Kuzmin Alexey Together With Mamedyarov Calculation Training PDF

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page
Key to symbols
Introduction
CHAPTER 1. BEGINNING TO THINK LIKE A GRANDMASTER

Warm-up
Tests 1-10
Tests 11-20
Tests 21-30
Tests 31-40
Tests 41-50
Tests 51-60
Tests 61-70
Tests 71-80
CHAPTER 2. PASSING THE GRANDMASTER TEST
Tests 1-10
Tests 11-20
Tests 21-30
Tests 31-40
Tests 41-50
Tests 51-60
Tests 61-70
Tests 71-80
Tests 81-90
Games Index
2
TOGETHER WITH MAMEDYAROV
Calculation training tools and practical decision making
by
Alexey Kuzmin
www.thinkerspublishing.com
Managing Editor
Romain Edouard
Consulting Editor
Daniël Vanheirzeele
Translation
Yulia Kryukova
Proofreading
Bob Holliman
Graphic Artist
Philippe Tonnard
Cover design
Mieke Mertens
3
Typesetting
i-Press ‹www.i-press.pl›
First edition 2020 by Thinkers Publishing
Together with Mamedyarov

Copyright © 2020 Alexey Kuzmin
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher.
ISBN 978-94-9251-071-6
D/2020/13730/10
All sales or enquiries should be directed to Thinkers Publishing, 9850 Landegem, Belgium.
e-mail: info@thinkerspublishing.com
website: www.thinkerspublishing.com
4
KEY TO SYMBOLS
! a good move
? a weak move
!! an excellent move
?? a blunder
!? an interesing move
?! a dubious move
™ only move
= equality
∞ unclear position
© with compensation for the sacrificed material
² White stands slightly better
³ Black stands slightly better
± White has a serious advantage
µ Black has a serious advantage
+– White has a decisive advantage
–+ Black has a decisive advantage
‚ with an attack
ƒ with initiative
„ with counterplay
… with the idea of
¹ better is
‹ worse is
N novelty
+ check
# mate
5
INTRODUCTION
A very long time ago when Anatoly Karpov had just tried on his first laurel of the World
Championship and Victor Korchnoi had been crushing the other candidates on the way to his title
match with Karpov a young candidate master named Garry Kasparov had been fighting for the title of
“Master of Sports of the USSR”. Around this time I had become acquainted with an original chess
book my dad had bought. The book was written by two outstanding Czech grandmasters, Vlastimil
Hort and Vlastimil Jansa, and it became my outright favourite book! This book contained 230 tests
from the authors’ games as well as their bright and sometimes a bit ironic comments where the
authors wrote one or two sentences discussing their thoughts and emotions before, during and after
the game. But more they commented on finding the solution to the position and this gave me the
feeling of having a dialogue with them. I started to solve the tests and imagined myself to be a
grandmaster and that these exact positions arose in my games and that I had to play as Hort or Jansa
or even better than they! The title was Together With Grandmasters. It was later published in English
under the title The Best Move.
Years had passed and I wanted to write a similar study-book myself or even series of books where
readers could get acquainted with the creativity of eminent grandmasters in a format of tests/tasks. So
the series “Together With...” appeared. The book that you are holding in your hands is a continuation
of this series. The two prior books concerning the chess creativity of Alexander Morozevich and
participants in the candidates tournaments was written for rather experienced players. This book is
different in that “Together With Mamedyarov” has been written primarily for chess players with
ELOs ranging 1400–2100.
While working on the book I followed two objectives. First to help the players’ improvement and
secondly to closer acquaint the readers with the creativity of one of the brightest contemporary
grandmasters. If I were to characterize Mamedyarov’s play in one word I would use the adjective
“powerful” and if I were to use two words then perhaps “power chess”. Namely this energy and
power are the dominants of his creativity with his opening preparation being only a supplementing
factor.
While gathering the material for the book it became clear to me that the given examples must be clear
for a wide circle of chess lovers. In order to obtain this clarity, I had to exclude some tests that would
be interesting for higher rated players. “Together With Mamedyarov” is not a collection of his
selected games but it is primarily a study-book. It contains test positions taken from games of the
famous Azeri Grandmaster with detailed comments on the solutions to the tasks.
In this book the solutions have been placed right after a diagram with a test except for the six
positions given as a warm-up in the beginning of the chapter one. For those of you who work without
the assistance of a coach I would recommend that you cover the answer with a sheet of paper to avoid
spoiling the benefit of solving the problem.
The tests are intended for training:
a) tactical vision
6
b) calculation of variations
c) strategic decision making
d) your assessment of a position
The solutions have been given points ranging from 1 up to 7. After calculating their total amount, you
can determine your approximate level by the author’s ranking scale. But do not forget that this
ranking scale is subjective. After totalling your result you should have an idea about what type of
tasks are the most challenging for you. This will help you direct your time and efforts on the areas
where you need further improvement.
The tests given in the first and the second chapters differ by the level of complexity. The tests in
chapter one correspond to an Elo rating of 1400–1900 while chapter two is aimed at players rated
1700–2100.
When you solve the tests from Mamedyarov’s games try to reproduce the thought process of one of
the most creative and bright grandmasters of today. Imagine yourself in his place during a game, look
at the chessboard through his eyes and think about the positions together with Mamedyarov.
This book is dedicated to all young chess players aspiring to improve but I also hope that it will be
interesting for admirers of the Azeri “number one” chess player’s creativity and his fans. Further I
hope this book will be useful for coaches in their work.
Perhaps some tests will be “hard nuts to crack” for beginners — do not get upset! I am sure that their
solutions will give you an aesthetic pleasure despite the challenge! And if a reader finds new
variations or improves the ones given by the author it will mean that you have been working on this
book together with the author and “played” together with Mamedyarov.
Alexey Kuzmin, Doha/Moscow, November 2019
7
Show in Text Mode
CHAPTER 1.
BEGINNING TO THINK LIKE A GRANDMASTER
This chapter presents 80 tests in chronological order. By their difficulty they correspond to the rating
1400–1900. Of course, this range is approximate and takes into account that during the initial stages
of improvement the rating figures fluctuate. We must realize that the quantity and quality of the
events played in also has an impact on the rating as well as the countries where the events are held
and even the ages of the players impacts the final result.
However, I hope that even stronger players will be interested in solving the positions as a training
method for blitz events.
The majority of the tests consist of two parts. The first one is a question about assessment of the
position. The second part is a task of finding the best move, variations and even the plan. During a
game the assessment and calculation factors are inextricably linked. A correct assessment of a
position is often the key for finding the right decision. On the other hand, precise calculation of
variations can radically change an initial assessment of a position.
When formulating the questions of the tests I avoided specificities: “find a winning continuation” or
“make draw” to bring the task of solving the positions closer to the conditions of a real game.
The scale of estimating your decisions — in the first chapter from 1 to 6 points for each position —
considerably reflects the degree of task complexity. Most of the readers will want to calculate the
total amount of scored points. If your total points earned is greater than 300 it will mean you are
already a rather experienced chess player and the tests from chapter two will correspond more to your
level of play based on their degree of complexity. A score of 250–300 shows that you are definitely
not a beginner in chess and such a score corresponds to approximately a 1600–1800 rating. If the total
amount of your scored points is less — do not get upset — a wide field stretches before you to perfect
your skill!
All the introductions have been written — it is time to get started. To begin with I present six simple
positions as a warm-up.
WARM-UP
Find the shortest way to win in all the positions.
Example 1
S. Mamedyarov (2733)
8
P. H. Nielsen (2693)
Beijing 2011 (blitz)
White to move
Show/Hide Solution
25.Na5!
This is a classic deflecting sacrifice. The black knight controls the d8-square — it must be deflected.
25...Nxa5
Of course Nielsen understood outright what would happen if the knight were captured but he decided
not to deprive the audience of the pleasure of seeing checkmate on the board.
26.Rd8+ Kh7 27.Qxh5# 1–0
Thank you, Peter!
Example 2
J. Polgar (2685)
Dubai 2014 (blitz)
9
White to move
Show/Hide Solution
“She will not play 10...Be7 as after the exchange the right to castle is lost, nor can a knight or bishop
be placed on d7. What will Judit do?” — Though Shakh making his last move 10.Kb1.
11.Nd5!!
After the white king had retreated the capture 11...Qxd2 happens without check and Black simply
gets checkmated with 12.Nc7#. Therefore, Judit resigned.
1–0
Example 3
P. Leko (2723)
10
White to move
Show/Hide Solution
29.Nxe6+!!
On the knight capture 29...Rxe6 White mates with 30.R1f7#.

While Black can retreat his queen is also attacked thus resignation is in order.
1–0
Example 4
V. Topalov (2749)
Paris GCT 2017 (blitz)
11
White to move
Show/Hide Solution
As we can see sometimes mating threats succeed even at the top level! However, if a piece can be
won — it also brings the full point!
20.Bxf6 Bxf6 21.Rxg4!
This is a small combination which deflects the queen.
21...Qxg4 22.Qxc6+ 1–0
Example 5
E. Hansen (2629)
PRO Chess League 2018
12
Black to move
Show/Hide Solution
Eric decided that having placed the knight on e1 he was protected from mating threats. However, it
was only an illusion.
27...Nxg2!
After 28.Nxg2 Black will play 28...Qf3 and in case of any retreat of the knight then 29...Qh1#. The
white king hasn’t managed to escape: 29.Kf1 Qxg2+ 30.Ke2 Bf3+ 31.Kd3 Qf1#.
Therefore, White resigned.
0–1
Example 6
F. Caruana (2816)
Leuven GCT 2018 (rapid)
13
Black to move
Show/Hide Solution
48...Rxh2+!!
The simple 48...Rf3 49.Rxf3 exf3 also leads to a win. But the task was: “find the shortest way to win”.
48...Rxh2+!!
Therefore, only the rook sacrifice is a correct answer. After 49.Rxh2 Qf3+ White gets mated.
Therefore, White resigned.
0–1
14
Show in Text Mode
TESTS
Now that your brain has warmed up and your combination vision has sharpened, one can start to
solve more complicated tasks. Just remember: a right decision is not always a bright tactical stroke.
Sometimes it can be a fine positional manoeuvre or even a precise defending resource.
Test 1
F. Abdulin
Baku 2000
Black to move
A. Black’s position is:

a) somewhat better,
b) somewhat worse,
c) equal.
B. How should he continue?
Show/Hide Solution
15
If you have been looking only for a combination or a tactical stroke you have spent time in vain.
Finding a black cat in a dark room is difficult especially if it is not in! Those who found the correct
continuation understand well the strategic ideas of this typical King’s Indian position.
Black’s position is somewhat better (2 points). The possibility of penetration onto the weak square d4
in White’s camp defines his advantage.
15...Ne8!
3 more points go to those who could find the correct trajectory of the knight moving to its target.
A more typical move, 15...Nd7, is weaker. After 16.Na4 Rfd8 17.h4 Nf8 18.Bg4! the black knight
does not manage to get on d4 — it will be exchanged on e6. Both sides’ chances are equal.
15...Ne8! 16.Na4?!
In case of 16.Rad1 Nc7 17.Bc1 (one cannot prevent the manoeuvre by Black with 17.Bg4?! f5µ)
17...Ne6 Black has only some advantage.
16...Nc7! 17.Bg2 Ne6 18.Nb2 Rad8 19.Nd3 Nd4
Mamedyarov has precisely realized his strategic plan.
20.Qd2 c5 21.Bxb4 axb4 22.Rad1 f5
The initiative and advantage are completely on Black’s side. After ten more moves he won the game
but there were some dramatic adventures.
16
Remember: when improving the position of only one piece you strengthen your position in total.
0–1 (33)
Test 2
S. Gurbanov
Baku 2000
White to move
A. White’s position is:

a) better,
b) worse,
c) approximately equal.
B. What do you think about the move 17.Rxe6?
Show/Hide Solution
The game has passed the opening stage and the position remains about equal.
2 points go to those who correctly estimated the position as equal.
17.Rxe6?
17
Shakh was surprised when he saw that his opponent took the bishop.
Two moves before he saw this possibility, calculated its consequences and decided that it was
incorrect.
A logical continuation would be the undermining 17.a4 with complicated but approximately equal
play.
17.Rxe6? Qxe6 18.Qxh7+ Kxh7 19.Ng5+ Kg6 20.Nxe6
20...Rxf2!
This move refutes White’s combination. Those who, together with Mamedyarov, managed to
calculate the whole variation beforehand get 3 more points as a trophy.
The capture by the bishop 20...Bxf2+? only leads to an equal position 21.Kf1 Bb6+ 22.Nf3=.
21.Nf1?!
21.Nxc5?! Rxd2 lost but even the relatively best 21.Nf3! results in a big advantage for Black after:
18
21...Rxf3+ 22.Nxc5 Rf6 23.Nxa6 Nd4!.
21...Bb6 22.Nxd8 Nxd8
23.Kh1 c6 24.Rb1 Ne6 25.Ng3 Nc5
Black’s pieces have taken dominating positions.
19
Despite material equality Black has a decisive advantage. The fact that to win the game Mamedyarov
needed another thirty (!) moves can only mean his technique of realizing the advantage left much to
be desired in those years, he was only 14 at the time.
0–1 (59)
Test 3
S. Dolmatov (2615)
Dubai 2000
20
White to move

a) equal,
b) worse,
c) better.
Show/Hide Solution
At the Dubai Open tournament of 2000 Mamedyarov scored 50% — 4.5 points out of 9. For a
debutant of 15 years old it was a rather good result. Although some of his opponents today managed
to become grandmasters at this age, Shakh was not a chess prodigy.
The game with Dolmatov was played in the second round.
If you considered the advanced white pawns on the kingside to be a weakness rather than a “power” I
must disappoint you! Fighting for the initiative demands a healthy optimism! White’s position is
better. (2 points).
24.Qe4!
Centralizing the queen provides an evident advantage for White and nets you 3 additional points.
Attempts at continued pawn advancement on the kingside are not dangerous for Black.
24.Nxd5 Bxd5 25.f5 e6 26.f6+ Kh7 brings equality
21
and 24.Bxd5 Bxd5 25.f5 e6 26.f6+ Kh7 27.Qe1 b5 leads to complicated play where both sides have
chances.
White would retain some advantage by retreating the knight with 24.Ng2 but the move played by
Mamedyarov is much more energetic.
24.Qe4! Nxe3
Delaying this exchange will allow the white queen to stay in a more active position:
24...Rcd8 25.Rae1 Nxe3 26.Rxe3±.
25.Qxe3 Rcd8 26.Rae1 Rfe8 27.Qe5+ Kh7?!
27...Kg8 was more tenacious but even then White has a big advantage after 28.f5!. (The quiet 28.Re2
Bd5 29.f5 also keeps an advantage; but 28.Be4?, analogous to the game, is obviously weaker as after
28...f6! 29.Qc5 b6 Black has managed to push back the queen.) 28...gxf5 29.Rf2 Bd5 30.Bxd5 Qxd5
31.Qf4 with a strong attack.
28.Be4! Bd5 29.f5!
Black cannot stop White’s attack by 29...g5, even temporarily, because of 30.f6+ after which Black’s
position becomes hopeless.
Three moves later we reach the next test.
29...Bxe4 30.Qxe4 gxf5? 31.Rxf5 Kg7
22
Test 4
S. Dolmatov (2615)
Dubai 2000
White to move
Find the strongest continuation.
23
Show/Hide Solution
I hope that solving this test was not hard for you.
32.Rxf7+!
Not that difficult to find but a spectacular combination ends the game forcefully realizing the energy
of the attack.
32...Kxf7 33.Qh7+ Kf6 34.Qxh6+ Kf7 35.Rf1+ Kg8 36.Qg6+
The retreat of the king, 36...Kh8, is followed by 37.Rf7 with an unavoidable mate. That’s why Black
resigned.
1–0
To recognize such a combination is very pleasant, even in a blitz game.
Can you imagine what 15 year old Shakh could feel when he managed to play such a combination
against a very famous grandmaster? It was his second victory over a holder of the highest chess title!
At the start of the year in the Azerbaijan Championship he scored his first victory over Grandmaster
Aydin Guseinov.
Adding to the positive emotions Shakh also received an important psychological boost by starting his
first big international tournament with a win.
If you successfully calculated the mate variation up to the end you earn an additional 2 points.
Test 5
R. Babaev (2334)
Baku 2001
24
White to move
Find the best continuation.
Show/Hide Solution
In a position with such a huge advantage you can say: “all roads lead to Rome” and you would be
right. Your aim was to find the shortest way.
To find the shortest route you must see that a bishop check from e6 will be death for the black king.
But for the time being his three pieces are keeping e6 under control.
27.Nxa4!
This is the first of a cascade of sacrifices! Shakhriyar deflects the first defender of the e6-square.
The simple 27.Qf2 Nce6 28.Rd7 is sufficient for a win. 28...Rf8 29.Bxf8 Rxf8 30.Bxe6+ wins the
queen.
27.Nxa4! Nxa4 28.Qxd4!!
The queen has been sacrificed for the second defender.
28...exd4 29.Rf8+!!
25
Black resigned
Here is the third deflecting sacrifice!
On 29...Rxf8 White gives checkmate: 30.Be6+ Rf7 31.Bxf7#.
1–0
Such a final mate gains some additional points! Those who found this spectacular final together with
Mamadyarov get 4 points. If you found the simple 27.Qf2 your trophy counts 2 points only.
If checkmate is a bet — do not be afraid to sacrifice pieces!
Test 6
S. Davidov (2217)
Baku 2001
26
White to move

a) better,
b) winning,
c) equal.
B. Prove your assessment with a variation.
Show/Hide Solution
If Black had time to develop his bishop on b7 he would have a rather normal position. But he has no
time to do it. White’s development advantage gives him two dangerous bishops and a queen ready to
create mating threats. These factors are preconditions for a decisive combination. White has a
winning position (1 point).
17.Rxd6!
After 17.Rfe1 Re8 18.Nxe5± White gets just an advantage but no points are given for such a
recommendation.
17.Rxd6! Qxd6 18.Bxe5 Qe6 19.Bxf6 Qxf6
After 19...gxf6 White wins by 20.Be4 Rb8 21.Qg3+ Qg4 22.Qxb8.
20.Qe4!
27
“Here we go” thought Shakh moving the queen.
Those who could find this geometrical idea get a bonus 3 points.
20...Qg6 21.Qxa8 Qxc2 22.Qxa7
White has two extra pawns — the game is decided.

If your pieces took attacking positions and your opponent has still not completed his development —
look for a tactical solution!
1–0 (44)
28
Test 7
L. Trent (2217)
Oropesa del Mar 2001
Black to move
How should he continue?
Show/Hide Solution
“It seems I have managed to block the dangerous passed pawns” — the young Englishman thought.
But he was not right.
31...d3!
Lawrence was forced to resign.

After 32.Rxd3 Rxd3 33.Qxd3 Qc1+ 34.Kg2 Qd2+ the black pawn promotes to a queen. If you found
it you get 3 points.
If a pawn stands two steps from a promotion — look for combinational resources!
0–1
Test 8
29
J. Isaev (2455)
Moscow 2002
Black to move

a) somewhat better,
b) worse,
c) winning.
B. Prove your answer with an analysis.
Show/Hide Solution
White has an extra exchange and his pawns are menacing the black king.
One needs only to skip these compulsive checks and the game will be over — the Tadjik master
thought. But his king did not manage to escape from the checks.
In the given test the most difficult thing was to assess correctly a position arising as a result of a small
combination.
The right answer is: Black’s position is somewhat better — 4 points for this. Optimists guessing
Black to have a winning position get 2 points. They also merit a convenient trophy as their optimism,
and I am with them, has been based on a right calculation of a tactical variation.
45...Be3+ 46.Kg4 Bf3+!
30
This is a highlight of Black’s counter play! Found by Shakh (and hopefully by you too!) this tactical
nuance turns the situation on the board upside down.
47.Kxf3 Bxg5+ 48.Ke4 Bxe7
Having found this variation one can guess that having two extra pawns gives Black a winning
position. But it is not like that — White has strong counter play although now he is fighting for a
draw.
However, 2 points are given to those who calculated up to this position.
49.Rg1 Bf8 50.f6!
Despite a sharp change in his position, Shakh’s opponent finds an optimal continuation.
50.Bxg7 Bxg7 51.f6 was evidently weaker 51...Kf7! 52.fxg7 Kg8 and Black has excellent winning
chances.
50...g6!
31
Mamedyarov gives his opponent a new challenge.
51.Rxg6+?
Isaev failed to find the correct way thru the maze. The pawn capture becomes a decisive mistake.
White has two acceptable but not so easy ways:
a) Continuing with 51.h5! g5 52.Rb1 Kf7 53.Rxb7+ Ke6 54.Rb6+ and White reaches a draw.
b) And in case of 51.Rb1 Ra7 52.h5! Kf7 53.hxg6+ Kxg6 54.Kd5 White has sufficient counter play
to hold the position.
51...Kf7 52.Rg1 Ke6
Threatening a deadly check from a4, White’s situation is hopepless.
53.Bb2 Rb3 54.Ba1 Rb4+ 55.Kf3 Rxh4 56.Re1+ Kf7 57.Rd1 Ra4 58.Bb2 0–1
By trying to give your opponent even small problems you increase your chances.
Test 9
A. Lastin (2630)
Moscow 2002
32
White to move
Which of two moves is better?

a) 29.Rd2
b) 29.Be4
Show/Hide Solution
“In any case the position is equal” — Mamedyarov thought and played 29.Rd2, considering that the
only reply for Black was 29...Qc7...
29.Rd2?
A mistake. Those who preferred it along with Mamedyarov, get no points at all.
Correct was 29.Be4 Rxe2 30.Qxe2 with equality.
29.Rd2?
3 points if you went for the bishop’s manoeuvre simplifying the position.
33
29...Bxf2+!
Lastin’s reply was an unpleasant surprise for Shakh.
30.Rxf2
One must not capture the bishop with the king 30.Kxf2? Qxd2+ 31.Nxd2 Rxb5–+.
30...Rxc2 31.Rxc2 Qd1+ 32.Kf2 Qxc2+ 33.Qe2
Black has an extra pawn, objectively his position is winning.
34
Mamedyarov was able to draw the game but his nerves took a toll.
½–½
Always be attentive as cunning tactical nuances are sometimes hidden in even the simplest looking
positions.
Test 10
P. V. Tregubov (2627)
Dubai 2002
White to move

a) considerably better — he plays to win,
b) somewhat worse — he has to fight to equalize,
c) equal.
B. Show how White should continue.
Show/Hide Solution
“Let’s see how he will protect the f7-pawn” — Shakh thought having made his previous move —
25.Nf3–g5.
35
And the opponent committed a mistake: instead of the correct 25...Re8–f8 (25...Rf8), Tregubov put
the rook on e7.
White’s position suddenly becomes much better, almost winning — 2 points for this.
26.Ne6!
Here is what Mamedyarov had prepared! If the black rook was on f8, but not on e7, this tactical
resource would be impossible.
If you found it — 3 more points are yours by right!
26...Qe5
After 26...Rxe6 27.dxe6 Qxd4 28.Rxd4 fxe6 29.Rxf4 White has a sufficient advantage to win the
game.
27.Rge1?!
Considerably more energetic was to avoid exchanging the queens and continue attacking: 27.Qb4!
Ree8 28.Rge1 Qb8 29.Qc3 with decisive threats.
27...Qxd4 28.Nxd4 Rxe1 29.Rxe1 Bh3 30.Nxb5
Triple pawns in the endgame for Black with material equality is a very serious defect.
However, to realize this advantage demands accuracy from White. Mamedyarov coped with this task
convincingly.
Not only believing in your own attacking potential, but also knowing how to prove it by a concrete
36
variation, is necessary!
1–0 (43)
37
Show in Text Mode
Test 11
V. Priehoda (2425)
Batumi 2002
Black to move
A. Which capture would you recommend for Black?

a) 23...Qxe8
b) 23...Ncxe8
B. Support your reply with a variation.
Show/Hide Solution
“Why retreat a knight controlling the d5-square?”, thought the Czech IM Vitezslav Priehoda. He
decided to answer with the most natural move but this proved to be a wrong decision and the
beginning of all his trouble.
23...Qxe8?
38
After the right 23...Ncxe8 White may play 24.d5 gaining some initiative but Black’s position remains
reliable enough.
23...Qxe8? 24.Bxh6!
Shakhriyar does not miss his chance.
24...Ne6?!
White has won a pawn.

Capturing on h6 with the bishop is not good because of 25.Qxf6 and after the relatively best
24...Kxh6 25.Qf4+ Kh7 26.Qxc7 Qd7
White gets an ending with an extra pawn.

Having missed an offensive tactic, the Czech master evidently lost his way. The move he made
simplifies the tasks of realizing the full point.
25.Be3 Qd7
39
26.d5!
The two white bishops demand that the position be opened.
26...Nxd5 27.Nxd5 cxd5 28.Qxd5
White has a decisive advantage that Mamedyarov will surely realize.

1–0 (50)
If, like Shakhriyar, you managed to refute capturing by the queen 3 points are yours!
So many games have been lost because of such inaccuracies in positions so simple in appearance!
Test 12
A. Anastasian (2591)
Batumi 2002
40
White to move
How should White realize his evident advantage?
Show/Hide Solution
Having seen the capture on e5 you would think the position is as clear as a sunny day. In the game
Shakh took the opponent’s bishop with pleasure.
18.Rxe5!
By sacrificing the exchange White removes the piece reinforcing Black’s defense. Black’s position
falls like a house of cards.
If you continued the attack in the same way 4 points go to you.
18...fxe5 19.Ne4 Rg8
On 19...Bb7 20.Nf6+! follows with a fast mate.
20.Qxh6
41
1–0
To crush an opponent with a 2600 ELO in twenty moves does not happen very often. There is a
whole range of GM miniatures in Mamedyarov’s collection. This is one of them.
If all of your opponent’s strategic defense is based on one piece do not be afraid of paying a high
price for it!
Test 13
V. Gaprindashvili (2471)
Baku 2002
42
White to move

a) equal,
b) better,
c) worse.
Show/Hide Solution
If your fist concern was the weakness of the e4-square due to the pawns on d4 and f4 which seem to
limit the activity of White’s bishop and you decided White must fight for activity then you have
overestimated the static factors of the position.
White is better. If you reached this conclusion your answer brings you 2 points. Dynamic factors are
more important.
Mamedyarov’s assessment was accurate and thus he started a pawn attack on the king side.
17.h3!
Only this move provides an advantage for White as he initiates his strategic plan at the right time. If
you found it you have earned 4 merited points.
“Useful” in appearance was the move 17.Rad1. However, it is really a waste of time since after
17...Re8! White has no time to realize his plan 18.h3 h4 19.Ng4 Ne4! and Black gets good play.
43
17.h3! Ba5
The idea of providing his knight with the square e4 once Black has exchanged his bishop for the
knight on c3 is correct strategically. The drawback is that Black does not have time to realize this
plan.
In reply to the blocking move 17...h4 Mamedyarov has prepared 18.Ng4!, winning a pawn.
18.g4! Bxc3?
After 18...Ne7 19.f5 Bxc3 20.bxc3 Ne4 21.gxh5 the open g-file gives White the possibility to
organize an attack against the black king. This dynamic play is worth more than the defects of
White’s pawn structure and “bad” bishop. Despite White’s dynamic play Black should have chosen
this over the text.
19.gxf5!
Shakh had foreseen this resource beforehand. In case of 19.bxc3? Nd6! Black could obtain sufficient
counter play. Now the attack on the opened g-file decides the battle.
19...Ba5 20.Bh4 Qd6 21.Kh1 Bd8 22.Rg1 Ne4
Allowing a spectacular final but already Black cannot escape.
44
23.Rxg7+! Kxg7 24.Rg1+ Kh6 25.Qg2
No one can protect the black king, no further comments are needed.
25...Bg5 26.Bxg5+ Kh7 27.Qf3 Nf6 28.Bxf6 Qxf6 29.Rg5!
29...Rg8 30.Rxh5+ Kg7 31.Qg4+ Kf8 32.Nd7+ Ke7 33.Nxf6 Rxg4 34.Nxg4 Rc8 35.f6+ Kd6
36.Ne3 1–0
A valuable rule to remember: static factors are more evident but for a correct assessment of a position
45
one must analyse the dynamics hidden in it as well.
Test 14
S. Guliev (2481)
Saraybahce 2002
White to move
A. Assess the position:

a) White has a big advantage,
b) both sides chances are equal,
c) Black is somewhat better.
Show/Hide Solution
If you like playing positions with opposite side castling, then you already know how every tempo is
important.
With his last move, 13...e7–e6, Guliev decided to strengthen the pawn structure which turns out to be
a decisive mistake. He had to continue 13...Qa5! simultaneously protecting the f5-pawn and
organizing counter play on the queenside.
46
White has a big advantage (1 point)
14.g4!
Shakhriyar uses the opponent’s mistake at once.

An energetic break-through on the kingside removes the black king’s cover and brings you 3 points.
a) The delay 14.Kb1 leads to unclearplay 14...dxe3 15.Nxe4 Qe7 16.Bxg7 Kxg7 17.Nd6 exf2∞.
b) The capture 14.exd4? allowed Black to seize the initiative outright with 14...Nc6! and in case of
15.d5? Bxb2+ 16.Kxb2 Qf6+ 17.Kb1 Nb4 even to create an irresistible attack.
14.g4!
14...f4?!
Sarhan has evidently been confused.

a) 14...Qf6 15.gxf5 Qxf5 could not help. 16.Qh4 Nc6 17.Nxe4 with an attack on the open g-file
which has to quickly decide the battle
b) Black did have a somewhat stubborn defense in 14...fxg4. Although in this case White could
choose between the strongest attack with 15.Nxe4!? (and a big advantage in the ending 15.h3 Qf6
16.Nxe4 Qg6 17.Qxg6 fxg6 18.Bxd4 Bxd4 19.Rxd4 gxh3 20.Rxh3+–) 15...Qe8 16.Nd6 Qe7
17.Qxg4!.
47
This is a spectacular sacrifice indeed, however it must be calculated up to the end 17...f5 18.Qg2
Qxd6 19.Rhg1 Rf7 20.Rxd4 Qe7 21.Rd8+! Qxd8 22.Bxg7 with a win.
15.Nxe4 Nc6 16.exd4 Qa5 17.d5!
The white d-pawn crossing the demarcating line looks like it is cutting the board into two parts. On
the kingside Black is absolutely unprotected!
1–0
This is one more GM’s miniature from Shakh’s collection.
If the kings have been hiding on opposite sides, even the smallest delay can become fatal. Act with
48
maximum energy!
Test 15
A. Kosteniuk (2457)
Lausanne 2003
Black to move
Show/Hide Solution
The queen, bishop, rook and knight are all aiming at the white king’s residence. The position is ripe
for a tactical decision. You should only avoid a mistake in determining a target and move order.
21...Nxf3+
The consequences of 21...Rxf3 22.gxf3 Ne7 23.Be4 are less clear.
21...Nxf3+ 22.Bxf3 Rxf3!
Shakh make this move quickly. The consequences of the sacrifice did not demand a detailed
calculation. So many pawn weaknesses appear around the white king that his pieces simply have no
49
time to come to his aid.
The exchange sacrifice on f3 (f6) is a typical way of crushing the king’s cover. The trophy for this
find is somewhat small 3 points only.
A blunder would be 22...Bxh3?? 23.Bxc6 and White wins.
23.gxf3
23.Bxa7 doesn’t keep up because of 23...Rxg3–+.
23...Ne5
The knight enters the attack and soon the rook will follow his example.
Black’s attack is irresistible.
24.Qd1 d2! 25.Re2 Nxf3+ 26.Kg2 Rf8 27.Bxd2 Bc6 28.Be3 Qe6 29.Qc1 Nd4+
0–1
Never forget about typical combinations!
However, all the main wins of Alexandra Kostniuk were to be in the future. The tournament where
this game was played was named Lausanne Young Masters.
Test 16
S. R. Mannion (2348)
50
Plovdiv 2003
White to move
Show/Hide Solution
The white knight simply dreams of penetrating on e5. However, there is one obstacle but it can be
removed.
13.Rxc6!
A similar sacrifice would deserve attention even if Black had the possibility of capturing the rook by
the queen. In the given case the pluses of the capture on c6 are so evident that speaking about “a
sacrifice” is somewhat weird!
The immediate 13.Ne5? would be a serious mistake. After 13...Nxe5 14.Rxc7+ Qxc7 15.Nxc7
Nd3+!
51
16.Kd2 Kxc7 the position becames absolutely unclear.
13.Rxc6! axb5
If 13...bxc6 the white knights turn into to furious wild animals and began to torment Black’s position:
14.Na7+ Kb7 15.Ne5 Qe8 16.Naxc6 Rd6 17.Na5+ Ka8 18.Qf3+ Nd5 19.0-0
with a decisive advantage.
14.Rxb6!
14.Ne5?! allows Black, having given the queen for the rook and the knight, to organize a resistance.
52
Retreating with 14.Rc5 would allow Black 14...Bg4 which would be a real temporary amnesty.
14...cxb6 15.Ne5 Qc7 16.Qf3
The black king’s position has been opened while the kingside looks compromised and one should not
even speak about a pawn structure! Black’s position is hopeless.
16...g5 17.0-0 Kb8 18.Rc1 Qd6 19.Nf7 Qd7 20.Nxh8
White has gained a decisive material advantage. Black soon resigned.

1–0
53
Those who, together with Mamedyarov, managed to find the double exchange sacrifice earned 4
points. On the other hand, if you did not find the second exchange sacrifice you gain only 2 points.
When you decide to begin combinative play do not stop half-way!
Test 17
A. Timofeev (2578)
Moscow 2004
White to move
What is the best continuation for White?
Show/Hide Solution
This is one of Mamedyarov’s most beautiful “geometrical” combinations, I would even name it “the
combination of triangles”. The triangle d2–f4–d6 allowed realizing a deflecting sacrifice while the
triangle h4–d8–h8 became fatal for the black king.
When Timofeev took the pawn on d6 with his rook on his last move Shakh was shocked for a
moment: It all fits indeed!” The seconds of zeitnot were ticking down as the last grains of sand in a
hourglass. Shakh went thru the multitude of variations, checking them one more time, and firmly
transferred the knight onto g6.
54
30.Ng6+!!
Check! — he would want to announce in a voice of a glorious commander but it would be against the
rules.
30...hxg6
Capture with the f-pawn loses after: 30...fxg6 31.Qxd6! Qxd6 32.Rxd6 Rc8 33.Re7 etc.
31.Qh4+ Qh5
After 31...Kg8 32.Qxd8+! Rxd8 33.Rxd8+ Kh7 34.Rh3+ the cruel white rooks eat the rest of the
opponent’s army.
32.Qxd8+! Rxd8 33.Rxd8+ Kh7 34.Ree8
Black can avoid mate only by losing his remaining pieces so he resigned.
1–0
Only those having sharp combinational vision could have seen all of the geometrical motives hidden
in the position and find the spectacular 30.Ng6+!!. Besides the aesthetic pleasure if you found all of
the moves you receive 5 points.
Mamedyarov probably remembered the details of a famous combination by Alekhine:
A. Alekhine
E. Colle
Paris 1925
55
30.Qxd7!! Rxd7 31.Re8+ Kh7 32.Rcc8 Rd8 33.Rexd8 1–0
Knowledge of chess classics and subconscious mechanisms evidently helped Shakhriyar to find the
correct combination during the time pressure.
The moral is simple — learn the chess classics!
Test 18
M. Al Modiahki (2579)
Dubai 2004
White to move
Find the strongest continuation for White.
Show/Hide Solution
At the beginning of Mamedyarov’s career his chess year traditionally started with two of the strongest
tournaments: The Aeroflot Open in Moscow and The Dubai Open. Dubai 2004 brought him the first
win in his career against a GM.
The game with the grandmaster from Qatar was crowned by one more combination with
“geometrical” motives. This combination was realized in zeitnot as well. But this time it was the
56
opponent’s zeitnot.
51.Rxg6+!! hxg6 52.h7+!
If Black captures with the rook White will play 53.Qxg6+, and if the king captures White mates in
two moves.
1–0
The sacrifice on g6 combined with an elegant pawn needle brings you 4 points. An illustration of a
typical mate, the queen on f6, the rook on h8 and a poor king on g8, can be seen in any manual for
beginners but even GMs should remember it!
Test 19
O. de la Riva Aguado (2528)
Pamplona 2004
Black to move
How does Black realize his extra pawn advantage?
Show/Hide Solution
With his last move, 37.Rd4–b4, White placed his rook behind the pawn which is the “general rule”,
57
but in the given position it was a decisive mistake. Mamedyarov exploits this mistake.
38...Rc5!
Attacking the b2-pawn in any other way allows White to defend: 38...Ra5 39.Rd4 Ra2 40.Rd2.
38...Rc5! 39.Bd1 Rc2+!
Winning the b2-pawn together with the game itself.

0–1
If your continuation matched the game, you get 4 points.
Before composing a long step-by-step plan to realize an advantage, have a look around as you may be
able to win at once!
Test 20
M. Al Modiahki (2581)
Moscow 2005
White to move

a) better,
b) worse,
58
c) winning.
Show/Hide Solution
After examining all the strategic pluses and minuses of the position if you did not pay attention to a
concrete tactical resource, you made a serious mistake. There is a combination in White’s possession
that decides the game outright. White has a winning position (1 point).
40.Nxe6!
a) Accepting the piece sacrifice leads to a swift defeat: 40...fxe6 41.Qg5 Re8 42.Qxg6+ Kf8 43.Qf6+
Kg8 44.Rc5+–.
b) However, the queen exchange does not give Black any real chances of escaping: 40...Qxc5
41.Nxc5 Ba7 42.Ra6 Bxc5 43.dxc5 Rd4 44.Kf3 a4 45.Ke3 Rc4 46.Ra5 a3 47.Kd3 Rc1
48.Kd4 with an easy win. That is why Black resigned.

1–0
It was the first round of the “Aeroflot-Open 2005”. As the previous battle (Test 18) of Shakh against
“The best Arab chess player of the 20th century”, Al-Modiahki had been given this title by the
decision of the Arab Chess Federation, it ended with a not so complicated but spectacular
combination.
You get 3 points for finding it.
Remember: often a tactic will outweigh all the strategic considerations.
59
Show in Text Mode
Test 21
M. Al Sayed (2476)
Dubai 2005
Black to move

a) somewhat worse,
b) better,
c) equal.
B. Confirm your assessment with a variation.
Show/Hide Solution
Mamedyarov started the 2005 Dubai Open with a win against an inexperienced master from India and
two short draws with his friends Rasul Ibrahimov and Rauf Mamedov. It was the right time to begin
“gathering points”...
The Qatari GM Mohammed Al-Sayed did not play the opening well. Black’s position is better (1
60
point). However, to exploit the delay in White’s development is possible only with energetic play.
16...Bh5!
Shakh finds an optimal way. The manoeuvre of the bishop causes new weaknesses.
a) After 16...Bh6 17.N1d2 f5 18.0-0-0 the position has equalized.
b) 16...Qb6!? looks more interesting. 17.Rb1 (17.gxf4?? loses because of 17...Qxb2) 17...Bc7 18.Ne3
f5! and Black gains the initiative. However, the way to an advantage is not so clear. If you
recommended it you get 2 points.
16...Bh5! 17.g4
17.gxf4? Qxf4 18.N1h2 Ne5 leads to hopeless position for White.
17...Bg6 18.Ne3
18...h5!
The manoeuvre of the bishop forced White to weaken more than his pawn structure. Now
Mamedyarov starts to use these weaknesses.
If your calculations were like his 4 extra points are yours!
19.Rg1 hxg4 20.hxg4 Rh3
Black has big advantage. White resigned on the 35th move.

0–1 (35)
61
After 6 rounds Mamedyarov had 4.5 points and he rightfully hoped to fight for first place. But an
offensive lost in the 7th round to GM Zhang Pengxiang of China destroyed all his hopes of repeating
the success of the previous year. The tournament ended on his 20th birthday, April 12, 2005.
Mamedyarov’s final score of 6 out of 9 was not bad but evidently lower than what the winner of the
2004 Dubai tournament counted on.
I would add a final thought to this game: do not fear the loss of tempos when causing weakness in an
opponent’s camp. The weaknesses will pay you back with interest!
Test 22
A. Huzman (2577)
Warsaw 2005
White to move
A. The rook ending is:

a) winning for White,
b) a draw.
Show/Hide Solution
Black has managed to place a rook on the 6th rank and hopes by the manoeuvre Kc3–d4–c5 to force
62
the white rook to retreat. However, as it usually happens, Black lacks one tempo. Assessing the
position as “winning for White” brings you 2 points.
35.h4!
Making this move Shakhriyar did not doubt the outcome of the game anymore. The immediate march
of the h-pawn leads to a win and brings you 2 points.
White could not have attacked other pawns and won: 35.Rb7? Rd6 36.Rxh7 Rd2+ 37.Kg3 f4+
38.Kh3 Rd5=.
35.h4! Kd2 36.h5 Rg5 37.h6 e4 38.Rd6+!
A small nuance: pushing back the king before moving forward is necessary.
38...Kc3 39.Rxa6 Kd4 40.Rd6+ Ke5 41.Rd7
1–0
When Sigbert Tarrash said “rook endings have never been won”, he probably did not take into
consideration this concrete ending.
Test 23
T. Nyback (2551)
Warsaw 2005
63
Black to move

a) better,
b) worse,
c) equal.
a) 43...Qe4
b) 43...Ba6
Show/Hide Solution
Continuations connected with sacrifices and combinations, even if they do not bring a forced
resolution, are always attractive. Perhaps that was why the Finnnish grandmaster chose his next
move, in fact a fatal mistake.
43...Ba6??
Fortune, Shakh thought. Before the time control his king took a dangerous trip from g1 to b4!
Up to Black’s last move the position was equal 1 point to you if your evaluation was “c”.
After 43...Qe4 44.Qxe4 Bxe4 45.Rd7 Bc2 a draw was very close.
43...Ba6?? 44.Rd8!
64
Mate over the queen!
White is the first to create mating threats and it is decisive!
Those who found Mamedyarov’s refutation of the bishop sacrifice get 3 merited points.
44...Qxe5 45.fxe5 Bxc4 46.Rh8+ 1–0
Before making a threat check and see if your opponent has prepared something more dangerous on
the previous move!
Test 24
S. Kristjansson (2459)
Gothenburg 2005
White to move
Show/Hide Solution
“I would see this mate even in a blitz game!” you would say and would be right.
36.Bxf6+!
65
Right! The trophy for this solution is 3 points.
36...Kxf6 37.Qc3+ Kf5 38.Nd4+
After 38...Ke4 or 38...Kg4 Black gets mated in 2–3 moves and giving up the queen with 38...Qxd4
delays the end only a move or two. 1–0
“The aim of a chess game is to mate the opponent’s king”. This sentence from a study book for
beginners should always be in your mind.
As we can see, Mamedyarov did not forget!
Test 25
I. Sokolov (2691)
Gothenburg 2005
Black to move

a) loosing,
b) drawing.
Show/Hide Solution
66
72...Rb1!
The assessment “the position is draw” combined with this manoeuvre brings you 6 bonus points
otherwise you will be given 2 points only.
Attempts at taking the a6-square under control by the knight will not succeed:
a) 72...Nc7 73.Rd8+ Ke6 74.Bc6 Ra1 75.Rh8 Kd6 76.Rh6+ Ne6 77.a6+–.
b) Or 72...Nc5 73.Rd8+ Ke6 74.Bc6 Ra1 75.Rd5 Na4+ 76.Kc7+– in both cases White wins.
72...Rb1! 73.Rh8
“The main” variation arose after 73.a6 Rxb5+!.

[73...Nd4? would be a fatal mistake: 74.Rd8+ Ke5 75.Rxd4 Kxd4 76.a7 Ra1 77.Ba6 and the white
pawn promotes.]
74.Kxb5 Nc7+ 75.Kb6 Nxe8 76.a7 Nc7 The knight is just in time — draw!
73...Nd4 74.Rh6+ Kd5 75.Rh5+ Kd6 76.a6 Rxb5+ 77.Rxb5 Nxb5 78.Kxb5 Kc7 79.a7 Kb7
80.Kc5 ½–½
In this game Shakhriyar played the opening unsuccessfully and soon lost a pawn which led to a
difficult defense. Mamedyarov lost a second pawn and then sacrificed the third one. Several times
Sokolov could have decided the issue and gained the point but he did not make decisive continuations
and gave Mamedyarov chances to draw.
A small combination has crowned this heroic defense.
Never lose heart, destiny (or at least your opponent!) will give you a chance!
Test 26
Z. Gyimesi (2628)
Gothenburg 2005
67
White to move

a) somewhat worse,
b) winning,
c) better.
Show/Hide Solution
This is a rather typical position with an isolated d-pawn.

You may be wondering how the black bishop reached h6. The answer to this question is not difficult.
In the position where the white bishop was placed on g5 with the black one on e7 and a black knight
on f6 Black has used a typical simplifying manoeuvre ...Nf6–d5. White replied Bc4xd5 in response
Black captured the bishop (...Be7xg5). White then retreated his bishop from d5 to e4 and the black
bishop went from g5 to h6.
Even a quick look at the initial position is enough: White’s pieces are centralized and better
coordinated. An advantage is evidently on his side. (2 points).
16.d5!
Timely opening of the center confirms this assessment.
16...exd5 17.Rxd5
68
Mamedyarov has created two threats: using the bishop pin on the d-file or winning a pawn by
capturing on h7.
17...Qc7
Gyimesi preferred to give up the pawn.

After 17...g6 18.Qd1! Rc7 19.Rd6! Bf4 20.Rd3 Ne5 21.Nxe5 Bxe5 22.Nd5 nobody envies Black!
18.Bxh7+!
18.Qd3? will not reach the goal because of 18...Nb4=.
18...Kxh7?
Moving the king to h8 would be better.
19.Qd3+ Kg8 20.Rxd7 Qb6
69
21.Re2
More vigorous was 21.Nd5! Qxb2 22.g4!! Bc1 23.h4 Qa3 24.Qf5 with full domination in the center
and a decisive attack on the kingside.
The move Mamedyarov made in the game secures the extra pawn which he realized in the future.
The breakthrough d4–d5 is one of the strategic ideas in positions with an isolated d-pawn. If you
found this idea as well you gain 3 more points.
Do not forget to replenish your arsenal of strategic ideas. It will bring you a lot of points in
tournaments!
Test 27
E. Moradiabadi (2485)
Abu Dhabi 2005
70
White to move

a) Black can hold equality,
b) White has a decisive advantage,
c) Black’s position is better.
B. How White should continue?
Show/Hide Solution
The difference made by the opposite coloured bishops is hard to miss. Add to this the open h-file, the
powerful/centralized white queen and most important a nearly total lack of defenders of the black
king.
Those who assessed the position as White winning get 1 point. Mamedyarov decided the game in
three moves!
24.Rxh7!!
If you planned this attack 2 points are yours!

24.Rh6 Kg7 25.Qxe5+ Bf6 26.Rxh7+! Kxh7
71
27.Qxf6 also leads to win and also brings you 2 additional points.
24.Rxh7!! Kxh7 25.Qxe5 Kg8 26.Rh1 1–0
Remember: opposite-coloured bishops strengthen the defender’s drawing chances in the endgame, but
one must first reach the endgame!
Test 28
R. Kasimdzhanov (2670)
Baku 2005 (blitz)
72
Black to move

a) equal,
b) worse,
c) better.
a) 15...Qc7
b) 15...Nd7
Show/Hide Solution
“My position is reliable but the opponent’s active pieces are to be exchanged” — Kasimdzhanov
decided and immediately (I remind you, it was blitz) played...
15...Nd7?
The thought that the d5-point is excessively protected must have been so firmly fixed in his mind that
Rustam simply did not consider that he was taking away one defender and the other could be
eliminated.
After 15...Qc7, despite some lack of space, Black had a reliable position and the chances were
approximately equal (2 points).
15...Nd7? 16.Nxc6!
73
Wins a pawn, refutes the move 15...Nd7 and brings you 2 additional points.
16...bxc6
If 16...Qxc6? 17.cxd5+–.
17.Qxa6 Qb4 18.Rd1
White has an extra pawn but in a blitz game this is not so much of an advantage, the battle ended in a
draw.
When solving your strategic problems always keep an eye on small tactical resources of your
opponent!
Test 29
B. Heberla (2465)
Istanbul 2005
White to move

a) equal,
b) winning,
c) better.
74
Show/Hide Solution
The World Junior Championship of 2005 was in Istanbul and was the last junior competition for
Shakhriyar. Certainly, he wanted to put a winning dot in it. He had already won a similar tournament
two years ago in Nakhchivan but the composition of that tournament’s participants was considerably
weaker.
The Istanbul tournament was 13 rounds and Shakh gave his competition no chances. He started with
4 wins and then scored 8 out of the remaining 9 rounds to finish with 9 out of 13 (+7,=4,–0)!
The game against the Polish master Bartlomiej Heberla was played in the third round. White’s pieces
are excellently coordinated.
The assessment “White has a winning position” in any case brings you 2 points.
However, to confirm it with arguments, you had to find the best continuation together with
Mamedyarov.
27.g6!!
The pawn gives its life so the knight may come to g5.
Another possibility 27.f4! (2 points) also provides White with a strong attack although Black has
more chances of escaping after 27...Ng6.
27.g6!! Nxg6
The variations 27...hxg6 28.Ng5 and 27...h6 28.b3 Qxc2 29.Qe6+ win outright.
28.b3!
The decisive knight move must be prepared. The immediate 28.Ng5? is answered by the cold blooded
28...Nf8.
28...Qf7
The only move since after 28...Qxc2? 29.Rd2 the black queen is trapped.
But now the white knight is transferred to g5 with tempo.
29.Ng5
75
If your calculations reached this position 4 additional points are rightly yours.
29...Qf6 30.Qxh7+ Kf8 31.Ne4 Qe6 32.Rd3!
All the white pieces take part in hunting the black king. The fate of the game has been sealed.
32...d5 33.Rf3+ Ke8 34.Ng5 Qe7
35.Rf5
One could take the queen for the rook and the knight — 35.Rf7 Qxf7 36.Nxf7 Kxf7 but Shakhriyar
76
preferred continuing the attack.
35...Rf6 36.Qg8+ Kd7 37.Qxd5+ Kc7 38.Qf3 Rdf8 39.Rxf6 gxf6 40.Ne4 f5 41.Qc3+ Kb8 42.Qc6
1–0
Often a decisive manoeuvre such as Ng5 demands precise preparation.
Test 30
L. Guliev (2384)
Baku 2006
White to move

a) somewhat worse, he has to fight for equality,
b) better, he should play for a win,
c) equal.
B. Justify your assessment with a variation.
Show/Hide Solution
Black has a pawn for an exchange, the strong f5 outpost for the knight, fixed objects of attack and a
77
dangerous passed pawn. But his problem is that White starts acting first and the strategic pluses of the
black position begin to disappear.
White is better (2 points).
21.Ng3!
If you see this manoeuvre of the knight to be a retreat you are wrong! This is an attack of the crucial
point f5!
In case of passive protection of the pawn by 21.Bf1?! the position becomes equal: 21...Nf6 22.Nxf6+
Qxf6 23.Bd3 Rf8=.
The active looking 21.Ng5? would be even worse: 21...Nf6 22.Qh3 Bxc4 leads to an edge for Black
and the penetration 23.Ne6? after the simple 23...Qe7 even makes White’s position hopeless.
21.Ng3! Neg7 22.Nxf5
22...gxf5?!
Those who, like Mamedyarov, prepared 23.Be4 in reply to 22...Nxf5 (23.Be4) get 2 more points.
After 23...Ng7 24.Rxe3 Qf6 White has a big advantage.
23.Qg3 Bxc4 24.Rxe3 Kh8 25.Rae1 Qg8 26.Re7
Black’s position is hopeless.

1–0 (36)
Sometimes a retreating move may look modest, but it can be an attacking move whereas an active
78
jump forward can simply be striking into empty space.
79
Show in Text Mode
Test 31
S. Tiviakov (2668)
San Sebastian 2006
Black to move

a) equal,
b) winning,
c) better.
Show/Hide Solution
Black possesses the only open file, an active knight on f4 and White’s pawn structure is fixed which
provides Black with several targets thus Black plays for a win. This reasoning is as clear as two plus
two makes four! But to assess the value of this advantage is much more difficult.
The assessment “Black has a winning position” would be too optimistic.
80
The right answer “Black ‘s position is better” brings you 2 points.
32...Rd7!
This is a fine move. Mamedyarov found an optimal way for his rook to penetrate the opponent’s
camp.
a) The straightforward 32...Rd2?! 33.Nxg5 led to an equal position as Black cannot play 33...Rxg2??
Due to 34.Nxe6+–.
b) A “cunning” move like 32...c4?! with the idea of creating additional weaknesses in the opponent’s
structure by a pawn sacrifice results in the loss of an important tempo as White obtains counter play
after 33.Re1!.
32...Rd7! 33.Nxg5 Rg7 34.Ne4 Rxg2
Those who found the unexpected manoeuvre of the black rook: d8–d7–g7–g2 get 4 additional
points.
35.Rg1
In case of 35.Nxc5 Rf2 Black captures the important f3-pawn.
35...Rxa2 36.Nxc5
Attempting to obtain counter play by 36.Rg4 would not bring success for two reasons: 36...Nd3
37.Rxh4 a5 38.Ng5 b5–+ or 36...c4 37.b4 Nxh3 38.Rxh4 Nf2+ 39.Kg1 Nxe4 40.Rxe4 b5 41.f4 Kc8
in both cases Black has a decisive edge.
81
36...Rf2 37.Rg4 Rxf3 38.Rxh4 Rxc3
39.b4?
White would have had some chances to save the game in a rook ending after 39.Rxf4 Rxc5 40.h4
Rxe5 41.Kg2 due to the dangerous passed h-pawn.
39...Rxh3+ 40.Rxh3 Nxh3 41.Kg2
It becomes evident that after 41.Nxe6 the e5-pawn dies: 41...Nf2+ 42.Kg2 Nd3 with an easy win.
41...Ng5 42.Kg3 b6! 43.Nxa6+ Kb7 44.b5 c5!
The white knight has been trapped by a creative idea. To win Black has to exchange the knight and
obtain a pawn ending.
45.Kf4 Nf7 46.Ke4 Nh6 47.Kd3 Nf5 48.Kc4 Ne3+ 49.Kd3 Nd5 50.Kc4 Nc7 51.Nxc5+ bxc5
52.Kxc5 Nd5 53.b6 Nf4 0–1
Shakh could have penetrated the second rank with 32...Rd2 and a slower win but the direct 32...Rd7-
g7xg2 is much stronger. Always seek the most direct path to your goal!
Test 32
A. Naiditsch (2676)
82
Fuegen 2006
Black to move
Find the strongest continuation of Black’s attack.
Show/Hide Solution
When Shkhriyar saw that his opponent, a very strong grandmaster, had played 29.Re1–f1 he simply
could not believe his eyes!
The rook has to control the e2-square flashed thru Mamedyarov’s mind. He quickly checked up a
short variation and captured a pawn with a check.
29...Rxh2+!!
Black resigned outright. After 30.Kxh2 Qh5+ 31.Kg3 (or 31.Kg1) 31...Ne2+ he has to give up the
queen.
Those who together with Mamedyarov found the winning combination get 4 points.
It needs to be said that 29...Qg3 does not reach the goal. After 30.h3 the combination 30...Nxh3 is a
mistake since after 31.Rxf8+ Kxf8 32.Qc8+ Black gets mated 32...Kf7 33.Rc7+ Kf6 34.Qf5#.
Always remember check your opponent’s counter play. Even if you are going to mate on the next
move, check and see if he can stop you.
83
Test 33
R. Fontaine (2562)
Kemer 2007
White to move

a) worse, he should fight for equality,
b) better, he has to develop an initiative,
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
If you concluded that White has a weak pawn on c3 and a passive light-squared bishop and decided
that for these reasons that he should fight for equality I have to disappoint you — you are wrong.
The rook on h1, the e3-bishop and the queen are White’s main pieces for attacking the black king’s
position when protected by a fianchettoed bishop. These pieces are ready to act. Moreover, the knight
on e2 is also ready to take part in this attack. Add in the possibility of opening the h-file at any time
and your doubts will disappear! White is better (2 points).
15.Qc1!
The best move! Finding this brings you 4 points.
84
Mamedyarov starts attacking by a plan from the Dragon variation. I should also mention that in this
position White’s attack is even more dangerous as Black doesn’t have an important defending piece
— the knight on f6.
The preliminary exchange 15.hxg6?! fxg6 16.Qc1 would be inaccurate as it would provide Black
with a comfortable defending resource in 16...Rf7 with approximately equal play
and 15.Kf2?! Nc4 would give Black counter play.
15.Qc1! f6?
Preparing the defensive manoeuvre of the rook but allowing White to open the h-file creating new
weaknesses in Black’s position.
15...e6 was stronger but after 16.Bh6 Qe7 (Black cannot manage to avoid opening files: 16...Bxh6
17.Qxh6 g5 18.f4!ƒ) 17.Rh4 Nc4 18.Bh3 White continues to increase the pressure on the queenside.
16.hxg6 hxg6 17.Bh6 Rf7 18.Nf4
The knight has joined in the attack.
18...Qb6
The lesser evil was 18...fxe5 19.Nxg6 Qb6 20.Bxg7 Qxg6 21.Bxe5±.
19.Nxg6?!
And here Mamedyarov’s attacking inspiration failed him: 19.Nxd5! Qe6 20.f4 with a decisive
advantage was obviously easier.
85
19...Bf5 20.Nh4 Bh7?!
Keeping the bishop on the other diagonal was preferable: 20...Bd7±.
21.Bxg7?
Shakhriyar failed to exploit the opponent’s oversight and in turn has committed a serious mistake. He
should have not exchanged on g7 but continued with 21.Bh3! Rc6 22.e6+–.
21...Rxg7 22.Bh3 Rf8?
22...Rc6!„ was correct.
23.Qh6!
A decisive penetration. The black queen evidently cannot come to help as 23....fxe5 loses because of
the simple 24.Be6+.
23...f5 24.Qxb6 axb6 25.g4 fxg4 26.Bxg4 Rgf7 1–0
The game was energetically played by Shakhriyar although not without mistakes.
If your king’s rook stands on its starting square and the h-file is open — find ways to attack!
Test 34
V. Ivanchuk (2787)
86
Moscow 2007
White to move

a) equal,
b) winning,
c) better.
Show/Hide Solution
Mamedyarov has broken the opponent’s defense in the center of the board and the open g-file gives
hope of finding resources for a direct attack against the king. The initiative is on White’s side
however one must not underestimate the opponent’s counter play on the queenside.
The position has been very complicated till now but on the last move Ivanchuk made a fatal mistake.
“Now is the right time for counter play on the h-file” — Ivanchuk thought and lost his vigilance with
32...Rf8–h8.
The rook, controlling the important f7-square has retreated. Payback followed immediately!
33.Bf7!
Only those who, along with Shakhriyar, managed to find the combinational decision coped
completely with the test.
87
White’s position is winning (2 points).
The bishop sacrifice puts the black queen under attack and decides the issue of the battle as well as
bringing you 4 more points.
The capture 33.axb4 was much weaker. After 33...Kg7! (in case of 33...cxb4 34.Qd2 White gets the
advantage)
34.bxc5 Bxh4 35.Kg2 Qd7! the position assessment is unclear.
33.Bf7! Qxf7 34.Nxe5
The point! The capture on e5 comes with tempo and the queen has fallen under attack. Black’s
position is crumbling.
34...Qe8
88
35.Nxg6
Mamedyarov had one other combination but it was more complicated: 35.Rxg6+ Kh7 36.Rdg1!, the
preparation, 36...Qxe5 37.Re6!! a spectacular combinational stroke! 37...Qxe6 38.e5+ Kh6 39.Nxf4
and Black is unprotected!
35...Nd7
It’s impossible to pay off White with material sacrifices: after 35...Qxg6 36.Rxg6+ Kxg6 37.e5+! and
the black king becomes an easy target for the white pieces.
36.Nexf4 Ne5 37.d7 Nxd7 38.e5 Qxe5 39.Nxe5 1–0
During this game fighting had taken place on all the parts of the board. Mamedyarov broke the center,
Ivanchuk had an initiative on the queenside and both opponents had semi-opened files on the
kingside.
In conditions of a total war be ready to launch an unexpected strike at any moment. Even such a great
master of dynamic chess battle as Ivanchuk can commit a blunder when the board is on fire!
Test 35
I. Nepomniachtchi (2634)
Dagomys 2008
89
White to move

a) both sides chances are approximately equal,
b) White has the initiative, his chances are better,
c) White has a winning position.
Show/Hide Solution
Ian Nepomniachtchi is a grandmaster who can brilliantly use the slightest defects of an opponent’s
position during a long fight, lead an attack powerfully and originally and always tries to use all the
chances of active counter play in defense. His commitment to seizing the initiative at any price was
particularly evident in his young age. However, in this game it let him down.
Inaccuracies committed in the opening allowed Shakhriyar the breakthrough 15.f5! which seizes the
initiative while an “active” jump by the black queen 15...Qh4? sharply made the situation worse.
White has a winning position (2 points).
16.fxe6!
Mamedyarov doesn’t miss such tactical chances!

In case of the natural 16.Nf3 Qg4 17.fxe6 fxe6 18.Be2 White keeps the initiative but after 18...Nf4
19.Bxf4 Qxf4 20.Nd4 Qxe5 21.Bf3 Bd6 the position is still not so clear.
90
16.fxe6! Qxd4+
An attempt at refusing the gift with 16...fxe6 brings no good: 17.Nxe6 Qe7 18.Nf4 with a winning
position.
17.Kh1
It becomes clear that Black is forced to give back a piece.
17...0-0-0
One cannot retreat the knight from d7 because of the check on b5 while 17...fxe6? loses to 18.Bxg6+.
If you, as Shakhriyar, managed to find these nuances and on the 16th move you made the right choice
3 more points are yours!
18.exd7+ Kb8
After 18...Rxd7 19.Qe2! Black’s position is unprotected. Winning an exchange with 19.Bf5 Qxd1
20.Bxd7+ Kxd7 21.Rxd1 leaves Black some chances to avoid loss.
19.Bxa6
This is not an optimal way to realize the advantage.

a) If the exchange of queens is agreed it is better to do it with 19.Rxf7! Qxe5 20.Qe2 Qxe2 21.Bxe2
Bc6 22.Bf3!+–.
b) However, 19.Qe2! was even more energetic with the idea of 19...Bc6 20.Bxa6 Bxa4 21.Bb5! with
a decisive attack.
91
19...Qxe5?
Ian’s emotions let him down. After 19...Qxd1 20.Rxd1 Rxd7 21.Bxb7 Kxb7 22.Bg5 he could still
resist.
20.Re1 Qd6 21.Re8 Qxd7 22.Bf4+ Bd6 23.Rxh8 1–0
This is one more GM miniature from Shakhriyar. He also won a short game against the very strong
Vietnamese grandmaster Le Quang Liem in the same variation, we shall speak about it later. For the
time being let’s remember: if an opponent starts counter play before castling look for tactical
resources!
Test 36
M. Carlsen (2765)
Baku 2008
White to move

a) better,
b) equal,
c) winning.
92
Show/Hide Solution
It is as clear as a blue sky on a sunny day that there is no question of equality in the position.
Having realized a typical breakthrough f4–f5 for the pawn structure “d4,e5 against d5,e6”
Mamedyarov broke the pawn chain of the future World champion. Black’s poor piece coordination
along with a number of weak pawn islands make his position very difficult.
The assessment “White’s position is winning” brings you 2 points.
31.Bxa5!
This combinational stroke confirms Black’s helplessness.

Capturing the d5-pawn 31.Qxd5 allows Black some counter play and a chance at salvation after
31...Qc6!? 32.Qxc6 Rxc6 33.d5 Rc5 or 33.Bxa5 Rc2.
If 31.Qxf5 Black has the possibility of strengthening his position by 31...Qe6.
31.Bxa5! Qxa5 32.Qxf5
Those who, like Mamedyarov, could calculate up to this position, analyse it and conclude that Black
could not escape gain 4 additional points!
32...Qd2
This is the most stubborn resistance. In case of defending retreats by the queen White wins easily as
the black bishop is trapped!
93
a) 32...Qd8?! 33.Qxf7+ Kh7 34.Nf4! Qe8 35.Ng6 Qxf7 36.Rxf7 Black loses a piece.
b) 32...Qc7?! 33.Qxf7+ Kh7 34.Nf4! Nb6 35.Qf5+ Kg8 36.Qe6+ Kh7 37.Ng6 with a win.
33.Qxf7+
33.Rf2! was more precise as it excludes a possibility mentioned in the next note.
33...Kh8 34.Rf2 Rd8
Magnus did not use his last chance 34...Nxe5!? with the idea 35.dxe5? Bc5!. In reply Mamedyarov
would have to find the strong move 35.Qb7! and after which neither 35...Rd8 36.dxe5 Bc5 37.Qc7 or
35...Re8 36.dxe5 Bc5 37.Qxb5 would save Black.
35.Qxd5 Qa5 36.Nf4 Qa8 37.Ng6+ 1–0
Even in a position with an evident advantage look for the shortest way to the goal as it can make your
position winning outright.
Baku’s stage of the 2008 Grand Prix was one of the brightest tournaments in a short chess career of a
remarkable Azerbaijan grandmaster Vugar Gashimov, who passed away early and tragically. Vugar
shared first place with Carlsen and Wang Yue. Mamedyarov and Grishuk had a half point less.
When the game whose final fragment we have just examined was being played neither Mamedyarov
nor Carlsen could even guess that only some years later they would meet at the Vugar Gasimov
Memorials.
Test 37
E. Agrest (2574)
Ajaccio 2008 (rapid)
94
White to move

a) White has full compensation for a pawn but both sides chances are approximately equal,
b) White’s position is winning,
c) in a complicated fight White’s chances are preferable.
B. Point out a variation justifying your assessment.
Show/Hide Solution
If you decided that “in a complicated fight White’s chances are preferable” you are too indecisive.
In this game GM Agrest was not ready to play against the sharp variation of the Philidor Defense
chosen by Shakhriyar — 1.d4 d6 2.e4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Be7 5.g4!? and played the opening
extremely dubiously.
White’s position is winning (1 point). The black king simply has no place to escape from a direct
attack.
14.Nxe5! dxe5 15.Bh3!
95
Involving the bishop in the attack decides the game. You get 3 points for this maneuver.
15...Be7
15...Qe7 does not help: 16.f4! exf4 17.Bxf4 with a winning position.
16.Bd7+ Nxd7
16...Kf8 loses quickly after 17.Bh6! Rg8 18.Bxg7 Rxg7 19.Qh6+–.

However, the exchange on d7 does not cause White any problems.
17.Qxd7+ Kf8 18.Qc7 Ba6 19.Rd7 Rb8 20.b3 Re8 21.Na2 Qa3 22.Qxa7 Kg8 23.Bc1 Qc5 24.Qxa6
Qxf2 25.Rxe7 1–0
Mamedyarov’s moves in this fragment of the game need no comments and I should also say this
about Black’s play: if you play openings that have sharp continuations be ready for them! You must
know the theory of your openings!
Test 38
B. S. Shivananda (2388)
Kolkata 2009
96
White to move
Find the best continuation.
Show/Hide Solution
In 2009 Shakhriyar decided to expand the geography of his tournament participation along with two
younger members of the Azerbaijan team Mamedov, Safarli and Guseinov took part in the traditional
Kolkata-open. Shakhriyar’s result of 7.5 out of 10 was not bad. But in the final standings his game
with Le Quang Liem played a decisive role. Shakh lost it and as a result was ranked second having a
half point less than the Vietnamese Grandmaster.
The game against Shivananda was played in the first round. Already in the opening Mamedyarov
managed to seize the initiative and after Black’s 19...Kg8–f7 a simple tactical operation gave White a
decisive advantage.
20.f5! gxf5
Clearly one must not play 20...Bxf5?? because of 21.e6+ winning the queen. Those who found this
important nuance earn 3 points.
21.Bxh5+ Kf8 22.Rfe1 Bg7 23.Qg6 Bg8 24.e6 Qf4 25.Ne2
97
25.Na4! Qg5 26.Nb6! was more elegant.
However, the move in the game is enough to win.
25...Qg5 26.Nd4
And White soon won.

If the board is full of pieces and the enemy king is taking an active part in a game — in the given
example it was defending the weak g6-pawn — focus twice on tactical resources!
Test 39
P. Leko (2752)
Moscow 2009 (blitz)
98
Black to move

a) equal,
b) worse,
c) winning.
Show/Hide Solution
This time those who are not confused by the menacing centralized white pieces are correct. The
position is equal 2 points.
Black avoids difficulties due to a small tactical operation.
No doubts Shakh found Black’s move in a couple of seconds. Although for Peter Leko it was also not
unexpected.
18...Bxe5!
Attempting to simplify the position by the trivial 18...Re8?! leeds to a stable but worse position
because of a pawn on d6: 19.Bxd6 cxd6 20.Rxe8 Nxe8².
The worst option was trying to protect the pinned bishop by 18...Ne8? — 19.Ne4 Bxe4 20.Bc3!! with
a win.
18...Bxe5! 19.Rxd8 Rbxd8 20.Qxe5 Rhe8
99
White cannot retreat the the queen because of a mate threat on the back rank.
21.Be7
If you missed these moves, you must have decided that Black was winning. In the future you should
be more attentive to your opponent’s resources. Sometimes super-optimism can turn into serious
trouble. But in the given position Black realizes one more time the idea of using back rank
weaknesses in White’s position and solves all the problems.
21...Rxe7 22.Qxe7 Re8 23.Qxe8 Nxe8
If you found this line you receive 3 points!

Objectively, this ending is a bit more comfortable for White to play due to the weak c5-square but
Black’s considerable problems are in the past. The game ended in a draw.
Small tactical operations aimed to simplify a position should be in the defending arsenal of every
chess player.
Test 40
D. Jakovenko (2736)
Moscow 2009 (blitz)
100
White to move

a) White has a sufficient compensation and both sides chances are approximately equal,
b) White wins,
c) White doesn’t have sufficient compensation — his position is worse.
B. Justify your assessment with analysis.
Show/Hide Solution
The ending of this game was dramatic. Mate threats, tactical counterstrokes, offensive
miscalculations, assessment fluctuations, waves of emotions — all of this is why spectators love blitz
so much!
You had more time for solving the test than the grandmasters had to play this game. However, even in
this circumstance the task was not easy! Only those who possess not only sharp combination vision
but also pay attention to the opponent’s counter chances will have managed the test.
The assessment “White wins” brings you 2 points. Do you have clear variations to support your
answer?
29.Qg5!
The first move is rather evident. Black cannot protect the square g7 by 29...Qe5 as the rook is
hanging on d8.
101
29...Rg8 30.Ra8?
If your calculations counted on this resource as did Mamedyarov, I must disappoint you: you have
miscalculated as another way leads to the win.
Shakh had to play 30.Nh6!!.
Now a number of checkmate themes appear: 30...Qxg5 31.Nxf7#; 30...Ne5 31.Qxe5 Qxe5 32.Nxf7#
or 30...gxh6 31.Qf6+ Rg7 32.Ra8+ Qd8 33.Rxd8#.
Black could avoid an immediate mate but only by way of fatal material loss. The spectacular solution
of this test brings you 4 additional points.
As soon as Shakhriyar put the rook on a8 he saw an outright refutation. One moment later the
winning 30.Nh6!! flashed in his brain. Shakh played the final part of the game like he was in a fog.
30...Nf2+!
Jakovenko does not miss his chance! Black wins as the white king cannot occupy the h2-square
because of the check from e5.
31.Kg1
31.Rxf2? loses: 31...Rb1+ 32.Kh2 Qe5+ the queen protects the g7-square with check and Black
captures the rook on a8.
31...Nxh3+ 32.gxh3 Qc5+ 33.Kh1 Qd5+ 34.Kg1 Qc5+ 35.Kg2 Rb2+
102
If the white king retreated here the game would be a draw after Black gives a couple of checks.
Evidently accepting such a result was too offensive to Shakhriyar and the monarch made a step
towards its death.
36.Kf3?? Qd5+ 37.Kf4 Qd2+ 38.Ne3 Rxa8 39.Rg1 Qd4+ 40.Kf3 Rb3 41.Rd1 Rxe3+ 0–1
The moral to this story is: even if you are sure you are making a winning move check one more time
for your opponent’s resources. If you have missed something do not allow your emotions to control
your mind!
103
Show in Text Mode
Test 41
V. Milov (2652)
Khanty-Mansiysk 2009
White to move
Find the most precise way for White to realize his advantage.
Show/Hide Solution
When solving this position you may have wondered how to keep the extra pawn or if you give it back
how to obtain the maximum for it. These types of choices are difficult but answering both questions
aid in your solving ability and ultimately in selecting the correct move.
A profitable transformation of an advantage, for example, a material one into a positional one is a
typical strategic way. But in the given case it is not a key for solving the test! Mamedyarov found a
way to not only keep the pawn but to increase his material advantage!
27.Bb4!
104
After 27.Re2 Rxa5 28.Rxb2 Rb8 29.a4! (weaker is 29.Rdb1 Be4!) White managed to keep the pawn
and increase his material advantage 29...Rxa4?? loses due to 30.Bxa4 Rxb2 31.Rd8+ capturing the
unprotected bishop.
27.Bb4!
For finding this tactical nuance you get 2 points.

The trophy is not so big as realizing the extra pawn in the coming position is still rather difficult.
27...Rxa2 28.Be8!
Here is the main idea! The rook on f8 is trapped and White wins an exchange.
This unexpected manoeuvre of the white bishop forced Shakh’s opponent to resign outright! After
28...Bf6 29.Ree1 Ra7 30.Bxf8 Kxf8 31.Bb5 there are no more problems with realizing the win with
the extra exchange. Those who found Mamedyarov’s idea are awarded 4 points!
Before transforming or trying to keep a material advantage check to see if you can increase it!
Test 42
J. Polgar (2682)
Baku 2010 (rapid)
White to move
105
a) somewhat worse,
b) winning,
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
One can easily see that this position has all the features of an intense fight.
White has the two bishops but one of them is attacked but cannot yet be taken due to a check on b8.
Black has a more worrisome move: playing g5–g4 would push back the White bishop which would
uncover the f2-square.
At the first sight, White seems to have serious problems. It would be like that if there were not a
decisive tactical nuance which ends the battle. Only those who saw that the black queen was
protecting its bishop and it could be pushed back assessed the position correctly.
White’s position is winning (1 point).
25.g4!
One pawn sacrifices itself; another strikes a decisive blow!

The passive 25.e3? even lost. After 25...g4! (25...Bxe3) 26.hxg4 hxg4 27.Be2 Kg7! decides with a
lightning attack on the h-file.
25.g4! hxg4 26.hxg4 Nxg4 27.e4!
The queen must retreat then White captures the unprotected bishop and you get 4 points if you
managed to find it.
27...Qg6 28.Qxc5
Black resigned shortly. 1–0

I’m going to share a small secret with you: Mamedyarov missed this easy combination. It could have
been realized on the previous move but he played 24.h3??. I can only imagine what Shakh could say
in his own comments having immediately seen this mistake! However, Judit was engaged by her
strategic plan of a pawn attack and did not see any danger and quickly answered 24...h5??
Even top grandmasters forget sometimes about simple “one-move tactics” in the heat of an extremely
complicated fight. What is to be said about the rest of us?
An unexpected blow can sometimes turn a situation to your advantage and even decide the game!
106
Test 43
A. Naiditsch (2684)
Dortmund 2010
White to move

a) equal,
b) winning,
c) better.
Show/Hide Solution
From the first lessons chess beginners are taught how dangerous it is to leave the first rank without
defense. I am sure you have paid attention to this fact here as well and I hope you have found a
combinational resource for Black.
But did you overestimate your chances? Having seen a beautiful idea it is so easy to become too
optimistic!
White is better (2 points).
21...Rae8!
107
An equivalent alternative is 21...Rfe8! provoking the opponent into losing an exchange 22.Rxe8+??
Rxe8 then White is not able to defend the first rank.
Either rook move to e8 brings you 3 additional points.
21...Rae8! 22.Bf4!
This is the only move that allows White to continue resistance.
22...Rxe5 23.Qxe5 Qxe5 24.Bxe5 f6 25.Bc7
Penetration of the black rook is unavoidable 25.Bg3 Rd8.
25...Re8 26.Rd1 Re2
Black has a clear advantage in the ending which Mamedyarov successfully realized.
Someone may well wonder: what would I lose in a real game having mistakenly assessed the position
as winning but having recommended a correct move?
In the given case you have lost nothing. Probably some emotional hesitation only while waiting for an
immediate resignation to understanding the necessity of finding the correct way to realize an
advantage. But often an inaccurate assessment prevents choosing an optimal variation so do not take
offense at the author: the assessment “White is winning” does not provide you any points!
Test 44
K. Sasikiran (2681)
108
White to move

a) equal,
b) somewhat worse,
c) better.
B. Which out of two captures is better?
a) 22.fxe3
b) 22.Qxe3
Show/Hide Solution
Nobody can be surprised with the fact that there are a number of exceptions in all the strategic chess
rules.
Of course, a possibility of capturing by a pawn stands out and deserves examination. In this case
White opens the f-file for an attack but on the other hand his e5-pawn becomes completely unsafe.
“Is this position from a number of exceptions in common rules?” — that was the question.
Just precise calculation in short but important variations for assessments could help you to reach the
right answer.
White is better (2 points) due to an energetic capture by a pawn.
22.fxe3!
109
This solution brings you 3 more points.
In case of the simple 22.Qxe3 Nb6 then both sides chances were approximately equal. White failed to
organize a queen and knight tandem to attack the king. The similar black tandem will easily repulse
the attack: 23.Qf3 Qe7 24.Qg4 a5 25.Nh5 Ne8.
22.fxe3! Nb6
Black has no time to attack the e5-pawn.

a) On 22...Ne8 with the idea of 23...Qc7 and Rd7 White replies 23.Bh3! with the terrible threat of a
sacrifice on e6 forcing the black knight to go back.
b) The preliminary 22...Rf8 does not help after 23.Qg4 Nb6 (23...Ne8? is bad due to 24.Nxd5!+–).
24.Nh5 Ne8 25.Nf6+ Nxf6 26.exf6 g6 27.h5 gives White a dangerous attack.
23.Nh5! Ne8 24.Ref2 Rc7 25.Qg4
The White attack is irresistible.
25...Nc4
25...Qc8 loses because of 26.Nf6+ Nxf6 27.exf6 g6 28.h5! and there is simply no one to defend the
black king.
In this moment Mamedyarov decided to increase the threat of capturing on f7 and played...
26.Qg5?!
Capturing the f7-pawn at once would be much easier: 26.Rxf7 Qxf7 27.Rxf7 Kxf7 28.Qf4+ Kg8
110
29.Qg5 Rb8 30.Bh3! Rb6 31.Nf4 with a fast crush.
26...h6
Shakhriyar missed this simple reply. He was forced to retreat the queen having lost a tempo. Finally,
Mamedyarov won the game although with some serious adventures...
27.Qf4 1–0 (36)
The conclusion is evident — trust your own calculation and do not be afraid of breaking common
rules.
Test 45
T. Radjabov (2748)
Bastia 2010 (rapid)
White to move

a) worse,
b) winning,
c) better.
111
Show/Hide Solution
These two multi-year Azerbaijan chess leaders usually draw their games preferring to use their energy
for spirited battles against other opponents. However, in this case the tournament’s fate faced them in
the final of a rapid knock-out system. A winner must be determined!
Mamedyarov won the mini-match 2.5:1.5 and this was the first game.
If your solution was to try and shatter the pawn cover of the black king by 23.h5
or 23.g4 I must disappoint you. The position is ripe for a radical solution. The pawn shield protecting
the black king must be blown up!
23.Bxf5!
A decisive blow! It brings you 3 additional points.

The full defencelessness of the black king becomes evident.
23...Nf8
Accepting the sacrifice loses outright 23...gxf5? 24.Qh5 as well as 23...Nf6 24.Bxc8 Rxc8 25.Rf3
attacking the knight and creating the threat of a lethal check from c4.
However, the move in the game doesn’t help to coordinate a defense.
24.Rf3 Ba6 25.Qe4 Bc4 26.Qg4 gxf5
Finally, Black has decided to capture the bishop. But the battle was determined a long time ago.
27.Qxf5 Ng6 28.Qd7 Qa7 29.Qxc6 Bxa2
112
Now a simple but attractive combination follows. By sacrificing first a pawn and then an exchange
White takes control of the critical diagonal by removing its only defender.
30.b3! Bxb3 31.Rxb3! axb3 32.Qe6+ Kh8 33.Nf7+ Kg8 34.Nd8+
1–0
Calculating the consequences of the bishop sacrifice was not difficult in this case.
However, for understanding the position was ripe for combinational action after only a few minutes
or even seconds of thought requires sharp combinational vision and intuition. These skills can be
learned and developed.
Test 46
Y. Yu (2672)
Ningbo 2011
113
White to move

a) equal,
b) somewhat better,
c) White has a big advantage.
Show/Hide Solution
Hedgehog type structures hide plenty of treachery. White possesses a space advantage but Black’s
position does not have any significant weak points. Black’s a6, b6, d6, e6 pawns, like a hedgehog’s
needles, are ready to repulse any of the opponent’s pieces which might appear on the 5th rank.
In this position White must decide to (1) either continue manoeuvring without changing the pawn
structure or (2) realize one of two thematic breakthroughs: 24.c5 or 24.e5.
If you, like Mamedyarov, have decided “White has a big advantage” and now it is time to take
decisive action 2 points go to you!
24.e5!
This energetic decision brings you 3 points.

a) Another possible breakthrough 24.c5 brought no special benefits: 24...dxc5 25.bxc5 Rxd3 26.Rxd3
bxc5 27.Nxc5 a5. The knight is beautifully placed on c5 but doesn’t cause any serious problems and
penetrating by the rook with 28.Rd7 is not dangerous as Black will reply 28...Qb6 followed by ...Rd8.
114
b) Of course, White could continue manoeuvring with 24.Nc3. But in this case one can speak only
about a minimal advantage, also the white knight just moved from c3 to a4 on the last move.
24.e5! dxe5?!
24...b5 was more stubborn but after 25.exd6 Nxd6 26.cxb5 axb5 27.Qc5 White gets a big advantage.
25.Rxd8 Nxd8 26.Qxe5 Qc8
Due to the weak b6-pawn and the possibility of the white rook penetrating, the ending is absolutely
hopeless for Black.
27.c5
A first review of Black’s piece placement will tell you that they are unlikely to enter the game.
Although the Chinese grandmaster steadily resisted he had to resign on the 48th move.
It is extremely important not to miss the moment when the game transfers from strengthening your
position to taking decisive action.
Be brave but do not forget to reinforce your bravery with precise calculation.
Test 47
S. S. Ganguly (2627)
Ningbo 2011
115
White to move

a) equal,
b) worse,
Show/Hide Solution
Here is one more fragment from the World team championship of 2011. In a sharp variation of the
Nimzo Indian Defense Mamedyarov sacrificed a pawn and his minor pieces hung over the position of
the black king. Nevertheless, the Indian grandmaster continued by exchanging the queens which was
extremely difficult to avoid.
No doubt Shakh foresaw such a situation beforehand.
White has a big advantage (2 points).
24.Qxe2
An attempt at avoiding the queen trade by 24.Qf4? is a mistake because of 24...Nd3µ.
24.Qxe2 Bxe2 25.Be7!
If you, like Shakh, discovered the mating net everyone can envy your tactical vision. In fact, White
116
doesn’t need a queen for organizing a mating attack!
25...f5?!
Ganguly obviously chocked!

a) The main variation of this combination arises after 25...Rfe8 26.Nf6+! gxf6 (26...Kh8 27.Nxe8
Rxe8 28.Bxc5 bxc5 29.Rd7 doesn’t leave any chances of escape.) 27.Rg4+ Kh8 28.Bxf6#
Those who saw this checkmate earn 3 points.

b) 25...h6! was the steadiest continuation for Black. After 26.Rg4 g6 27.Nf6+ Kg7 28.Bxf8 Kxf8 a
position arises where Black has a pawn for the exchange and some real drawing chances.
26.exf6 Rf7 27.Nxg7 1–0
Remember: a queen is not always needed for a successful attack against a king. A knight, bishop and
rook with excellent coordination can also create irresistible mate threats.
Test 48
G. C. Jones (2624)
Bastia 2011 (rapid)
117
White to move

a) equal,
b) winning,
c) better.
Show/Hide Solution
I was putting the pieces on the board and about to give a task when one of my students asked me,
“How did this position come about?”
How to answer this question?
Clearly the last move was ...Nf6–e4 but could White play e4–e5 with the black bishop on f5? Or has
Jones just protected his knight by the move ...Bf5? Why did he not exchange on c3?
In fact, the answer is different. After 17.e5 Black first played for a tempo with 17...Bf5 as the white
queen was on c2. There followed 18.Qe2 when Black then made the fatal knight jump to e4.
Answer: White’s position is winning (2 points).
Having thought a bit, Mamedyarov played...
19.Be1!
A decoy, the white bishop runs away and the black knight’s move has no sting.
118
Finding this unexpected retreat of the bishop brings you 3 more points.
19...e6
After 19...dxe5 20.Nfxe5 Ned6 21.Nc6 Black loses an exchange and then the other white knight goes
to c6.
20.g4! Nxf2 21.Bxf2 Bxg4 22.dxe6 d5 23.exf7+ Rxf7 24.Ne3
Realizing the advantage of an extra piece was not a problem.

Frequently a retreating move can close a trap and you collect serious prey.
I need to add that Shakhsiyar participated in three editions of the «Corsica Masters» which is perhaps
the strongest traditional rapid tournament. In 2008 and 2010 he was the winner and in 2011 he
reached the final but yielded the crown to Anand.
Test 49
N. Huschenbeth (2518)
Gibraltar 2012
119
White to move
A. The bishop sacrifice 28.Bxg6:

a) reaches an equal game,
b) is correct and leads to a winning position,
c) is wrong and leads to a losing position.
Show/Hide Solution
Mamedyarov has been preparing this combination for some time. While Huschenbeth was thinking of
his next move Shakh had time to recall the famous game Lasker — Bauer, Amsterdam, 1889. There
the bishops of the future World champion blew up the black king’s cover like courageous kamikazes:
Bxh7! then Bxg7!.
“And my bishops will do self-sacrifice on the opposite flanks — not so bad too!” — Shakh thought
making the first stroke.
28.Bxg6!
“The bishop sacrifice is correct and leads to a winning position”, this assessment brings you 3 points.
28...fxg6
120
29.Ba5!
That is the point of the plan!

If the light-squared bishop self-sacrificed for ruining the black king’s cover, the dark-squared bishop
sacrifice forces the kings only defender, the queen, to leave the king’s defense.
For sacrificing the second bishop you get 3 more points.
29...Qxa5 30.Qxg6+ Kf8 31.Rg3 1–0
The last 3 moves by Mamedyarov before the final attack were: Qg5, Re3, Kh2. Do not forget: a
combination never appears itself — it must be prepared!
And for the inspiration of the sacrifice:
E. Lasker
J. H. Bauer
Amsterdam 1889
15.Bxh7+! Kxh7 16.Qxh5+ Kg8 17.Bxg7! Kxg7 18.Qg4+ Kh7 19.Rf3 with victory.
Do the games not look similar?
At least the main actors are the same on both Laker’s board and Mamedyarov’s!
121
Test 50
P. Kotsur (2548)
Astana 2012 (blitz)
White to move
Point out the strongest continuation.
Show/Hide Solution
With such a position on the board it is easy to imagine that the table is surrounded by gentlemen in
dark suits somewhere in the “Café de la Régence” or in London’s “Simpson’s”! It looks like the game
has come through a time portal into our century from the prior age!
The prior fighting in this game carried a trace of the romantic spirit. Mamedyarov sacrificed while the
opponent cool-bloodedly accepted the sacrifices. With his last move Kotsur retreated his king to d8.
“If he closed from check by the bishop — everything would be much harder” — Shakh thought
making almost outright a replying move.
19.Ng5!
Bravo!
The king has no time to escape to the queenside.
One could begin with the exchange sacrifice: 19.Rxg4! hxg4 20.Ng5! as it is the same idea but with a
122
different move order.
If, together with Mamedyarov, you found the winning combination of exchange sacrifices and the
knight move your trophy is 4 points!
No points go for recommending the simple 19.Qe4 with an ordinary mating threat. After 19...Ne5!
20.Nxe5 fxe5 21.Bg5+ Be7 22.Bxe7+ Kxe7 23.d6+ Qxd6 24.Qxa8 Nc6 White’s position is: better
but Black has counter play.
19.Ng5! fxg5
19...Ne5 does not help because of 20.Nf7+ Nxf7 21.gxf7 with an easy win.
20.Rxg4! Qc5
The rook cannot be taken because of mate.
21.b4!
The queen has been trapped.
21...Qxb4 22.Bxb4 Bxb4 23.Qb2 Bxe1 24.Qxg7 Re8 25.d6 Bb7 26.Qf6+ Kc8 27.g7 1–0
Do not listen to the pessimists stating that the spirit of romantic chess is to be left in the past — one
need simply believe in the richness of combinational ideas and in one’s own calculations!
123
Show in Text Mode
Test 51
A. Astaneh Lopez (2398)
Istanbul 2012
Black to move

a) equal,
b) somewhat worse,
c) better.
Show/Hide Solution
Only one observant look is enough to understand that Black has reached all that he could dream about
in a Ruy Lopez.
Black has realized the undermining ...c7–c6 and ...d6–d5 exchanging off all the white central pawns.
He has activated both bishops, transferred the knight onto f4 and begun an attack on the lonely island
124
of white pawns on the queenside.
No doubt about this, Black’s position is better (2 points).
With his last move, 26.Nf3, the Irish master has strengthened the pressure on Black’s e5-pawn. But
all of his hopes of counter play will fail.
26...Nh5!
A precise manoeuvre. This is not a retreating move, to the contrary it creates new weaknesses in
White’s camp. Those who could find it earn 3 more points.
a) A passive protection of the e5 pawn such as 26...f6? missed all the advantage: 27.Bxf4 exf4
28.Qh4„.
b) In case of 26...Bxf3 27.Bxf4! (weaker is 27.Qxf3?! Nce6!) 27...exf4 28.Qxf3 bxc3 29.bxc3 Ne6
30.Rab1 Qxc3 31.Qxc3 Bxc3 32.Rxb8 Rxb8 33.Rb1 Black gets a position with an extra doubled
pawn. To realize such an advantage is extremely difficult.
26...Nh5! 27.Qh2 Bxf3 28.gxf3
28.Nxe5? (menacing 29.Nxg6+) does not work out because of 28...Bxe5 29.Qxe5+ Qxe5 30.Rxe5
Nd7 31.Re7 bxc3 32.bxc3 Bc6 with an extra piece.
Nothing but ruins remain of White’s former elastic pawn chain.
28...Rfe8
Making an exchange first on c3 (28...bxc3) was more precise: 29.Nxe5 cxb2 30.Bxb2 Ne6! when
both white bishops ware attacked.
125
However, after the move in the game, Black also has a large advantage that Mamedyarov successfully
realized.
Do not miss the possibility to destroy your opponent’s pawn structure! To utilize pawn weaknesses
they must first be created!
Test 52
A. Brkic (2587)
Istanbul 2012
White to move

a) White has more than enough compensation — he has a clear advantage,
b) White has sufficient compensation — both sides chances are about equal,
c) White does not have sufficient compensation — Black’s chances are more preferable.
Show/Hide Solution
Assessment of a position with material balance is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. It is
impossible to make a precise verdict based on analysing just the outer static factors when assessing
such positions. First one must find the hidden dynamic resources then try calculating their
126
consequences and if that is insufficient switch on your intuition.
In the game against the Croatian grandmaster Mamedyarov employed one of the sharpest gambits in
the Slav Defense. The material advantage is on Black’s side but White’s pieces are very active. The
position could be assessed as “both sides have chances” if White did not have a concrete powerful
breakthrough.
The correct assessment “White has a clear advantage” brings you 3 points.
Shakh played...
27.f5!
If you are going to lead an attack as Shakh did give yourself 3 more points.
27...gxf5?!
Stockfish recommends capture by the bishop: 27...Bxf5 as the lesser evil. However after 28.Re7 Bxc2
(28...Bd7? loses outright because of 29.Bb3) 29.d7! Qf8
30.Kxc2 Black’s life is extremely sad. One of white’s rooks gets on the 6th rank one way or another:
30...Kg7 31.Rde4 g5 32.R4e6 or 30...a5 31.Re5 Qb8 32.Rd6. White takes the c6-pawn and later he
wins the queen.
28.Rg1+! Kh7
28...Kh8 loses: 29.Rh4 Qf8 30.Bd4+ and now either 30...Kh7 31.Rhg4 or 30...f6 31.Rg6 are both
hopeless.
29.Rdg4 Qf8
127
For one moment Black seems to be protected but this is not correct.
30.Bd4! f6 31.Rg6 Rd8 32.Rxf6 1–0
When the initiative is on your side — be resolute!
Test 53
P. Leko (2732)
Tashkent 2012
128
Black to move

a) equal,
b) better,
c) winning.
Show/Hide Solution
“Why does everybody write only about ‘the advantage of the bishop pair’?” — smiled Shakh in his
thoughts. “Here I have ‘the advantage of the knight pair’!“
If your assessment agreed with Shakh your award is 3 points: Black’s position is better.
One consideration of possessing the bishops pair consists in the possibility of exchanging one of them
with profit at the right moment.
This rule completely corresponds to Mamedyarov’s knights!
35...Bxg5!
This spectacular blow brings you 3 more points.

After 35...Nxd3 36.Rxd3 the weak pawn on a6 is compensated for by the activity of the white pieces.
Black cannot create any real problems for the opponent: 36...Nxa6 37.Rxd5 Bc5 38.Rd3= or 36...Bc5
37.Nf2 Bxe3 38.Rxe3 Kf8 39.Ng4=. And in case of 36....Rd8 37.Bd4 Bf8 38.Nf2 Black has to be
129
careful to equalize.
The exchange of one knight out of a pair should be done only “at the right time”!
An attempt at using a pin “from another side” with 35...Bc5 does not bring success. After 36.Bxc5
Nxd3+ 37.Kxd3 bxc5 38.Nf2 Re6 39.Ng4 White gets counter play sufficient for maintaining
balance.
35...Bxg5! 36.Nf2
This is the best defending move.

After 36.fxg5?! Ng4 37.Kf3 Nxe3 38.Re1 Nc4 39.Rxe8+ Nxe8 40.Bxc4 dxc4 Black has good
chances of realizing his extra pawn in the knight ending and 36.fxe5?? Rxe5 loses outright.
36...Nxd3 37.Nxd3 Be7 38.Kf3 f6 39.Bd4 Kf7
Black has a healthy extra pawn, but it is hard to realize this advantage as the white pieces are actively
placed
Leko managed to save the game with inventive defensive play.
40.Rh1 Nxa6 41.Ra1 Nc5 42.Bxc5 bxc5 43.f5!
½–½ (54)
The moral from this game is not a cliché: chess is a concrete game: “the advantage of Mamedyarov’s
knight pair” proved itself well!
130
Test 54
L. Le Quang (2705)
Moscow 2013 (rapid)
White to move

a) somewhat worse,
b) equal,
c) better.
Show/Hide Solution
The powerful bishop on b7, a steel chain of black pawns (e6–f7–g6) and the strong centralized knight
on d5 give Black all that one can dream about in the Meran variation. Only castling is needed, and the
advantage will be on his side.
“What in fact has changed?”
Shakhriyar thought as he recalled his old game against Nepomniachtchi (see Test 35) and plunged at
once into checking the variations.
Five years ago at the Russian team championship he crushed Ian having realized a similar
breakthrough. That game’s opening developed similarly with the only difference being that on the last
move instead of 14...Be7 Black played 14...a6.
131
Only one minute later Shakh was sure that White had the strongest initiative and his position was
better (2 points). Having run by the branches of the variation tree, he firmly advanced the f-pawn.
15.f5! exf5
a) A capture by the g-pawn 15...gxf5? was losing 16.Nxe6! fxe6 17.Qh5+ Kf8 18.Bh6+ Kg8
19.Bxf5! exf5
20.Qxf5 and mate is unavoidable.

b) The piece sacrifice was the best practical chance: 15...0-0 16.f6 N7xf6 17.exf6 Bxf6. One cannot
speak about serious compensation however just this variation does not allow us to assess that White’s
position was definitely winning.
16.e6!
After this second breakthrough Black’s position cannot be held.

Those who intended to act as firmly as Mamedyarov did get 4 more points.
16...N7f6 17.Bb5+ Kf8
132
18.Nxf5!
18.Bh6+ Kg8 19.Qe2 may have been easier but we agree that Mameyarov’s way was more
spectacular.
18...gxf5?
18...h6 19.Nxe7 Qxe7 20.b3 fxe6 21.Bb2 was steadier but could not change the result of the game.
19.Bh6+ Kg8 20.Rxf5 fxe6 21.Rg5+ Kf7 22.Rg7+ Kf8 23.Qf3 Qd6 24.Rf1 Bc6 25.Qh5 1–0
A moral is simple here: pay serious attention to your prior games as even the most pleasant memories
connected with them can turn to be real once again!
Test 55
H. Nakamura (2784)
Moscow 2013
133
Black to move
A. The knight sacrifice 19...Nxf2 is:

a) is correct and leads to a win for Black’s,
b) is incorrect and leads to White’s advantage,
c) results in unclear play.
Show/Hide Solution
Nakamura played the opening very unsuccessfully. The symmetrically arranged rooks, bishops and
the knights have been beautifully placed but they do not care at all about their king’s safety. The
pawns covering f2,g3,h3 would look more natural with the bishop on g2 but in the given case such a
structure looks like a summer tent on the battle field.
Do not hesitate! The knight sacrifice leads to White’s demise (3 points).
19...Nxf2! 20.Kxf2 Bxh3!
Two terrible threats of check from c5 and g4 decide the game.
21.Kg1
a) I guess Nakamura hoped after 21.Nd4 Bc5 22.Be3 to hold the position but he did not consider the
resource 22...Qe5! with a win. For example: 23.Qd3 Rxd4! 24.Bxd4 Rd8 etc.
134
b) The same manoeuvre of the queen also decides the issue after 21.Nh2 — 21...Qe5! 22.Rg1 Bc5+
23.Be3 Bxe3+ 24.Kxe3 Rxd1 25.Bxd1 Qc5+ winning the rook.
21...Bxg3
Black has three pawns for a piece and now he gains an exchange. The position of the white king
remains completely deprived of any defenders.
The remainder needs no comments.
22.Bf1 Bxe1 23.Rxe1 Bg4 24.Bg2 Bxf3 25.Bxf3 Qd6 26.Re2 Qg3+ 27.Bg2 Ng4 28.Nd1 Re6
29.Ne3 Rc6 30.Qb1 Qh2+ 31.Kf1 Qf4+ 0–1
The test was to assess a position with material imbalance but while you were solving it if you found
the variation 21.Nd4 Bc5 22.Be3 Qe5! 2 more points are yours!
If the pieces do not want to take care of their own king then the opponent’s pieces will!
Test 56
M. Carlsen (2864)
Moscow 2013
135
Black to move

a) worse,
b) better,
c) equal.
a) 15...Rac8
b) 15...Rfc8
Show/Hide Solution
The white knights were hanging over the black pieces like infantry ready to attack. To neutralize their
activity accurate steps are needed.
For this test those who decided that Black could cope with this task and assessed the position as equal
are correct (2 points).
To place the rook on the open c-file is logical and this can also emphasise the instability of the white
queen on c4 and will further protect the c7-square an additional time.
But which one of two rooks is to be placed there? This is the “eternal question” of chess strategy.
There is no time for philosophic thoughts in blitz.
Carlsen quickly moved his king’s rook to c8 and by the decisiveness with which Shakh made his
response Carlsen understood that a fatal mistake had been committed.
136
15...Rfc8??
Correctly was 15...Rac8 16.Nxd7 Nxd7 17.Qa4 a6 18.Nc7 e5! 19.Rxd7 Rxc7 20.Rxc7 Qxc7 21.Bg3
a5 with equal play.
15...Rfc8?? 16.Nxd7 Nxd7 17.Nc7!
“How could I place the wrong rook on c?!” — Magnus thought with displeasure.
A small tactical operation allows Mamedyarov to gain a material advantage.
17...Rxc7 18.Bxc7 Qxc7 19.b4
Due to the pin on the c-file White wins a piece and remains up an extra exchange for a pawn.
Those who managed to refute the mistake of the World champion and reached this position in their
calculations gain 3 more points.
The next moves from Mamedyarov are aimed at capturing the piece under the most favourable
circumstances.
19...Rc8 20.Qb5!
Shakhriyar does not give the black knight a chance to come to c5. In case of 20.bxc5 Nxc5 for White
to realize the advantage would be rather difficult, especially under the conditions of a blitz-game.
20...Rd8 21.Rd2! h6 22.Rcd1 a6 23.Qc4 Kf8 24.bxc5 bxc5 25.h3
137
White has a decisive advantage.
1–0
At first glance the question seems simple: “Which rook is to be placed on an open file?”. This
question has been tormenting chess players for more than a century, from the times when Steinitz
penned the principles of positional play and explained to all the chess world that open files must be
occupied.
Sometimes even the World Champion misses the question!
Test 57
B. Socko (2661)
Warsaw 2013
138
Black to move

a) Black has a winning attack,
b) Black’s attack leads to a small advantage,
c) White has managed to defend — the position is approximately equal.
Show/Hide Solution
Those who understood that any bishop retreat was followed by 28.Qd1 winning a piece quickly
considered that the “Rubicon has been crossed” and there was no way back! This is the time to
sacrifice. The square on which to sacrifice has been determined — f4. But what will be sacrificed?
27...Nxf4+!
Bravery is necessary when attacking. Optimists are right, Black’s position is winning (2 points).
If, as Shakhriyar, you decided to sacrifice the knight — you get 3 more points.
a) If you have chosen the rook sacrifice 27...Rxf4, you’ll get 1 point for your bravery. The thing is
that White finds a strong defending resource in reply: 28.Rxf4! (but not 28.gxf4?? Qg4!+ 29.Kh2
Nxf4 with a fast mate) 28...Bxf4
139
29.Qd1! Bxg3! 30.Nxg3 Nf4+ 31.Kg1 Qg6 32.Qf3 Rf8 Black has a dangerous attack however the
position is still rather complicated.
b) For the bishop sacrifice 27...Bxf4 you get no points at all. The continuation 28.Rh1 Qf5 29.Rxe2
Be3 30.Rxe3 dxe3 31.Qd1 provides White with excellent counter play.
27...Nxf4+! 28.gxf4 Bxf4
Black’s attack is irresistible.
29.Ng3
140
The Polish grandmaster’s trouble comes from the fact that his queen has no time to come and help his
king: 29.Qd1? Qh2+ 30.Kf3 Qh3+ 31.Ke2 Qe3#.
29...Qg5 30.Rxf4
White is forced to give back an exchange, but it does not rescue him.
30...Qxf4 31.Re2 Qf3+ 32.Kh2 Rf4 33.Rg2 Rh4+ 34.Kg1 Qe3+
0–1
Sometimes determining the moment to deliver the combinational stroke and even the square where it
must be done is not too difficult. However, choosing the piece which should be sacrificed is hard. In
these cases, precise calculation is your fried. Learn to calculate variations precisely!
Test 58
S. Karjakin (2756)
White to move

a) somewhat worse,
b) equal,
c) better.
141
Show/Hide Solution
Having committed an inaccuracy in the opening, Karjakin has been trying in vain to find possibilities
of escaping from the pressure of the white pieces. “Looks done”, Sergey thought making his last
move.
But one moment later he was disappointed. Evidently the breakthrough 16...e5 has only made the
situation worse.
White’s position is clearly better (2 points).
17.Nd6!
After 17.d5 cxd5 18.Bxd5 Nxc5! 19.Bxf7+ Kxf7 20.bxc5 Bf5 21.Rhc1 White keeps a minimal
advantage but most of Black’s difficulties are in the past.
17.Nd6! exd4+ 18.Kf4!
A temporary pawn sacrifice completely refutes Black’s plan and brings you 4 points provided you
found the moves.
18.Nxd4? was a serious mistake as it would allow Black to activate his pieces and even to seize the
initiative: 18...Ne5 19.Be2 a5 20.a3 Ng4+ƒ.
18...Nf8
An attempt at defending the f7-pawn does not rescue Black: 18...Rf8 19.Rae1 a5 20.Nh4! and White
wins.
The steadiest defense was 18...a5 19.Bxf7+ Kf8 20.a3 d3 but even in this case White has a big
advantage.
19.Bxf7+ Kh7 20.Rae1
142
The possibility of penetrating on the 7th rank and the threats on the h-file after the breakthrough g2–
g4 make Black’s position hopeless. The game was over on the 31st move. 1–0 (31)
A positional pawn sacrifice must be in every chess player’s arsenal.
Test 59
L. Dominguez Perez (2754)
143
White to move

b) Black is somewhat better,
c) the position is approximately equal.
Show/Hide Solution
“What equality can there be if the opponent’s king is in a mating net?” — a reader would say having
found that the black knight cannot prevent the mate on the 8th rank along with the bishop transfer to
f6.
White has a big advantage (1 point).
By his last move Dominguez proposed a queen exchange having played 24...Qa5–a4. But it was this
move that proved fatal as his queen was controlling the d8-square from a5.
Shakh reacted almost in a moment.
25.Qxa4 Rxa4 26.Bg5!
This decisive transfer of the bishop based on a tactical nuance — it must not be taken because of a
mate — brings you 4 points!
If you decided to realize a similar idea beginning from the exchange sacrifice — 26.Rxe6 fxe6
27.Bg5, your trophy will be 1 point only. After 27...Rg4! 28.Bf6 Rf8 29.Rd7 Rf7 30.Be7 Rxe7
31.Rxe7 Rxg2 Black escapes.
26...c4?!
26...Rg4 was steadier but does not save Black: 27.Bf6 Rxg2 (or 27...Rf8 28.g3 b6 29.Rd7 c4 30.R1d6
Nc5 31.e6+–) 28.Rxe6! fxe6 29.Rd7 Rxf2 30.Rg7+ Kf8 31.Rxh7 with a win.
144
27.Rxe6! fxe6 28.Rd7 c3 29.Rg7+ Kf8 30.Rxh7
The powerful bishop + rook tandem crushes Black’s position.
30...c2 31.Rc7 c1=Q+ 32.Rxc1 Rg4 33.Bf6
1–0
One should not forget about weakness of the last rank for an instant!
Test 60
L. Aronian (2830)
145
Black to move
How would you retreat the knight?

a) 13...Ne7
b) 13...Nh4
Show/Hide Solution
In 2011 Mamedyarov participated in a Candidates competition for the first time. Then in Kazan he
lost a quarter-final to the further winner Boris Gelfand. Shakhriyar missed the next cycle. Khanty-
Mansiysk was his second attempt. That time the candidates fought in a double round-robin
tournament.
In the first round Mamedyarov had a draw with Topalov. The next game was against Aronian.
13...Ne7??
Having made a move and pressed the clock button Shakh looked up and outright understood by
Levon’s surprised look that something went wrong. One instant later he understood that something
irreparable happened.
It was stronger to retreat on the edge of the board 13...Nh4. White cannot trap the knight: 14.Qh5
Bxf5 15.Rxf5 (after 15.Bxf5 g6 16.Bxg6 fxg6 17.Rxf6 gxh5 18.Rxh6 Nf5 Black has good
compensation) 15...Nxf5 16.Qxf5 Qxf5 17.Bxf5 Rae8. Black has a rook and a pawn against two
knights. However, after the queens are exchanged one can speak only about a minimal advantage for
White. All of that was played in a game two years later: Hammer — Grandelius, Norway, 2016.
146
For determining the place where it is better to retreat a knight there is no necessity of calculating
precisely all these complicated variations. It is enough to strictly refute another retreat in your
calculations
I might add that perhaps Black should not retreat the knight but play 13...Qg5 but this does not
concern our test.
Having checked the easy variations in a minute, Levon played...
13...Ne7?? 14.Nde4! dxe4 15.Nxe4 Qh4 16.g3 Qh3 17.Nf2
The queen has been trapped.
If in your calculations you reached this position, 4 points are yours! If you did not see this cunning
trap by Aronian, the only consolation you have is that you fell into this trap together with Shakhriyar
Mamedyarov.
17...Qxf1+ 18.Kxf1 Nxf5 19.Qf3 Nd6 20.e4
White has the queen vs rook + bishop in addition to a powerful pawn center. The game has obviously
passed to a stage of realizing the advantage which Levon did irreproachably.
1–0 (44)
The next day Shakhriyar, totally frustrated, lost to Anand with White. The start of the tournament was
a catastrophe for him: a half-point out of three. Later Mamedyarov recovered reaching 50% but this
was insufficient to contest the right to play against the World Champion.
A queen is a very strong piece but remember that it requires good care!
147
Show in Text Mode
Test 61
L. Aronian (2830)
White to move
Show/Hide Solution
Having started its career from the e2-square Shakh’s ambitious pawn has penetrated the 7th rank by
the 12 move and it is still alive! First, Aronian did not take it as it covered his king while at the same
time, he needed to develop counter play thus it appears he simply forgot about it! Yet it is this pawn
that decides the game.
35.Qe8+!
This combination is not that difficult but requires precise calculation.

The protected passed pawn on g7 by itself guaranteed nothing for White.
148
The passive 35.Nf4? c2 36.Ne2 Rd3 only leads to problems for White.
35.Qe8+! Qxe8 36.Nf6+ Kf7 37.Nxe8 Ra3
After 37...c2 38.Nf6 c1=Q 39.g8=Q+ Kxf6 40.Qe6+ Kg5
White has several ways of mating the black king. 41.Qg4+ Kf6 42.Bd4+ Ke7 43.Qe6+ Kf8 44.Bg7#
is the shortest of them. If you managed to find it, or any other mates, you get 4 points.
38.Nf6
Now the ending is easily winning as White has two pawns.
38...Ra8 39.g8=Q+ Rxg8 40.Nxg8 Kxg8 41.Kf4 Bd3 42.Ke5 Kf7 43.Be3 Bf1 44.g4
1–0
This game was played in the 9th round and Mamedyarov again reached 50% with his next five games
being draws.
One should never forget about passed pawns even if at first sight they do not look dangerous!
Test 62
V. Ivanchuk (2744)
Tromsoe 2014
149
Black to move

a) Black has a decisive advantage,
b) White may hold the position by with precise play.
B. How Black should continue?
Show/Hide Solution
Black has ideally placed his whole army on white squares. The king blocks and attacks the enemy’s
passed pawn, the knight and the d5-pawn control almost the whole center, the structure on the
kingside is irreproachable and the rooks on the a-file and the 4th rank have already started penetrating
White’s camp. Shakhriyar prepared a step-by-step plan to realize his strategic pluses. However
Ivanchuk simplified his task by his last move of 25.Kd2–c3. Now Black clearly has a decisive
advantage. (1 point).
25...d4+!
This is a cherry on the top of a brilliantly played game!

One cannot capture the pawn with the bishop: 26.Bxd4 Rc4+ 27.Kd3 Rxd4+ 28.Rxd4 Nxd4–+,
and 26.Rdxd4 Nxd4 27.Rxd4 Rxd4 28.Bxd4 Ra4 followed by Kd5 leads to a position where the black
rook can easily cope with the white bishop.
White resigned. 0–1
150
If you were going to realize Black’s advantage as Mamedyarov did 2 more points are yours.
While this was not a difficult tactic when you have a strategically won game one wants so much to
remember Jose Raul Capablanca and his “small combinations”!
Test 63
A. Grischuk (2810)
Tbilisi 2015
Black to move

a) White has more than enough compensation for a pawn,
b) both sides’ chances are approximately equal,
c) Black has an advantage.
Show/Hide Solution
In the Cambridge Springs defense of the Queen’s Gambit Grischuk sacrificed a pawn obtaining
serious compensation. However, he was too passionate about strengthening his threats. His last move
17.Ra4–a5 was a mistake. Now Black gets an advantage (1 point).
151
17...Qh6!
Shakh breathed freely: the game has passed from the period of intensive defense to the stage of
advantage realization.
This “long move” escaped Grischuk’s attention but if you found it then it brings you 3 points. Black
wins a second pawn.
a) Any exchanges on d4 only added gas to the fire increasing White’s initiative: 17...exd4?! 18.exd4
0-0 19.dxc5 Nxc5 20.Rb5 Qc7 21.Qd5 give White more than enough compensation.
b) The capture 17...cxd4? was even worse: 18.exd4 exd4 (18...Qxd4? 19.Qb4+–)
19.Rb5!±.
17...Qh6! 18.Bg3 exd4 19.Bf4?!
An unexpected turn of events has confused the cold-blooded Grischuk.

After 19.f3 d3 20.Bd1 b6 21.Ra3 Bb7 22.fxe4 Bxe4 23.Bf3 (µ) he succeeds in giving back one of the
two pawns.
19...g5 20.Bg3 d3 21.Bd1 b6 22.Ra1 f5
152
Despite a steady resistance from Grischuk, Shakh realized his advantage.
0–1
Black played five of his first sixteen moves with his queen. Meanwhile his king was not castled and
his queenside remined undeveloped. This is probably why Grischuk missed the sixth move of the
queen.
When you have the initiative do not forget about non-standard counter-chances of your opponent!
Test 64
V. Malakhov (2706)
Jurmala 2015 (rapid)
153
Black to move
Show/Hide Solution
If you took your time you have evidently found the correct move.
28...Rxe4!
The exchange sacrifice clears the way for the d-pawn and wins the game outright.
The consequences of 28...Nxc4?! 29.dxc4 d3 30.Qf3 Qd4+ 31.Nf2 d2 are not so evident.
28...Rxe4! 29.dxe4 d3!
Clearly, White cannot capture the knight because of the pin 30...Bd4.
The tactical idea is simple therefore finding it only brings you 3 points.
30.Qf3 d2 31.Rd1 Nxd1
The white queen is clearly not available to prevent the opponent’s pawn reaching the 1st rank while
simultaneously providing protection for the king. Therefore, Malakhov resigned.
0–1
Reach a goal by the shortest way!
154
Test 65
S. Bekker Jensen (2462)
Reykjavik 2015
White to move
Find a way to decisively improve White’s position.
Show/Hide Solution
Those who found the correct bishop transfer evidently know the main principle of positional play: by
improving one piece you improve your whole position.
There are no claims that the queen or rook are in need of improvement, but the bishop has been in a
passive position.
29.Bc1! Rb8 30.Bf4!
Transferring the bishop to an active position brings you 4 points.
30...Rb4
Occupation of the open b-file by Black does not provide him any real counter play.
155
The exchange of bishops is the best thing that he can try.
31.Be5 Bxe5 32.Rxe5
Some simplification of the position should not confuse you.

If Black had only one weakness — the e6-pawn — his position could still be held. But Black’s
queenside has been weakened and he must watch out for any penetration by White on the b7-square.
White has an overwhelming advantage.
32...Qe7
Black has taken the b-file under control thus Mamedyarov starts a combined attack against the e6-
pawn and the weaknesses of the kingside.
33.h4
More energetic was 33.Qe2! Kf7 34.Re3 Rb8 35.Rf3+ Kg8 36.Qe5 Re8 37.Rb3+–.
33...Qf6 34.Qc3 Rb5 35.Kg2 Kf7
156
36.Re3! Ke8 37.Rf3 Qg7 38.Qe3
White’s queen and rook simply torment Black’s position.
38...Kd7 39.Qf4 e5 40.Qg4+ 1–0
This is an excellent example of an attack with limited material.

Do not be afraid of simplifications if there is a range of weaknesses in the opponent’s camp. “A
limited contingent of troops” is also a combat army!
Test 66
M. Ragger (2688)
Vienna 2015
157
White to move

a) White has a minimal advantage,
b) White is clearly better,
c) both sides’ chances are approximately equal.
Show/Hide Solution
This is the first of six games of a training match between Mamedyarov and Austria’s best player held
in Vienna. The Ruy Lopez exchange variation was the opening and Black’s queenside pawn structure
has undergone several transformations. Ragger had no serious problems till he opened the center with
the move ...d6–d5.
The assessment “White is clearly better” brings you 2 points.
18.b4!
An unexpected undermining happened and Black’s pawn structure falls in ruins.

Those who found it gain 4 points.
Preparing with 18.c3 allowed Black to organize counter play 18...Ne7 19.b4 Bc6! with the idea of
Nd5.
18.Re1 hampered Black’s development but after 18...Nh6 19.Bxh6 gxh6 20.Rad1 Rhe8 White has a
158
minimal edge only.
18.b4! axb4 19.a5! bxa5 20.Bxc5! Nh6 21.Rxa5
21...Rhe8?
After 21...Bb7 22.Bxb4 White has an extra pawn. Now Mamedyarov wins an exchange.
22.Bb6! Rd6 23.Nc4! Bxc4 24.Rxd6 Re1+ 25.Kf2 Re2+ 26.Kg3 1–0
Having no piece support even a reliably looking pawn chain can crumble like a house of cards.
Test 67
M. Ragger (2688)
Vienna 2015
159
White to move
The move 36.g6+ is:

a) correct and leads to White’s victory,
b) mistaken and allows Black to escape.
Show/Hide Solution
In the third game of the match the same exchange variation of the Ruy Lopez was played. In the
ensuing tactics Shakh managed to outsmart Ragger and the above ending with opposite coloured
bishops and an unbalanced 5 v. 5 pawn formation appeared rather quickly. Ragger has been striving
to save the position but failed to manoeuvre his queenside majority properly and Mamedyarov has
managed to completely block Black’s queenside position. White has reached a winning position.
36.g6+!
A breakthrough based on this “small combination” is the fastest way to win.
36...Kg8
If 36...hxg6 37.h7 Kg7 38.fxg6 Bd3 White continues 39.Bf8+! Kh8 40.Kf6 with mate. Finding this
variation brings you 3 points.
37.Kf6 Bd3 38.Ke6 hxg6 39.f6 Bc4+ 40.Ke7 g5 41.f7+ Bxf7 42.h7+ 1–0
In the second half of the match, the Austrian managed to score a win. The other games were drawn
160
and Shakhriyar won the match with the score 3.5–2.5.
There is a simple conclusion from this game: endings with opposite coloured bishops even with an
even number of pawns is not always a draw.
Test 68
S. P. Sethuraman (2640)
Baku 2015
Black to move

a) better,
b) worse,
c) equal.
B. What move would you prefer?
a) 17...Qxe2
b) 17...Bc7
Show/Hide Solution
The game has just left the opening phase. Both side’s chances are approximately equal. (2 points).
161
Of course, the Indian grandmaster did not expect that Shakhriyar would fall in such a simple trap and
I hope you have not fallen for it as well.
17...Bc7
A logical bishop retreat brings you 2 more points.

Counting on 17...Qxe2? 18.Qxe2 Rxe2 19.Rxd6?? Re1+ 20.Bf1 Bh3 with mate or on 19.Kf1? Re6
20.Bh3 Re4³ with an advantage to Black was mistaken. White would reply 19.Nc3 Re6 (after
19...Re8? 20.Rxd6 Re1+ 21.Bf1 Bh3 White deflects the mating threat by 22.Rd1+–) 20.Bh3± winning
an exchange.
17...Bc7
The game continued:
18.Be3 Ng4 19.Bd4 Qxe2 20.Qc3 Bf5
A complicated fight with mutual chances has begun, when the smoke cleared a draw was the result.
½–½ (36)
Small tactical traps will often be waiting for you in games against experienced opponents. One should
know how to bypass them just as an experienced pilot bypasses dangerous underwater reefs that may
threaten his boat.
Test 69
Y. Wei (2700)
162
Chine 2016
Black to move
Demonstrate the strongest continuation for Black.
Show/Hide Solution
This game was not easy for Mamedyarov, he committed an inaccuracy in the opening resulting in a
difficult struggle.
Although Shakh managed to trick his opponent with an unexpected king march, even capturing the
h3-pawn, the black king then had to retreat.
The position remained unclear but by his last move 43.Bb2–c1 Wei Yi made a mistake.
43...e3!
“Everything was not in vain!” Shakhriyar thought, having firmly moved the e-pawn. The mating idea
on g2 came to him even before his king began its risky voyage.
If you found this checkmate too you gain 4 points!
a) The immediate 43...Kh3 gave nothing because of 44.Be3=.
b) Attempting to penetrate the white king’s residence with the queen by 43...Bxc1 44.Rxc1 Qd7
163
leads to a draw after 45.Rc3! e3!.
43...e3! 44.fxe3
The vision becomes reality after 44.Bxe3 Kh3! and the white king cannot escape from the mating
threats.
44...Qf3 45.Qb2 Qg3+ 46.Kf1 Be5 0–1
Sometimes the king leads its army in the attack!
Test 70
B. Savchenko (2633)
Izmir 2016
164
White to move

a) better,
b) winning,
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
Determining White’s advantage is not difficult. White has the better pawn structure, centralization of
his pieces and more active rook placement. But how big is the advantage?
Those who grappled with the test and could feel that the position is ripe for a decisive combination
are correct.
Shakh has quickly checked the variations a final time. He composed this combination before having
provoked the move b6 and foreseen capturing the e7-pawn.
20.Nxe7!!
20.Bb3 b5 21.Rc5 led to an advantage, but an advantage is still not a win.
20.Nxe7!! Nxe7 21.Bb5+
165
That is why it was necessary to provoke the move b6 since Black cannot cover the check with the
knight.
21...Kd6 22.Rc7!
22.Bg3+ Kd5 23.Rc7! led to the same position.
22...Rxc7 23.Bg3+ Kd5 24.Rxc7
Mate is threatened and the black king has no retreat, all of the exits are closed.
If you reached this position in your calculations, 4 points are yours!
24...Bf6 25.Bc4+ Ke4 26.Bd3+ Kd5 27.e4+ Kxd4 28.f4
Checkmate (with Bf2) is unavoidable — a small masterpiece has been completed!
166
1–0
Sometimes increasing your strategic pluses ripens the position for a combinational blow. One needs
sharp tactical vision to see these opportunities.
167
Show in Text Mode
Test 71
S. Karjakin (2769)
Baku 2016
White to move

a) somewhat worse,
b) equal,
c) better.
Show/Hide Solution
In the given case, the pluses and the minuses of this position must be weighted on pharmaceutical
scales. Black has weak pawns on c6 and a5, this stand out at once. Karjakin has managed to place his
bishop on the reinforced d5-square and to fix the kingside’s pawns of the opponent on light squares.
Mamedyarov can remove both of these defects in his position by simply capturing the bishop. The
168
drawback is that if he does this the defects in Black’s position will also be gone.
Nevertheless, those readers who considered the strategic troubles of Black’s position to have been
more considerable are correct.
White’s position is better (2 points).
Mamedyarov found a fine zigzag manoeuvre to highlight the defects of Black’s pawn structure.
30.Rc4!
The white rook aims for the c5-square from where it will attack the a5-pawn and d5-square.
If you, as Shakhriyar, found this fine manoeuvre you receive 3 more points.
It must be said that after 30.Ke3 Kg6 31.Re7 White keeps some advantage. However, after 31...Ra8!
Black seems to hold the position.
30.Rc4! Bxc4
30...Ra8? 31.Rc5 loses almost at once, however after 30...Rbb8 31.Rc5 Ra8 32.Rd4 Ke5 33.Ra4 one
cannot envy Black.
31.Rxd8
One White rook has been exchanged but the other one breaks through to the opponent’s camp.
31...Bb5?!
31...Bd5 32.Ra8! Ke5± was stronger.
32.Ra8 a4 33.Nxa4 Bxa4 34.Rxa4 c5 35.Ra5 Rd4 36.Ke3
169
White has a winning position.
However, Sergej Karjakin has been considered to be perhaps the best defender in the world.
Sometimes he is even jokingly called “The minister of defense”. In this case, as in others, he managed
to escape with a draw taking advantage of small inaccuracies by Shakh.
½–½ (75)
Often we only consider the rooks to be hard hitting and straight line attackers. But as we saw here
they can be nimble at maneuvering as well as mobile pieces!
Test 72
M. Adams (2747)
Moscow 2017
170
White to move
Show/Hide Solution
Black’s pieces are really crowded on the queenside. With his last move, 22...Nb6–d5, Adams tries to
relocating the knight to defend the king, but it was already too late...
23.Nxf7!
This stroke is not that difficult to find, blows up the cover of the black king and brings you 3 points.
One need not even consider that Black can capture the pawn on h2 with check!
23...Qxf7
23...Kxf7? leads to mate 24.Qg6+ Kf8 25.Re8#.
24.Bg6 Bf5
This move allows Black to defend against direct threats but does not save the game.
25.Bxf5 Nxb4 26.Qe4 Nd5 27.Be6 Qf6 28.Rxb8+ Rxb8 29.Qh7 g5 30.Qg8+ 1–0
“One can easily find such a sacrifice!” — a reader will say.

Agreed. To force, trap and provoke all the opponent’s pieces into leaving their king is a difficult feat
171
especially when your opponent is super grandmaster Adams!
Test 73
M. Vachier-Lagrave (2796)
Paris 2017 (rapid)
White to move

a) White has sufficient compensation for the pawn — both sides’ chances are approximately equal,
b) White does not have sufficient compensation,
c) White has a winning position.
Show/Hide Solution
A right diagnosis can be made in this position only after having found the combinational idea and
having calculated variations precisely.
The assessment “White has a winning position” brings you 2 points.
25.Nxg5+!
172
The preliminary exchange 25.Bxg7?! Kxg7 would be a mistake. After 26.Nxg5 Qb4! 27.Qb2+ Qc3
Black is out of danger.
25.Nxg5+! Kg8
Accepting the sacrifice loses: 25...hxg5 26.Bxg7 Kxg7 27.Qxg5+ Kh7 (the refutation to 27...Kh8 is
even easier 28.Qh6+ Kg8 29.Rxd5+–) 28.Be4+! f5 29.Qg6+ Kh8
30.Bxf5 and Black cannot capture the Bishop as his Queen is unprotected.
Having found this main variation in Shakh’s combination you earn 4 points.
26.Ne4
It would be out of place to criticise Mamedyarov for not calculating these spectacular possibilities
:26.Nxf7! Kxf7 27.Qc2!+– or 26.Bxg7 Kxg7 27.Nxf7! Kxf7 28.Qxh6+– in favour of an easier way.
26...Qb8
Other queen retreats were also losing:

a) 26...Qb4 27.Qxb4 Nxb4 28.Nf6+ Bxf6 29.Bxf6+–
b) 26...Qa3 27.Bxg7 Kxg7 28.Qd4+ Kg8 29.Qe5+–
c) 26...Qf8 27.Bc5+–.
27.Bxg7 Kxg7 28.Qb2+
173
As 29.Rxd5! follows any retreat of the king.
Black resigned.
1–0
Who would believe that the unprotected black queen would be fatal?!
Test 74
V. Fedoseev (2718)
Riadh 2017 (blitz)
174
Black to move

a) equal,
b) winning,
c) better.
Show/Hide Solution
Black has an active bishop, king, rook and powerful pawns in the center. Could these pluses be
compensated for by one weak square on d5?!
Yes, if the white knight stands on the d5-square!
Black’s position is better (2 points) but only if he doesn’t allow White to place the knight on d5.
Almost without thought, after all, blitz is blitz! Mamedyarov advanced the b-pawn!
30...b5!
This strategic pawn sacrifice brings you 3 more points.
31.cxb5?
Now for the price of a pawn Shakh gets rid of the only defect of his position.
White should have kept control of the crucial d5-square at all cost: 31.axb5 axb5 32.Na3 bxc4
175
33.bxc4. The price for doing this is a passive knight on the edge of the board. Black would have just a
minimal advantage in this position.
31...axb5 32.axb5 d5! 33.Na3?
33.g4! f4 34.Nd2 e4 35.b4! was the best chance: 35...Bf8 36.Nb3 Bxb4 37.Nd4+ Kd6µ.
33...Bf8 34.Ra1
Now the game reaches an ending of bishop vs knight: 34...Ra8! 35.Nc2 Rxa1+ 36.Nxa1 d4 and Black
wins.
Although the game reached this result there were the typical adventures of blitz. 0–1
When the fight is for a key square a pawn is not that big of a price to pay.
Test 75
A. Grischuk (2767)
Berlin 2018
176
White to move
How should White continue?
Show/Hide Solution
During the last two dozen moves Mamedyarov has been trying in vain to hold at least a phantom of
an advantage. However, Grischuk dispelled this illusion by precise play.
When the game neared its end Alexander had little time and tried to push the issue by capturing a
pawn on his last move 34...Nd6xb5. He must have thought this to be the shortest way to force a draw.
35.e6!!
Here is what Grischuk had forgotten or had not considered: clearing off the 7th rank allows White’s
pieces to break through to the black king.
a) Taking the knight at once would lead to an immediate draw: 35.Bxb5 c2 36.e6 c1=Q 37.Qxc1
Qxb5 38.exf7 Qd5+=;
b) 35.Qc4 e6 36.Bxb5 c2 also leads to a draw.
c) And after 35.Qxe7 Qc7! 36.Qxc7 Nxc7 37.Be4 Ne6 38.Kf1 Nd4= the knight and the passed pawn
build an impenetrable wall in front of the white king.
35.e6!! Qa3
This is the best chance.
177
The pawn capture is losing: 35...fxe6? 36.Qxe7+ Kh6 37.Qf8+ Kh7 38.Qf7+ Kh8 39.Qf6+ Kh7
40.Be4! and White’s threats are irresistible.

If this variation coincides with your plan of attack 4 points are yours!
36.Qxb5! c2 37.exf7 Kg7
38.Be4!
An alternative mating attack is 38.Qe5+ Kxf7 39.Bd5+ Ke8 40.Be6!.
178
If you found the witty resource 35...Qa3 and the refutation you earned 2 more points.
38...c1=Q 39.Qe8
Neither of the black queens can give any serious check therefore Grischuk resigned.
1–0
This game was played in the penultimate round of the Candidates competition. The win allowed
Shakhriyar to stay within a half point of Caruana and he also had the best tie-breaks. However, in the
last round Kramnik did not give Shakh any chances to play for a win and the game was drawn.
Caruana won his game and the right to challenge Carlsen.
When the goal is close the emotions can create a burning desire that can lead to mistakes. In the
above game this appears to be what happened to Grischuk. Always remain calm!
Test 76
M. Carlsen (2842)
Biel 2018
Black to move

a) worse,
b) equal,
c) better.
179
Show/Hide Solution
Even a natural born optimist would not say that the advantage is on Black’s side: his d6-pawn has
been attacked and this problem demands a solution. If a solution is not found Black’s situation is bad.
Only a person far removed from chess could doubt that the irreproachable technique of Magnus
Carlsen could fail to realize an advantage.
Of course, Shakh prepared the rook manoeuvre proving that he can still maintain equality (2 points).
29...Rb7!
The rook transfer to d7 brings you 3 points.

In case of 29...Qd7 30.Bxd6 Rd8 31.f3 Black cannot use a temporary pin of the bishop and his
counter play
after 29...b4 30.Bxd6 Nxd6 31.Rxd6± provokes only a bitter smile. In both cases White has a healthy
extra pawn.
29...Rb7! 30.Bxd6 Rd7
After the rook exchange Black takes back the e4-pawn.
31.Ba3 Rxd1+ 32.Qxd1 Qxe4
The position is equal. But knowing about Carlsen’s dedication and his fantastic talent of playing in
180
simple positions it is no wonder that the draw was not agreed till move 67.
½–½ (67)
The GM tournament at Biel ended in triumph for Mamedyarov. He started with two draws, this game
was from the second round, then he began to win one game after another. His final score was 7.5 out
of 10 including winning the mini match with Carlsen 1.5:0.5. The World Champion finished in
second place with 6, 1.5 points less. You will find a fragment from the second game between Shakh
and Magnus in the next chapter.
Leading an intensive defense accurately and precisely is necessary for a strong chess player!
Test 77
Saint Louis 2018 (rapid)
Black to move
Find the strongest continuation for Black.
Show/Hide Solution
One look at the position of the white king makes you shiver with fear. The palace is in ruins and
subject to all kinds of attacks. Only a devoted defender — the knight — is protecting the white king
181
against threats from the squares d1, d5, g4.
The white rook on the 8th rank is the only impediment to a game ending attack. However, should
anyone be scared of its threast?
Shakh quickly found the correct answer to this question!
25...Bd5!
The winning bishop sacrifice on f8 brings you 4 points. White’s only (and final) achievement is that
he captures the bishop on f8 with check.
a) The same award waits for those who choose the variation 25...Rd1+! 26.Nxd1 (after 26.Be1 the
idea similar to the one used in the game decides — 26...Bd5! 27.Rxf8+ Kd7–+) 26...Qg4+ 27.Kh1
(27.Kf1 leads to mate: 27...Bc4+ 28.Ke1 Qe2#) 27...Qxd1+ 28.Kg2 Bd5+ 29.Kg3 Qg1+ winning.
b) No points will be given for the shy 25...Be7?. After 26.Qh5 Black has just an advantage.
25...Bd5! 26.Nxd5 Rxd5 27.Rxf8+ Kd7
Finita la comedia!
White’s position is hopeless.
28.Rf7+ Ke8 29.Re7+ Kxe7 30.Qxc7+ Rd7 31.Qc5+ Kf7 32.Qh5+ Qg6+ 33.Qxg6+ Kxg6 34.Bb4
Rc7 35.c3 b6 0–1
Only beginners are afraid of a check! However, everything is better if it is calculated beforehand.
182
Test 78
S. Karjakin (2773)
Saint Louis 2018 (blitz)
White to move
Show/Hide Solution
“It is time to seriously work on White’s kingside” — Karjakin decided and played 21...Bd6–g3.
Shakh’s reply flashed at once.
22.Nh6+!
If you found this tactical blow you earned 5 points.

The retreat 22.Qf1? led to an edge for Black: 22...Qd6 23.Rd1 Bh2µ.
22.Nh6+! gxh6?!
Sergey was evidently confused by the unexpected troubles on g-file as it is full of pieces.
Relatively better was 22...Kh8 23.Bxg7+ Kxg7 24.Nxf5+ exf5 25.Qxg3 f4! 26.Qxf4 Qxf4 27.exf4
Rd4 and Black keeps drawing chances, now his situation is hopeless.
183
23.gxh6 f6 24.Bxf5 exf5 25.Rxg3+ Kh8 26.Rg7 Qd6 27.Qxf5 Qh2+ 28.Kd1 Bf3+ 29.Kc1 1–0
When leading a pawn attack from your king’s position always be ready for the opponent’s counter
play as was Shakh.
Test 79
R. Praggnanandhaa (2530)
Kolkata 2018 (blitz)
Black to move
A. Black’s position is
a) equal,
b) winning,
c) better.
Show/Hide Solution
Even a blitz game against the youngest grandmaster in the world is a serious testing.
Surely the audience is waiting for something sensational especially if the game is played in the
motherland of a prodigy.
184
Shakhriyar was a very strict examiner.
Black’s position is winning (2 points).
22...Nfg4!!
After 22...Be6 23.Nd2 Qf8 one can speak only about some advantage for Black.
22...Nfg4!! 23.fxg4 Qxg5! 24.Qxg5 Nf3+
Those who, as Shakh, found this royal fork gain 3 points.
25.Kf1 Nxg5 26.Rxd3 Bxg4
Black has an overwhelming advantage. Later Shakhriyar won the game although with numerous
adventures.
0–1
Chess manuals for beginners state that one can avoid a pin by covering one’s own piece or by pushing
back an opponent’s piece.
However, these are not all of the possible ways!
Test 80
S. L. Shankland (2724)
Germany 2019
185
White to move

a) White is somewhat better,
b) White has a big advantage,
c) the position is equal.
Show/Hide Solution
The c5-pawn demands a defense from Black and the b2-pawn from White. But it is easier for White
to defend his weakness as his king helps him. It is not difficult to determine that White’s chances are
preferable. The question is: how much more are White’s chances to be preferred?
Mamedyarov confidently demonstrates that White has a big advantage (2 points).
39.Bg5!
Shakh wins a pawn by offering the bishop exchange. This fine manoeuvre brings you 2 points more.
The straightforward attack gave nothing: 39.Be3 Bf6 and White has nothing better than to return the
bishop to c1.
39.Bg5! Bxg5
Keeping the bishops might be a bit better: 39...f6 40.Bxh4 Kg6 41.f4, however this just gives small
186
practical chances of saving the game.
40.Rxg5 Kh6 41.Rgxc5 Rb3 42.R5c3 R3b5 43.b4
White has a winning position... Black resigned on the 60th move.

1–0 (60)
Sometimes the most effective and dangerous attack consists in exchanging a defender!
187
Show in Text Mode
CHAPTER 2.
PASSING THE GRANDMASTER TEST
In this Chapter you will face considerably more complicated tasks. There are 90 tests presented which
correspond to the ELO level of 1700–2100. I have not divided them by subjects such as: “attacking
the king”, “seizing the initiative”, “choosing a correct plan”, “tactics in the ending” etc. Such
placement of material would provide a clue of what to look for which one does not have in a real
tournament game. As in Chapter One, all the tests have been placed in chronological order.
In most of the given positions one needs to find a bright tactical idea and the correct way of
implementing it. However, one should not think that all the tests contain a forced way to win or to get
a clear advantage. Sometimes a tactical operation is needed to hold a position or for seizing the
initiative. Each test is proceeded with a question about the position asking for your assessment.
Remember that some test may be solved with the right plan and initial moves. Other tests may require
you to decide between a forced sequence or a strategic plan.
As in Chapter One, you will be given points for the correct solutions. For these problems the points
may range from 1 up to 7. Should you earn 300–350 points I estimate your playing strength to be
close to the ELO level of 2000. Should you reach about 400 points it is time for you to start fighting
for your first international title. If you earn more than 450 points then I am sure you have excellent
chances to compete with the main character of this book — Shakhriyar Mamedyarov!
TESTS
Congratulations! You have successfully handled the tests of Chapter One. As you may well have
suspected on this thorny path to self-perfection new challenges await. To solve the tests in chapter
two you will need to precisely calculate deep and difficult variations. I wish you success in this
challenge.
Test 1
B. Galstian (2254)
Peniscola 2002
188
White to move

a) somewhat worse,
b) winning,
c) better.
Show/Hide Solution
At the European Youth Championship U18 in Peniscola (Spain) in 2002 Mamedyarov gained the
gold medal. It was the first success of many for him at youth competitions. The following year
Shakhriyar won the U18 World Championship. In 2005 he repeated his 2003 victory and became the
only two-time champion.
Shakhriyar began the 2002 event in Peniscola against Beniamin Galstian who represented Armenia.
All the white pieces are ready to storm the Black position. However, with his last move Black has
attacked the g5-bishop. Will this stop White?
Those are right who were not confused by the large number of choices. If you decided that White was
winning 2 points are yours!
15.f5!
In case of 15.Bxh6?! Ng4 16.f5 Bf6! Black has more chances of holding the position while
189
15.Bh4?! Nh7 led to only a positional advantage for White.
15.f5!
Paying no attention to his opponent’s counter actions Shakh begins attacking the king.
If the attacked bishop hasn’t stopped your attacking aspirations you gain 3 bonus points.
15...Kg7
Accepting the sacrifice results in a complete crush of the king’s position: 15...hxg5? 16.fxg6 Rf8 (or
16...fxg6 17.Qxg6+ Kh8 18.Qh6+ Kg8 19.Rf5 with mate) 17.Qf5 Ne5 18.Rxe5! dxe5 19.Qxg5 and
Black cannot escape.
16.fxg6 fxg6 17.Bf4
For the time being White does not have direct threats and there is material equality on the board. The
key here is that Black’s position is unprotected.
17...Ng4
17...Bf8 would not help to organize a defense: 18.Nge4 Nxe4 19.Nxe4 Ne5 20.Qc3 etc.
Now the position of the second test arises.
18.h3 Nge5 19.Bxe5+ Nxe5 ...
190
Test 2
B. Galstian (2254)
Peniscola 2002
White to move
Show/Hide Solution
Mamedyarov foresaw the last stroke of this powerful attack. Before unleashing the final cascade of
sacrifices he double checked his calculations.
20.Rxe5!
A different move order such as 20.Nh5+ gxh5 21.Rxe5 allows 21...Bf6 which gives Black some
resistance.
20.Rxe5! dxe5
191
21.Nh5+!!
Completely destroying the shabby covering of the black king.
21...gxh5 22.Rf7+!
After 22...Kxf7 23.Qh7+ Kf8 24.d6 the mate is unavoidable therefore Black resigned.
1–0
3 Points go to those who found and calculated correctly the variation to checkmate.
192
The final cascade of sacrifices reminds us of the end of the game vs Bovaev (Chapter One, Test 5).
To reach the opponent’s king, do not keep your pieces!
Test 3
M. Bartel (2418)
Peniscola 2002
White to move

a) better,
b) worse,
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
The sixth round game against the Polish representative Bartel was of huge sporting significance: at
the Europe Youth Championship in Peniscola Mateusz was one of Mamedyarov’s main competitors.
The assessment “White’s position is better” brings you 2 points.
14.Qe5!
193
This powerful queen manoeuvre provides a serious advantage for White.
At first sight it may seem to simply be a double attack; but this position is more complicated and
precise calculation is demanded.
By simply protecting the b2-pawn White only gains a small advantage due to his better pawn
structure: 14.Rab1 0-0 15.a3 Nf5 16.Qd3²
or 14.b3 0-0 15.Qd3².
14.Qe5! Qb6?
Stronger was 14...Rxb2!
In reply to this, Mamedyarov prepared 15.Nb3!!

Finding this manoeuvre brings you 4 additional points.
[The capture 15.Qxg7? would be a mistake: 15...Nxe2+ 16.Kh1 Qc3! with an overwhelming
advantage for Black.]
15...Qc3
[After 15...Qb6 16.Qxg7 Rf8 17.Nxd4 cxd4 18.c5!? (or 18.Bf3±) 18...Qxc5 19.Rfc1 Rc2 20.Rxc2
Qxc2 21.Qxd4 material equality should not confuse you: White has a big advantage.]
16.Qxc5 Nxe2+ 17.Kh1 Ba6 18.Rfd1! Qxc4 19.Rxd7! Qxc5 20.Nxc5 Bc8 21.Rxa7± The dangerous
a-pawn gives White the advantage.
15.Qxg7! Nxe2+ 16.Kh1 Qxb2 17.Qg5!
194
Black has an extra pawn, but the price is the gaping holes around his king combined with White’s
threat of Rab1 it is clear that Black’s position is strategically hopeless.
17...h6
a) 17...Nc3 loses to: 18.Nb3 d6 19.Qf6 Rf8 20.Rab1+–;

b) but 17...Qd4 18.Nb3 Qd6 19.Nxc5 did not leave any real chances of escaping.
18.Qe3 Nc3 19.Rfc1 1–0
The pawns only seem to be equal. The black g7-pawn costs much more than the two white ones.
Keep your valuable VIP pawns!
Test 4
P. Harikrishna (2563)
Nakhchivan 2003
195
Black to move
Should Black play?

a) 40...Kh7
b) 40...Rf8
Show/Hide Solution
“I will attack the bishop so it will go to b7 and then develop my counter play” — Pentala decided and
played...
40...Rf8??
And in this game the fortieth move became fatal.

The king should be removed from the 8th rank: 40...Kh7. After 41.Ra2 Rf6+ 42.Kc5 Rf5+ 43.Kb6
Rf6 44.Rxa6 h5. The only dream White can have is the endgame of “rook and bishop vs rook”, but
even these dreams cannot become reality with precise defense.
40...Rf8?? 41.c7! Rxa8
196
42.Rb2!
It was this detail that Harikrishna overlooked. Black does not manage to give his rook for the c-pawn,
instead it simply promotes to a queen.
4 points await those who could refute the move 40...Rf8 and on this basis chose the king retreat.
But if you chose the move 40...Kh7 on your own intuition alone you gain 2 points. Intuition demands
an award too!
42...Rc8 43.Rb8 Bb7 44.Kd7 Kh7 45.Rxc8 Bg2 46.Re8 1–0
This game was played in the 10th round of a tense fight for first in the tournament. The smog of
fighting cleared after three more rounds and Mamedyarov scored 10 points out of 13 and won the
gold medal of the World Junior Championship. Two years later in Istanbul he repeated this success
becoming the only chess player in history to win the title twice.
For monitoring an advanced passed pawn constant control and an eagle eye are needed! Pentala knew
this but the white magic of the fortieth move intervened!
Test 5
A. Bagheri (2500)
Abu Dhabi 2003
197
White to move

a) better,
b) worse,
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
If you like attacking, you will easily find the correct answer to the first question: White’s position is
better (2 points).
The Iranian grandmaster’s las move, g6, was a mistake. He violated a well-known rule of chess
strategy: do not move pawns where an opponent attacks. Perhaps Bagheri did not consider that Shakh
could develop a quick attack on the kingside.
10.g4!
For choosing the right beginning of an attack you needed to deeply penetrate into the core of the
position. On 10.h4?! Black will play 10...h5!
The same reply arises after 10.0-0-0 h5! 11.h3 b5 12.g4 h4 and White is hardly able to open files on
the kingside and Black’s position becomes even preferable.
And what about the rule: do not move pawns where an opponent attacks? — you will ask.
The answer is simple: for using a concrete opponent’s mistake one should often step back from
198
generally accepted dogma!
10.g4!
If, as Shakhriyar, you started an attack by moving the g-pawn 3 additional points are yours!
10...c5?!
10...b5 was more logical. But in this case White goes ahead with developing his initiative on “his
side”: 11.h4 a5 12.h5ƒ.
11.dxc5 Bxc5 12.h4 b5 13.h5!
Black has nothing to oppose his opponent’s dangerous attack. White’s position is much better.
13...Ne6
14.Nf4?!
And here Shakhriyar made a mistake, it was correct to castle: 14.0-0-0! Qe7. (After 14...Rb8 15.Nf4
Nxf4 16.exf4 repulsing White’s attack was extremely difficult and in case of 14...b4 15.Ne4! White
already has a decisive advantage.) 15.Nf4 Nxf4 16.exf4! This pawn will help storm the black king’s
fortress. From the f3-square the queen holds the d5-pawn at gunpoint. 16...b4 17.Nb3 bxc3 18.hxg6
fxg6 19.f5! making the threat of Qxd5 and if 19...cxb2+ 20.Kb1 White wins.
14...Nxf4 15.Qxf4
199
In this position after 15.exf4 b4 Black gets some counterplay.
15...b4?
Correct was 15...g5! 16.Qf3 b4! 17.c4 dxc4! 18.Bxc4 Be6 and White only has a small advantage.
After the move in the game the position from the next test appears.
Test 6
A. Bagheri (2500)
Abu Dhabi 2003
White to move
Find the strongest continuation of White’s attack.
Show/Hide Solution
The queen belongs on the h-file which creates mating threats. However, it must be done immediately.
16.Qh6!
This move brings you 3 points.

The preliminary pawn exchange 16.hxg6? fxg6 17.Qh6 is mistaken. After 17...Qd7 Black defends
200
successfully as the sacrifice 18.Bxg6? does not work out 18...hxg6 19.Qh8+ Kf7 20.Rh7+ Ke8–+.
16.Qh6! Qc7?!
Loses outright.
But 16...Qd7 would not save Black. The doubled f-pawns do not allow Black to organize a defense
along the 7th rank: 17.Nb3 Bd6 18.Nd4 bxc3 19.Nf5! with a fast win.
17.hxg6 fxg6 18.Bxg6!
After 18...hxg6 19.Qh8+ Kf7 20.Qh7+! Black loses his queen. Therefore, Bagheri resigned.
1–0
If you had planned this sacrifice beforehand (it wins also after 16...Qe7) 2 more points go to your
account.
To avoid your opponent repulsing your attack pay attention to his defensive strategy. To succeed in
attacking you must have the precise first step and accurate follow up.
Test 7
H. Kallio (2493)
Plovdiv 2003
White to move
201
A. The continuation 24.Rxb5 is:
a) correct and leads to a clear advantage for White,
b) mistaken and allows Black to defend.
Show/Hide Solution
“The position of the black king is poor and the first check will turn into mate but how do I land this
decisive check? Black won’t allow the queen onto f7 but if I can deflect his light square bishop I may
reach e6!.”
These were Mamedyarov’s thoughts when evaluating this position.
I must add that these thoughts took place several moves before his queen went to f4, the bishop went
to g4 or the knight jumped to e5.
The continuation 24.Rxb5 that Shakh planned in advance is correct and leads to a clear advantage for
White (2 points).
24.Rxb5 Ba6 25.Rb3 Bxf1
This is the only reply demanding examination.

After 25...Rxc3 (or 25...Nxc3 26.Ra1+–) 26.Rxc3 Nxc3
material equality remains on the board but the sad placement of the black king and rook makes
Black’s position hopeless after 27.Ra1. (White also has a decisive advantage after 27.Nc6 Bd6
28.Qe3+–.) 27...Bb7 28.Bf3 Bf8 (Black cannot defend with either 28...Ne4 29.Bxe4 Bxe4 30.Ra7+–;
202
or 28...Nd5 29.Qc1+–.) 29.Bxf8 Qxf8 30.Rc1 with a win.
26.Qxe4!!
Here it is — the key move!

This spectacular queen sacrifice brings you 4 points.
26...Qd6?
Any sacrifice produces an element of psychological influence on the opponent. How much of an
influence can be said about a queen sacrifice?!
The Finish chess player was so confused that he lost the game in just a few more moves but it appears
he could have offered a strong resistance!
a) Retreating the bishop was losing 26...Ba6 27.Nc6 and Black is not able to defend his position. In
case of 27...Qd6
[After 27...Bc4 a brief exchange of strokes also leads to a win for White: 28.Nxe7+ Qxe7 29.Rb7!
Ra8! 30.h3 Ra1+ 31.Kh2 Qd6+ 32.Qe5! Qxe5+ 33.dxe5 fxg4 34.Rg7+ Kf8 35.Ra7+ and Black
cannot escape.]
28.Nxe7+ Qxe7 the spectacular 29.Bxf5! decides the issue.
203
29...gxf5 30.Qe5 Qc7 (after 30...Qf7 31.c4!! the white rook is involved in attack via the 3rd rank.)
31.Qxe6+ Qf7 32.Qxa6 three pawns for an exchange and full lack of coordination between the black
pieces do not leave any doubts about the result of the game.
b) However, the best defending chance would be 26...Bf8!.
After that Shakh had to make a choice: either trying to realize the advantage in an endgame after
27.Qb7 Rc7 28.Qb8 Qc8 29.Bxf8 Kxf8 30.Bf3 Qxb8 31.Rxb8+ Kg7 32.Rxh8 Kxh8 33.Kxf1 Rxc3
or continuing the attack: 27.Bg5! Qc7 (27...Qxg5? 28.Qb7+–) 28.Qb1. I guess Shakh would prefer
the second choice.
27.Qb7!
204
The white queen penetrates into Black’s position which decides the issue in the fastest way.
27...Ba6 28.Qa7 fxg4
29.Rb6
Everything has been precisely calculated. The black queen does not manage to retreat creating a
mating threat on the 1st rank.
29...Qa3 30.Rxa6 Qxc3 31.h4 g5 32.Kh2 Qc1 33.Bxg5 Qc7 34.Bxe7
1–0
Calculating all the variations in advance is very difficult and sometimes even impossible. But if an
opponent’s king feels uncomfortable be firm and trust your intuition!
Test 8
T. Markowski (2610)
Plovdiv 2003
205
Black to move

a) better,
b) somewhat worse,
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
If you were concerned about the two pawn islands on Black’s queenside and maintaining material
equality then you underestimated the dynamic resources of the position.
The same mistake was made by the Polish grandmaster as he became involved in positional
manoeuvring with his last move 33.Nc4–a5. While this does prevent the black knight transfer to d4 it
appears that Tomasz Markowski evidently forgot that the blocked and “weak” c-pawn could move
forward.
Black’s position is much better and Mamedyarov proves it convincingly (2 points).
33...c4!
On the c4-square the black pawn is doomed but this self-sacrifice provides the rooks with a possible
breakthrough on the 3rd rank.
Trying to transfer the knight to d4 would be a mistake: 33...Ra8? 34.Nc4 Nc6 35.Nb6 Raa7 36.Kb1
Nd4 37.Rc1 and one can feel the weakness of the black pawns.
206
33...c4! 34.Rc3
a) After 34.Rd4 e5 35.fxe5 fxe5 36.Rd5 Nf7
White obviously has no counter play and Black’s 37...c3 is a strong threat. White fights back this
threat with 37.Kc2 but Black develops his attack with 37...Ke6 38.Kc3 Rb6 39.h4 Nd6 with a win.
b) Perhaps this manoeuvre 34.Rd6 c3 35.R6d4 was the relatively best chance. After 35...cxb2+
36.Kb1 Rc3 37.Rxa4 Rxg3 38.Rb4 White has chances of escaping.
34...Rb5!
Markowski missed this rook manoeuvre but if you found it then you gain 3 points!
35.Nxc4 Rbc5 36.Rd4
After 36.Ne3 Rxc3+ 37.bxc3 Rxc3+ 38.Kd2 Rxa3 39.Rc1 Kd7 White is unlikely to survive.
36...e5 37.fxe5
207
37...fxe5?
This is a time trouble blunder. After 37...Ne6! Black simply wins a piece.
38.Nxe5 Rxc3+ 39.bxc3 Rxc3+ 40.Kb2 Rb3+ 41.Ka2 Rxg3
Black has just a small advantage. Shakhriyar ultimately won the game but that is another story.
0–1 (52)
I could not say exactly what caused Shakhriyar to miss the obvious 37...Ne6. But to explain
Markowski’s mistake of moving the knight from c4 to a5 is easier. His mind was fixed too strongly
on the fact that the c5-pawn was fully controlled and if it moved it would be lost. It was this “inertia
of thinking” that did not allow him to realize the new resource of the opponent that arose due to the
knight move.
Every move changes the situation on the board. Always be ready as even a small detail can radically
change the hidden dynamic of the position.
Test 9
O. Gutierrez Castillo (2213)
Ciudad Real 2004
208
White to move
A. White has:
a) some better chances,
b) a big advantage,
c) equal chances.
Show/Hide Solution
A competent reader will ask this question: What equality can one talk about if White has a clear space
advantage and a better pawn structure? To summarize all the mini-pluses of White’s position and to
make a right diagnosis is not so easy.
The correct assessment “White has a big advantage” brings you 2 points.
23.Nxf7!
For a moment all of the black pieces have left the kingside.
The black knight just retreated from f6. Of course, the sacrifice on f7 is attractive. However, does
White have enough attacking potential? Shakhriyar finds the answer!
If the white knight retreats or is exchanged (23.Nxd7 Rxd7 24.Rad1 Rxd1 25.Rxd1) White would
have some edge but a tactical solution is clearly stronger.
23.Nxf7! Kxf7
209
24.Rxe6!
The knight sacrifice is rightfully combined with this second sacrifice.
24...Nf6
a) The rook must not be captured: 24...Kxe6 25.Bb3+ Kf5 26.g4+ Black gets mated. However,
Shakh’s combination is unlikely to shock his less experienced opponent. I guess the Spaniard thought
he would succeed in fighting back the attack but his assessment of the upcoming position was wrong.
b) The best defensive resource was 24...Nf8! 25.Qf3+ Kg8 26.Rxc6 Qb7. After 27.Bb3+ Kh8 28.Re1
when Black’s position is difficult but the issue of the battle remains unclear.
25.Bb3 Nd5
25...Kf8? 26.Rxf6+! brings a fast mate.
26.Qf3+! Kg8
26...Kxe6? 27.Re1+ loses at once.
210
At first glance it appears Black has built a defense but appearances can be deceiving.
27.Rae1!
It becomes clear that Black is unable to deflect the direct threat of 28.Re7.
If the combination with the knight and the rook sacrifices did not hide from you then you gain 3
points. And if in your calculations you managed to reach the position after 27.Re1 the depth of your
analysis is awarded 2 extra points.
27...Kh8
After 27...Qf7 28.Qxf7+ Kxf7 29.Rxc6 Bb5 30.Rd6 White regains the piece and remains with two
extra pawns while 27...Rf8 loses to 28.Rxc6!.
28.Bxd5 cxd5
The capture 28...Rxd5 would simplify White’s task: 29.Re8+ Rxe8 30.Rxe8+ Kh7 31.Qe4+ winning
the queen.
29.Rxa6 Qxc5
211
30.Re5±
Shakhriyar did not want to give counter play to the opponent connected with the passed d-pawn
which is why he did not play 30.Rxh6+ gxh6 31.Qf6+ Kh7 32.Re7+ Qxe7 33.Qxe7+ Kh8 34.f4! but
Stockfish’s assessment is that this led to a much faster win. Finally, Mamedyarov won the game
although it demanded nearly 40 moves.
1–0 (69)
Finding a spectacular combination is often much easier then precisely assessing its consequences.
Test 10
E. V. Alekseev (2606)
Lausanne 2004
212
White to move
A. The knight sacrifice 23.Nxg5 brings

a) a win,
b) an unclear position,
c) an advantage to Black.
Show/Hide Solution
“The knight sacrifice is evident, Evgeny cannot miss it. The last move is a clear provocation. But
what do I have to do to reply?” — thought Mamedyarov as he plunged into calculating variations.
Some minutes later Shakh confidently captured a pawn.
If you also concluded that the knight sacrifice led to White’s win 3 points are yours!
23.Nxg5! hxg5 24.Bxg5
213
24...Ng4!
Here was what Evgeny Alekseev counted on.

24....Ng7? loses due to 25.Qh3 Nxf5 26.Qxf5.
25.Qh3 Nxg5 26.Qxg4 Kh8
27.Re3!
214
This is the only move that brings the win. For finding it you get 3 points.
a) But if one hurried, they could have easily fallen into a trap: 27.f4? Nf3+! 28.Kh1 Qh4! 29.gxf3
Qxg4 30.Bxg4 Rg8 and the advantage passes to Black.
b) Including a preliminary check with 27.Qh5+?! Kg7 28.f4 is useful for the above mentioned
variation as Black has no reason to be upset after: 28...Nf3+ 29.gxf3 Rh8 30.Qg5+ Qxg5+ 31.fxg5
Rc4 his piece activity compensates for the material loss.
27...Rg8
“So why did I start to ‘trap’ Shakh in such dubious complications?!” Evgeny obviously regretted his
choice. His move 22...g5 was not a necessity.
After 27...Be6 at least two ways lead to Rome: 28.Qh5+ (or 28.f4 Qf6 29.Qh4+ Kg8 30.fxg5 Qxf5
31.Rh3+–) 28...Kg7 29.Bxe6 fxe6 30.Rg3 Rf5 31.h4. In either case the win is not difficult.
28.Qh5+ Kg7 29.Rg3 Kf6
29...Kf8 loses even faster: 30.Qh6+ Ke8 31.Re1+ etc.

However, Black doesn’t have any acceptable defense.
30.Bd3
30.f4 Ne4 31.Rxg8 Qxg8 32.Bh7! also wins.
30...Qc8 31.Rf1! Rc1 32.h4 Nh3+ 33.gxh3 Qxh3
215
34.Qg5+! 1–0
Even if your opponent provokes you into starting some variation there is no need to trust him
completely. Check his calculations! Sometimes a trapper can be trapped in his own trap!
216
Show in Text Mode
Test 11
A. Naiditsch (2611)
Pamplona 2004
Black to move
a) better, he can play for win,
b) worse, he needs to escape.
Show/Hide Solution
In the open variation of the Ruy Lopez, Mamedyarov’s favourite system at that time, Naiditsch
managed to practically blow up his whole kingside. Moreover, the position of the king in the center is
unsafe. All of Shakh’s hopes are connected only with the powerful centralization of his pieces.
Black’s position is worse, he needs to escape. (2 points).
217
23...Nf3+!
Shakh has found a way of forcing a draw. If you decided to continue like him you can add 2 more
points to your account.
a) After the simple rook retreat 23...Re8 White has a big advantage: 24.Rad1 c6 25.Bg7±.
b) The tactical operation 23...Ne2+ 24.Kh1 Nf4 25.Qg4 Qxg2+ 26.Qxg2 Nxg2 does not solve any
of the problems. After 27.Rxe6 (or 27.Bxf8 Bxf8 28.Re4 Rxh7 29.Kxg2±) 27...Nf4 28.Rxa6 Rxh7
29.Ra8+ Kd7 30.Bxf8 Rh8 31.Rd1+ Kc6 32.Ra6+ Kb7 33.Bxc5 Kxa6 34.Be3 White has an
advantage.
23...Nf3+! 24.gxf3 Qxf3 25.Qg5+
Now White captures the bishop and the fighting ends with perpetual check.
25.Bxf8?? leads to checkmate: 25...Bxf2+ 26.Kf1 Be3#.
25...Kc8 26.Qxc5 Qg4+ 27.Kh1 Qf3+ 28.Kg1 Qg4+ ½–½
You need to assess a position as it really is. Sometimes the aim of attacking a king is to give a
perpetual check.
Test 12
R. Bagirov (2461)
Baku 2005
218
White to move

a) better,
b) equal,
c) winning.
Show/Hide Solution
The fact that all the doors of the black king’s residence are open, the white bishop occupies a
menacing position, the white knight is hanging and all four rooks are on the e-file is easy to see. The
position clearly demands a tactical decision: it is now or never!
This test was a hard nut to crack!
For firmly stating “White’s position is winning” 2 points are yours. You, as Shakhriyar, had to find
all the tactical nuances! Here sharp combinational vision and several moves of precise calculation are
needed.
26.d5!!
This brilliant and somewhat challenging move is the only way to win!
One can be easily tempted by the knight sacrifice 26.Nd6!? and it’s a cheap way to go!
219
Black answers 26...Rxe3.
[Accepting the sacrifice with 26...Rxd6? is losing: 27.Rxe8+ Bxe8 28.Qf4 with a fast mate. But a
possible skirmish follows 26...Qa2 27.R1e2! Rxe3 28.Qf1! Qb1! 29.Qxb1 Rxe2 30.Nxe8 Rxg2+!
31.Kf1 Rxh2 32.Bc1 Bxe8 33.Qe4 producing a position with an evident advantage for White.
However, the win in this game is still far away.]
27.Bxe3 (27.Rxe3 Rxe3 28.Qxe3 Qd1+ 29.Kf2 Qg4 leads to equality.) 27...Re6 28.Rf1 Nd7 29.Nf7
Bd5!
And now after 30.Qd2 or 30.Nh6+ Kh8 31.h3 White has more than sufficient compensation for a
pawn while the game is not yet decided.
220
26.d5!!
26...Nxd5
The other options, captures on d5 and e4, should be examined.

a) In case of 26...Bxd5 the black bishop leaves its defense from its rook and the punishment is direct:
27.Nf6+ Kf7 28.Nxe8 Qxe8 29.Rxe6 Bxe6 30.Qf4+ Kg8 (30...Ke7 31.Qe5+–) 31.Qf6+–.
b) If Rufat Bagirov chose 26...Rxe4 27.Rxe4 Rxe4, Shakhriyar would have had two choices: the
straightforward 28.Rxe4 Nxd5 29.Re1 transferring the rook to the f-file or the combinational 28.Rf1!
Nd7 29.Qd2 with a win in both variations.
27.Rf3!!
This is the decisive manoeuvre!

If you found it you earned 4 points.
The checkmate threat on f8 is hanging over the black king like the “sword of Damocles”.
Shakhriyar transfers his rook battery to the f-file without hurry. This became possible after the pawn
capture by the black knight closed access to the e4-square to its bishop!
27...Qa5
Closing the dangerous file on the f5-square would also fail; 27...Ne7 28.Nf6+ Kf7 29.Nxe8+ Bxf3
30.Qf4+ Kxe8 31.Rxe6 etc.
28.Ref1
221
Creating the mate threat.
28...Qd8
29.Qg5!
Renewing the mate threat.
29...R6e7 30.Nd6!
This final stroke ends the fight.

1–0
There is a famous proverb in the Russian language: “The best is the enemy of the good”. However, it
is not always right at least on the chess board. If your intuition pushes you to looking for “the best”
trust it!
Test 13
V. Malakhov (2673)
Sant Lluis 2005
222
Black to move
A. The bishop sacrifice 31...Bxh4 is:

a) correct and leads to a win,
b) mistaken and allows White to defend.
Show/Hide Solution
White’s pieces have been shackled and pressed onto the first two ranks like a boxer knocked to the
ropes of the ring. Shakhriyar has a huge space advantage and could continue increasing the pressure
by 31...Qf5
or even by 31...Be5 followed by a breakthrough on g5. His position is strategically winning thus he
chose the bishop sacrifice as he was absolutely sure that it brought a win.
This assessment brings you 2 points.
31...Bxh4! 32.gxh4
223
32...g5!
This is a decisive breakthrough! It gives you 3 points.

Black could also play 32...Qh3+ 33.Kg1 and then 33...g5!.
33.f3
White cannot capture the pawn.

a) 33.Bxg5? leads to checkmate 33...Qh3+ 34.Kg1 Rg4# and 33.hxg5 “simply” loses to 33...Qh3+
34.Kg1 Qg4+ 35.Bg3 h4–+.
b) 33.Bg3 does not help: 33...Qh3+ 34.Kg1 Rg4 etc.
The move in the game does not change White’s result.
33...Rxf4 34.Kg2 Qf5 35.e4 dxe3 36.Rxe3 Rxe3 37.Qxe3 Rxh4
Black’s two extra pawns left no doubts about the result — after ten moves White resigned.
0–1 (47)
If you have a big positional advantage and there is a possibility of increasing it you should consider
combinational sacrifices only if you have full confidence that they lead to a win.
Test 14
D. Stellwagen (2561)
224
Istanbul 2005
White to move

a) better,
b) somewhat worse,
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
The Junior World Championship in Istanbul was a triumph for Mamedyarov. He won 8 (!) games in
the first 9 rounds guaranteeing him the gold medal. The draws in the last 4 rounds made him a two-
time World Champion among juniors.
But the wins didn’t come in easy games. We have previously examined the third round battle with the
Polish GM Bartlomiej Heberla in Chapter One. In the 9th round Shakhriyar faced Daniel Stellwagen
from the Netherlands.
White has a powerful center, but Black has already strategically undermined the pawn structure on
the queenside and his pieces are full of energy. However, Black is behind in activating his forces and
Mamedyarov uses just this factor for a breakthrough.
If you said that White’s position is better 1 point is yours but to prove it requires energetic action!
21.Bxh5!
225
This is an intuitive sacrifice; its consequences cannot be calculated to the end. Meanwhile it demands
accurate calculation of the opponent’s tactical counter resources.
Involving the exchange on c6 would be a mistake after 21.bxc6 bxc6 22.Bxh5?! Nc5!
Black seizes the initiative (see the next note).

a) It should be added that the breakthrough in the center by 21.e5 just leads to an unclear position:
21.e5 dxe5 22.dxe5 Nb6∞.
b) The manoeuvring continuation 21.Qe3 cxb5 22.cxb5 Nf6 led to unclear play as well.
21.Bxh5!
226
21...cxb5?!
a) After accepting the sacrifice 21...gxh5? 22.Nxh5 Black would lose his protection from a direct
attack down the f & g files. For example: 22...Nf8 23.Qg3 Ng6 24.Nxg7 Kxg7 25.d5++– or 22...Ne6
23.Rf5 Ndf8 24.Qg3 Ng6 25.Rxf7! with a win.
b) The tricky knight jump 21...Nc5!? could not help. But I think it had to be the main variation in
Mamedyarov’s preliminary calculations: 22.Qg3! Ncxe4 23.Nxe4
Black has two possibilities. 23...Rxe4! (After 23...Nxe4 24.Rxe4! Rxe4 25.Nxg6 fxg6 26.Qxg6 Re7
27.d5! White’s attack is irresistible. In this variation Black could win by ...Qb6+ if, before the bishop
sacrifice, White had exchanged a pair of pawns with 21.bxc6 bxc6.) 24.Bxg6 Rxe1 25.Rxe1 fxg6
26.Nxg6 Be6 27.Bc1 Qf6 28.d5! with a big edge.
c) The best reply for Black was 21...Nf6!
227
If the bishop retreats 22.Bf3 (Continuing to play in combinational style 22.Bxg6!? fxg6 23.Nxg6; or
retreating 22.Bd1!? would be stronger taking into consideration 22...cxb5 23.cxb5 Ngxe4 24.Nxe4
Rxe4 25.Rxe4 Bf5 26.Nh5! with good prospect for White in both cases.) Black has time to organize
counter play: 22...cxb5 23.cxb5 Bd7 24.e5 Bf5„.
To earn points, you did not have to calculate all these long variations to the end. Even Mamedyarov
was unlikely to have calculated all of them beforehand. One should trust their intuition.
If you selected 21.Bxh5! you have earned 3 points and if you mentioned 21...Nc5!? and prepared the
reply 22.Qg3! 2 more points are yours!
22.cxb5?!
Instead of automatically capturing Shakh could have used the opponent’s mistake and played the
direct 22.Qg3!. After 22...b4 23.h4 Ne6 24.Nxg6! fxg6 25.Bxg6 White’s attack decides the issue.
22...Nb6?
The knight moves in the wrong direction. Just like the prior move 22...Nf6 was stronger.
228
23.Qg3!
The bishop cannot be captured because of an irresistible attack. White has an extra pawn and a
winning position.
23...Ra5 24.Bc3 Rxb5 25.Be2
The rook has been trapped — White wins an exchange. Although to realize this material advantage a
lot of effort was needed.
1–0
“Fortune favours the brave” — the Latin proverb says.
I would add: “Intuition and calculation favour too”!
Test 15
S. Novikov (2545)
Sochi 2006
229
Black to move
A. The move 27...Nxf2 leads to:

a) Black’s advantage,
b) an equal position,
c) White’s advantage.
Show/Hide Solution
Neither player has any considerable reason for special optimism. The knight capture on f2 leads to an
equal position (2 points).
27...Nxf2 28.d6!
This is the only chance to cause some problems for Black.

a) The original 28.Bf5 leds after 28...Qxf5 29.Qxe7 Nxd1 30.Nxd1 to an equal position.
b) But the rook retreat 28.Rf1?? loses to 28...Bc5!.
28...Bxd6 29.Rxd6 cxd6 30.Rf1
230
30...Rf6!
This is the only move but enough for maintaining equality.

30...Re8? 31.Rxf2 h6 32.Bf5+–.
31.Rxf2 Rxf2
Clearly the bishop must not be captured because of mate on the 8th rank.
32.Kxf2 Qf6+
Due to a double attack Black takes back the piece.
33.Qf3 Qxe6 34.Qxb7 Qxc4
Now capturing the pawn 35.Qxa7 leads to a draw.
231
If you reached this position in your calculations, you have earned 4 additional points.
But if you justified your assessment with the variation 28.Bf5 your bonus will be 3 points as you did
not use all the resources available for the battle.
And in time trouble Novikov played a check.
35.Qb8+
And after...
35...Nc8
White has problems. It took some time for Shakh to win the game but the rest of the moves are not a
part of the test.
0–1 (49)
Use every possible resource to make problems for your opponent even if they are not big or easy to
solve. Additional factors such as time or exhaustion can play their role. However, always objectively
assess the position on the board!
Test 16
V. Potkin (2547)
Sochi 2006
232
Black to move

a) better,
b) worse,
B. How should Black continue?
a) 21...Nxg2
b) 21...Rxg2
Show/Hide Solution
White has an ideal pawn structure, an extra pawn and he managed to exchange the queens. At first
sight his future looks good. However the black pieces managed to breakthrough into his camp. This is
the only fact that allows Mamedyarov to keep approximately equal chances 2 points.
21...Rxg2!
Of course one wants to penetrate the second rank with the rook!
21...Nxg2 does not allow Black equal chances because of 22.Qxd6 cxd6 23.Bd2! (23.Rxf6?! Rg3
24.Kh2 Rdg8 gives sufficient counter play to Black) and Black has serious difficulties. 23...d5
(23...Rg3?! 24.Rf3!+–; 23...Rdf8 24.Rf5±; 23...Rg6 24.Rf5±) 24.Rxf6 dxe4 25.Rg1 Nh4 (25...e3?!
only aggravates Black’s problems: 26.Ba5 Rd5 27.Rxg2 Rxg2 28.Rf8+ Kd7 29.Rd8+ Ke6 30.Rxd5
Rxc2 31.Rxh5 Rxb2 32.Re5+! winning.) 26.Rxg8 Rxg8 27.dxe4 White has an extra pawn.
233
21...Rxg2! 22.Qxd6 cxd6 23.Rf4
If this move confused you, and because of it you preferred capturing by the knight, you gave up too
early having rejected your own idea! The knight is attacked and while it cannot retreat Black has a
rescuing resource.
23...Rdg8!
The only way of saving the piece consists in creating a mating threat.
24.Be3
It becomes clear that the knight cannot retreat but Black can attack the opponent’s bishop.
24...R2g3
24...Re2 is also possible but in addition to the capture on h4 it gives White an additional opportunity
in 25.Rg1!?.
25.Rxh4 Rxe3 26.Rxh5 Re2
234
After a series of forced exchanges, a complicated rook ending with approximately equal chances has
appeared. White has an extra pawn but the rook on the second rank provides Black counter play.
When calculating variations if you stopped on 23...Rdg8! you gain 2 points. If you could reach the
diagram position you get 1 additional point.
Many more adventures happened in this game. Shakhriyar may have even had real chances for a win
but the game ended in a draw on the 56th move. ½–½
If your idea deserves fighting for, as in the given case with the plan of infiltrating the second rank
with the rook, do not hurry to find a different plan even if it appears the opponent has an answer.
Look for hidden resources!
Test 17
A. Kharlov (2555)
Sochi 2006
235
White to move
Show/Hide Solution
Shakhriyar shuddered in surprise after his opponent took his queen and moved it to d6. It was even
more strange as grandmaster Andrei Kharlov was one of the best experts in the Queens Gambit
accepted, the opening played in this game. Further the position on the board is typical for this
variation. Shakh was going to play Bd2–b4 and certainly hoped to threaten a sacrifice on f7 in some
variations but he was not expecting such a gift from the opponent.
20.Nxf7!
This is a typical combination in positions with the isolated pawn on d4.
20...Rxf7
The relatively best continuation was 20...Qxd4. But in this case, 21.Qxd4 Bxd4 22.Bxe6 Rxf7
23.Bxf7+ Kxf7 24.Rc7 Re8 25.Bb4 Bf6 26.Rxb7± or 21.Bf4 Rxf7 22.Rcd1 Qc5 23.Qxe6 Be8
24.Bd6± or 21.Nh6+ Kh8 22.Bc3 Qxg4 23.Nxg4 gives White a big advantage.
21.Rxe6 Qd7
Perhaps Kharlov counted on this move in his calculations.
236
22.Rxf6!
The rook takes half of Black’s army for the queen!

If you mentioned the defending resource 21...Qd7 and found the correct reply you fully deserve 5
points. If you struck the blow 20.Nxf7! but stopped calculating variations after 21.Rxe6 to take the
full five points would not be fair. Your intuition did not fail you but you should have continued your
calculations therefore you only get 3 points.
22...Qxg4 23.Rxf7 Kh8 24.Rxe7
White takes a rook, bishop and two pawns for his queen. It is a small material advantage but the real
tragedy for Black is that now he has no protection for his g7-square. Black’s position is hopeless.
24...Rc8 25.Rxc8+ Qxc8 26.d5 1–0
Do not forget about typical combinations. Sometimes they can successfully work out even on the GM
level. You only need to check the variations precisely!
Test 18
S. Rublevsky (2687)
Foros 2006
Below is the first of three tests from this game. The first test comes from the opening therefore let us
start from the very beginning.
237
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bb5 Nd4 5.Ba4 c6 6.Nxe5 d5 7.d3 Bd6 8.f4 Bc5 9.exd5 0-0
10.Ne4
Black to move

a) better,
b) somewhat worse,
c) both sides’ chances are approximately equal
Show/Hide Solution
The tournament in Foros was one of the brightest pages in the career of Sergei Rublevsky. He took
first place ahead of Ivanschuk, Grischuk, Schirov, Ponomariov and several outstanding grandmasters.
Mamedyarov shared 4th thru 6th place with a +1 result. In this tournament Rublevsky’s only loss
wass against Shakhriyar.
Decisiveness and intuition should help you in finding the right answers. Calculating all the variations
in this position is unlikely to be done.
The white king is stuck in the center. Despite his two pawn deficit Black’s position is better (2
points).
10...Nxe4!
238
Mamedyarov not only takes back one pawn but even corrects the opponent’s pawn chain. But White’s
problems with his king’s safety have increased.
If, as Shakhriyar, you trusted your intuition and made a right choice 4 points are yours!
a) 10...Qxd5!? was weaker although it did keep more than enough compensation: 11.c4! Bb4+
12.Bd2 Qa5° 13.0-0 Bxd2 14.Nxd2 Bg4! Black’s chances are preferable. If you picked this
continuation you gain 2 points.
b) For the shy retreat 10...Bb6 no points are given. After 11.c3 Nf5 12.Qf3 White fights for an edge.
11.dxe4 Qh4+! 12.g3 Qh3
White’s position is difficult as he cannot prevent the black queen from reaching g2.
13.Be3 Qg2 14.Rg1
In case of 14.Rf1 Black would continue 14...f6! 15.Qd2 Qxe4 16.Qd3 (16.0-0-0? loses because of
16...Nb3+) 16...Qxe3+ 17.Qxe3 Nxc2+ 18.Bxc2 Bxe3 19.Nc4 Bc5 and despite the material equality
Black has a clear advantage.
14...Qxe4 15.Kf2
After 15.Qd3 Qxd3 16.cxd3 f6 it becames clear that the centralized white knight has no squares for
retreating. In reply to 17.Nc4 Black has the move 17...b5.
Now a position from the next test arises.
The moral of this fragment is simple: do not miss possibilities of forcing the opponent’s king to stay
in the center longer!
239
Test 19
S. Rublevsky (2687)
Foros 2006
Black to move
Show/Hide Solution
15...Re8!
Those who, together with Mamedyarov, decided to involve the rook in the attack understood the
nuances of the position.
a) Winning back the pawn with 15...f6 16.Nc4 Qxd5 leads to approximate equality after 17.c3! b5!
18.Bxd4 bxa4 19.Ne3 Bxd4 20.cxd4 Qb5 21.b3.
b) No dividends come from 15...b5 16.Qd3 (16.c3!? is also possible) 16...Qxd5 17.Bb3 Nxb3
18.axb3 Bxe3+ 19.Qxe3 with equality.
15...Re8!
240
Now the terrible threat 16...Rxe5 arises and White is not able to deflect it.
16.Qd3
After 16.c3 Rxe5! 17.fxe5 Bg4 18.cxd4 White will not survive by giving up his queen. After
18...Qf5+! 19.Bf4 (19.Kg2? Bh3+ 20.Kh1 Qe4+ leads to mate) 19...Bxd1 20.Raxd1 Bb6 the threat
21...g5 makes his position hopeless.
16...Rxe5!
The knight has kept the e-file closed while protecting the light squares f3 and g4. Black sacrifices the
rook for this knight and White’s defenses collapse.
This exchange sacrifice is the main idea of the move 15...Re8!
If the sacrifice was in your calculation you earn 4 points.
Destroying the main defender even at the price of material sacrifice is a powerful resource in an
attack!
17.fxe5
17...Qf3+?
And in this moment Mamedyarov made a mistake.

The position of the white king is so sad that Black has no reason to hurry with starting decisive
actions.
Right would be 17...Qxe5! (also 17...Qxd5–+ is possible) 17...Qxe5! 18.c3 (18.Rge1 Bh3! is hopeless
241
as the white king cannot escape without big material loss) 18...Qf6+ 19.Bf4 Bf5 20.Qc4 Ne6+
21.Ke1 cxd5 and White is unprotected.
18.Ke1 Bf5 19.Rf1
And now for the next test.
Test 20
S. Rublevsky (2687)
Foros 2006
Black to move

a) Black’s chances are somewhat more preferable,
b) Black has a big advantage.
B. Find the strongest continuation.
Show/Hide Solution
With his second-to-last move Shakhriyar aggravated the position but not so much as his chances
would become only “somewhat more preferable”.
242
Black has a big advantage (2 points).
19...Bb4+!
The check is extremely unpleasant for White and if you confirmed this assessment you gain 2 more
points.
Consequences of the straightforward 19...Bxd3 are considerably unclear: 20.Rxf3 Nxf3+ 21.Kf2 Be4
22.Bxc5 cxd5 23.Bd6 Nxh2 24.Rc1. Black has won a pawn but due to an active pair of bishops White
has excellent chances for draw.
19...Bb4+! 20.c3
In case of the mistaken 20.Bd2? Bxd3 21.Rxf3 Nxf3+ Black wins a piece.
20...Bxd3 21.Rxf3 Nxf3+ 22.Kf2
22...Nxh2!
Making subtle movements the knight captures two pawns. But this operation should be realized in the
right order.
Beginning with 22...Nxe5 was weaker. After 23.cxb4 Ng4+ 24.Kf3 Nxh2+ 25.Kg2 Ng4 26.Bd4
cxd5 27.Rc1 White has more chances for escaping compared with the continuation from the game.
23.cxb4 Ng4+ 24.Kf3 Nxe5+ 25.Kf4 Ng6+ 26.Kf3 cxd5
243
As a result, Black has two extra pawns. The bishop pair gives White some practical chances but
Shakhriyar confidently coped with the task of realizing the advantage. White resigned on the 43rd
move.
0–1 (43)
Having made a mistake, it is important not to become puzzled — often many things can be corrected
by precise play!
244
Show in Text Mode
Test 21
V. Topalov (2772)
Sofia 2007
White to move

a) somewhat better,
b) winning.
B. How should he continue advancing?
Show/Hide Solution
Topalov has built his game strategy by planning to use his bishop pair in the later stages. This
approach caused Topalov to make too many concessions to Mamedrarov who overtook him in piece
development forcing the black king to move to f8 where he is subject to attack from the white rooks.
Mikhail Tal said: “Between two evils — overestimation or underestimation of someone’s chances —
the second one is evidently bigger!”. I am sure he would not hesitate a second to say that White’s
245
position is winning (2 points)!
Those who decided that the situation had matured to where decisive actions are needed are absolutely
right.
21.c5!!
This energetic pawn sacrifice brings the light square bishop into the game and brings you 4 points.
Manoeuvres like 21.Ref4 f6 22.Re4 keep and advantage but nothing more.
21.c5!! Bxc5
After 21...Qxc5 22.Bc4 f6 White had a wide choice of winning continuations: 23.a3 b5 24.Nb3 Qa7
25.axb4 bxc4 26.Qxc4, or 23.Nb3, but perhaps the most energetic would be 23.Ne6+ Bxe6 24.Rxe6.
Due to the opposite coloured bishops Black does not have any chance to repulse the attack. For
example: 24...Rh6 25.Rfe3 b5 26.Qe4! winning.
22.Bc4 f6
Black is not able to avoid weakening his light squares since after 22...Be8? 23.Ne6+ Kg8 24.Nxc5
Qxc5 25.Bxf7+ he loses the queen.
23.Ne6+ Bxe6 24.Rxe6 Qd7
246
Even a brief look at the pitiful position of the black king is enough to understand: ”Black cannot
escape”, and there is no overestimation of chances in this assessment!
25.Qf5
25.Qg6 wins as well.
25...Qd4 26.Re4 Qd1+ 27.Bf1 Bd6 28.Rd3 Bxh2+ 29.Kxh2 Qxf1 30.Rd7
1–0
Determining the moment when you need to move from improving your position to decisive action is
not an easy task.
Always be objective in assessing your positions but remember Tal’s warning!
Test 22
L. D. Nisipeanu (2693)
Sofia 2007
247
Black to move
a) better,
b) somewhat worse,
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
Black has a strong outpost on d5 and his pawn chain has no defects. But does he have enough
resources for defending his kingside? Nisipeanu has placed his pieces actively and in fact all of them
are ready to take part in the attack on the first signal.
Black has no special reasons for being optimistic: he must prove that the position is equal. (2 points).
Mamedyarov confidently coped with this task.
First Black must defend against any capture on h6.
20...Ne7!
Only this cool-minded manoeuvre allows Black to maintain equality. The knight on d5 seems to be
ideally placed but for organizing counter play the long diagonal and the d-file must be opened.
All other attempts were unsatisfactory:
a) 20...Kh8? 21.Qh5! White changes the object of his attack 21...Kg8 22.Ng5 and evidently Black
248
cannot protect the f7-square.
b) 20...g6? does not work because of the direct breakthrough: 21.Bxg6! fxg6 22.Qxg6+ Kh8 23.Bxh6
and the black king cannot survive.
c) Retreating the knight to c7 with ideas similar to the game also loses: 20...Nc7? 21.Bxh6 Bxf3
22.gxf3 Nxe5 23.Rxe5 Rd1+ 24.Kg2 Rxb1 25.Nh5. Black does not manage to defend the g7-square
25...Ne8 26.Bxg7 Bxg7 27.Rg5+–.
20...Ne7!
21.Bxh6
Nisipeanu decides to play the “main” variation.

a) 21.Bc3 was insufficient since after 21...Bxf3 (21...Nd5!? is not bad) 22.Qxf3 Nd5 23.Qe4 g6=.
b) In case of the somewhat artificial 21.Ne4 Black had a choice: 21...g6 22.Nd6!? Nxe5 23.Nxe5
Rd6 24.Bc3 where the activity of white’s pieces compensates for the pawn or 21...Nf5 22.Bc3 Bxe4
(22...Qc7 is also possible: 23.Nf6+ Nxf6 24.exf6 Bxf3 25.Qxf3 g6∞) 23.Qxe4 Nc5 24.Qc4 g6 with
equality.
Now the situation develops forcibly.
21...Bxf3 22.gxf3 Nxe5!
Due to the unprotected bishop on b1 Black wins back the pawn.

Those who found this resource in their calculations earn 3 more points.
249
23.Rxe5 Rd1+ 24.Kg2 Rxb1
25.Rg5 g6 26.Bxf8 Qxf8 27.Qd4
The position has equalized, a draw was soon agreed.

½–½ (42)
Even if the opponent’s pieces hang dangerously over your king’s position — keep calm as this will
help you find the right way!
Test 23
V. Anand (2786)
Dortmund 2007
250
White to move

a) better,
b) winning,
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
If there were not dark-squared bishops on the board one could speak about some plus in White’s
pawn structure but to exchange the bishops is not possible.
On the other hand, the exchange of the light squared bishops is a very real possibility. In such calm
play White has no reason to count on getting an advantage as his chances can only come from
dynamic play.
Answer: White’s position is better (2 points).
What will it take to mate Anand’s king? — Shakh evidently asked himself such a question.
The knight on g5 and the queen have already occupied their initial positions. The knight from e4 is
ready to kill the defender of the h7-square. But after 15.Nxf6 Nxf6 another black knight will join the
defense of h7. To deflect or to destroy the knight on d7 is impossible but it may be possible to
increase the attack on the f6-square.
15.d5!
251
This pawn sacrifice allows White to keep the initiative and brings you 3 more points.
The outstanding coach, grandmaster Igor Zaitsev wrote a remarkable book “Ataka v silnom punkte”
(“Attack in a stronghold”). Mamedyarov’s game could successfully update it.
The fact that positional methods of starting the fight promised nothing for White is confirmed by the
following variations:
a) 15.Bb2 h6 16.Nxf6+ Nxf6 17.Bxb7 Rxb7 18.Ne4 a5;
b) 15.Nc5 Bxg2 16.Nxd7 (16.Kxg2 Nxc5 17.dxc5 Be7 does not change the assessment) 16...Qxd7
17.Kxg2 h6 18.Nf3 Rfc8 and White should take steps to equalize.
15.d5! exd5
The capture by the bishop leads to the game position after 15...Bxd5 16.Nxf6+ Nxf6 17.Bxd5 exd5
18.Bb2
18...Ne4 (in case of 18...g6?! 19.Qc3 Black would have even more problems because of the knight
pin: 19...h6 20.Nf3 Kg7 21.Qd3 Bb4 22.Rec1 Rb6 23.a3 Be7 24.Bd4 with a clear edge) 19.Nxe4
dxe4 20.Rxe4.
16.Nxf6+ Nxf6 17.Bb2 Ne4
252
Having objectively assessed the position Anand preferred to give back the extra pawn.
An attempt at keeping the material advantage with 17...g6? brings a difficult position: 18.Qc3 h6
19.Nh3! Kg7 20.Rad1±.
18.Nxe4 dxe4 19.Bxe4 Bxe4 20.Rxe4
Black’s queenside pawn weaknesses give White the advantage.
20...Qd7
253
21.Rae1
To begin attacking the weaknesses outright with 21.Ra4! was stronger: 21...Rb7 (an attempt at getting
counter play by sacrificing the pawn is insufficient: 21...Rfe8 22.Rxa7 Qb5 23.Qd1±; while 21...c5
creates additional problems for Black after 22.Rd1±) 22.Qc3 f6 23.Qf3 and White has a clear
advantage.
21...Rfe8
Now Black has succeeded in simplifying the position to where White has only a minimal advantage.
On the 68th move the game ended in a draw.
½–½ (68)
A pawn sacrifice for the initiative is a considerable argument on all levels!
Test 24
V. Anand (2799)
Wijk aan Zee 2008
Black to move

a) better,
b) worse,
254
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
By direct pressure on the c-file (22.Qc3) White threatens to win the c7-pawn, his e-pawn can go
forward at any moment and the bishop is ready to be transformed into a powerful monster from a
horror movie.
At the same time the black pieces are passive and his pawn chain’s defects are so statically fixed that
just trying to imagine how they might be corrected is difficult even in a rainbow of dreams.
No need to soar in the clouds of unfounded illusions Black’s position is worse.
For the bravery of making this objective assessment you get 3 points.
Black is not able to turn the tide of the fight or to change its common strategical play but he can try to
create interaction among the pieces.
21...Bh6!
This is a bright resource connected with a temporary pawn sacrifice.

If you chose to continue fighting this way 2 additional points are yours.
The passive retreats of the knight: 21...Nd8?! 22.Qg2 c6 23.Bg4 Qe8 24.Qh3
or 21...Ne7?! 22.Qg2 c6 23.Bg4 Nf5 24.Qh3 hardly give Black any chances of holding the position.
21...Bh6! 22.Qc3?
Anand continues acting by a fixed plan and commits a mistake.

22.h3! preparing Bd1–g4 was obviously stronger. There could follow 22...Ne7 (or 22...Bxf4 23.Bg4
Qd8 24.exf4 Ne7 25.Rf1 c6) 23.Bg4! Nf5 24.Rf1 c6 in both cases White has an advantage but the
issue of the battle is still unclear.
22...Nd8 23.Qxc7
The half-way move 23.Rf1 gives White nothing. After 23...Bxf4 24.exf4 Ne6 Black has good counter
play.
23...Qxc7 24.Rxc7 Bxf4 25.exf4 Ne6
White’s central pawns at f4 and d4 are unprotected, Black has sufficient counter play.
26.Rd7 Rxf4 27.Bb3 Nxd4 28.Bxd5
255
28...Re8
The direct 28...Nf3+ 29.Bxf3 Rxf3 would be more accurate.

Still, after 10 more moves a draw was agreed.
½–½ (38)
The notion “sacrifice” often means a fight for initiative, an attack or mating threats.
But sometimes a sacrifice simply helps to set the interaction of the pieces and it is a very important
strategic resource!
Test 25
V. Ivanchuk (2750)
Wijk aan Zee 2008
256
Black to move
a) better,
b) worse,
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
As in the previous test you, together with Mamedyarov, must repulse the opponent’s threats. But this
time Black confidently solves all the problems by a precise manoeuvre.
The position is equal (2 points).
Black’s only reply seems to the be a retreat by the queen. However, looks can be deceiving.
36...f5!
This in an unexpected defending resource. The pawn leaves its starting square yet the consequences
had to be precisely calculated.
After 36...Qb6 37.Bd6 Qb2 38.Kh2 Bb3 39.Re4 Nb5 40.Qg3 where White’s edge is evident.
36...f5! 37.exf6
In case of the bishop retreat 37.Bd1 Black continues 37...Bf6! 38.Re4! Bxe7 39.Bxe7 Qxe7 40.Rxd4
257
Kg7 41.Bf3 Rxd4 42.Qxd4 Be6 and holds the position without any real problems: 43.Qb6 Qa3! etc.
37...Qxe1+ 38.Kh2
Black has an extra rook but White’s threats look very dangerous.
38...Bf7!
This is the easiest solution.

After 38...Bf8 39.Nxg6+ hxg6 40.Bxf8 Black does not lose. But in this case a tricky resource must be
found. 40...Qd2!! and after 41.Qc7 Bf7! Black gives a perpetual check on the bishop capture:
42.Qxf7 Qf4+ 43.Kg1 Qc1+ as 44.Bd1?? loses because of 44...Ne2+ 45.Kh2 Qf4+.
If the dangerous pawn on f6 and phantoms of mating menaces did not threaten you and you preferred
the move 36...f5 add to your account 2 more points.
39.fxg7+ Kxg7 40.Bb2 Qxe7 41.Bxd4+ Rxd4 ½–½
On any retreat of the king White plays 42.Bf6 with the same result: draw.
When your opponent forces you to retreat from an important position do not hurry with a reply even
if Anand is your opponent — perhaps the position possesses some hidden counter resource!
Test 26
B. Gelfand (2737)
Nice 2008 (rapid)
258
Black to move

a) better,
b) equal,
c) winning.
Show/Hide Solution
No one can deny that they would prefer to play Black this position!
All the black pieces, even the bishop in the future, are more active than the opponent’s pieces. White
was unable to play f3–f4 and the queenside play appears to be in Black’s favour. Black can open the
b-file when he wishes or he can play b5–b4 and begin advancing the a-pawn.
But how big is Black’s advantage? How real are his chances to win? To give an answer to these
questions is considerably more difficult.
Only after having found the unexpected breakthrough on the kingside one can state: Black’s position
is winning (2 points).
However, realizing this advantage takes time and is difficult.
28...g4!
This move demanded precise calculation.
259
a) Opening the b-file made no sense: 28...bxc4? 29.Nxc4 Nxc4 30.bxc4 Rb8 31.Bd3 and we have an
equal position as the knights have been exchanged and there are no squares for penetrating.
b) The other option 28...b4?! allows White to wait: 29.Kg1 (an attempt at closing the position
deserves attention: 29.g4 a5 30.Bc2 Rf4 31.a4) 29...a5 (29...g4?! 30.f4 gxh3 31.Rh2=) 30.Bc2 R6f7
31.Kg2 and it is hard for Black to improve his position. In response to the rook transfer to the a-file
White will play f3–f4.
28...g4! 29.f4
In case of 29.hxg4? the black pieces break through: 29...Bxd2 30.Rxd2 Rxf3 31.Rxf3 Rxf3
and the game is quickly decided in Black’s favor.
29...gxh3+ 30.Kxh3
260
30...g5!
Here is the key.

This second undermining follows up on the first and brings you 2 additional points.
31.fxe5
31.f5? loses after 31...g4+ 32.Kg2 Bxd2 33.Rxd2 bxc4–+.
31...Rxf2 32.Rxf2 Rxf2 33.exd6
261
Wait, did Black get tricked?
The answer to this question lies in Black’s next move which had to be prepared in advance otherwise
Black would be lost.
33...g4+!
The “unlucky” white king is hit with another check.

If you planned this move beforehand you earned 2 more points.
34.Kxg4 Bxd2 35.e5 Kg7 36.d7 Ba5
It would seem White’s counter play has been stopped and this is how Shakhriyar must have thought
but Gelfand has found an effective practical resource.
37.b4!!
And the position from the next test arises.
Test 27
B. Gelfand (2737)
Nice 2008 (rapid)
Black to move
262
Show/Hide Solution
This is a spectacular position. Here Mamedyarov, much like a fairy tale hero, was on the crossroad of
three choices.
Whether the unexpected resource that Gelfand found chocked him, whether it was time trouble or
whether some otherworldly event intervened in the game we will not know. Out of the three options
Shakh chose the one leading to a loss.
37...Kf7??
It is only natural to want to bring the king into the game to help stop the pawns but the price, a whole
bisop, is too high!
a) The capture 37...cxb4? after 38.c5 (or 38.d6 Kf7 39.c5) 38...Rf1 39.Be4 produced a complicated
game that looks like it would be a draw.
b) Retreating the bishop at once was right 37...Bd8! this third choice led to the win. If you decided to
play just like this 4 points are yours!
Now White has two possibilities that deserve attention:

b1) 38.bxc5 allows Black a pair of connected passed pawns 38...bxc4 39.d6 c3 40.c6 (40.e6 Kf6 is
also hopeless) 40...c2 41.Bxc2 Rxc2 42.c7 Rxc7
263
43.dxc7 Bxc7 with an easy win.
b2) 38.cxb5 cxb4 (The check 38...h5+ 39.Kh3 cxb4 40.bxa6 Rf3 and transferring the rook to a3
decides the issue.) 39.bxa6 d3 40.Bxd3 Rxa2 Black’s king and bishop stop the three white pawns in
the center, the rook controls the passed a-pawn and the black b-pawn promotes!
37...Kf7?? 38.bxa5 Ke7 39.cxb5 axb5
40.a6
The rook cannot cope with the bishop and the armada of advancing white pawns.
264
40...Rf8
40...Kxd7 41.a7 Rf8 42.Bf5+ Kc7 43.d6+ does not leave Black any chances to escape.
41.Bf5 1–0
Tactical vision and calculating long variations are huge pluses.

However, never losing self-control is extremely important! Only one impulsive decision can erase
any excellently played game!
Test 28
E. Bacrot (2705)
Baku 2008
White to move

a) White has an advantage,
b) Black has an advantage,
Show/Hide Solution
265
This is not an easy test. One must use their arsenal of chess skills including sharp tactical vision,
calculation of long variations, evaluation of the strategic pluses and minuses and an objective
assessment of a position with unbalanced material.
If you decided that both sides’ chances are approximately equal you earned 3 points.
37.Rxe7!
a) Obviously 37.Rf4? is bad because of 37...Be5.

b) But if you were tempted by the variation 37.Nd1?! fxe4 38.Nxc3± I must disappoint you as the
position after 37...Bf6! 38.R4e3 e5! clearly turns to Black’s advantage.
37.Rxe7! Qxe7 38.Ng4!
38.Nxf5?! Be5! 39.Rxe5 Qxe5 was weaker 40.Nxd6 (40.Qxe5? leads to a very difficult ending:
40...Rxe5 41.Nxd6 Ke7 42.Nb7 Bb5µ) 40...Qxg3 41.fxg3 Rb8 42.a4 a5 Black has an obvious
advantage.
38...f4!
In case of the capture on e2 the black rook is hanging.
39.Qxc3
39.Qxf4+ Rf6! brings White defeat.
39...Qg7
266
White has sufficient compensation for a sacrificed exchange while the black pieces are placed rather
actively. Both sides’ chances are approximately equal.
If you preferred the move 37.Rxe7 and reached this position in your calculation you gained 4 points.
But if your main line after 37.Rxe7 differs from the game you gained only 2 points.
40.Ne5
White is not interested in simplifying the position: 40.Rxe8+ Bxe8 41.Ne5 Qf6³.
40...Bg4
40...Bf5 was an alternative possibility: 41.g3! fxg3 42.f4 with unclear play.
41.Re1
The rook has accomplished its mission on the second rank and now returns to the first.
41.f3!? Bf5 42.g3 g5 43.hxg5 (or 43.b4) 43...Qxg5 44.b4 with very sharp play.
41...Kg8 42.a4 Qf6
The engines give some preference to Black although the position is very complicated.
I only add that Shakhriyar won this game.
1–0 (73)
When calculating sharp variations look for hidden tactical resources not only for yourself but also for
your opponent. Otherwise you risk a mistaken assessment of the position and wrong move choices.
267
Test 29
J. Gustafsson (2603)
Dortmund 2008
White to move

a) clearly better,
b) somewhat worse,
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
The extremely complicated “Anti-Moscow Gambit” opening has resulted in sharp play. White first
returned and then even won a pawn. But now his bishop is attacked and there is a threat of Bxf2+,
however it is his turn to move.
I want to congratulate those who concluded that despite all the opponent’s threats White’s position is
clearly better (3 points).
Calculation, calculation and calculating once again is the key for solving this test.
White has three candidate moves from which to select but even finding them is a difficult task. (1)
There is an obvious move 21.Qe2 trying to protect the bishop and the f2-square. (2) The capture
21.Bxa6 can be found only if connected with the menacing idea of the queen penetration on d6. (3)
268
Pushing back the black queen with 21.a5 demanded finding all of the deeply hidden tactical ideas.
Each of these variations leds to different assessments.
Mamedyarov chose the second option due to its power.
21.Bxa6
This is an excellent idea but realized inaccurately. However, you get 2 points for finding it.
a) All the opponent’s threats were not based upon only one move: 21.Qe2? Bxf2+! 22.Qxf2 Qxf2
23.Kxf2 Nxc4 with an obvious advantage.
b) The correct decision was the fine move 21.a5!; this choice comes with 4 points!! Just this move
provided an advantage. It is very important for White to push the black queen to a7. 21...Bxf2+
22.Kh1 Qa7 23.Bxa6!
23...Qxa6 (A strength of the move 21.a5 becomes clear after 23...Rd8? 24.Nb5!! Rxd1 25.Rexd1 and
Black has to resign. Perhaps Mamedyarov missed this very important nuance.) 24.Qd6 Qa7 25.Qxe5
Qd4 26.Qxd4 Bxd4 27.Rac1 White has an extra pawn and the bishop pair is not sufficient
compensation for Black.
21.Bxa6 Bxf2+ 22.Kh1
269
22...Rd8!
22...Qxa6? 23.Qd6± leads to the variation examined in the previous note.
23.Qe2 Bxe1 24.Rxe1 f6 25.Qh5+ Kd7
White has full compensation but there are no reasons to be speaking about any advantage.
26.Qe2 Ke8 27.Qh5+ ½–½
Having found a beautiful idea try to find the best way to realize it!
Test 30
R. Ponomariov (2718)
Moscow 2008 (blitz)
270
Black to move

a) better,
b) worse,
c) winning.
Show/Hide Solution
Contrary to the usual plans in the Scheveningen variation Ponomariov started attacking not on the
kingside but on the queenside. If given one more move his pawns will cross the demarcating line
capturing new territory. But Ruslan clearly underestimated the potential energy of the black pieces:
they are ideally placed for a breakthrough in the center!
Black’s position is better (2 points).
19...d5!
The price is a pawn and in some variations even two pawns but Black blows up the center.
This decision brings you 3 points.
Delaying would be a mistake. White threatens to take on the d5-square after 20.Bg5! The
prophylactic 19...h6?! leads after 20.Rc1 Qd8 21.a5 or 21.b5 to unclear positions where Black still
has to prove that he has sufficient counter play.
271
19...d5! 20.exd5
White could exchange a pair of knights 20.Nxd5 Nxd5 21.exd5. While this would simplify the play it
does not solve his problems. After 21...e4 22.Bf4 (22.Bxe4?? loses because of 22...Qe5) 22...Bd6
23.Bxd6 Qxd6 24.Be2 Qe5 and then 25...Qxf5 Black regains material equality and due to the evident
defects of White’s pawn structure gets an advantage.
20...e4!
The sacrifice of the second pawn opens the h2–b8 diagonal and the e-file.
21.Bf1?
a) In case of the capture 21.Bxe4 all the black pieces are quickly activated: 21...Qe5! 22.Bf3 Bd6
23.Bg1 Bxf5 24.Rf1 Rc4 and White’s position becomes very difficult.
b) The relatively best decision was 21.Be2 although it provides a pleasant choice for Black. 21...Bxb4
(21...Bxf5!? and 21...Qe5!? are also rather promising) 22.Rxb4 Qxc3 23.Rd1 Qxc2 24.Rxb7 Bxa4
Black has an advantage but White keeps real chances for escaping.
After the mistaken move in the game White’s position becomes hopeless.
21...Bxf5 22.b5 Ng4 23.Bg1
272
23...Bc5
23...e3! was much easier but it is not a part of the test. Black soon won the game.
0–1
One of the chess strategy statements says: “A counterattack in the center is the best reply to a flank
action of an opponent!” Judging by this game Mamedyarov is in absolute agreement with it! And
you?
273
Show in Text Mode
Test 31
J. V. Gunnarsson (2430)
Kallithea 2008
Black to move

a) Black has a big advantage,
b) both sides’ chances are approximately equal,
c) Black’s position is somewhat worse.
Show/Hide Solution
During a sharp Sicilian battle Mamedyarov has already sacrificed an exchange but this cannot serve
as a determining factor in assessing the position as both sides are attacking. More important is that he
has managed to weaken a complex of the most significant squares around the white king. However,
the Icelandic master did not spend his time in vain as White threatens to open all the files on the
274
kingside.
Black has managed to stop the opponent’s attack at least temporarily therefore the correct assessment
is “Black has a big advantage” (2 points).
28...f5
28...f6? is a mistake. 29.h6! fxe5 (or 29...gxh6 30.Qh3+–) 30.hxg7 Bf6 31.Qh3 with a win. In both
cases the fact that the e6-pawn has been attacked ruins Black.
The move by Mamedyarov is not the best decision.
4 points go to those who chose 28...Nc3+! 29.Ka1 f5!. After 30.Rc1 (30.h6 gxh6 does not create
problems for Black.) 30...Ne4 31.Bxe4 (or 31.Qh2 Bf6!–+) 31...fxe4 Black has a huge advantage.
28...f5 29.Bc4!
An excellent resource!
29...Ne3
After 29...Qb6 30.Qh3 Bg5 31.Qg3 Bh6 32.Qh4 It is not easy for Black to develop an initiative.
30.Bxe6+ Kh8
Now 31.Rd2 leads to an unclear position.

31.Rxe3 was played in the game and that allowed Black to seize the initiative once again. On the 44th
move White resigned.
0–1 (44)
275
In positions with attacks on opposite sides stopping the opponent’s advance while keeping your
attacking potential are equally important.
Test 32
P. Svidler (2726)
Nalchik 2009
White to move
Show/Hide Solution
Spurred by time trouble Peter pressed the clock and outright understood that something irreparable
happened. Out of three possible defenses from a check: 31...Rd7,
31...Kf8 and 31...Ke7 he chose the losing one. Svidler had no hopes that Shakhriyar would not make
a decisive stroke.
32.Rxf2! Rxg5
After 32...Rxf2 33.Qc5+ Ke8 34.Qxf2 White wins a piece,
33.Qb7+ Rd7
276
34.Rxf7+!
This ends the game.

Combining the tactical strokes 32.Rxf2! and 34.Rxf7+! brings you 4 points.
34...Kxf7 35.Qxd7+ Kg8 36.Bxg7
Black resigned as the capture 36...Rxg7 leads to forced mate: 37.Qe8+ Kh7 38.Qh5+ Kg8 39.Rc8#.
1–0
Usually Peter Svidler sees such tactical strokes even before their shadow begins to appear on the
board. I can only explain this blunder from him by some dramatic location of stars in the sky!
However, the king in the center is always a source for unexpected tactical ideas.
Test 33
S. Karjakin (2721)
Baku 2009 (rapid)
277
White to move

a) better,
b) winning.
Show/Hide Solution
Having faced a novelty in the opening Karjakin acted without confidence. Now the strategic defects
of Black’s position are evident. White can try to exchange the dark squared bishops and then seek to
undermine the opponent’s pawn structure on the queenside. Perhaps Sergey expected such a
development thus Mamedyarov’s blow in the center was a big surprise for him!
White’s position is winning (2 points), and Shakh proves it convincingly.
20.e4!
This unexpected breakthrough in the center brings you 3 additional points.

a) The strategic manoeuvre 20.Ne2 0-0 21.Bb4 kept an advantage for White: 21...Bxb4 22.Qxb4
Re8± but didn’t have a decisive effect.
b) The consequences of 20.a4?! b4 21.Nc6 bxc3! 22.Nxd8 cxd2 23.Rd1 Rxd8 were even less clear.
20.e4! Be6
278
This is the relatively best defense.
a) 20...Nxe4? 21.Qxd5+– and
b) 20...Bxe5? 21.exf5 Bxd4 22.Qb4 loses outright.
c) But after 20...Bxe4?! 21.Nxe4 Bxe5 22.Nxf6+ Bxf6 23.Bb4 Be7 24.Re1 Ra7 25.Qe3 Black’s
position is hopeless.
21.Nc6!
The most precise way!
21...Qd7 22.exd5 0-0
22...Nxd5 23.Nxd5 Bxd5 loses: 24.Re1+ Be6 25.Qf3 0-0 26.Qf6 and Black cannot escape the mating
threats.
23.dxe6
23.Bg5! keeping in mind that 23...Nxd5 24.Nxd5 Bxd5 25.Qxd5 Bxh2+ 26.Kxh2 Qxd5 27.Ne7+
was more energetic.
23...Qxc6 24.Bh6 Bxh2+!
Karjakin finds the best chance but it does not save the game.
25.Kxh2?!
After 25.Kh1! Bd6 26.Bxf8 Rxf8 27.Re1 an extra exchange provides a decisive advantage for White.
279
25...Ng4+ 26.Kg1 Nxh6 27.e7 Rfe8 28.Nd5 Qd6
White has a clear advantage, yet his position cannot be called winning. I shall add that after some big
time trouble adventures the game ended in a draw.
½–½ (75)
I have already mentioned the book by Igor Zaitsev “Attack in a stronghold”. As we can see this
spectacular method is met more often than one could guess.
Test 34
V. Anand (2783)
Baku 2009 (rapid)
280
Black to move
A. The knight sacrifice 25...Ng3+:

a) leads to win,
b) leads to draw,
c) loses.
Show/Hide Solution
Black has no reasons for special optimism. His e5-pawn is weak while White plans to activate his
temporarily passive knight by c3 and then Nc5.
Shakhriyar was rather satisfied after having calculated all the variations convinced that the knight
sacrifice led to draw (2 points).
25...Ng3+! 26.hxg3 Rc6 27.Re4
27.Re3?? loses because of 27...Rf1+ 28.Qxf1 Qxe3 when there is no defense from 29...Rh6#.
281
27...Rf1+!
27...Rh6+ 28.Rh4 Rf1+! is also possible but in any case this deflecting sacrifice of the rook confirms
the correctness of the knight sacrifice.
I can add that it brings you 4 points.
28.Qxf1 Rh6+ 29.Rh4 Rxh4+ 30.gxh4 Qxh4+
The white king cannot escape from the perpetual check on the squares h4 and d4. Draw.
½–½
The combination is not always a mating attack, a win of material or a wonderful rescue. Sometimes a
spectacular sacrifice or even several sacrifices only change the assessment of the position a little bit.
However, if in this way a problem of defending a somewhat worse position can be solved do not
hesitate to use a sledge hammer to crack a nut!
Test 35
S. G. Vidit (2423)
Kolkata 2009
282
Black to move

a) losing,
b) worse,
c) equal.
a) 22...Nxb2
b) 23...Qxb2
c) 22...Qd6
Show/Hide Solution
Several years after this game Santosh became a grandmaster and then crossed the elite rating bar of
2700. When this game was played Vidit was a 15 year old master.
In sharp tactical fighting right after the opening Mamedyarov managed to outsmart his opponent and
seized the initiative. White’s centralized queen and knight started approaching the black king’s
position.
But for Shakh the price of seizing the initiative was the weakening of his pawn structure. Could Vidit
use this weakening to organize counter play or at least defend his position?
This is a classic test for training your skills of calculating. Three candidate moves appear each with
their own direction. The task is to calculate their consequences and to reach a verdict.
Just those readers who could find the hidden resources in White’s attack reached the right diagnosis:
283
Black’s position is worse (2 points).
22...Qxb2?
Having tired from calculating the very complicated variations in the previous fighting Vidit chose the
worst option as the pawn capture by the queen loses by force.
a) 22...Nxb2 was stronger and may lead to a decisive advantage as it forces his opponent to find
several difficult moves. The first move is 23.Rd4! as the rook must become involved in the attack.
If you found this move in your calculations and assessed Black’s position as extremely dangerous
then you rejected the knight capture on b2. At first sight White seems to have no concrete threats yet
Black does not manage to defend his position. This assessment demands a serious amount of
evidence, the tree of variation calculations is full of branches!
a1) 23...f6 24.Qh6! An attempt at pushing the knight back deprived Black of the possibility to involve
the queen in the defense from f6. 24...g5 (The capture 24...fxe5? 25.Rh4 Qf6 26.Qxh7+ Kf8 27.fxg6
loses at once.) 25.Nf3 Qc5 (25...Kh8 26.d6 Rg8 27.d7 Qc7 28.Qh5 does not leave chances for Black
to survive.) 26.h4 Qc2 27.hxg5 Qxf5 28.d6 (28...Qxf3? 29.g6+–) 28...exd6 29.gxf6 Qg6+ 30.Qxg6+
hxg6 31.Rc1 Rf8 32.Kf1 suddenly it becomes clear that the black knight has been trapped. 32...Ree8
33.Rc2 Rxf6 34.Nh2 with a win.
a2) 23...Kg7 24.Nd7! (After 24.fxg6 Qf6! the position is less clear.)
284
Black does not manage to find a good square for the queen. It is interesting that it depends upon
where the queen retreats as to where White will attack. Following are the common starting points
with the f-pawn and the final assessment. 24...Qa6 (24...Qb5 25.f6+ exf6 26.Qxf6+ Kg8 27.Ne5 Qe8
28.Ng4 and the knight makes decisive threats; 24...Qd6 25.f6+! Kg8 26.Qh6 exf6 but in this
variation the white knight plays a deflecting role 27.Rh4 Qxd7 28.Qxh7+ Kf8 29.Qh8+ Ke7
30.Qxa8 Black’s problem is not in the lost exchange but in his King’s position which is hopeless.)
25.d6 Qb5 26.f6+ exf6 27.Qxf6+ Kg8 28.Nc5! The white knight is sacrificed again. This time the
sacrifice gains a decisive pawn advantage: 28...Qxc5 (28...Qc6 29.Rc1+–) 29.d7 Ree8 30.dxe8=Q+
Rxe8 31.Rd7 with a win.
b) The best defense is 22...Qd6!
285
23.Rde1! (After 23.fxg6 fxg6 24.Qf7+ Kh8 25.Nc4 Qf6 White keeps a minimal advantage but
nothing more.) 23...Rxe1 24.Rxe1 Nb6 25.fxg6 fxg6 26.Qf7+ Kh8 27.Nf3 Qxd5 28.Rxe7 Qxf7
29.Rxf7 White has an advantage but Black keeps real chances to draw.
22...Qxb2?
The game was decided by a small combination...
23.fxg6! fxg6 24.Qf7+ Kh8
25.Nxg6+! hxg6 26.Rd3 Qc3 27.Rxc3 Nxc3 28.Qf3 Rc2 29.Re1
1–0
If you preferred the move 22...Qd6! mostly basing this on your intuition then you earned 3 points.
But if you managed to refute 22...Qxb2 and to find, after 22...Nxb2, the decisive manoeuvre 23.Rd4!
you earn 1 additional point for each of these finds.
“The candidate moves”, “the tree of variation calculations” — this terminology was offered by the
famous grandmaster, chess writer and coach Alexander Kotov more than 70 years ago.
He was the first who worked out and described in his articles a method of training for calculating
variations. Its relevance remains even in today’s computer influenced world.
Test 36
M. Gagunashvili (2564)
286
Kolkata 2009
White to move

a) better,
b) worse,
c) winning.
Show/Hide Solution
Shakhriyar Mamedyarov’s participation in the 2009 Kolkata tournament considerably increased the
content of this book. In Chapter One we examined a fragment from his game vs the Indian
grandmaster Shivavanda, in the previous example Shakh played against Vidit. Here we are with one
more game from the same tournament. This time the grandmaster from Georgia, Merab Gagunashvili,
is Mamedyarov’s opponent.
White’s more active placement combined with the weakness of the b1–h7 diagonal leading straight to
the black king’s residence leave no doubts: White “has something”.
Having played 14...g5 Merab evidently crossed the line of permitted risk taking. If, before this, Shakh
simply had an advantage now White’s position became winning (2 points). One just needs to find a
way of proving this assessment.
15.Qc2!
287
This move brings you 3 more points.
a) A melancholic retreat 15.Bg3?! leads to an unclear position: 15...f5 16.Bc2 e4∞.
The breakthrough 15.d5? cxd5 16.Bxd5+ Bxd5 17.Qxd5+ Kh8 18.Bg3 Nc5 allows Black to seize the
initiative.
b) The piece sacrifice 15.dxe5!? gxh4 16.e6 is considerably more serious. After 16...Ne5 17.Nxh4
Qxd1 18.Raxd1 Rae8 19.f4 Rxe6 20.fxe5 Rxe5 21.Nf3 Ree8 22.Bf5 White has an advantage but the
win is still far off.
15.Qc2! gxh4 16.Bxh7+ Kh8 17.Qf5 Bh6
18.Nxh4
Mamedyarov’s pieces are marching to the black king’s apartment as if they are on a red carpet one
after another.
18...Bg5 19.Ng6+ Kg7
288
A spectacular position!
20.dxe5
It is not the only way to win.
20...Nxe5?!
20...fxe5 could not save Black: 21.Nxf8 Nxf8 22.Rad1 Qf6 23.Rxe5+–.
The following does not demand explanations.
21.Nxe5 fxe5 22.Qg6+ Kh8 23.Qh5 Qd2 24.Be4+ Bh6 25.Qg6! Qxf2+ 26.Kh1 Qf7 27.Qxh6+
Kg8 28.Re3 1–0
Normally a “diagonal” penetration into an opponent’s camp can successfully be done by one and
sometimes two pieces. However, in exceptional cases, multiple pieces can be involved!
Test 37
V. Milov (2652)
289
Black to move
A. Black played 21...Qc7. This continuation is:

a) correct and leads to a clear advantage for Black,
b) mistaken and allows White to defend.
Show/Hide Solution
The opponent has prepared an exchange sacrifice. Why would I not try to use it? Shakhriyar must
have thought along these lines. After precisely calculating the variations he retreats the queen.
21...Qc7!
This continuation is correct and leads to a clear advantage for Black (2 points).
22.Rxf6?!
Vadim plays the prepared sacrifice but has been trapped in a spread net.
After 22.Rd1 h5 23.Bf1 Bxf1 24.Rxf1 Qb6 White was hardly escaping.
290
22...Ne5!
The refutation of White’s idea.

If you mentioned the exchange sacrifice and were going to refute it with this move give yourself 3
more points.
Accepting leads to a draw: 22...gxf6? 23.Qxf6 Red8 24.Qg5+ Kh8 25.Qf6+.
23.Bxf7+
The immediate rook retreat does not change the assessment: 23.Rf4 Nxc4 24.Bd2 b5 25.b3 Ne5
26.Qxc7 Rxc7 and White cannot escape:
291
27.Ne2 (27.Ne4 Ng6 28.Nd6 Re5–+; 27.Ra2 Rd8–+) 27...Rc2 28.Rd1 Re6–+.
23...Nxf7 24.Rf4
24.Qxc7 Rxc7 25.Rf4 Rc2 is hopeless.
24...Qxc3?!
And at this moment Shakhriyar committed an inaccuracy. Correct was 24...Qb6! 25.Qe1 Ne5 26.Qe2
Red8 and White has to resign.
25.bxc3 Rxc3 26.Bd2 Rc2 27.Rd4 Ne5
292
Black has a clear advantage which Shakhriyar later realized.
0–1 (35)
Mikhail Tal very much loved “getting trapped” by an opponent having calculated the variations at
least one move further. Well, this tricky method is still available today.
Test 38
H. Wang (2708)
293
White to move

a) better,
b) winning.
Show/Hide Solution
The h5-pawn is alone and unprotected, it is doomed. However, Black has rather concrete counter play
on the queenside. If his king reaches the b3-pawn the pawn races on different sides can start. And
when playing “who is faster”, the black bishop will be stronger than the white knight.
I am sure that only those who possess a fine understanding of the rules of endings could find the right
way.
36.Ne6!!
A winning decision!
Mamedyarov refused the immediate winning of material instead he chose to limit the opponent’s
counter play.
If you, as Shakhriyar, properly ordered your tasks and actions 3 points are yours!
After 36.Nxh5 Qxf2+ 37.Kxf2 Kc5 White’s position remains better, he fights for the win but the
294
issue of the battle is not clear at all: 38.Ke3 Kb4
39.Nxf6! Kxb3! 40.e5 b5 41.axb5 cxb5 42.Ne4 a4 43.f5 a3 44.f6 Bd8! 45.e6 Bxf6 46.Nxf6 a2 47.e7
a1=Q 48.e8=Q Qc3+ 49.Ke4 Qxg3 and everything ends in a draw.
36.Ne6!! Qxf2+ 37.Kxf2
The black king suddenly became trapped in his residence! It is extremely difficult for him to leave
while the white knight successfully plays the role of a dreadful guard!
White’s plan is to transfer his king to d3 and then to come back with the knight and capture the h5-
pawn.
295
37...c5
37...Ka6 38.Ke3 b5 39.Kd3 Kb6 40.Ng7 is hopeless for Black.
38.Ke3 Kc6 39.Kd3
The first part of the plan has been fulfilled.
39...b5 40.axb5+ Kxb5
This position could be a separate test with an analogical task.
41.Nc7+!
Once again Shakh does not hurry with winning the pawn but first forces back the opponents king.
41...Kb4
The piece sacrifice is an illusory chance only. However, its consequences have been precisely
calculated by Mamedyarov beforehand.
The “natural” 41...Kc6 would not cause any difficulty for White: 42.Nd5 Bd8 43.Kc4 Kd6 44.Ne3
finally the knight heads for g7 to capture the h5-pawn and win the game.
42.Nd5+ Kxb3 43.Nxe7 c4+ 44.Kd2 c3+ 45.Kc1 a4 46.Nd5 a3 47.Ne3 a2 48.Nc2
296
The black pawns have been stopped. Game over.
48...Kc4 49.Kd1 a1=Q+ 50.Nxa1 Kd4 51.e5 fxe5 52.f5
1–0
To limit the opponent’s possibilities is often more important than to realize your own ideas, especially
in the ending!
Test 39
E. Inarkiev (2669)
Astrakhan 2010
297
Black to move
a) better,
b) worse,
c) winning.
Show/Hide Solution
Inarkiev has played the opening with originality but now there is obvious disharmony in the
placement of his pieces which is visible to the naked eye. This can be a temporary factor if White is
able to transfer the knight to d3, has time to play f4–f5 and starts the pawn storm in the spirit of the
classical King’s Indian Attack. Nobody will envy the opponent.
Black must act with energy for proving the correctness of the objective assessment: his position is
better (2 points).
16...Bxf3+!
If you decided that the pawns on the light squares e4 and c4 limited White’s bishop and therefore
Black should not exchange it I must disappoint you. In the given case the position’s concrete
resources override the common strategic rules.
After 16...Bd7 17.Nc1 0-0 18.Nd3 the situation becomes unclear.
298
16...Bxf3+! 17.Rxf3 f5!
The exchange of bishops has weakened the e4-point and Mamedyarov lands a blow against this
square.
This original and very strong decision brings you 3 points.
17...0-0 was a serious strategic mistake as it would give White the possibility of playing 18.f5.
18.Qc2 Qe7 19.Re1
If White cannot control the e4-square then the armada of black pawns will destroy everything they
pass.
19...0-0 20.Nc1 Nb4
20...Rbe8 21.Nd3 Qb7! was also strong.
21.Bxb4 Bxb4 22.Re2 Qb7 23.Kg1 Ba3 24.Rf1 Rbe8
White faced a very difficult defense and was unable to hold his bastions.
0–1 (46)
Black used his main strategic stroke in the center despite his king not being castled. No rules without
exceptions!
Test 40
299
P. Leko (2735)
Astrakhan 2010
White to move
Find a winning plan.
Show/Hide Solution
Mikhail Botvinnik, the sixth World champion, was an unsurpassed master of building and, most
importantly, realizing multistage strategic plans. Sometimes these masterpieces of strategic planning
had been developing in his games from the opening up to the most complex endings! He clearly
described the whole process in comments for his games and in methodical articles.
I guess Botvinnik would like the ending of this game.
White’s winning plan consists of two stages:
1. By the breakthrough 54.g5 White activates the bishop and at the same time he deprives the
opponent of the defensive resource g7–g5.
2. Using the limited agility of Black’s pieces White puts the opponent in zugzwang.
The second stage in turn contains several steps.
54.g5! hxg5 55.Bxg5
The first stage has been completed.
300
55...Ke8 56.Kb3
If White were able to move the rook from a8 to b7 in this position just king moves would remain for
Black. Placing the black king on g8 White would play h6/gxh6/Bxh6 and in reply to the only move
Kh8 then Rg7 would put Black in full zugzwang.
But how can White transfer the rook to b7?
In reply to Rb8 Black will play ...Rc7 therefore White needs to push the rook away from c7. To do
this White needs to play Bd8. To obtain the d8-square for the bishop White made his last waiting
move.
56...Rc7
Leko understood that zugzwang would terminate the game if he attempted to continue with passive
defense and decided to give up the pawn.
The main variation was: 56...Kf7 57.Rb8 Rc7 58.Bd8 Rc6 59.Rb7+ Kg8.
301
The rook now stands on b7 and the second step has been completed. Now the bishop must return to
g5 and wait for the black king to occupy the g8-square. 60.Bg5 Kf8 61.Kc3 Kg8 The third step is to
deprive the black king of the ability to move. 62.h6! gxh6 63.Bxh6 Kh8 64.Rg7!
Zugzwang! If in your calculation you managed to find this position you earned 6 points!
57.Rxa6
302
After Leko decided to give up a pawn the game lasted another 15 moves but the result has already
been decided.
57...Rb7+ 58.Kc3 Kd7 59.Ra8 Rb1 60.a6 Ra1 61.Kb3 Rb1+ 62.Ka2 Rb4 63.Bd2 Rxc4 64.Kb3 Rh4
65.a7 Nxa7 66.Rxa7+ Kc6 67.Ra6+ Kd5 68.Bc3 Rxh5 69.Rd6+ Ke4 70.Rxe6 g5 71.Rg6 Kf5
72.Rf6+ Ke4 73.e6
1–0
A long-term plan is important not only in economics but in a chess game too!
303
Show in Text Mode
Test 41
V. Ivanchuk (2754)
White to move

b) White is somewhat better,
c) the chances of both sides are approximately equal.
Show/Hide Solution

It is not the extra exchange but the dangerous d-pawn which forces Black to spend several tempos to
capture it. Meanwhile White creates really terrible threats to the black king’s castle.
304
28.f4!
Just so! 3 points.

The solid but slow 28.Qd2 (or 28.Rf2 Bd4)
28.Qd2 Bd4 29.Re1 Rb7 allowed Black time to capture the d7-pawn comfortably and gain counter
play.
28.f4! Bxb2
After 28...Bd4 29.f5 Bxd7 30.Bxd7 Qxd7 31.Ng4! White has a very dangerous attack. For example:
31...Nd5 32.fxg6 fxg6 33.Rd3! and Black is unlikely to defend.
29.f5 Bxd7
29...Bxa3 30.fxe6 fxe6 31.Qd6 is completely hopeless.
30.fxg6 hxg6
31.Qb3
31.Bxd7 Bxa3 32.Ng4! reaches the goal faster. 32...Rb6 (32...Qg5 loses because of 33.Nf6+ Kg7
34.Qa1!) 33.Nh6+ Kg7 34.Rxf7+ Kxh6 35.Qd2+ Qg5 36.Rh7+ Kxh7 37.Qxg5 with a win.
31...Bxa3
31...Nd5! 32.Qxd5 Be6 was steadier but could not save Black: 33.Qxd8+ Rxd8 34.Rb3 Bxb3
305
35.Bxb3± Rd7 36.Nc4 Bc3 37.Rf3 and White will win.
32.Qxf7+ Kh8 33.Bxd7 Qg8
34.Qf6+
34.Qe7! with the threat of transferring the rook to the h-file was easier but White’s attack is
irresistible either way.
34...Qg7 35.Qh4+ Qh7 36.Qf4 Ra8 37.Qf3 Rb8 38.Qf4 Ra8 39.Be6 Bb2 40.Nc4 Bd4 41.Nd6 a4
42.Nf7+ Kg7 43.Ng5 Qh5 44.g4 Qh4 45.Qc7+ Kh8 46.Nf7+ Kh7 47.Ne5+ Kh6
306
48.g5+!
The cherry on the top!

Mirror “forks” by the knight end the game.
Curtains!
1–0
When the initiative is in your hands do not give any time off to your opponent!
Test 42
G. Sargissian (2663)
Ningbo 2011
307
White to move
A. The continuation 16.Nc7 is:

a) correct and brings White to a decisive advantage,
b) mistaken and allows Black to defend.
Show/Hide Solution
In the 12th game of the Botvinnik — Petrosian match for the World Championship title the main
expert of chess strategy, Mikhail Botvinnik, decisively advanced his g-pawn: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3
Be7 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bf4 c6 6.e3 Bf5 7.g4!? plunging the chess world into a state of astonishment. Now
half a century has passed with may concepts of positional play being revised on a continual basis.
Mamedyarov’s novelty (7.g2–g4!?) played after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Be7 4.Bf4 Nf6 5.e3 0-0 6.a3
b6 did not shock the world but greatly confused Gabriel. (7.g4!?)
308
There is no other way to explain how such and expert on the Queen’s Gambit as Sargissian got into a
difficult situation after only seven moves?!
“Let’s go”! Mamedyarov decided and convincingly transferred the knight.
16.Nc7!
This continuation is correct and leads to a decisive advantage for White. This assessment brings you 2
points.
Sargissian evidently underestimated the destructive effect of White’s operation.
16...Rac8
309
17.0-0!
17.Qg4?! is a mistake since after 17...Rxc7 18.Bxc7 Qxc7 19.dxe6 f5 (19...Bxg2 20.Qxg2 fxe6 21.0-
0² is weaker) 20.Qh3 Bxg2 21.Qxg2 Nb6 the position becomes unclear.
17...e5
The tactical justification for the knight penetration is the variation 17...Rxc7 18.Bxc7 Qxc7 19.Rxa7!!
and Black losses material:
19...Qb6 20.Rxb7 Qxb7 21.d6+– or 19...exd5 20.Bxd5 Rb8 21.Rxb7 Rxb7 22.Qf3 with an easy win
310
in either variation.
If your calculation reached 19.Rxa7!! you fully merit the bonus of 4 points!
In the game Sargissian made the relatively best move but even it could not change the assessment.
18.dxe5 Rxc7 19.d6 Bxg2 20.Kxg2 Bxd6 21.exd6
White has a big advantage that Shakhriyar realized successfully.

1–0 (45)
The jump 16.Nc7! was not a diversionary raid on the enemy’s rear position but a prepared penetration
supported by the long range artillery of the bishops and the white rook.
Seriously puzzling such a well-prepared opponent in the opening is already a success!
Test 43
D. Fridman (2659)
Khanty-Mansiysk 2011 (rapid)
311
White to move

a) better,
b) winning.
Show/Hide Solution
The FIDE World Cup is usually run as a knockout tournament. This position is from the second game
of the tie-break match. Shakhryiar won the first one and, to continue fighting, Fridman had to gain
revenge and win this game. But how to do it against Mamedyarov especially when playing Black?
Daniel tried from the opening to make the game original and while he succeeded the price was huge
strategic concessions from which he could not recover. The assessment “White’s position is winning”
brings you 2 points.
27.h6+!
A spectacular stroke announcing the final battle. If you found it, it brings you 4 points.
Black’s reinforcing resources were the pawn move ...h7–h6 and the manoeuvre ...Qa5 hoping for a
queen exchange. By sacrificing the pawn Mamedyarov excludes both possibilities.
After 27.Rf5 Qa5! (27...h6? loses because of 28.e5 fxe5 29.Qd3!+–) 28.Rxg5+ Kh8 29.Qxa5 Nxa5
30.Rg4 White will win the pawn but the win of the game is a long way off.
312
27.h6+! Kxh6
27...Kh8 28.Nxg5! is completely hopeless.
28.Rf5! Kg7
a) 28...Qa5? loses outright because of 29.Rxf6+! It is important that this stroke goes together with the
check.
b) 28...Kg6 29.e5!! does not leave any hopes for Black: 29...Nxe5 (or 29...Kxf5 30.Qd3+ Kg4
31.Nh2+ with mate) 30.Nxe5+ Kxf5 (30...fxe5 31.Rxe5+–) 31.g4+ Kxe5 32.f4+ gxf4 33.Qxf4#.
This position could be a separate test.
29.Nxg5!
29.e5 is also strong.
29...Qa5
Accepting the sacrifice costs Black his queen: 29...fxg5 30.Rxg5+ Kh8 31.Qc3+ Qf6 32.Rg8+!.
30.b4?!
Shakh made a mistake.

Stronger and spectacular was 30.Qf4!! Qxa2 31.Nxh7! when the black king cannot escape.
30...Qxb4 31.Qf4 Nd4 32.Qg4 Kh8
313
33.Nxh7! Nxf5?
After the objectively stronger 33...Ne2+ 34.Qxe2 Qxe4 this resource appears because White included
b4/...Qxb4. If now 35.Qxe4 Bxe4 36.Nxf8 Bxf5 37.g4 Bxg4 38.Ng6+ Kg7 39.Ne7 Black keeps
some chances for escaping in the ending.
34.Nxf8 Rxf8 35.Qh5+ Kg7
36.Qg4+
314
36.Qxf5 Bc6 37.Qg4+ Kh8 38.Qh4+ Kg7 39.Qg3+ Kh8 40.Rc1! Qxe4 41.Bb1 leads to a win. But
the tournament has its own rules especially in the knock-out games and to pass to the next round a
draw was all Mamedyarov needed therefore under time pressure he did not take risks.
36...Kh6 37.Qh3+
½–½
Even if only defending resources remain in your opponent’s arsenal look for a way to completely
disarm him! A small tactical operation can help you!
Test 44
E. Inarkiev (2692)
Rogaska Slatina 2011
White to move
A. White played 29.Bxg6. This sacrifice leads to:

a) White’s advantage,
b) Black’s advantage,
c) an approximately equal position,
d) a win.
315
Show/Hide Solution
It was a very difficult test. Looking back I must say that even such a strong grandmaster as Ernesto
Inarkiev could not cope with it. Naturally his situation was more difficult than yours. He had limited
time, the nervous atmosphere of a real game and the extra pressure of his responsibility to his team.
Nevertheless, if you concluded that the sacrifice led to an approximately equal position (3 points), I
want to shout to you:
Bravo!!
29.Bxg6!!
Shakh could exchange the rooks or retreat the queen to c1. In both cases an approximate equality
would remain on the board.
Why then did I give two exclamation marks on the capture on g6?
The answer is simple. Firstly, Mamedyarov’s move maximises the problems his opponent must solve
and secondly the queen sacrifice deserves an exclamation mark even if it does not lead to an
advantage with precise play.
29...Nxg6?!
Practically any sacrifice, and especially a queen sacrifice, produces a psychological influence on an
opponent. In such situations keeping a cool mind and precisely and calmly calculating all the
variations is not easy. Inarkiev did not cope with this task — he chose an answer far from the best.
a) If Black takes the queen with 29...Rxc2?! Mamedyarov prepared the subsequent sacrifice of the
bishop: 30.Bh7+!! Kh8 31.Bxc2 Ng6
316
32.e6! White has only a rook for a queen but despite this limited material contingent his attack is very
strong. 32...Kg7 (or 32...Rd2 33.Rg5 Qb4 34.exf7 Rxc2 35.Kxc2 Kg7 36.Rxg6+ Kxf7±) 33.exf7
Kxf7 34.Rxg6 in both cases it is very difficult for Black to hold the position.
b) The strongest reply was 29...Rxg2! Now after 30.Bh7+ Nxh7 31.Qxg2+ Kf8 32.Qg7+ Ke7
33.Qxh7 Rd2
White has an extra pawn but the active black pieces give him compensation. White can continue to
play with no risk. Finding this variation brings you 4 points.
30.Rxg6+ Kf8 31.Rg8+ Ke7 32.Qb3!
317
Inarkiev gives up a pawn but in a considerably worse position.
32...R8d7?
Attempts at saving the rook ending after 32...Qd5! 33.Qxd5 R8xd5 34.R1g2± was Black’s best
chance.
33.e4! Qc5 34.e6
34.Rc1! Qd4 35.Qa3+ c5 36.Qxc5+ Qxc5 37.Rxc5 was much easier.
34...R7d3 35.Qxb7+
A hasty 35.exf7? after 35...Qxg1+!
318
36.Rxg1 Rxb3 37.axb3 Re2 38.e5 Kxf7 gave Black excellent chances for a draw.
35...Rd7 36.Qb3! R7d3 37.exf7 Qxg1+ 38.Rxg1 Rxb3 39.axb3
Two extra pawns are enough to win and Shakh easily converted.
1–0 (54)
Try keeping a cool mind even if your opponent sacrifices his queen and the audience applauds him!
Calm calculation will help you save a number of points!
319
Test 45
S. Karjakin (2763)
Beijing 2011 (rapid)
White to move

a) better,
b) equal,
c) winning.
Show/Hide Solution
It is easy to see that the roads for the black king to return to his camp have been closed yet it is more
difficult to find a way to use these same roads.
Sharp combinational vision and precise calculation will help you to determine that White’s position is
winning (2 points).
43.Rd1!
The rook penetration on the 7th rank creates irrefutable threats. (4 points).
An analogical idea could be realized by 43.f4! Qxc5 44.Rb1!! This way also brings you 4 points.
320
Black cannot escape. 44...Ra7 (or 44...Bd4 45.e5++–) 45.fxe5+ Ke7 46.Rb8 White’s attack has
moved to the 8th rank but remains irrefutable. No points are given for any bishop retreat.
43.Rd1! Qxc5 44.Rd7 Rf8 45.f4! a3?
45...Bd4! preventing 46.e5+ was sounder. However after 46.Qg4 Rf7 47.Rxd4 Black cannot find any
acceptable defense:
47...g5 (or 47...Qxc3 48.e5+ Ke7 49.Qd1+–) 48.e5+ Kg7 49.fxg5 Qxe5 50.gxh6+ Kh7 51.Rxa4
Qxc3 52.Qe4+ winning.
46.fxe5+ Qxe5 47.Qf3+ Kg6 48.Qxf8 a2
321
49.Rd1?
49.Ra7 ended the fight outright. Although the move in the game does not miss the win.
49...Qxc3 50.Qf1 c5 51.Kh3 c4 52.Ra1 Qb2 53.e5 Kh7 54.Rc1 Qxe5 55.Qd1 Qf5+ 56.Kg2 Qe4+
57.Qf3 Qe5 58.Qf1 Qe4+ 59.Kh3 Qe5 60.Qd1 Qf5+ 61.Kg2 Qe4+ 62.Kg1 Qe3+ 63.Kf1 Qe4
64.Kf2 Qf5+ 65.Ke3 Qe5+ 66.Kd2 Qa5+ 67.Kc2 Qa3 68.Qd4 Qb3+ 69.Kd2 Qb1 70.Qc3 Kh8
71.Re1 e5 72.h4 Kh7 73.Qc2+ 1–0
An attack by limited forces, especially if a rook and a queen, always impresses by its geometrical
precision!
If the opponent’s king has left its residence try to make its path long and dangerous!
Test 46
T. Nabaty (2563)
Gibraltar 2012
322
White to move
Show/Hide Solution
The opponent of Shakh, the Israeli grandmaster Tamir Nabaty, surely regretted more than once that
he embarked on this adventure of hunting the bishop as it has evidently failed. White has an extra
pawn and the unnatural placement of the black pieces allows Shakh to think about combinational
decisions.
21.Bxg6!
By the bishop sacrifice (4 points) Mamedyarov completely destroys the cover of the opponent’s king.
White’s attack becomes irresistible. Of course positional decisions like 21.Nf3 Re6 22.Ne5 would
keep a big advantage for White but having an advantage is still not a win.
21.Bxg6! Kxg6
Capturing by the rook simplifies the task: 21...Rxg6 22.gxf5 Rxg5+ (22...Nxf5 23.Qh7+ Kf6
24.Qf7#) 23.Qxg5+ Kh7 24.e4! etc.
22.gxf5+ Kg7
Buying White off with an exchange sacrifice 22...Rxf5 23.Kh1 Rxg5 24.Qxg5+ Kh7 does not work.
After 25.Rg1 Qf6 26.Nxd5 White wins easily.
323
23.e4!
If you prepared this breakthrough in advance give yourself 1 more point.
23...dxe4 24.Ncxe4 Qxd4+ 25.Kh1 Nf8 26.Nxf6 Qxf6
27.Re7+!
An easy but spectacular finish. After 27...Qxe7 28.Ne6+ Kf7 29.Qh5+ the position looks like a
beating therefore Black resigned. 1–0
Even if “all roads lead to Rome” it is best to go by the shortest route.
Test 47
K. Shanava (2589)
Tbilisi 2012
324
White to move

a) somewhat better,
b) equal,
c) winning.
Show/Hide Solution
The training match Georgia — Azerbaijan was held in Tbilisi in the summer of 2012. The selected
teams were preparing for the Olympiad which was to start two months later in Istanbul. The guests
were considerably stronger: 14.5:10.5, and the best result was shown by Mamedyarov with 4 out of 5.
If you know classic combinations finding the right answer was much easier for you.
White’s position is winning — 2 points.
17.Qd3!!
This impressive decision brings you 4 points.

The bishop on d5 remains under attack from two black pieces! It has been sacrificed to keep from
exchanging the queens.
Mamedyarov has been directly targeting to the square g7. A phantom of the famous combination —
“the mill” — has already been flying over the board.
325
Torre
Lasker
Moscow 1925
25.Bf6! Qxh5 26.Rxg7+ Kh8 27.Rxf7+ Kg8 28.Rg7+ Kh8 29.Rxb7+ Kg8 30.Rg7+ Kh8 31.Rg5+
etc.
17.Qd3!! Nxd5
a) An attempt to put a barrier on the g-file does not help: 17...g6 18.Bb3 Bc5 19.Ne6+–.
b) If 17...Qxd5 Shakh prepared a spectacular stroke:
18.Rxg7+!! Kxg7 19.Nf5+ Kg6 20.Ne7+! and White wins the queen.
18.Nf3 Bf5
The relatively best decision was 18...Nxc3 19.Nxe5 Bxe5 20.bxc3 Be6. Having two active bishops
for a queen Black could considerably complicate White’s realization of the advantage.
326
19.Qxd5!!
And here we have the famous combination — “the mill”! And like almost a hundred years ago it is
also a queen sacrifice.
If we compare a chess duel to a theatre performance after this move the auditorium would surely
explode with applause!
A prosaic retreat such as 19.Qd2 was evidently weaker. After 19...Nxc3 the variation from the
previous annotation appears with a more profitable situation for Black.
19...Qxd5 20.Rxg7+ Kh8 21.Rxf7+
Millstones start spinning — the mechanism of grinding the opponent’s pieces has begun.
21...Be5
Or 21...Kg8 22.Rg7+ Kh8 23.Rg5+
22.Bxe5+ Kg8 23.Rg7+ Kh8
327
24.Rg5+
The queen must be given after which White’s two extra pawns leave no doubts about the result of the
game.
1–0
There is no need to reinvent the wheel. I am sure you found the idea behind this combinational
mechanism. Moreover, during a game there is not enough time to develop new methods.
This is one more short story about how useful it is to learn the classic combinations.
Test 48
B. Gelfand (2738)
Astana 2012 (rapid)
328
White to move
Show/Hide Solution
Three moves before Gelfand decided to play ...g7–g5 when White’s bishop was placed on h3, the
knight on e2 and the pawn structure in the center seemed to be as hard as stone. But everything has
changed very quickly.
If you paid attention to the opposite placement on the white bishop and the black king on the big
diagonal it means you found the idea of this combination. Actually, White can open the diagonal by
the piece sacrifice on d5 making very dangerous threats. Determining the combination’s idea is the
first part. The second part of this test solution is precise calculation.
26.Qh5+!
Of course, the queens should be kept. 26.Bxd5? Qxd1 27.Rexd1 Bf7 leads to an approximately equal
position.
26.Qh5+! Kg7 27.Nxd5!
You made a mistake if you believed it does not matter which piece is sacrificed as 27.Bxd5? does not
bring any profits: 27...Bf7 28.Qe2 exd5 29.e6+ Bf6 30.exf7 Ne6 with unclear play.
Just the knight sacrifice leads to an evident advantage for White and brings you 4 points.
329
27...Bf7
27...exd5? 28.e6+ Bf6 29.Qxg5+ loses at once.
28.Qe2 exd5
The bishop protecting the knight on c5 is attacked therefore Black cannot avoid accepting the
sacrifice.
29.e6+ Kg6 30.exf7 Ne4?
Black has no time to strengthen in the center.

30...Qd3 31.Bxd5 Qxe2 32.Rxe2 Rfd8 kept practical chances for survival.
31.g4!
330
Destroys the pawn structure as well as any hopes for Black.
31...Rxc1 32.gxf5+ Kh6 33.Rxc1 Qxa3 34.Ra1 Qd6 35.Bxe4 dxe4 36.Kg2 Bf6 37.Rh1+ Kg7
38.Rh7+!
Checkmate is unavoidable.
1–0
Why did I play ...g5? — Gelfand reproached himself after the game.
One must not forget that pawns do not move backwards.
Test 49
E. Inarkiev (2707)
Konya 2012
331
White to move

a) somewhat worse,
b) equal,
c) winning.
Show/Hide Solution
Inarkiev played very strongly in this game. After the opening he managed to seize the initiative and
due to a tactical operation soon obtained an advantage. Shakh defended steadily and could hold the
position.
Ernesto seemed to have accepted the draw giving up a rook for the knight on the d6-square followed
by 33...a3 assuming that his opponent had to force a draw by perpetual check. But he has
miscalculated, Mamedyarov does not miss his chance.
Now White’s position is winning (2 points).
34.Rd7!
Of course, no one seriously considers the rook retreat as passive defense brings a worse position:
34.Rf1? a2 35.Ra1 Bxe4³.
34.Rd7! a2 35.Rfxf7+ Kg8 36.Rg7+ Kh8 37.Rh7+ Kg8 38.Rdg7+ Kf8
332
39.Rxb7!
Inarkiev missed this!
39...a1=Q+ 40.Kh2
It becomes clear that to escape the mate Black is forced to give up the rook, 3 points go to those who
reached this position in calculations and assessed it correctly.
40...Rxg2+
40...Kg8 did not help:
333
41.Rhg7+ Kh8 (or 41...Kf8 42.Rbf7+ Ke8 43.Ra7+–) 42.Rgc7 Qa8 43.Rh7+ Kg8 44.Rbg7+ Kf8
45.Rh8+ with a winning rook ending.
41.Kxg2
Game over. White needs only to accurately hide his king from checks.
41...Qb2+ 42.Kf3 Qf6+ 43.Ke2 Qb2+ 44.Kd3 Qb3+ 45.Kd4 Qb2+ 46.Kd5 Qb3+ 47.Kd6 Qg3+
48.Kd7 Qh3+ 49.Kc7 Qc3+ 50.Kb8 Qe5+ 51.Ka8 Qa1+ 52.Kb8 Qe5+ 53.Rhc7
334
53...Qh2 54.b5 Ke8 55.Ka8 Kd8 56.b6 Qa2+ 57.Ra7 Qe2 58.Rc8+
1–0
Promoting a pawn to a queen fascinates and even strong players end their calculations with the
promoting move believing that the strongest piece will enter the game decisively.
However, not all promotions are like this one. Do not forget, calculate!
Test 50
P. Harikrishna (2685)
Istanbul 2012
Black to move
A. Black will capture the pawn with 18...Bxh4. This continuation is:
a) mistaken and allows White an advantage,
b) correct and gives Black good play.
Show/Hide Solution
With his last move 18.c3 Harikrishna clearly offered Shakhriyar the “poisoned” h-pawn. White’s idea
is that he will play Qg4 with tempo and then capture the considerably more important h6-pawn.
335
Mamedyarov had been thinking several minutes when he unexpectedly took the pawn.
18...Bxh4!
This continuation is correct and gives Black good play (2 points).
19.Qg4?!
If Pentala knew what Mamedyarov had prepared he would probably prefer 19.Bf4 Qb6 20.Re2 (or
20.Qg4 Bxe4 21.Qxh4 Bg6) 20...Bxe4 21.Qxe4 Nf6 22.Qf3 Bg5. In both cases due to the two
bishops White has compensation and he must simply take care to maintain the balance.
19...Bxe4 20.Rxe4?
Harikrishna strictly follows the plan developed in advance.

There are consequences to capturing any of the bishops with the queen: 20.Qxh4 Bg6 21.Bf4 Qd8 or
20.Qxe4 Be7 both give Black some benefit. Although either variation was more preferable than the
move in the game.
20...Bxf2+!
Here is the point! This counter stroke on f2 refutes White’s idea and brings you 4 points.
21.Kxf2 f5 22.Bxe6+ Kh8 23.Bxf5 Nf6 24.Qg6 Nxe4+ 25.Kg1 Nf6
Possessing the pair of bishops cannot serve as real compensation for an exchange.
336
Although the material advantage demanded a lot of time to realize, the result of the game was already
determined.
0–1 (92)
Do not trust even a very strong opponent. Checking his calculations will never be superfluous! The
position of the next test has been taken from the miniature played during the London FIDE Grand
Prix of 2012–2013.
A 20 move crush between two high class grandmasters is such a rare event that the game is given in
full.
337
Show in Text Mode
Test 51
A. Giri (2730)
London 2012
White to move
Show/Hide Solution
It was the first tournament success for Mamedyarov in the Grand Prix series. Mamedyarov went the
distance without a loss scoring 7 out of 11 points and shared first place with Topalov and Gelfand.
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Qb3 e6 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bh4 dxc4 7.Qxc4 b5 8.Qc2 Bb7 9.Nbd2 Nbd7
10.e4 Rc8 11.Be2 a6 12.0-0 c5
338
White to move
The structure in the center is from the Meran variation and White faces a typical choice of which
central pawn to push forward.
13.d5!
This breakthrough which is part of a pawn sacrifice idea puts Black in a difficult situation. It is hard
to say what Giri counted on as all of the other continuations were unprofitable for White.
a) 13.e5? was a mistake because of 13...cxd4 14.Qd3 g5! with a clear advantage for Black.
b) 13.dxc5? Nxc5 (or 13...g5!?) leads to positions with an advantage for Black.
c) 13.Qd3?! is somewhat better however in this case too the advantage is on Black’s side: 13...cxd4
14.Qxd4 Bc5 etc.
13...exd5
a) Continuing in the style of the Meran with 13...Bd6 14.dxe6 fxe6 did not promise the typical Meran
counter play as the simple move 15.Rfd1 creates serious problems for Black. 15...0-0 (or 15...Qc7
16.a4!±) 16.Bxf6 Rxf6 17.Nc4! Possibly Anish missed this resource in his preliminary calculations.
17...Bf4 18.Nce5 with a clear advantage for White. However, this variation was perhaps the smallest
of evils.
b) 13...Qb6 14.dxe6 Qxe6 (14...fxe6? 15.e5+–) led to even sadder consequences for Black: 15.a4 c4
16.axb5 axb5 17.e5 Nd5 18.Nd4 Qb6 19.e6 and White’s attack decides the game.
14.e5!
339
After the black pawn has transferred from e6 to d5 the forced weakening of the kingside after g7–g5
leaves Black under the constant threat of the breakthrough e5–e6. Black’s position is very difficult.
The breakthrough 13.d5! combined with 14.e5! brings you 4 points.
14...g5 15.Bg3 Ne4
15...Nh5? loses outright to 16.e6. This is what the lack of the black pawn on e6 causes.
16.Nxe4 dxe4 17.Nd2
17.e6!? with the idea of 17...exf3 18.Rfd1 was also a rather sufficient option.
17...h5
If anyone would judge Giri for this naive attempt at capturing the bishop they should be prepared to
offer a better idea.
340
a) 17...Qe7 18.Nxe4 led to a hopeless position: 18...Nxe5 (or 18...Bxe4 19.Qxe4 Bg7 20.Bg4 0-0
21.Qb7 with a win)
19.Bg4! The white bishops cut Black’s position like a knife cuts an apple pie! 19...Rd8 (19...Nxg4
20.Rfe1+–) 20.Bxe5 Qxe5 21.Nxc5! and Black can resign.
b) After 17...Bg7 18.Nxe4 Bxe4 19.Qxe4 Black has time to castle but it would not help: 19...0-0
20.Bd3 f5 21.exf6 Nxf6 22.Qe6+ Kh8 23.Rad1 and Black is doomed.
c) The relatively best decision was simply to give back the central pawn: 17...c4 18.Nxe4 Bxe4
19.Qxe4. After this one cannot seriously speak about any real chance for Black to survive.
341
18.Nxe4! Rh6
A desperate attempt to prevent the breakthrough e5–e6.

a) 18...h4 led to a spectacular crush: 19.e6! fxe6 20.Nd6+ Bxd6 21.Qg6+ Ke7 22.Qg7+ etc.
b) The exchange 18...Bxe4 19.Qxe4 does not change the situation 19...h4 20.Bg4 hxg3 21.Rad1 Rc7
22.e6 with a fast win.
19.Rad1 Be7
20.Bxh5!
Of the many ways to win this is the most spectacular.
20...Rxh5
Neither the attempt at hiding the king after 20...Bc6 21.Bg4 Kf8 22.f4 nor the preliminary exchange
20...Bxe4 21.Qxe4 Rxh5 22.e6 can save Black.
21.e6!
21...fxe6 loses because of 22.Nd6+ Kf8 23.Qg6 and in case of 21...Bc6 22.exd7+ Bxd7 23.Rd5 Qa5
a simple double attack ends the game: 24.Rxd7 Kxd7 25.Qd1+–.
That is why Black resigned without playing any more.
While the game was interesting an experienced reader may think the test too easy. The breakthrough
d5 and then e5 is a typical and often used manoeuvre.
342
Sometimes even a grandmaster of the highest order can underestimate the effect of a typical
maneuver.
Further, I simply wanted to show this beautiful miniature!
Test 52
L. Ding (2702)
Black to move
A. Black will play 40...Bxg2. This continuation:

a) gives a big advantage to Black,
b) loses,
c) leads to a position with approximately equal chances.
Show/Hide Solution
This was a blitz game and Mamedyarov could not calculate all the complicated variations and calmly
reflect on his assessment of the arising positions. He found a spectacular tactical idea, calculated its
nearest consequences and firmly captured the pawn with the bishop.
343
40...Bxg2!
This capture gives Black a big advantage (3 points).
41.Ba6 Bb7!!
Properly study this idea: Mamedyarov puts his bishop under the attack of two pieces to win the tempo
to advance his passed pawn!
Those who found this spectacular bishop sacrifice earn 4 points.
If while solving this test you tried to pass through a thick forest of variations arising after 41...Rxc7
42.Rxc7+ Kf6 you took a wrong path. However for checking all the variations which you managed to
find I will note that White is holding the position: 43.Nc1 (or 43.Nc5 Bxh3 44.Bb7 g2 45.Nd7+ Kg5
46.Nf8=) 43...Nxh3 (or 43...Bf3 44.Bf1 g2 45.Bxg2 Bxg2 46.Nd3 Nxh3 47.Rh7=) 44.Rh7 Ng5
45.Rh8 h3 46.Ne2=.
42.Bxb7
Ding did not find the best way.

An interesting position arises after 42.Rxb7! g2 43.Ra7 g1=Q 44.Bxc8 White is only one move away
from promoting his pawn. Moreover, the bishop is ready to leave the c8-square, deliver check and
White will promote. But Black is to move and he begins a king hunt! 44...Qf2+ 45.Kc1 (45.Kc3?
loses because of 45...Nd5+ 46.Kd3 Qe3+) 45...Nd3+ 46.Kd1 Qe1+ 47.Kc2 Nb4+ 48.Kb2 Qe2+
49.Ka3 Nc2+ 50.Ka4 Qc4+ 51.Ka5 Qc3+ 52.Ka6 Qc6+ 53.Ka5 Kf6 after a long forced series of
moves a position arises where even we cannot determine if White escapes or Black wins. Even the
engines are hard pressed to give us an answer therefore we will only say that “Black has a big
advantage”.
344
After the move made by Ding in the game a knight ending with two black extra pawns arises.
42...Rxc7 43.Nc5 g2 44.Ra1 Rxb7! 45.Nxb7 Nxh3 46.Ke3 g1=Q+ 47.Rxg1 Nxg1
White cannot escape.
48.Nd8+ Kf6 49.Nc6 h3 50.Kf2 Ne2 51.Kf3 f4 52.Ne5 Kf5 53.Nc6 Ng3 0–1
The ideas from studies in practical games are not rare at all. Do not overlook them!
Test 53
V. Topalov (2767)
Beijing 2013
345
White to move

a) better,
b) equal,
c) somewhat worse.
Show/Hide Solution
Out of four Grand Prix events Mamedyarov succeeded in sharing first-third places in London and he
took first place in Beijing. Shakhryiar took second place in the FIDE Grand Prix 2012/2013 behind
Veselin Topalov entering the World Championship Candidate’s cycle once more.
The game against the former World Champion at Beijing had a principled character.
Black attacked the pawns at c3 and f2 but his pieces are operating on the enemy’s territory were they
are cut off from his camp and deprived of any support.
Shakh precisely calculated variations without paying attention to the opponent’s threats. He begins
attacking those pieces which have been attacking his position.
21.Qd3!
a) 21.Qc4 with analogical ideas would not reach the goal. 21...Qa6 22.Qxa6 bxa6= with equal
346
chances.
b) The pawn capture 21.Qxb7? allows Black seize the initiative: 21...Re8 22.Rf1 Nxc3ƒ.
21.Qd3! Nxc3
22.Rac1!
Suddenly it becomes clear that the black knight and rook which just two moves before were likely to
have created dangerous threats have become objects of White’s attack.
The move by the “right” rook to c1 is the most important element of the counterattack and brings you
4 points.
22.Rdc1? was a mistake because of 22...Rc8 and the rook on a1 may become loose.
22...Nxd1?
Topalov was evidently confused. After his last move the black knight has been trapped.
a) Clearly 22...Rc8? was losing because of 23.Rxc3.
[After 22...Rxf2 23.Kxf2 Nxd1+ 24.Qxd1 g5 Black has no time to use the pin: 25.Qd6! Qf5
(25...Qb2+ 26.Bd2+–) 26.Qxh6! gxf4 27.gxf4 and to avoid the mate he has to give the queen.]
b) The immediate 22...g5! was the only acceptable decision.
347
The forced variation 23.Rxc3 gxf4 24.Qxe2 Qxc3 25.Qg4+ Qg7 26.Qxf4 led to a position with a
clear advantage for White. However, Black would keep real chances for survival.
23.Qxe2 Nc3 24.Qc4
1–0
When hunting on the opponent’s territory do not forget: sometimes the hunter becomes the prey.
Test 54
B. Jobava (2695)
Warsaw 2013
348
Black to move

a) better,
b) worse,
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
At the European Championship of 2013, the Azerbaijan team, with Mamedyarov on first board, won
gold medals for the second time repeating the success from four years earlier. The match against the
Georgian team took place three rounds before the end of the tournament and the 3:1 victory served as
a springboard to the champion’s medals.
Talented Georgian grandmaster Baadur Jobava almost always choses rare openings that are long
forgotten or almost never played. For this match he decided to play the Vienna game in its classic
variant starting with 3.f4. But soon Baadur crossed the line of allowed strategic risk.
The assessment “Black’s position is better” (2 points) shows that you can find hidden strategic
resources.
12...g5!
Mamedyarov decided rather reasonably that it was the right time to start decisive actions.
In your calculations if you agreed with Shakhryiar and chose the same move add 4 more points to
349
your account.
The immediate undermining of the central pawn at e5 with 12...f6 was not dangerous: 13.exf6 gxf6
14.Bd3 f5 15.Nd1! White develops the bishop to f4 and the position becomes approximately equal.
12...g5! 13.g3?
The psychological effect of the g-pawn’s march has been realized and Jobava commits a mistake
outright. Although defending White’s position was already rather difficult.
Black’s threat is simple and even a bit naive. He simply wishes to attack the knight so that it will
move and then give check with the queen on h4. White’s challenge is to find a way to stop this direct
idea.
a) 13.h3? h5 only increases Black’s threats.
b) To give up the light squared bishop with 13.Bd3?! g4! 14.Bxe4 dxe4 15.Nd2 is too dangerous
15...Qh4+ 16.g3 Qh5 17.Nb3. (The captures on e4 lose at once: 17.Nxe4? Rxd4 18.cxd4 Nxd4
19.Qf2 Nf3+ 20.Kf1 Qxe5 21.Nc3 Re8–+; or 17.Qxe4? Nxd4 18.cxd4 Rxd4 19.Qg2 Qxe5 etc.)
17...a5 18.a4 Qg6 and Black has a clear advantage.
c) The immediate retreat 13.Nd2!? perhaps was the best defending resource although after 13...f5 (or
13...f6) 14.exf6 Nxf6 15.Be2 Kb8 16.0-0 Rhf8 the initiative is fully on Black’s side.
13...f6
13...g4! 14.Nh4 Ba5!! was more energetic. White is hard pressed to deflect the multiple threats.
Shakhryiar choses another way and after three moves a position from the next test arose.
14.exf6 Qxf6 15.Bg2 g4 16.Nh4
350
Test 55
B. Jobava (2695)
Warsaw 2013
Black to move
Show/Hide Solution
At first sight it seems that White cannot castle as he has several problems if he does but it is not
exactly like this. Jobava was going to play Rf1 and then prepare to castle long.
16...Bxd4!
Mamedyarov found the only right way. If you also chose the bishop sacrifice you gain 4 points.
a) After the slower 16...Rhf8 17.Rf1 Qg7 18.Bd2 the position becomes equal.
b) And the knight sacrifice 16...Nxd4 17.cxd4 Ba5+ 18.Ke2 leads to unclear consequences. 18...Rhf8
(The check on f2 becomes simply a waste of time: 18...Qf2+? 19.Kd3±.) 19.Rf1 Qxd4 20.Bxe4 dxe4
21.Rd1 Though all the black pieces are active it is not clear how they can create real threats 21...Qe5
(21...Qf6 22.Rf1 Simply repeats the position.) 22.Rxd8+ Rxd8 23.Nhg2 etc.
351
16...Bxd4! 17.Rf1
After 17.cxd4? Nxd4 18.Qd3 Nf3+ 19.Bxf3 gxf3 20.0-0 f2+ 21.Kh1 Rhe8 White has no chances of
holding the position.
17...Qe5 18.cxd4 Nxd4 19.Qa4
19.Qd3 Nc5 20.Qc3 Na4 21.Qd2 Rhf8 22.Rf2 kept more defensive resources.
19...Kb8?!
19...Nc5! 20.Qd1 Rhf8 made White’s position hopeless.
20.Bxe4?!
An interesting queen sacrifice could follow in reply to 20.Rf4! Rhf8 21.Nc4! dxc4 22.Rxe4 Bd7
23.Qxc4 Qxe4+!! 24.Bxe4 Bb5. After 25.Qxb5 Nxb5 26.Bxh7 Rde8+ 27.Kd2 Re7 and Black has the
advantage.
20...Bd7! 21.Qa5?
This is the final mistake.

After the best defense 21.Qd1 Qxe4 22.Rf4 Qh1+ 23.Rf1 Qxh2 24.Qxd4 Qxg3+ 25.Kd1 Qxh4
White’s position is very difficult.
21...Qxe4 22.Rf4 Qh1+ 23.Kf2 Nf3
352
White’s position is hopeless.
24.Nxg4 b6 25.Qc3 Nxh4 26.gxh4 Bxg4 27.Be3 Qxh2+ 0–1
To refute a dubious opening strategy of an opponent energetic and sometimes even non-standard
actions are needed: for example marching by the black g-pawn!
Test 56
D. Andreikin (2709)
353
Black to move
Where should he retreat the king?
Show/Hide Solution
Andreikin’s thoughts must have gone like this: After I move out of check White will play Qd6, I will
then move the queen and the capture on e6 will follow then the pawn promotion and we will then
exchange on c8. Since the king is better in the center for an endgame it only makes sense to move
closer to the center. Andreikin made his decision and played...
37...Kf7??
If you reasoned like that or by some other ins and outs decided to play the king to f7 you have
strongly miscalculated.
After the correct 37...Kh7!, the choice of this move brings you 3 points, 38.Qd6 Qb7 39.Qxe6 Rxe6
40.c8=Q Qxc8 41.Rxc8 an ending with approximately equal chances arose. The king retreat on h7
looks considerably more natural than moving forward to the center.
37...Kf7??
After the last move the game simply does not reach an endgame.
38.Qd6 Qa6
354
38...Qb7 cannot change the assessment 39.Rd7+! Kg6 40.Qe7 Bxd7 41.Qxd7 and after 41...Rc4
42.Qe6+ Black loses the rook and has nothing better to do than resign.
39.Rd7+!
This is what Andreikin has missed!

If you found this refutation of the move 37...Kf7 add 2 more points to your account.
39...Kg6 40.Qc6 Qc8 41.Rd8 Rc4 42.Qxc4 1–0
While trying to improve the small details of a final position in a complicated variation we cannot
forget the more serious obstacles on the way to it.
Test 57
S. Karjakin (2777)
Bilbao 2014
355
Black to move

a) better,
b) worse,
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
Vain illusions only prevent making a right decision. Mamedyarov played the opening inaccurately
and now the assessment is evident: Black’s position is worse (1 point).
23...Rf3!
An excellent idea! Black is preparing a positional exchange sacrifice.

The passive defense 23...Rde8 allowed White to freely strengthen his position: 24.f3 Nh6 25.Bxh6
gxh6 26.f4 Bh8 27.Rd1 and Black is not available to repulse the threat of Rd5 winning the pawn.
23...Rf3! 24.Bg2 Rdf8!
The hopes of using the unprotected rook on f1 are not serious: 24...Rff8? 25.f4 (25.Bxb7? Bxg3=)
25...Bf6 26.Bxb7 with an extra pawn.
356
Shakhryiar sacrifices the exchange and in doing so he organizes his pieces to apply pressure to
White’s kingside.
If you defended Black’s position as did Mamedyarov your trophy counts 4 points.
25.Bf4?
An unexpected turn of events!

Development and moreover if connected with a sacrifice, always creates an additional psychological
pressure. Karjakin became confused and made a mistake outright.
After 25.Bxf3 Rxf3 26.Rfe1, 26.Ree1 or even 26.Be3 bearing in mind that on 26...Bxg3 White has
27.Bxc5! without any risk.
Now the advantage passes to Black.
25...Bxf4 26.Bxf3 Nh2
357
27.Rh1
The pawn down ending after 27.Bxh5 Nxf1 28.gxf4 Rxf4³ was the lesser evil.
27...Nxf3 28.gxf4 Rxf4
Black wins a second pawn and the knight with two pawns becomes considerably stronger than the
rook which Mamedyarov proved with confidence.
0–1
A positional exchange sacrifice was a favourite technique of the 9th World Champion Tigran
Petrosian who had some special understanding of this technique. Even in the early beginning of his
international career he shocked the chess world having voluntarily put his rook under the bishop’s
attack...
Reshevsky
Petrosian
Zurich 1953
25...Re6!!
Impressed by such a move Reshevsky hardly made a draw.

Today, the positional exchange sacrifice has to be in the arsenal of every experienced chess player.
Test 58
358
B. Jobava (2717)
Tashkent 2014
Black to move
A. Black has played 22...Nxa3. This sacrifice:

a) leads to Black’s advantage,
b) wins,
c) maintains dynamic equality.
Show/Hide Solution
Tachkent 2014 was Shakhryiar’s most successful of the FIDE Grand Prix series. He shared 2nd-3rd
places with Hikaru Nakamura. However, he did not manage to place in the top two and earn a spot in
the candidates tournament.
The game against Baadur Jobava was an extreme battle as always. First, Shakh sacrificed a piece.
Then feeling his attacking potential waning, he sacrificed an exchange. Almost all the black pieces
were hanging over the white king. A whole rook was the price of this piece activity.
Perhaps the question about the position assessment was the most difficult part in this test.
The right answer is that the knight sacrifice maintains dynamic equality (3 points).
22...Nxa3 23.bxa3 Qxa3+ 24.Kd2 Qg3!
359
This move brings you 3 more points.
After other continuations White defends easily while keeping his huge material advantage.
Now White’s defenses seem like they will soon fall but he only needs some accurate moves to avoid
getting into trouble.
25.Rb1!
This is a natural and precise move. In case of 25.Bd3 Qxf4+ 26.Re3 c4! his position becomes
dangerous.
25...Qxf4+ 26.Kd1 Rxb1+ 27.Qxb1
360
27...Qd4+
An attempt at playing for a win by 27...Qxa4+ 28.Qc2 Qa1+ 29.Qc1 Qd4+ 30.Qd2 Qa1+ 31.Qc1
Qxc1+ 32.Kxc1 Bh6 fails to reach the goal. After 33.Re8+ Kg7 34.h4 gxf5 35.Rd8 both sides’
chances are approximately equal.
28.Kc1 Qf4+ 29.Kd1
Unlike the opponent, White cannot avoid the repetition of position. But Black does not have any
serious alternative.
29...gxf5 30.Re8+ Bf8 31.Nxc5 Qd4+ 32.Kc1 Qxc5+ 33.Qc2 Qg1+ 34.Qd1 Qc5+ 35.Qc2 Qg1+
36.Qd1 Qxg2 37.Qh5 Qg1+ ½–½
Even if the opponent’s king is running under the attack of your pieces do not become euphoric.
Objectivity in assessment of the position is always important!
Test 59
B. Gelfand (2743)
Beijing 2014
361
Black to move

a) somewhat better,
b) worse,
c) winning.
Show/Hide Solution
Black has two ideally placed knights, an active queen, the potentially active bishop, the rooks
standing on closed but important files and his pawn chain is ready for action — everything appears to
be to Black’s profit. However, there are no evident weaknesses or defects in the White position,
Therefore it takes a kind of optimism and inner feeling of harmony to give the right verdict: Black’s
position is winning (2 points).
23...Bg4!
Black’s active plan should be connected with the undermining move f6–f5. But to play this at once
does not bring any super dividends: 23...f5 24.exf5 Rxf5 (24...Bxf5 25.Qh4³) 25.Qe3 and Black is
“only” better.
23...Bg4!
After transferring the bishop to g4 the threats that the breakthrough of the center contains sharply
362
increase.
24.Rc1
Pushing back the bishop does not work out: 24.h3 f5 25.Kg1 Bxh3! with a fast crush.
24...f5!
2 points are the award for those who, together with Mamedyarov, realized this breakthrough in the
right order.
It is surprising how White’s position looks reliable but falls like a house of sand.
25.Nd2
After 25.exf5 Rxf5 two threats appear at once: e4 and the capture on f3. White cannot answer both at
the same time. 26.Qe3 Bxf3 27.gxf3 Rxf3 28.Be2 (28.Qg1 e4–+) 28...Qxh2+
363
29.Kxh2 Rxe3 with a win.
25...fxe4 26.Qg1
26.Qe3 Rf4 27.g3 Nf5 is hopeless for White.
26...Qh6 27.Qe3 Rf4 28.h3 Ref8 29.Kh2 Nf5 30.Qg1 Nd4 31.Qe3
31...Bxh3!
There are many ways to convert the game but the one containing a small combination always looks a
364
bit more attractive.
32.gxh3 Rf2+ 33.Bg2 Qxe3 34.Rxe3 Rxd2 35.Nxe4 Nxe4 36.Rxe4 Rff2 37.Rg4 h5 0–1
In the initial position all of White’s pieces were developed and occupied logical squares. The trouble
was that they we uncoordinated. A group of musicians is not an orchestra!
Test 60
V. Fedoseev (2674)
Jurmala 2015
Black to move

a) better,
b) worse,
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
One can easily see that with his last move White has realized his planned undermining move g2–g4
but Vladimir has underestimated his opponent’s counter play. By sacrificing a pawn and in some
365
variations an exchange Black manages to unblock the d4-square. This in turn revives his pawn’s
march toward the d1-square and his bishops turn into monsters.
17...Ne6!
I am sure Shakh did not hesitate much. The attempts at deterring White’s initiative do not work out:
17...g6? loses because of 18.gxf5 gxf5 19.Bxf5,
and 17...Ne4?! 18.gxf5 Rxf5 19.Bb3 leads to a rather unpleasant position for Black.
17...Ne6!
If you preferred the counter attack as did Mamedyarov 3 points are waiting for you.
18.Bxf5
a) White cannot hold the d4-square: 18.Ne2?! fxg4 and 18.Nb5?! Rc4 are bad.
b) But in case of 18.gxf5 Nxd4 19.Qxd4 Rc4 20.Qd3
Mamedyarov had prepared a very strong and unexpected move in 20...Qc8!!: 21.f6 d4+ 22.Rf3
(22.Kg1 simplifies Black’s task: 22...Qg4+ 23.Qg3 Qxg3+ 24.hxg3 Bc5 with a big advantage)
22...Bxf3+ 23.Qxf3 dxc3 24.Bb3 gxf6 and despite all the tactical tricks of the opponent Black has a
clear advantage.
18...Nxd4 19.Qxd4
366
19...Rc4!
Stockfish states that Black had an alternative way: 19...Bc5 20.Qd3 Rxf5! 21.gxf5 Be3! and if 22.h3
Qh4 23.Rf3 d4 24.Ne4 Black has the maneuver 24...Bc1!!.
Shakhryiar chose a more natural way.
20.Qd3 Kh8! 21.Rad1 Bc5 22.Ne2?
22.Be4! Rd4 23.Qxd4 Bxd4 24.Rxd4 was evidently steadier. But in this line after 24...g5 25.f5 Qc7
26.Bxd5 Qxe5 27.Rdd1 Ba6 Black has good chances to win.
22...g6 23.Be6
367
23...Rc2!?
The right plan but not in the right order. The check should be given first: 23...d4+ 24.Kg1 and then
24...Rc2! with the threat 25...Rxe2 ended the game.
The mistakes of both sides are easy to understand as both opponents were in time trouble.
24.Nd4 Rxb2 25.Nf3?
25.Qe3!µ was steadier.
25...d4 26.f5 Qh4! 27.Rd2 Rxd2 28.Qxd2 Qxg4 29.Qg2 gxf5 30.Bc4 Re8 31.e6 d3 32.h3 Qxc4
33.Rg1 Bxf3 0–1
The blockade on the d4-square in the initial position looked as unmovable as a granite monolith.
When planning active actions do not forget about strongholds — your complete strategy must be
based on them!
368
Show in Text Mode
Test 61
H. S. Gretarsson (2554)
Reykjavik 2015
White to move

a) with a big advantage,
b) equal,
c) somewhat better.
Show/Hide Solution
White has an advantage in development and his pieces are ready for action — his chances are
evidently higher.
But to assess how big of an advantage is more difficult.
On the board Mamedyarov analysed two possible strategic directions: realization of a breakthrough in
369
the center with d4–d5 or creating threats on the kingside.
Having chosen the most dangerous plan for the opponent and a precise way of its realization
Shakhriyar had no more doubts: “White has a big perhaps even decisive advantage” (2 points).
16.Nb5!
White threatens penetration on the c7-square.

Without a deep analysis one can hardly even begin to guess that this move is the basis for a well
prepared manoeuvre to organize an attack on the kingside.
a) The immediate breakthrough in the center with 16.d5 also keeps better chances for White but his
advantage would not be so big after 16...exd5 (the defending resource 16...Qb4!? is interesting as
well) 17.Bb5 Bg4
18.Bxe8 (in case of 18.Rb1 Bd6! 19.Bxe8 Bxf4 Black gets a pawn for an exchange and some counter
play) 18...Bxd1 19.Bxf7+ Kxf7 20.Rxd1².
b) 16.Be5 looked attractive and on 16...Bd7 17.d5! (an attempt to start attacking on the kingside with
17.Re3 led to an unclear position 17...Ng4! 18.Rh3 g6∞) 17...exd5 18.Nxd5 Nxd5 19.Bxd5
370
Now after 19...Bg4 20.Qc4 Be6 White is better but the way chosen by Shakhriyar, is much more
energetic.
Both of these continuations: 16.d5 or 16.Be5 Bd7 17.d5 bring you 2 points each.
16.Nb5! Nd5
This typical defense is the most natural to a flank attack from White.
After 16...Bd8 White’s attack develops like clockwork: 17.Re3! Bd7 18.Nd6 Rf8 19.Rh3 Be7 20.Be5
h6
Now White brings his last reserves into battle with 21.Rdd3! and spectacularly ends the fighting:
371
21...Bxd6 22.Bxf6 gxf6 23.Rdg3+! Bxg3 24.Rxg3 Kh8 25.Qd2 Kh7 26.Rh3 and checkmate is
unavoidable.
Frankly, the simple 21.Ne4 also leads to the goal.
17.Bxd5! Qxb5 18.Be4
Some simplification is not an achievement for Black. To the contrary, having exchanged the knights
White has removed the main defender of the black king! White’s attack is extremely dangerous.
Those who, like Mamedyarov, preferred the knight’s manoeuvre in the initial position and assessed
correctly the consequences of its exchange get the main bonus of 4 points!
18...g6
On 18...h6 the manoeuvre analogical to the one that happened in the game follows 19.Re3!± and in
case of 18...f5?! the bishop transfer to the diagonal a2–g8 is very strong: 19.Bd3 Qb6 20.Bc4 Kh8
21.d5 with a decisive advantage.
19.Re3!
The third rank serves as an excellent springboard for the rook to transfer to the kingside.
19...a5
After 19...Bd7 20.Rb3 wins a pawn.
20.Be5 a4
372
The Icelandic grandmaster has taken the b3-square under control. White now creates direct threats to
the black king which decide the game.
21.Rg3! f5 22.Bd3 Qd7 23.Qe2!
Threatening from one side 24.Qh5! followed by a rook sacrifice on g6, and from another one...
23...Bh4
Now the second threat works out!
24.Bb5! Qe7 25.Rc3 Bd7 26.Bxd7 1–0
Everything is interconnected! Having made a threat on the queenside Mamedyarov deflected the
black knight from f6. Then he exchanged it and started attacking with all his forces on the kingside.
Exchange and simplification are not always profitable for a defending side. It all depends on what is
to be exchanged!
Test 62
V. Kramnik (2783)
Shamkir 2015
373
White to move

a) better,
b) worse,
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
The pawn on h5 is unsafe and its advanced “colleague” on d6 is weak. Just tactical operations allow
Mamedyarov to maintain the balance.
The assessment “the position is equal” brings you 3 points.
31.Nxb6!
If you were going to continue exactly so 3 more points are yours!

Of course, this combination had been prepared by Shakhriyar beforehand.
The last moves 30.d6 Nc6 opened the white diagonal, and the previous moves 29.Nc4 Qd7 pushed
back the queen from its blockading position on d6 and before that...
Yet I cannot say exactly when Shakh had prepared the knight sacrifice on b6!
31...axb6?
374
After capturing on b6 White obtains an ending with an extra pawn.
At this moment Kramnik had a severe time shortage and a sharp turn from positional manoeuvring to
tactical operations unbalanced the former World Champion.
The right answer was 31...Qxd6. After that White has several possibilities yet none of them promised
any advantage.
a) After 32.Qb3 Be6 33.Qxe6 Qxe6 34.Bxe6 axb6 an approximately equal ending arises.
b) 32.Na4 would not break the balance: 32...Ra5 33.Qb3 Be6 34.Qxe6 Qxe6 35.Bxe6 Rxa4 36.Bd7=.
c) Perhaps the move 32.Nd5!? confused Kramnik, however in this case 32...Nd4 (also possible is
32...Bxh5 in reply Shakhriyar would continue 33.Qb7 with compensation) 33.Qb7 Qd7 34.Qa6 Rc6
35.Qa5 Be6 36.Rb1 Kg8 leads to position which looks a bit dangerous but in fact it is an equal
position.
32.Qb3 Be6
Black has no other defense from the mate.
33.Qxe6 Qxe6 34.Bxe6 Nd4 35.Bg4 Rc6 36.d7 Ke7 37.Rb1
Realization of an extra pawn is not easy but Shakhriyar successfully coped with this problem and
broke thru the resistance of the former Champion forty moves later!
1–0 (76)
The psychological effect of a sacrifice always increases its real power. Remember this even if you
play against the World Champion!
375
Test 63
S. Volkov (2589)
Kocaeli 2015
White to move

b) White is somewhat worse,
Show/Hide Solution
To understand this position is as difficult as escaping from the wild African jungles in the night.
The position is full of tactical ideas as both kings are in danger but White is to move which allows
him to start a firm attack.
32.f5+!
This is the only way! 3 points go to those who found and chose the right path.
a) The preparing 32.g4 was a needless delay: 32...Rh6! 33.Bd4 (after 33.f5? Kh7 the black king,
376
unlike its counterpart, begins feeling comfortable). 33...Qxd4 34.Qxd4 Bxd4 35.f5+ Kg7 36.Rxd4
Rah8 37.Rxc4 Rh2+ 38.Kf1 Rd2 and Black is out of danger.
b) But in case of 32.Qe2 Black continues 32...gxf4 33.Bxf4 (33.gxf4? Rg8!+–) 33...Rah8 34.Qg4+
Kf6 35.e5+ Rxe5 36.Bxe5+ Qxe5 with a pawn for an exchange and active counter play.
32.f5+! Kh6
Two other continuations also fail.

a) After 32...exf5 33.Qd6+ Kh7 34.Qxc5 Bxc5 35.Rf6! two rooks supported by an extremely
powerful bishop organize a winning attack: 35...g4 36.Rxf7+ Kg8 37.Rg7+ Kf8 38.Rd5 Re8 39.Bf6
Be7 40.Rd7!+–.
b) In case of the retreat 32...Kh7 a proposal of passing into a 4 rook ending follows unexpectedly:
33.Bd4!
33...Qxd4 (the variation 33...Qxb5 34.Qxg5!! Rxg5 35.Rh1+ Kg8 36.Rh8# shows that it was “a
proposal that nobody could reject”) 34.Qxd4 Bxd4 35.Rxd4 exf5 36.exf5 Rh6 37.Rxc4. Saving the
ending is impossible.
377
33.Bf6?
Here with a lack of time Shakh committed a mistake.

Winning were both: 33.Bd6! Qxb5 34.Qc3 e5 35.Bxe5 Qxa6 36.Rd6+ (or 36.Bh8+–) 36...Kh7
37.Qf3+– and 33.Bd4! Qxb5 34.Qc3!! Qxa6 35.Bh8+–.
If you managed to find one of these variations add to your account 2 more points. Here you were
stronger than Mamedyarov himself!
33...exf5 34.Bd4
With loss of a tempo Shakh comes back to the reliable plan.
34...Qe7
An interesting variation happens in case of 34...Qxb5 35.Bc3! Kh7! (35...Qxa6?? loses because of
36.Qd6+ Kh7 37.Qd5+–) 36.Qd7 Qxd7 37.Rxd7 Kg8
378
38.exf5 White’s piece activity is compensation for the pawn.
35.Qe3 f4 36.Qf3 Rb8?
Black could still escape by sacrificing the rook: 36...fxg3!! 37.Bxb6 axb6 38.Rxb6+ Kg7 39.Qxh5
Rh8 etc.
But now a prosaic final!
37.g4! Rh4 38.Bf2
The rook has been trapped, White wins the exchange and soon Black resigned.
379
1–0 (49)
When you are surrounded by the wild jungles of extremely complicated variations take the direct
approach to the opponent’s king.
Test 64
P. Idani (2569)
Baku 2015
White to move

a) better,
b) somewhat worse,
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
The beginning of the World Cup in Baku was successful for Shakhriyar. He convincingly won his
first round match with the Iranian Idani, then Mamedyarov defeated Hou Yifan in the rapid playoff
for round two. In the third round he scored 1.5:0.5 against Sethuraman which set him up for a
quarterfinal against Caruana which he also won with the same score of 1.5:0.5. In the semi-final his
380
match with Sergei Karyakin went into the playoff phase where he lost in the rapid games. Shakhriyar
started the Baku World Cup with this game.
White’s position is better (2 points). But for justifying this assessment a deep and challenging
calculation is demanded.
15.Nxe4!
a) In case of 15.Nxd7 Black could force a draw: 15...Bxh2+ 16.Kxh2 Qh4+ 17.Kg1 Qxf2+=.
b) 15.Ndf3 Ndf6 led to a complicated and approximately equal position.
c) A symmetrical pawn structure would arise in the variation 15.f4?! cxd4 16.exd4 Rac8 when the
white pieces would began to feel uncomfortable.
15.Nxe4! fxe4 16.Bxe4!
If you continued as did Mamedyarov you definitely merited 4 points.
16...dxe4
Black has no time to play 16...Bxe5? because of the capture on h7 with check.
17.Nxd7
17...Qxd7?
The Iranian grandmaster has chosen the worst of three choices.

a) After 17...cxd4 18.Nxf8 d3 19.Qc4+ Kxf8 20.Rf1 (20.f4!?) 20...Re8 21.f3 White succeeds in
381
undermining the dangerous pawns:
21...exf3 22.Qxd3 Qxe3+ 23.Qxe3 Rxe3 24.Bd4 Re2 25.Rf2±.

b) Perhaps 17...Rf5! is Black’s best chance to hold the position: 18.dxc5 bxc5 19.Qc4+ Kh8 20.Rxd6
Qxd6 21.Nxc5 Qd2 22.Qc2 Qxc2 23.Rxc2 Rc8 24.Bd4
White has two pawns for an exchange. While this is a “comfortable” advantage it can be very difficult
to convert.
18.dxc5 Bxh2+
18...bxc5 19.Be5! ended the main variation of Mamedyarov’s combination and simplified the task of
382
realizing the advantage.
19.Kxh2
White has an extra pawn and excellent chances to win.
19...Qc7+ 20.Kg1 Rac8 21.Qc4+ Rf7 22.cxb6 Qxb6 23.Qa4 Rcf8 24.Rd7 Rxd7 25.Qxd7 Rf7
26.Qe8+ Rf8 27.Qa4 a6 28.Qc4+ Rf7 29.Rd1 Qc7 30.Qe6 Qe7
This position could be a separate test for the first chapter of this book but I did not want to divide the
game into two parts!
31.Ba3!
“A small combination” ends the fight.

After 31...Qxa3 32.Rd8+ Qf8 33.Rxf8+ Kxf8 34.Qd6+ Re7 35.a4 some accuracy is demanded from
White but Idani politely (and rather motivated) decided not to test his opponent.
1–0
In the initial position seven white and black pieces had crowded the d-file. Idani evidently did not
sense that it could become empty so quickly leaving him with a pinned bishop on d6.
Remember: The situation on the chessboard can change fast and one must see a position “through the
wall of pieces”.
Test 65
383
B. Socko (2599)
Berlin 2015 (rapid)
White to move

a) better,
b) equal,
c) winning.
Show/Hide Solution
White’s position is: winning (1 point).

White’s pieces are better placed and he has an extra pawn, there is no other conclusion.
To support this conclusion one important nuance had to be seen.
24.c6!
A different move order is unacceptable: 24.Nxe6+ fxe6 25.c6 etc.
24.c6! bxc6?
24...b5 would not save Black but would allow continued resistance: 25.Nxe6+ fxe6 26.Rd2 Nb6
384
27.Rd6 Nc4 28.Rxe6 Re7. (Less steady is 28...Kf7?! 29.Bh3 Rxc6 30.Rf1+ Kg8 31.Rxc6 Rxc6
32.Bd7 with an easy win.) 29.Rd6 Rxe5 30.Rd7 Re7 31.Rb7 White has a sufficient advantage for
winning but accuracy is still demanded.
25.Nxe6+ fxe6 26.Rb1!!
Here is the above-mentioned nuance!

Those who found it merit 3 points.
Siegbert Tarrasch stated that a knight on an edge of the board was always badly placed. But in the
given case it becomes clear that the black knight is not only “badly placed” but simply trapped there!
26...c5 27.Rc4 Rd7 28.Rxa4 c4 29.Rc1 c3 30.Be4 Rd2 31.Kf2
1–0
Some of you may think that this was too easy and not even an interesting test and I would agree! But
remember that when you are doing difficult and challenging work you deserve a break!
Secondly, during a complicated fight in a tournament game sometimes even grandmasters miss
blunders. Thus a reminder about “the rule of Tarrasch” will not be superfluous.
Test 66
V. Malakhatko (2501)
Nakhchivan 2016
385
White to move
A. The knight sacrifice — 38.Nxh6 leads to:

a) a win for White,
b) a small advantage for White,
c) an advantage for Black,
d) a position with approximately equal chances.
Show/Hide Solution
During the game Shakhriyar faced a difficult choice. The thing was that in addition to a
combinational solution of the position he had several possibilities of reaching different endings with
an extra pawn.
Here it should be mentioned that participation in the Nakhichevan tournament had a pure training
aspect for Mamedyarov. A week later he would participate in a traditional stars’ competition: The
Gashimov’s Memorial. Obviously Shakhriyar wanted to show a high result but he also wanted to
cheer his numerous fans with interesting play.
Running ahead I shall say that Shakh got 7 out of 9 and shared the first place with Eltaj Safarli, and in
the game he chose the combinational way!
38.Nxh6!!
The knight sacrifice is correct enough and wins for White (3 points). However, the way to win is
386
difficult.
a) Many would prefer 38.Qd3 Bxf5 39.Rxf5 Qxd6 40.Qxd6 Rdxd6 41.Rxd6 Rxd6 42.Rb5 and then
Rb4, winning a pawn;
b) or 38.Qe4 Bxf5 39.Rxf5 Rxd6 40.Rxd6 Qxd6 41.Qxa4 with an extra pawn.
38.Nxh6!! gxh6 39.Qf6+?
An offensive mistake in time trouble.

The fine manoeuvre 39.Qe3!! led to the win. Only this manoeuvre allows involving the rook in the
attack with decisive effect.
Black does not have any defense. 39...Kg7 (The pawn capture 39...Rxd6 40.Rxd6 Qxd6 loses because
of 41.Qxh6+ Kg8 42.Qg5+ Kh8 43.Qf6+ Kg8 44.Rf4! etc.) 40.Qe5+ Kh7 41.Rf6!
387
41...Bf7 42.Rdf2 (42.Qe7 is also enough to win) 42...Bg6 43.Rf8 Rxf8 44.Rxf8 Qg7 45.Qxg7+ Kxg7
46.d7 and the pawn promotes.
If you managed to find 39.Qe3!! which Shakhriyar missed your award is 4 more points!
39...Kh7 40.Rfe2 Re8
Now White must maintain equality. In the end Mamedyarov won this game.
1–0 (81)
A combinational stroke followed by a fine manoeuvre is not a rare convergence in a chess game!
388
Test 67
P. Eljanov (2765)
Shamkir 2016
White to move

a) better,
b) somewhat worse,
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
The Third Gashimov Memorial in Shamkir is one of the brightest pages in Mamedyarov’s career.
Having scored 6 out of 9 he shared first place with Fabiano Caruana and in the playoff match against
him he was the winner (see ranking below).
The start of the tournament was not easy for Shakhriyar. After a draw in the first round against
Karjakin he lost to Harikrishna in the second round, and the next game was with Eljanov, when the
position of test 67 occurred.
389
41.f5!
Naturally Shakhriyar could not calculate in detail all the consequences of the pawn sacrifice that he
planned but his intuition said this was the only way of fighting for the win!
a) 41.g5 b5 led to equality.
b) 41.Rxd7+ did not promise any advantage either: 41...Kxd7 42.c4 (the consequences of 42.f5 hxg4
43.h5 exf5 44.h6 Nd6 45.Rxb6 Rc8 46.c4 g3 were not at all clear) 42...hxg4 43.Nxg4 Ke7 44.Ne5 f6
45.Nf3 Rf5 with an equal position.
41.f5! hxg4 42.h5!!
Only after this move was Shakhriyar’s plan completely revealed.

He was not going to win back the pawn at all as 42.fxe6 Kxe6 43.Rxd7 Kxd7 44.Nxg4 Kd6 only led
to approximately equal play.
If you counted on this variation no points will go to you. But finding the move 42.h5!! brings you 4
points at once!
42...Nd6
The capture 42...exf5? was losing because of 43.h6 Nd6 (or 43...f4 44.Rh1!+–) 44.h7 Rd8 45.Rxb6
Rcc8 46.Rbxd6! Rxd6 47.Nxf5+ etc.
43.h6 Rc8
The desire to quickly return the rook onto the 8th file was natural yet more chances of escaping were
given by 43...g3! 44.h7 Rc8 45.Rxb6 Rh8! (45...Nxf5 is weaker because of 46.Rxd7+ Kxd7 47.Rb7+
390
Kd6 48.Rxf7 Rh8 49.Ke2±) 46.f6+ Kxf6 47.Rbxd6 Rxd6 48.Rxd6 Rxh7 when a shortage of material
allows Black good chances of holding the position.
44.Re1!
44.f6+!? Kxf6 45.Nxg4+ Ke7 46.Rxb6 was another attractive way.
After 46...f6 47.c4 Nxc4 48.Rxd7+ Kxd7 49.h7 Nxb6 50.Nxf6+ Ke7 51.Ng8+ Kf7 52.h8=Q Rxg8
53.Qh5+ Rg6 54.Qxa5 Black is unlikely to build a fortress.
But the move in the game is stronger.
391
44...Nb7
a) With his last move Mamedyarov evidently caused his opponent to reject the tactical stroke
44...Rxc3+ 45.Kxc3 Nb5+ which brings defeat after 46.Kc4 Nxd4 47.h7 b5+ 48.Kc5 Rd8 49.Rh1!
etc.
b) Attempting to reach the h-pawn with the king also fails 44...Kf8 45.fxe6 fxe6 46.Ke2! Rxc3
47.Rf1+ Kg8 48.Nxg4 and Black cannot escape despite having an extra pawn.
45.Rxd7+
A prosaic win of an exchange by 45.Nd5+ Rxd5 46.Rxd5 also wins.
45...Kxd7 46.Nxg4 Nc5+ 47.Kd4 Kd6?! 48.Ne5! f6 49.Ng6 e5+ 50.Ke3 Rc7 51.Rd1+ Kc6 52.Rd8
Nb7
53.Rc8!
A small combination in Jose Raul Capablanca’s style finishes this brightly played ending.
53...Rxc8 54.Ne7+ Kc5 55.Nxc8 Nd8 56.h7 Nf7 57.Ne7 Kc4 58.Ng8 Kxc3 59.Nxf6
1–0
Some people believe the ending to be a boring part of a game as there is no place for creativity and
fantasy.
Are they right?
392
Test 68
F. Caruana (2804)
Shamkir 2016
White to move
Show/Hide Solution
Having shared first and second places in the tournament Mamedyarov and Caruana played an
additional rapid match to determine the winner of Gashimov Memorial. The first two games ended in
draws after which Shakhriyar won the third game. This test comes from the fourth and final game.
From what appeared to be a position of strength Shakh may have shrugged his shoulders and thought
that the game and match were over.
However, when he captured on d5 the final result became unclear as the sacrifice was not properly
prepared!
16.Rxd5?
If you also decided to sacrifice the exchange at once you will gain no points with this decision.
393
The preliminary 16.e4! Qxe4 (16...Bxe4? loses outright because of 17.Ng5+–) and only then
17.Rxd5! led to a win and brought you 4 points! 17...Qxd5 18.Ng5 Qd1+ 19.Rxd1 Rxd1+ 20.Bf1 and
White will realize his material edge without problems.
16.Rxd5? Rxd5 17.e4 g5!
This unexpected defending resource saves Black.
18.Nxg5
18.Qh5! Qxe4 19.Nxg5 Rxg5 20.Qxg5 Qg6 kept a minimal advantage for White but Shakhriyar was
upset and passed by this possibility.
18...Qxg5 19.exd5 Qxh4 20.gxh4 Nd4
The position has equalized. Shakhriyar had to regroup and continue fighting.
The draw that brought him the win in the match, and the tournament as a whole, came only 50 moves
later!
½–½ (69)
Even being one step from triumph it is necessary to keep your cool!
Test 69
V. Kramnik (2808)
Moscow 2016
394
White to move

a) better,
b) somewhat worse,
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
This test was not easy and its answer is a purely positional decision.
The white pawn on g4 clearly weakens White’s castled position but the weakness of the black pawns
on d5 and b7 are considerably greater.
The assessment “White’s position is better” brings you 1 starting point.
26.Rd2!
A fine prophylactic move that brings you 5 points!

In the initial position White has a whole range of possible candidate-moves but the rest are obviously
weaker.
a) The exchange sacrifice 26.Qxb7 R4e7 27.Qb5 Bxd3 28.Rxd3 gives Black counter play after
28...a6! 29.Qxa6 d4!.
b) The capture on b7 is more justified in the variation 26.h3 h5 27.Qxb7. But in this case the
395
consequences of 27...hxg4 28.hxg4 R4e7 29.Qb5 Be4! 30.c6 Kh7! are not so clear.
c) 26.Bf3 h5!© cannot be recommended.
d) The retreat 26.Rd1 is analogical to the game but is weaker: 26...h5 27.Rxd5 (after 27.Qxb7? Rxe3!
∞ the white bishop becomes unprotected) 27...Rxb4 28.Rxg5 Rxg4+ 29.Rxg4 hxg4 30.Bxg4 Re5
31.Rc1 Be8 and Black has good chances to save the game.
26.Rd2! h5
a) After 26...R8e7? 27.c6! bxc6 28.Rxe4?? Black loses as one must not play 28...Rxe4 because of
checkmate.
b) In case of the exchange 26...Rxd4 27.Rxd4 Black loses the b7-pawn since 27...Re7? is met with
28.c6.
27.Qxb7!
Black’s counterplay on the kingside just looks dangerous, he cannot create real threats.
27...hxg4
The rook exchange 27...Rxd4 28.Rxd4 only simplifies realization of White’s advantage: 28...Rxe3
29.Rxd5 Re5 30.Qb8+ Kh7 31.Rxe5 fxe5 32.Qb4 with a win.
28.Rxd5 f5 29.Bf1 Rxe3!?
The last chance.
396
30.c6!
Everything is under control!

With the cold blooded pawn move Shakhriyar convincingly refutes Black’s attempts at counter play.
30...Rc3 31.c7 Qf4 32.Rd7!
The g7-pawn becomes the object of attack.
32...Rg8 33.R2d4 Qc1
33...Qe5 loses because of 34.Rc4!.
34.Qb8!
And now White’s attack moves onto the 8th rank and becomes irresistible.
34...Kh7 35.Rd8 Bf7 36.Rxg8 Bxg8 37.Rd8 Be6 38.Rh8+ Kg6 39.Qe8+ Kf6 40.Qf8+ Kg6 41.Qd6
Rc6 42.c8=Q 1–0
The ability of precisely preventing real counter play of an opponent and avoiding illusory counter
chances is a top-level skill. Start learning this skill now.
Test 70
E. Tomashevsky (2711)
Sharjah 2017
397
White to move

a) somewhat worse,
b) equal,
c) better.
Show/Hide Solution
It was the first successful tournament for Shakhriyar in the FIDE Grand Prix of 2017. He started with
a draw against Vallejo Pons then met Tomashevsky in the second round.
22.b4!
This test concerned the skill of taking proper strategic decisions.

In time undermining the “hanging” pawns leads to a profitable change in the pawn structure and
brings you 2 more points.
a) 22.Bf1 Ra7! 23.b4 was weaker since after 23...c4 the penetration 24.Nc5 is not so dangerous
24...Nh5 25.Bg2 Nxf4 26.gxf4 Rd8 with equal play.
b) The attempt at increasing the pressure by doubling the rooks did not bring any dividends: 22.Rc2
Nh5 23.Bg2 Rd7 or 23.Rdc1 a5.
398
In both cases Black has normal counter play.
22.b4! cxb4
a) The breakthrough 22...d4?! is dubious. After 23.Nxc5 (23.exd4 cxd4 24.Nb1±) 23...dxc3 24.Nxb7
Bxb7 25.Rxc3 the white rook with two pawns are evidently stronger than the black knights.
b) And in case of 22...c4?! 23.Nc5! Ra7 24.g4! the necessity of repulsing threats on the kingside has
been added to Black’s problems in the center and on the queenside. White has a big advantage.
Tomashevsky decided to sacrifice a pawn.
23.axb4 d4 24.exd4 Nbd5
25.Be5?!
25.Nxd5 Nxd5 26.Bd2 and if 26...Nxb4 27.Nc5 would lead to a clear advantage for White.
25...Nxc3 26.Rxc3 Nd5 27.Rc4 Nxb4?!
Tomashevsky hastens to restore material balance.

27...f6 28.Bf4 Nxf4 29.gxf4 Rb6 led to equalizing the position.
28.Nc5! Bxc5?!
28...Rb6 29.Nd7 Bf3! was stronger.
29.dxc5 Nc6
399
Too passive! He should have preferred 29...a5.
30.Bc3 Rbe7 31.Rd6 Rc7
32.Rg4!
By menacing the g7-square Shakh provokes a serious weakness.
32...f5 33.Rgg6!?
An unexpected manoeuvre!
33...Ne5
Black’s position is very difficult to defend: 33...Na7 34.f4 Nb5 35.Ba5!
400
35...Nxd6 (in case of 35...Rxc5? 36.Rd7 Rc1+ 37.Bf1 Rb1 38.Rgxg7+ Kh8 39.g4!! fxg4 40.f5! White
organizes a mating attack) 36.Bxc7 Nc4 37.Bxf5 with a big advantage.
34.Bxe5 Rxe5 35.c6 Kh7?
35...Kf7 was steadier though it was unlikely to allow Black to hold the position: 36.Bg2 a5 37.h5 Re8
38.Rd4 etc.
36.h5 Rc5 37.Bg2
Black does not have a sufficient defense in Rd7 therefore Tomashevsky resigned. The undermining
b2–b4 is a typical manoeuvre in fighting against hanging pawns. You must always replenish your
arsenal of typical strategic manoeuvres.
1–0
401
Show in Text Mode
Test 71
Y. Hou (2651)
Sharjah 2017
White to move

a) equal,
b) White is somewhat better,
Show/Hide Solution
Mamedyarov lost in the prior round to Alexander Grischuk and was now a half point behind Grishuk
and Maxim Vashier-Lagrave; to have any hopes of catching up with the leaders he would need to win
against Hou Yifan.
Yifan adopted the Nimzo-Indian defense and Shakh played the sharp 4.f3 variation. The Chinese
402
player was apparently unaware of the intricate nuances of this line thus Shakhriyar seized the
initiative developing a powerful position in the process.
17.Bb1!
It is important to save the bishop for the coming attack.

Those who could find this powerful manoeuvre earned 3 points.
a) If the benefits of White’s pawn structure in the ending tempted you then you settled for less than
you could have had: after 17.Bxd5 Qxd5 18.Qxd5 Nxd5 19.c4 Nb6 20.Be3 Rc8 21.Rfc1 a5 White
has just a minimal edge.
b) 17.Qc2 Bxe4 18.Qxe4 Qd5 leads to the same variation with a change in the move order.
17.Bb1! Nd7
17...c4 did would not change the contest: 18.Qc2 f5 19.Ba3 Rf6 20.Nd4 and White has a big
advantage.
18.c4! Bb7
Exchanging on f3 was steadier but I doubt that it allows Black to hold the position.
19.Ra3!
The rook lift brings additional artillery to the battlefield.
19...Ne6 20.Qc2 Nf6 21.Bb2 Ne4?!
The relatively best 21...Be4 22.Bxf6 Bxc2 23.Bxd8 Bxb1 24.Be7 Rfe8 25.Bxc5 Nxc5 26.Rxb1 led to
a pawn down ending.
403
22.Rd3! Qc7 23.f5!
White’s attack cannot be deflected.
23...Nd4
23...N6g5 24.Nxg5 hxg5 25.f6 g6 26.Re3 does not leave chances for rescue.
24.Nxd4 cxd4 25.Bxd4 a6 26.b6 Qc6 27.f6 Rfd8 28.fxg7 Rd6 29.c5 Rg6 30.Ba2 Ng5 31.Rg3 Nh3+
32.Kh1 1–0
The bishops, like rocket launchers, can land strikes in the heart of the opponent’s position.
Sometimes it is better to retreat than to exchange.
When preparing an attack keep your potential attackers — do not agree to exchanges!
Test 72
P. Eljanov (2751)
Shamkir 2017
404
Black to move

a) Black is better, he should play to win,
b) Black has a dangerous position and must force a draw.
Show/Hide Solution
Two months after his successful play in Sharjah Mamedyarov took part in the Vougar Gashimov
Memorial. Magnus Carlsen won the first two tournaments, the 3rd was won by Shakhriyar and this
was the 4th Memorial.
The game against Eljanov was played in the third round and Mamedyarov was at +1.
For a long time Black had serious problems but after the time control Eljanov erred and Shakh seized
the initiative.
White’s passed pawn is two steps from promotion while Black is able to coordinate his queen and
bishop pair to create dangerous threats.
Black is better and he plays to win (2 points).
54...Bh4!
Threatening checkmate.
a) 54...Bf6 55.Rxa5 Bxe6! is interesting but clearly weaker. After 56.Qxe6 Qf3+ 57.Kg1 Qd1+
405
58.Kg2 Qd2+ 59.Kf1 Qxa5 60.Qd7+ Kf8 61.Qd6+ Kf7 62.c5 White’s passed pawns save him from
defeat.
b) In case of 54...Be7 55.Rxa5 Qxb3 56.Ra7 the chances of both sides are equal.
54...Bh4! 55.Qe3
55.Qe2? loses because of 55...Qf4+ 56.Kg1 Bb7 etc.
55...Qh2!
Black avoids the queen exchange and prevents the e-pawn from moving due to the threat Bh3+.
54.Bh4! together with this manoeuvre brings you 3 points.
56.Rd5?
This is a beautiful but poor square for the rook. Frankly, Eljanov faced an unpleasant choice.
a) The long forced variation 56.Re4 Qh1+ 57.Ke2 Qe1+ 58.Kd3 Qd1+ 59.Qd2 Qxb3+ 60.Qc3 Qxc3
61.Kxc3 Bf6+ 62.Kd3 Kf8 led to a difficult ending.
b) 56.Rb5 Kg8 (avoiding the check from a7) 57.Qa7 Qh3+ 58.Ke2 Qxe6+ 59.Qe3 Qc6 results in a
dangerous position for White as the black queen and bishops are able to attack the king from several
directions.
56...Qh1+ 57.Ke2 Qe1+ 58.Kf3 Qg3+
Repeating the moves to gain some time. Mamedyarov missed 58...Bxe6! 59.Qe5+ Kf7 60.Qc7+ Be7
61.Qf4+ Kg8 with a decisive edge.
406
59.Ke2 Qe1+ 60.Kd3 Qd1+ 61.Ke4?
After 61.Qd2 Qxb3+ 62.Qc3+ Qxc3+ 63.Kxc3 Bxe6 the result is still in doubt.
61...Bb7!
The pin decides the game and is the reason placing the rook on the beautiful d5-square was a mistake.
The rest is simple.
62.Ke5 Bxd5 63.cxd5 Be7 64.Qa7 Qe2+ 65.Kf4 g5+ 66.Kg3 Kf6 0–1
Shakhriyar’s final score was 5.5 out of 9 winning first place outright!
On an open board even one bishop can be very dangerous and if there are two...
Test 73
E. Najer (2682)
Sochi 2017
407
White to move
A. White played 22.g4. This continuation:

a) is right and leads to a win for White,
b) is wrong and leads to a win for Black,
c) leads to play where both sides have chances.
Show/Hide Solution
The year 2017 was successful for Shakhriyar.

He won the Gashimov Memorial in Shamkir and played successfully in FIDE Grand Prix
tournaments. Between the Memorial and Moscow leg of the Grand Prix Shakhriyar managed to take
part in the Club Championship of Russia as a member of the “Siberia” team.
He played four games and won all of them! The continuation 22.g4 is wrong and leads to Black’s
win. (2 points).
22.g4? Qh4! 23.Kg2
Najer counted heavily on this move.

a) After 23.gxf5 Qg3+ 24.Kh1 Rf6 White gets mated.
b) While 23.Nfe4 loses because of 23...Bxe4 24.Nxe4 Rxb2!
408
25.Qxb2 Nxf3+ 26.Rxf3 Bxb2 27.Rxf8+ Nxf8–+.
23...Nxf3!!
White evidently did not expect such a turn of events!

If you prepared this combinational stroke in advance you justly earned your 3 points.
24.Bxf3
White gets checkmated beautifully in the center of the board in case of 24.Kxf3 Be4+ 25.Kxe4
Rbe8#
409
24...Be5 25.Rh1 Qg3+ 26.Kf1 Bd3+! 27.Be2
27...Rxb2!
The decisive stroke!

If you were among those who reached this position while doing your initial calculations you have
earned 2 more points.
28.Qxb2 Qxe3 29.Bxd3 cxd3 30.Rc2
White cannot escape.

30.Re1 loses after 30...Qf3 31.Rh6 Bd4.
30...dxc2 31.Qxc2 Rxf2+ 32.Qxf2 Qxc3 33.Kg2 Qc4 0–1
Before attacking two pieces of your opponent at the same time check once again: maybe it is not a
“fork” but a trap that he has set!
Test 74
V. Topalov (2749)
Paris 2017 (rapid)
410
White to move
Find the strongest continuation of the attack.
Show/Hide Solution
Topalov guessed that his last move (27...f6) prevented the breakthrough f4–f5 yet the fact is that he
only added fuel to the burning attack. Shakhriyar does not miss such a chance.
28.f5!
Even if you preferred this move by intuition, without calculating deep variations, you already earned
3 points!
The aim of White’s attack is the g6-square. If it falls all of Black’s defenses will collapse.
28...fxe5 29.fxg6
Another effective plan to attack the g6-square is 29.Ng4 c3 (29...Qd6 loses because of the spectacular
30.Qh5! Kh8 31.fxg6 Qxg6 32.Nh6!! with mate) 30.dxe5 Rxe5 31.Nh6+ Bxh6 32.fxg6 hxg6
33.Qxh6 Nf8 34.Nf4 brings in White’s third piece to attack the g-pawn, Black’s defense collapses.
29...hxg6 30.Nf5!
a) It is possible to change the move order 30.Qh5 Re6 31.Nf5!.

b) But 30.Ng4?! was obviously weaker. After 30...Qd6 White has no more resource in 31.Qh5
411
because of the pawn exchange which allows Black to defend.
Mamedyarov planned to play Qh5 attacking the weakened g6-square and then, if needed, Nh4!.
If when calculating variations in the initial position you were going to continue attacking as
Mamedyarov or by 29.Ng4 add 2 more points for you precise calculation.
Black’s position is hopeless.
30...Qf6
If the former World Champion continued 30...Re6 31.Qh5 Kf7 (31...c3 loses because of 32.bxc3
bxc3 33.Nh4+–) 32.Qh7+ Ke8 33.Bg5 would follow and after 33...gxf5 (33...c3 34.b3 c2 35.dxe5
Nxe5 36.Nfd4+–) 34.Qh5+ Rg6 35.Bf4 Kf7 36.dxe5 leads to defeat.
31.Qh5! Re6 32.Nh4!
412
The plan of attacking the g6-square which began with 28.f5! has been realized.
32...Bg7 33.Nxg6 Qf7 34.Bh6 Nf8 35.Bxg7
1–0
Once the aim of your attack has been determined estimate precisely all the resources available for
attack and defense. If at least a temporary advantage is on your side do not hesitate to begin acting
firmly!
Test 75
I. Nepomniachtchi (2742)
Geneva 2017
413
White to move
A. Mamedyarov played 26.Qxd5. This queen sacrifice leads to:

a) an advantage for White,
b) a win for White,
c) an approximately equal position.
Show/Hide Solution
Mamedyarov played powerfully and very steadily in the FIDE Grand Prix events in 2017.
At the first tournament in Sharjah he shared first place with Vashier Lagrave and Grischuk with 5.5
out of 9. At the following tournament in Moscow Shakhriyar acheived the same result and took
second place having a half point less than the winner Ding Liren. At the third leg in Geneva he
reached “+1” and it was enough to qualify into the candidates tournament along with Grischuk.
The game where this test has been taken from was played at Geneva.
White had prepared to sacrifice his queen in the given position and this leads to his advantage (2
points).
26.Qxd5! Rxd5 27.Bxe7 Nxf3+
27...h6?! is weaker. It is unlikely that Black can hold the ending arising after 28.Bb4 Qd8 29.e7 Qe8
30.Rbc7 Nxf3+ 31.gxf3 Rb5 32.Rc8 Rb8 33.Rxe8+ Rxe8 34.Rc7.
414
28.gxf3 Bc3!
Ian found the best defense.

If you managed to find it too add 2 additional points to your account.
29.Bg5?
29.Rb8+! Kg7 30.Bf8+ Kf6 31.e7 was evidently stronger and brings you 3 more points. After
31...Re5 32.e8=Q Rxe8 33.Rxe8 Qa4 (33...Qxa2? loses because of 34.Bh6) 34.Rc8 White keeps real
winning chances.
29...f4!
Perhaps Shakhriyar missed this saving resource for Black.
30.Rb8+
After 30.Rcb1 Be5! White cannot reach anything more than a draw.
30...Kg7 31.Rb7+ Kg8 32.Rb8+
½–½
When you calculate complicated variations, you must always look for the best resources for an
opponent and immediately try to refute it.
415
Test 76
D. Svetushkin (2556)
Heraklio 2017
White to move

a) better,
b) equal,
c) winning.
Show/Hide Solution
The first question concerning the assessment of the position was asked to try and confuse you!
Of course, White’s position is winning (1 point).
With his last move the Moldavian grandmaster retreated the knight from c5 to e4 and it was his fatal
mistake. A not so difficult combination decides the game.
21.Nxe4 dxe4 22.Nxb5! axb5
22...Qxe5 23.Nc7! is hopeless for Black. Maybe this fork was omitted in Svetushkin’s calculations.
23.Rd7
416
The decisive penetration.
23...Qc4 24.Rxb7
Having won back the piece White remains with an extra pawn; White’s attack continues while
Black’s position is hopeless. If in your calculations you reached it 3 points are waiting for you.
24...Rxa3
24...Re7 deprived the game of a spectacular final but would not change the result. After 25.Rxe4 Qc6
26.Rxe7 Bxe7 27.e6 White wins.
25.e6! f5
26.Bxf5!
The black pawn wall has been destroyed.
26...e3 27.Bxg6!
The repeated bishop sacrifice fully clarifies the situation, Black has no chances to escape.
27...Qxf4 28.Bf7+ Kh8 29.gxf4 Bxb4 30.Rxe3 Re7 31.Rxb5 Bd6 32.Rxa3 Bxa3 33.Rg5 h6
417
34.Rg6 1–0
It is difficult to say when Shakhriyar first thought about the killing placement of the trio
Qf4+Bh3+Rd7. Maybe when he played the queen to f4 or even earlier when he moved the bishop to
h3.
First, it was just a dream. But when the opponent made one careless move the dream came true.
Some people still think that dreaming during a game is harmful!
Test 77
D. Navara (2726)
Heraklio 2017
418
White to move

a) better,
b) equal,
c) winning.
Show/Hide Solution
It is almost inevitable that a position with opposite coloured bishops will arise on the board. In the
majority of such cases the degree of the bishop’s activity plays a decisive role in the assessment of the
position.
There are no doubts here as White’s bishop is significantly more active than its counterpart. No deep
examination is needed to conclude that White’s position is better therefore your award is 1 point
only.
24.Qe4!
In case of 24.Rxg4 hxg3 25.Be4 Ra7 26.Rxg3 Rd8 White keeps a small plus but it is not what one
should aspire to.
24.Qe4! g6
24...hxg3? loses because of 25.Qh7+ Kf8 26.Rd7! gxf2+ 27.Kh1! with an inevitable checkmate.
419
25.Bc4
The capture on g6 menaces.

If you, together with Mamedyarov, chose this move you earn 4 more points.
The same award will be waiting for you if you choose 25.Rd7!? Re7 (on 25...hxg3 White continues
26.Bc4!! — a piece sacrifice is the tactical base of the previous move: 26...gxf2+ 27.Kh1 Kh8
28.Qxg4 Re7 29.R7d6 with a win) 26.Rxe7 Bxe7
27.Bxh4! Nf6 (after 27...Bxh4 28.Qxg4 followed by 29.Bxg6! with a win) 28.Bxf6 Bxf6 29.Bc4 Kf8
(29...Kg7? 30.Rd7 Ra7 loses because of 31.Bxf7!) 30.Qf3 Kg7 31.Bxf7!. The bishop cannot be
420
captured and after 31...Ra7 32.Bd5 White has a big advantage.
25...Kg7 26.Rd7 Re7 27.Bxh4! Bxh4 28.Qxg4 Bf6?
Steadier was 28...Qc8! 29.R1d6 Bf6 30.b3 Qf8 31.Qf3±.
29.R7d6
The combination 29.Bxf7! was possible 29...Kxf7 (after 29...Rxf7? 30.Qe6! Black is forced to give
up the queen: 30...Qe8 31.Rxf7+ Qxf7 32.Rd7 etc.) 30.R1d6! White’s attack is irresistible.
29...Rc7?!
While this simplifies White’s task it is unlikely that Black will manage to hold the position.
After 29...Qh8!? (in case of 29...Qf8 30.h4! is strong) 30.Qf3 Bg5 White wins with the following
combination: 31.Bxf7! Rxf7 32.Qe4 Bf6 33.Rxf6! Kxf6 (or 33...Rxf6 34.Rd7+ Rf7 35.Qxe5+ with a
win) 34.Rd6+ Ke7 35.Rxg6 and White’s attack is irresistible. These serial sacrifices of the bishop and
the exchange are not so easy to find at the board.
30.Qf3!
Pushing the bishop back from f6.
30...Bh4 31.Rd7 Rxd7 32.Rxd7 Qb4 33.Qxf7+ Kh6 34.Qh7+ Kg5
421
35.f4+! Kf5 36.Qf7+ Ke4 37.Qxg6+
1–0
David Navara had to be convinced by personal experience that possessing the opposite coloured
bishop in an attack was a terrible factor.
I hope the readers have been convinced on this along with him.
Test 78
A. Korobov (2652)
Huaian 2017 (rapid)
422
Black to move

a) worse,
b) equal,
c) better.
a) 16...0-0
b) 16...Rd8
Show/Hide Solution
In this game Shakhriyar chose the sharp Vienna variation of the Queen’s Gambit. In reply Korobov
sacrificed a pawn seizing the initiative leaving Mamedyarov to defend! The center was soon opened
before Black had completed his development and White kept his initiative but the question remained:
How dangerous is White’s initiative?
The scales of the position’s assessment vary and only precise calculation can give a justified answer
to this question.
The assessment that Black’s position is somewhat better brings you 2 points.
16...0-0!
If you chose this move, you earn 2 more points.

After 16...Rd8 17.Rxd8+ Qxd8 18.h4!, to open the window for the king is important: 18...h6 19.Bxe7
423
Qxe7 20.Nd4 0-0 21.Nxe6 fxe6 22.Rxe6 Qa3 the position is equal.
16...0-0! 17.Rxe6!
Only this move can be seriously considered otherwise Black will develop his advantage.
17...fxe6
17...Bxg5?! is weaker. After 18.Nxg5 fxe6 19.Nxe6 Qf7 20.Nxf8 Rxf8 21.f3 Qxa2 22.Rd7 the
activity of the white pieces compensates for the pawn.
18.Qxe6+ Rf7 19.Rd7
The only move.

19.Ne5? loses because of 19...Bxg5 20.Rd7 Qxe5.
19...Qxd7 20.Qxd7 Rd8!
This is more precise than 20...Bxg5 21.Qe6 Bf6 although in this case too White has to be careful to
equalize.
21.Qe6 Rd1+ 22.Ne1 Bxg5
Now it becomes rather evident that the two black rooks are stronger than the white queen.
If you reached this position in your preliminary calculations or turned aside on the “last corner” with
20...Bxg5 you earn 2 more points.
I can only add that the game lasted 60 more moves with big adventures before ending in a draw.
424
½–½ (83)
Almost everybody likes attacking. Seeking active possibilities for yourself is much more interesting
than for an opponent. But to defend precisely it is necessary to know how to find hidden resources
especially for an opponent and to avoid or to disarm them beforehand.
Often a precisely realized defense allows seizing the initiative.
In this Chapter we have already seen one short battle Mamedyarov-Giri. The two following tests have
been taken from one more miniature. This time Peter Svidler was Shakhriyar’s unsuspecting co-
author.
Test 79
P. Svidler (2768)
Wijk aan Zee 2018
Black to move

a) better,
b) equal,
c) somewhat worse.
Show/Hide Solution
425
For the time being the Tata Steel tournament of 2018 was the most successful of all Mamedyarov’s
appearances at Wijk aan Zee. After the first part Shakhriyar had 5.5 out of 7 placing him ahead of the
field by a full point. But in the last part of the tournament he slowed his tempo and ended up sharing
third and fourth place with Kramnik. They in turn were one half a point behind Carlsen and Giri.
1.c4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.d4 Bb4 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bf4 Ne4 7.Qa4+ Nc6 8.Rc1 0-0 9.g3
Black to move
White is behind in development and the black knight on e4 looks like it is calling its army to attack.
For those who know this famous game of Bent Larsen solving this test was not hard work.
Taimanov
Larsen
Vinkovci 1970
14...g5! At that time — fifty years ago — this move choked the whole chess world. Larsen’s decision
to move the pawn in front of his king two squares forward was considered as surrealism on the
chessboard! After 15.Bg3 g4 16.Nd4 Nxd4 17.exd4 Bg5 the Danish artist seized initiative and then
won the game.
9...g5!
426
Of course, Shakhriyar knew this classic example of a spectacular side stroke but he could also
remember examples from his own creativity. We have already seen the analogical idea g7–g5 in
another opening and with a completely different structure (Jobava — Mamedyarov test 54).
Mamedyarov is clearly familiar with moving the g-pawn with White or Black!
If you also planned the move 9...g5! you gain 4 points. The same trophy awaits you for the variations
9...Qe7 10.Bg2 g5!
or 9...a5 10.Bg2 g5!
For more “modest” continuations no additional points are given.
9...g5! 10.Be3
After 10.Bd2 Re8 White has a difficult position. 11.Bg2?! (11.h3 Qf6µ) loses because of 11...g4!
12.Ne5 Rxe5 13.dxe5 Nxd2 14.Kxd2 d4 etc.
10...f5
The preliminary exchange 10...Bxc3+ 11.bxc3 and only then 11...f5 was somewhat more precise.
11.Bg2?!
The unexpected and illogical looking 11.Bd2! was stronger. The thing is that after 11...Re8 12.Bg2 g4
White continues 13.Nh4! and the capture on d2 (13...Nxd2) does not bring any special dividends
because of 14.Bxd5!. Here Black’s extra move of f5 has a negative effect.
However, Black would keep some initiative in this case as well. For example, after 11...a5 12.a3
Bxc3 13.Bxc3 f4 but the position would be absolutely unclear.
427
11...f4! 12.gxf4
After 12.Bd2 the triumphal march of black pawns would continue 12...Bxc3 13.bxc3 g4! and no one
would envy White.
12...Bxc3+ 13.bxc3 gxf4 14.Bd2
Now the position of the second test appears.
Test 80
P. Svidler (2768)
Wijk aan Zee 2018
Black to move
Show/Hide Solution
14...Kh8!
The best move! Finding it gives you 4 points.

Now threats on the g-file begin to bother White.
428
After 14...Qd6 15.c4 Be6 16.cxd5 Bxd5 17.Ne5!
or 14...Bg4 15.Ne5! Nxd2 16.Kxd2 Nxe5 17.dxe5 Kh8 18.Bf3 White has good chances for
defending.
14...Kh8! 15.Qb3?!
This allows Black to activate his second knight with gain of tempo.
The main problem White has is that he cannot castle:
a) 15.0-0? Qf6 16.Kh1 Rg8 and his king is unprotected.
b) An attempt at creating counter play in the center does not help: 15.c4 Be6 16.h4 Rg8 17.Bh3 Bxh3
18.Rxh3 Nxd4 19.Bxf4
19...Qf6! with a decisive edge.

c) Maybe the relatively best move was 15.Rg1 Be6 16.h4 Qf6 but such a position is very difficult to
defended.
15...Na5 16.Qc2 Nc4
429
White’s position is lost as he simply has nothing to play.
17.Rd1
After castling 17.0-0 the white king stays in hopeless loneliness: 17...Qf6 18.Kh1 Rg8 19.Be1 Rxg2!
20.Kxg2 Bh3+! with mate.
17...Rg8 18.Ne5 Nxe5 19.Bxe4 Qg5! 20.Bxf4 Qxf4 21.Bxd5 Bf5
0–1
Miniatures are rare for grandmasters of the top level. A quick storm from Black was already on the
way on the ninth move!
If your opponent gets behind in development do not be afraid of throwing even your king’s covering
pawns to storm his bastions!
430
Show in Text Mode
Test 81
V. Anand (2759)
Leuven 2018 (rapid)
Black to move
a) better,
b) worse,
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
By looking at the pawn structure one can easily guess the Grünfeld defense was played in the game.
Actually Anand began the game by moving the king’s pawn and in reply Mamedyarov chose the
somewhat original Sicilian defense of 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6.
The former World Champion sacrificed a pawn but in sharp fighting Shakhriyar managed to seize the
431
initiative.
The following combination proves it.
21...Bxg2!
The bishop sacrifice brings you 3 points.

Strategic manoeuvring with 21...Be8 22.Re3 Bf7 led to a complicated position with approximate
equality.
The same can also be said about the position after: 21...Nd7 22.Nxd7 Rxd7 23.Re3 Bd5 24.Qb2=.
21...Bxg2! 22.Kxg2 Qg5+ 23.Kf1 Qh4
23...Qf4 is simply a change of the move order.
24.f3
24.Qb2 Qxh2 25.Rb1 was losing: 25...Qh1+ 26.Ke2 Qg2 27.Rf1 Rxd4! 28.cxd4 Qg4+ and Black is
two pawns ahead.
24...Qxh2
Even though only the black queen and rook are leading the attack White does not manage to find an
acceptable defense.
25.Rae1
432
25.Re2 did not help. 25...Qh5 (threatening 26...Rxd4 and 27...Qh1+) 26.Kg1 e5! 27.Ne6 Qxf3
28.Nxf8 Qxe2 29.Qf7 Qe3+ 30.Kf1 Qh3+
31.Ke2 Qh2+ 32.Kf1 Rd2 with a win.
25...Nc6 26.R1e3
It is extremely difficult for White to involve the queen: 26.Qa3!? Rf4 27.R1e4 (27.R6e4? e5!–+)
27...Rxe4 28.Rxe4 e5! and Black wins back the piece keeping an extra pawn and a serious initiative.
26...Rf4?
433
Anand counted on this natural continuation of Black’s attack.
After 26...g5!! White’s position would be hopeless.
27.Rxc6! Qh1+
In case of 27...bxc6 White continues 28.Qe6 and on 28...c5 29.Qxe7 with a draw since after the move
...Rf4 the rook on d8 is unprotected.
28.Ke2 Qg2+ 29.Kd3 bxc6 30.Qe6!
Although playing black is easier objectively speaking the position has become unclear. In the end
Shakh did manage to win.
0–1 (51)
In a real game trying to realize an advantage from such a sacrifice is difficult enough while
calculating its consequences up to the end is impossible. This decision should be intuitive.
What can be advised? To develop your intuition and to trust it!
Test 82
M. Carlsen (2842)
Biel 2018
434
White to move

a) somewhat worse,
b) better,
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
The traditional 51st tournament in Biel was perhaps the brightest of Mamedyarov’s performance to
date. In the double round robin of six grandmasters he finished with 7.5 out of 10 and was one and a
half points ahead of World Champion Magnus Carlsen! Shakhriyar won his “mini-match” against the
Word Champion 1.5–0.5!
At the first sight the e5-pawn appears to be hanging but this is not true. Because of the unprotected
Bishop on d7 the pawn cannot be captured so long as White does not close the d-file with the knight.
Meanwhile the powerful centralization of all of his pieces determines the assessment that White is
better 2 points.
27.Ne3!
On his prior move, 26...Qb8–f8, Magnus obviously overlooked this continuation.

Maybe he counted on the more evident 27.Nb6, attacking the bishop, 27...Bg4 28.Re1 (“dead”
equality appears after 28.Qxb5 Rxb6 29.Qxb6 Bxd1 30.Rxd1 Rxe5=) 28...Rea7! with good chances of
435
solving all of his problems.
For example: 29.Qxb5 Ra5 30.Qc6 Rxe5 and Black equalizes the position by accurate play.
27.Ne3!
Only the knight retreat on e3 creates serious problems for Black and brings you 3 points.
27...Be6
27...Bxe5? loses because of 28.Rxd7.
28.Qxb5 Raa7 29.Nd5 Bxd5 30.Rxd5 Reb7 31.Qd3 Rb8 32.h4 Qe8
436
White has won a pawn but the fact that there are opposite colored bishops allows Black drawing
hopes.
33.Qd4
When annotating this game Shakhriyar recommended 33.Bh3!. “This option, which I did not notice
during the game, gives White a clear advantage.” He gives the following variations: 33...Bxe5
(33...Qe7 34.h5±) 34.Re1 Re7 (34...f6? loses outright because of 35.f4 Bd4+ 36.Kf1) 35.Bd7 Bb2
36.Bxe8 Rxe1+ 37.Kg2 Rexe8 38.h5±.
33...Qe7
437
34.f4?!
Again I quote Shakhriyar, “I felt a strong desire to win this game and decided to play sharply, but by
doing so reduced White’s advantage. The correct way was the simple continuation 34.Rc4 Bf8
35.Kh2 and White is clearly superior.”
34...Bf8 35.Kh2
From my point of view White keeps good chances to realize an advantage in this position but I shall
not argue with the winner.
Carlsen resigned on the 55th move.
1–0 (55)
From the initial position the white knight retreats from b6 to c4 and then e3 finally aiming at d5. The
first move attacked the black bishop and the second move controlled the g4-square and kept the
bishop from being active. Choosing the right moving trajectory of a knight takes creativity!
Test 83
S. Karjakin (2773)
Saint Louis 2018 (rapid)
438
White to move
Show/Hide Solution
Away from the chess board Shakhriyar and Sergey have a friendly relationship but this does not
prevent them from sharp fighting at the board!
16.Bg6!!
Shakhriyar conceived this sacrifice several moves before when he left his knight under attack!
I hope you managed to find it too and if you did your trophy is 3 points.
a) In case of the preliminary exchange 16.cxd5?! exd5 the consequences of the analogical sacrifice
(17.Bg6) are not so clear: 17...hxg5 18.hxg5 Ng8 19.Qf5 Bf6.
b) Other continuations: 16.Nf3? d4 17.Ne4 Ng4!
or 16.f5 e5 17.cxd5 Nd4! even lead to Black’s advantage.
16.Bg6!! hxg5 17.hxg5 Ng8
The attempt at even partially closing the center by ...d5–d4 on the previous move was too late because
of 17.Nxf7. Now 17...d4 is bad too as 18.Rh8+ Ng8 19.Bh7 Bxg5 20.fxg5 Qxg5 21.Rxg8+ Ke7
22.Rxe8+ Rxe8 23.Ne2 leads to a big advantage but it was the lesser of the two evils.
439
18.Bh7?!
Unfortunately Shakh overlooked the possibility of creating a small “masterpiece”: 18.Nxd5!! exd5
(18...Nd4 19.exd4 exd5 20.Qf5+–) 19.Bxg7+! Kxg7 20.Rh7+ Kf8 21.Rxf7 Checkmate!
If you saw this final mate when calculating variations from the initial position you earned 4 more
points.
18...Nf6
On 18...d4 Shakhriyar would continue 19.Bxg8 Bxg5 20.Bxf7!.
440
Now the best chance is 20...d3 (20...Kxf7 loses after 21.fxg5 dxc3 22.Bxc3 Qxg5 23.Rdf1+ Ke7
24.Bxg7! etc.) 21.Qb1 Na5 even temporary activity would not change the assessment since after
22.Ba1 Kxf7 23.fxg5 Qxg5 24.Nb5 White gets a big edge.
19.gxf6 Bxf6 20.g4?
Both sides are in time pressure and this creates mistakes: rapid chess is rapid!
20.cxd5! exd5 21.Bf5 results in an easy win.
20...Ke7?
20...dxc4 21.bxc4 Nd4! was the last chance: 22.exd4 Bxh1 23.g5! Bf3 24.Rf1±.
21.g5 Bxc3
22.dxc3!
Of course not 22.Bxc3? because of 22...d4.
22...Rh8 23.cxd5 exd5 24.c4 d4 25.Qe4+ Kd6 26.exd4 Kc7 27.dxc5 Qe8 28.Bxg7
1–0
Everybody knows that the f7-square is the “Achilles heel” of the black king.
During one’s first year of acquaintance with chess one tries to sneak up on the f7-square with Bc4 and
Qh5 with hopes of playing a “kid’s mate”.
But there are some more complicated ways to achieve this mate and Shakh just demonstrated one of
441
them!
Test 84
W. So (2780)
Saint Louis 2018 (blitz)
White to move
A. The continuation 18.dxc5 brings:

a) an advantage to White,
b) equal play.
Show/Hide Solution
To answer this test requires deep calculation.

The decision to capture on c5 leads to White’s advantage and brings you 2 points.
18.dxc5! Bxb2
18...Qe7? is refuted by 19.Bxf6 Qxe4 20.Bxg7 Bxf3 21.gxf3 Qg6+ 22.Kh1 and 23.Rg1.
442
19.Rxd8 Bxa1 20.Bh7+! Kxh7 21.Rxf8 Nd7 22.Ra8 Bxf3
22...Bf6? 23.c6 is hopeless.
23.gxf3?!
Here Shakhriyar turned from the right path but do not forget this was a blitz game.
Continuing with 23.Rxa1! Bg4 24.c6 Nf6 25.Re1! with the idea of 25...Nd5 26.Re5 gives White a
good position with winning chances.
If your calculations reached the move 24.c6, your efforts merit a bonus of 3 points.
23...Be5! 24.Re8
The thing is that on 24.c6? Black will reply 24...Nb8 and the passed pawn is lost.
24...Bf4
The position has almost equalized but the fact that Shakhriyar finally won the game does not impact
our test.
1–0 (43)
In this example White’s rook did a lot of work! Its route was Rd1–d8–f8–a8 and then Ra8–a1–e1.
The consequences of a large forcing sequence of moves to simplify a position must always be
calculated precisely. In an ending the relative value of the pieces often changes. For example, a rook
with a pawn can be considerably stronger than two minor pieces.
443
Test 85
M. Adams (2712)
Batumi 2018
White to move

a) winning,
b) equal,
c) somewhat better.
Show/Hide Solution
If you tried to assess the position using only static positional features you made an incorrect
diagnosis.
Mamedyarov starts dynamic play and proves with confidence that White’s position is winning (2
points).
29.d7!
An important move.
On d7 the pawn can be attacked by all the black pieces thus the consequences of this advance
444
required precise calculation.
Other continuations promised nothing significant to White. For example, 29.Nf5 Re2 30.Kg1 Qc3!
And Black has sufficient counter play.
29.d7! Rd8 30.Nf5!
Finding this move brings you 2 additional points.

Black is not able to hold the position.
30...Be4
Transferring the bishop to g6 is the best option but it is insufficient to help Black hold the position.
a) White’s main threat is illustrated by the following variation: 30...b5?! 31.Nd6 Rxd7 32.Bxf7+ Rxf7
33.Nxf7 Kxf7 34.Rd7+ with a win.
b) Capturing the pawn loses at once: 30...Rxd7?! 31.Rxd7 Nxd7 32.Nxh6+! etc.
c) The king retreat 30...Kh7?! does not help as after 31.Bxf7 Rxd7 (31...Qe2 32.Nh4!! Qxd1 leads to
a smothered mate 33.Qf5+ Kh8 34.Ng6+ Kh7 35.Nf8+ Kh8 36.Qh7+! Nxh7 37.Ng6#) 32.Rxd7
Nxd7 33.Nd6 Bc6 34.Bg6+! with checkmate.
31.Nd6! Bg6 32.Nc4! Qe2 33.Ne5!
445
As a result of the spectacular knight manoeuvre the white pieces are dominating the position.
33...Kh7 34.g4 b5 35.Qe3 Qb2
Looking for salvation in an ending is equally hopeless: 35...Qxe3 36.fxe3 a5 37.Rd4 a4 38.Bd1 and it
is almost zugzwang — Black’s pieces have no useful moves.
36.Kg1 b4 37.Nxg6
White’s next move will be 38.Qe7 therefore Black resigned.

1–0
A passed pawn must move forward! You need only precisely calculate the variations.
Test 86
L. Aronian (2780)
Batumi 2018
446
Black to move

a) Black has a big advantage,
b) White has a big advantage,
c) the chances of both sides’ are approximately equal.
Show/Hide Solution
The position on the board resulted from fantastic and dynamic fighting.
Shakhriyar played an extremely risky variation of the Ruy Lopez where he sacrificed one pawn and
then another while in the opening. Aronian has played cold blooded defense and it appears that with
just one more move he would succeed in defending while maintaining his material advantage.
But it was at this moment Shakh sacrificed a bishop which Levon mistakenly accepted and Black’s
attack was reborn with new power.
Aronian has set a cunning trap with his last move 27.Ke2.
Shakhriyar checked the variations and his follow up confirms that Black has a big advantage.
This assessment brings you 2 points.
27...Re8!
After 27...Qh5+? 28.Kd3! Rd5+ 29.Bd4 the white king successfully escapes. For example 29...Qf5+
447
(or 29...Rfd8 30.Kc4! Be5 31.Red1±) 30.Kc3 Bf4 31.Qd3±.
27...Re8! 28.Kd1!
28...Rg1!!
This is what Aronian missed in his calculations!

If you did not repeat his mistake and prepared for this move beforehand you earn 3 more points.
White’s position is almost hopeless.
29.Be5!
The best chance.
29...Bxe5 30.Rde2 h5
30...Rd8+! 31.Kc1
448
31...Qf5! won much more quickly.
31.Qd3 Qg2 32.Nb6 Rxe1+ 33.Rxe1 Qxf2
Black has a big advantage, but he must work hard to realize it. The game ended after Shakh’s 48th
move.
0–1 (48)
If your opponent sets a trap in a sharp position check the variations with all your effort as there may
be a way to trap the trapper!
449
Test 87
W. So (2765)
Kolkata 2018 (rapid)
Black to move
A. The continuation 28...Bxh3 leads to:

a) White’s advantage,
b) Black’s advantage,
c) draw.
Show/Hide Solution
Shakh could simply retreat the bishop with 28...Bf5 but after checking the variations determined this
was the correct path to a draw (1 point).
28...Bxh3 29.Bxe5
29.Bxh3?? loses: 29...Nf3+ 30.Qxf3 Rxe1+ 31.Kh2 Bxb2.
29...Bxe5
If you chose the variation 29...Rxe5 30.Rxe5 Bxe5 31.Qxf7+ Bg7 (or 31...Kh6 32.Bxh3 Bd4+
450
33.Kg2 Bxc5 34.Bd7=) 32.Bxh3 Qd4+ 33.Qf2 Qxf2+ 34.Kxf2 Bd4+ with equality you get 2 points.
30.Qxf7+ Kh6
31.Rxe5! Rxe5 32.Qf4+ Qg5
Now White gives perpetual check that also give you 2 additional points.
33.Qf8+ Kh7 ½–½
It was an easy test; when doing serious work some rest is needed!
Test 88
Y. Yu (2738)
Stavanger 2019 (blitz)
451
Black to move

a) much better,
b) somewhat better,
c) equal.
Show/Hide Solution
Perhaps assessing the position in this test was more complicated than finding the correct move.
Black’s position is much better and almost winning (3 points).
15...e5!
Other continuations are obviously weaker and lead to approximately equal play.
16.Nxc6 bxc6 17.Nxe5
452
I do not think that Yu Yangyi “blundered” with the knight sacrifice. Maybe he had some hopes of the
queen going to h5 on the 20th move or counted on the move 18.Rg3.
However, after 17.Rxe5 Bg4! 18.Re3 Rae8 (or 18...Rab8 19.b4 Rbe8) White has a very difficult
position. The exchange of rooks does not ease his situation: 19.Rxe8 (After 19.Be2 Black transfers
the queen to h5 and White’s position becomes unprotected 19...Qg6! 20.Bd3 Qh5. For example,
21.Be2 Rxe3 22.fxe3 Nxg2!–+.) 19...Rxe8 20.a3 Rf8 21.Be2 Qe6 22.Kf1 Re8 23.Bd3 Qh6 with
decisive threats.
17...Nxg2!
Decides the game.

If your reply to the rook capture on e5 was 17...Bg4 and your reply to the knight capture on e5 was
the sacrifice on g2 you gain 3 points. The difference is not much and the variations are not so
difficult.
18.Kxg2
Perhaps Yu Yangyi considered 18.Rg3 and if 18...Qxf2+ 19.Kh1 with some counter play. But then he
noticed that the simple 18...Nf4 puts White into a hopeless position.
18...Qxf2+ 19.Kh1 Qxe3 20.Qh5 Qh6
The only defense but it is sufficient.
21.Qxh6 gxh6 22.Rg1+ Kh8 23.Nxc6 Bh3
453
Black is up the exchange and later realized his advantage.
0–1 (54)
A breakthrough in the center is often a dangerous weapon even if it requires you to further your
efforts with material sacrifices.
Test 89
V. Anand (2767)
Zagreb 2019
454
White to move
A. Mamedyarov played 38.Bxe5. After this continuation:

a) White wins,
b) Black succeeds in deflecting the threats.
Show/Hide Solution
It really was a difficult test.

I want to congratulate those who made the right diagnosis: after capturing on e5 Black succeeds in
deflecting the threats (2 points).
38.Bxe5 Rxe5?
Even Anand, although in time trouble, could not find the right way.
38...Qf2! defended against all the threats.
455
39.Qxf4 (39.Rxf4 Qe1+ 40.Kh2 Qxe5 leads to a draw: 41.c5 Rg7! 42.c6 Qe2 43.Bh7+! Rxh7
44.Qxf6 Rg7 45.Qf8+ Kh7 46.Qf5+ with perpetual check while 39.Bxf4?? even lost: 39...Re1+
40.Kh2 Qg1+ 41.Kg3 Ra3!) 39...Qe1+ 40.Kh2 Rxe5 41.Rxf6 Rxf6 42.Qxf6 now the precise but
rather evident move 42...h4! solves all the problems.
For the move 38...Qf2! you are given 3 points. If in your calculations you reached the move 42...h4!
add 2 more points to your account.
I shall only add that the capture 38.Bxe5 is not a mistake at all. To the contrary it was the only
possibility of making serious practical problems for the opponent.
39.Rxe5 fxe5 40.Qxa6 Qf2
The activity of the black pieces looks threatening but White will transfer the queen to g5 with check
and all the illusions will disappear — Black’s position is hopeless.
456
41.Qc8+ Kf7
41...Kg7 42.Qd7+ Kf8 43.Qf5+ Kg8 44.Qg5+ leads to the same position.
42.Qf5+ Kg8 43.Qg5+ Kf8 44.Kh2 h4
45.Bf5!
After 45...Ne2 46.Qf6+ after any retreat by the black king the bishop checks and the black queen is
lost. Anand resigned.
457
1–0
Had Black replied precisely to 30.Bxe5 the game would have ended in a draw. However the more
problems you create for your opponent the more chances of him making a mistake even if he is a
former World Champion!
Test 90
FIDE Grand Prix 2019
White to move

a) somewhat worse,
b) winning,
c) better.
Show/Hide Solution
Assessing complex positions for their pluses and minuses is impossible without analyzing the hidden
dynamic resources they contain.
458
In the given case the main factor determining the situation is evident — it is the far advanced passed
white pawn. Determining if the pawn is a strong or weak point is not easy at all. On one hand the d6-
pawn seriously presses Black and creates threats such as supporting Rc7. On the other hand if Black
succeeds in exchanging all the major pieces then the d6-pawn is doomed.
The correct assessment: “White’s position is better” brings you 2 points.
18.e5!
The most energetic decision! Mamedyarov precisely assessed that letting his king’s cover be opened
after the exchange on f3 won’t ease Black’s situation. In fact after this capture White’s light squared
bishop will become a super powerful piece.!
If your choice was like Shakh’s you gain 4 points.
a) Attacking the knight on a5 with 18.Bd2?! gave nothing because of 18...Bf8.
b) If 18.Rfd1 Black could continue 18...e5 19.Bd2 Rxc1 20.Rxc1 Nc6 and one can only speak about a
small advantage for White.
18.e5! Bxf3 19.exf6 Bxf6 20.gxf3 e5 21.Bd2
Although the white bishops are currently placed on rather “modest” squares they have begun to
transform into real monsters — almost the whole board is in their sphere of influence!
Black has a very difficult position.
21...Rxc1
a) The pawn capture was hopeless: 21...Qxh3 22.Be4 Rab8 23.Rc7 Qe6 24.Qd3 and Black cannot
escape from the numerous threats.
459
b) 21...Rd8 22.Be4 Rab8 23.Bb4 Qxh3 is not good. Trying to create a counter attack with 24.Rc7 Bg5
did not work since after 25.Bd5+ Kh8
26.f4! Qxa3 27.Bxa3 Bxf4 28.Rxa7 White wins.

c) Probably the best chance was the king retreat 21...Kh8!. 22.Kg2 (After 22.Be4? the piece sacrifice
22...Nc4! leads to draw: 23.Rxc4 Rxc4 24.Bxa8 Qxh3 25.Qxa7 Rh4 26.Qb8+ Kg7 27.Qc7+ with
perpetual check.) 22...Nb7 (Weaker is 22...Nc6?! 23.Ba6 Rd8 24.Bb5 Rac8 25.Rc2 and after
25...Qxd6 26.Qxd6 Rxd6 27.Bb4 White wins an exchange.) 23.Be4 Rxc1 24.Rxc1 Rd8 White has a
clear advantage.
However, to say that White’s position is definitely winning would not be right.
460
22.Rxc1 Rc8 23.Rxc8+ Qxc8
24.Kg2
The immediate 24.Be4!? may have been even more energetic.
24...Bd8
In case of 24...Kf7 25.Be4 Qc4 the penetration 26.Qe3! Ke6 27.Qh6 etc. looks very convincing.
25.Be4 Qe6 26.Qd3 Kg7 27.Bc3 Qf6 28.Kf1
461
While there is material equality on the board the weak e5-pawn (after Qd5) and the full domination of
White’s pieces make Black’s position hopeless thus Vashier-Lagrave resigned.
1–0
Such was the end of the first game of the final match. In the second one the French grandmaster
equalized the score.
The rapid games were the first playoff and ended in a draw and the match moved to the
“Armageddon” game which Shakhriyar won. Thus, Shakhriyar won the 2019 Riga leg of the FIDE
Grand Prix.
However, it is only one leg of the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix itself is only one leg of the chess
career of Shakhriyar Mamedyarov therefore the fight must go on!
462
GAMES INDEX
S. Mamedyarov (2733) — P. H. Nielsen (2693), Beijing 2011 (blitz)

S. Mamedyarov (2743) — J. Polgar (2685), Dubai 2014 (blitz)
S. Mamedyarov (2765) — P. Leko (2723), Beijing 2014 (blitz)
S. Mamedyarov (2800) — V. Topalov (2749), Paris GCT 2017 (blitz)
E. Hansen (2629) — S. Mamedyarov (2804), PRO Chess League 2018 (blitz)
F. Caruana (2816) — S. Mamedyarov (2808), Leuven GCT 2018 (rapid)
F. Abdulin — S. Mamedyarov (2201), Baku 2000
S. Gurbanov — S. Mamedyarov (2201), Baku 2000
S. Mamedyarov (2201) — S. Dolmatov (2615), Dubai 2000
S. Mamedyarov (2201) — S. Dolmatov (2615), Dubai 2000
S. Mamedyarov (2479) — R. Babaev (2334), Baku 2001
S. Mamedyarov (2479) — S. Davidov (2217), Baku 2001
L. Trent (2217) — S. Mamedyarov (2503), Oropesa del Mar 2001
J. Isaev (2455) — S. Mamedyarov (2522), Moscow 2002
S. Mamedyarov (2522) — A. Lastin (2630), Moscow 2002
S. Mamedyarov (2542) — P. V. Tregubov (2627), Dubai 2002
S. Mamedyarov (2542) — V. Priehoda (2425), Batumi 2002
S. Mamedyarov (2542) — A. Anastasian (2591), Batumi 2002
S. Mamedyarov (2542) — V. Gaprindashvili (2471), Baku 2002
S. Mamedyarov (2542) — S. Guliev (2481), Kocaeli 2002
A. Kosteniuk (2457) — S. Mamedyarov (2585), Lausanne 2003
S. Mamedyarov (2595) — S. R. Mannion (2348), Plovdiv 2003
S. Mamedyarov (2646) — A. Timofeev (2578), Moscow 2004
S. Mamedyarov (2657) — M. Al Modiahki (2579), Dubai 2004
O. de la Riva Aguado (2528) — S. Mamedyarov (2660), Pamplona 2004
S. Mamedyarov (2657) — M. Al Modiahki (2581), Moscow 2005
M. Al Sayed (2476) — S. Mamedyarov (2646), Dubai 2005
S. Mamedyarov (2646) — A. Huzman (2577), Warsaw 2005
S. Mamedyarov (2646) — T. Nyback (2551), Warsaw, 2005
S. Mamedyarov (2646) — S. Kristjansson (2459), Gothenburg 2005
463
I. Sokolov (2691) — S. Mamedyarov (2646), Gothenburg 2005
S. Mamedyarov (2646) — Z. Gyimesi (2628), Gothenburg 2005
S. Mamedyarov (2646) — E. Moradiabadi (2485), Abu Dhabi 2005
S. Mamedyarov (2674) — R. Kasimdzhanov (2670), Baku 2005 (blitz)
S. Mamedyarov (2674) — B. Heberla (2465), Istanbul 2005
S. Mamedyarov (2699) — L. Guliev (2384), Baku 2006
S. Tiviakov (2668) — S. Mamedyarov (2722), San Sebastian 2006
A. Naiditsch (2676) — S. Mamedyarov (2728), Fuegen 2006
S. Mamedyarov (2752) — R. Fontaine (2562), Kemer 2007
S. Mamedyarov (2752) — V. Ivanchuk (2787), Moscow 2007
S. Mamedyarov (2752) — I. Nepomniachtchi (2634), Dagomys 2008
S. Mamedyarov (2752) — M. Carlsen (2765), Baku 2008
S. Mamedyarov (2731) — E. Agrest (2574), Ajaccio 2008 (rapid)
S. Mamedyarov (2721) — B. S. Shivananda (2388), Kolkata 2009
P. Leko (2752) — S. Mamedyarov (2719), Moscow 2009 (blitz)
S. Mamedyarov (2719) — D. Jakovenko (2736), Moscow 2009 (blitz)
S. Mamedyarov (2719) — V. Milov (2652), Khanty-Mansiysk 2009
S. Mamedyarov (2760) — J. Polgar (2682), Baku 2010 (rapid)
A. Naiditsch (2684) — S. Mamedyarov (2761), Dortmund 2010
S. Mamedyarov (2756) — K. Sasikiran (2681), Khanty-Mansiysk, 2010
S. Mamedyarov (2756) — T. Radjabov (2748), Bastia 2010 (rapid)
S. Mamedyarov (2765) — Y. Yu (2672), Ningbo 2011
S. Mamedyarov (2765) — S. S. Ganguly (2627), Ningbo 2011
S. Mamedyarov (2746) — G. C. Jones (2624), Bastia 2011 (rapid)
S. Mamedyarov (2747) — N. Huschenbeth (2518), Gibraltar 2012
S. Mamedyarov (2726) — P. Kotsur (2548), Astana 2012 (blitz)
A. Astaneh Lopez (2398) — S. Mamedyarov (2729), Istanbul 2012
S. Mamedyarov (2729) — A. Brkic (2587), Istanbul 2012
P. Leko (2732) — S. Mamedyarov (2764), Tashkent 2012
S. Mamedyarov (2766) — L. Le Quang (2705), Moscow 2013 (rapid)
H. Nakamura (2784) — S. Mamedyarov (2753), Moscow 2013
S. Mamedyarov (2753) — M. Carlsen (2864), Moscow 2013
464
B. Socko (2661) — S. Mamedyarov (2757), Warsaw 2013
S. Mamedyarov (2757) — S. Karjakin (2756), Beijing 2013 (rapid)
S. Mamedyarov (2757) — L. Dominguez Perez (2754), Beijing 2013 (rapid)
L. Aronian (2830) — S. Mamedyarov (2757), Khanty-Mansiysk 2014
S. Mamedyarov (2757) — L. Aronian (2830), Khanty-Mansiysk, 2014
V. Ivanchuk (2744) — S. Mamedyarov (2743), Tromsoe 2014
A. Grischuk (2810) — S. Mamedyarov (2759), Tbilisi 2015
V. Malakhov (2706) — S. Mamedyarov (2756), Jurmala 2015 (rapid)
S. Mamedyarov (2756) — S. Bekker Jensen (2462), Reykjavik 2015
S. Mamedyarov (2735) — M. Ragger (2688), Vienna 2015
S. Mamedyarov (2735) — M. Ragger (2688), Vienna 2015
Sethuraman,SP (2640) — S. Mamedyarov (2736), Baku 2015
Y. Wei (2700) — S. Mamedyarov (2750), China 2016
S. Mamedyarov (2764) — B. Savchenko (2633), Izmir 2016
S. Mamedyarov (2761) — S. Karjakin (2769), Baku 2016
S. Mamedyarov (2772) — M. Adams (2747), Moscow 2017
S. Mamedyarov (2800) — M. Vachier-Lagrave (2796), Paris 2017 (rapid)
V. Fedoseev (2718) — S. Mamedyarov (2799), Riadh 2017 (blitz)
S. Mamedyarov (2809) — A. Grischuk (2767), Berlin 2018
M. Carlsen (2842) — S. Mamedyarov (2801), Biel 2018
M. Vachier-Lagrave (2779) — S. Mamedyarov (2801), Saint Louis 2018 (rapid)
S. Mamedyarov (2801) — S. Karjakin (2773), Saint Louis 2018 (blitz)
R. Praggnanandhaa (2530) — S. Mamedyarov (2817), Kolkata 2018 (blitz)
S. Mamedyarov (2817) — S. L. Shankland (2724), Germany 2019
S. Mamedyarov (2542) — B. Galstian (2254), Peniscola 2002
S. Mamedyarov (2542) — B. Galstian (2254), Peniscola 2002
S. Mamedyarov (2542) — M. Bartel (2418), Peniscola 2002
S. Mamedyarov (2607) — P. Harikrishna (2563), Nakhchivan 2003
S. Mamedyarov (2585) — A. Bagheri (2500), Abu Dhabi 2003
S. Mamedyarov (2585) — A. Bagheri (2500), Abu Dhabi 2003
S. Mamedyarov (2595) — H. Kallio (2493), Plovdiv 2003
T. Markowski (2610) — S. Mamedyarov (2595), Plovdiv 2003
465
S. Mamedyarov (2662) — O. Gutierrez Castillo (2213), Ciudad Real 2004
S. Mamedyarov (2662) — E. V. Alekseev (2606), Lausanne 2004
A. Naiditsch (2611) — S. Mamedyarov (2660), Pamplona 2004
S. Mamedyarov (2646) — R. Bagirov (2461), Baku 2005
V. Malakhov (2673) — S. Mamedyarov (2646), Sant Lluis 2005
S. Mamedyarov (2674) — D. Stellwagen (2561), Istanbul 2005
S. Novikov (2545) — S. Mamedyarov (2699), Sochi 2006
V. Potkin (2547) — S. Mamedyarov (2699), Sochi 2006
S. Mamedyarov (2699) — A. Kharlov (2555), Sochi 2006
S. Rublevsky (2687) — S. Mamedyarov (2699), Foros 2006
S. Mamedyarov (2757) — V. Topalov (2772), Sofia 2007
L. D. Nisipeanu (2693) — S. Mamedyarov (2757), Sofia 2007
S. Mamedyarov (2757) — V. Anand (2786), Dortmund 2007
V. Anand (2799) — S. Mamedyarov (2760), Wijk aan Zee 2008
V. Ivanchuk (2750) — S. Mamedyarov (2760), Wijk aan Zee 2008
B. Gelfand (2737) — S. Mamedyarov (2760), Nice 2008 (rapid)
B. Gelfand (2737) — S. Mamedyarov (2760), Nice 2008 (rapid)
S. Mamedyarov (2752) — E. Bacrot (2705), Baku 2008
S. Mamedyarov (2752) — J. Gustafsson (2603), Dortmund 2008
R. Ponomariov (2718) — S. Mamedyarov (2742), Moscow 2008 (blitz)
J. V. Gunnarsson (2430) — S. Mamedyarov (2731), Kallithea 2008
S. Mamedyarov (2725) — P. Svidler (2726), Nalchik 2009
S. Mamedyarov (2725) — S. Karjakin (2721), Baku 2009 (rapid)
V. Anand (2783) — S. Mamedyarov (2725), Baku 2009 (rapid)
S. Mamedyarov (2721) — S. G. Vidit (2423), Kolkata 2009
S. Mamedyarov (2721) — M. Gagunashvili (2564), Kolkata 2009
V. Milov (2652) — S. Mamedyarov (2719), Khanty-Mansiysk 2009
S. Mamedyarov (2719) — H. Wang (2708), Khanty-Mansiysk 2009
E. Inarkiev (2669) — S. Mamedyarov (2763), Astrakhan 2010
S. Mamedyarov (2763) — P. Leko (2735), Astrakhan 2010
466
S. Mamedyarov (2756) — V. Ivanchuk (2754), Khanty-Mansiysk 2010
S. Mamedyarov (2765) — G. Sargissian (2663), Ningbo 2011
S. Mamedyarov (2765) — D. Fridman (2659), Khanty-Mansiysk 2011 (rapid)
S. Mamedyarov (2746) — E. Inarkiev (2692), Rogaska Slatina 2011
S. Mamedyarov (2733) — S. Karjakin (2763), Beijing 2011 (rapid)
S. Mamedyarov (2747) — T. Nabaty (2563), Gibraltar 2012
S. Mamedyarov (2726) — K. Shanava (2589), Tbilisi 2012
S. Mamedyarov (2726) — B. Gelfand (2738), Astana 2012 (rapid)
S. Mamedyarov (2726) — E. Inarkiev (2707), Konya 2012
P. Harikrishna (2685) — S. Mamedyarov (2729), Istanbul 2012
S. Mamedyarov (2729) — A. Giri (2730), London 2012
L. Ding (2702) — S. Mamedyarov (2764), Beijing 2012 (blitz)
S. Mamedyarov (2761) — V. Topalov (2767), Beijing 2013
B. Jobava (2695) — S. Mamedyarov (2757), Warsaw 2013
B. Jobava (2695) — S. Mamedyarov (2757), Warsaw 2013
S. Mamedyarov (2757) — D. Andreikin (2709), Khanty-Mansiysk 2014
S. Karjakin (2777) — S. Mamedyarov (2756), Bilbao 2014
B. Jobava (2717) — S. Mamedyarov (2764), Tashkent 2014
B. Gelfand (2743) — S. Mamedyarov (2765), Beijing 2014
V. Fedoseev (2674) — S. Mamedyarov (2756), Jurmala 2015
S. Mamedyarov (2756) — H. S. Gretarsson (2554), Reykjavik 2015
S. Mamedyarov (2756) — V. Kramnik (2783), Shamkir 2015
S. Mamedyarov (2735) — S. Volkov (2589), Kocaeli 2015
S. Mamedyarov (2736) — P. Idani (2569), Baku 2015
S. Mamedyarov (2736) — B. Socko (2599), Berlin 2015 (rapid)
S. Mamedyarov (2748) — V. Malakhatko (2501), Nakhchivan 2016
S. Mamedyarov (2748) — P. Eljanov (2765), Shamkir 2016
S. Mamedyarov (2746) — F. Caruana (2804), Shamkir 2016
S. Mamedyarov (2761) — V. Kramnik (2808), Moscow 2016
S. Mamedyarov (2766) — E. Tomashevsky (2711), Sharjah 2017
S. Mamedyarov (2766) — Y. Hou (2651), Sharjah 2017
P. Eljanov (2751) — S. Mamedyarov (2772), Shamkir 2017
467
E. Najer (2682) — S. Mamedyarov (2772), Sochi 2017
S. Mamedyarov (2800) — V. Topalov (2749), Paris 2017 (rapid)
S. Mamedyarov (2800) — I. Nepomniachtchi (2742), Geneva 2017
S. Mamedyarov (2791) — D. Svetushkin (2556), Heraklio 2017
S. Mamedyarov (2791) — D. Navara (2726), Heraklio 2017
A. Korobov (2652) — S. Mamedyarov (2799), Huaian 2017 (rapid)
P. Svidler (2768) — S. Mamedyarov (2804), Wijk aan Zee 2018
P. Svidler (2768) — S. Mamedyarov (2804), Wijk aan Zee 2018
V. Anand (2759) — S. Mamedyarov (2808), Leuven 2018 (rapid)
S. Mamedyarov (2801) — M. Carlsen (2842), Biel 2018
S. Mamedyarov (2801) — S. Karjakin (2773), Saint Louis 2018 (rapid)
S. Mamedyarov (2801) — W. So (2780), Saint Louis 2018 (blitz)
S. Mamedyarov (2820) — M. Adams (2712), Batumi 2018
L. Aronian (2780) — S. Mamedyarov (2820), Batumi 2018
W. So (2765) — S. Mamedyarov (2817), Kolkata 2018 (rapid)
Y. Yu (2738) — S. Mamedyarov (2774), Stavanger 2019 (blitz)
S. Mamedyarov (2774) — V. Anand (2767), Zagreb 2019
S. Mamedyarov (2765) — M. Vachier-Lagrave (2775), FIDE Grand Prix 2019
468
Table of Contents
Title page 3
Key to symbols 5
Introduction 6
Warm-up 8
Tests 1-10 15
Tests 11-20 38
Tests 21-30 60
Tests 31-40 80
Tests 41-50 104
Tests 51-60 124
Tests 61-70 148
Tests 71-80 168
Tests 81-90 431
Games Index 463
469

Kuzmin Alexey Together With Mamedyarov Calculation Training PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Kuzmin Alexey Together With Mamedyarov Calculation Training PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1. BEGINNING TO THINK LIKE A GRANDMASTER

First edition 2020 by Thinkers Publishing

Together with Mamedyarov

Alexey Kuzmin, Doha/Moscow, November 2019

Find the shortest way to win in all the positions.

26.Rd8+ Kh7 27.Qxh5# 1–0

Thank you, Peter!

On the knight capture 29...Rxe6 White mates with 30.R1f7#.

20.Bxf6 Bxf6 21.Rxg4!

This is a small combination which deflects the queen.

21...Qxg4 22.Qxc6+ 1–0

A. Black’s position is:

16...Nc7! 17.Bg2 Ne6 18.Nb2 Rad8 19.Nd3 Nd4

Mamedyarov has precisely realized his strategic plan.

20.Qd2 c5 21.Bxb4 axb4 22.Rad1 f5

A. White’s position is:

17.Rxe6? Qxe6 18.Qxh7+ Kxh7 19.Ng5+ Kg6 20.Nxe6

21...Bb6 22.Nxd8 Nxd8

23.Kh1 c6 24.Rb1 Ne6 25.Ng3 Nc5

Black’s pieces have taken dominating positions.

A. White’s position is:

25.Qxe3 Rcd8 26.Rae1 Rfe8 27.Qe5+ Kh7?!

28.Be4! Bd5 29.f5!

29...Bxe4 30.Qxe4 gxf5? 31.Rxf5 Kg7

Find the strongest continuation.

32...Kxf7 33.Qh7+ Kf6 34.Qxh6+ Kf7 35.Rf1+ Kg8 36.Qg6+

Find the best continuation.

27.Nxa4! Nxa4 28.Qxd4!!

The queen has been sacrificed for the second defender.

A. White’s position is:

17.Rxd6! Qxd6 18.Bxe5 Qe6 19.Bxf6 Qxf6

After 19...gxf6 White wins by 20.Be4 Rb8 21.Qg3+ Qg4 22.Qxb8.

20...Qg6 21.Qxa8 Qxc2 22.Qxa7

White has two extra pawns — the game is decided.

How should he continue?

Lawrence was forced to resign.

A. Black’s position is:

45...Be3+ 46.Kg4 Bf3+!

47.Kxf3 Bxg5+ 48.Ke4 Bxe7

49.Rg1 Bf8 50.f6!

51...Kf7 52.Rg1 Ke6

Threatening a deadly check from a4, White’s situation is hopepless.

Which of two moves is better?

Lastin’s reply was an unpleasant surprise for Shakh.

30...Rxc2 31.Rxc2 Qd1+ 32.Kf2 Qxc2+ 33.Qe2

Black has an extra pawn, objectively his position is winning.

A. White’s position is:

27...Qxd4 28.Nxd4 Rxe1 29.Rxe1 Bh3 30.Nxb5

A. Which capture would you recommend for Black?

Shakhriyar does not miss his chance.

White has won a pawn.

White gets an ending with an extra pawn.

The two white bishops demand that the position be opened.

26...Nxd5 27.Nxd5 cxd5 28.Qxd5

White has a decisive advantage that Mamedyarov will surely realize.

How should White realize his evident advantage?

18...fxe5 19.Ne4 Rg8

On 19...Bb7 20.Nf6+! follows with a fast mate.

A. White’s position is:

19...Ba5 20.Bh4 Qd6 21.Kh1 Bd8 22.Rg1 Ne4

Allowing a spectacular final but already Black cannot escape.

25...Bg5 26.Bxg5+ Kh7 27.Qf3 Nf6 28.Bxf6 Qxf6 29.Rg5!