Between the 27th of December and the 4th of January in Crakow (Poland) was organized a popular chess festival with not less than 6 separate events! Alexander Donchenko won the top section with a blistering 8 points from 9 games.
I enjoyed immensely playing over the games. Lots of sharp tactics, surprising attacks and resourceful defences. I share some of these below. Enjoy!
Vardanyan,A – Sliwica,A
Karkow 31.12.2020
What is the fastest way to put Black out of her suffering?
Jankowiak,T – Godzwon,I
Karkow 27.12.2020
White’s last move (Re1) attacks the Queen and seems to put Black in trouble. Any Queen move will be answered by f6 with a strong attack. What did White overlook?
Kozak,A – Lisowski,K
Karkow 30.12.2020
Black had just played Qb6, threatening c4 in some variations. How should White play to get a winning game?
Deuer,M – Butkiewicz,L
Karkow 2.1.2021
White had just played his Knight to c4, a serious mistake. How should Black play?
Klepek,W – Chylewski,P
Karkow 28.12.2020
White to play and win!
Nasuta,G – Kiolbasa,O
Karkow 29.12.2020
This is not so easy! Of course, White is better but Black appears solid enough. How should White proceed?