Tactical odds and ends
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
1.
gm KOTSUR
gm RAETSKY
From the World Cities team championship in the UAE yesterday. Position after 24 moves. White has an obvious advantage, completely dominating the Black forces, which are disorganized beyond repair.
Or seemingly so…Here my friend Raetsky rushed things playing 25.Nf7?, hoping for 25…NxN? 26.RxN Qd8 27.Rxb7+! and mate next move. He completely overlooked 25…Nd7! which not only pushes White back but also gives Black the edge, completely turning things around and eventually winning in 37 moves.
HOWEVER, in the position above, White has a crushing continuation that escaped Raetsky’s attention.
HOW SHOULD WHITE PROCEED HERE?
Solution:
Solution:
25.Rf6! with mutiple threats. Impossible is 25…QxR as 26.Qxb7+ is mate next move. Or 25…Qc7 allows 26.NxB followed by Qxe6 when Black’s position falls apart. And 25…Rh7 allows 26.Nxb7! Black is without a good move after 25.Rf6