Today’s winning 5-second tactics!
Tactics from La Roda
The 45th edition of the La Roda International, one of Spain’s most prestigious Open tournaments, is being held between March 28 and April 1. The format is a bit different year, with somewhat smaller prizes because of the economics of Spain, but La Roda has still attracted a strong contigent of foreign players. A total of 53 titled players are participating.
Today I present some 9 tactics and/or games from the first 7 rounds of this tournament. The PGN can be downloaded below. Or just use the interactive boards for the main line. Good Luck!

fm Suarez Uriel – Bombin Pinera La Roda 28.3.2018
White’s pieces are all set up for the attack, his two strong Bishops ready to pounce on either side of the board, and the Rooks excellently posted. Even so, the Black position seems so rock solid…White to play and win!

gm Epishin – fm Quintin,A La Roda 30.3.2018
I like this one! Black seems perfectly fine, even though he has delayed castling. The solid Black centre hides the King very well. But remember what I wrote about appearances! White to play and win!

im Gonzalez T – fm Martinez,A La Roda 31.3.2018
The strong Knight on e5 seems to be compensated by the strong Bishop on b7. Should Black now play Rc8, the Black position might even become better! But it is White’s move. White to move and win!


fm Martin Duque – Lacruz,A La Roda 29.3.2018
Obviously White is better, but the ‘art’ of chess is in putting away the opponent with style and flair. In this position, with White, do you see how to win quickly? White to play and crush!

fm Plazuelo,J – Munoz Ortega La Roda 29.3.2018
White’s strong attack seems to have reached an impasse. True, Black can hardly move, but that is another question for another debate. White to play and win quickly!

gm Ibarra Jerez – fm Serarols,B La Roda 30.3.2018
White clearly has the initiative, but Black is dug in for the long haul. If he could play Qf7, Bd7 and Rac8, he might even be better! White to play and crush!


Fernandez F – fm Gines Esteo La Roda 30.3.2018
Black has some strong pressure against the White King position. The question is how to make progess, as always. Black to play and win!

fm Suarez Uriel – Calvo,J La Roda 29.3.2018
An accelerated Dragon, feature of an article that I wrote some months ago. The key move is Bg4, and Black seems to really suffer.

gm Fedorchuk – Ramiro,J La Roda 30.3.2018
A really nice positional grind by the French/Russian grandmaster. Although Fedorchuk is little known, his games are really excellent and instructive!

pgn download
- Painting at top titled ‘Chess Move’ , 1977, by Irving Amen