Tactics and Games from European_Ch
European Championship ends today!
While most attention has naturally been focused on the Candidates Tournament in Berlin because of it serving as a qualification for the World Championship, the European Championship in Batumi is just as worthy in its own way, given its incredible strength and high quality of chess.
As I write the final round is taking place. Tomorrow I will write of the results. Today I limit myself to presenting an excellent selection of tactical exercises and finely played games from this event. The pgn can be downloaded below. Enjoy!
TACTICS
im Ferreira,J – gm Lupulescu Euro_ch 27.3.2018
The Portuguese Ferreira won a gm norm in this event! Here he demonstrates his high class with an insightful concept. Do you see it? White to play and win!
im Santos,L – gm Mamedov,R Euro_ch 22.3.2018
A tough struggle in this game, but then White let his guard down for one moment and then poof! But this is chess, and our opponents have the right to make mistakes. Black to play and win!
gm Ponomariov – im Golubka, P Euro_ch 28.3.2018
A sharp variation of the Sicilian! White has pressure, but Black seems to have everything under control. But Black’s last move (Qd7) was a serious mistake. White to play and win!
gm Kravtsiv – gm Hracek Euro_ch 24.3.2018
Though a piece down, Black appears to have reasonable play. White’s pieces lack coordination and his King position is a cause for worry. But don’t trust first impressions! White to play and crush!
gm Korobov – gm McShane Euro_ch 26.3.2018
The last few moves have been played in time trouble, and unfortunately for Black more attention should have been paid to White’s attack than time allowed for. White to play and crush!
gm Alekseev – gm Mamedov Euro_ch 28.3.2018
White was on the verge a winning with his strong passed pawn, but a careless move on the Kingside allows Black to turn the tables instantly. Black to play and crush!
Some excellent games!
gm Safarli – gm Ivanchuk Euro_ch 28.3.2018 (1-0)
This was clearly not Ivanchuk’s tournament! Still, all of his games were interesting for the public. Today he provoked complications with a combination by taking off the d-pawn, but did not see far enough. Very nice finish by White!
im Shevchenko – gm Ivanchuk Euro_ch 21.3.2018 (0-1)
A beautiful and precise endgame by Ivanchuk! One for the books, no doubt. Masterful use of zugzwang.
gm Mamedov – gm Pantsulaia Euro_ch 24.3.2018 (1-0)
Also a very nice positional display by White, who for a long time seems to have very little. But that is what chess manoeuvring is all about. Quickly, Black’s game deteriorates as he gets no counterplay.
gm Matlakov – gm Nabaty Euro_ch 26.3.2018 (1-0)
A really nice display by Matlakov. First he ties Black down on the Queenside and then slowly develops threats on the Kingside. Finally an energetic breakthru and then Black was defenceless. Masterful!
gm Nabaty – gm Rakhmanov Euro_ch 25.3.2018 (1-0)
A lucky escape by White! Black plays a brilliant sacrificial idea to exploit White’s King in the centre. Black always had at least a draw, but spent most of his time looking for the win, which proved elusive and then ultimately blundered short of time.
gm Pashikian – gm Kuzubov Euro_ch 27.3.2018
A nice quick crush! Something seems to have gone wrong quickly for Black right after the opening, and then capturing the White e-pawn proved to be the final straw. Nice finish!
PGN download
- Painting”Scacchi” (2004) Dmitry Filatov (Pop Art)