Saturday’s 5-second tactics

“Here we are, trapped in the amber of the moment. There is no why.”   ―     Kurt Vonnegut

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Monticelli,Mario

gm  Bogoljubov,E

San Remo, 1930.  Position before Black’s 36th move.  The White King is wide open and look at those Black Knights!  Yes, those Knights….

BLACK TO PLAY AND MATE IN 4 MOVES!

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Rellstab,Ludwig

gm  Bogoljubov,E

Stockholm, 1930.  Position before Black’s 20th move.  The blocked position has many characteristics of the Dutch Defence.  Personally, I would be willing to take either side here, being a Dutch-specialist all of my life.  But the question put to you, dear reader, is whether Black should play 20…g5!?, snaring a piece?

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

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San Remo 1930  Bogoljubow Efim –Monticelli Mario:  36…. Ne2+!  37.Rxe2 Rf1+! 38.Kxf1 Qh1+!! 39.Kf2 Ng4# 0-1

Stockholm 1930  Bogoljubow Efim –Rellstab Ludwig :  20… g5?  Black should not play this   21.Rxh7!! Nd2+ 22.Ke1 Nf3+ 23.Qxf3 g4 24.Rxd7 Qxd7 25.Qe2 Qc7 26.Bb1 Rf7 27.Nd3 Rh7 28.Kd2 Kf7 29.Rf1 Reh8 30.f3  and White has a huge advantage and won without problems.