Shot and counter-shot
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
POSITION AFTER WHITE’S 21st MOVE (21.Qf3!)
Niyazmetov
Galyamov
A sharp position, typical of the Sicilian Defence. White’s last move looks like a mistake, but is infact well considered. Can Black take on f4 with his Rook? Should White reply 22.PxR then 22…Nh4! picks up the Queen.
AFTER SOME THOUGHT, Black could not see the problem. So he confidently played….
21…Rxf4!?
If White moves the Queen then he loses the Knight on e4….if he takes the bait then he loses his Queen!
WHAT DOES WHITE HAVE UP HIS SLEEVE?
SOLUTION: 22.Rxd7!! , and if 22…e5 (relatively best, 23.Bxe5!; White comes out on top in all lines.
SOLUTION: 22.Rxd7!! , and if 22…e5 (relatively best, 23.Bxe5!; White comes out on top in all lines.