Today’s Winning 5-sec Tactics!
Gildardo’s Tactical Genius
Very sad news yesterday of the premature death of my friend Grandmaster Gildardo Garcia (standing, above). Gildardo and I had known each other for more than 40 years. Ten times champion of Colombia, Gildardo was a fearless player who earned the scalps (and the respect!) of many of the world’s elite masters and grandmasters. I present a small sample of his tactical genius below. Enjoy!
Bogota 1977
It is not often that one gets an opportunity to mate one of the greatest players in the world! Black to play and CRUSH!
Haifa Ol 1976
Black’s last move was to capture a pawn on c2 with his Knight, attacking Black’s Bishop on a1. White to play and CRUSH!
Medellin 1977
Black has clearly neglected his development, preferring to cause havoc over on the Queenside. How can White punish Black?
Colombia 1980
When things go wrong in the Sicilian, they often go VERY wrong! In just a few short moves White can crush Black. How?
Tunja 1984
The many time Cuban champion has carelessly captured a pawn on a7. What did he overlook?
New York 1986
Gildardo had just played his Knight to d6, leaving his Rook en prise on f6. What happens if Black were to now capture this?
Colombia 1988
Clearly Black’s pieces lack co-ordination. How can White take advantage of this?
Medellin 1992
Black’s last move was Bb4, attacking the Rook on e1. White to play and CRUSH!
New York 1995
In a complex position, Black captured a poison pawn on b2 with his last move. What did he overlook?
