock for White?
Apparently so, since he
completely lost his
marbles and then the
game without a hint of
defence. 17.Qh5 Qd5
18.Nd2? Here White
simply blunders and Black
wins a piece. Was this a
matter of lacking training
in finding candidates?
[ Clearly better was
18.c4! Qf5 19.Qh4 Ng6
20.Qg3 Bxc4 21.Be3
Qe5 22.Qxe5 Nxe5
with a level endgame. ]
18...h6 19.Nxe4 Bf7
20.Qg4
[ Or 20.Qh4 Ng6 21.Qg4
Re8 and Black gets the
piece all the same. It
still should not be an
easy win, but clearly
White was not on top
form this day. ]
20...hxg5 21.Nxg5 Rd8
22.Qh4+ Kg8 23.Qh7+
Kf8 24.Qh8+ Bg8 25.h4
Ng6 26.Qh5 Qxg2+!
0-1
Polugaevsky,L
Parma,B
USSR vs. Yugoslavia 1965
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-mk-+({
7tR-+-+-zp-' 53
6P+-+-+-+&
5+-+-+-+P%
4-+-+-+r+$
3+-+-mK-+-#
2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-!
xabcdefghy
60...-- Here Black resigned,
having overlooked his
defence on move 63. The
problem was that he saw
a natural way to play the
position, but then saw an
idea for White which
28
countered it. This made
him resign prematurely.
[ Of course he cannot
play 60...Kg8 61.h6!
gxh6 62.Rb7
and White wins ]
[ but the natural 60...Ra4!
should have been fine.
After 61.Ra8+ Kf7
62.a7 Ra1 Black was
evidently afraid of 63.h6!
A) , with the idea of
63...gxh6 64.Rh8!
and White wins.
( 64.-- );
B) . But Black has a
counter idea, which
makes use of the fact
that all moves have
disadvantages. Here
the h-pawn has given
up control of an
important square, and
after 63...Kg6!
Black cannot lose.;
C) 63...-- ]
1-0
C11
Nijboer,F
Stellwagen,D
Groningen 2002
[Jacob Aagaard]
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3
Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5
6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 cxd4
8.Nxd4 Bc5 9.Qd2 0-0
10.0-0-0 a6 11.Nb3!?
Be7
[ 11...b6 12.Kb1!?
( Fogarasi correctly
points out that after
12.Ne2 a5! Black has no
problems ) 12...a5
13.Bb5! gave White a
slightly better game in
J.Aagaard-J.Kraai,
Budapest 2003. ]
12.Bd3 b5 13.Qe2 Nb4
14.Bd4 Nxd3+ 15.Rxd3
a5!?
[ Black does not want to
allow 15...b4 16.Na4
when a battle for the
queenside dark
squares commences. ]
16.Rg3 a4 17.Nd2 b4
Contrary to Tibor, I find
this idea wildly inspiring
and very deep indeed.
18.Qh5!! This is it. Can
Black take the piece?
[ 18.Nd1 with unclear
play was the obvious
alternative. ]
18...Kh8!
[ I do not believe that
Black could have played
18...bxc3? 19.Qh6 Bg5
20.Rxg5 cxd2+ 21.Kd1
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
g6 (when Fogarasi says
that Black wins) since
White's attack is not over.
In fact Black has no
defence on the dark
squares after 22.h4! a3
( or 22...Qe7 23.h5 Ra6
24.f5! exf5 25.e6 f6
26.hxg6 and wins ) 23.h5
axb2 24.Bxb2 Qe7
25.f5! exf5 26.hxg6
fxg6 27.e6 Rf6
28.Rxg6+ Rxg6
29.Qxg6+ Kf8 30.Rxh7
and White wins.
It is often the case,
when calculating a line,
that you see a defence
against your primary
idea and then abandon it.
But we should not do so
since, quite often, the
defence against one line
is far from being the
conclusion. It is similar
to boxing when fending
off one punch often
opens up for another.
The same happens in
chess: every move will
leave at least one
square less well
protected than it was
before. Therefore we
should always look to
see if new openings
appear in our
opponent's defences.
Now let us look at the
rest of the game. ]
19.f5 exf5?
[ Here Black was forced
to take on c3 in order to
stay alive. The defence
will cost him material.
19...bxc3! 20.Nf3! ( not
20.f6? cxd2+ 21.Kd1
Nxf6! 22.exf6 Bxf6
and wins ) 20...cxb2+
21.Kb1
A) Black needs to
defend his king; if
21...exf5 22.e6! Nf6
23.Qg5 g6 24.Rh3
Rg8 25.Ne5 Rg7
26.exf7 f4 27.g4
and White wins after
fxg3 ( or 27...Bxg4
28.Qxg4 Bc5 29.Qxf4
g5 30.Qe3 Bxd4
31.Qxd4 ) 28.Rxh7+
Rxh7 29.Nxg6+ Kg7
30.Nxe7+ Kxf7
31.Qxf6+ Ke8
32.Qc6+ Qd7
33.Qg6+ Rf7 34.Nxc8
Rxc8 35.Re1+ Kd8
36.Bb6+ Rc7
37.Qg8+;
B) 21...Rg8!
B1) 22.Qxh7+ Kxh7
23.Rh3+ Bh4
29
24.Nxh4 fails to g5! C11 [ Stellan said that he had
and Black wins Aagaard,J had this position once
( but not 24...exf5 Brynell,S before, where he played
25.Nf3+ Kg6 Stockholm 2004 the preferable 15...Qc5
26.Rg3+ Kh5 [Jacob Aagaard] leaving White slightly
27.Rh3+ better. Black has hardly
with a draw. ); 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 any winning chances in
B2) 22.Rh3 Nf8 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 the resulting endgame.
23.f6 gxf6 24.exf6 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 cxd4 Whether or not White's
Bd6 25.Ng5 Rxg5 8.Nxd4 Bc5 9.Qd2 0-0 chances are that great
26.Qxg5 Ng6 wins.; 10.0-0-0 a6 11.Qf2!? is hard to say, but I
B3) 22.Qxf7 Qf8! Kramnik's idea, which had some strategic ideas
wins.; lately has given Black from the games O.
B4) 22.f6! gxf6 some headaches. Korneev-J.Kraai,
23.Qxf7 Bc5 [ I have previously played Zalakaros 2003, and A.
24.Bxc5 Nxc5 the interesting 11.Nb3 Grischuk-A.Iljushin,
25.Rxg8+! ( not here – a move Russian Ch.,
25.exf6 Ne4 26.Ne5 championed by Nijboer – Krasnoyarsk 2003, both
Nd2+ 27.Kxb2 but I thought Brynell of which White won, so
Nc4+! 28.Nxc4 dxc4 might have prepared for at least I was not
29.Rg7 Qd4+! this, so I chose another running blind. ]
30.Kc1 Qe3+ sideline that I felt 16.f5! Having being
and Black wins ) comfortable with. ] allowed to play this I
25...Qxg8 26.Qxf6+ [ The reason is that the hesitated for a few
and White has main line 11.h4 Nxd4 minutes to make sure that
perpetual check. 12.Bxd4 b5 13.Rh3 b4 I was not rushing it. I have
There is another 14.Na4 Bxd4 15.Qxd4 noticed that if you start
important lesson in a5 has been analysed to playing real moves quickly
these variations: death and gives Black an (not calculating recaptures
just because you even game. I like the or already worked-out
cannot play a general play in these moves) you can suddenly
particular move at positions, but only when find yourself moving too
one moment, does it is between the fast in positions where
not mean that you players present at the you had a definite choice
should not consider it board. ] and, afterwards, would
again on the next. 11...Nxd4 12.Bxd4 Qc7 have preferred to spend
When we involve 13.Bd3 Bxd4 14.Qxd4 some time.
ourselves in concrete b5 The move itself is obvious.
tactics, we should do [ 14...Qc5 has also been White has a strong attack
so with a truly open played. I am not sure and also a good structure.
mind.; that White is better after It is important to notice
B5) 22.-- 15.Ne2 b6 16.Rhe1 that White does not need
and now White has , but it is a position it to play fxe6, but will focus
many tries, but only would be hard for White on f5-f6, threatening the
one that works: ] to lose, and Black has black king and keeping
20.Nxd5 f6 21.Nf3 Nxe5 very few winning Black's pawns on light
22.Nxe5 fxe5 23.Bxe5 chances. Part of my pre- squares
Bf6 24.Rh3?! match tactics was to Stellan now thought for
[ Quicker was 24.Bxf6 allow for Brynell to about 50 minutes looking
gxf6 25.Nf4 Rg8 stray from these puzzled as to what had
26.Qf7! intending 27 Rh3 passive positions, as a happened to him. He later
Rg7 28 Ng6+ mates, or if draw would do him no explained that he had
Rg7 27.Ng6+ good either. ] mixed up the theoretical
immediately. ] 15.Rhe1! I was out of book variations, and that if ...
24...h6 here, but this move, Bc8-b7 and Kc1-b1 had
[ If 24...Bg5+ 25.Bf4 h6 preparing both Re1-e3-h3 been included, then it
( or 25...Bxf4+ 26.Nxf4 and overprotecting the e5- would have been a known
h6 27.Rd1 Qe8 pawn in order to play f4-f5, position in which Black
28.Ng6+ Kg8 29.Nxf8 ) seems logical and correct should be OK. Now,
26.Qxg5 Qxd5 to me. however, he is very far
27.Rxh6+ Kg8 28.Qh5 [ Also possible was from being OK. exf5
gxh6 29.Qg6+ Kh8 15.Qf2 in order to keep There is really no choice.
30.Qxh6+ Kg8 31.Qg6+ the queens on, but then Black cannot allow f5-f6
Kh8 32.Re1 wins. ] Black has b4 16.Ne2 a5 with an attack;
25.Nxf6 Rxf6 26.Rd1 followed by ...Bc8-a6 [ even after 16...Nxd3+
Qf8 27.Bxf6 Qxf6 exchanging his problem 17.Rxd3 Qc4 18.f6!
28.Qe8+ Kh7 29.Rd8 b3 bishop. Though White I evaluated White's
30.Qg8+ cannot prevent this position as winning.
[ Here 30.Rg3! mates. ] idea forever, it is useful The rooks will do a fine
30...Kg6 31.Rg3+ Kh5 for him to postpone it for job attacking the black
32.Qe8+ as long as possible. ] king and, as if this was
1-0 15...Nc5? not bad enough, White
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 30

also has a wonderful (the only move) was that Ne7+ Kh8 21 Qxh7+ most natural move to
endgame coming with the endgame was Kxh7 22 Rh3 mate. But calculate first in this
knight vs. bad bishop. hopeless. Most likely I of course my kind of critical moment
These things are less would have counted on grandmaster opponent is the most forcing
clear with two set of my limited endgame would not fall for such move. And the most
rooks on the board, as technique to do the job a cheap trick and forcing move here is:;
attacks against the after 19.Qxc4 would come up with C) 19.-- ]
king still play a part in ( though I considered some sort of defence. 19.b4 The point of such a
the game, but here it answering with 19.Qf2!? Kh8 was the first move move is not difficult to
seems that White's , as the attack is still I thought of, and then figure out.
attack will be much very strong ) 19...bxc4 after 20.Nf6 h6! [ Black has a very limited
stronger. ] 20.Rd4 Be6 and then: saves the day, at least choice now, as 19.b4
[ My little German friend A) . I actually rejected for the time being. Qa4 ( and 19...Qd8
thinks that desperate 21.Nb6?! because of Nothing decisive 20.Nf6+ ) 20.Nb6
measures are necessary Rab8 ( instead comes to me both mean that the game
here, and that Black 21...Rad8! 22.Red1 immediately, so before is over immediately. So,
should consider 16...b4 Rde8! is a fine line by I continue to calculate out of his double attack
, but after 17.Qxb4 Rb8 Fritz ) 22.Nxc4 Rb4 these lines, I choose to (against e1 and a2),
18.Qh4 Qb7 19.f6 when White is a pawn look for other moves. Black is forced to
it begins to understand up but has four ( 20...-- ); execute the least
the enormous power of isolated pawns two of B) . One move I did not disturbing of the two,
two heavy pieces and a which are doubled, consider at the time after which he no longer
far advanced pawn although White is still was 19.Ree3!? has any threats, and
against a naked king. better of course.; as suggested after the White can continue with
For those interested in B) 21.Nc7! (I had not game by Stellan. his war effort
theoretical issues, it seen this at the time, Instead I quite quickly undisturbed.
should be said that a but it is not hard to find, found a very tempting Though this logic seems
pawn this far advanced so I am sure I would move, which I decided sound, it should be
in attack can more or have spotted it) Ra7 to investigate first. If remembered that White
less be considered as ( if 21...Rac8 22.Nxe6 it did not work out I has just sacrificed a
worth a piece. This and White will win ) would always be able pawn and exposed his
even works with the 22.Nxe6 fxe6 23.Rxc4 to return to this king madly. So although
famous three piece rule, and White has position again. 19 b4 was found by
which says that you excellent winning The point was that I strong intuition, it is
often need three pieces chances in the rook had only used 20 necessary to calculate
to conclude a mating endgame. I would minutes so far, and as the consequences of
attack (to begin it you place on rook on c6 I deemed it very such a move accurately
usually need an army), and the other on the d- unlikely that the game before we execute it. In
one to sacrifice itself to file. Black might dream would last until move this position that
open lines, one to of exchanging the e5- 40, I had no reason to means calculating it all
protect and one to pawn for the a-pawn, be careful with my time the way to the end. ]
mate. ] but even then the white here. The time we use 19...Qxa2 20.Nf6+
[ Incidentally, as some king would be closer in calculation should As a human it is very
commentators observed, to Black's passed be reasonable difficult to play moves (or
it is simpler to play pawns and should according to where we rather, it is very easy, but
16...b4 17.f6! gxf6 therefore decide the think the game is going. not so easy to do it well).
18.Bxh7+ Kxh7 game easily.; We need to be able to We need to play ideas in
19.Qh4+ with a mating C) 21.-- ] spend a lot of time at the shape of moves.
attack. ] [ Returning to 18...Qa5 the critical moments. White's last move was an
17.Nxd5 Nxd3+ – When you have such Because I had idea – it is easy to see
[ Stellan refrained from an enormous lead in somehow learned this that something forceful
17...Qa7 because of development and four over the years, I did has to follow the pawn
18.Qf4! . Black would pieces ready to attack not spend much time sacrifice and Nf6+ is the
then have to take on the enemy king (I include thinking about either only one. But in practice it
d3 anyway, or lose a the e5-pawn rather than 15 Rhe1 or 16 f5. As actually works the other
pawn without solving any the e1-rook in this these moves were way around. First you
of his positional number), you begin to possible why should I notice the idea of Nf6+
problems. The threat of look for something you not play them? with an attack, and then
Nf6+ with a mating can calculate all the way (Although I did stop for you try to make it work. I
attack is also still to the end. In fact White a minute or two at 18 had seen the variation 19
present. ] would like to find a Rxd3, just to make Nf6+ gxf6 20 Rg3+ Kh8 21
18.Rxd3 Qa5?! forced win now, and sure I did not overlook Qh4 Qxe1 mate (Black's
Stellan had probably logic encouraged me to some additional last move is his only
already accepted his think it was possible. possibility.) defence, but it is quite a
defeat here. It must have Obviously I have to pay Anyway, I had spotted defence!), so I intuitively
been strange for him to attention to 19...Qxe1+ such a tempting move started to improve this line
play this game, in which so that limits my here, first of all in my head, as well as
only two results made possibilities. because it was forcing, looking for other
sense, and draw was not A) . One move that that I decided to candidates, and the result
one of them! springs to mind forget about all other was 19 b4.
[ However, his reasons immediately is 19.Qh4 moves for the time [ Now after 20.Nf6+
for not playing 18...Qc4 with the idea of 20 being. Remember: The Black has a choice. Here
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 31

I had to calculate two Rg3-h3 with an checked the the winning idea for
moves: the obvious 20... unstoppable threat of difference between one move. ( 28.-- );
gxf6 and the other mate (e.g. 22.Qh4 Qe6 20...gxf6 and 20...Kh8 D) 27.-- ]
remaining legal move, 23.Rh3 with mate). So and noticed that they 27.Qh6
20...Kh8. I chose to start the rook would be are not important here [ 27.Rh3 was also
with the latter as I felt better placed on h3 in and that 20...gxf6 still possible. ]
that I would certainly most lines. Of course I appeared to be the 27...Bc4+
have a winning attack have to keep my eyes toughest defence.); [ On the evening after the
after the former. After open for the one case C) . There are no other game (which was kind
Kh8 21.Qh4 h6 when it is not, but in squares from which the of important to me, as I
I could not see a way this game there are queen can solve both was playing for a GM
to proceed. ] none. tasks, so I started norm), I wrote the
[ Here the method of Now Black has no other looking for other following in my personal
candidates comes in way to prevent mate moves. One that came notes: "Here something
handy. I used a little than delivering a few up was 25...Qxg3 very interesting
time and found another checks. ] , but never mind that happened. I had played
idea which did not seem 22...Qa1+ 23.Kd2 Rd8+ White must be better if the last nine moves
to offer Black any 24.Ke2 When calculating I just captured the relatively quickly, but
defence: 20.Nf6+ Kh8 the lines I actually queen, I took the time here I stopped to think. I
21.Rh3 h6 22.Qf4 believed that this was the to see that I could also thought both king moves
and after Qa1+ 23.Kd2 winning move and that I win immediately with won on the spot, but
Rd8+ 24.Ke2 would now either win the 26.Qxf6+! and the rook when I came home and
I will be allowed to play queen or mate my poor is picked up for free as inserted the game into
the winning 25 Rxh6+ opponent. But having all well. (Here I also my computer I realized
next move, if Black the time in the world I assured myself for the that 27...Bc4+ 28.Kf2??
doesn't resign on me started looking, simply sixth time or so that the loses to Qe2+
first. ] searching the board for c8-bishop cannot with mate in four moves.
[ But experience has possibilities. After some deliver any checks.) This experience was
taught me that when time I managed to see So eventually I came quite surreal and made
positions become muddy Black's next move, which up with the only move me consider if it is
like this, you should is rather obvious if you that seemed at all such with chess and luck,
always calculate very have the position playable for Black. that if you play enough,
accurately. Just physically in front of you, ( 26.-- ); then you will eventually
because Black plays but as I did not, finding the D) 25...-- ] have such large amounts
20.Nf6+ Kh8 does not move took me more time. 25...Rd1 26.Rxd1 of it in a random
mean he will never take Qxe5+ 25.Kf1 Of course I need to look tournament, that more or
the knight, so after [ I needed to check if I for other moves as well, less everything works?
21.Rh3 then gxf6 had a choice here, but I but as White is still Still, that would hardly
needs to be calculated simply noted that 25.Kf2 threatening a lot of things have been this
as well. I realized that I was possible (25 Re3 this natural move should tournament. Anyway, out
had 22.Qh4 with threats, does not make sense). I be the first to be seriously of sheer luck and a
but here my lack of did not see Rd2+ investigated. I did briefly sense of danger,
training in calculation ( or that Black can play check for alternatives, but consciously developed
started to set in. The 25...Qd4+ if the rook is could not find any. over the last few years,
position was no longer on h3, but simply that 25 Now White is threatening I played 28 Kg1."
clear in my mind's eye Kf2 was possible, and mate on the back rank, as Later I came to the
and the consequences of that if anything was well as 27 Qh6 and 27 conclusion that, because
Qa1+ were not wrong with the most Rh3. Black should be lost. of a strange experience
immediately obvious to cautious move, 25 Kf1, But as the material when I was 18 where I
me. So, for practical I could always return to situation was still unclear had a basic mate in one
reasons I noted this line this position. )] and I had plenty of time in a rapid game, but
and decided to compare [ This position after on my clock, I checked his instead tried to play
it with the main line, as 25.Kf1 then becomes possibilities. In the game another mate in one
the only difference is another stepping-stone he played: Be6 which surprisingly was
the position of the to me. I stopped here to [ I had also seen 26...Bb7 not there (how does a
white rook after... ] search the board A) , which could be 2350 player miscalculate
20...gxf6 21.Rg3+ Kh8 carefully. I looked for tried as the last resort mate in one?!), I had
22.Qh4 This is a matter of checks and defensive trick of 27.Rh3? learned my lesson and
comparison. Instead of moves., the first being Bxg2+!; have since relied on the
calculating the two long something that solved B) , but I had seen most simple move in
lines independently (which both of Black's problems, 27.Qh6 , which wins on situations where I did
is of course possible, the trouble facing his the spot.; not feel perfectly in
although time consuming), queen and king. Black C) . Later it turned out control. Though there
I can simply check the line needs both to defend f6 that 27.Rd4!? were 30 spectators to
after 20...gxf6 and shift and move the queen. also wins easily: the this game I did not
the rook between h3 and A) 25...Qd4 is met by main threat is 28 seriously consider
g3 whenever it seems 26.Qxd4! Rxd4 Qxh7+ and 29 Rh4 showing off or anything
there is a difference 27.Re8#; mate, while after the like that. The problem
between the two. B) , and 25...Qd6 only defence Be4 then was that, this being the
[ I quickly came to the is met by 26.Rh3! 28.Qh6 wins again. But game for my first GM-
conclusion that in some and the black king is of course this is norm, I was
variations I would play mated. (Here again I nothing but delaying enormously excited and
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
had been from the choice according to
moment I had finished ECO. ]
calculating 19 b4. ] 15...exd4 16.Nxd4 Rfe8
28.Kg1 After I made this 17.Ng3 d5 Here I sank
move Stellan offered his into thought.
hand in defeat and [ 17...d5
congratulation at the A) . When playing 17
same time. Ng3 a bit too quickly, I
I had seen the rest of the had overlooked a very
game when I played 19 b4, simply point: that after
as well as having checked 18.e5 Black would not
it again once I had have to play the pawn-
finished it. I had the time, losing Ne4
so why not? The game ( but would instead
would be over if I was right. reply with the vicious
And if I was wrong it 18...Bb4! winning my e-
would be nice to know in pawn. );
advance. B) . At first I thought I
Nevertheless, I like the would have to play
alternative win found by 18.exd5 with equality,
Fritz more than my own. It but then I realized that
goes like this: Nxd5 followed by 19...
. Bf6 would be by no
(press F10 to continue) means equal. Black
1-0 would have two
wonderful bishops on
the long diagonals,
analysis Aagaard-Brynell while my pieces are
[Jacob Aagaard] packed into the corner
and I would surely
XABCDEFGHY have trouble facing my
8r+l+-trk+( team-mates after the
7+-+-+pzpp' 54 game (as so often
6p+-+-+-+& before, I started
5wqp+NzPp+-% speculating about
4-+-wQ-+-+$ leaving the playing
3+-+R+-+-# hall unseen but
2PzPP+-+PzP" decided, for the
1+-mK-tR-+-![ hundredth time or
xabcdefghy more, that it would be
19.b4 Qxa2 20.Nf6+ very suspicious if I put
gxf6 21.Qh4!? on my jacket and made
[ instead of 21.Rg3+ ] my way to the door).;
21...f4 22.exf6 Kh8 C) . So I started
23.Qh6 Rg8 looking for alternatives.
[ I had actually seen that I found lines like 18.e5
such positions could Bb4 19.Re2 Rxe5
arise and that I had 20.Bf4 Rxe2 21.Bxc7
23...Rg8 24.Re8! Re1+ 22.Qxe1 Bxe1
winning, but much 23.Be5 Bb4 24.Bxf6
more beautiful are the gxf6 25.Bf5 Re8
full festivities with... ] , but could not really
24.Qg7+!! Rxg7 25.Re8+ make them work.
Rg8 26.Rxg8+ Kxg8 After perhaps thirty
27.Rd8# minutes thinking I
1-0 decided it would not
make any sense to
look for a playable
B00 position after anything
Aagaard,J but 18 e5, as all other
Ong,K moves would hand
Swedish League 2003 over the initiative for
[Jacob Aagaard] free. This did not mean
that I instantly played
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 the move, but rather
a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 that I only analysed 18
6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 e5 Bb4 after this.
0-0 9.h3 Na5 10.Bc2 c5 Some might argue that
11.d4 Qc7 12.Nbd2 cxd4 I should then instantly
13.cxd4 Bb7 14.Nf1 play 18 e5 and only
Rac8 15.Bb1 consider my position
[ 15.Re2! is the better after 18...Bb4, but
32
there are some look for ideas. ]
arguments against 19...Bxe1? My opponent
this: firstly, that my used only 10 minutes on
opponent might think in deciding take the rook. I
this position as well, was secretly hoping for
and might be this move, which I
considering other considered completely
moves than 18 e5, worthless. He had played
while he has no his first 18 moves instantly
alternatives at all to 18 and should now have
e5 Bb4; secondly, it is fallen into deep thought.
a safety mechanism. I [ I had investigated the
had decided on mainly move 19...Rcd8
general grounds that when White has two
the solution to my ways to proceed:
problem would start A) 20.Bg5 Rxe5
with 18 e5, but these 21.Rxe5 Qxe5 22.Nh5
might not be correct. If Nxh5 23.Bxd8 Nf4
we could decide "with compensation"
everything on general for Black is given in
grounds, we would not ECO. I think Black
need to calculate at all. might have even more
Abstract thinking is than that; e.g. 24.Bxa5
very useful in helping ( or 24.Bb6 Nc4
us with what we need 25.Ba7 g6 and Black
to calculate, but it is looks better to me )
not a method which 24...Bxa5 25.Nb3 Bb6
can substitute for 26.Qe1 Ne2+ 27.Kf1
calculation itself. Ng3+ 28.Kg1 Ne4
Anyway, after some 48 and Black has an
minutes I discovered attack.;
the move I eventually B) . My idea, however,
played in the game. I was just to play my
used the next 5 or 6 previous line, now
minutes to check the improved by the
variations before clearing of the first
executing my moves.; rank, i.e. 20.Re2!?
D) 18.-- ] Ne4 ( not 20...Rxe5?
18.e5 Played after 55 21.Bf4 ) 21.Bf4 Bc5
minutes I now had 45 22.Nb3 Nxg3 23.Bxg3
minutes for the rest of the Nxb3 24.Qxb3
game. Bb4 19.Bf5!! and the position is
This move is not obvious level.
at all. If I started making a As you can see my
list of candidates on the solution to the
previous move, or even problems I was facing
here, I am not sure I does not provide me
would be able to find it with an advantage. But
within the first 10 minutes. it does look as if it is
Firstly I needed to get the the only way to avoid
idea of allowing ...Bxe1 in being worse in this
order to prevent ...Rxe1+; position, so it can be
then I needed to find a called a definite
move, any move, which success. I did not
would work well as a worry about the 55
waiting move. minutes I had spent
[ Obviously it could not be finding this idea, as I
19.Bg5 because of Rxe5 was sure that my
and I am just a pawn opponent now would
down. have to face real
The main reason behind problems. When the
the bishop move is difference between two
actually to threaten the moves are minimal, it
rook on c8 and nothing makes no sense to use
else. It looks counter- a lot of time on
intuitive, as f5 is the deciding between them.
natural square for the But in every game
knights. But sometimes there are critical
intuition and abstract moments where it is
thinking cannot solve necessary to calculate.
our problems. We need It is for those we store
to be very concrete and time, and when we
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 33

face them we should 22.Qh5+ Kg8 23.fxg7 f6 does not want to take time was spent in vain as
not be afraid of using ( if 23...Re1+ 24.Kh2 f6 the bishop on the first I simply did not realize
the time necessary to 25.Qh8+ Kf7 26.Qh7 move in no way means that the bishop on b7
make a sound Rg8 27.Ndf5 wins ) that he will be shy to was hanging, but once I
decision. 24.Qh8+ ( or 24.Ndf5 take it on the next. did, it was enough to win
Some players (such as Re1+ 25.Kh2 Rxc1 Awareness to such the game. ]
Nunn and Larsen) 26.Qh8+ Kf7 27.Qh7 details will certainly win 24.Qf2! The natural move.
have written that and wins ) 24...Kf7 you games. ] Black is now under heavy
whenever they have 25.Qh7 Rg8 26.Qh5+ 22...Bxg3 23.Qg4 Bf2+ attack and cannot save
used more than 20 Ke7 ( if 26...Kxg7 24.Kh1 Qxf6 25.Bxc8 the position. Qa5
minutes for a move, 27.Ngf5+ Kf8 28.Ne6# ECO gives this as winning This looked at first to be
usually they have and Black is mated ) for White in the game I. the most intimidating
wasted this time or 27.Ngf5+ Kd8 28.Ne6+ Kapic-S.Busemann, continuation, but the game
even committed Kd7 29.Qf7+ Kc6 correspondence 1990. The is pretty clear-cut.
blunders. Personally I 30.Nfd4+ Kb6 ( or next day I tried to [ No better were
have a different 30...Kd6 31.Bf4# ) convince my team-mates alternatives such as
experience and have 31.Nxc7 and White that it was all theory and 24...Ba3+ 25.Kd2 Ne4+
often seen absolute wins. that I had been in full 26.Bxe4 dxe4 27.Qf5
top players think for a It is not necessary in control, but they Bd5 28.e6 and White is
long time over a single practice to work out the remembered very well my close to winning ]
move. Probably it is a details of these lines painstaking face from the [ or 24...Rf8 25.Qxf8+!
matter of taste as before taking the day before. h5 26.Qd7 Bxf8 26.Bg6+
much as anything. But decision to refrain from Bxc8 This loses and White wins a piece –
note that the purpose regaining the exchange. immediately, but Black is if Kd7 27.e6+ Kd6
of using a long time on All I had to do was see lost anyway. 28.Bf4+ . ]
a move is not to gain that a clear majority of [ If 26...Bxe3 27.Bxb7 25.Qf7+ Kd8 26.Qxb7!
control over each and variations seemed Bxd4 28.Bxd5 Bxb2 ( or A move that can easily be
every variation, but to favourable for me. 28...Nc4 29.Bxc4 bxc4 missed. Qa1+
make a decision. Here Often complicated 30.Qc8+ Kh7 31.Qxc4 [ 26...Ne2+ 27.Kd1!
I did not need to spend calculation should be Bxb2 32.Rf1 ) 29.Re1 was the first point to
a long time once I replaced with an Ba3 30.Re8+ Bf8 find. ]
had discovered 19 Bf5, intuitive decision. If you 31.Qc7 Nc4 32.Bxc4 27.Kd2 Nb5+ 28.Ke2
but I still wanted to calculate everything in bxc4 33.Qb8 Nxd4+ 29.Bxd4 Qxd4
check a few lines in a game in order to stay and the game would be 30.Qxa8+ Ke7 31.Qb7+
order to make sure in control, the only over all the same. ] Ke8 32.Bf5
that everything was thing you can be certain 27.Qxc8+ Kh7 28.Qc2+ [ 32.Qc8+ Ke7 33.Qc7+
OK. of is that you will lose g6 29.Rf1 Ke8 34.Bg6#
My opponent taking on time. ] 1-0 was stronger, but being
just 10 minutes to 21.Be3! This brings the a rook up can make
capture on e1 is not so bishop into play and some people a little
easy to understand. I protects the first rank and B80 careless. ]
have a feeling that he f2 at the same time. There Aagaard,J 32...Qxe5+ 33.Kf3 Qd6
did not fully scan for are not really any Eriksson,J 34.Qc8+
candidates and alternatives. Rxe3 Swedish League 2000 1-0
perhaps only [ After 21...Rc4 22.Bxh7+ [Jacob Aagaard]
calculated for some Kxh7 23.Qh5+ Kg8
time on taking the rook 24.fxg7 White has a 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Sasikiran,K
and then felt obliged to winning attack. ] cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Skytte,R
do so. Anyway, White 22.fxe3! This move might a6 6.Be3 e6 7.f3 b5 Copenhagen 2003
was now pleased to not look anything special, 8.Qd2 Bb7 9.g4 h6 [Jacob Aagaard]
have a pawn near the [ but in my opponent's 10.0-0-0 Nbd7 11.h4 b4
black king.; time I had quickly 12.Na4 Qa5 13.b3 Nc5 XABCDEFGHY
C) 20.-- ] worked out the following 14.a3 Nxa4 15.axb4 Qc7 8-tr-tr-+-+(
20.exf6! Qb6 This was line, which showed that 16.bxa4 d5 17.e5 Nd7 7zp-+P+k+-' 55
the move I expected, but I the tempting bishop 18.f4 Nb6 19.f5 Nxa4 6Q+-+l+pzp&
did manage to calculate sacrifice should be 20.fxe6 Nc3 21.exf7+ 5+-wq-zpp+-%
some of his other possible avoided: 22.Bxh7+? Kxf7 22.Bd3 Bxb4 4-+P+p+-+$
replies (though not in Kh8!! 23.fxg7+ 23.Rdf1+ Ke8? 3+-+-zP-+-#
detail). ( possible is 23.Qh5 This was the first new 2P+-+LzPPzP"
[ Here is an updated Qxf6 24.Ngf5 Rxh3! move of the game and, to 1+-+R+RmK-![
version of these 25.Qxh3 Bd2 my good fortune, it is a xabcdefghy
analyses: but Black is not worse ) bad one. Sasikiran now turns a
20...Rcd8 21.Bxh7+ 23...Kxh7!! ( not [ 23...Kg8 had been complicated, though not
Kxh7 22.Qh5+ Kg8 23...Kxg7 24.Ngf5+ played in some previous particularly interesting
23.Qg5 and White wins. ] Kxh7 25.Qh5+ Kg8 games I had analysed. middlegame into a
[ 20...Bb4 21.Bxh7+ 26.fxe3! and White has a My opponent, on the memorable game with a
( 21.Bd2!? Bxd2 winning attack ) 24.Qh5+ other hand, was in series of 'trick shots'.
22.Qxd2 Qe5 23.Nh5 Qh6 and Black is better. trouble as 19 f5 was new White has won a pawn,
h6 24.fxg7 should also This kind of variation is to him. but only at the cost of
win for White, though not difficult for the I now used 50 minutes advancing his d-pawn so
this line is a little experienced player to to calculate the position far that it cannot survive.
strange ) 21...Kxh7 work out. That Black to the end. A lot of this However, Black needs a
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
few moves to round it up,
and White would still have
a small edge with his
passed c-pawn. White
now tries to provoke some
weaknesses in the black
camp which can be used
later. 29.h4!? The idea of
this move is far from
obvious. Rb2?!
An ill-conceived plan.
[ Sasikiran felt that Black
would have been better
off playing 29...Ke7
to liquidate the d-pawn,
after which the
scenario would be rather
quiet. ]
30.h5! If you want to set
yourself a difficult task,
then try to guess the
moves to come from the
Indian grandmaster. I was
following the game live,
and though I was able to
win his position against
myself, I was only able to
guess Sasikiran's most
obvious moves. Rxe2?
[ Objectively better was
30...g5 but Skytte did not
see White's 32nd move.
After 30...g5 White would
be better but not
decisively. ]
31.hxg6+ Ke7
[ If 31...Kf6 32.Rd6
and White wins fairly
easily. ]
32.Rd5!! A move which is
easy to miss. There are
many ways to create this
kind of imagination. One if
them is by solving studies,
another is by analysing
with Fritz from time to time.
Even though we should
be careful not to let the
computer think for us, we
should still pay respect to
the tactical awareness it
can teach us. Qb4
White wins in all variations
from here on.
[ If 32...Qb6 33.Qa3+
Kf6 34.g7! ( 34.Rd6?
Rxa2 35.Rxe6+ Qxe6
36.Qxa2 is less clear )
34...Kf7 ( or 34...Kxg7
35.Qe7+ followed by 36
Rd6 and wins ) 35.Qf8+!
Rxf8 36.gxf8Q+ Kxf8
37.d8Q+ Qxd8
38.Rxd8+ Ke7 39.Rh8
and wins. ]
[ The aesthetic point of
the combination was
32...Bxd5 33.cxd5
with the threat of Qe6+,
or if Qxd5 34.Qxe2
with Qh5 to follow.
Black cannot survive,
even if he materially
looks alright for the
moment. ]
33.c5 Threatening Qd6+
and the rook on e2. Re1
34.Rxe5!? Again far from
the obvious choice. Later
Sasikiran explained that
his opponent was in time
trouble and he wanted to
avoid giving him obvious
moves. Normally this
sounds like a sound
strategy, but when you
have simple winning lines
at your disposal, then the
logic needs some
discussion. Personally I
think that once you have
this competitive mindset, it
is difficult to switch around
easily and be completely
pragmatic. If you have this
attitude towards playing in
time trouble, you have it
no matter what. And I am
certain that Sasikiran
knew what he was doing,
even though he did not
feel completely sure
afterwards.
[ White could also have
won with the more
straightforward 34.Qd6+
Kf6 35.Qxe5+ Kg5
( 35...Ke7 36.Qg7+ )
36.Qxe6 Rxf1+ 37.Kxf1
Qb1+ 38.Ke2 Qxa2+
39.Ke1 and there is no
perpetual check.
Sasikiran demonstrated
this afterwards in the
commentary room, so he
had seen it! Instead he
chose to be as creative
as possible. ]
34...Rxf1+ 35.Kh2!
The point. Kxd7
The only move. Now try to
see if you are able to
guess White's next move.
[ If 35...Rxd7 36.Qxe6+
Kd8 37.g7 and White
wins on the spot. ]
36.g7!! Simply brilliant!
This move leads more or
less to forced mate. And
again it is not easy for
Black to find his way.
[ In the commentary room
we went for the
materialistic approach
with 36.Qxe6+ Kc7
37.Qe7+ ( 37.g7
also wins – Sasikiran )
37...Rd7 38.g7! Qb8
( this was the move that
Sasikiran did not like;
instead 38...Rxe7
39.Rxe7+ Kd8 40.Rf7!
Qb8+ 41.g3 Rxf2+
42.Kh3 and White wins
was for some reason
obvious to him! ) 39.Qf8
Rd8 40.Rxf5 Kc6+
41.Kh3 Rh1+ 42.Kg4
h5+ 43.Kg5 Rh2 44.g3
and White has a
winning endgame on the
way. ]
36...Bg8
[ If 36...Bc4 (or 36...Bf7)
37.Qd6+ Kc8 38.Qc6+
Kb8 39.Re7 Rc8
40.Qd7 and Black is
mated. ( Sasikiran did
not see 40 Qd7 and was
instead planning 40.g8Q
Bxg8 41.Qa6
which looks very much
like the game. )]
37.Qd6+ Finally Sasikiran
finishes the game with
obvious moves. Kc8
38.Qc6+ Kb8 39.Re7
Rc8 40.Qa6
To have been aiming for
this position is what we
understand about being
creative. Rxc5
[ 40...Rc7 41.Re8+
mates. ]
41.Qxa7+
1-0
B17
Vescovi,G
Miton,K
Aeroflot Open, Moscow
[Jacob Aagaard]
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3
dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nd7 5.Ng5
Ngf6 6.Bd3 e6 7.N1f3
Bd6 8.Qe2 h6 9.Ne4
Nxe4 10.Qxe4 Qc7
11.0-0 b6 12.Qg4 Kf8
[ 12...g5 lost all credibility
after V.Anand-V.Bologan,
Dortmund 2003. ]
13.b3 c5 14.dxc5 Nxc5
15.Bb2 e5 16.Bf5 h5
17.Qh3 Ne6! This is the
end of the opening and
Black has equalized.
[ 17...Bxf5 18.Qxf5 Re8
is Fritz's choice, but
White should be better
here. ]
18.Bxe6 Bxe6 19.Qg3 f6
[ Also interesting was
19...h4!? 20.Nxh4 Qxc2
21.Rad1! Qxb2 22.Rxd6
Re8 23.Nf3 Qxa2
24.Nxe5 Kg8
and Black does not look
worse. ]
20.Nh4 Qxc2!?
Definitely an adventure.
[ Also possible was
20...Kg8 and it is hard to
see any reason why
Black should stand
34
worse. ]
21.Rad1 Bc5
[ Now 21...Bc5 22.Ng6+
Kf7 23.Nxh8+ Rxh8
would give Black
decent compensation for
the exchange, so White
comes up with a truly
inventive blow! ]
22.Bxe5!? !? What an
imaginative move! The
main point is simply to
trap the black king in the
centre and then take
things as they come. Very
often in Vescovi's games
we see a readiness to
take wild chances, with
the belief that he will out-
calculate his opponent in
the resulting complications.
In this game the
combination can be
defined as correct, since
White did not have any
advantage otherwise, but
the important thing is the
difficulties Black is
suddenly facing in how to
defend against all kinds of
threats. It is safe to say
that Black did not foresee
White's idea, so he must
suddenly have felt a bit
uneasy, for what is next?
fxe5 23.Qf3+ Ke7
24.Rd3! This was the idea.
Now 25 Ng6+ winning a
rook or two is threatened.
Rhd8! Black is walking a
thin line. This – and only
this – move was necessary,
as the alternatives show:
[ 24...Raf8 25.Ng6+ Ke8
26.Qc6+ Kf7 27.Nxe5+
Kf6 28.b4! Rc8 29.Qf3+
Bf5 30.bxc5 and White
has a winning attack. ]
[ 24...Bd4 25.Ng6+ Kd6
26.Nxe5! Qc5 ( not
26...Kxe5? 27.Re1+ Kd6
28.Rxd4+ Ke7 29.Qb7+
Kf6 30.Rxe6+ Kxe6
31.Qd7+ Kf6 32.Rd6+
Ke5 33.Qe6+ Kf4
34.Rd4+ Kg5 35.h4# )
27.Qe3! ( simplest;
27.Ng6!? Rhd8
28.Rxd4+ Qxd4 29.Rd1
Qxd1+ 30.Qxd1+ Kc7
31.Qxh5 also looks
promising; , but 27.Rfd1?!
Kxe5 28.Re1+ Kd6
29.Qe3 Rh6 is not clear
at all ) 27...Qxe5
28.Rxd4+ Bd5 29.Rfd1
Rad8 30.Re4! Qf6
31.Qg3+ Kd7 32.Rxd5+
Kc6 33.Rde5 Rd1+
34.Re1 Rhd8 35.h4
and White should win
with his extra pawn. ]
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
[ 24...Rhc8? 25.Ng6+ Bf4?? A terrible blunder.
Ke8 26.Nxe5 [ Black should play
and White wins as he something like
has managed to defend 15...Rd8!? ]
the rook and can now go [ or 15...Re8!?
on a rampage with his , though White seems a
queen, starting with 27 little better after
Qxh5+. ] 16.Nd2!? with the idea of
25.Ng6+ Ke8 26.Qc6+ 17 Nc4. ]
Bd7?? Black simply 16.Ne5 Bxc1
blunders, which is very [ After 16...Bxe5 17.dxe5
easy to do when exposed White is much better,
to such creativity. since if Nxe5 18.Bf4 f6
[ The correct line was 19.Rad1 Rd8 20.Bxe5
26...Kf7! 27.Nxe5+ ( if fxe5 21.Qxe6
27.b4 Bc4 28.Nxe5+ and Black's position is
Kg8 and Black made it horrible. Nevertheless
home safe ) 27...Ke7!! Black should have tried
( perhaps the move 16...Bxe5 and lived with
Black overlooked; not his ruin of a position,
27...Kf6? 28.Rf3+ Kxe5 since now there is no
29.Re1+ Kd4 30.Qxe6 chance to save the
and the black king game. ]
should not survive, 17.Nxf7! The move Black
though after Bd6 must have overlooked.
31.Qe3+ Kd5 32.Rc1 The sacrifice is completely
Bc5 33.Rxc2 Bxe3 decisive. Kxf7 Forced;
34.fxe3 White only has a [ as 17...Bxb2 18.Nxh8
winning rook endgame ) Bxa1 19.Qxe6
. Now White has three wins for White. ]
tries, but only one is OK: 18.Qxe6+ Kf8 19.Qe7+
28.Qc7+ ( the only way Kg8 20.Raxc1 Rc8
to continue, when the [ Or 20...Bd5 21.Bf5
game ends in a draw; Rd8 22.dxc5 Rh7!?
instead 28.Qb7+ Kf6 23.Bg6! and Black has
29.Rf3+ Kxe5 no defence. ]
is no longer dangerous 21.Bc4+ Kh7 22.Bd3+
for Black; , while after Kg8 23.Bf5 Nf6 24.Be6+
28.Rf3 Rac8 29.Qb7+ Kh7 25.Bf5+ Kg8
Ke8 30.Qxg7 Rd1 26.Bxc8 Qxc8 27.Re6!
31.Qh8+ Ke7 32.Qf6+ I like this move for
Kd6 33.Nc4+ Kd7 reasons of principle,
the black king dances [ though Fritz prefers
away ) 28...Ke8 29.Qc6+ 27.dxc5!? bxc5 28.Re5
Ke7 30.Qc7+ Nd5 29.Qh4 Qc6
with perpetual check. ] 30.Rce1 Nf4 31.f3 Ng6
27.Qd5! Suddenly it is all 32.Qc4+ Kh7 33.Rxc5
over. Bf8 28.Nxe5 and White should win
1-0 without much effort. ]
27...Ba8?! This passive
move gives White the
B17 extra tempo needed for
Petrosian,TL his attack to achieve full
Galkin,A force.
Aeroflot Open, Moscow [ The best chance was to
[Jacob Aagaard] look for an endgame with
27...Nd5! when White
1.e4 Incidentally, Tigran would have to be careful:
Petrosian is rated 2477 A) 28.Qd6? Nf4!
and is not the former ( but not time wasting
World Champion, though moves like 28...cxd4?
he may well have been 29.Rce1 Kh7 30.Qg3!
named after him. c6 2.d4 when White has a
d5 3.Nd2 dxe4 4.Nxe4 winning attack ) 29.Re7
Nd7 5.Ng5 Ngf6 6.Bd3 Qg4 30.Qb8+ Bc8
e6 7.N1f3 Bd6 8.Qe2 h6 31.g3 Nh3+ 32.Kg2
9.Ne4 Nxe4 10.Qxe4 Kh7 33.f3 Qg5
Qc7 11.Qg4 Kf8 12.0-0 when Black is in the
b6 13.Re1 Bb7 14.c3 c5 game again and even
15.Qh3 This is the end of has the initiative.;
the opening. Now Black B) 28.Qe8+! Qxe8
has to think for himself. 29.Rxe8+ Kh7
30.Rxh8+ Kxh8
31.dxc5 bxc5 32.Re1
Kg8 33.Re4 Kf7
34.Rc4 Ke6 35.Rxc5
Kd6 and although
White should win this
endgame, Black has at
least activated his king
and thereby created
some chances for
White to go astray.;
C) 28.-- ]
28.Rce1 cxd4 29.cxd4
Bd5 30.Rd6 With the
threat of Rd8+, so Black
has to move the queen.
Qc4 31.Qe5!
Forcing Black's next move.
Kf7
[ If 31...b5 32.Rd8+ Kh7
33.Qf5+ g6 34.Rd7+!
Nxd7 35.Re7+ Kg8
36.Qxg6+ Kf8 37.Qg7# ]
[ or 31...Bf7 32.Rd8+
Kh7 33.Qf5+ and wins. ]
32.b3!
[ The black queen was
defending the king by
indirectly guarding the
f7-square (i.e. after
32.Rxf6+ gxf6 33.Qh5+
Kg7 34.Re7+ Bf7
). Now the attack cannot
be stopped. ]
32...Qb5 33.Qe7+ Kg6
[ If 33...Kg8 34.Rxf6!
gxf6 35.Re3
and the absence of ...
Qc1+ is also felt. ]
34.Re3! Rc8 35.Rg3+
Kh5 36.Qe5+ g5
37.Rh3+ Black is mated.
1-0
Rublevsky,S
Filippov,V
Aeroflot Open, Moscow
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-mk-tr-+-+({
7zpp+-+p+p' 56
6-+-tr-vlp+&
5+-sNP+p+-%
4-+-+-vL-+$
3+-+-+-+-#
2l+-+-zPPzP"
1+-tR-tR-mK-!
xabcdefghy
29...a5!! This pawn is
definitely an asset. But
this move has more to do
with the coming
manoeuvre with the king.
30.Re2 White pushes his
luck, but it is not with him
today.
[ If instead 30.Ne6?! Ka7
31.Nxd8 Rxd8 32.d6 a4
and Black has a very
promising endgame. The
35
a-pawn is very
dangerous, much more
dangerous than the d-
pawn. After the text
move with accurate play
White should still be able
to make a draw. ]
30...Bxd5 31.Rd2
It looks as if Black is in
deep trouble, but he
comes up with a fantastic
solution. Ka7!!
The pin is resolved and
the king comes to help
from the side. 32.Bxd6
[ If 32.Rcd1 Re6! 33.Bc7
Rde8 34.Nxe6 fxe6
35.Bxa5 b5 and Black
has a promising
endgame, as the bishops
are very strong. ]
32...Rxd6 33.Rcd1
White was planning this of
course, but Black is
prepared. Kb6 34.Rxd5
Rxd5 35.Rxd5 Kc6
A highly unusual situation.
White is a rook up, but his
position can only just be
saved. 36.Rd7!
[ 36.Nd7 Kxd5 37.Nxf6+
Kd4! dominates the
knight and the running a-
pawn wins for Black. ]
36...Kxc5 37.Rxb7 a4
38.Kf1? White loses his
grip in time trouble.
[ He could probably still
have made a draw in
the following fashion:
38.Rxf7 Bc3!
( with the idea of ...Ba5
is the most ambitious try;
38...Bd4 does not work
since after 39.Rxh7 Kc4
40.Rc7+ Bc5 41.Rc6 a3
42.Rxg6 a2 43.Ra6
White makes a draw )
39.Rxh7 a3 40.Ra7
Bb4 ( or 40...Kb4
41.Ra6 Kb3 42.Rxg6
Ka4 43.Ra6+ Ba5
44.Rd6 draws ) 41.g4!
(ensuring that enough
pawns are exchanged on
the kingside) Kb5!?
42.gxf5 gxf5 43.Kg2!
( the f5-pawn is the
target; not 43.h4? Ba5
44.Rd7 a2 45.Rd1 Bc3
46.Kg2 a1Q 47.Rxa1
Bxa1 48.Kf3 Be5 49.h5
Kc5 50.h6 Kd5 51.h7
Ke6 and wins ) 43...Ba5
44.Rd7 a2 45.Rd1 Bc3
46.Kf3 (just in time; now
47 Kf4 is threatened)
Be5 47.h4 Kc4 48.h5
Kb3 49.h6 Kb2 50.h7
a1Q 51.Rxa1 Kxa1
52.h8Q Bxh8 53.Kf4
with a draw. ]
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 36

38...a3 Now it is all over as
White will lose the rook
eventually. The black king
can hide on b1 using the
bishop as a shield. 39.Ra7
Kb4 40.Ke2 Kb3 41.Kd3
a2 42.Rb7+ Ka3 43.Ra7+
Kb2 44.Rb7+ Kc1
45.Rc7+ Kd1
0-1
D21
Khenkin,I
Rublevsky,S
Aeroflot Open, Moscow
[Jacob Aagaard]
1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 e6 3.c4
dxc4 4.Qa4+!?
This is a creative move,
but I dislike this kind of
creativity which is not
based on sound principles.
Of course this move is
playable, but now White
continues very ambitiously,
which he simply cannot do.
Nd7 5.e4 c5! With his
last move White weakened
his central dark squares
and Black instantly
attacks them – sound
opening play. 6.Bxc4
cxd4 7.0-0?! This pawn
sacrifice does not look
sound.
[ It was better to play
7.Nxd4 , albeit with no
advantage at all. ]
7...Bc5 8.b4 White needs
to play with great vigour.
[ After 8.Nbd2?!
he does not win the
pawn back, as Black has
the beautiful a6! 9.Nb3
Ba7 when he keeps the
advantage because of ...
b7-b5. ]
8...Bd6 9.e5
[ 9.Bb2 e5 is just good
for Black. ]
[ The same goes for
9.Nxd4 Qc7! and Black
is a little better. Note that
10.Nb5? does not work
because of Bxh2+
11.Kh1 Qxc4! . ]
9...Bb8 10.Bb2 Ne7
11.Bxd4 White has
regained his pawn and it
looks as if he has a space
advantage. But in reality
his pawns are weak and
he will need to play
accurately in order just to
keep the position level. 0-0
12.Re1! White needs to
reinforce e5.
[ After something like
12.Qb3 Nc6 13.Rd1
Qc7 he is in a bad way. ]
12...Nf5 13.Bb2 Nb6
14.Qb3 Nxc4 15.Qxc4
Bd7 16.Nc3
[ Here it was interesting
to try to restrict the black
bishop by 16.b5! Qb6
17.a4 a6 18.Nc3
with a complex
middlegame ahead. ]
16...Bc6 17.Rad1 Qe7
18.Nd4 White is clearly not
happy with the threat of ...
Bxf3;
[ and 18.Ne4!?
seems uncomfortable as
Black can play a6!
19.Nd4 Nxd4 20.Bxd4
Qh4 21.Bc5 Bxe5!
22.g3 Qh5 23.Bxf8
Rxf8 with excellent
compensation for the
exchange. ]
18...Nxd4 19.Rxd4 a6!
20.Rg4? White is looking
for active counterplay, but
his chances are not on the
kingside.
[ He could still have kept
the balance had he
played 20.a4!? Ba7
21.Rd3 Rad8 22.b5
Rxd3 23.Qxd3 Rd8
24.Qe2 axb5 25.axb5
Bd5 26.Nxd5 Rxd5
27.Rd1 and, though
Black has a more
comfortable position,
White should be able to
make a half point. ]
20...Ba7 21.Bc1
White is now ready to
start his counterplay on
the kingside with Bc1-g5-f6.
But Black is in full control
of the position and he
stops it before it becomes
unpleasant. f5!!
With this paradoxical
move Black solves all his
problems at a stroke: he
either clears the ranks for
his pieces to defend the
king or, as in the game,
he gives up a pawn and
gets open files for his
rooks. 22.exf6
[ If 22.Rg3 f4
( 22...Qe8!? and 23...
Rd8 is also very
attractive ) 23.Rg4 f3
24.g3 Kh8 and Black
has the advantage. ]
22...Qxf6 23.Rf4 Qg6
24.Qxe6+ Qxe6 25.Rxe6
Rfe8! The f4-rook is badly
placed while the one on e6
is excellent. It is therefore
easy to see which rook
Black should exchange.
26.Rxe8+ Rxe8 27.Kf1
[ The alternatives were:
27.Be3?! Bxe3
( 27...Rxe3 28.fxe3 It seems that Lautier
Bxe3+ 29.Rf2 Bd4 was badly prepared for
30.Ne2 Bxf2+ 31.Kxf2 his experienced
Kf7 is better for Black, opponent and his
but winning would not so attempts at being
easy ) 28.fxe3 Rxe3 creative come at a price:
29.Rc4 Re1+ 30.Kf2 he plays less than
Rc1 and Black should perfect moves. ]
win without too much 7...Nd7 8.f3?!
trouble. ] This creates a lot of
[ 27.Bd2!? was possibly weaknesses and has no
better, even though Bb8 long-term advantages.
looks similar to the Moves like this certainly
game. ( Instead 27...Rd8 need to be eliminated
28.Be3 Bxe3 29.fxe3 from Lautier's play, if he is
Rd3 30.Rc4 Rxe3 to break the 2700-barrier
31.Kf2 gives White a fair and join the absolute
chance for a draw. )] chess elite – a stated
27...Bb8 28.Rc4 ambition of his.
[ 28.Rg4 Be5 29.Bd2 [ 8.Ng3!? was a possible
Rd8 also gives Black improvement, and after
excellent compensation Be6 ( though 8...Bg6
for the pawn, but White looks more natural )
should perhaps have 9.Nh5 Bf8 10.Bg3
played this way, and now White would have an
30.Ke1 holding on. ] advantage. ]
28...Rc8! Threatening to 8...Bg6! A strong
win the exchange, or even prophylactic move which
a whole rook. 29.Kg1 restricts White's ideas of
[ 29.Nd5 loses to Bb5 advancing the pawns on
30.Ne7+ Kf7 31.Nxc8 the kingside, as well as
Bxc4+ 32.Ke1 Bxa2 vacating the f5-square for
and the endgame is the g8-knight. 9.Bg3
hopeless. ] [ If 9.Ng3 Nf8! ]
29...b5 White has been [ or 9.g4 h5! and in both
under pressure for some cases the white pieces
time. Now he blunders the are not really
exchange and loses the coordinated. ]
game without further 9...Nh6! This is a creative
resistance. 30.Rd4? solution to the
[ If 30.Rg4? Bd7! wins. ] development of the black
[ 30.Rh4 was the only pieces. The knight is of
move, but after Bd7 course thinking about
31.Bd2 Be5 followed by going to f5. 10.Bf2
32...Rc2 Black is very [ 10.Nf4 Nf5 11.Bf2 Bd6
close to a winning 12.Nxg6 hxg6
ending all the same. ] does not do White any
30...Be5! 31.Be3 good, as h2 is suddenly
[ 31.Rd3 Be4! weak. ]
was the point behind the 10...Bd6! Aimed against
last move – not a 11 Nf4. Now White has no
difficult tactic, but easy way to develop and
sometimes it is hard to this provokes him into
see what the opponent trying to solve the problem
is threatening. ] once and for all. 11.g4?!
31...Bxd4 32.Bxd4 Rd8 [ 11.Ng3 0-0 12.Bd3
33.Be5 Rd2 34.f3 Rb2 was better, but Black's
35.Bd6 Rc2 36.Be5 a5! position is easier to
0-1 play. ]
11...f5! Black does not
hesitate to provoke White
D31 to create further
Lautier,J weaknesses in his camp.
Vaganian,R 12.h3
Aeroflot Open, Moscow [ If 12.gxf5 Nxf5
[Jacob Aagaard] and Black is clearly
better. ]
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 12...0-0 13.Bg2 Qe7
Be7 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bf4 14.0-0 fxg4 15.hxg4
c6 6.e3 Bf5 7.Nge2 [ After 15.fxg4 Rae8
[ 7.g4!? is the most the weaknesses at e4
aggressive option here. and e3 will count
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 37

eventually, e.g. following 21...Qxh5+ 22.Kg1 Qh3! of the black kingside the black king. ]
...Nh6-f7-g5 and Nd7-f6- The double threat to g2 provided by the first 10.Bg5 b5!? It is hard to
e4. ] and g3 is decisive. 23.Rf2 move. ] understand why a
15...Qg5 16.Qd2 [ If 23.Qxe3 Rxe3 5.exf5 Bxf5 grandmaster would play
[ White cannot free 24.Bxd6 Qg4+ 25.Kh1 [ 5...Nf6 would be no such a move, as it seems
himself. If 16.e4? dxe4 Rh3+ 26.Bh2 Qh4 better as White has the that after the bishop
17.Nxe4 Bxe4 18.fxe4 and Black wins. ] advantage after 6.d4! . ] retreats, Black will just
Nxg4 19.Qb3+ Kh8 23...Bxg3 24.Nxg3 6.d4! After this central have weakened his
20.Bg3 Black wins with Qxg3+ 25.Rg2 thrust I have not managed position. But when we see
Nc5! . ] [ Or 25.Kh1 Re6 26.Rh2 to find anything serious people making
16...Rae8 17.Rae1 Qf3+ 27.Rg2 Nxg2 resembling equality for seemingly unserious
White is trying to get his 28.Rxe6 Nf4+ Black. Nxd4 There is moves, we need to ask
pieces into the game, but and wins. ] nothing better. ourselves why they do so,
Black is already ready to 25...Nxg2 26.Rxe8+ Kf7 [ After 6...Nf6 7.Bb5! e4 in order to fully
deliver a lethal blow. 27.Rc8 Ne3+ 28.Kh1 Nf6 8.d5 a6 9.Nd4 axb5 understand the game in
[ If 17.Nf4 Rxf4!? There is no defence 10.Nxf5 Ne7 11.Ng3 front of us. Here Black
18.exf4 Bxf4 19.Qd1 against 29...Nfg4. Black suffers from the wants simply to survive
Nf7 20.Re1 Rf8 21.Qe2 0-1 weak light squares on the opening and castle
Qh6 22.Qe7 Qh2+ his kingside and queenside, but after ...
23.Kf1 Bd3+ 24.Ne2 problems concerning 0-0-0 the a-pawn would
Nf6 and Black has a A04 the development of Bf8. ] be hanging. Therefore he
lethal attack against Carlsen,M [ Even worse is 6...e4 tries to win a tempo now
the poor white king. ] Dolmatov,S , when White needs to when White cannot ignore
17...Rxf3! With all his Aeroflot Open, Moscow find 7.d5! exf3 8.dxc6 the threat to the bishop.
pieces ready, Black has [Jacob Aagaard] fxg2 9.Bxg2 b6 10.0-0 [ Anyway, after 10...d5
no serious alternative to with a wonderful position. 11.0-0-0 Be7 12.Rhe1
beginning the attack. The 1.Nf3 f5 2.d3!? The lead in Black has an equally
exchange sacrifice is Carlsen is very well development combined slim chance of survival,
thematic: by ruining the prepared for his games, with the open centre may due to 0-0 13.Qe5 . ]
white structure Black is so when I heard he had very well seal Black's 11.Bb3 Be7 12.0-0-0
able to use all the won against Dolmatov in fate. ] This position is all about
remaining pieces, which 19 moves, I was sure that 7.Nxd4 exd4 8.Qxd4 Nf6 swift development. The
are all well placed. it was a matter of opening 9.Bc4 c6 Black no doubt main reason for White to
18.Bxf3 Nxg4 19.Bg3?! preparation. However, it hoped to be able to play ... castle queenside instead
[ It seems that White was should be clear from d6-d5, and he needs to do of kingside is simply that
forced into the very going through the game so in order to get the king he gets a rook to the open
uncomfortable 19.Bxg4 that this was not the case. out of harms way. As this file more quickly. Black is
Qxg4+ 20.Bg3 The idea of 2 d3!? in this turns out to be too slow, one move too late to
( 20.Ng3?! gives Black position was mentioned in his position must be castle. Qd7
extra possibilities such the book 'SOS – Opening considered as close to [ Black cannot escape.
as Qh3! to strengthen Surprises' by Jeroen lost already. After 12...h6 13.Bxf6
the attack ) 20...Bxg3 Bosch, but how well [ Most experienced Bxf6 14.Rhe1+ Kf8
21.Nxg3 Qxg3+ 22.Qg2 acquainted Carlsen was players would disregard 15.Qxd6+ Qxd6
Qxg2+ ( 22...Rxe3 with this is hard to guess. a move like 9...Bxc2 16.Rxd6 Rc8 17.Be6
23.Qxg3 Rxg3+ 24.Kh1 The point here is that on general grounds. But Bxe6 18.Rexe6
is also possible, but Carlsen first plays sometimes it is nice to the endgame holds no
then White would have something creative but analyse it, to refresh chances for him. ]
some counterplay with sound, and then simply and test our intuition, as 13.Rhe1 Kd8 This move
Re7 ) 23.Kxg2 Nf6 plays his own game, well as to present looks silly,
and Black has a better something he does better evidence for less [ but Dolmatov was
endgame, though White than Dolmatov in this experienced players. probably saddened by
can still fight. ] game. d6 White gains a very prospect of 13...0-0-0
19...Nxe3 20.Kh1 [ 2...Nf6 would allow strong attack with 10.0-0 14.g4! ( 14.Qf4 Bf8
[ The endgame after 3.e4!? fxe4 4.dxe4 c6 11.Re1+ Be7 12.Bg5 15.Bxf6 gxf6 16.Ne4
20.Bg2 Bxg3 21.Nxg3 Nxe4 5.Bd3 Nf6 Bg6 13.Re3 (there may Bxe4 17.Rxe4 d5
Qxg3 22.Rf3 Qxg2+ with a reversed From's be other ways, but this is less clear ) 14...Bxg4
23.Qxg2 Nxg2 Gambit a tempo up for seems the most logical 15.Rxe7 Qxe7
24.Rxe8+ Bxe8 25.Kxg2 White. How dangerous to me: all White's pieces 16.Qxg4+ and Black is
gives White no serious this is is hard to say, are introduced to the near to losing. Now the
chances. But now but Black certainly black king) Kd7 14.Rae1 game takes a similar
another piece is played a good move in Re8 15.Bf4 Kc8 turn. ]
introduced into the the game. ] 16.Be6+ Kc7 17.Qc5! 14.Rxe7! The annihilation
attack. ] 3.e4 e5 4.Nc3 Nc6?! (threatening Nb5+) b6 of the defence on the dark
20...Bh5! 21.Bxh5 I really dislike this move, ( if 17...a6 18.Na4! squares is obvious in this
[ White has no hope of and in the game Black and Black is lost ) position where the pawns
survival in the endgame gets into trouble. 18.Qc4! and it is very mainly cover the light
after 21.Nf4 Nxf1 [ The most natural move difficult to believe that squares. Now White can
22.Rxf1 Qxg3 23.Nxh5 is 4...Nf6! Black will hold on for do as he pleases. One
Qh3+ 24.Kg1 Ne5!! to keep control over e4. long. The weakness of instructive point is that the
25.Bd1 Nc4 26.Qg2 Now White correctly the light squares has individual value of the
Qxg2+ 27.Kxg2 Ne3+ seizes the initiative and been transferred to the pieces does not matter
etc. ] exploits the weakening queenside along with much here, as we will not
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 38

face an endgame. And no
piece on the board, no
matter how powerful, can
attack a square more than
once. In the attack, where
battle is often confined to
a limited number of
squares, the main thing is
to have as many pieces
participating as possible.
Therefore is hard to
consider the exchange
sacrifice as a real sacrifice.
It is too basic. Qxe7
15.Qf4 Bd7 Necessary
otherwise 16 Rxd6+
decides. 16.Ne4 d5
[ The natural 16...Rf8
loses to 17.Nxd6 h6
18.Qb4 a5 19.Qc5 Rb8
20.Qa7 and the knight's
dominance becomes
clear. ]
17.Nxf6 h6 18.Bh4 g5
[ If 18...Rf8 19.Nxd5!
and wins. ]
19.Qd4 Indicating a threat
to the rook on h8. Black
had had enough.
1-0
B06
Sokolov,I
Hillarp Persson,T
Koge 1997
[Jacob Aagaard]
1.d4 g6 2.e4 Bg7 3.Nc3
d6 4.Be3 a6!?
This system is considered
somewhat offbeat even
though it has been played
by such players as Lautier,
Radjabov, Inarkiev,
Khalifman, Gurevich,
Bacrot, Piket,
Azmaiparashvili, Svidler
and so on. There is no
particular reason why it
should be bad, though it is
hard to imagine that Black
can achieve equality in
the theoretical sense of
the word. But on the other
hand – he is not looking
for it! Instead he wishes
for a game based on
individual ability and
creativity, rather than
defend a theoretical line
all the way to a draw. For
this reason this system is
good to play for a win, and
for exactly this it has been
very useful to Hillarp
Persson.
As regards the correctness
of the system: in games
between the 200 highest
rated players (who have
played this position) in my
database, the score is
about 56-44% in White's
favour, which is very close
to the 55/45 average for
any opening. Such
statistics are of course
always rather superficial,
as they can indicate a lot
of things and at the same
time say very little about
the position. A modern
hazard is how many of the
games were played by
youngsters with artificially
boosted ratings on the
Internet. 5.Qd2 Nd7
6.h4!? This is not the
standard way of
proceeding here, but
Sokolov was probably
thinking that if Black could
be creative, why not him
too? h5 7.Nh3
The idea behind the last
move was to locate the
knight permanently on g5.
b5 8.Ng5 Bb7 9.a4 c6!
[ Tiger has a lot of
experience with this
system and correctly
avoids 9...b4?! 10.Bc4!
e6 11.Ne2 when White
has managed to benefit
from his development
over the last few
moves. ]
10.Rd1 This may just be a
waste of time. Qc7
11.f4!? This is a very
aggressive decision which
has good sides and bad
sides. On the good side it
allows the f1-bishop to
find a good square on f3.
On the bad side it clearly
weakens the control over
the light squares in the
centre, which could have
been maintained by
playing f2-f3 at some point.
Tiger immediately realizes
the downside to his
opponent's last move and
uses it to his advantage.
Nh6!? From here the
knight can go to both g4
and f5 and, more
importantly, it allows the
d7-knight to come to f6
and g4.
[ However, because of
White's option on the
next move, 11...Ndf6!?
seems a better way to
execute the idea. Then
White has nothing
special after 12.e5 Ng4
13.e6 f5 and, as it can
be very hard to find
targets in the black
position, he should
consider forcing a draw
immediately by 14.Nf7
Rh7 15.Ng5 Rh8
, though he might hope
to exploit the fact that
Black can now no
longer castle, but will
have to play slowly with
...d6-d5, ...Ng8-f6-e4, ...
Bf6-g7 and Ke8-f8-g7
before he can get his
rook into the game. ]
12.Be2?!
[ Usually in these kind of
positions it is useful to
restrict the black knights
as much as possible,
which could have been
done here with the
stronger 12.e5!
. The main threat is to
play e5-e6 to weaken
the light squares, while
after e6
(which seemingly grants
Black has good play –
since White has given
both f5 and d5 away with
his last move and his
bishop on e3 is out of
play), White can strike
immediately with
13.axb5 axb5 14.Bxb5!
and it looks as if White
is better, although the
position is still hugely
complicated. ]
12...Nf6! Now Black has
no problems. 13.Bf3
[ Here 13.e5 Nfg4 14.e6
f6 15.Nf3 Qc8
would only be good for
Black. ]
13...Nfg4 14.0-0
Here the standard move
would be to castle short
and then celebrate a
decent outcome from the
opening. But Tiger had a
deep think and identified
the reality of the position:
both black knights are
aiming for the same
square (g4), so with his
next move Tiger opens up
for the h6-knight and a
general onslaught on the
dark squares. d5!!
With this pawn sacrifice
(and the coming further
sacrifices) Black manages
to open the position and
bring his pieces to life.
This is the idea behind
being creative: the
position is thrown off
balance, and dynamic
advantages outbalance
static advantages. The
resulting position
becomes hard to evaluate,
even in analysis after the
game. Mikhail Tal was
very famous for this kind
of chess. 15.exd5 Nf5
This was the idea. 16.Bf2
Rd8 Black continues
being violently active,
though this is no longer a
surprise. Black carries out
his plan and then both
players have to make their
choices. Here White has
the first real choice.
17.dxc6 It is hard for
White to decline the
challenge.
[ If 17.axb5 cxb5
followed by ...b5-b4
and Black wins his pawn
back with good play. ]
[ An interesting and
possibly better move
was 17.Be4!?
when the position
remains very
complicated. As all the
action is on the dark
squares, it makes sense
for White at least to
retain the possibility of
exchanging the f5-knight
rather than the g4-knight
(which would open the h-
file for the rook after ...
hxg4). Now Black
should probably play b4
( as after 17...cxd5
18.Bxf5 gxf5 19.axb5
axb5 20.Nxb5 Qb6
21.Nc3 he might risk
ending up worse ) 18.Na2
a5! with complications. ]
17...Rxd4! Of course
Black had foreseen this
move long ago, and it was
no secret to White either.
Strong players have few
problems foreseeing
exchange sacrifices since
nothing is taboo to them.
18.Nd5! The strongest
reaction, but still a move
which was easy to
overlook if you do not
have the awareness of the
different possibilities in
this kind of muddy
position.
[ Instead 18.Qe2? Nxf2
19.Nxb5!? ( after
19.Qxf2 Bxc6
Black is just better –
Hillarp Persson )
19...axb5 20.cxb7 0-0
21.Qxf2 Rxf4
looks very dangerous for
White ]
[ while 18.Bxd4? Bxd4+
wins the queen due to
19.Kh1? Ng3# . ]
18...Qxc6 19.Qa5
The only good square for
the queen. Now Nc7+ is
threatened and Black
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 39

cannot castle because of (the complicated way gives good initiative. Whatever White
Nxe7+. Hillarp Persson to do it) Bxf3 counterplay against is doing at the queenside
comes up with a ( 21...Nxf2 loses to f4 and h4 ) 25...Ne2 does not interest him.
wonderful queen sacrifice. 22.Rc1! Qxb2 26.Qe1 Qxb7 [ Instead if 24...axb5?
Qd6!! 23.Qc7+ Ke8 27.Qxe2 bxa4 25.Qa8+ Kd7 26.Bc6+
[ Black would be ill 24.Bc6+ Bxc6 and Black is not Kd6 27.Qb7
advised to hand over 25.Qxc6+ Rd7 worse; and the black king is in
the initiative to White 26.Nc7+ Kf8 B2) 23.c3 Nxf2 danger (Hillarp
with 19...Qxc2? 27.Qa8+ ) 22.Rc1! 24.Rxd4 Bxd4 Persson). ]
. First let's analyse a Rxa4 23.Qxb5+ Bc6 25.cxd4 Ng4 25.c3 This is given "?" by
standard candidate and 24.Nc5+ Kc7 and the position is Hillarp Persson, but in fact
see if it works. 25.Nce6+!! Kd6 still very difficult to White could no longer
A) 20.Rc1?! Qxb2 26.Qb6 and Black is assess. Probably it save the game.
( 20...Qd2 21.Nc7+ toast.; is balanced in some [ He was concerned
Kf8 22.Qxd2 Rxd2 B2) 21.Rc1 Qd2 weird way. ] about the complications
23.Bxb7 Nd6 24.Be1 ( or 21...Qxa4 ) [ Instead 20.Bxd4 Bxd4+ after 25.bxa6
Rxb2 25.Bxa6 bxa4 22.Qb6! Bxf3 21.Rxd4 Nxd4 , and now the Danish
is only somewhat 23.Nd5 would have been grandmaster Lars Bo
worse for White, but with a winning preferable to Black. One Hansen gave some long
why involve himself attack.; main point is that after and interesting analysis
in something this B3) , and now White the greedy 22.Nc7+? with Rd7!?
dodgy? ) 21.Nc7+ Kf8 has two ways to win Kf8 23.Bxb7 White is , which leaves White
and now we have: the game: 21.--; mated by Ne2+ 24.Kh1 hanging on the ropes,
A1) 22.Nce6+ fxe6 C) 20.-- ] Ng3+ 25.Kg1 Qd4+ but still breathing:
23.Bxb7 Bf6 20.Ne4? White accepts 26.Rf2 Qxf2# . ] A) 26.a7 Bd4+
24.Rc8+ Kg7 the queen sacrifice, 20...Qxd5 The idea behind 27.Kh2 Bxa7 28.Qxa7
25.Nxe6+ Kf7 probably because he was Black's move, and really Nde3 and White loses
26.Nd8+ Rhxd8 unable to find his way in the only move in the by force, e.g. 29.Rf3
27.Rxd8 Nxf2 all the tactics. It is very position, so it should not ( or 29.Re1 Ng4+
28.Rxf2 Qc1+ likely that he overlooked be any surprise. 21.Nf6+ 30.Kg1 Nd6
29.Kh2 Rxf4 the difference the knight Sokolov had to take an and Black has a
with a winning sacrifice would make in all intuitive decision here. decisive material
attack.; the main lines, simply [ 21.Rxd4 Nxd4 22.Nf6+ advantage ) 29...Ng4+
A2) 22.Bxb7 Bf6 because he never thought Bxf6 23.Bxd5 Bxd5 30.Kh3 ( if 30.Kg1
23.Qxa6 Nxf2 in that direction. This is looks very dangerous Nfe3!! wins ) 30...Rd1
24.Qxb5 Qxb5 another example of how it for White as well. ] 31.g3 Rfd8 32.Rf2
25.Nxb5 Ng4 is possible to end up in a 21...Bxf6 22.Bxd5 Nxf2! R8d2 33.Rxd2 Rxd2
26.Rc8+ Kg7 position where only very Not the most obvious 34.Qg1 Nfe3 35.b4
with a clear non-standard moves are move. In these kind of Rd1 and Black should
advantage to Black.; playable, and where we desperado positions it is win the endgame
A3) 22.Nxb5 Bf6! need to open our minds to important to look at pretty easily a piece
( not 22...axb5?? a completely different way everything, since virtually up.;
23.Qa8+!! Bxa8 of understanding chess. any move can prove to be B) 26.c3! (preventing
24.Rc8+ and mates ) [ Here 20.Nc7+! the killer. the black bishop from
23.Nxd4 Bxd4 was much stronger, [ 22...Rxd5 is weaker entering the game
24.Qd8+ Kg7 when Black has only because of 23.Qc7! directly) Nde3 27.a7
25.Ne6+ fxe6 one playable move: ( 23.Rxd5 Bxd5 Rxb7 28.a8Q Rxb2!
26.Bxd4+ Qxd4+ A) 20...Kd7? 24.Qxa6 0-0 25.Qxb5 29.Qf3 Rxg2+
27.Qxd4+ Nxd4 is foolhardy after e6 is also less clear: 30.Qxg2 Nxg2
28.Bxb7 Ne2+ 21.Nxb5! Black obviously has a 31.Kxg2 Ne3+ 32.Kg1
29.Kh1 Nxc1 ( the key move in all very dangerous attack, Nxf1 33.Kxf1 Rc8!
30.Rxc1 a5 lines; not 21.Nxf7?? but maybe White will be 34.f5! and Black will
with a better Qxf4 and Black wins ) able to create a little have some
endgame for Black.; 21...axb5 22.Nxf7 counterplay with his difficulties realizing
A4) 22.--; and White wins. The pawns ) 23...Nd6 his advantage as
B) . The right move is difference can be seen (the only move) 24.Rxd5 White will have a lot
also the most tempting after Qxf4 23.Qxb5+ Bxd5 25.Rd1 Nxf2 ( or of checks.;
one: 20.Nc7+! Ke6 24.Ng5+ Kf6 25...Ba8 26.Bd4! C) 26.-- ]
(White needs to bring 25.Bxd4+ Nxd4 with roughly even [ But all this analysis
the black king into the 26.Bxb7 and so on; chances ) 26.Kxf2 Be4 could have been omitted
middle, so intuitively B) 20...Kf8 21.Nxb5!! 27.Rxd6! exd6 28.Qxd6 if we had simply looked
this is the best decision, axb5 22.Bxb7 Bg7 29.Qxa6 0-0 after candidates to
but in such a complex and now White has 30.Qxb5 Bxc2 31.a5 begin with. After 25.bxa6
position you also have Qa8+ which prevents and White has good Nxb2! followed by 26...
to back it up with 22...Qxf4, so Black can counterplay. ] Ra4 Black has nothing to
variations) Kd7 only keep his position [ 22...Bxd5? is just bad, fear and will win without
( 20...Kf8 together with Qb8! since after 23.Bxd4 too much trouble. ]
loses instantly to a B1) if 23.Bxd4 Bxd4+ 24.Rxd4 Nxd4 25...Nde3!! Black treats
very nice mate: Bxd4+ 24.Rxd4 25.Qd2! White wins the threat to his rook as
21.Nce6+!! fxe6 Nxd4 25.Kh1 ( while (Hillarp Persson). ] an illusion. Now the attack
22.Qd8+ etc ) 25.Bf3 Nxf3+ 23.Bxb7 Nxd1 24.axb5 becomes truly irresistible.
B1) 21.Nxa6 26.gxf3 Nf6 0-0! Black clings on to the 26.bxa6
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
[ 26.cxd4 Bxd4
leaves White with a
heavy material
advantage... and no
chance of saving the
game. After 27.Rf2
Black wins by Ng4
28.Kf1 Bxf2 29.Ke2
axb5 and now Black is
actually a piece up. It
is not really possible to
see any other moves
which are playable for
White. The threats are
simply too strong. ]
26...Rd7!? This gives
White some extra options,
though they hardly matter.
[ 26...Rd2 would have
been more natural, but
then chess is difficult
and this has not been an
easy game for Black to
play either. ]
27.Bc6?!
[ The best chance was
27.a7! Rxb7 28.a8Q
Rxb2 29.Qf3
transposing to the 26 c3
line in the 25 bxa6 note
above. ]
[ Instead 27.Qa4 loses to
Rd2 28.a7 Bxh4
29.a8Q Nxf1 because of
the brilliant tactic 30.Kxf1
Bf2!! and White is
helpless to prevent the
knight mate despite his
two queens vs. two
rooks. ]
27...Rd2! Black now plays
flawlessly in the finishing
phase. 28.Rb1
[ 28.a7 loses to Bxh4!
29.a8Q ( if 29.g4 hxg4
30.a8Q Bg3 31.Bg2
Nxf1 and Black has a
winning advantage,
mainly because of 32...
Bf2+! again )
A) though Black also
wins after 29...Bf2+
30.Kh2 ( or 30.Rxf2
Rd1+ 31.Kh2 Ng4+
32.Kh3 Rh1# )
30...Nxf1+ 31.Kh3
Rxa8 32.Qxa8+ Kg7;
B) 29...Nxf1 (simplest)
30.Q8a7 N5e3 31.Bf3
Bf2+ 32.Kh1 Ng3+
33.Kh2 Nef1+ 34.Kh3
Bxa7 35.Qxa7 e5
and White is
completely tangoed. ]
28...Bxh4 29.Bf3 Bf2+
30.Kh1 Ng4! Threatening
mate in one and thus
forcing White to open the
h-file. 31.Bxg4 hxg4
32.c4?
[ But 32.a7 loses to
Rdd8 33.Ra1 Ra8
34.Qe5 f6 35.Qe6+ Kg7 investigate it. Had he
36.g3 Ne3 37.Qxe7+ done so, he would have
Rf7 followed by ...Rh8+. ] spotted the follow-up.
32...Kg7! 33.Qe5+ f6 25.Kxg2 Bxh3+!
0-1 If you calculate this move
you will most likely reach
the conclusion that it is
Hellsten,J very dangerous for White.
Lopez Silva,H For the practical player it
Pinamar 2004 would have been enough
[Jacob Aagaard] to calculate a few lines
and realize that the attack
XABCDEFGHY holds only chances for
8r+-+n+k+( Black, and then refrain
7+-+-wqr+p' 57 from 24 f4? in favour of
6p+-+-+-+& something more cautious
5+-zpPzpp+-% like 24 Re2.
4-+-+-+-+$ Now White panicked and
3tR-+-+-+-# lost like a stone. 26.Kg1?!
2-zPP+-+PzP" [ In order to decide on
1+-+QtRLmK-![ the double sacrifice,
xabcdefghy however, Black would
22.d6! Very thematic; have also had to
White sees the possible calculate 26.Kxh3! Rh8+
pin on the c4-g8 diagonal 27.Kg2 Ng4 . This is the
and pushes the pawn to critical position. On
open up for the bishop. Of calculating the sacrifice
course Black had seen this, you would quickly
but he had not taken all realize this was the place
facets of the move into to stop and create your
account. Then again, his stepping-stone position.
position was not that hot (26 Kg1 could probably
anyway. Nxd6 be calculated first – and
[ If 22...Qxd6 23.Bc4 quickly, since it is not
and White wins the too difficult to see that
endgame easily. ] White is in a crisis; the
23.Qd5 Rd8 exact details are not
[ 23...Re8 24.Rxa6 Ne4 important for the
25.Bc4 also wins for decision making and
White. ] could be disregarded.)
24.Rxe5 White now has:
[ Black resigned because A) 28.Qa3 Rh2+
of 24.Rxe5 Qc7 29.Kf1 Qd4
25.Qxc5 when he has no and White has no
real chances of saving defence.;
the endgame. Of course B) 28.Qf3 Rh2+
it was a bit early to 29.Kf1 Ne5! 30.Qe3
resign, but Black did ( if 30.Qc3 gxf4
not feel lucky. ] 31.Nd7 Qe6 32.Re2
1-0 Rh1+ 33.Kf2 fxg3+
34.Qxg3 Rxb1
and Black is winning )
Kirov,N 30...gxf4
Hillarp Persson,T B1) if 31.gxf4 Ng4
Saragossa 1995 32.Qg3 ( or 32.Qf3
[Jacob Aagaard] Qh4 ) 32...Qd4 wins;
B2) 31.Qxf4 Qd8!!
XABCDEFGHY 32.Kg1 Qh8 33.Nd7
8-+l+r+-+( Rh1+ 34.Kf2 Nd3+
7+p+-+pmk-' 58 35.Ke3 Nxf4
6-sNpzp-wqp+& 36.Rxh1 Nh5
5+-+-sn-zp-% and the endgame is
4-zPP+P+-+$ very close to winning
3+-+-wQ-zPP# for Black, if not
2r+-+-zPL+" simply winning.;
1+R+-tR-mK-![ C) 28.Qd3 Rh2+
xabcdefghy 29.Kg1 and here it is
24.f4 Rxg2+!! It is hard to actually enough to see
believe that Kirov did not that you have a way
consider this move, but out, that is an
somehow he did not make immediate draw with
the effort to really Rh1+ 30.Kg2 Rh2+
40
. In the starting
position Black has no
advantage if he
doesn't sacrifice so,
in order to play it, all
you need to know is
that Black will not be
worse afterwards.;
D) . But once you get
here, of course, you
can stop and calculate
the consequences of
28.Qd3 Rh2+ 29.Kg1
gxf4!? , when White
has two ways of
continuing:
D1) 30.Rf1 Rh3 ( or
30...g5 31.gxf4 gxf4
32.Rb3 Qg6 33.e5
Qg5 34.Qf3 dxe5
35.Qxg4 Qxg4+
36.Kxh2 Qe2+
37.Kg1 e4 38.Rh3
f3 and Black wins )
31.Rbd1 Ne5
32.Rxf4 ( if 32.Qc3
f3 wins ) 32...Qxf4
33.gxf4 Rxd3
34.Rxd3 Nxd3
and Black should be
able to win the
endgame.;
D2) 30.e5 Qg5!
and if 31.Qf3 ( while
31.Qe4
is met strongly by f3!!
32.Qxf3 Qd2
and White is finished;
e.g. 33.Rbd1 Rh1+!!
34.Qxh1 Qf2# )
31...Rf2 32.Qxg4
Qxg4 33.Kxf2
Qxg3+ 34.Kf1 dxe5
and Black has a
winning endgame.;
D3) 30.--;
E) 28.-- ]
26...gxf4 27.gxf4
[ 27.Qxf4 Nf3+
would leave Black with
an extra pawn in the
endgame and White has
very few chances of
survival. ]
27...Qh4 White resigned
because the attack is
lethal. He could perhaps
have played on a few
moves, but the outcome
would have been the
same.
0-1
Sturua,Z
Xu Jun
Istanbul Olympiad 2000
[Jacob Aagaard]
24.Bc3?!
[ The fastest way to win
the game was with
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
XABCDEFGHY
8-+q+rvl-+(
7trpzp-+pmkL' 59
6-+-+-+p+&
5+P+-zp-+-%
4p+nzPN+P+$
3zPl+-zP-+Q#
2-vL-+-zP-zP"
1tR-+R+-mK-![
xabcdefghy
24.Bg8!! . After Kxg8
25.Nf6+ Kg7 26.dxe5
Nxe5 ( if 26...Rxe5 27.f4
Bd6 28.fxe5 Nxe5
29.Rf1 wins ) 27.f4
White is totally winning;
e.g. Bd6 ( or 27...Kxf6
28.Bxe5+ Rxe5 29.g5+!
and the black queen
hangs ) 28.Nxe8+ Qxe8
29.b6!? ( 29.Rd2
is also strong; , or 29.fxe5
Bxe5 30.Rd8 Qxd8
31.Bxe5+ f6 32.Bd4
followed by 33 g5 or 33
Rf1 with a winning
attack ) 29...Ra6 30.fxe5
Bxa3 31.Rxa3 Bxd1
32.e6+ f6 33.Rd3
and White wins.
Not an easy combination
to work out, and in the
game Sturua missed it,
not once, but twice! ]
24...Nd6?
[ Black could have
offered more resistance
with 24...Bxd1!?
25.Rxd1
A) 25...Bxa3! 26.dxe5
Bb2 , trying to
neutralize the terrible
dark-squared bishop,
when White has to
play accurately in order
to win: 27.Rd7!!
( but not 27.Qh4?
Bxc3 28.Qf6+ Kh6
29.Qh4+ Kg7
with a draw – Ftacnik )
27...Qxd7 ( or 27...Re6
28.g5 Kf8 29.Nf6
and wins ) 28.e6+
Bxc3 29.exd7 Rd8
30.Nxc3 and White is
winning as there is
no defence against 31
g5.;
B) . Ftacnik also gave
25...Rd8 , but this does
not work either
because of 26.Bxg6!!
( the idea was 26.Qh4
Be7! 27.g5 Kf8
28.Bxg6 fxg6 29.Qh8+
and a draw by
perpetual check )
26...fxg6 27.Ng5
with a winning attack; e.
g. Be7 28.Qh7+ Kf6
29.Ne4+ Ke6 30.d5+
Kd7 31.Nf6+ Kd6
32.Bb4+ and so on.;
C) 25...-- ]
25.Nf6?
[ White again needed to
find 25.Bg8!
, which would have won
fairly easily after Nxe4
( or 25...Kxg8 26.Nf6+
Kg7 and wins 27.dxe5 )
26.Qh7+ Kf6 27.dxe5+
Ke7 ( or 27...Rxe5
28.Qh8+ and wins )
28.Bb4+ Nd6 29.exd6+
cxd6 30.Rd4
and the attack is
decisive.
Reading Ftacnik's
annotations it is easy
to believe that the text
move should also win
against the best defence,
but that is not the case. ]
25...Nxb5 26.Bb2!?
[ If 26.Bxg6 fxg6
27.Qh7+ Kxf6 28.dxe5+
Rxe5 29.g5+ Ke6
and the position is
quite unclear. Instead
White played a quiet
move. ]
26...Kxf6? Black fails to
find his way in this very
complicated position.
[ The miraculous defence
was 26...Bxd1! 27.dxe5
Bxa3!! 28.Rxa3 Rd8
29.Bg8 Qe6!
and White's attack
seems to have been
repelled. This is far
from being the only
variation, but I have
not found any obvious
way to improve the
attack.
Now White wins without
too much effort. ]
27.dxe5+ Ke6 28.g5+
Ke7 29.e6 fxe6 30.Bf6+
1-0
Beliavsky,A
Houska,J
Copenhagen 2003
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+r+-trk+(
7+l+-+pzpp' 60
6p+-wqp+-+&
5sn-+p+-+-%
4Pzp-zPn+-+$
3+-+LzPN+-#
2-zP-sNQzPPzP"
1tR-tR-+-mK-![
xabcdefghy
White won in convincing
style after 18.Bxe4!?
dxe4 19.Ng5 h6!?
Black tries to find some
kind of defence and plays
on a pawn down.
[ White's ideas were:
19...f5 20.Rxc8 Bxc8
21.Qh5 h6 22.Ngxe4
winning a pawn. ]
[ 19...Rxc1+ 20.Rxc1 f5
21.Qh5 h6 22.Ngxe4
Qd5 23.Qg6! fxe4?
24.Rc7 and wins. ]
20.Ngxe4 Bxe4 21.Nxe4
and White won in 58
moves with his extra pawn.
This looks pretty
convincing, but actually it
is less so.
Black could have saved
her position with some
combinational magic of her
own.
. create this little
(press F10 to continue)
1-0
analysis Beliavsky-Houska move was a blunder, and if
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+r+-trk+({
7+l+-+pzpp' 61
6p+-wqp+-+&
5sn-+-+-sN-%
4Pzp-zPp+-+$
3+-+-zP-+-#
2-zP-sNQzPPzP"
1tR-tR-+-mK-!
xabcdefghy
19...Qd5! This move can
be thematically filed under
X-ray threats. It is not
really a combination, but it
requires a good feeling for
the soft spots in the
opponent's position in
order to see such a move.
Now White has no way to
gain an advantage: 20.--
[ 20.Ngxe4?? f5! ]
[ and 20.Ndxe4?? f6!
both drop a piece,
because of the X-ray
threat against g2. ]
[ 20.Qg4 Rxc1+ 21.Rxc1
Nb3 22.Nxb3 Qxb3
and Black is not worse at
all; in fact it is more
likely that she is better. ]
[ 20.Rxc8 Rxc8 21.Qh5
Qf5 22.g4 Qg6 23.Qxg6
hxg6 24.Ndxe4 f6!? ( or
24...Nb3 25.Rd1 Bxe4
26.Nxe4 Rc2 27.d5
exd5 28.Rxd5 f6
with approximate
equality ) 25.Nd6 fxg5
26.Nxc8 Bxc8 27.Rc1
Bb7 and the endgame is
truly complicated. ]
41
Afek,Y
Kogan,A
Israel 1999
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8r+-+-trk+(
7+p+lvlpzpp' 62
6p+nzpp+-+&
5wq-+-+-zPQ%
4-+-sNP+-+$
3+PsN-vL-+-#
2-zPP+-zP-zP"
1+K+R+-tR-![
xabcdefghy
1.Bd2!! This is creative
thinking. White sees the
possibility for a
combination and uses it to
masterpiece. Black now
has the choice of taking
the knight or not. Maybe
Kogan thought White's
he believed there was a
piece going for free, he
should of course take it.
Nxd4? Black had to say
no to White's generous
offer.
[ 1...Qc7 2.Nf5! exf5
3.Nd5 Qd8 4.Bc3
with a strong attack.
After Ne5 5.Bxe5 dxe5
White continues with
another combination:
6.Nf6+ Bxf6 7.Rxd7!
Qb6! (the only move)
8.gxf6 Qxf6 9.Qxf5!
(securing the rook on
the seventh rank) Qxf5
10.exf5 Rfd8 11.Rgd1
Rxd7 12.Rxd7 Rb8
13.Re7 and White has
the advantage in the
rook endgame. Black
now has the
uncomfortable choice
between f6 and losing
the e-pawn. In both
cases his chances of
survival are meagre. ]
[ 1...Qd8! was probably
the strongest reaction,
defending the key
squares on the kingside
and preventing all
White's tricks with Nf5
and Nd5. ]
2.Nd5 Qd8
[ Objectively stronger was
2...Qb5 , but of course
this is a computer move,
and White still wins after
3.g6! fxg6 4.Nxe7+ Kf7
5.Qxh7! with a decisive
attack. ]
3.Ba5!! This is the point of
White's play.
[ Now 3.Ba5 Qe8
is met by 4.Nf6+!
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
and the black king
cannot be defended.
Therefore Black will have
to lose the queen in one
way or the other; in the
game he allowed White
to carry out his main
idea. ]
3...Qxa5 4.g6! With the
obvious threat of mate.
fxg6 5.Nxe7+ Kf7
6.Qxa5
1-0
Laveryd,P
Wikstrom,P
Umea 1997
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-+-+({
7+-+-+pzpp' 63
6-+-+p+-+&
5+-mk-zP-+-%
4-zpP+p+-+$
3+K+-zP-+-#
2-+-+-zPPzP"
1+-+-+-+-!
xabcdefghy
1...h5! This is the right
move.
[ Instead the game
concluded: 1...h6?
2.h3?? ( 2.g4!
would have won ) 2...h5
3.h4 g5! 4.g3 ( if 4.hxg5
h4 and it is White who
has run out of moves )
4...g4 0-1.
Now White has a lot of
moves, but only one that
works! ]
2.h3!
[ 2.h4? g5! and Black
wins. ]
[ 2.f4? exf3 3.gxf3 h4
4.h3 f5 wins. ]
[ 2.g3? f5 3.exf6 gxf6
4.h3 f5 5.h4 e5
and Black wins. ]
2...f6!
[ Not 2...h4? 3.g3 g5
4.g4! and White wins. ]
3.h4!
[ Not 3.exf6? gxf6
and Black wins. ]
3...fxe5!
[ If 3...f5? 4.f4 ( but not
4.f3?? f4 and Black
wins ) 4...exf3 5.gxf3 f4
6.exf4 g6 7.f5! gxf5
8.f4 and White wins. ]
4.g4! g6
[ Not 4...hxg4? 5.h5
and White wins. ]
5.g5 Kb6!! 6.Kxb4 Kc6
7.c5
[ If 7.Kb3 Kc5 8.Kc3
Kb6 9.Kb4 Kc6
and White makes no
progress. ]
42
7...Kd5!! 8.Kb5 XABCDEFGHY with 26.f7+! Kxf7 27.0-0
with a draw. 8-tr-+-+-mk( and he ends a piece up.
½-½ 7+-+-wq-+P' 65 .
6-+-+p+-+& (press F10 for the next
5+-+-zp-zp-% exercise)
Leko,P 4p+-+P+-+$
Khalifman,A 3+-+-wQ-+-#
FIDE World Ch., New Delhi 2PzPr+-+-+" exercise 002
[Jacob Aagaard] 1mK-+-+RtR-![ [Jacob Aagaard]
xabcdefghy
XABCDEFGHY [ 45.Rf8+? Qxf8 XABCDEFGHY
8-tr-+-+-mk( 46.Rg8+ Qxg8 8r+-+k+-+(
7+-+-wq-+P' 64 47.hxg8Q+ Kxg8 7zp-+-+pzpp' 68
6-+-+p+-+& gives White a draw at 6-+l+-+-+&
5+-+-zp-zp-% best. ] 5tR-+Lsn-+-%
4p+-+P+-+$ 45...Kxh7 46.Rb8!! 4-vL-+-+-+$
3+-+-wQ-+-# A fabulous resource. 3+-+-+-+-#
2PzPr+-+-+" Rxa2+ 2-zP-+-zPPzP"
1mK-+-+RtR-![ [ If 46...Rxb8 47.Qh3+ 1+-+-+-mK-![
xabcdefghy Kg7 48.Rg1+ xabcdefghy
44.Rb1? a3! 45.Qxa3 and White wins. ] .
Qxa3 46.bxa3 Rxb1+! 47.Kb1 Rh2 48.Rf3!! White to play and win.
47.Kxb1 Rc4 48.Rxg5 Now Black has no (Note that the black king
Kxh7! defence against the white has already moved.)
[ 48...Rxe4 49.Rh5 attack. .
would give White very [ Not 48.Rff8?? Rhb2+ (press F10 for the solution)
serious winning and Black is OK. ]
chances. ] 48...Rad2 49.Rh3+ Rxh3
49.Rg4?! [ If 49...Kg7 50.Qh6+ solution 002
[ 49.Rxe5 Kg6 50.Kb2! and mates. ] [Jacob Aagaard]
( if 50.Rxe6+ Kf7 50.Qxh3+ Kg7 51.Qh8+
51.Re5 Kf6 and White Kf7 52.Qg8+ Kf6 XABCDEFGHY
will lose his e-pawn and 53.Rf8+ and White wins. 8r+-+k+-+(
all chances of winning 7zp-+-+pzpp' 69
the game ) 50...Kf6 6-+l+-+-+&
51.Kb3 Rd4 52.Rc5 exercise 001 5tR-+Lsn-+-%
Rxe4 53.a4 was White's [Jacob Aagaard] 4-vL-+-+-+$
last chance to play for a 3+-+-+-+-#
win. I think Black XABCDEFGHY 2-zP-+-zPPzP"
should draw this 8-+r+r+k+( 1+-+-+-mK-![
endgame, but it is hard 7zp-+-+-zp-' 66 xabcdefghy
to be certain. ] 6Qzpq+-zP-zp& E.Mednis-H.Westerinen,
49...Kh6 50.Kb2 Kh5 5+-+p+-+-% Szolnok 1975 (variation).
51.Kb3 Rd4 52.Rg2 4-zP-+-sn-vL$ .
Rxe4 53.a4 Rd4 54.a5 3zP-+-+-+-# In his analysis Mednis
e4 55.a3 e5 Now it is just 2-+-+N+PzP" disregarded this position
a draw. 56.a4 e3 57.Re2 1+-+RmK-+R![ because he missed 1.Be4!
Kg4 58.Rxe3 Kf4 59.Rh3 xabcdefghy winning a piece and the
e4 60.Rh8 Rd6 61.Re8 . game. It is important that
e3 62.Kb4 Kf3 63.Kb5 White to play and win. the black king had
Rd5+ 64.Kb6 Rd4 . . previously moved (to e7
In his analysis Leko came (press F10 for the solution) and back), otherwise 1
up with this marvellous Be4 could be answered by
finish: 1...0-0-0!.
. solution 001 .
(press F10 to continue) [Jacob Aagaard] (press F10 for the next
½-½ exercise)
XABCDEFGHY
8-+r+r+k+(
analysis Leko-Khalifman 7zp-+-+-zp-' 67 exercise 003
[Jacob Aagaard] 6Qzpq+-zP-zp& [Jacob Aagaard]
5+-+p+-+-%
4-zP-+-sn-vL$
(Diagram 65) 3zP-+-+-+-# (Diagram 70)
2-+-+N+PzP"
44.Rxg5!! Rbxb2 1+-+RmK-+R![ .
[ 44...a3 45.Rg8+ Rxg8 xabcdefghy White to play and win.
46.hxg8Q+ Kxg8 K.Sasikiran-M.Venkatesh, .
47.Qg3+ Qg7 48.Qxa3 Commonwealth Ch., (press F10 for the solution)
also leaves White with Mumbai 2004 (variation).
a winning position. ] .
45.Rg8+ White wins immediately
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 43

XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY exercise 007

8-trlwq-trk+( 8-+rwq-tr-+({ 8-+r+-+-+( [Jacob Aagaard]
7zp-+-+p+-' 70 7+-+l+P+k' 73 7zp-tr-+lmkp' 76
6-+-+-vlp+& 6-+-zp-snNvl& 6-+-+-zp-+& XABCDEFGHY
5+-zp-+-+p% 5+p+-+-+-% 5+-+p+-zp-% 8-+n+-+-+({
4-+PzpN+-+$ 4p+-zpP+-+$ 4R+-sN-+-+$ 7+P+p+-+-' 78
3+-vL-+-zPQ# 3+L+-+P+-# 3+P+-+-+-# 6-+-zP-+-+&
2P+-+-zPLzP" 2PzPPwQ-+P+" 2P+-mK-zPPzP" 5+-+-zP-+-%
1tR-+R+-mK-![ 1+-mK-+-+R! 1+-+-tR-+-![ 4-+-zP-+-+$
xabcdefghy xabcdefghy xabcdefghy 3vL-+-+-zp-#
do so is to create an . 2pzp-+-+P+"
escape hatch by (press F10 for the solution) 1sNk+-+-+K!
solution 003 21...Rxc2+! 22.Bxc2 xabcdefghy
[Jacob Aagaard] [ or 22.Kxc2 axb3+ .
and Black can again solution 006 Black to play and draw.
XABCDEFGHY escape via f7 ] [Jacob Aagaard] .
8-trlwq-trk+( 22...Kxg6 23.Rxh6+ Kxf7 (press F10 for the solution)
7zp-+-+p+-' 71 and the white attack does XABCDEFGHY
6-+-+-vlp+& not seem that dangerous. 8-+r+-+-+(
5+-zp-+-+p% . 7zp-tr-+lmkp' 77 solution 007
4-+PzpN+-+$ (press F10 for the next 6-+-+-zp-+& [Jacob Aagaard]
3+-vL-+-zPQ# exercise) 5+-+p+-zp-%
2P+-+-zPLzP" 4R+-sN-+-+$ XABCDEFGHY
1tR-+R+-mK-![ 3+P+-+-+-# 8-+n+-+-+({
xabcdefghy exercise 005 2P+-mK-zPPzP" 7+P+p+-+-' 79
S.Ovsejevitsch-J.Aagaard, [Jacob Aagaard] 1+-+-tR-+-![ 6-+-zP-+-+&
Budapest 2003 (variation). xabcdefghy 5+-+-zP-+-%
. XABCDEFGHY L.Polugaevsky-Z. 4-+-zP-+-+$
I had considered entering 8r+-tr-+k+( Azmaiparashvili, 3vL-+-+-zp-#
this position but, as 7zpQ+-zppvl-' 74 Reykjavik 1990. 2pzp-+-+P+"
Ovsejevitsch pointed out, 6-+-+-wq-zp& . 1sNk+-+-+K!
White has the strong 5zP-+n+-zp-% White needs to penetrate xabcdefghy
desperado 22.Ba5!! Qe7 4-+-+-+L+$ the black position without End of study by G.De Rossi,
[ 22...Bxh3 23.Bxd8 ] 3+-+-+-+P# allowing ...Rcc2+. This is 2nd honorary mention, La
23.Nxf6+ Qxf6 24.Qh4 2-zP-+-zPPvL" achieved by simple tactics. Strategie 1912.
and White keeps the extra 1+-tR-tR-mK-![ 27.Re6! Probably the most .
piece. xabcdefghy difficult thing is to see the 1...bxa1R! threatens ...
. . strength of this move. Kc2+ and mates. So White
(press F10 for the next White to play and win. Bxe6 is forced to play 2.bxc8Q
exercise) . [ Black cannot defend. If and Black is stalemated
(press F10 for the solution) 27...Kg6 28.Rd6! (showing why 1...bxa1Q
followed by 29 Raa6 with was no good).
exercise 004 a winning advantage ] .
[Jacob Aagaard] solution 005 [ or 27...Rc2+ 28.Nxc2 (press F10 for the next
[Jacob Aagaard] Bxe6 29.Rxa7+ exercise)
XABCDEFGHY and White wins. ]
8-+rwq-tr-+({ XABCDEFGHY 28.Nxe6+ Kg6 29.Nxc7
7+-+l+P+k' 72 8r+-tr-+k+( Rxc7 30.Ra5 Rd7 31.g4! exercise 008
6-+-zp-snNvl& 7zpQ+-zppvl-' 75 Curtailing Black's kingside [Jacob Aagaard]
5+p+-+-+-% 6-+-+-wq-zp& counterplay, thus enabling
4p+-zpP+-+$ 5zP-+n+-zp-% White to win on the XABCDEFGHY
3+L+-+P+-# 4-+-+-+L+$ queenside. The game 8r+-+-trk+(
2PzPPwQ-+P+" 3+-+-+-+P# concluded: h5 32.h3 h4 7zpp+-zppvlp' 80
1+-mK-+-+R! 2-zP-+-zPPvL" 33.b4 Kf7 34.Ra6 Rc7 6-+nzp-+p+&
xabcdefghy 1+-tR-tR-mK-![ 35.b5 d4 36.a4 Ke7 5wq-zp-+l+-%
. xabcdefghy 37.a5 Rb7 38.b6 axb6 4-+PzPn+-+$
Black to play and win. J.Aagaard-J.Østergaard, 39.Rxb6 Rc7 40.Rb3 3+PsN-zPN+-#
. Helsingør 2003 (variation). [ 40.Rb4! was even 2PvL-+LzPPzP"
(press F10 for the solution) . stronger according to 1+-tRQ+RmK-![
White should play 26.Bc8! Polugaevsky. ] xabcdefghy
and Black will lose the 40...f5 41.f3 Ke6 42.a6 .
solution 004 exchange. Ra7 43.Ra3 Ke5 44.Kd3 White to play and win.
[Jacob Aagaard] . Kf4 45.Kxd4 Kg3 .
(press F10 for the next 46.gxf5 Kxh3 47.Kc5! g4 (press F10 for the solution)
exercise) 48.Kb6 Ra8 49.Kb7 Rf8
(Diagram 73) 50.a7 g3 51.a8Q Rxa8
52.Rxa8 g2 53.Rg8 solution 008
Y.Berthelot-E.Prie, Nantes exercise 006 and Black resigned. [Jacob Aagaard]
2003 (variation). [Jacob Aagaard] .
. (press F10 for the next V.Epishin-A.Volokitin,
The black king needs to . exercise) Copenhagen 2002.
decamp. The only way to White to play and win. .
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 44

XABCDEFGHY . Unfortunately, this line XABCDEFGHY solution 012

8r+-+-trk+( was refuted by Murray 8-+-+-+-vl( [Jacob Aagaard]
7zpp+-zppvlp' 81 Chandler, whose Fritz 7+-trNwqp+k' 85
6-+nzp-+p+& computer found Bd1!! 6p+-+-+-zp& XABCDEFGHY
5wq-zp-+l+-% [ Here Adams had 5+p+-+-+-% 8-+r+rvlk+(
4-+PzPn+-+$ analysed 8...Qg5? 4-+-+nsN-zP$ 7zp-zp-+pzp-' 88
3+PsN-zPN+-# 9.Nxf3! Qxg2 10.Ke2!! 3zP-+QzP-+-# 6-zp-+p+-zp&
2PvL-+LzPPzP" Qxh1 11.d5 2-zP-+-+R+" 5sn-+-sNq+-%
1+-tRQ+RmK-![ with a dangerous attack 1+K+-+-+-![ 4l+PzPQvL-zP$
xabcdefghy for White. ] xabcdefghy 3+-zPL+-zP-#
Here the two 9.Qxd1 Qxg2 and White . 2P+-+-zP-+"
grandmasters overlooked has no compensation for (press F10 for the solution) 1+R+-tR-mK-![
a simple winning move. the pawn. xabcdefghy
11.Bd3?! This is also quite . R.Filguth-A.De la Garza,
strong, so if this was your (press F10 for the next solution 011 World Student Team Ch.,
choice, you can take 3 exercise) [Jacob Aagaard] Mexico 1980.
points as consolation. .
[ But much better was XABCDEFGHY White wins with the
11.g4! winning a piece exercise 010 8-+-+-+-vl( surprising 1.Qh1!!
after Bxg4 ( or 11...Nxc3 [Jacob Aagaard] 7+-trNwqp+k' 86 [ and Black resigned due
12.Bxc3; , or if 11...Nxf2 6p+-+-+-zp& to 1.Qh1 Qf6 2.Bg5!
12.Rxf2 Bxg4 13.d5 XABCDEFGHY 5+p+-+-+-% hxg5 3.hxg5 winning the
Nb4 14.Bf1 and Black 8r+-wqr+k+({ 4-+-+nsN-zP$ queen or mating.
has nothing ) 12.Nxe4 . ] 7zppzp-+pvlp' 83 3zP-+QzP-+-# .
11...Nxc3 12.Bxc3 Qa3? 6-+-zp-+p+& 2-zP-+-+R+" (press F10 for the next
[ Preferable was 12...Qd8 5+-+-+-+-% 1+K+-+-+-![ exercise) ]
with the better game for 4-+Psnl+-+$ xabcdefghy
White. ] 3+PsN-sN-zP-# J.Timman-R.Hübner, Wijk
13.Bxf5 gxf5 14.Rc2! 2PvL-wQPzP-zP" aan Zee 1982. exercise 013
Rad8 15.d5 Nb4 1tR-+-+RmK-! . [Jacob Aagaard]
16.Bxg7 Kxg7 17.Rd2 xabcdefghy Although White has many
Qa5 18.e4 fxe4 19.Ng5 . strong moves, he has only XABCDEFGHY
f5 20.Ne6+ Kh8 21.f3 Black to play and win. one which wins on the 8r+r+-+k+(
Rf6 22.Nxd8 Qxd8 . spot: 40.Ne6! and Black 7+p+lzppvlp' 89
23.fxe4 fxe4 24.Rxf6 (press F10 for the solution) must resign, 6pvLq+-+p+&
exf6 25.Qg4 and White [ since if 40.Ne6 Qxe6 5sn-+-+-+-%
won. 41.Nf8# . ] 4-+-+PzP-+$
. solution 010 [ Also possible was 3+-zPL+-+-#
(press F10 for the next [Jacob Aagaard] 40.Nf6+ Bxf6 41.Nd5 2P+-+N+PzP"
exercise) winning the queen after 1+R+Q+RmK-![
XABCDEFGHY Qe6 42.Nxf6+ Qxf6 xabcdefghy
8r+-wqr+k+({ 43.Qxe4+ Qg6 ( since .
exercise 009 7zppzp-+pvlp' 84 43...Kh8? 44.Qe8+ White to play and win.
[Jacob Aagaard] 6-+-zp-+p+& mates. If this was your .
5+-+-+-+-% choice take three (press F10 for the solution)
XABCDEFGHY 4-+Psnl+-+$ points.
8r+-+kvl-tr({ 3+PsN-sN-zP-# .
7zpp+-zppzpp' 82 2PvL-wQPzP-zP" (press F10 for the next solution 013
6-+n+-sn-+& 1tR-+-+RmK-! exercise) )] [Jacob Aagaard]
5+-zpq+-+-% xabcdefghy
4Q+LzP-+-+$ Cu.Hansen-V.Akopian, XABCDEFGHY
3+-zP-+l+-# Groningen 1991 exercise 012 8r+r+-+k+(
2PzP-sN-zPPzP" (variation). [Jacob Aagaard] 7+p+lzppvlp' 90
1tR-vL-mK-+R! . 6pvLq+-+p+&
xabcdefghy Here Black wins with a XABCDEFGHY 5sn-+-+-+-%
. simple tactic: 14...Bf3!! 8-+r+rvlk+( 4-+-+PzP-+$
Black to play and win. 15.Qd3 7zp-zp-+pzp-' 87 3+-zPL+-+-#
. [ 15.exf3?? Nxf3+ 6-zp-+p+-zp& 2P+-+N+PzP"
(press F10 for the solution) wins the queen. ] 5sn-+-sNq+-% 1+R+Q+RmK-![
15...Nxe2+ 16.Nxe2 Bxb2 4l+PzPQvL-zP$ xabcdefghy
and Black is a pawn up for 3+-zPL+-zP-# P.H.Nielsen-V.Ivanchuk,
solution 009 nothing. 2P+-+-zP-+" Malmö 2003 (variation).
[Jacob Aagaard] . 1+R+-tR-mK-![ .
(press F10 for the next xabcdefghy This position (after ...Rd8-
J.M.Degraeve-M.Palac, exercise) . c8) did not arise in the
Montpellier 1997. White to play and win. game as White would then
. . have a very strong move:
The position arose after exercise 011 (press F10 for the solution) 17.Rf2! Threatening 18
the moves 1.e4 c5 2.c3 [Jacob Aagaard] Bxa5 and the black knight
d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 cannot go to c4 because
Nf6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.Nbd2 . the bishop on d7 is
Nc6 7.Bc4 Bxf3 8.Qa4 White to play and win. hanging.
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 45

[ White cannot win a 32.Nb6 Be2! 33.Rc5 move exercises I have resigned.
piece immediately ( not 33.Na8? Rc8 ever seen: 34.Rd6!! .
because of 17.Bxa5 34.c7 Bc4 35.Rd1 Bd5 threatening 35 Qa8 mate, (press F10 for the next
Qc5+ ] and Black wins ) 33...b4! [ and Black resigned exercise)
[ while after 17.Kh1 Nc4! 34.axb4 Bb5 since if 34.Rd6 cxd6
18.Bxc4 Qxc4 with a likely draw. But 35.Qc6# .
the knight on e2 would White can first improve . exercise 017
also be hanging. ] his position. ] (press F10 for the next [Jacob Aagaard]
17...Bxc3 The only move. [ In the game White exercise) ]
18.Nxc3 Qxc3 19.Bf1 played 30.Rxc7 Rxc7 XABCDEFGHY
Be8 20.Rf3 Qc6 21.Rb4! 31.Nd6 Be2 32.Nb7 Kf8 8-+-+Q+-+(
when the knight is trapped 33.f4 Bc4 34.Na5 exercise 016 7+-vl-+-+r' 97
out on the rim to be with the advantage, but [Jacob Aagaard] 6-+-+-+-vL&
picked off by 22 Ra3 (for might not have won had 5+-+-+-tR-%
example). Black continued Bd5 XABCDEFGHY 4-+-+-mk-+$
This is computer analysis, 35.Kf2 Ke8 36.Ke3 Kd8 8-+r+-+r+( 3+-+-+-+-#
but we can be certain that 37.Kd4 Rc8 38.Kc5 Kc7 7+p+nmkp+-' 95 2-+-+-+-mK"
White knew and .] 6-+l+p+p+& 1+-+-+q+-![
remembered it all. The 30...Bxg4 5zp-+pzP-+p% xabcdefghy
practical player would [ If 30...Rxd7 31.cxd7 4P+-sN-zP-zP$ .
need to work out the lines Rxc1+ 32.Kg2 Rd1 3+PtR-+-+R# White to play and draw.
himself. Of course 33.Nd6 ] 2-mKP+L+P+" .
Ivanchuk knew all this as [ or 30...Bg6 31.Nd6! 1+-+-+-+-![ (press F10 for the solution)
well and, instead of 16... and White wins. ] xabcdefghy
Rdc8, played 16...Bg4! 31.Nd6 Kf8 .
eventually obtaining a [ If 31...Rxd7 32.cxd7 White to play and win. solution 017
draw from an inferior Rd8 33.Rc8 and White . [Jacob Aagaard]
position. wins. ] (press F10 for the solution)
. 32.Nxc8 Rxc8 33.Ra7 XABCDEFGHY
(press F10 for the next with a clearly won position. 8-+-+Q+-+(
exercise) . solution 016 7+-vl-+-+r' 98
(press F10 for the next [Jacob Aagaard] 6-+-+-+-vL&
exercise) 5+-+-+-tR-%
exercise 014 XABCDEFGHY 4-+-+-mk-+$
[Jacob Aagaard] 8-+r+-+r+( 3+-+-+-+-#
exercise 015 7+p+nmkp+-' 96 2-+-+-+-mK"
XABCDEFGHY [Jacob Aagaard] 6-+l+p+p+& 1+-+-+q+-![
8-+r+-+k+( 5zp-+pzP-+p% xabcdefghy
7+-trR+pzpp' 91 XABCDEFGHY 4P+-sN-zP-zP$ Study by B.Gurgenidze,
6p+P+p+-+& 8-+ktr-+-+( 3+PtR-+-+R# 1st prize, Polish Chess
5+p+-zP-+l% 7zp-zpN+p+p' 93 2-mKP+L+P+" Federation TY 1985.
4-+-+N+-+$ 6-zpR+-+-+& 1+-+-+-+-![ .
3zP-+-+-+-# 5+-+-+-+-% xabcdefghy This brilliant study is
2-+-+-zPPzP" 4-+-zPQ+-+$ P.Leko-D.Ruzele, about stalemate: 1.Qe3+!!
1+-tR-+-mK-![ 3+-+-+-zP-# European Team Ch., Kxe3+ 2.Rg3+!
xabcdefghy 2l+-wq-+PmK" Debrecen 1992. and no matter what, White
. 1+-+-+-+-![ . is stalemated on the next
White to play and win. xabcdefghy White wins a pawn with a move.
. . stunning move: 31.Ba6!! .
(press F10 for the solution) White to play and win. After this White still needs (press F10 for the next
. to show some accuracy in exercise)
(press F10 for the solution) order to gain the full point,
solution 014 but the main work has
[Jacob Aagaard] been done. f6 exercise 018
solution 015 [ If 31...Nb8 32.Nxc6+ [Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY [Jacob Aagaard] Rxc6 33.Bxb7 Rxc3
8-+r+-+k+( 34.Rxc3 Kd7 35.Ka3 XABCDEFGHY
7+-trR+pzpp' 92 XABCDEFGHY followed by b3-b4 and 8-+-+-+-mk(
6p+P+p+-+& 8-+ktr-+-+( White wins – Leko. ] 7+psn-+-+p' 99
5+p+-zP-+l% 7zp-zpN+p+p' 94 32.exf6+ Nxf6 33.Nxc6+ 6p+q+-vlp+&
4-+-+N+-+$ 6-zpR+-+-+& Rxc6 34.Bxb7 Rb6 5+-+-+-+-%
3zP-+-+-+-# 5+-+-+-+-% 35.Rc7+ Kd6 36.Rhc3 4P+-vL-+-+$
2-+-+-zPPzP" 4-+-zPQ+-+$ Ne4 37.R3c6+ Rxc6 3+L+-+-+-#
1+-tR-+-mK-![ 3+-+-+-zP-# 38.Rxc6+ Kd7 39.Ra6! 2-+-+QzPPzP"
xabcdefghy 2l+-wq-+PmK" Kc7 40.Ba8 Rf8 41.c4! 1+-+-+-mK-![
A.Abreu Delgado-M. 1+-+-+-+-![ Rxf4 42.cxd5 e5 xabcdefghy
Podgaets, Havana 1999. xabcdefghy 43.Rxa5 Rxh4 44.d6+! .
. J.Van der Wiel-N.Short, Nxd6 45.Rxe5 Kb8 White to play and win.
30.g4!! Biel Interzonal 1985. 46.Bd5 Rg4 47.a5 Rd4 .
[ White would love to play . 48.Bf3 Nf5 49.Kc3 Rf4 (press F10 for the solution)
30.Nd6 , but Black has This legendary finish is 50.Re4 Rh4 51.Rxh4
Rxd7! 31.Nxc8 Rc7 one of the greatest one Nxh4 52.Be4 and Black
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 46

solution 018 [ If instead 22...Bf5 45.g3 Rxd1 46.Qd8+ .

[Jacob Aagaard] 23.Bc1 and White is Rxd8 and White resigned. (press F10 for the next
fine. ] Thanks to Mark Dvoretsky exercise) ]
XABCDEFGHY 23.Nxd5 for showing me this
8-+-+-+-mk( [ Or 23.b4 Ba6 24.Qc6 exercise.
7+psn-+-+p' 100 Rc8 25.Qxd5 Bxf1 . exercise 022
6p+q+-vlp+& 26.Rxf1 Ne6 and Black (press F10 for next [Jacob Aagaard]
5+-+-+-+-% wins. ] exercise)
4P+-vL-+-+$ 23...Ba6 24.Qxb6 Bxf1 XABCDEFGHY
3+L+-+-+-# 25.Rxf1 Rxa2 26.Qxd8 8-+-+rtr-mk({
2-+-+QzPPzP" Rxd8 and Black won. exercise 021 7zp-+l+-+p' 107
1+-+-+-mK-![ . [Jacob Aagaard] 6-+-+-+pwq&
xabcdefghy (press F10 for the next 5+-+-sN-+-%
Riga vs. Orel, Intercity exercise) XABCDEFGHY 4-+-zPp+-+$
correspondence game 8-+-+rtr-mk({ 3+-+-zP-zPn#
1896-98. 7+-zp-+-zpp' 105 2P+Q+-+KzP"
. exercise 020 6-zp-zp-sn-wq& 1+R+-tR-+L!
1.Bb2!! intends 2 Qe7 [Jacob Aagaard] 5+N+-+-vl-% xabcdefghy
and wins. The city of Orel 4-+PzPpzp-+$ .
decided to resign since XABCDEFGHY 3+-vL-+PzP-# Black to play and win.
there is no defence; 8-wq-+lmk-+({ 2PzPQ+P+KzP" .
[ for instance if 1.Bb2 h6 7+-+-+pzp-' 103 1+-+RtR-+-! (press F10 for the solution)
( 1...Ne8 2.Qxe8+! Qxe8 6R+-+p+-zp& xabcdefghy
3.Bxf6# is mate ) 2.Qc4! 5+-+-+-+-% .
(threatening Qg8 mate) 4-+-+-+-+$ Black to play and win. solution 022
Qxc4 3.Bxf6+ Kh7 3+-+-+-+P# . [Jacob Aagaard]
4.Bxc4 wins a piece. 2P+-wQ-zPP+" (press F10 for the solution)
. 1+r+N+-mK-! XABCDEFGHY
(press F10 for the next xabcdefghy 8-+-+rtr-mk({
exercise) ] . solution 021 7zp-+l+-+p' 108
Black to play and win. [Jacob Aagaard] 6-+-+-+pwq&
. 5+-+-sN-+-%
exercise 019 (press F10 for the solution) XABCDEFGHY 4-+-zPp+-+$
[Jacob Aagaard] 8-+-+rtr-mk({ 3+-+-zP-zPn#
7+-zp-+-zpp' 106 2P+Q+-+KzP"
XABCDEFGHY solution 020 6-zp-zp-sn-wq& 1+R+-tR-+L!
8r+-wqr+k+({ [Jacob Aagaard] 5+N+-+-vl-% xabcdefghy
7+-+-+pzp-' 101 4-+PzPpzp-+$ L.Koerholz-L.H.Hansen,
6-zp-vll+-zp& XABCDEFGHY 3+-vL-+PzP-# Taastrup 2002.
5+Qsnp+-+-% 8-wq-+lmk-+({ 2PzPQ+P+KzP" .
4-+-+-+-+$ 7+-+-+pzp-' 104 1+-+RtR-+-! The winning combination
3+-sN-zPN+-# 6R+-+p+-zp& xabcdefghy was 26...Rxe5!
2PzP-vL-+PzP" 5+-+-+-+-% K.Bolding-J.Aagaard, [ In a winning position
1+-+R+R+K! 4-+-+-+-+$ Danish Junior Black blundered with
xabcdefghy 3+-+-+-+P# Championship 1992. 26...Rf2+?? losing the
. 2P+-wQ-zPP+" . game in one move to
Black to play and win. 1+r+N+-mK-! Black has two different 27.Qxf2! (2 points). ]
. xabcdefghy ways of executing the 27.dxe5 Bg4 (4 points)
(press F10 for the solution) P.Leko-V.Bologan, combination, exploiting his 28.Rf1 Bf3+ 29.Rxf3
Dortmund 2003. great advantage in exf3+ 30.Kf1 Qxe3
. mobility on the kingside. (4 points) and White has
solution 019 This brilliant finish by 24...Ng4! no defence.
[Jacob Aagaard] Bologan shows his [ 24...fxg3!? 25.hxg3 Maximum score: 8 points.
enormous strength. A Ng4! (8 points) 26.fxg4 .
XABCDEFGHY computer will produce the Rf2+ etc (2 points) is (press F10 for the next
8r+-wqr+k+({ solution almost another way of executing exercise)
7+-+-+pzp-' 102 immediately but it is a the same combination.
6-zp-vll+-zp& hard line for a human to Neither variation is
5+Qsnp+-+-% find. 41...Qe5!! better than the other. ] exercise 023
4-+-+-+-+$ (5 points) With the threat 25.fxg4 fxg3 (8 points) [Jacob Aagaard]
3+-sN-zPN+-# of 42...Qd5. White cannot was the finish in the game.
2PzP-vL-+PzP" allow this and therefore [ White resigned because
1+-+R+R+K! plays: 42.Ra3 of 25...fxg3 26.hxg3 (Diagram 109)
xabcdefghy Now the second half of the Rf2+! (very thematic)
M.Illescas Cordoba-A. exercise was to find: Qg5! 27.Kxf2 Qh2+ 28.Kf1 .
Morozevich, Pamplona (5 points) White loses a Rf8# (2 points). White to play and win.
1998. piece no matter what. Maximum score for this .
. 43.Re3 exercise: 10 points. (press F10 for the solution)
22...Bc8!! After this White [ If 43.Qxg5 Rxd1+ ] You cannot have 20
loses the exchange more [ or 43.f4 Qc5+ 44.Re3 points for seeing both
or less for nothing and Rxd1+ . ] routes to the same
therefore also the game. 43...Ba4 44.Kh2 Qf4+ solution.
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 47

XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY 42.Rxh1 Qxh1

8-+r+kvl-tr( 8-+l+r+k+( 8r+l+kvl-+( is very unsound; White
7zp-+p+pzpp' 109 7+-tr-+-+p' 111 7+-+-+p+-' 114 should count himself
6-+-+p+n+& 6pzp-wq-zppwQ& 6pwqpzpp+-+& lucky that after 43.b4
5+-zp-tR-vL-% 5+-+p+-+-% 5+-+nzP-vL-% cxb4 44.Qxb4 Qa1+
4-+P+-+-+$ 4-+-zP-+-+$ 4-+-+N+-+$ 45.Kb3 Qd1+
3+-wqL+-wQ-# 3+-zP-sN-+P# 3+-+L+-+-# Black only has perpetual
2P+-+-zPPzP" 2P+-+-zPP+" 2PzPP+-+Ptr" check. ]
1+-+R+-mK-![ 1+-tR-tR-mK-![ 1tR-+QmK-+R![ 41...h1Q 42.Ne8+!
xabcdefghy xabcdefghy xabcdefghy This is the point of the last
but once you set this up as move.
a combination people can [ 42.Rxh1 Qxh1
solution 023 solution 024 turn crazy. Here the point 43.Ne8+! transposes. ]
[Jacob Aagaard] [Jacob Aagaard] is of course to see the 42...Kh8 43.Rxh1 Qxh1
White's 17th move. 44.Nxf6 This position is
XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY Clearly Black failed to do absolutely winning for
8-+r+kvl-tr( 8-+l+r+k+( so when playing 14... White. Rd8 45.Qb2
7zp-+p+pzpp' 110 7+-tr-+-+p' 112 Rxh2??. Qg1+ 16.Bf1 Many other moves wins as
6-+-+p+n+& 6pzp-wq-zppwQ& Qxh2 17.Qxd5! well here, but 45 Qb2 is
5+-zp-tR-vL-% 5+-+p+-+-% (5 points) Winning a piece. the most human solution.
4-+P+-+-+$ 4-+-zP-+-+$ exd5 18.Nf6+ Ke7 Kg7 46.Qe5
3+-wqL+-wQ-# 3+-zP-sN-+P# 19.Ng4+ Ke6 20.Nxh2 [ Here 46.Ne8+! Kf8
2P+-+-zPPzP" 2P+-+-zPP+" White has a winning 47.Qg7+ Ke7 48.Qf6+
1+-+R+-mK-![ 1+-tR-tR-mK-![ endgame. The game Kf8 49.Qxd8
xabcdefghy xabcdefghy concluded: dxe5 21.Be2 was simplest. ]
F.Gomez-Jos.Alvarez, C.Høi-C.Rossen, f6 22.Bd2 Bd6 23.0-0-0 46...Qd1 47.Ne4+ Kf8
Cuba 1998. Copenhagen 2003. e4 24.Rh1 d4 25.Ng4 e3 48.Qxc5+ Kg7 49.Qe5+
. . 26.Ba5 Bf4 27.Nxf6 Kf8 50.Nd6 Qd2+
White has invested a pawn This is basic pattern and Black resigned. 51.Ka3 Ra8 52.Qe8+
to gain a lead in training. 26.Nxd5! Maximum score: 10 points. Kg7 53.Qxa8 Qxd6+
development and can now (4 points) . 54.Kb2 Qd2+ 55.Ka3
win the pawn back. [ Black resigned because (press F10 for the next Qd6+ 56.b4 Qd3+
However, there is a much of 26.Nxd5 Rxe1+ exercise) 57.Ka4 Qxd7+ 58.b5
stronger continuation 27.Rxe1 Qxd5 28.Re8+ Qd1+ 59.Kb4 Qd2+
based on the black king Kf7 29.Qf8# (4 points). 60.Kc5 Qe3+ 61.Kd6
trapped in the centre, the Maximum score: 8 exercise 026 Qxf4+ 62.Kd7 Qxc4
unprotected queen and a points. [Jacob Aagaard] 63.Qc6 and White won.
change of move order. . Maximum score: 10 points.
1.Rxe6+!! (10 points) (press F10 for the next XABCDEFGHY .
[ 1.Bxg6 Qxg3 2.Bxf7+ exercise) ] 8r+-+-+-+( (press F10 for the next
would just regain the 7+-sN-+pmk-' 115 exercise)
pawn. ] 6-+-zP-vlp+&
1...dxe6 exercise 025 5zP-zp-+-+q%
[ Black cannot play [Jacob Aagaard] 4-+P+-zP-+$ exercise 027
1...fxe6 because of 3+P+-+P+-# [Jacob Aagaard]
2.Bxg6+ and White wins XABCDEFGHY 2K+-wQ-+-zp"
the queen (3 points). ] 8r+l+kvl-+( 1+-+-+R+-![ XABCDEFGHY
2.Be4! (3 points) 7+-+-+p+-' 113 xabcdefghy 8-+-+nmk-+(
[ Black resigned because 6pwqpzpp+-+& . 7wq-+-+p+-' 117
of 2.Be4 Qxg3 ( 2...Qa5 5+-+nzP-vL-% White to play and win. 6p+Qzp-+P+&
3.Bc6+ Rxc6 4.Qb8+ 4-+-+N+-+$ . 5+-+Psn-zPp%
also leads to mate ) 3+-+L+-+-# (press F10 for the solution) 4-zPPzp-+-+$
3.Bc6+! Rxc6 4.Rd8# . 2PzPP+-+Ptr" 3+-+L+-+P#
Maximum score: 16 1tR-+QmK-+R![ 2-+-vL-+K+"
points. xabcdefghy solution 026 1+-+-+-+-![
. . [Jacob Aagaard] xabcdefghy
(press F10 for the next White to play and win. .
exercise) ] . XABCDEFGHY White to play and win.
(press F10 for the solution) 8r+-+-+-+( .
7+-sN-+pmk-' 116 (press F10 for the solution)
exercise 024 6-+-zP-vlp+&
[Jacob Aagaard] solution 025 5zP-zp-+-+q%
[Jacob Aagaard] 4-+P+-zP-+$ solution 027
3+P+-+P+-# [Jacob Aagaard]
(Diagram 111) 2K+-wQ-+-zp"
(Diagram 114) 1+-+-+R+-![
. xabcdefghy (Diagram 118)
White to play and win. N.Castaneda-W.Browne, J.Egger-R.Dive, Istanbul
. Philadelphia 1997. Olympiad 2000. E.Lund-F.Frink, Budapest
(press F10 for the solution) . . 2002 (variation).
15.Rxh2! (5 points) 41.d7!! .
Actually the only move, [ 41.Nxa8? h1Q From an analysis to the
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 48

XABCDEFGHY of course. Qxh5 5.Ne7+ exercise 030 exercise 031

8-+-+nmk-+( Kh7 6.Rxh5# . [Jacob Aagaard] [Jacob Aagaard]
7wq-+-+p+-' 118 Taken from the excellent
6p+Qzp-+P+& 'Art of Attack in Chess' by XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY
5+-+Psn-zPp% Vukovic. 8r+lwq-trk+({ 8-+ktr-+-tr({
4-zPPzp-+-+$ Maximum score: 12 points. 7zpp+-+pzp-' 123 7zpp+-+pzpp' 125
3+-+L+-+P# . 6-+-zp-sn-zp& 6-+-+l+-+&
2-+-vL-+K+" (press F10 for the next 5+-vlPsn-+-% 5+p+-+-+-%
1+-+-+-+-![ exercise) 4-+p+P+-vL$ 4-wQP+-vL-+$
xabcdefghy 3+-sN-+P+-# 3+-+-+-+P#
game. White avoided this 2PzPL+N+PzP" 2PzP-+LzPqsn"
position, overlooking that exercise 029 1+R+QmK-+R! 1tR-+-mKR+-!
he wins instantly with: [Jacob Aagaard] xabcdefghy xabcdefghy
1.Qxe8+!! Kxe8 2.g7 . .
Nxd3 3.g8Q+ (8 points) XABCDEFGHY Black to play and win. Black to play and win.
Ke7 4.g6! (4 points) This 8-+l+-+k+({ . .
move should have been 7zpp+-+-+-' 121 (press F10 for the solution) (press F10 for the solution)
found in advance. Kf6 6-+-zp-wQ-zp&
(2 points) 5+-+Psn-+-%
[ The point is 4...fxg6 4-+-+-sNP+$ solution 030 solution 031
5.Qg7+ and White wins. ] 3+-wq-+-+P# [Jacob Aagaard] [Jacob Aagaard]
5.gxf7 Qxf7 does not 2P+-+K+-+"
defend because of 6.Qg5# 1+-+-+L+-! XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY
(2 points). xabcdefghy 8r+lwq-trk+({ 8-+ktr-+-tr({
Maximum score: 16 points. . 7zpp+-+pzp-' 124 7zpp+-+pzpp' 126
. Black to play and win as 6-+-zp-sn-zp& 6-+-+l+-+&
(press F10 for the next clearly as possible. 5+-vlPsn-+-% 5+p+-+-+-%
exercise) . 4-+p+P+-vL$ 4-wQP+-vL-+$
(press F10 for the solution) 3+-sN-+P+-# 3+-+-+-+P#
2PzPL+N+PzP" 2PzP-+LzPqsn"
exercise 028 1+R+QmK-+R! 1tR-+-mKR+-!
[Jacob Aagaard] solution 029 xabcdefghy xabcdefghy
[Jacob Aagaard] S.Mohandesi-A.Barsov, R.Hübner-T.Luther,
XABCDEFGHY Leuven 2002. German Ch., Saarbrücken
8-+-+-trk+( XABCDEFGHY . 2002.
7zpltrn+pzpp' 119 8-+l+-+k+({ The theme is similar to the .
6-zppsN-wq-+& 7zpp+-+-+-' 122 classic Legall's mate. Black wins with a nice
5+-zP-zp-+-% 6-+-zp-wQ-zp& Here the consequences of tactical twist. 17...Qxf1+!
4-+-zP-+-+$ 5+-+Psn-+-% the combination are less (5 points) 18.Bxf1 Nf3+
3+PtRL+-+-# 4-+-+-sNP+$ severe, but still enough to 19.Ke2 Nd4+ 20.Kd2
2P+-+QzPPzP" 3+-wq-+-+P# decide the game in [ 20.Ke1 Nc2+
1+-+-+RmK-![ 2P+-+K+-+" Black's favour. 13...Nxe4!! is even worse. ]
xabcdefghy 1+-+-+L+-! (2 points) This kind of 20...Nc6+ (5 points)
. xabcdefghy sacrifice is thematic and 21.Qd6 Rxd6+ 22.Bxd6
White to play and win as P.E.Nielsen-J.Aagaard, should be calculated by Bxc4 (2 points) Black is
clearly as possible. Danish League 2003. both White and Black. two pawns up and won
. . 14.Bxd8 the endgame.
(press F10 for the solution) In time trouble Black [ Or 14.Nxe4 Qxh4+ Maximum score: 12 points.
repeated moves by with a winning position. ] .
37...Qb2+?! 38.Kd1 Qa1+ 14...Nxf3+ 15.Kf1 (press F10 for the next
solution 028 39.Ke2 Qb2+ 40.Kd1 [ If 15.gxf3 Bf2+ 16.Kf1 exercise)
[Jacob Aagaard] Qb1+ 41.Ke2 Qc2+ Bh3# (8 points). ]
42.Ke3 Qc3+ 43.Ke2 15...Ned2+
XABCDEFGHY (the diagram position has [ It does not matter which exercise 032
8-+-+-trk+( arisen again), before knight Black uses, as [Jacob Aagaard]
7zpltrn+pzpp' 120 falling into deep thought. after 15...Nfd2+ 16.Ke1?
6-zppsN-wq-+& The theme is the Black has Bf2# . ] XABCDEFGHY
5+-zP-zp-+-% unprotected queen on f6. 16.Qxd2 Nxd2+ 17.Ke1 8r+-+rvl-mk(
4-+-zP-+-+$ Bxg4+!! (8 points) Nxb1 18.Ba5 Nxc3 7+l+-+-zpp' 127
3+PtRL+-+-# 44.hxg4 19.Bxc3 Re8 Black has 6-wq-zp-+n+&
2P+-+QzPPzP" [ If 44.Kf2 Nd3+ won the exchange and 5+-zpP+-sN-%
1+-+-+RmK-![ and wins the queen (1 two pawns. The rest is 4-+-+-tR-+$
xabcdefghy point). ] easy. 20.h3 b5 21.Kd1 3+PsN-+-wQ-#
Toth-Szigeti, Budapest 44...Qc2+ 45.Ke1 b4 22.Bd4 Rxe2 23.Bxc5 2-+-+P+LzP"
1946. [ Now if 45.Ke3 Nxg4+ Rxc2 and White resigned. 1+-+-+R+K![
. wins the queen (1 Maximum score: 10 points. xabcdefghy
White wins with a nice point). ] . .
variation on the classical 45...Nf3# (2 points). (press F10 for the next White to play and win.
bishop sacrifice. 1.Bxh7+! Maximum score: 12 points. exercise) .
Kxh7 2.Rh3+ Kg8 3.Qh5 . (press F10 for the solution)
(8 points) Qh6 4.Nf5! (press F10 for the next
(4 points) This is the point exercise)
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 49

solution 032 solution 033 solution 034 XABCDEFGHY

[Jacob Aagaard] [Jacob Aagaard] [Jacob Aagaard] 8r+l+r+k+(
7zpp+p+pzp-' 134
XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY 6-+p+-sn-+&
8r+-+rvl-mk( 8r+-+k+-tr( 8r+-+-+-tr( 5+L+-+-vL-%
7+l+-+-zpp' 128 7zp-wq-+pzpp' 130 7zpp+-mk-zpp' 132 4-+-zpP+-+$
6-wq-zp-+n+& 6l+p+p+-+& 6-+p+-+-+& 3+-+P+Q+P#
5+-zpP+-sN-% 5+-vL-+n+Q% 5+-+-sNl+-% 2PwqP+-zP-+"
4-+-+-tR-+$ 4-zPP+Nvl-+$ 4-+-+n+-+$ 1tR-+K+-tR-![
3+PsN-+-wQ-# 3zP-+L+-+-# 3+-+-zP-+-# xabcdefghy
2-+-+P+LzP" 2-+-+-+PzP" 2PzPL+-+PzP" [ 16.Qxf6!! (6 points)
1+-+-+R+K![ 1tR-+-+RmK-![ 1tR-+R+-mK-![ A) , and if 16...gxf6
xabcdefghy xabcdefghy xabcdefghy 17.Bc1+ Kh7 18.Bxb2
A.Karpov-V.Salov, Linares S.Rublevsky-K.Asrian, T.Luther-R.Dausch, cxb5 19.Bxd4 Re6
1993. Aeroflot Open, Moscow German Ch., Höckendorf 20.Kd2 b6 21.Rg4
. 2004. 2004. (6 points) followed by
It is always interesting . . Rag1 and Rh4 mate.;
when a new White wins with a double 22.g4! (4 points) The B) , or 16...Qxa1+
combinational theme is exchange sacrifice. beginning of a not too 17.Bc1 g6 18.Rg4
found in a game. This 19.Rxf4! (3 points) Wiping difficult, but still elegant, (3 points) and Black
example is very nice. out Black's dark squared manoeuvre. Ke6 has no defence; e.g.
32.Nf7+ (4 points) defence. Qxf4 20.Rf1 This is of course the only Re6 19.Qd8+ Kg7
[ White has more difficult Qh6 Black has nothing defence. 23.Nf3! 20.Rh4 with mate to
wins including knight better. (2 points) Other moves come. ( 20.-- );
sacrifices on h7; e.g. [ If 20...Qc7 21.Rxf5! are also strong, but this C) 16...-- ]
32.Nxh7 Nxf4 (2 points) exf5 22.Nd6+ wins the most easily. Bg6 16...Qxb5! (3 points)
( 32...Kxh7 33.Qd3! Be7 and White wins; e.g. Kd8 24.Bxe4 Bxe4 25.Ng5+ [ 16...Qxa1? 17.Qxf6 g6
34.Rg4 ) 33.Ng5 g6 23.Bxf5 Rf8 24.Qh4+ f6 Ke5 26.Nf7+ (2 points) 18.Rg4 transposes to the
( 33...Nh5 34.Qd3 Nf6 25.Qd4 . ] followed by Nxh8 and previous note. ]
35.Rxf6! ) 34.Qxf4 Qc7 [ Also after 20...Qe5 Black had no 17.Qxf6 Qh5+
35.Qh4+ Kg8 36.Nce4 21.Nd6+! it is all over (2 compensation for the [ Not 17...g6 18.Rg5
. But the simplest way points). ] exchange. Qb4 19.Re5! Rxe5
should be appreciated, 21.Rxf5 (3 points) Qxh5 Maximum score: 8 points. 20.Bh6 and White wins. ]
so other wins give just [ If 21...exf5 22.Nd6+ . 18.f3 g6 19.Rg5 Qh7?
6 points. ] Kd7 and now White wins (press F10 for the next [ Black could have made
32...Kg8 33.Qxg6! in many ways, one of exercise) a draw here with
(2 points) them being 23.Qxf7+ 19...Qxh3 20.Rxg6+
[ Black resigned as after Kd8 24.Nxf5 Qc1+ fxg6 21.Qxg6+ Kf8
33.Qxg6 hxg6 34.Rh4 25.Bf1 Qd1 26.Bd6 exercise 035 22.Ba3+ Re7 23.Qf6+
there is no defence and Black must part with [Jacob Aagaard] Kg8 24.Bxe7 Qf1+
against 35 Rh8 mate (6 his queen as well as any 25.Kd2 Qf2+ 26.Kc1
points). hope of saving the XABCDEFGHY Qe1+ 27.Kb2 Qc3+
Maximum score: 12 game. ] 8r+l+r+k+( with perpetual check. ]
points. 22.Nd6+ Kd7 23.Rxh5 7zpp+p+pzp-' 133 20.Qxd4 White now again
. and White won 6-+p+-sn-+& has a very strong attack.
(press F10 for the next convincingly. 5+L+-+-vL-% Qg7
exercise) ] Maximum score: 10 points. 4-+-zpP+-+$ [ Or 20...d5 21.Bb2
. 3+-+P+Q+P# Bxh3 22.Kd2 Qh6
(press F10 for the next 2PwqP+-zP-+" 23.Rag1 dxe4 24.fxe4
exercise 033 exercise) 1tR-+K+-tR-![ with a probably
[Jacob Aagaard] xabcdefghy irresistible attack. ]
. 21.Bb2 Qxd4 22.Bxd4
XABCDEFGHY exercise 034 White to play and win. d6
8r+-+k+-tr( [Jacob Aagaard] . [ Objectively better was
7zp-wq-+pzpp' 129 (press F10 for the solution) 22...b6 23.h4 c5 24.Bb2
6l+p+p+-+& XABCDEFGHY Bb7 25.h5 Re6 26.Kd2
5+-vL-+n+Q% 8r+-+-+-tr( c4 27.Rag1 cxd3
4-zPP+Nvl-+$ 7zpp+-mk-zpp' 131 solution 035 28.cxd3 Rc8 29.hxg6
3zP-+L+-+-# 6-+p+-+-+& [Jacob Aagaard] Rxg6 30.Rxg6+ fxg6
2-+-+-+PzP" 5+-+-sNl+-% 31.Rxg6+ , though the
1tR-+-+RmK-![ 4-+-+n+-+$ endgame greatly favours
xabcdefghy 3+-+-zP-+-# (Diagram 134) White. ]
. 2PzPL+-+PzP" 23.h4 Kf8 24.Kd2 Ke7
White to play and win. 1tR-+R+-mK-![ V.Yemelin-A.Kharlov, 25.f4 c5 26.Bb2 Kd7
. xabcdefghy Aeroflot Open, Moscow [ If 26...b5 27.f5 gxf5
(press F10 for the solution) . 2002. 28.exf5 Bb7 29.h5 Bf3
White to play and win. . 30.Re1+ Kd7 31.h6 d5
. 16.Bc1? (2 points) This 32.Bf6 and White wins. ]
(press F10 for the solution) move looks a good 27.f5 gxf5 28.h5!
candidate, but here White The h-pawn wins the
misses a really strong game. fxe4 29.h6 Kc6
combination: [ Or 29...e3+ 30.Ke2 b5
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 50

31.h7 Bb7 32.Rh5 (press F10 for the next solution 038 solution 039
and wins. ] exercise) ] [Jacob Aagaard] [Jacob Aagaard]
30.h7 e3+ 31.Ke2 f6
[ Or 31...Be6 32.Bf6 XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY
Rh8 33.Rh1 Rae8 exercise 037 8-+-trksn-tr( 8-+-+r+k+({
34.Bxh8 Rxh8 35.Rg8 [Jacob Aagaard] 7+l+-wq-+p' 140 7tR-+-+-+-' 142
and it is all over. ] 6psnp+-zppvL& 6-+-+q+p+&
32.Bxf6 Black cannot offer XABCDEFGHY 5+pvl-zp-+-% 5+-+-+n+-%
any more resistance. Be6 8-+-tr-+k+({ 4P+-+P+-wQ$ 4PzP-zp-+-zp$
33.Rh1 Rh8 34.Bxh8 7+p+-+pzpp' 137 3+-zP-+N+P# 3+-+Q+PvL-#
Rxh8 35.Kxe3 b5 36.a3 6-+p+p+-+& 2LzP-+NzPP+" 2-+-+-zPKzP"
a5 37.Rh6 a4 38.Rxe6 5zp-+-zP-+l% 1tR-+R+-mK-![ 1+-+-+-+-!
Rxh7 39.Rgg6 4Pvl-+PzP-+$ xabcdefghy xabcdefghy
and Black resigned. 3+QsN-+-zPq# S.B.Hansen-T.Hillarp T.Nyback-M.Matthiesen,
Maximum score: 15 points. 2-zP-+L+-zP" Persson, Malmö 2003. Copenhagen 2003.
. 1+-+R+-+K! . .
(press F10 for the next xabcdefghy Here White saw the Here Matthiesen surprised
exercise) . winning combination, but his strong opponent with:
Black to play and win. for some reason believed 31...h3+!! (10 points)
. that the alternative was Black is after the king.
exercise 036 (press F10 for the solution) just as strong. 25.Ng5? 32.Kg1
[Jacob Aagaard] [ 25.Rxd8+ Kxd8 26.b4 [ 32.Kxh3 loses to Ne3+
Bd6 27.Ng5 Nc4 33.Kh4 Ng2+! 34.Kg5
XABCDEFGHY solution 037 (4 points) is also Qd5+ 35.Kxg6 Re6#
8rsn-mk-+ntr( [Jacob Aagaard] tempting, but still not (5 points). ]
7zpl+p+p+p' 135 conclusive! ] 32...Qe1+ 33.Qf1 Nxg3!
6-+-+-+-+& XABCDEFGHY [ The right way to (3 points) The cleanest.
5+pvLN+P+P% 8-+-tr-+k+({ proceed was 25.Nxe5! [ Also possible was
4-+-+-+P+$ 7+p+-+pzpp' 138 (6 points) Rxd1+ 33...d3 34.Rd7 d2
3+-+P+Q+-# 6-+p+p+-+& 26.Rxd1 and Black wins (2
2PwqPmK-+-+" 5zp-+-zP-+l% A) , and if 26...fxe5 points). ]
1+-+-tR-+-![ 4Pvl-+PzP-+$ 27.Bg5 [ But not 33...Qd2??
xabcdefghy 3+QsN-+-zPq# wins (3 points); when White has a
. 2-zP-+L+-zP" B) , or 26...Qxe5 counter-attack with
White to play and win. 1+-+R+-+K! 27.Bg7 and Black 34.Qc4+ Kh8 35.Be5+!
. xabcdefghy loses the rook and/or (1 point) and it is Black
(press F10 for the solution) R.Janssen-I.Sokolov, his self-respect (3 who is mated. ]
Dutch Ch., Leeuwarden points). ( 27.-- ); 34.fxg3
2002. C) 26...-- ] [ If 34.hxg3 h2+ wins. ]
solution 036 . 25...Rxd1+ 26.Rxd1 Nc4! 34...Qe3+
[Jacob Aagaard] Black decided the game (8 points) 27.b4 Bb6 [ White resigned because
with a killer blow. 28.Bxc4 bxc4 29.Nf3 of 34...Qe3+ 35.Kh1
XABCDEFGHY 23...Rd2!! (12 points) and White offered a draw Qxf3+! 36.Kg1 Re1
8rsn-mk-+ntr( [ White resigned due to in this advantageous (4 points).
7zpl+p+p+p' 136 23...Rd2 24.Rxd2 Bf3+ position simply to avoid Maximum score: 20
6-+-+-+-+& 25.Bxf3 ( or 25.Kg1 messing things up further. points.
5+pvLN+P+P% Qg2# ) 25...Qf1# . Maximum score: 20 points. .
4-+-+-+P+$ Maximum score: 12 . (press F10 for the next
3+-+P+Q+-# points. (press F10 for the next exercise) ]
2PwqPmK-+-+" . exercise)
1+-+-tR-+-![ (press F10 for the next
xabcdefghy exercise) ] exercise 040
A.Anderssen-L.Kieseritzky, exercise 039 [Jacob Aagaard]
London 1851 (variation). [Jacob Aagaard]
. exercise 038 XABCDEFGHY
In his analysis of this [Jacob Aagaard] XABCDEFGHY 8R+-+-+-+(
classic game Kasparov 8-+-+r+k+({ 7+-+-+k+p' 143
discovered: 24.Bb6+!! XABCDEFGHY 7tR-+-+-+-' 141 6l+p+-+p+&
[ 24.Qe3 does not work 8-+-trksn-tr( 6-+-+q+p+& 5+-+p+p+-%
because of Bxd5 7+l+-wq-+p' 139 5+-+-+n+-% 4r+-zP-zP-+$
25.Bb6+ Kc8! 6psnp+-zppvL& 4PzP-zp-+-zp$ 3+-+-+-zP-#
(3 points). ] 5+pvl-zp-+-% 3+-+Q+PvL-# 2-tR-+-mKLzP"
24...axb6 25.Qe3 4P+-+P+-wQ$ 2-+-+-zPKzP" 1+-+r+-+-![
and Black has no way to 3+-zP-+N+P# 1+-+-+-+-! xabcdefghy
save the game; 2LzP-+NzPP+" xabcdefghy .
[ e.g. 25.Qe3 Bxd5 1tR-+R+-mK-![ . White to play and win.
26.Qxb6+ Kc8 27.Re8# xabcdefghy Black to play and win. .
. . . (press F10 for the solution)
Maximum score: 13 White to play and win. (press F10 for the solution)
points. .
. (press F10 for the solution)
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 51

solution 040 solution 041 XABCDEFGHY [ If 31...Ke7 32.Qf6# ]

[Jacob Aagaard] [Jacob Aagaard] 8-trl+-trk+({ [ or 31...Kg5 32.Bf6# . ]
7zp-+pvl-zpp' 148 32.Qxe4+! (6 points) The
XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY 6-+p+pzp-+& simplest and cleanest win.
8R+-+-+-+( 8-+-+-tr-+({ 5+-+-zP-+-% [ 32.Qxf7 is also decisive
7+-+-+k+p' 144 7+-+-+pmkp' 146 4-+P+NzP-+$ after Rd8 33.f4+! Qxf4
6l+p+-+p+& 6-+-zp-+p+& 3zP-+-+-+-# 34.Re1+ Qe4 35.Qc7+!
5+-+p+p+-% 5+pwqN+n+-% 2-zP-tRL+PzP" Bd6 36.Qg7+ Kf5
4r+-zP-zP-+$ 4-+-vl-+-+$ 1+-+-mK-+R! 37.g4+ Qxg4+ 38.hxg4+
3+-+-+-zP-# 3+LzP-+-+P# xabcdefghy Kg5 39.Bd3 Bh2+
2-tR-+-mKLzP" 2RzP-+-zPP+" 17.fxe5 Rf5! (3 points) 40.Kxh2 Rxd3 41.Re5+
1+-+r+-+-![ 1+-+-wQ-mK-! 18.Nd6 Rxe5 19.Nxc8 Nxe5 42.Qxe5+
xabcdefghy xabcdefghy Bg5! (4 points) This was etc. Give yourself a
R.Vaganian-T.L.Petrosian, Zhao Jun-Art.Minasian, the point. 20.Rxd7? bonus 4 points if you
Aeroflot Open, Moscow Aeroflot Open, Moscow [ White should have calculated it all the way
2004. 2004. played 20.Rc2 to here. But it would be
. . (3 points) with a lost unnecessarily risky to
White would be worse 26...Re8!! (10 points) endgame after Rxc8 venture such a
were it not for a surprising Let us see why White ; instead he self- complicated variation in
mate. 35.Bxd5+!! resigned. 27.-- destructed. ] an actual game, when
A wonderful shot which [ 27.Qxe8 Bxf2+ 28.Kh1 20...Rxb2 (2 points) there is a simple win
completely destroys ( or 28.Kh2 Bg1+ 21.Rf1? Rexe2+ 22.Kd1 available. ]
Black's position. Kg7 29.Kh1 Ng3# ) 28...Ng3+ Rxg2 and White resigned. 32...Kxe4 33.Re1+ Kf5
[ If 35...cxd5 36.Ra7+ 29.Kh2 Bg1+ 30.Kxg3 Maximum score: 10 points. 34.Rxe8 White is winning.
Kf6 37.Rb6# . It is rare Qf2+ 31.Kg4 f5+ . Full points only if you saw
that we see mating 32.Kg5 h6# (6 points). ] (press F10 for the next this position in your
combinations in the [ 27.Qf1 Bxf2+! exercise) analysis. Be6 35.Rxf8
endgame. ] (4 points) 28.Qxf2 ( or Bxa2 36.Rc8 (2 points)
36.Bb3 Rb4 28.Kh2 Re1 ) 28...Re1+ Black resigned as his
[ There is no escape. If and Black wins. ] exercise 043 position is hopeless after
36...Rdxd4 37.Bxa4 [ 27.Ne3 Bxe3 (2 points) [Jacob Aagaard] 37 Rc7.
Rxa4 38.Rb6 Bb5 28.Ra1 Re5 Maximum score: 18 points.
39.Rb7+ Kh6 40.Rh8 (other moves win as XABCDEFGHY .
Ra2+ 41.Ke3 well) 29.fxe3 Nxe3 8-+l+rvl-+( (press F10 for the next
and White wins. ] with a winning attack. 7zpp+-+pmk-' 149 exercise)
37.Rxa6 Rd3 38.Ra3 Maximum score: 18 6-+n+-+pzp&
Rb7 39.Ke2 Rxd4 points. 5+-zpN+-+-%
[ Or 39...Rc3 40.Kd2 . 4-+-+qvL-+$ exercise 044
Rf3 41.Kc2 and White (press F10 for the next 3+-zP-+Q+P# [Jacob Aagaard]
wins with his extra exercise) ] 2PzP-+-zPP+"
piece. ] 1+-+R+LmK-![ XABCDEFGHY
40.Rba2 and Black xabcdefghy 8r+-wq-snrmk(
resigned. exercise 042 . 7+-+-vl-zpp' 151
Maximum score: 10 points. [Jacob Aagaard] White to play and win. 6p+-+-zp-+&
. . 5+pzp-zp-+R%
(press F10 for the next XABCDEFGHY (press F10 for the solution) 4P+N+P+Q+$
exercise) 8-trl+-trk+({ 3+P+PvLR+-#
7zp-+pvl-zpp' 147 2K+P+-+PzP"
6-+p+pzp-+& solution 043 1+-+-+-+-![
exercise 041 5+-+-zP-+-% [Jacob Aagaard] xabcdefghy
[Jacob Aagaard] 4-+P+NzP-+$ .
3zP-+-+-+-# XABCDEFGHY White to play and win.
XABCDEFGHY 2-zP-tRL+PzP" 8-+l+rvl-+( .
8-+-+-tr-+({ 1+-+-mK-+R! 7zpp+-+pmk-' 150 (press F10 for the solution)
7+-+-+pmkp' 145 xabcdefghy 6-+n+-+pzp&
6-+-zp-+p+& . 5+-zpN+-+-%
5+pwqN+n+-% Black to play and win. 4-+-+qvL-+$ solution 044
4-+-vl-+-+$ . 3+-zP-+Q+P# [Jacob Aagaard]
3+LzP-+-+P# (press F10 for the solution) 2PzP-+-zPP+"
2RzP-+-zPP+" 1+-+R+LmK-![
1+-+-wQ-mK-! xabcdefghy (Diagram 152)
xabcdefghy solution 042 A.Karpov-V.Topalov, Dos
. [Jacob Aagaard] Hermanas 1994. J.C.Perez-J.M.Bravo, Cuba
Black to play and win. . 1997.
. Karpov decides the game .
(press F10 for the solution) (Diagram 148) with a nice magnet This combination is
sacrifice (drawing the illustrative of several nice
R.Lilja-J.Aagaard, black king out). 30.Nf6!! themes. 1.Nxe5!!
Copenhagen 1992. (8 points) Kxf6 (8 points) This prepares
. [ If 30...Qxf3? 31.Nxe8+ the removal of the
Black won a pawn with a wins. ] important defender on f8.
nice manoeuvre. 16...fxe5 31.Be5+! (2 points) Kxe5 [ 1.Rfh3? achieves
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 52

XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY hxg6 17.hxg6+ Kg8

8r+-wq-snrmk( 8l+-tr-+-mk( 8-mkr+-+-tr( 18.Qc1! Qd8 19.Bc7!!
7+-+-vl-zpp' 152 7zp-+-sNpzpp' 154 7+p+-+p+p' 156 (10 points) This is the
6p+-+-zp-+& 6-+-tr-+-+& 6p+-zP-+-+& point.
5+pzp-zp-+R% 5+pwq-+-+-% 5wQ-+N+q+-% [ 19.Rh5? Bh4 20.Qh1
4P+N+P+Q+$ 4-+p+-wQ-+$ 4-+P+-+-+$ Qf6 21.Rxh4 Qxg6
3+P+PvLR+-# 3+-+-tR-+-# 3+-+-vLn+-# is less clear. ]
2K+P+-+PzP" 2PzP-tR-zPPzP" 2P+-+-zP-+" [ However, 19.Rh8+
1+-+-+-+-![ 1+-+-+-mK-![ 1+-mKR+-+-![ (15 points) works well.
xabcdefghy xabcdefghy xabcdefghy I just find my win more
nothing after g6! 2004. [ Perhaps even simpler aesthetic. ]
(2 points). ] . was 32.Rd5!? Qg6 19...Rxf2+? (2 points) This
1...fxe5 30.Ng6+!! (8 points) The 33.Rd8 (10 points) and makes things easy for
[ Declining the knight is beginning of a wonderful the counterplay from the White.
no better: combination. hxg6 next note is prevented. [ 19...Bh4! (5 points)
1...Qe8 2.Rxh7+! [ 30...fxg6 31.Qxd6! But this is a computer 20.Bxd8 Rxf2+ 21.Kd1
(2 points) Nxh7 ( or Qxd6 32.Rxd6 variation of course. ] Bxd8 offered more
2...Kxh7 3.Rh3+ ) wins the exchange (5 32...Qa5 resistance, but then
3.Ng6+ etc. ] points) ] [ Black also loses after 22.Ke1 Rf3 23.Ke2
[ 1...h6 2.Bxh6! [ or if 30...Kg8? 31.Rxd6 the more complex A) 23...Bg5 24.Rh7
(2 points) gxh6 3.Nf7+ wins (2 points). ] 32...Nd4 (3 points) Bh6 ( 24...e5 25.Qh1 )
Kh7 4.Rxh6# . ] 31.Qh4+ Qh5 33.Rxd4 Rg8 34.Rd8 25.Rxh6! gxh6 26.Qh1
[ 1...g6 2.Nf7+ [ If 31...Kg8 32.Qxd8+ Rg1+ 35.Kb2 Qe5+ Kg7 27.g5! wins;
wins the queen. ] Rxd8 33.Rxd8+ Kh7 36.Kc2 Qf5+ 37.Kb3 B) , or if 23...e5
2.Rxf8! (6 points) Rxf8 34.Rh3+! wins (10 Qb1+ 38.Ka3 24.Qg1 (threatening
The main defence. points). ] etc (7 points). ] Qh2) Bg5 25.Qh2
[ If 2...Qxf8 3.Rxh7+! 32.Qxd8+! Rxd8 33.Ra8+!! A nice finish. Rxe3+ 26.Kf2 Rf3+
Kxh7 4.Qh5# ] 33.Rxd8+ Kh7 34.Ree8 Rxa8 34.Nc8# (10 points). 27.Kg2 Bh6 28.Qxe5
[ while 2...Qd6 and White wins the queen Maximum score: 30 points. Bxg4 29.Qe7 Raf8
loses to many different and bishop to finish a rook . 30.Rxh6 wins.;
moves, the strongest up. (press F10 for the next C) 23...-- ]
again being 3.Rxh7+! Maximum score: 30 points. exercise) 20.Kxf2 Bh4+
( otherwise 3.Qf5; . [ If 20...Qxc7 21.Rh8+!
3.Qh3; 3.Rf7; , or 3.Rff5 ) (press F10 for the next Kxh8 22.Qh1+ Bh4+
3...Kxh7 4.Rf7 exercise) exercise 047 23.Qxh4+ Kg8 24.Qh7+
(2 points) with forced [Jacob Aagaard] Kf8 25.Qh8+ Ke7
mate. ] 26.Qxg7+ Kd8 ( or
3.Qg6! (2 points) Kg8 exercise 046 XABCDEFGHY 26...Kd6 27.c5# )
[ If 3...h6 4.Bxh6! [Jacob Aagaard] 8r+l+-tr-mk( 27.Qf8+ Kd7 28.Rh1
and mates. ] 7zpp+-vl-zpp' 157 and mates. ]
4.Rxh7 Rf7 5.Qh5 XABCDEFGHY 6-+p+p+-+& 21.Ke2 Qg5 22.Qg1!
and Black is mated. 8-mkr+-+-tr( 5wq-+psN-+P% (3 points) e5 23.Qh2!
Maximum score: 24 points. 7+p+-+p+p' 155 4-+PzPpvLP+$ Trapping the bishop.
. 6p+-zP-+-+& 3+-zP-zP-+-# Bxg4+ 24.Kd2 exd4
(press F10 for the next 5wQ-+N+q+-% 2P+Q+KzP-+" 25.cxd4 dxc4 and Black
exercise) 4-+P+-+-+$ 1tR-+-+-+R![ resigned on noticing that
3+-+-vLn+-# xabcdefghy the c7-bishop prevents
2P+-+-zP-+" . 26...Qa5+.
exercise 045 1+-mKR+-+-![ White to play and win. Maximum score: 25 points.
[Jacob Aagaard] xabcdefghy . .
. (press F10 for the solution) (press F10 for the next
XABCDEFGHY White to play and win. exercise)
8l+-tr-+-mk( .
7zp-+-sNpzpp' 153 (press F10 for the solution) solution 047
6-+-tr-+-+& [Jacob Aagaard] exercise 048
5+pwq-+-+-% [Jacob Aagaard]
4-+p+-wQ-+$ solution 046 XABCDEFGHY
3+-+-tR-+-# [Jacob Aagaard] 8r+l+-tr-mk( XABCDEFGHY
2PzP-tR-zPPzP" 7zpp+-vl-zpp' 158 8r+-wq-trk+({
1+-+-+-mK-![ 6-+p+p+-+& 7zpp+-vl-zpp' 159
xabcdefghy (Diagram 156) 5wq-+psN-+P% 6-+n+-+-+&
. 4-+PzPpvLP+$ 5+-zpn+-vL-%
White to play and win. E.Sedina-S.Tkeshelashvili, 3+-zP-zP-+-# 4-+-zp-+-+$
. European Women's Ch., 2P+Q+KzP-+" 3+-+-+N+-#
(press F10 for the solution) Istanbul 2003. 1tR-+-+-+R![ 2PzPPwQNzPPzP"
. xabcdefghy 1tR-+-+RmK-!
White decided the game J.Aagaard-S.K.Williams, xabcdefghy
solution 045 with a spectacular queen Hampstead 1998. .
[Jacob Aagaard] sacrifice. 29.Qc7+!! . Black to play and win as
(4 points) Rxc7 30.dxc7+ A classic theme in a new clearly as possible.
S.Mamedyarov-A.Timofeev, Ka8 31.Nb6+ Ka7 and complex wrapping. .
Aeroflot Open, Moscow 32.Rd8 (6 points) 16.Ng6+!! (10 points) (press F10 for the solution)
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 53

solution 048 XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY

[Jacob Aagaard] 8r+-+-+k+( 8-+-+-+-+({ 8-+-trrsnk+(
7+-+-+-+p' 161 7+-+-+pzpk' 163 7zp-wq-vl-+p' 165
XABCDEFGHY 6p+P+p+-+& 6-+-sN-sn-zp& 6-+-+p+p+&
8r+-wq-trk+({ 5+p+-sNp+-% 5+-zP-+P+-% 5+-zp-+psN-%
7zpp+-vl-zpp' 160 4-+-+-zP-+$ 4-zP-+-+-+$ 4-+P+-zPn+$
6-+n+-+-+& 3+-+-+-zP-# 3+-tR-+-mKP# 3+P+-+-tR-#
5+-zpn+-vL-% 2-+n+-+-+" 2-+-+Q+P+" 2PvLL+Q+PzP"
4-+-zp-+-+$ 1+R+-+-mK-![ 1+-+-+rwq-! 1+-+-+RmK-![
3+-+-+N+-# xabcdefghy xabcdefghy xabcdefghy
2PzPPwQNzPPzP"
1tR-+-+RmK-!
xabcdefghy solution 049 solution 050 solution 051
N.N.-L.Nilsson, Denmark [Jacob Aagaard] [Jacob Aagaard] [Jacob Aagaard]
2002.
. XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY
Black wins with a 8r+-+-+k+( 8-+-+-+-+({ 8-+-trrsnk+(
standard sacrifice, though 7+-+-+-+p' 162 7+-+-+pzpk' 164 7zp-wq-vl-+p' 166
it requires some accurate 6p+P+p+-+& 6-+-sN-sn-zp& 6-+-+p+p+&
calculation. 1...Rxf3! 5+p+-sNp+-% 5+-zP-+P+-% 5+-zp-+psN-%
(5 points) 2.Bxe7 Qxe7 4-+-+-zP-+$ 4-zP-+-+-+$ 4-+P+-zPn+$
3.gxf3 Ne5! (5 points) 3+-+-+-zP-# 3+-tR-+-mKP# 3+P+-+-tR-#
4.Kg2 2-+n+-+-+" 2-+-+Q+P+" 2PvLL+Q+PzP"
[ Against 4.Kh1!? 1+R+-+-mK-![ 1+-+-+rwq-! 1+-+-+RmK-![
all you need to see is xabcdefghy xabcdefghy xabcdefghy
Qh4! (2 points) and F.Egeland-L.Eckhardt, F.Fabri-P.Hardicsay, N.De Firmian-A.Holst,
White has no defence; e. Oslo 2003 (variation). Hungary 1981. Copenhagen 2003.
g. 5.Ng1 ( or 5.Kg1 Rf8 . . .
wins ) 5...Nf4 (intending Here White wins with a 1...Nh5+!! (8 points) A A position that requires
6...Qg5) 6.Ne2 Rf8 nice twist. 41.Rd1! fantastic move which clarity of thought. De
wins. ] (3 points) drags the white queen Firmian did not fully
4...Nc4! [ If 41.Rc1 Nb4 42.Nd7 away from the defence of concentrate and played
[ Instead Black continued Nd5 and Black is doing f2. 2.Qxh5 White has no 22.Nxh7?? De Firmian
with 4...Rf8? better. ] choice. must have missed Black's
and the game got very 41...Ne3 42.c7!! [ If 2.Kh4 Qd4+ 3.Qg4 24th move.
complicated. ] (7 points) With the threat Qf6+ 4.Kxh5 g6+ [ Instead 22.Rxg4!? fxg4
[ 4...Qf7!? (2 points) was of 43 Rd8+. Nxd1 and mates (4 points). ] 23.Qxg4 (5 points) gives
better; e.g. 5.f4 Qg6+ [ 42...Nd5 43.Rxd5 exd5 2...Qf2+ White more than
6.Ng3 Nc4 7.Qc1 ( if 44.Nc6 is similar. ] [ 2...Rf2? does not work sufficient compensation
7.Qd1 Nde3+ wins ) 43.Nc6 (2 points) White is because of 3.Qf3! Rxf3+ for the exchange, but it
7...Rf8 8.b3 Nxf4+ winning because of the 4.Rxf3 and Black should is not strongest. ]
9.Kg1 Qc6 10.f3 Ne3 threat of 44 Nb8! and the not win against the [ The computer suggests
and Black has a c-pawn queens. -- best defence (4 points). ] another variation that
decisive advantage (2 [ It does not help to play 3.Kh2 wins on the spot:
points). 43...Re8 because we [ If 3.Kg4 Qf4# 22.Nxe6! (1 point)
But the text is even have the same theme (4 points). ] A) , and then if 22...Bf6
stronger. ] with 44.Nd8! ] 3...Qe1!! (10 points) The 23.Bxf5 ( 23.Qxg4
5.Qd3 Qxe2! (10 points) [ while 43...Rc8 point! Black has switched also works ) 23...Bxb2
6.Qxe2 Nf4+ 7.Kh1 Nxe2 of course loses to his rook and queen round 24.Qxg4 wins.;
when Black has two huge 44.Ne7+ etc. on the back rank and mate B) . Black's best try is
knights for a passive white Maximum score: 12 is now inevitable. 22...Bh4 (3 points),
rook. points. Thanks to Mark Dvoretsky when the true
Maximum score: 20 points. . for showing me this desperado 23.Qxg4!!
. (press F10 for the next exercise. (15 points) would have
(press F10 for the next exercise) ] Maximum score: 22 points. won the game
exercise) . ( instead standard
(press F10 for the next thinking leads to
exercise 050 exercise) something like
exercise 049 [Jacob Aagaard] 23.Nxc7? Rxe2
[Jacob Aagaard] 24.Rc3 Rdd2
exercise 051 (2 points) and Black
(Diagram 163) [Jacob Aagaard] wins ) 23...fxg4
(Diagram 161) 24.Nxc7 Re2 25.Rxg4
. and White emerges
. Black to play and win. (Diagram 165) with a decisive
White to play and win. . material advantage.;
. (press F10 for the solution) . C) 22...-- ]
(press F10 for the solution) White to play and win. 22...Kxh7
. [ After 22...Nxh7?
(press F10 for the solution) White wins in a nice
fashion: 23.Rxg4! fxg4
24.Qxe6+ Kf8 25.Bg7+!
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 54

(5 points) Kxg7 XABCDEFGHY 1...Nh7 38.Rg1 gives Black the

26.Qxg6+ Kf8 27.Qh6+
Kf7 28.Qxh7+ Ke6
( 28...Kf8 29.Qh6+ Kf7
30.Bg6+ Ke6 31.Bxe8+
Bf6 32.Re1+ also leads
to mate ) 29.Qf5+ Kd6
30.Qd5# . ]
23.Rxg4 fxg4 24.Qxg4
Threatening 25 Qh5+ Kg8
26 Qh8+ and mates. But
Black has a resource to
turn the tables. Rd4!!
(10 points) Blocking off
the bishop on b2 and
saving the black king from
harassment. 25.h4
[ Now 25.Qh5+
does nothing after Kg7
.]
25...Bf6 26.h5 Kh6?
[ Stronger was 26...Qf7!
, after which White's
attack should be over. ]
27.hxg6? This loses all
control White had over g6,
the most dangerous
square near the black king.
[ 27.Bc1! gave more
counterplay, when White
would still be able to
cast doubt on the
result. ]
27...Kg7 Now the attack is
finished. 28.Kh2 Nd7
29.Bxd4 Bxd4 30.Kg3
Nf6 31.Qh3 e5 32.Kf3
exf4 33.Be4 Rxe4
and White resigned.
Maximum score: 27 points.
. 4-+-zP-+-wQ$
(press F10 for the next
exercise)
exercise 052
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8r+qsnkvl-tr(
7+-+n+-zpp' 167
6pzp-+-+-+&
5+Q+Rzp-sN-%
4-+p+PzP-+$
3zP-sN-+-+-#
2-zP-+-+PzP"
1+-mK-+R+-![
xabcdefghy
. 5zp-+-sN-+-%
White to play and draw.
. 3zP-+-+-zPL#
(press F10 for the solution)
solution 052
[Jacob Aagaard]
J.Aagaard, Opening
analysis 1998.
. 1.Ng6! (8 points)
Analysing a variation of
the Queen's Indian
8r+qsnkvl-tr( [ If 1...fxg6 2.Bxe6+ extra option of Rh8!?
7+-+n+-zpp' 168 winning the queen. ] (2 points) which White
6pzp-+-+-+& 2.Rxe6! fxe6 3.Qxd8+! may as well prevent. ]
5+Q+Rzp-sN-% [ Black resigned due to 37...Ne4 38.Rg1
4-+p+PzP-+$ 3.Qxd8+ Qxd8 4.Bxe6# (7 points) White has a
3zP-sN-+-+-# (20 points). winning endgame, but it
2-zP-+-+PzP" Maximum score: 28 should have been seen
1+-mK-+R+-![ points. that Black does not have
xabcdefghy . a lot of counterplay here.
Defence I found the (press F10 for the next The rooks are exchanged
following nice drawing line. exercise) ] so that the h-pawn
18.Rxe5+! (4 points) Be7 becomes as strong as
19.Nd5!! (10 points) The possible. Rxg1
idea starts to unfold. axb5 exercise 054 [ 38...Rh8 would now be
20.Rxe7+ Kf8 21.Rf7+!! [Jacob Aagaard] met simply by 39.Kh3
(10 points) Not so improving the position. ]
surprising now there is XABCDEFGHY 39.Kxg1 b4 40.h5 bxa3
nothing else. But earlier it 8-+-+k+ntr( 41.bxa3 Rb7 42.Qg2!
could have been hard to 7tr-+-+p+-' 171 Both shielding the king
see. Nxf7 22.Ne6+ Ke8 6-+-+p+-+& and assisting the passed
[ Not 22...Kg8? 23.Ne7# 5zpp+pzP-+q% pawn. Kf8 43.h6
(4 points). ] 4-+pzP-tRN+$ and White is winning.
23.Nxg7+ Kd8 24.Ne6+ 3zP-zP-+QzP-# Maximum score: 27 points.
Ke8 with perpetual check 2-zP-+-+-+" .
(2 points). 1+-+-+RmK-![ (press F10 for the next
Maximum score: 30 points. xabcdefghy exercise)
. .
(press F10 for the next White to play and win.
exercise) Make sure you calculate exercise 055
all the way to a clearly [Jacob Aagaard]
winning position.
exercise 053 . XABCDEFGHY
[Jacob Aagaard] (press F10 for the solution) 8-mk-trr+-+({
7+pzp-+p+-' 173
XABCDEFGHY 6-zpn+n+-+&
8r+qtr-+k+( solution 054 5+q+pzp-+-%
7+p+-+pzp-' 169 [Jacob Aagaard] 4-+-zP-+-+$
6-+pvllsn-+& 3zPN+PzP-+-#
5zp-+-sN-+-% XABCDEFGHY 2-zPQ+-zPP+"
8-+-+k+ntr( 1+-tRN+RmK-!
3zP-+-+-zPL# 7tr-+-+p+-' 172 xabcdefghy
2-vL-+-zP-+" 6-+-+p+-+& .
1tR-+-tR-mK-![ 5zpp+pzP-+q% Black to play and win.
xabcdefghy 4-+pzP-tRN+$ .
. 3zP-zP-+QzP-# (press F10 for the solution)
White to play and win. 2-zP-+-+-+"
. 1+-+-+RmK-![
(press F10 for the solution) xabcdefghy solution 055
N.Short-A.Dreev, [Jacob Aagaard]
Reykjavik (rapid) 2004.
solution 053 . XABCDEFGHY
[Jacob Aagaard] White wins because of the 8-mk-trr+-+({
theme I called 'big pieces 7+pzp-+p+-' 174
XABCDEFGHY in trouble' in 'Excelling at 6-zpn+n+-+&
8r+qtr-+k+( Combinational Play', a 5+q+pzp-+-%
7+p+-+pzp-' 170 theme we see more often 4-+-zP-+-+$
6-+pvllsn-+& than we might expect. 3zPN+PzP-+-#
34.Nf6+! (2 points) 2-zPQ+-zPP+"
4-+-zP-+-wQ$ [ In the game Short 1+-tRN+RmK-!
actually played 34.Qg2 xabcdefghy
2-vL-+-zP-+" , which was rather B.Martinez-F.De la Paz,
1tR-+-tR-mK-![ unclear. He later won in Manikaragua 1998
xabcdefghy a rook endgame. ] (manipulated: the author
M.Taimanov-Kuzmin, 34...Nxf6 35.Rh4! has added a pawn at a3).
USSR 1950. (8 points) Qxh4 36.gxh4 .
. Rg8+ 37.Kh2! (10 points) A standard but pretty
This classic combination [ 37.Kf2? Ng4+ 38.Ke2 mating combination.
is one of my favourites. Nh2 (2 points) would 1...Qxb3!! (10 points)
make the win less 2.Qxb3 Ncxd4 3.exd4
[ 1.Bxe6? fxe6 obvious ] Nxd4 With the idea of 4...
is not clear. ] [ while 37.Kh1 Ne4 Ne2+ and 5...Rh8 mate (5
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
points). 4.Qc2 Nf3+!!
(5 points)
[ White resigned because
of 4...Nf3+ 5.gxf3 Rg8+
6.Kh2 Rh8+ 7.Kg3
Rdg8# .
Maximum score: 20
points.
. points). ]
(press F10 for the next
exercise) ]
exercise 056
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8r+-+-+-+(
7+-+lvl-mkp' 175
6q+-zp-zppsN&
5+psnP+-sn-%
4-+p+P+-wQ$
3+-zP-+-sN-#
2-zPL+-+P+"
1+-vL-+RmK-![
xabcdefghy
. 5+-+-mK-+-%
White to play and win.
. 3zp-+-zp-+P#
(press F10 for the solution)
solution 056
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8r+-+-+-+(
7+-+lvl-mkp' 176
6q+-zp-zppsN&
5+psnP+-sn-%
4-+p+P+-wQ$
3+-zP-+-sN-#
2-zPL+-+P+"
1+-vL-+RmK-![
xabcdefghy
M.Carlsen-H.Harestad,
Copenhagen 2003.
. 3zp-+-zp-+P#
To see this combination
all the way to the end is
not so simple. Hats off to
anyone who has achieved
this! 34.e5!? (15 points)
Opening the diagonal for
the bishop on c2.
[ Despite the obvious
attractive nature of the
combination, White
actually had a simpler
winning move: 34.Be3!
(35 points) intending 35
Bd4 and 36 Qxg5.
Seeing that Black has
no satisfactory defence
is sufficient to obtain
full points here. ]
34...dxe5 There is no
alternative;
[ if 34...Rf8 35.exf6+
Bxf6 36.Bxg5
and White wins (5
points). ]
55
35.Nh5+!! (10 points) The Now the black queen pawns, thus giving rise
point of the combination. cannot interpose, so the to an unusual
gxh5 white queen can roam stalemate. ]
[ If 35...Kh8 36.Nxf6 freely. Kf4 1...e2
Bxf6 37.Rxf6 Qxf6 [ If 6...Kh5 7.Qxg4# . ] [ White also draws after
38.Bxg5 Ra1+ 39.Kh2 7.Qxg4+ Ke5 8.Qg7+ 1...Kxf7 2.h6 e2 3.h7
and Black will have to (3 points) and White wins. e1Q 4.h8Q , although
part with his queen (5 Maximum score: 12 points. here it is more important
. that Black can draw.
36.Qxg5+! Now it is no (press F10 for the next The quickest way is
longer so difficult. fxg5 exercise) Qg3+ 5.hxg3
37.Rf7+ Kxh6 38.Rxh7# stalemate. ]
(5 points). 2.h6 e1Q 3.h7 Qe3+
Maximum score: 35 points. exercise 058 With 3...Qh4+ prevented
. [Jacob Aagaard] by the white king, Black
(press F10 for the next can only stop the h7-pawn
exercise) XABCDEFGHY by capturing the h3-pawn.
8-+-+-mk-+( [ Other checks do not
7+-+-+P+-' 179 improve Black's position:
exercise 057 6-+-+-zP-mK& If 3...Qd2+ 4.Kh5 Qe2+
[Jacob Aagaard] 5+-+-+P+P% 5.Kg5 Qg2+ 6.Kh4!
4-+-+-+-+$ Qe4+ 7.Kg5 Qe3+
XABCDEFGHY 3+-+-zp-+P# 8.Kg6 and Black has
8-+-+-+-mk( 2-+-+-+-zP" made no progress (2
7+-+-+-+p' 177 1+-+-+-+-![ points) ]
6-+-+pzP-zp& xabcdefghy [ while 3...Qg1+!?
. is best met by 4.Kh4!
4-+-+-+p+$ White to play and draw. (2 points) ( but not
. 4.Kh6?? Kxf7! 5.h8Q
2-+-+-+-+" (press F10 for the solution) Qe3+! and Black wins. )]
1+-+-+-+-![ 4.Kg6 Qxh3 5.h8Q+
xabcdefghy Qxh8 6.h4! (2 points)
. solution 058 Qxh4 stalemate.
White to play and win. [Jacob Aagaard] [ If instead 6...Qxf6+
. 7.Kxf6 and it is Black
(press F10 for the solution) XABCDEFGHY who is stalemated!
8-+-+-mk-+( Maximum score: 10
7+-+-+P+-' 180 points.
solution 057 6-+-+-zP-mK& .
[Jacob Aagaard] 5+-+-+P+P% (press F10 for the next
4-+-+-+-+$ exercise) ]
XABCDEFGHY 3+-+-zp-+P#
8-+-+-+-mk( 2-+-+-+-zP"
7+-+-+-+p' 178 1+-+-+-+-![ exercise 059
6-+-+pzP-zp& xabcdefghy [Jacob Aagaard]
5+-+-mK-+-% V.Kovalenko, Sachové
4-+-+-+p+$ Umenie 1979. XABCDEFGHY
. 8-+-+-+-+(
2-+-+-+-+" This is the most surreal 7+-+-+-+p' 181
1+-+-+-+-![ exercise in the book, but I 6-+-+-+-+&
xabcdefghy think it is good fun, so I 5+-+-+p+-%
J.Urban, Sachové Umenie stepped away from my 4-+-+-+-+$
1972. usual criterion that 3+-+-+-+-#
. positions should at least 2p+K+-zPPzP"
1.Kd6! (3 points) White have the possibility of 1mk-+-+-+-![
has no other way to arising in an actual game. xabcdefghy
create counterplay. 1.Kg5! (4 points) White's .
[ 1.Kxe6? e2! only chance of a White to play and win.
would be rather successful defence is tied .
embarrassing ] to the advance of the h- (press F10 for the solution)
[ and 1.f7? Kg7 2.Kxe6 pawns. The only question
Kf8 is no better. ] is where to put the queen.
1...a2 [ The alternative 1.Kg6 solution 059
[ If 1...Kg8 2.Ke7 wins. ] does not work out as [Jacob Aagaard]
2.f7 Kg7 3.Ke7 a1Q after e2 2.h6 e1Q 3.h7
4.f8Q+ Kg6 5.Qf7+!! Qh4 4.h8Q+ Qxh8 5.h4
(6 points) This sneaky Qxh4 the remaining h- (Diagram 182)
move is the core of the pawn can still move.
solution. White is therefore Z.Jelinek, Ceskoslovensky
[ If instead 5.Qg8+? required to lose a tempo, Republika 1932.
Qg7+ and Black wins. ] so that Black is forced .
5...Kg5 6.Qg8+ to take one of the h- White needs to keep the
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 56

XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY exercise 061 solution 062

8-+-+-+-+( 8-+-+-+-+( [Jacob Aagaard] [Jacob Aagaard]
7+-+-+-+p' 182 7+-+-zp-zp-' 183
6-+-+-+-+& 6-+-+p+P+& XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY
5+-+-+p+-% 5+-+-+-+-% 8-+k+-+-+( 8-+-+-+-+(
4-+-+-+-+$ 4P+-+-+-zp$ 7+-+p+-zp-' 185 7+-+-+-+-' 188
3+-+-+-+-# 3zp-+-+-+p# 6-+p+-+-+& 6-+-+K+-+&
2p+K+-zPPzP" 2P+-+-+-zp" 5+-mK-+-+-% 5+-+-+-+-%
1mk-+-+-+-![ 1+-+-+K+k![ 4-+-+-zP-+$ 4-+-+-+-+$
xabcdefghy xabcdefghy 3+-+-+-+-# 3+-+-+p+k#
black king in a stalemate 2-+P+-+-+" 2-+-+-zP-zP"
position and then promote 1+-+-+-+-![ 1+-+-+-+-![
his own h-pawn with solution 060 xabcdefghy xabcdefghy
checkmate. 1.Kc1! [Jacob Aagaard] . J.Moravec, 28 Rijen 1925.
(5 points) White to play and draw. .
[ Black would draw after XABCDEFGHY . This exercise can be
all other moves; e.g. 8-+-+-+-+( (press F10 for the solution) solved either by
1.g3 h5 ( not 1...f4? 7+-+-zp-zp-' 184 calculating all lines
2.g4 f3 3.g5 h5 4.g6 6-+-+p+P+& through to the end or
h4 5.g7 h3 6.Kb3! Kb1 5+-+-+-+-% solution 061 simply by comparison.
7.g8Q a1Q 8.Qg1# ) 4P+-+-+-zp$ [Jacob Aagaard] 1.Kd5!! (10 points)
2.h4 ( or 2.h3 h4 ) 2...f4 3zp-+-+-+p# This is the only square.
3.g4 f3! and Black is 2P+-+-+-zp" XABCDEFGHY White needs to approach
stalemated. ] 1+-+-+K+k![ 8-+k+-+-+( the f-pawn to prevent
1...f4 xabcdefghy 7+-+p+-zp-' 186 Black from taking the h2-
[ 1...h6 2.h3! ] V.Kovalenko, Schakend 6-+p+-+-+& pawn first. So there are
[ and 1...h5 2.h4! Nederland 1995. 5+-mK-+-+-% only three candidates. 1
merely transpose and do . 4-+-+-zP-+$ Kd5 is the only one which
not change anything. ] Another improbable 3+-+-+-+-# allows White to queen his
2.Kc2! White has now position leading to 2-+P+-+-+" pawn and to keep it
gained time so Black interesting play. White has 1+-+-+-+-![ afterwards.
cannot avoid the only one way to proceed, xabcdefghy [ The lines are rather
inevitable. f3 so this exercise is all F.Lazard, American Chess simple:
[ Or 2...h5 3.h4 about visualization and Bulletin 1916. 1.Ke5 Kg2! 2.h4 Kxf2
transposing again. ] awareness of the . 3.h5 Kg2 4.h6 f2 5.h7
3.g4! (3 points) Only this opponent's counter- 1.Kd6! (3 points) There f1Q 6.h8Q Qa1+!
move wins. h6 chances. 1.a5 e5 2.a6 are no credible and Black wins. ]
[ Or 3...h5 4.h4! e4 3.a7 e5! Setting up a alternatives. Kd8 2.f5! [ 1.Kf5 Kg2 2.h4 Kxf2
and White wins as in the stalemate trap. 4.a8R! (3 points) It is important to 3.h5 Kg2 4.h6 f2 5.h7
main line. ] (3 points) keep the g-pawn under f1Q+ 6.Kg6 Qf8
4.h3! Zugzwang. [ Promotion to queen (or control. Ke8 3.c3!! and Black wins. ]
[ Not 4.h4? h5 bishop) creates a (4 points) This amazing 1...Kg2 2.h4 Kxf2 3.h5
and White cannot win – stalemate, and 4.a8N time of loss creates the Kg2 4.h6 f2 5.h7 f1Q
and 5.Kc1?? or king moves lose. So situation White needs in 6.h8Q with a draw.
would even lose. ] this is the only way to order to save the game. Maximum score: 10 points.
4...h5 5.h4! (4 points) play for a win. ] Kd8 4.c4 Ke8 5.c5 Kd8 .
This was the zugzwang 4...e3 Intending 5...e2+. 6.f6! gxf6 stalemate. (press F10 for the next
position White was aiming 5.Ra4!! (3 points) One of Maximum score: 10 points. exercise)
for. hxg4 6.h5 g3 7.h6 the really difficult moves in .
g2 8.h7 g1Q 9.h8Q+ this exercise. e2+ 6.Kxe2 (press F10 for the next
and mate next move. e4 exercise) exercise 063
Maximum score: 12 points. [ Or 6...Kg2 7.Rg4+ Kh1 [Jacob Aagaard]
. 8.Kf3! (the fastest win)
(press F10 for the next e4+ 9.Rxe4 Kg1 exercise 062 XABCDEFGHY
exercise) 10.Re1# . ] [Jacob Aagaard] 8-+-+-+-+(
7.Kf1!! (5 points) It is 7zp-zp-+-+-' 189
amazing that only this XABCDEFGHY 6-+p+-+-+&
exercise 060 move wins here. e3 8-+-+-+-+( 5+-zP-+-+-%
[Jacob Aagaard] 8.Re4! (1 point) 7+-+-+-+-' 187 4-zP-+-+-+$
[ Not 8.Rb4 e2+ 9.Kxe2 6-+-+K+-+& 3zPK+-+-+-#
Kg2 10.Rg4+ Kh1 5+-+-+-+-% 2-+-+-+-+"
(Diagram 183) and White cannot make 4-+-+-+-+$ 1+-+-mk-+-![
progress. ] 3+-+-+p+k# xabcdefghy
. 8...e2+ 9.Kf2! e1Q+ 2-+-+-zP-zP" .
White to play and win. 10.Rxe1# . 1+-+-+-+-![ White to play and win.
. Maximum score: 12 points. xabcdefghy .
(press F10 for the solution) . . (press F10 for the solution)
(press F10 for the next White to play and draw.
exercise) .
(press F10 for the solution)
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
solution 063
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-+-+(
7zp-zp-+-+-' 190
6-+p+-+-+&
5+-zP-+-+-%
4-zP-+-+-+$
3zPK+-+-+-#
2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-mk-+-![
xabcdefghy
E.Vlasak, Sachové Umenie
1974.
. and White wins easily with:
1.Kc4! (6 points)
[ 1.Ka4? allows the black
king to approach: Kd2
2.Ka5 ( if 2.b5 Kc3!
and White needs to
think about making a
draw, which he can do
most simply by 3.b6!
axb6 4.cxb6 cxb6
stalemate ) 2...Kc3
3.Ka6 Kb3 4.Kb7 Kxa3
5.Kxc7 Kxb4 6.Kxc6 a5
and Black makes a
draw. ]
1...a6
[ If now 1...Kd2
White wins with 2.b5
cxb5+ ( or 2...Ke3
3.bxc6 Ke4 4.Kb5 Kd5
5.a4 and Black is in
zugzwang ) 3.Kxb5 Kc3
4.a4 ( 4.c6 also wins )
4...a5 ( or 4...Kd4 5.a5
Kd5 6.Ka6 Kxc5 7.Kxa7
and White wins ) 5.Kxa5
( 5.c6 still wins as well )
5...Kc4 6.c6! Kc5 7.Ka6
Kxc6 8.a5 and White
wins (3 points).
After Black has
weakened his queenside
with his last move,
White changes course
and attacks via the a-
file. ]
2.Kb3!! (4 points)
[ Black is in time after
2.Kd4 Kd2 3.Ke5 Kc3
4.Ke6 Kb3 5.Kd7 Kxa3
6.Kxc7 Kxb4 7.Kxc6 a5
with a draw. ]
2...Kd2 3.Ka4 Kc3 4.Ka5
Kb2! An interesting
defensive try.
[ After 4...Kb3 5.a4 Ka3
( 5...Kc4 6.Kxa6 Kxb4
7.a5 Ka4 8.Kb7 Kxa5
9.Kxc7 Kb5 10.Kd6
wins as well ) 6.b5 axb5
7.axb5 cxb5 8.Kxb5
Kb3 9.c6! White wins as
in the main line. ]
5.Kxa6! (4 points) The
only winning move. It is all
about comparison and the
location of the black king.
[ If instead 5.a4? Kb3!
and White would be in
zugzwang. The point is
that 6.b5 axb5 7.axb5
cxb5 8.Kxb5 Kc3!
no longer loses for Black,
and after 9.c6 Kd4
White should be careful
since if 10.Ka6?? Kc5!
11.Kb7 Kd6 and Black
wins. ]
5...Kxa3 6.b5 cxb5
7.Kxb5 Kb3 8.c6
(3 points) Now the black
king cannot make it to d6,
Kc3 9.Ka6 Kd4 10.Kb7
and so on.
Maximum score: 20 points.
. leads to stalemate again.
(press F10 for the next
exercise)
exercise 064
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-+-+(
7+-+-+-zp-' 191
6-+-+-+k+&
5+-+-zPpzP-%
4p+-+-zPp+$
3mKp+-+-zP-#
2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
. 15.g6 f2 16.g7# .
White to play and win.
. .
(press F10 for the solution)
solution 064
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-+-+(
7+-+-+-zp-' 192
6-+-+-+k+&
5+-+-zPpzP-%
4p+-+-zPp+$
3mKp+-+-zP-#
2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
J.Aagaard, Original 2004.
. .
Based on two incorrect
studies (I will not mention
the composers), this is a
small composition of my
own. It should not be so
difficult to solve. The main
agenda here is
visualization and White's
6th move. 1.e6!
(2 points) This is
obviously the only move.
[ After 1.Kb2? Kf7
Black wins; e.g. 2.Ka3
Ke6 3.Kb2 Kd5 4.Ka3
Kc5 5.g6 Kb5 6.Kb2
Kb4 7.e6 a3+ 8.Kb1
Kc3 9.e7 a2+ 10.Ka1
Kc2 11.e8Q b2+
12.Kxa2 b1Q+ 13.Ka3
Qb3# . ]
1...b2! This is forced.
Black cannot allow White
to queen freely, so he is
playing for stalemate.
2.Kxb2 a3+ 3.Ka2!
(4 points)
[ Not 3.Kxa3? Kh5 4.e7
g6 with stalemate next
move. ]
3...Kh5! Black still needs
to play for this defence.
4.e7 g6 5.Kb3!
(4 points) All other moves
a2 6.e8N! (5 points) Only
this wins.
[ After 6.e8Q a1Q
White does not have a
winning check, and
Black will follow with
something like 7...Qa2+!
to make the draw
imminent. ]
6...a1Q 7.Nf6+ Qxf6
8.gxf6 Kh6 9.Kc4
Black cannot stop the f-
pawn now. White wins
after: Kh7 10.Kd5 Kg8
11.Ke6 Kf8 12.f7 g5
[ Or 12...Kg7 13.Ke7 . ]
13.fxg5 f4 14.Kf6 f3
Maximum score: 15 points.
(press F10 for the next
exercise)
exercise 065
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-+-+(
7+-zp-+-+-' 193
6-+-+-+-+&
5+-+-+-+-%
4-+-+-mK-+$
3+-+-+-+-#
2-mk-+-+-zP"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
White to play and win.
. and Black makes a
(press F10 for the solution)
solution 065
[Jacob Aagaard]
(Diagram 194)
N.Grigoriev, Shakmatnoe
Tvorchestvo Grigorieva
1954.
57
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-+-+(
7+-zp-+-+-' 194
6-+-+-+-+&
5+-+-+-+-%
4-+-+-mK-+$
3+-+-+-+-#
2-mk-+-+-zP"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
.
This simple position is
winning only through a
very shrewd manoeuvre.
But even after the
manoeuvre has been
found White must find the
correct way to execute it.
1.Ke4! (6 points)
[ Planning to meet 1.Ke4
c5 with 2.Kd5! . ]
[ The pawn race with
1.h4? c5 2.h5 c4 3.h6
c3 4.h7 c2 5.h8Q+ Kb1
is a book draw. ]
[ 1.Ke5? looks similar,
but Black can use the
Réti trick and move his
king to the kingside with
Kc3!!
A) , and then 2.Kd5
c6+ 3.Kxc6 Kd4
4.Kd6 Ke4 and White
cannot win. ( 4...-- );
B) , while if 2.h4 c5
3.h5 c4 4.h6 Kb2
5.h7 c3 6.h8Q
, because of the
unhappy position of the
white king on the long
diagonal, Black can
again reach the book
draw after c2 7.Kd5+
Kb1;
C) 2.-- ]
1...Kb3
[ 1...Kc3 now loses to
2.h4! c5 3.h5! c4 4.h6
Kb2 ( if 4...Kb3 5.h7 c3
6.h8Q c2 7.Qa1 wins; or
4...Kd2 5.h7 c3 6.h8Q
c2 7.Qb2 Kd1 8.Kd3
and Black is soon mated,
c1Q 9.Qe2# is the most
obvious ) 5.h7 c3 6.h8Q
and this time the black
pawn is pinned. ]
[ 1...c5 2.Kd5 Kc3
3.Kxc5! ( not 3.h4? c4
draw ) 3...Kd3 4.Kd5!
(the white king is cutting
off the black king) Ke3
5.Ke5 Kf3 6.Kf5
and White wins (5
points). ]
2.Kd4!! (5 points) The only
winning move.
[ After 2.Kd5?
Black draws with Kb4!
3.h4 ( or 3.Kc6 Kc4
with a draw ) 3...c5
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 58

and he is in time. ] 1...Kb8 2.g3! (5 points) solution 067 XABCDEFGHY

2...Kb4 3.h4 c5+ 4.Ke3!! White needs to play this. [Jacob Aagaard] 8-+-+-+-mk(
(8 points) This way White [ After 2.b6? Black draws 7+-+-+-zp-' 200
gains a tempo. by Kc8!! (2 points) 3.b7+ XABCDEFGHY 6-+-+-+K+&
[ If instead 4.Kd3? Kb3 Kb8 4.g3 c5 5.Kb5 8-+-+-+-+( 5zp-+-+-zP-%
5.Kd2 Kb2 and White Kxb7 6.Kxc5 Kc7 7.Kd5 7+-+-+-+-' 198 4-+-+-sN-+$
cannot win. ] f4! 8.gxf4 Kd7 6-+kzP-+K+& 3+-+-+-+-#
4...Kb3 5.h5 c4 6.h6 c3 and Black has the 5+-+-tr-+-% 2-+-+-+-+"
7.h7 c2 8.Kd2! opposition. ] 4-+-+-+-+$ 1+-+-+-+-![
Forcing Black into the 2...Ka8! 3+-+p+-+-# xabcdefghy
check, otherwise he loses [ 2...Kc8 loses to 3.Ka7 2-+-+-+-+" game White must first
his pawn. Kb2 9.h8Q+ Kd8 4.Kb8 Kd7 5.Kb7 1+-+-tR-+-![ force the black king out of
and wins. Kd8 ( or 5...Kd6 6.Kc8! ) xabcdefghy the corner. He has only
Maximum score: 24 points. 6.Kc6 Kc8 7.Kd5 Kb7 G.Lolli, Osservazioni one way to do this: 1.Kf7!
. 8.Ke5 Kb6 9.Kxf5 Kxb5 Teorico-Practiche sopra il (6 points) a4 The only
(press F10 for the next 10.g4 c5 11.g5 c4 Giuoco degli Scacchi move.
exercise) 12.Ke4! ( not 12.Kf4? c3 1792. [ 1...Kh7 probably loses
13.Ke3 Kb4 14.g6 . to all legal moves. The
Ka3! ) 12...Kb4 13.g6 c3 1.Rxe5! (2 points) easiest way for White to
exercise 066 14.Kd3 Kb3 15.g7 c2 [ Not 1.d7?? Rd5 2.Rd1 win is by 2.Ne6 a4
[Jacob Aagaard] 16.g8Q+ etc. ] Kxd7 and Black wins 3.Nxg7 a3 4.Nf5 a2
3.b6! (3 points) Kb8! easily. ] 5.g6+ Kh8 6.g7+ Kh7
XABCDEFGHY [ 3...cxb6 loses without a 1...d2 2.Rd5!! (6 points) 7.g8Q# . ]
8k+-+-+-+( fight. ] Without this move White 2.Ng6+! (4 points) Kh7
7+-zp-+-+-' 195 4.Kb5!! (5 points) This would lose. Kxd5 3.d7 3.Ne5 a3 4.g6+ Kh6
6-+-+-+-+& time-wasting move is d1Q [ If 4...Kh8 5.Kf8 a2
5mKP+-+p+-% fantastic. [ 3...Kd4 4.d8Q+ Kc3 6.Nf7# . ]
4-+-+-+-+$ [ Instead 4.b7? c5 5.Kb5 does not work either. 5.Ng4+ Kg5 6.Ne3
3+-+-+-+-# Kxb7 6.Kxc5 Kc7 7.Kd5 Only a lone c-pawn and and White wins (3 points).
2-+-+-+P+" f4! is a draw again. ] the a-pawn can Maximum score: 13 points.
1+-+-+-+-![ 4...Kb7 5.bxc7! (3 points) occasionally draw (1 .
xabcdefghy Kxc7 6.Kc5 Kd8! point). ] (press F10 for the next
. Black tries to get the 4.d8Q+ and wins. exercise)
White to play and win. opposition, but... 7.Kd6!! Maximum score: 9 points.
. (2 points) White will not .
(press F10 for the solution) allow it. (press F10 for the next exercise 069
[ Not 7.Kd4? f4 8.gxf4 exercise) [Jacob Aagaard]
Ke8 9.Ke4 Kf8!
solution 066 and White cannot retain XABCDEFGHY
[Jacob Aagaard] the distant opposition. exercise 068 8-+q+-+-+(
Now White wins easily. ] [Jacob Aagaard] 7+-zp-+-+-' 201
XABCDEFGHY 7...Ke8 8.Ke5 f4 9.Kxf4 6N+-+p+-+&
8k+-+-+-+( Kf7 10.Kg5 Kg7 11.g4 XABCDEFGHY 5zp-+-zP-+-%
7+-zp-+-+-' 196 Kf7 12.Kh6 and so on. 8-+-+-+-mk( 4kzpLzp-+-+$
6-+-+-+-+& Maximum score: 25 points. 7+-+-+-zp-' 199 3+-+-+-+-#
5mKP+-+p+-% . 6-+-+-+K+& 2-+P+-+-+"
4-+-+-+-+$ (press F10 for the next 5zp-+-+-zP-% 1+K+-+-+-![
3+-+-+-+-# exercise) 4-+-+-sN-+$ xabcdefghy
2-+-+-+P+" 3+-+-+-+-# .
1+-+-+-+-![ 2-+-+-+-+" White to play and win.
xabcdefghy exercise 067 1+-+-+-+-![ .
N.Grigoriev, Unknown first [Jacob Aagaard] xabcdefghy (press F10 for the solution)
publication 1933. .
. XABCDEFGHY White to play and win.
This is one of my all time 8-+-+-+-+( . solution 069
favourite studies. I like the 7+-+-+-+-' 197 (press F10 for the solution) [Jacob Aagaard]
simplicity of pawn endings 6-+kzP-+K+&
and the feeling of 5+-+-tr-+-% XABCDEFGHY
domination in general. 4-+-+-+-+$ solution 068 8-+q+-+-+(
1.Ka6! (5 points) 3+-+p+-+-# [Jacob Aagaard] 7+-zp-+-+-' 202
Domination and opposition 2-+-+-+-+" 6N+-+p+-+&
are the two themes of this 1+-+-tR-+-![ 5zp-+-zP-+-%
endgame. White wants to xabcdefghy (Diagram 200) 4kzpLzp-+-+$
take the black f-pawn with . 3+-+-+-+-#
Black having the White to play and win. J.Vesely-Antos, USSR 2-+P+-+-+"
opposition. This is . 1968. 1+K+-+-+-![
achieved through (press F10 for the solution) . xabcdefghy
domination of the black The point of the exercise V.Platov & P.Bobrov,
king. is that the white knight will Shakmatno Obozrenji
[ Not 1.b6? Kb7! have to go to the 1909.
and Black makes an queenside to stop the .
immediate draw. ] pawn. In order to win the 1.Kb2 With the threat of 2
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 59

Nc5 mate (4 points); this exercise 071 XABCDEFGHY solution 073

is the only serious move. [Jacob Aagaard] 8-+-+-+-+( [Jacob Aagaard]
c5 7+-+-+-+-' 207
[ If 1...Qf8 2.Nxc7 b3 XABCDEFGHY 6-+-+-+-+& XABCDEFGHY
3.cxb3+ Kb4 4.Na6# . ] 8-+-+-tr-+( 5vl-mK-+-+p% 8-+k+-sN-+(
2.Bxe6! Qxa6 7+RzP-+-+-' 205 4-+-+k+P+$ 7+-+-+-+-' 210
[ Or 2...Qc6 3.Bd7! 6-zP-+-+-+& 3+-+-+-+-# 6-+-+PmK-+&
and White wins ( but not 5mK-mk-+-+-% 2-+N+-+-+" 5+-+-+-+-%
3.Nxc5+?? when Black 4-+-+-+-+$ 1vL-+-+-+-![ 4-+-tr-+-+$
escapes with Kb5 4.Bd7 3zp-+-+-+-# xabcdefghy 3+-+-+-+-#
Kxc5 and wins. )] 2-+-+-+-+" 2-+-+-+-+"
3.Bd7+ Qb5 4.e6! 1+-+-+-+-![ 1+-+-+-+-![
(3 points) and White wins. xabcdefghy solution 072 xabcdefghy
Black cannot reach the . [Jacob Aagaard] M.Palmer, Iowa News
passed pawn. White to play and win. 1917.
Maximum score: 9 points. . XABCDEFGHY .
. (press F10 for the solution) 8-+-+-+-+( White of course wants to
(press F10 for the next 7+-+-+-+-' 208 queen his pawn without
exercise) 6-+-+-+-+& allowing Black to sacrifice
solution 071 5vl-mK-+-+p% his rook for it. This is
[Jacob Aagaard] 4-+-+k+P+$ achieved through a nice
exercise 070 3+-+-+-+-# mutual zugzwang. 1.e7!
[Jacob Aagaard] XABCDEFGHY 2-+N+-+-+" (5 points) Rd6+!
8-+-+-tr-+( 1vL-+-+-+-![ It was necessary to
XABCDEFGHY 7+RzP-+-+-' 206 xabcdefghy foresee this check in order
8-+-+-+-+( 6-zP-+-+-+& A.Troitzky, Eskilstuna to solve the exercise, but
7+-+-+-+-' 203 5mK-mk-+-+-% Kuriren 1917. maybe not in order to play
6-tr-+-+-zp& 4-+-+-+-+$ . 1 e7 in a practical game.
5+-+-+-zp-% 3zp-+-+-+-# 1.gxh5 (2 points) This is This is the problem with
4-+-+R+P+$ 2-+-+-+-+" both the natural move and solving exercises in a
3+-+-+-+-# 1+-+-+-+-![ a pleasure to play. Kf5 book rather than working
2p+K+-+-+" xabcdefghy [ If 1...Bd2 2.Bg7 Kf5 with a trainer or an
1mk-+-+-+-![ P.Stamma, Essai sur le 3.Nd4+! wins the black interactive computer
xabcdefghy Jeu des Echecs 1792. bishop, either for the program.
. . pawn or with a knight [ Other moves loses
White to play and win. 1.c8Q+! (4 points) Only in fork on f3. ] without a fight:
. this way can White win; 2.Nd4+ (2 points) Kg5 1...Re4 2.Ne6 Kd7
(press F10 for the solution) [ although 1.c8R+! [ If 2...Kf6 3.Nc6+ . ] 3.Nc5+ and White wins ]
is just as good of 3.Kb5!! (7 points) The [ or 1...Rd8 2.Kf7!
course. ] black bishop is trapped! and Black is in
solution 070 [ The exercise is all This is the point of the zugzwang (3 points). ]
[Jacob Aagaard] about seeing the study. Bd8 2.Kg7!! (8 points) Only
opponent's opportunities. [ Similarly if 3...Bc7 this triangulation wins.
XABCDEFGHY Thus 1.Rb8? 4.Ne6+ ] [ After 2.Kf7 Rd8!
8-+-+-+-+( would lose to the brilliant [ 3...Bd2 4.Nf3+ ] White is in zugzwang
7+-+-+-+-' 204 Rc8!! 2.Rxc8 a2 [ or 3...Be1 4.Nf3+ . ] and cannot prevent both
6-tr-+-+-zp& and Black wins (4 4.Ne6+ (1 point) and White ...Re8 and ...Rd7 on the
5+-+-+-zp-% points). ] wins. next move, after which
4-+-+R+P+$ 1...Rxc8 2.Rc7+ Maximum score: 12 points. Black makes a draw. ]
3+-+-+-+-# Now it is a walk in the . 2...Rd8 3.Kf7! Now Black
2p+K+-+-+" park. (press F10 for the next is in zugzwang. Kc7
1mk-+-+-+-![ Maximum score: 8 points. exercise) 4.Ne6+ and White wins.
xabcdefghy . Maximum score: 16 points.
P.Stamma, Essai sur le (press F10 for the next .
Jeu des Echecs 1792. exercise) exercise 073 (press F10 for the next
. [Jacob Aagaard] exercise)
1.Re1+ Rb1 2.Rc1!!
(6 points) This move must exercise 072 XABCDEFGHY
be found to solve the [Jacob Aagaard] 8-+k+-sN-+( exercise 074
exercise. Black is now in 7+-+-+-+-' 209 [Jacob Aagaard]
zugzwang. Rxc1+ 6-+-+PmK-+&
[ 2...h5 3.gxh5 (Diagram 207) 5+-+-+-+-%
just transposes. ] 4-+-tr-+-+$ (Diagram 211)
3.Kxc1 The position now . 3+-+-+-+-#
resembles Exercise 59. h5 White to play and win. 2-+-+-+-+" .
4.gxh5 g4 5.h6 g3 6.h7 . 1+-+-+-+-![ White to play and win.
g2 7.h8Q# (2 points). (press F10 for the solution) xabcdefghy .
Maximum score: 8 points. . (press F10 for the solution)
. White to play and win.
(press F10 for the next .
exercise) (press F10 for the solution)
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-wqk+-+(
7+-zpp+-tr-' 211
6-+P+-+-mK&
5+-+P+P+-%
4-+-+-wQ-+$
3+-+-+-+-#
2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
solution 074
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-wqk+-+(
7+-zpp+-tr-' 212
6-+P+-+-mK&
5+-+P+P+-%
4-+-+-wQ-+$
3+-+-+-+-#
2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
E.Pogosiants, Shakhmaty
v SSSR 1964.
. 4-zP-+r+-+$
1.Qe5+! (2 points)
[ Not 1.Kxg7? Qe7+
2.Kg6 Qf7+ and Black
makes a draw. ]
1...Qe7 2.Qxe7+!
(4 points) Only this
surprising exchange wins
the game.
[ If instead 2.Qxg7?
Qh4+ 3.Kg6 Qg4+
4.Kf6 Qd4+
with perpetual check ]
[ or 2.cxd7+ Kd8!!
3.Qxg7 Qh4+ 4.Kg6
Qg4+ when Black either
has perpetual again or
else wins the f-pawn and
can safely exchange into
a drawn pawn ending. ]
2...Rxe7 3.d6!!
(6 points) This magical
move exploits the
unhappy placement of the
black pieces. This is what
studies are all about – that
and tactics... Rf7!?
(6 points) Did you see this
defensive try? You should
have. Otherwise it was
pure luck that you would
win rather than lose a
seemingly drawn position.
[ If instead 3...cxd6 4.c7
wins easily ]
[ or 3...dxc6 4.dxe7
Kf7!? 5.e8Q+ Kxe8
6.Kg7 and White wins. ]
4.dxc7 Rf6+ 5.Kg7 Rxc6
6.f6 and one of the white
pawns queens.
Maximum score: 18 points.
. 8.c6 b3 9.c7 b2 10.c8Q
(press F10 for the next
exercise)
60
exercise 075 12.Qh3# . ] Maximum score: 20 points.
[Jacob Aagaard] 7.Ke5! (5 points) and wins. .
[ White could still throw it (press F10 for the next
XABCDEFGHY all away with 7.Ke6?? exercise)
8-+-+-+-+( c5! and we have a
7+-+-+-zPP' 213 draw.
6-+p+-mk-mK& Maximum score: 20 exercise 077
5+p+-+-+-% points. [Jacob Aagaard]
4-zP-+r+-+$ .
3+-+-+-+-# (press F10 for the next XABCDEFGHY
2-+-+-+-+" exercise) ] 8k+-+-+-+(
1+-+-+-+-![ 7+-+-+-+-' 217
xabcdefghy 6L+-+P+-+&
. exercise 076 5+-+-+-+-%
White to play and win. [Jacob Aagaard] 4-mK-+-+-vl$
. 3+-+-+-+-#
(press F10 for the solution) XABCDEFGHY 2-+-+N+-zp"
8-+-+-+-wq( 1+-+-+-+-![
7+-vl-+-+-' 215 xabcdefghy
solution 075 6-+-+-+-+& .
[Jacob Aagaard] 5+-+-+-+-% White to play and draw.
4-+-zp-+-+$ .
XABCDEFGHY 3+-+-+-+p# (press F10 for the solution)
8-+-+-+-+( 2-+-+-tR-+"
7+-+-+-zPP' 214 1mk-+-+K+R![
6-+p+-mk-mK& xabcdefghy solution 077
5+p+-+-+-% . [Jacob Aagaard]
White to play and draw.
3+-+-+-+-# . XABCDEFGHY
2-+-+-+-+" (press F10 for the solution) 8k+-+-+-+(
1+-+-+-+-![ 7+-+-+-+-' 218
xabcdefghy 6L+-+P+-+&
E.Antohi, Revista de solution 076 5+-+-+-+-%
Romana de Sah 1954 [Jacob Aagaard] 4-mK-+-+-vl$
(from move 4 in a study 3+-+-+-+-#
which had a minor flaw in XABCDEFGHY 2-+-+N+-zp"
the beginning). 8-+-+-+-wq( 1+-+-+-+-![
. 7+-vl-+-+-' 216 xabcdefghy
1.g8N+! (3 points) Any 6-+-+-+-+& V.Platov & M.Platov,
other promotion and Black 5+-+-+-+-% Belgorodskaja Pravda
has 1...Rh4 mate. Kf7 4-+-zp-+-+$ 1911.
[ If 1...Kf5? 2.Kh5 Re1 3+-+-+-+p# .
3.Nh6+ wins. ] 2-+-+-tR-+" White has a big problem
2.Nf6! (4 points) Rh4+ 1mk-+-+K+R![ in that he cannot stop the
[ 2...Kxf6 3.h8Q+ wins. ] xabcdefghy black h-pawn, whereas
3.Nh5 Rxh5+ 4.Kxh5 H.Rinck, 150 Fins de the black bishop prevents
Kg7 5.Kg5! (6 points) The Partie 1909. his e-pawn from advancing.
white king shoulders off . Therefore White needs to
the black king, Though the computer is set up a spectacular
[ and prevents the book able to find the best stalemate in order to save
draw which follows moves for White here, it is the game. 1.Ng3
5.h8Q+? Kxh8 6.Kg6 not able to see that these (5 points) This should not
Kg8 7.Kf6 Kf8 8.Ke6 draw. The reason is that be too difficult to find as
Ke8 9.Kd6 Kd8 10.Kxc6 the computer cannot work all other candidate moves
Kc8 11.Kxb5 Kb7 . ] with concepts such as the are without ideas. Bxg3
5...Kxh7 wrong colour bishop for 2.e7! Bd6+ 3.Ka4!!
[ On 5...c5 the composer the corner. White draws A fantastic move that
wanted White to play the by means of a stalemate secures the draw. Bxe7
flashy 6.h8Q+ trap. 1.Rd2!! (8 points) 4.Bc4! h1Q 5.Bd5+! Qxd5
( but even simpler is Threatening a discovered stalemate (15 points).
6.bxc5 b4 7.c6 b3 8.c7 check after Kf2 or Ke2. Maximum score: 20 points.
b2 9.c8Q b1Q 10.h8Q+ Qa8! (2 points) Answering .
Kf7 11.Qce8# the threat by attacking the (press F10 for the next
, as White already rook in the corner. But exercise)
queens first and White is prepared for this.
therefore does not need 2.Kf2+! Qxh1 3.Rd1+!
the check. )] (10 points) Kb2 exercise 078
6.Kf6! (2 points) Kh6 [ 3...Qxd1 is stalemate. ] [Jacob Aagaard]
[ After 6...c5 7.bxc5 b4 4.Rxh1 h2 5.Kg2
and White sacrifices the .
b1Q White mates by, for rook for the d-pawn to White to play and win.
example, 11.Qd7+ Kh6 leave a book draw.
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 61

XABCDEFGHY remember is that the XABCDEFGHY 2.Ng7!! (12 points) Only

8-+-+-+-mK( knight cannot survive on 8-+-+L+-+( this fantastic move wins.
7+-+-+-zp-' 219 its own. When White is 7+-+-+p+p' 222 [ 2.Nf6 looks convincing;
6-+-+-+-+& able to force it away from 6-+-+l+k+& A) ; e.g. 2...Qf8
5+-+-+-+p% the black king, the knight 5+-+-+-wq-% 3.Re8;
4-+-+-+-+$ will eventually be lost. 4-+-+-+-+$ B) , or 2...Qg6 3.Re8+
3+-+-+-+-# Here is some analysis to 3+-+N+R+-# Kg7 4.Rg8+ Kxf6
2R+-+-+-+" back up this claim. Nd3 2-+-+-+-+" 5.Rxg6+ hxg6 6.a5
1+-+-+-mk-![ 9.Ra4 Not the only winning 1+-+-+K+-![ and wins.;
xabcdefghy move, but probably the xabcdefghy C) . But there is a trap:
. fastest. Kh2 White makes a draw 2...Qg1! 3.Re8+?
(press F10 for the solution) [ If 9...Ne5+ 10.Kg3 Kf1 through a nice stalemate. ( 3.Nh5! Qg8 4.Ng7!
11.Rf4+ wins ] 1.Bxf7+! (10 points) Bxf7 would still win of
[ or 9...Nc5 10.Rc4 Nb3 Otherwise Black can never course, but you need
solution 078 11.Ke2 Na5 12.Rc7 win. 2.Nf4+ Kh6 to see the trap to
[Jacob Aagaard] Kh2 13.Kd2 Nb3+ [ 2...Kg7 3.Rg3 understand it ) 3...Kg7
14.Kc3 Nc1 15.Re7 transposes. ] 4.Rg8+ Kh6!! 5.Rxg1
XABCDEFGHY Kg3 16.Re1 Na2+ 3.Rh3+ Kg7 4.Rg3! stalemate (5 points).;
8-+-+-+-mK( 17.Kc4 and White wins. ] Qxg3 Black cannot win D) 2...-- ]
7+-+-+-zp-' 220 10.Re4 Kg1 with bishop and pawn vs. 2...h5
6-+-+-+-+& [ Or 10...Nc5 11.Re5 knight here, so why bother. [ If 2...Qxg7 3.Re8+ Qg8
5+-+-+-+p% Nd3 12.Rd5 Nb4 5.Nh5+! (10 points) Bxh5 4.Rxg8+ Kxg8 5.a5
4-+-+-+-+$ 13.Rd2+ Kh3 ( or stalemate. wins ]
3+-+-+-+-# 13...Kg1 14.Rg2+ Kf1 Maximum score: 20 points. [ or 2...Kxg7 3.Rg2+ Kf8
2R+-+-+-+" 15.Rb2 ) 14.Rd6 Kh2 . 4.Rxg8+ etc. ]
1+-+-+-mk-![ 15.Ke3 and the black (press F10 for the next 3.Re8 Kxg7 4.Rxg8+
xabcdefghy knight is cornered. ] exercise) Kxg8 5.a5 and White wins
J.Moravec, 10. prize, La 11.Rd4 Nc5 12.Rd5 by one tempo (5 points).
Strategie 1912. The black knight is Maximum score: 30 points.
. trapped no matter where it exercise 080 .
1.Kh7! (10 points) goes. Nb7 [Jacob Aagaard] (press F10 for the next
[ White needs to ignore [ 12...Ne6 13.Kg3 Kf1 exercise)
the black g-pawn as after 14.Rf5+ Kg1 15.Re5 XABCDEFGHY
1.Kxg7? h4 wins. ] 8-+-+-+-mk(
White cannot stop the h- 13.Ke3 Kg2 14.Kd3 Kf3 7+-+-+p+p' 223 exercise 081
pawn from promoting. It 15.Kc3! The fastest way to 6-+-+-+-+& [Jacob Aagaard]
seems that 1 Kh7 hardly win the knight. The threat 5+-+-+-+N%
makes any difference, is 16 Kb4. Ke4 16.Kc4 4P+P+-+-+$ XABCDEFGHY
but there is a twist. ] Zugzwang. Kf4 17.Kb4 3+-+-+-+-# 8-+-+-+-+(
1...h4 Ke4 18.Rd7 and White 2K+R+-+-+" 7+-+-+-vL-' 225
[ Black cannot save wins. 1+-+-+-wq-![ 6-tr-zP-+-+&
himself with 1...g5 2.Kg6 Maximum score: 27 points. xabcdefghy 5+-+-+-+-%
g4 3.Kg5! g3 4.Kh4 . . 4-+-+K+-+$
( 4.Kf4 also wins ) 4...g2 (press F10 for the next White to play and win. 3+-+-+-+-#
5.Kh3 Kh1 6.Rxg2 exercise) . 2-+-+-+-vl"
as there is no (press F10 for the solution) 1+-mk-+-+-![
stalemate. ] xabcdefghy
2.Kg6 h3 3.Kg5 h2 exercise 079 .
4.Kg4 g5! The only try for [Jacob Aagaard] solution 080 White to play and draw.
a defence. [Jacob Aagaard] .
[ The point of 1 Kh7 is XABCDEFGHY (press F10 for the solution)
seen after 4...h1Q?! 8-+-+L+-+( XABCDEFGHY
5.Kg3! (5 points) and the 7+-+-+p+p' 221 8-+-+-+-mk(
threat of 6 Ra1+ is 6-+-+l+k+& 7+-+-+p+p' 224 solution 081
decisive. Had White 5+-+-+-wq-% 6-+-+-+-+& [Jacob Aagaard]
played 1 Kxg7? then 5 4-+-+-+-+$ 5+-+-+-+N%
Kg3? would fail to 5... 3+-+N+R+-# 4P+P+-+-+$ XABCDEFGHY
Qh8! covering a1, but 2-+-+-+-+" 3+-+-+-+-# 8-+-+-+-+(
here the g7-pawn blocks 1+-+-+K+-![ 2K+R+-+-+" 7+-+-+-vL-' 226
the long diagonal. ] xabcdefghy 1+-+-+-wq-![ 6-tr-zP-+-+&
[ 4...h1N 5.Kf3! . xabcdefghy 5+-+-+-+-%
(2 points) holds no White to play and draw. D.Przepiorka, Szachista 4-+-+K+-+$
chances for Black. One . Polski 1920. 3+-+-+-+-#
possible finish is g5 (press F10 for the solution) . 2-+-+-+-vl"
6.Rd2 g4+ 7.Kxg4 Nf2+ White wins the queen, but 1+-mk-+-+-![
8.Kf3 Nh3 9.Kg3 it is necessary to spot xabcdefghy
and Black loses the solution 079 Black's trap. 1.Re2 L.Kubbel, Listok
knight. ] [Jacob Aagaard] (5 points) Qg8 Easily the Shakhmatnogo Kruzhka
5.Kg3 h1N+ 6.Kf3 g4+ only move. Petrogubkomunni 1921.
7.Kxg4 Nf2+ 8.Kf3! G.Ling, Deutsche [ If 1...h6 2.Re8+ Kh7 .
(10 points) White is now Schachzeitung 1912. 3.Nf6+ Kg6 4.Rg8+ White makes a draw by
winning. The main thing to . wins (3 points). ] playing on different horses.
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
Here pawn vs rook is a
draw, and the same goes
for queen vs rook and
bishop. So, with these two
options ruled out for Black,
White is able to
manoeuvre himself into
the corner. 1.Be5!
(5 points) Rb4+ 2.Kd5
Rb5+ 3.Kc6!! (10 points)
Giving up the bishop is
the only way to succeed.
Of course this had to be
foreseen. Rxe5 4.d7
Re6+ 5.Kb7 Rd6 6.Kc8!
(10 points) Threatening to
queen the pawn. Rc6+
7.Kb7 Rc7+ 8.Ka8! Rxd7
stalemate (5 points).
Maximum score: 30 points.
. 1+-mK-+-+-![
(press F10 for the next
exercise)
exercise 082
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-+-+(
7+k+-+-+K' 227
6p+-+-+-+&
5tRp+-zP-tr-%
4-zpP+-+-+$
3zPP+-+-+-#
2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
. [Jacob Aagaard]
White to play and win.
. XABCDEFGHY
(press F10 for the solution)
solution 082
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-+-+(
7+k+-+-+K' 228
6p+-+-+-+&
5tRp+-zP-tr-%
4-zpP+-+-+$
3zPP+-+-+-#
2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
A.Selesniev, Tidskrift för
Schack 1921.
. White has achieved very
1.cxb5! (3 points) Kb6!
On all other moves the
rook endgame is lost.
2.bxa6! (7 points) A
common trick in rook
endings. Black cannot
catch the pawn. Kxa5
3.a7 Rh5+ 4.Kg7!
(2 points)
[ Not 4.Kg6? Rh8
and draws. ]
4...Rg5+ 5.Kf7 Rf5+
6.Ke7 Rxe5+ 7.Kd7
Rd5+ 8.Kc7 Rc5+ 9.Kb7
Rb5+ 10.Kc6! (8 points)
Coming at last to sixth
rank, now that the black
rook cannot go to the
back. Rb6+ 11.Kc5! Ra6
[ If 11...Rb5+ 12.Kc4
and the pawn
promotes. ]
12.axb4# (10 points) A
very beautiful end.
Maximum score: 30 points.
. 8-+-+-+-+(
(press F10 for the next
exercise)
exercise 083
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-mK-mk(
7zp-+-+-+-' 229
6P+-+-+pzp&
5+-+-+-+p%
4p+-+-zP-+$
3+p+R+-+-#
2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
. XABCDEFGHY
White to play and win.
. 7+-+-+-+-' 232
(press F10 for the solution)
solution 083
8-+-+-mK-mk(
7zp-+-+-+-' 230
6P+-+-+pzp&
5+-+-+-+p%
4p+-+-zP-+$
3+p+R+-+-#
2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
V.Kitsigin, Magyar
Sakkelet 1978.
. Rc1+ 5.Kd4 Rc8
White wins by a nice rook
manoeuvre and sacrifice.
1.f5! (5 points) gxf5
[ 1...b2?! 2.fxg6 b1Q
3.g7+ Kh7 4.g8Q# . ]
2.Rd6 Kh7 It seems as if
little, but he wins with a
fantastic move. 3.Rb6!!
(15 points) axb6
[ Ignoring the threat of 4
Rb7+ does not work for
Black either: 3...f4
4.Rb7+ Kg6 5.Rxa7 b2
( 5...f3 6.Rg7+ ) 6.Rb7
a3 7.a7 a2 8.a8Q b1Q
9.Rg7+ Kf6 10.Qc6+
with a mating attack. ]
4.a7 b2 5.a8Q b1Q
[ Or 5...Kg6 6.Qg2+
and 7 Qxb2 wins. ]
6.Qa7+ Kg6 7.Qg7# .
Maximum score: 20 points.
. 3...Rxg5
(press F10 for the next
exercise)
exercise 084
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
7+-+-+-+-' 231
6-+-+-zPr+&
5+-+R+-+-%
4pzp-+-+-+$
3+-+-+-+-#
2k+-vL-+-+"
xabcdefghy
. 8.Kd2+ b1Q+ 9.Ke1!
White to play and win.
. 7...Rxa3
(press F10 for the solution)
solution 084
[Jacob Aagaard]
8-+-+-+-+(
6-+-+-zPr+&
5+-+R+-+-%
4pzp-+-+-+$
3+-+-+-+-#
2k+-vL-+-+"
1+-mK-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
G.Kasparian, 1st prize,
Shakhmaty v SSSR 1939.
. XABCDEFGHY
1.Bg5! (5 points) This
move queens the pawn by
force.
[ If instead 1.f7 Rf6
and Black makes a
draw. ]
[ Or 1.Rf5? Rg1+ 2.Kc2
b3+ 3.Kc3 b2 4.f7
and it will be White who
has to make a draw. ]
1...b3!
[ On 1...Rg8 2.Rd2+!!
(5 points) ( but not 2.f7?
Rc8+ 3.Kd2 Rf8 4.Rd7
b3 and Black makes a
draw ) 2...Kb3
(the black king is now
worse placed) 3.f7 Rf8
( or 3...Rc8+ 4.Kb1 a3
5.Rd3+ and 6 Rd8 ) 4.Rf2
a3 5.Kb1 and White
wins. ]
2.Rd2+ Ka1 3.f7!
(5 points) The only way to
win.
[ 3.Be3? allows Black to
make a draw with both
62
a3 ( and 3...b2+!?
4.Rxb2 Rxf6 5.Bd4
Rf1+ 6.Kc2 a3!! 7.Rb1+
Ka2 8.Rxf1 stalemate. )]
[ 3...a3 loses to 4.Rd1!!
(5 points) when Black
cannot do anything; e.g.
Rd6 5.f8Q b2+ 6.Kc2+
Rxd1 7.Qxa3# . ]
4.f8Q Rg1+ 5.Rd1 Rg2!
This amazing counterplay
should have been
foreseen. Now White can
win in only one way.
6.Qa3+ Ra2 7.Rd2!
(10 points) The only way
to win.
[ 7.Qc5 does not achieve
anything after Rh2!
( but not 7...Rg2?
8.Rd2!; , or 7...b2+?
and White wins. )]
[ Or 7...b2+ 8.Qxb2+
and White wins after
Rxb2 9.Rxb2 a3
10.Rb1+! Ka2 11.Rb8
Ka1 12.Kc2 a2 13.Kb3!
Kb1 14.Rh8 a1N+
15.Kc3! ]
8.Rb2! A nice zugzwang.
Ra2 9.Rb1# .
Maximum score: 30 points.
.
(press F10 for the next
exercise)
exercise 085
[Jacob Aagaard]
8-+-+-+-+(
7+-+R+P+-' 233
6-zppzP-zp-+&
5+-+r+-+-%
4-+-+-+-+$
3mK-+-+-+-#
2p+-+-mk-+"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
.
White to play and win.
.
(press F10 for the solution)
solution 085
[Jacob Aagaard]
(Diagram 234)
A.Herbstmann,
Achalgazdra Kommunisti
1954.
.
This exercise is about
awareness of the
opponent's counter-
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 63

XABCDEFGHY solution 086 solution 087 Maximum score: 27 points.

8-+-+-+-+( [Jacob Aagaard] [Jacob Aagaard] .
7+-+R+P+-' 234 (press F10 for the next
6-zppzP-zp-+& XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY exercise)
5+-+r+-+-% 8-+-sN-+-+( 8-vl-+-+-+(
4-+-+-+-+$ 7+-+-+-+-' 236 7+p+-+-zp-' 238
3mK-+-+-+-# 6-+-+-+-+& 6-+-zP-+-+& exercise 088
2p+-+-mk-+" 5+-+-mkp+-% 5zP-zP-+-+p% [Jacob Aagaard]
1+-+-+-+-![ 4-+-+-+-+$ 4-+-zP-+-+$
xabcdefghy 3+KzP-+-+-# 3+-+-+-+-# XABCDEFGHY
chances. 1.Kb2!! 2-vL-+-+p+" 2-+-+-+k+" 8-+-vl-+-vL(
(10 points) Only this move 1+-+-+-+-![ 1+-+-mK-+-![ 7+-+P+-+-' 239
wins. xabcdefghy xabcdefghy 6-+-+Pzp-+&
[ If 1.Kxa2? f5!! H.Rinck, E.Barca, Tidskrift för 5+-zP-zp-+-%
(5 points) and White Mecklenburgisches Schack 1916. 4-mK-+-+-zp$
cannot prevent perpetual. Neues Wochenblatt 1911. . 3+-+-+-+-#
The black rook checks . 1.Ke2!! (10 points) White 2-+k+-+n+"
continually either on the 1.Nf7+ (2 points) Clearly needs to step out of the 1+-+-+-+-![
e-file 2.Ra7 the only move. checks. xabcdefghy
( or on the fifth rank [ 1.c4+? Ke4! ] [ 1.d7? Bc7 2.c6? .
2.f8Q Ra5+ etc ) 2...Re5! [ and 1.Nc6+ Ke4 Bxa5+ wins. ] White to play and draw.
3.f8Q Re2+ etc. ] both win immediately for [ 1.c6? Bxd6 2.cxb7 h4 .
1...a1Q+ Black. ] 3.a6 Bb8 4.d5 h3 5.d6 (press F10 for the solution)
[ If 1...Rb5+ 2.Ka1! 1...Kd5 h2 and Black wins. ]
and the perpetual is [ If 1...Kf4 2.Bc1+ Kf3 [ 1.d5? h4 2.d7 Bc7
gone ] 3.Ng5+ Kg4 4.Be3 f4 3.a6 h3! 4.a7 h2 5.a8Q solution 088
[ or 1...Ra5 2.Ka1 Ra8 5.Bg1 Kxg5 6.Kc4 Kf5 h1Q+ 6.Kd2 ( or 6.Ke2 [Jacob Aagaard]
3.Re7 and Black cannot 7.Kd3 and White wins ] Qh5+ ) 6...Bf4+ 7.Kc2
prevent both pawns [ 1...Ke4 2.Ng5+ Kf4 Qc1+ 8.Kd3 Qe3+ XABCDEFGHY
from queening. ] 3.Bc1+ Kg4 9.Kc4 Qe2+ 10.Kb3 8-+-vl-+-vL(
2.Kxa1 Ra5+ transposes. ] Qb5+ wins. ] 7+-+P+-+-' 240
[ If now 2...f5 3.Ra7 Re5 2.c4+ Kc5! (3 points) The [ 1.a6? bxa6 2.d5 h4 6-+-+Pzp-+&
4.Ra2+! and White best try. If the king moves 3.d7 Bc7 4.d6 Ba5+ 5+-zP-zp-+-%
wins. ] to a light square the white 5.Ke2 h3 6.c6 h2 7.c7 4-mK-+-+-zp$
3.Kb2 Rb5+ knight gives a check and h1Q 8.d8Q 3+-+-+-+-#
[ Or if 3...f5 4.Ra7!! makes it back to cover g1 is more complicated, but 2-+k+-+n+"
Rxa7 5.f8Q Ra5 6.d7 in time. 3.Ng5 g1Q certainly White is not 1+-+-+-+-![
Rb5+ 7.Kc3 Rc5+ 4.Bd4+!! (10 points) going to win. ] xabcdefghy
8.Qxc5+ and wins (2 Without this White would 1...h4 As this is not the F.Lazard, La Strategie
points). ] be lost. Now he is winning; most useful move Black 1921.
4.Kc3 Rc5+ 5.Kd4 f5 [ i.e. 4.Bd4+ Qxd4 ( or can play, White has now .
6.Ra7! (5 points) Still the 4...Kxd4 5.Nf3+ ) 5.Ne6+ improved his chances on White escapes from this
only winning move. Rd5+ etc. the queenside and can endgame by means of an
7.Kc3 Rc5+ 8.Kb2 Rb5+ Maximum score: 15 make a swift breakthrough. original stalemate. 1.Bxf6!
9.Ka1 Re5 10.Ra2+! points. 2.d7 Bc7 3.c6! (5 points) [ 1.c6!? Nf4 2.Bxf6!
(6 points) and wins. The . bxc6 works in the same way. ]
perpetual check net is (press F10 for the next [ If 3...h3 4.cxb7 h2 1...Bxf6 2.c6 Nf4
gone. exercise) ] 5.b8Q Bxb8 6.d8Q h1Q [ 2...Ne3 3.c7 Nd5+
Maximum score: 28 points. 7.Qd5+ Kg1 8.Qxh1+ also transposes. ]
. Kxh1 9.d5 3.c7 Nd5+ 4.Kc4!!
(press F10 for the next exercise 087 and the bishop cannot Here and only here. This
exercise) [Jacob Aagaard] hold both pawns ] is the beauty of
[ or 3...b5 4.a6 h3 5.a7 stalemates. Nxc7 5.d8Q
XABCDEFGHY h2 6.d8Q! Bxd8 Bxd8 6.e7! Bxe7
exercise 086 8-vl-+-+-+( ( 6...h1Q 7.Qd5+ ) 7.c7 stalemate (25 points).
[Jacob Aagaard] 7+p+-+-zp-' 237 and White wins. ] Maximum score: 25 points.
6-+-zP-+-+& 4.a6 h3 5.a7 h2 6.a8Q .
XABCDEFGHY 5zP-zP-+-+p% h1Q 7.Qxc6+ Kg1 (press F10 for the next
8-+-sN-+-+( 4-+-zP-+-+$ 8.Qc1+! (10 points) exercise)
7+-+-+-+-' 235 3+-+-+-+-# [ After 8.Qxc7 Qe4+
6-+-+-+-+& 2-+-+-+k+" it is not easy to escape
5+-+-mkp+-% 1+-+-mK-+-![ the checks. ] exercise 089
4-+-+-+-+$ xabcdefghy 8...Kg2 9.Qg5+ Kh3 [Jacob Aagaard]
3+KzP-+-+-# . [ 9...Kh2 10.Kf2!
2-vL-+-+p+" White to play and win. wins as below. ]
1+-+-+-+-![ . 10.Qh5+! Kg2 11.Qg4+ (Diagram 241)
xabcdefghy (press F10 for the solution) Kh2
. [ 11...Bg3 12.Qf3+ .
White to play and win. wins. ] White to play and win.
. 12.Kf2 (2 points) Black .
(press F10 for the solution) cannot prevent mate for (press F10 for the solution)
long.
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
XABCDEFGHY
8K+-+-+-+(
7+-+-+-+-' 241
6-+-+-zP-+&
5+-+-+-+-%
4-sn-+-+-+$
3+-+-+-mkl#
2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
solution 089
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8K+-+-+-+(
7+-+-+-+-' 242
6-+-+-zP-+&
5+-+-+-+-%
4-sn-+-+-+$
3+-+-+-mkl#
2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
I.Vandecasteele, Eclaireur
de Nice 1999.
. 1+-+-+-+-![
White wins by queening
his pawn, but this by no
means as easy as it looks.
The first move is obvious,
but then it becomes
complicated. 1.f7 Bg2+
2.Kb8! (8 points) Only this
wins.
[ Black is better after
2.Ka7? Nc6+ 3.Kb6 ( or
3.Ka6 Bf1+! 4.Kb6
Ne5 ) 3...Ne5! 4.f8N
. This endgame with B+N
vs. N arises all the time
in the analysis. The
main point is not whether
it is winning for Black
or drawn, but that it is
clearly undesirable for
White. ]
2...Nc6+ 3.Kc7! (4 points)
[ Not 3.Kc8? Ne7+!
and 4...Ng6. ]
3...Nd4 4.Kd6!
(10 points) Domination
again.
[ If 4.Kd7? Bh3+
and 5...Ne6 draws. ]
4...Nf5+ 5.Kd7!!
(10 points) Only this move
wins.
[ If 5.Kc5? Ng7! ]
[ or 5.Ke6? Bd5+!!
6.Kxd5 Ne7+
and 7...Ng6 draws ]
[ while if 5.Ke5? Ne7
6.Kf6 ( 6.Ke6 Bd5+
7.Kxe7 Bxf7 ) 6...Nd5+
7.Kg6 ( 7.Kg7 Nc7! )
7...Nf4+ 8.Kf5 Bh3+
and 9...Ne6 draws. ]
5...Bc6+!
Did you anticipate this?
6.Kd8!! (5 points) Now
White is able to dance
around the black knight.
[ Instead 6.Kc7? Nd4!
7.Kd6 Nf5+ 8.Kc5 Ng7!
draws. ]
6...Nd4 7.Ke7 Nf5+ 8.Kf6
Nd6 9.f8Q and White wins
(8 points). The endgame of
Q v B+N is virtually
always won for the queen.
Maximum score: 35 points.
. file, after which the white
(press F10 for the next
exercise)
exercise 090
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-mK-mk(
7+p+-+-zp-' 243
6p+-+-+Pvl&
5zP-+-zp-+P%
4-+-+-+P+$
3tR-+-+P+-#
2-+-+-+-tr"
xabcdefghy
. Maximum score: 30 points.
White to play and win.
. (press F10 for the next
(press F10 for the solution)
solution 090
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-mK-mk(
7+p+-+-zp-' 244
6p+-+-+Pvl&
5zP-+-zp-+P%
4-+-+-+P+$
3tR-+-+P+-#
2-+-+-+-tr"
1+-+-+-+-![
xabcdefghy
Y.Afek, Pula Congress
1997.
. .
White wins in a most
extraordinary fashion with
a series of pawn sacrifices.
1.Rc3! (5 points)
Threatening 2 Rc8 and
mates.
[ Instead 1.Rd3? Rd2
wins for Black ]
[ while 1.Rb3? Rf2
also gets White
nowhere. ]
1...Rh1 The best defence,
which should have been
anticipated. Now White
wins by opening a second
line of attack.
[ Instead after 1...Rf2
2.Rc8 Rxf3+ 3.Ke7+
Black is mated ]
[ or if 1...Rd2 2.Rc8 Bg5
( 2...Rd7 3.Ke8!
64
wins because the black easiest of the positions in
rook cannot remain on the set of calculation
the rank ) 3.Kf7+ Bd8 exercises. It is from one of
4.h6 Rd7+ 5.Ke8 wins. ] my own games – in which
2.g5!! (10 points) This I displayed bad calculation
brilliant idea changes technique, by not looking
everything. for opportunities at the
[ Not 2.Rc8? Rc1! 3.Rd8 end of the variation.
Rc7 and White is lost. ] 68...Bh4+?
2...Bxg5 3.h6! (5 points) [ The solution is 68...Rd2!
The idea is to open the h- (5 points). White only
has 69.Rxe3 Bxe3
rook can threaten mate 70.h7 Rd8 71.Bg8
from two directions. Bxh6 , but now it looks as if
The only move, otherwise Black has been swindled.
4 Kf7 or 4 hxg7 wins. 4.f4!! This is where I stopped
(10 points) The point. Now anyway. However, Black
Black has no way to wins with Kf3!
defend himself. Note that (15 points) 72.h8Q Bf2+
this move prevents 4... 73.Kf1 Rd1#
Rc1 and therefore . The lesson: always look
threatens 5 Kf7 strongly. for candidates at the end
Bxf4 There is nothing of a forced line. There
better. may be a final twist you
[ If 4...Rd1 5.Ke7 need to attend to! ]
mates. ] 69.Ke2 Bf2! (5 points)
5.Kf7! Rc1 6.Rh3+ Bh6 Though I have obviously
7.Rxh6+ gxh6 8.g7+ been stupid, I am still
Kh7 9.g8Q# . playing with an idea. The
point is that the black rook
. now can come to the h-file.
70.Rxe3! Otherwise 70...
exercise) Rd2 mate. Bxe3 71.h7?!
Surprisingly this loses a
tempo. White can still draw,
exercise 091 but now it becomes rather
[Jacob Aagaard] more challenging. At first
it even seems as if 71 h7
XABCDEFGHY gains a tempo which
8-+-+-+-+({ allows White to eliminate
7+-+-+-+-' 245 the black a-pawn. I
6-+-+Rzp-zP& considered this pawn as
5zp-+-+-vl-% something of a meal ticket
4PzP-tr-+-+$ during the game. However,
3+L+-zp-+-# Jonathan Tait has
2-+-+-+k+" improved my analysis in
1+-+-mK-+-! the preparation of this
xabcdefghy book, and he shows that
. the contrary is actually the
Black to play and win. case. The theme of the
best way for White to
(press F10 for the solution) defend is domination.
[ White should have
played 71.Kxe3!
solution 091 A) , and if 71...Rxb4
[Jacob Aagaard] he can defend his
advanced h-pawn by
XABCDEFGHY 72.Bc2 Kg3 73.h7
8-+-+-+-+({ , which gives him
7+-+-+-+-' 246 sufficient counterplay.
6-+-+Rzp-zP& My line continued Rh4
5zp-+-+-vl-% 74.Bf5 Rh2 75.Ke4
4PzP-tr-+-+$ Rh1 , but here
3+L+-zp-+-# Jonathan came up with
2-+-+-+k+" 76.Kd5! Kf4 77.Ke6
1+-+-mK-+-! Rh6 ( or 77...Kg5
xabcdefghy 78.Bc2 ) 78.Bg6 Kg5
E.Lobron-J.Aagaard, 79.Kf7 f5 80.Bxf5
Stockholm 2003. Kxf5 81.Kg7
. with a draw.;
Though this position is not B) . If Black tries to
too easy, I think it is the transpose to the game
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 65

with 71...Rh4 exercise 092 g5 18.Re4 f6 19.Nbc7 exercise 093

then White plays [Jacob Aagaard] Rb8 20.Bb5 Qa3 [Jacob Aagaard]
instead 72.bxa5! Rh3+ 21.Re3 Qd6 22.Bxa7
( or 72...Rxh6 73.Bd5+ XABCDEFGHY Ng4 23.Rh3 b6 XABCDEFGHY
and 74 a6 etc ) 73.Ke4 8r+l+-trk+({ 24.Qd3 Qc5+ 25.Ne3 8-+-+rtrk+(
Rxb3 74.Kf5 Rh3 7zpp+-zppvlp' 247 f5 26.Bxb8 Nxe3 7+-+-+pzpp' 248
75.Kg6 and White 6-wqnzp-snp+& 27.Rxe3 f4 6p+l+-+-+&
draws after Rg3+ ( not 5+-+-zP-+-% and Black might be 5+p+-vL-+n%
75...f5 76.h7 f4?? 4-+-sN-zP-+$ better, though it looked 4-+-+P+-+$
77.a6 and White wins ) 3+-sN-vL-+-# very suspicious on the 3vl-sNL+R+-#
76.Kxf6 Rh3 77.Kg7 2PzPP+L+PzP" way. No matter what, 2-zPP+-+PzP"
Rg3+ etc.; 1tR-+Q+RmK-! White should not go for 1+-+-tR-+K![
C) 71...-- ] xabcdefghy this, but for the simple xabcdefghy
71...Rh4 72.Kxe3 Rxh7 . line with 15 Ned5 .
[ 72...f5 Black to play and win. which offers good White to play and win.
is no improvement: . play. ( 27...-- ); .
73.Bd5+ Kg3 74.bxa5 (press F10 for the solution) C) 15.-- ] (press F10 for the solution)
f4+ 75.Kd3 Rxh7 15.Bxe5
76.Kc4! reaches a [ 15.Ncd5? Nxd5
similar position to that solution 092 16.Nxd5 is met by solution 093
after 74 bxa5 below but [Jacob Aagaard] Qxd4+! 17.Qxd4 Nf3+ [Jacob Aagaard]
with an extra – and and Black wins. ]
more advanced – a- L.Hansen-J.Aagaard, [ One of the critical lines XABCDEFGHY
pawn for White. ] Taastrup 1999. to see was 15.Nxc8 8-+-+rtrk+(
73.Bd5+! I had overlooked . and then: 7+-+-+pzpp' 249
this simple move. I was The position arose in the A) 15...Raxc8 16.Rb1 6p+l+-+-+&
looking forward to 73... Sicilian Defence after 1.e4 Qe7 17.Rb5! Ne8 5+p+-vL-+n%
Rh3+. Kg3 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 18.Nd5 Qd7 19.Bxa7 4-+-+P+-+$
Here my experienced 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6 with equality.; 3vl-sNL+R+-#
opponent throws the draw 6.Be2 Bg7 7.Be3 Nc6 B) 15...Rfxc8 16.Rb1 2-zPP+-+PzP"
away. 74.b5?? 8.0-0 0-0 9.f4 Qb6 Qe7 17.Rb5 Nc6 1+-+-tR-+K![
[ He should have played 10.e5!? . This gambit was 18.Bxf6 Bxf6 19.Nd5 xabcdefghy
74.bxa5 Ra7 75.Kd4 unknown to me and Bd4+ 20.Kh1 Qd7 A.Shirov-C.Lutz, German
Rxa5 76.Bc6 f5 77.Kc4 hopefully also to you. I 21.Nf6 Qe7 22.Nd5 League 2001.
f4 78.Kb4 Ra6 and now managed to calculate the repeating moves.; .
79.Bh1 Rh6 ( or if 79...f3 theoretical refutation at C) 15...Rd8!! Black has entered a
80.Bxf3! with a book the board. Did you? dxe5 (5 points) 16.Nb5 desperado. Fortunately
draw ) 80.Be4! 11.fxe5 Nxe5 12.Nf5 Raxc8 and White has you have read that
(only here) and Black Qxb2! (5 points) Greedy little for his pawn. chapter and should be
cannot make progress. ] and necessary. ( 16...-- ); able to solve this position
74...Rh4 [ 12...Qe6 13.Nxg7 D) 15...-- ] without too much effort.
[ Not 74...f5? 75.b6 f4+ Kxg7 14.Qd2 Kg8 15...Qxe7 16.Qd4 Nh5 Right? 21.Bxg7!
76.Kd4 f3 77.b7! 15.Rae1 gives White [ 16...Ne8!? is equally (5 points) This is the only
when Black has to be good play for the pawn ] good. ] move.
careful: Rh4+ ( not [ while after 12...Qc7 17.Bxg7+ Nxg7 [ 21.Bd4? Bxb2 22.Nxb5
77...Rh8? 78.Kc5 f2 13.Nb5! Qb8 14.Nxe7+ Black has won a pawn axb5 23.Bxb2 f5
79.Bc4 Kg2 80.Kb6 f1Q Kh8 15.Qd6! White is and stands much better. gives Black a strong
81.Bxf1+ Kxf1 82.Kxa5! even better. ] 18.Rae1 Be6 19.Nd5 initiative. ]
and White wins ) 78.Kc5 13.Nxe7+ Kh8 14.Bd4 Bxd5 20.Qxd5 Rad8 21...Bxb2
Rb4 79.Bc6! f2 80.Bb5 This was what White was 21.Qb3 b6 22.Kh1 Qc7 [ After 21...Kxg7 22.bxa3
f1Q 81.b8Q+ Qf4 preparing. 23.Rf3 Rde8 24.Rf2 f5 f5 23.Ref1! fxe4
82.Qxf4+ Kxf4 83.Kb6 [ 14.Nb5 Qb4! 25.Rd1 Qc5 26.Rdf1 Re3 24.Rxf8 Rxf8 25.Rxf8
with a draw. ] does not help White. ] 27.Bd3 Rfe8 28.Qf7 Kxf8 26.Bxe4
75.Be4 f5 76.Bxf5 Rxa4 14...Qb4!! (10 points) This R3e7 29.Qb3 Nh5 White keeps his extra
77.Kd2 Rb4 78.Bd3 Kf4 move had to be foreseen 30.Bb5 Nf6 31.Qb2 Rf8 pawn for the endgame. ]
[ 78...a4! 79.Kc3 a3 in order to capture on b2. 32.Rd2 Qe5 33.Rd4 Kg7 22.Bxf8 Bxc3 23.Ref1!
80.Kxb4 a2 would have [ After 14...Ng8 34.Qb4 a5 35.Qa3 Rc7 (10 points) As so often
been slightly faster. ] A) , White plays 36.Rc4 Rxc4 37.Bxc4 before, the desperado is
79.Kc3 Ke5 80.Bc4 Kd6 15.Ned5! Rd8 16.Nb5 Ng4 38.Qh3 Rc8 39.Bd3 decided by a surprisingly
81.Kd4 a4 82.Kc3 Kc5 Nf3+ 17.Bxf3 Qxb5 Rxc2! 40.Qh4 quiet move. White does
83.Bf7 a3 84.Bb3 Rxb5 18.Bxg7+ Kxg7 [ If 40.Bxc2 Nf2+! not lose material because
85.Kc2 Kd4 and White 19.Qd4+ f6 20.c4 41.Rxf2 Qe1+ mates. ] all Black's minor pieces
resigned. Qa6 21.Rae1 40...Nf2+ 41.Rxf2 Qe1+ are hanging.
Maximum score: 20 points. with strong 42.Bf1 Rxf2 43.Qd4+ [ Not 23.Rd1? Kxf8!
. compensation for the Kf7 44.Qd7+ Qe7 24.Rf5 Re5 and Black
(press F10 for the next pawn.; 45.Bc4+ Kf8 46.Qd1 wins. ]
exercise) B) . The alternative Qe4 47.Qd8+ Kg7 23...Rxf8
15.Nb5 and White resigned. [ 23...Kxf8 loses to
is very complicated. I Maximum score: 20 points. 24.Rxf7+ Kg8 25.R7f5
have analysed one line . Ng3+ ( or 25...Re5
which goes Qb4 (press F10 for the next 26.Rxe5 Bxe5 27.Rf5
16.Nd5 Qa4 17.Rf4 exercise) and wins ) 26.hxg3 Bxe4
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
27.Rg5+ Bg7 28.Bxe4 Unfortunately it is not very
Rxe4 29.Rf6! good – or perhaps
and Black can soon fortunately, if you
resign. ] managed to calculate it to
24.Rf5! (5 points) White the end.
regains the piece and ends [ Instead 31.Bxc6! Rxc6
an exchange up. Nf6 32.Be3 with an extra
[ 24...Re8 25.Rc5 Bxe4 pawn would have been
26.Rxc3 also wins for better. ]
White. ] 31...Bxb7 (1 point) Quite
25.Rg5+ Kh8 26.Rc5 clearly the only move.
White is winning. The Now White has two lanes
black pawns on the he can go down: 32.--
queenside are not passed [ 32.Bh7+ Kg7!
pawns, but weaknesses. (2 points) 33.Bh6+ ( if
Bxe4 27.Rxc3 Re8 33.Bg8 f5! and Black
28.Kg1 Bxd3 29.cxd3 wins – 1 point ) 33...Kh8
Re6 30.Ra3 Rd6 31.Rfa1 34.Bxf8 ( if 34.Bg8 Kxg8
Kg7 32.Rxa6 Rxd3 35.Bxf8 Bh4!
33.Rb6 Rb3 34.Rf1 Ng4 and there is no attack –
35.Rb7 Ne5 36.h3 Kg6 3 points ) 34...Rxa3!!
37.Rb6+ Kg7 38.Rf5 f6 (5 points) 35.Rxa3 ( if
39.Rbxf6 and Black 35.f3 Rxf3 and Black is
resigned. better ) 35...Bxa3
Maximum score: 20 points. 36.Bxa3 Qh4!
. ( threatening ...Qxg4+; if
(press F10 for the next instead 36...Qd5
exercise) 37.Be4! Qxe4 38.Qxe4
Bxe4 39.Bb2
and Black would have
exercise 094 struggle a little bit for
[Jacob Aagaard] the draw ) 37.Kf1 ( if
37.Bc1 Qh3! since the
XABCDEFGHY h7-bishop isn't going
8-+-wqltrk+({ anywhere; , or 37.Be7!?
7+R+-vlp+-' 250 Qxe7! 38.Be4 Bxe4
6r+-+p+p+& 39.Qxe4 Qc5
5+-+-zP-+-% with a drawn queen
4-+p+L+P+$ endgame ) 37...Qh3+
3zP-+-+-+R# 38.Ke1 Qxa3 (6 points)
2-+Q+-zP-zP" 39.Be4 Bxe4 40.Qxe4
1+-vL-+-mK-! c3 and despite his extra
xabcdefghy pawn White needs to
. secure a draw quickly,
Calculate the although this should not
consequences of 30... be a major problem after
Bc6!? 31 Bxg6 from 41.Qc2 . ]
White's perspective. [ 32.Rh7!? (2 points) is
. an interesting and
(press F10 for the solution) surprising idea. Black
must reply f5! 33.exf6!
( 33.Bh6!?
solution 094 is less dangerous; e.g.
[Jacob Aagaard] Be4 34.Qc1 Bxa3
35.Qf1 Qh4
XABCDEFGHY and the threats of ...
8-+-wqltrk+({ Qxg4+ or ...Ra7 force
7+R+-vlp+-' 251 White to take the
6r+-+p+p+& perpetual; if 36.h3??
5+-+-zP-+-% Black also has Qg3+!!
4-+p+L+P+$ 37.fxg3 Bc5+ 38.Kh2
3zP-+-+-+R# Ra2+ and wins ) 33...Bxf6
2-+Q+-zP-zP" 34.Rxb7 Bd4!
1+-vL-+-mK-! (5 points). This position
xabcdefghy could be foreseen with
J.Aagaard-Th.Johansson, some anticipation. Now
Stockholm 2003 White needs to play
(variation). 35.Bf5! to keep his head
. above water. Black can
30...Bc6! 31.Bxg6? only respond with Qh4!
This was the move you (2 points) 36.Kh1 ( not
had to calculate. 36.Kg2? Rf7! 37.Rxf7
Kxf7 38.h3 Qxf2+
39.Qxf2 Bxf2 40.Bxe6+
Rxe6 41.Kxf2 c3
and Black wins the
endgame easily ) 36...Rf7
37.Rxf7 Kxf7 38.Qxc4
Qxf2 39.Qc7+ Kf6
40.Qd8+ Kf7 ( or
40...Ke5 41.Qh8+ )
41.Qd7+ Kf6
with a draw. The end of
this line is really
difficult to calculate
accurately. The main
thing is not to analyse
everything completely,
but to be able to
calculate what can be
calculated and to
evaluate correctly that
which remains.
So the conclusion of
the exercise is that 31
Bxg6, though very
tempting is a mistake,
and the clear advantage
a pawn up with 31 Bxc6
should be preferred.
Maximum score: 30
points.
. play accurately. b5
(press F10 for the next
exercise) ]
exercise 095
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-+k+({
7+p+R+p+-' 252
6-+p+p+P+&
5+-+-+-+-%
4pwq-+N+-+$
3+L+-+P+-#
2PzP-+-+K+"
1+-+-+-+-!
xabcdefghy
. soon.
Black to play and draw.
. .
(press F10 for the solution)
solution 095
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-+k+({
7+p+R+p+-' 253
6-+p+p+P+&
5+-+-+-+-%
4pwq-+N+-+$
3+L+-+P+-#
2PzP-+-+K+"
1+-+-+-+-!
xabcdefghy
M.Tal-L.Ljubojevic, Wijk
aan Zee 1973.
.
Black has only one move,
so this exercise should
66
not be too difficult.
36...axb3!
[ Ljubojevic actually
played 36...Kg7?
and Tal won after
37.Bxe6 Qxb2+ 38.Kh3
Kxg6 39.Bxf7+ Kh6
40.Rd6+ Kg7 41.Rd7
b5 42.Be6+ Kg6
43.Rd8 c5? 44.Rg8+
Kh7 45.Ng5+ Kh6
46.Nf7+ Kh7 47.Rg5
(threatening 48 Bf5
mate) 1-0. ]
37.Rxf7 Qd4! (7 points)
The only defence. 38.axb3
[ 38.Nf6+? Qxf6 39.Rxf6
bxa2 was Black's main
defensive resource. ]
38...Qxb2+ 39.Kh3 Qh8+!
(3 points) This check can
also be difficult to spot.
40.Kg4 Qd4! (3 points)
Another important move.
This is all you need to see
in order to play 36...axb3,
perhaps not even this
much. 41.Kf4!?
The only winning attempt.
Now Black still needs to
42.Re7 Qb2! This move
keeps the balance.
[ It was still possible to
go wrong by 42...c5?
43.Rxe6 c4 44.Rd6
Qa1 45.Kf5! and Black
has no defence; e.g.
Qb1 46.Rd8+ Kg7
47.Rd7+ Kg8 48.b4!
Qc2 49.Rf7 Qd3
50.Ke6 Qe3 51.Kd5
Qd3+ 52.Kc6
and 53 Nf6+ wins. ]
43.Rxe6 Qxb3 44.Rxc6
Kg7 and only Black can
possibly win, so White
needs to make his draw
Maximum score: 15 points.
(press F10 for the next
exercise)
exercise 096
[Jacob Aagaard]
(Diagram 254)
.
Calculate the
consequences of 8 Nxd4?!
from Black's perspective.
.
(press F10 for the solution)
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 67

XABCDEFGHY check ) 14...cxd4 Kxd7 15.Rxb2 ( this should be played

8r+-wqkvl-tr( 15.0-0 Ke5 16.Nd3+
7zpp+-+pzpp' 254 Ke6 ( not 16...Kd5?
6-+-zppsn-+& 17.c4+! dxc3 18.b4!
5+-zp-+-vL-% and mates ) 17.Nf4+
4-+LsnP+l+$ ( or if 17.Rfe1+ Ne4
3+-sNP+N+-# 18.Bxd8 Rxd8 19.f3
2PzPP+-zPPzP" d5! 20.fxe4 dxe4
1tR-+QmK-+R![ with three pawns for
xabcdefghy the piece ) 17...Ke5
18.Nd3+ with a draw
as well.;
solution 096 B) 13.d4+ Kxd4
[Jacob Aagaard] 14.Rxd1+ Ke5
15.Nd3+
XABCDEFGHY and now Black can
8r+-wqkvl-tr( even lose with Kxe4?
7zpp+-+pzpp' 255 ( instead 15...Ke6
6-+-zppsn-+& 16.Nf4+ Ke5 17.Nd3+
5+-zp-+-vL-% is also a draw ) 16.f3+
4-+LsnP+l+$ Kd5 ( or 16...Kd4
3+-sNP+N+-# 17.c3+ ) 17.c4+! Ke6
2PzPP+-zPPzP" 18.Nf4+ Ke7 19.Nd5+
1tR-+QmK-+R![ Ke6 20.0-0 f4
xabcdefghy 21.Nxf4+ Kf5 22.h4!
R.Lilja-S.Holm, d5 ( 22...h5 23.Ba4!
Copenhagen 2002. d5 24.Rfe1
. and 25 Bc2+ ) 23.g4+
You were asked to Nxg4 24.fxg4+ Kxg4
calculate the 25.Bxd8 Rxd8
consequences Richard 26.Nxd5 and White
Lilja's imaginative but wins.;
incorrect sacrifice. C) 13.d4+ cxd4!
8.Nxd4?! Bxd1 (8 points) 14.Nd3+
This is of course the test. Kxe4! (5 points) and
[ Not 8...cxd4? 9.Bb5+ Black wins because he
Ke7 10.Qxg4 dxc3 has ...f5-f4 giving the
11.0-0 with a clear king an escape route,
advantage to White. ] although it is still not
9.Bb5+ Nd7? that easy after
[ Black decided he did not 15.Kxd1! ( if 15.0-0
like the look of 9...Ke7! Bxc2 16.Bc4 f4
accepting the challenge, and it is all over ) 15...f4
which is a shame. If for ( the threat was 15...--
no other reason, then out 16.Re1+ Kd5 17.b4
of principle he should and 18 Nf4 mate )
have attempted the king 16.Nxf4 Kf5 17.h4 d5
march to the centre: 18.Re1! ( if 18.Bd3+
10.Nf5+ ( 3 points – Ke5! and ...Kd6 )
obviously the idea; after 18...Qa5 19.Bd3+ Ne4
10.Nd5+ exd5 11.Nf5+ 20.Nxd5 Qxd5 21.f3
Ke6 White has no way to Ke6 22.Bxe4 Qa5
continue the attack ) 23.Bxb7+ Kd7
10...exf5 11.Nd5+ Ke6 24.Bxa8 Bb4
12.Nf4+ Ke5 (5 points) (only this tactic finally
13.d4+! ( 4 points – finishes White off)
again this seems to be 25.Re4 Rxa8
the only way to continue and Black is a piece
the attack; if instead up.;
13.Kxd1 fxe4 14.dxe4 D) 13.d4+! Black has
Qb6 15.Nd3+ Kxe4 the following choices.
16.Bc4 Kf5 . )] Of course these could
[ So after 9...Ke7 have been examined
10.Nf5+ exf5 11.Nd5+ on arriving at this
Ke6 12.Nf4+ Ke5 position, but here in
A) 13.d4+ Kxe4 the test the
and then either requirements are
14.Rxd1 ( or 14.Kxd1 higher if you want to
Kxd4 15.c3+ Ke5 achieve full points! ]
16.Re1+ Ne4 17.Nd3+ 10.Bxd8 cxd4 11.Kxd1
Ke6 18.Nf4+ dxc3 12.Ba5 cxb2
gives White perpetual 13.Rb1 a6 14.Bxd7+
White is probably slightly
better, but the players
showed their true spirit by
agreeing on a draw.
Maximum score: 25 points.
. 26.Rd8+ Rf8 27.Rdxf8+
(press F10 for the next
exercise)
exercise 097
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+l+-trk+(
7+-+-+pzpp' 256
6ptrN+p+-wq&
5+p+-zP-+-%
4n+-+L+-zP$
3zP-zP-+-+-#
2-+P+-wQP+"
1+K+RtR-+-![
xabcdefghy
. rook endgame ) 31.Rxc8
White to play and win.
. 31...b4 32.Rc7 Nb5
(press F10 for the solution)
solution 097
[Jacob Aagaard]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+l+-trk+(
7+-+-+pzpp' 257
6ptrN+p+-wq&
5+p+-zP-+-%
4n+-+L+-zP$
3zP-zP-+-+-#
2-+P+-wQP+"
1+K+RtR-+-![
xabcdefghy
M.Paolozzi-M.Chandler,
World Student Team Ch.,
Chicago 1983 (variation).
. Now the threats are 29
22.Ne7+ The only move.
[ If 22.Ka1 Rb7!
and it is not easy to
suggest a way for White
to proceed. ]
22...Kh8 23.Qxf7
(3 points) So far so good.
g6! The right move order.
[ After 23...Nxc3+ 24.Ka1
g6 White wins with
25.Rd8! Rxd8 26.Qf6+
Qg7 27.Nxg6+ hxg6
28.Qxd8+ Qg8 29.Qxb6!
(2 points), the
difference being that
the rook is not hanging
when the knight is still at
a4. ]
24.Rd8!! (5 points) This is
the best way of freeing the
queen.
[ White can also play
24.Rf1!? (a very original
way of getting the queen
out) Nxc3+!
now; not 24...Rxf7?
25.Rd8+ Rf8 26.Rdxf8+
Qxf8 27.Rxf8+ Kg7
28.Rxc8 and White
wins ) 25.Ka1 Rxf7
( not 27.Rfxf8+?? Kg7
and Black wins )
27...Qxf8 28.Rxf8+ Kg7
29.Rg8+! ( 5 points – this
manoeuvre needed to
be anticipated in order
to find a clear advantage
for White in this line;
instead 29.Rxc8 Nxe4
30.Rc7 Kh8 is not so
clear ) 29...Kf7 30.Bxg6+
(the point! – White wins
a pawn) hxg6 ( if
30...Kxe7 31.Rxc8 hxg6
32.Rc7+ Kf8 33.Rxc3
and White has
excellent chances in the
(10 points) Nd5 ( if
33.Nc8+ Nxc7 34.Nxb6
bxa3 35.c4
and the knight ending is
good for White with
passed c- and h-pawns )
32.Nc6! and White has
an extra pawn in the
endgame, as well as the
more active pieces. So
the endgame after 24
Rf1 favours White, but it
is not as strong as 24
Rd8!. ]
24...Rxd8 25.Qf6+ Qg7
26.Nxg6+! (8 points) hxg6
27.Qxd8+ Qg8 28.Qc7!
(10 points) Without this
move White would have
nothing more than a draw.
Rd1 and 29 h5, and it is
very hard to find a
defence for Black. It is a
matter of complete
domination. A very
original position indeed.
Bb7! (5 points)
[ If 28...Qf8!? 29.Rd1
Bd7! 30.Rxd7 Qf1+
31.Ka2 Qc4+ 32.Qxc4
bxc4 33.Rb7 and White
wins the endgame
without too many
troubles. ]
[ 28...Bd7 29.Qxd7
Nxc3+ 30.Kb2 Nxe4
( 30...Na4+ 31.Ka2
Nc3+ 32.Kb3
only improves the
white king's position )
31.Rxe4 Qf8 ( if
31...Rb8 32.Rd4!
with ideas of 33 Rd6;
Black is under heavy
pressure with no
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard
counterplay and has should be very careful
already lost a pawn ) regarding the following
32.Qc7 Rb8 33.Qd6 lines as they contain a
and White will win trap! Nxd4 12.Nb3
without too much effort; (2 points) White's idea.
e.g. Qe8 34.Rf4 Rd8 Nxb3 13.Bxd5
35.Qxa6 Rd5 36.Qa7 [ After 13.Qxb3 c6
Kg8 37.Rf6 Rxe5 14.Rad1 Qb6 15.Bxd5
38.Rxg6+ Qxg6 cxd5 16.Qxd5 Be6
39.Qb8+ Kh7 40.Qxe5 Black has slightly
is one possible better prospects. ]
continuation. ] 13...Nxa1? This might
29.Bxb7 Qf8 With the seem forced, but again we
idea of 30...b4!. have a kind of desperado
[ e.g. 29...Qf8 30.h5 b4 scenario, similar to the
31.axb4 Rxb4+ 32.Kc1 Shirov-Lutz game above,
Qh6+ 33.Kd1 Rb1+ where Black can save
34.Ke2 Rxe1+ 35.Kxe1 himself from trouble by
Qc1+ 36.Kf2 Qxc2+ stepping outside the
37.Kg3 Qxc3+ 38.Qxc3 absolutely forcing lines.
Nxc3 39.Bxa6 gxh5 [ 13...Qf6!
and Black will hold the was the correct move
endgame. ] (10 points). The forced
30.Qc8! (5 points) Qxc8 line would now continue
31.Bxc8 Nxc3+ 32.Kc1 14.Bxf7+ ( or 14.Qxb3
with a clearly better, Qxe5 15.Bxf7+ Rxf7
probably winning endgame transposing; , but not
for White. 14.Nxf7? Nxa1!
Maximum score: 30 points. when White has no
. compensation ) 14...Rxf7
(press F10 for the next 15.Qxb3 ( not 15.Nxf7?
exercise) Nxa1! and Black wins )
15...Qxe5 ( 4 points;
weaker is 15...Be6?!
exercise 098 16.Qxb7 Rff8 17.Qxc7
[Jacob Aagaard] and Black does not
have enough for the
XABCDEFGHY pawn ) 16.Rae1 ( after
8r+lwq-trk+({ 16.Rfe1 Be6 17.Rxe5
7zppzp-+pzpp' 258 Bxb3 18.axb3 a6
6-+n+-+-+& White is left with a
5+-+nsN-+-% worse pawn structure
4-+LzP-+-+$ and pawn endings could
3+-+-+-+-# be impossible for him to
2PzP-sN-zPPzP" defend ) 16...Be6!
1tR-+Q+RmK-! (4 points; without this
xabcdefghy move Black was toast,
. but now the position is
Calculate the even) 17.Qxe6 Qxe6
consequences of 11... ( perhaps Black could
Nxd4 from Black's even try 17...Qxb2!?
perspective. 18.Rb1 Qf6 19.Qxf6
. gxf6! 20.Rxb7 c5
(press F10 for the solution) with an active position
– still, White should not
lose with accurate play )
solution 098 18.Rxe6 is known to be
[Jacob Aagaard] a draw. ]
[ 13...Qe7!? (8 points).
W.Kluxen-J.R.Capablanca, White has the extra
Hamburg (simul) 1911. option of 14.Re1?!
. ( otherwise 14.Qxb3
This is an important Qxe5 15.Bxf7+ Rxf7
theoretical position, transposes to the
arising after 1.e4 e5 previous line )
2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 , but this does not
4.c3 Nf6 5.d4 exd4 appear to be anything
6.cxd4 Bb4+ 7.Bd2 special: 14...Nxa1!
Bxd2+ 8.Nbxd2 d5 15.Bxf7+ ( after 15.Nxf7
9.exd5 Nxd5 10.0-0 0-0 Qf6! White cannot
11.Ne5 . Black can indeed continue his attack in
take the d-pawn, but he any meaningful way; e.g.
68
16.Qxa1 c6 17.Bc4 Bf5 XABCDEFGHY
and Black wins ) 8-+-+-trk+(
15...Rxf7 16.Nxf7 Be6! 7+-+-+pzpp' 259
17.Ne5 Bxa2 18.Qxa1 6-+-zp-+-+&
Be6 and it looks as if 5+-+L+-wq-%
Black has just won a 4R+-+P+n+$
pawn. ] 3+-tr-+-+-#
14.Bxf7+ Kh8 15.Qh5 2P+-+Q+PzP"
Bf5? This loses quite 1+-+-+R+K![
quickly. xabcdefghy
[ Other options were:
15...g6 16.Qh6 Bf5
17.Bxg6 and White was solution 099
a pawn up in E. [Jacob Aagaard]
Oudshoorn-A.Hendriks,
Dutch Junior XABCDEFGHY
Championship 1994. ] 8-+-+-trk+(
[ 15...g5 16.Qh6 Bf5 7+-+-+pzpp' 260
17.Bg6 Bxg6 ( or 6-+-zp-+-+&
17...Qe7 18.Bxf5 Rf6 5+-+L+-wq-%
19.Ng6+ Rxg6 20.Bxg6 4R+-+P+n+$
and White will win the 3+-tr-+-+-#
knight on a1 ) 18.Nxg6+ 2P+-+Q+PzP"
Kg8 19.Nxf8 Qxf8 1+-+-+R+K![
20.Qxg5+ Qg7 21.Qd2 xabcdefghy
Qf6 22.Rxa1 and White R.J.Fischer-J.Sherwin, US
should have won in K. Championship, New York
Pilgaard-M.Stoinev, 1957.
Copenhagen 1989. ] .
[ 15...h6! 16.Rxa1 Qd6 30.Rxf7! (5 points)
17.Ng6+ ( if 17.Rd1 Without this move there is
Bg4!! 18.Ng6+ Qxg6 no advantage for White.
19.Qxg6 Bxd1 [ Hopefully it did not take
with a level position ) you long time to see that
17...Kh7 18.Nxf8+ Qxf8 after 30.Bxf7+?! Kh8
19.Qf3! and White keeps White has won a pawn,
the initiative, though but Black has all the
nothing has been play: none of the white
decided. ] pieces serve any
16.Qxf5 Qf6? purpose anymore. White
[ 16...g6 17.Qe4 Qf6 would have to be content
18.Bxg6 Nc2 19.Bxh7 with even chances after
Rfe8 20.f4 is very good 31.h3 or something
for White but still not similar.
100% conclusive, Now after 30 Rxf7! it is
whereas now not likely that you will
Capablanca is just a be able to see all
piece down. ] variations; therefore the
17.Ng6+!! Qxg6 18.Bxg6 sum of points available
Rxf5 19.Bxf5 g6 20.Be4! in this exercise is
and Black resigned. greater than the
Maximum score: 20 points. maximum allowed score
. of 35 points. ( 31.Bd5?
(press F10 for the next Qf4! and wins is just one
exercise) example of the dangers
in the position. )]
30...Rc1+?! This is not the
exercise 099 best defence. White did
[Jacob Aagaard] not need to work out lines
of play against all
defences in order to
(Diagram 259) decide upon 30 Rxf7!, but
as this is a bit of an
. artificial situation, in
White to play. Calculate which ruminating over the
all variations after 30 position is encouraged,
Rxf7!. Refute as many as there are points available
you can. for seeing various
. refutations.
(press F10 for the solution) [ 30...Qxd5? 31.Rxf8+
Kxf8 32.Qf1+!
and White wins. ]
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 69

[ 30...Qc1+? 31.Qf1! 33.Qxc4 Qe5! solution 100 [ White's strongest

wins (5 points). ] 34.Qf1+ Ke7 35.Qg1 [Jacob Aagaard] defence is 14.d6!?
[ 30...Rfc8? 31.Rc4! Qf4! when White has (6 points), contemplating
( simplest; 31.Qf1 nothing better than XABCDEFGHY Bb3-d5.
also wins ) 31...Rc1+ perpetual check ) 8r+l+k+-tr({ Now we have:
32.Qf1! and White wins. ] 32...Rxf7 33.Bxf7+ 7+-zp-+pzpp' 262 A) 14...0-0-0
[ 30...Rcc8?! 31.Ra8!! Kh7 ( if 33...Kf8 6p+-+-+-+& (with the idea of ...
(8 points) Rxa8 32.Rf5+ 34.Be6 Qe5 5+pvlPzp-+-% Rxd6) looks tempting,
Kh8 33.Rxg5 Rac8 ( if 35.Qc8+ Ke7 4-+-snN+nwq$ but White can defend:
33...Rab8 34.Bb3 36.Qd7+ Kf6 3+L+-+-+P# 15.c3! ( not 15.Bd5?
is simplest ) , and now 37.Qf7+ Kg5 2PzPPzP-zPP+" Rxd6 16.Nxh3 Qg3
the only clear win is 38.Qf5+ Qxf5 1tRNvLQ+RmK-! 17.Kh1 Rh6
34.Bc4! (4 points) Ne5 39.exf5 xabcdefghy and Black wins )
35.Rxe5 dxe5 36.h3 and the passed a- Scemama-Baudry, New 15...Nxb3 ( if 15...Bg4
with a decisive material pawn gives White Delhi 2000 (variation). 16.Qxg4+ Qxg4
advantage for White. ] close to a winning . 17.Nxg4 Nxb3+ 18.d4
[ 30...h5! (10 points) is position ) 34.Qf1! 12...Nxf2! (8 points) Nxa1 19.dxc5
the toughest defence. with a clear Immediate action is and White is probably
White now has the advantage to White. required. better! ) 16.axb3 Qg3
following options: ( 34.Qc8 [ If 12...Bb6? 13.d3 17.Qf3 Qxf3 18.gxf3
A) 31.Qf1 is met by is less strong (threatening 14 Bg5) h6 Bxf1 19.Kxf1
the cool Kh7! because of Nh6! 14.Qe1 and it is hard to and the endgame is
( 5 points; not 35.Bd5 Qd2 36.h3 see that Black is better for Black, but
31...Rxf7? 32.Qxf7+ Qe1+ 37.Kh2 Ng4+! getting better ] still enormously
Kh7 33.Qg8+ Kh6 38.hxg4 Qh4+ [ while 12...Nh2? messy.;
34.Qh8+ Kg6 35.Bf7+! with perpetual is fancy but bad: B) 14...f5! (with the
Kxf7 36.Ra7+ Kf6 check. ); A) not 13.Nxc5? idea of ...Bg4) and
37.Qd8+ Kg6 D) 31.-- ] Bxh3! ( or 13...Nhf3+ then:
38.Rxg7+ and White 31.Qf1!! (10 points) This 14.gxf3 Qxh3 B1) 15.Bd5? Bg4!
wins ) 32.Rxf8 Rc1 was obviously the plan. and wins ); and Black wins.;
and the position is [ Not 31.Rf1+?? Kh8 B) 13.Kxh2! Qxe4 B2) 15.Re1!? Bg4!
unclear. If 33.Be6? and Black wins. ] 14.d3 Qg6 15.f4 ( if 15...0-0-0 16.Re3
Black wins with Ne3! 31...h5!? A last try. and White is even Bg4 17.Qe1
34.Bf5+ Nxf5 35.Rxf5 [ If 31...Rxf1+ 32.Rxf1+ preferable here. ] with a mess; , or
Rxf1+ 36.Rxf1 Qb5! Qxd5 33.Rxf8+ Kxf8 13.Nxf2 15...cxd6 16.Re3
and White loses one of 34.exd5 and White [ On 13.Rxf2 , simplest is Nxb3 17.axb3 Bg4
the rooks.; wins. ] Qxe4! (2 points) and 18.Nxg4 Qxg4
B) 31.Rxf8+ Kxf8 32.Qxc1! (5 points) The White loses material. 19.Qxg4 fxg4
32.Qf1+ Qf6 ( if only winning move. Candidates! ] and Black is better,
32...Nf6 33.Rc4 [ Not 32.Rxf8+? Kh7 13...Bxh3! (4 points) This but not enough to
and White has the with an unclear shot is absolutely impress the referee )
advantage ) position. ] necessary for the attack. 16.Rxe5+ Kd7
B1) or 33.Ra8+ Ke7 32...Qh4 33.Rxf8+ Kh7 [ Black does not achieve 17.Qe1 cxd6 18.Re3
34.Ra7+ Kd8 35.Rf7 34.h3 Qg3 35.hxg4 h4 anything special with f4 19.Re4 Rae8
Qxf1+ ( 35...Nf2+ 36.Be6 and Black 13...Qg3? 14.Kh1 Nxb3 and White cannot
36.Kg1 Qh6! resigned. ( 14...Bxh3 15.Nxh3! survive against the
is not completely Maximum score: 35 points. would obviously be entire black army.;
clear either ) 36.Rxf1 . wrong now; so with this B3) 15.Nxh3!
Ne3 and Black is no (press F10 for the next bad move order Black (the only move)
worse; exercise) loses the option of Nxb3+ 16.Kh1 Nxa1
B2) 33.Qxf6+ Nxf6 bringing the bishop into (5 points). This
34.h3 Nxd5 35.exd5 the attack ) 15.axb3 position should not
Rd3 36.Ra5 Kf7 exercise 100 ( also interesting is be deeply analysed,
and Black should [Jacob Aagaard] 15.Ne4!? Qg6 16.axb3 but simply evaluated,
draw this endgame Qxe4 17.Nc3 Qh4 as there are more
without any XABCDEFGHY 18.Qe1 Qh5 19.d4!? complicated and
significant effort.; 8r+l+k+-tr({ Bxd4 20.Nxb5 important lines to
C) 31.Rc4! (5 points) 7+-zp-+pzpp' 261 with unclear play ) calculate elsewhere.
C1) forced; after 6p+-+-+-+& 15...Bxf2 16.Qe2 Bb6 The position is not
31...Rxf7 32.Bxf7+ 5+pvlPzp-+-% 17.Rf3 Qg5 18.Nc3 100% clear, but I can
Kxf7 ( or if 32...Kh7!? 4-+-snN+nwq$ and White is not worse. ] still analyse further
33.Rxc3 Qe5 34.g3 3+L+-+-+P# 14.Nxh3 of course: 17.dxc7
Qxc3 35.Bxh5 2PzPPzP-zPP+" [ Not 14.gxh3? Qg3+ 0-0! ( 17...Qg4!?
and White wins ) 1tRNvLQ+RmK-! 15.Kh1 Nf3 and Black 18.b4! Qxd1
33.Rxc3 Qe5 xabcdefghy wins ] 19.Rxd1 Bd6 20.Bb2
34.Rf3+ Ke7 35.g3 . [ while 14.Re1?! Nxc2 21.Rc1 Kd7
and Black's Black to play and win. is easily refuted by Qg3! 22.Rxc2 Rhc8
counterplay has . ( 14...Nxb3 15.Rxe5+ is a very good
been repulsed; (press F10 for the solution) Kf8 16.Re3 Nxa1 endgame for Black,
C2) 31...Rxc4 should also win ) though not enough to
32.Qxc4 ( not 15.Rxe5+ Qxe5 satisfy me
32.Rxf8+?! Kxf8 and Black wins. ] completely ) 18.b3
Excelling at Chess Calculation− Jacob Aagard 70

and then one idea is

e4 19.Bb2 f4
20.Qe1! ( if 20.Bxa1
f3! and the white king
is in trouble )
20...Qxe1 21.Rxe1
Nxc2 22.Rc1 Rac8
23.Rxc2 Rxc7
24.Be5 Rcc8
25.Bxf4 g5!
and Black ends the
exchange up.;
B4) 15.--;
C) 14...-- ]
14...Nxb3+ 15.Kh1 Nxa1
(5 points) and Black is
winning.
As said before, a position
such as this cannot be
analysed to a conclusion
since White no longer has
any forcing options.
Rather you should make
the evaluation that Black
has a sea of pawns and a
rook vs. two knights
(maybe just one knight if
the one on a1 escapes).
Looking at the position in
this way Black is
obviously winning.
Maximum score: 35 points.
.
And that's it.