My Best Games of Chess 1905-1954

Chapter I

Barmen 1905 to Vienna 1908

(1) Tartakower – Schenkein

Major B Tournament, Barmen 1905

Sicilian Defense [B20]

Multiple Assault

It was in the modest Major B tournament of the chess congress at Barmen, August 1905 that my first international test was experienced. Taking place at the same time as a tournament of officially recognized masters as well as two other major tournaments, this competition contained 27 participants in three preliminary groups.

Sure of myself, I considered my task as a mere promenade, a walkover, and, indeed, I reached the final group of ten players with a score of almost 100% (7½ points out of 8 games). There too, I led throughout the tournament, only to be overhauled at the very end by the Anglo-German master G. Shories, whose perseverance had succeeded in accomplishing miracles in some adjourned games.

Although I had beaten him in our individual encounter, I had nothing against playing off a deciding match with him; in this, however, the tenacity of my rival proved to be superior. For many a year, I considered myself frustrated in my efforts. Among the cause for this was the fact that Shories, after he had lost the first game of the match, made me a proposition by which he was to cede me the title of master, an offer that I naturally rejected since it was not to buy but to conquer the title of master that I had come to Barmen! But this, beyond a doubt, had an unfavorable influence on me in the subsequent course of the match! Nevertheless, viewing the events from the historical perspective (and, therefore, more objectively), I now deem that, at that time, my play was not yet sufficiently mature to be crowned with complete success.

Contrary to general expectation, one might say, if one did not know that, for the most part, this general expectation is refuted by actual events. Indeed, both journalists and the public were deceived by the apparent facility of my victories, and, moreover, one is always intrigued by the successes of a homo novus [new man – ed.] of 18 years of age!

For the rest, how far I was wrong in underestimating the force of my opponents, who succumbed only after a bitter struggle and an ingenious defense, is shown by the following game.

1.e4 c5 2.b4

Lacking bookish knowledge, I thought, at the time, that I was myself the inventor of this line of play, which is, however, almost as old as the Sicilian Defense itself. Nevertheless, it was only toward 1925 that the other modern masters (Marshall, Spielmann, and, later, Keres, etc.) started to give it their attention as well.

2...e6

If one does not want to accept the gambit, preferable is 2...d6 or 2...b6, in order to retain the equilibrium in the center.

3.bxc5 Bxc5 4.d4 Bb6 5.f4

Formation of the broad front.

5...Ne7 6.Nf3 d5 7.e5

Outpost strategy.

7...Nbc6 8.c3 Bd7 9.Bd3 Ng6 10.0-0 0-0 11.Kh1

As will be seen, White is going straight to the point, and, by this preliminary maneuver of evacuation, he tries to inaugurate a frontal action without delay.

11...f5 12.Rg1 Rc8 13.g4 fxg4 14.Rxg4 Be8 15.Ng5! Qd7 (D)

The calm before the storm.

16.Nxh7! Kxh7 17.Rh4+ Kg8 18.Qh5 Rf5

Forced since, after 18...Nxh4, there follows mate in three moves by 19.Bh7+ Kh8 20.Bg6+ Kg8 21.Qh7#.

19.Qh7+ Kf7 20.Rg4 Ke7

Flight of the king.

21.Bxf5 exf5 22.Ba3+ Kd8 23.Rxg6 Bxg6 24.Qxg6 Nxd4!

A counter-shock. It was indeed the Viennese master Joachim Schenkein who first introduced me to the chess clubs of the Austrian capital, and, for this reason, he thought he could derive thereby a kind of hierarchical superiority. The style of the young Tarta is like that of a Malay who runs amok, master Schenkein was wont to say, but, if you show signs of resistance, he must inevitably collapse. This forecast was too good to be true! One might be led to believe, in fact, that Black had restored the equilibrium, but nothing could be further from the truth.

25.cxd4 Bxd4 26.Nc3 Bxc3

Instead of being a pawn minus, Black has gained one; nevertheless, his king is still in an exposed position.

27.Qg5+

The assault continues. Useless, on the other hand, would be 27.e6 Qc6 (not immediately 27...Qe8? because of 28.e7+ Kc7 29.Qd6#) 28.Qf7 Qe8 29.e7+ Kc7 30.Qxd5 Kb8!, with equality.

27...Ke8

27...Kc7 also has its drawbacks.

28.Rg1 d4

Nothing will avail here.

29.Qh5+ Qf7 30.Rg6!

The finishing touch, with the double threat of 31.Re6+ as well as of 31.Qh8+ Kd7 32.e6+ Qxe6 33.Qxc8+.

30...Qd5+ 31.Kg1 Bb4

A last attempt.

32.Rxg7+ 1-0

(2) Schapiro – Tartakower

Major B Tournament, Barmen 1905

Three Knights’ Game [C63]

Sharp Measures

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 f5 (D)

It goes without saying that, at this pseudo-heroic period (and also very much later!), I was uniquely interested in gambit moves, with Black as well as White. However, in the Three Knights’ Game, this counter-gambit is dubious because of 4.d4!.

4.Bb5

But my opponent prefers to operate on the more familiar territory of the Ruy Lopez with the move 4.Nc3, as officially recommended by theory.

4...Nf6 5.exf5

Inaugurating a most bitter struggle for possession of the four center squares. To 5.d3, Black’s best reply is the counter-pin 5...Bb4.

5...e4

More incisive is 5...Bc5.

6.Qe2

Better than the text move is an immediate 6.Nh4, but, even then, Black would not be without counter-measures.

6...Qe7!

The sole defense, but a very satisfactory one since White is now obliged to yield ground in the center.

7.Bxc6

After 7.Ng5, there would follow 7...Nd4 8.Qd1 c6! 9.Ba4 h6 10.Nh3 d5, with advantage to Black.

7...bxc6 8.Nh4

If 8.Nd4, 8...Qe5.

8...d5 9.d3

Passively played. Black already stands very well, but White at least should have continued with 9.0-0.

9...exd3 10.cxd3 Ba6! (D)

The quicksilver activity of this bishop lends a special touch to the subsequent development of the game; the threat is 11...Bxd3.

11.Qxe7+

If White had hopes of relieving his position by the exchange of queens, he was sadly deceived. He would, therefore, have been better advised to try to fish in troubled waters by playing 11.Be3 (e.g., 11...c5 12.Qc2 Qd7 13.d4, and White has freed his game; but Black could have replied in more convincing style with 11...0-0-0 12.Bxa7 Qb4 13.Nf3 c5, and White’s errant bishop will meet with sudden death).

11...Bxe7 12.d4 0-0 13.Nf3 Bb4

Initiating a decisive counter-action.

14.Bd2 Rae8+ 15.Kd1 Ng4 16.Re1 Nxf2+ 17.Kc2 Bd3+ 18.Qb3 Rb8 19.Ne5 (D)

If 19.a3, 19l...Bd6+ 20.Ka2 Bc4+ 21.Kb1 Nd3, and wins. In consequence, the white king resigns himself to seeking asylum elsewhere.

19...Bc5+ 20.Ka4 Rb4+ 21.Ka3

If 21.Ka5, 21...Rxd4 (threatening 22...Bb6#) 22.Nxd3 Nxd3 23.Reb1 Bb6+ 24.Ka6 Nc5#.

21...Rxd4+ 22.Kb3 Rb8+

Another way of securing an elegant victory would be 22...Rb4+ 23.Ka3 Bc2 (threatening 24...Ra4#) 24.b3 Rxb3+ 25.Ka4 Ra3#.

23.Nb5 Rxb5+ 0-1

If 24.Kc3, 24...Rc4+! 25.Nxc4 d4#.

(3) Tartakower – Vidmar

Quadrangular Tournament (double-round) for the Title of Master, Vienna 1905-6

Sicilian Defense [B72]

Feats of Valor on the h-file

Belonging still to my prehistoric period (that is to say, before I had acquired the official title of master) and including four young rivals of merit (Vidmar, Dr. Perlis, L. Löwy and myself), this little tournament was conducted with great dash by the author of these lines who, contrary to general expectation, succeeded in winning it.

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4

The open method.

3...cxd4 4.Nxd4 g6

) 8.f3! 0-0 9.Qd2, and the blockade of the vital d5-square that White has succeeded in effecting ensures him a comfortable and certain positional advantage.

5.Be3 Bg7 6.Nc3 Nf6

Here, it is considered more exact to prepare the development of the knight by 6...d6 7.Be2 Nf6 because White could have replied to the text move with 7.Nxc6 bxc6 8.e5, thus dislodging the knight in a most disagreeable way for Black.

However, instead of 7...bxc6, Black could make the more prosaic recapture 7...dxc6, without having much to fear from 8.Qxd8+ Kxd8 9.0-0-0+ Ke8 10.f3 Be6 11.Na4 b6 12.c4 Rd8 13.Rxd8+ Kxd8 14.Be2 Nd7, when Black is well on the way to freeing his game.

7.Be2 d6 (D)

8.h3

) 12.Bxd4 Qxd4+ 13.Qxd4 Nxd4 14.Bxc8 Rfxc8 15.Rf2 Rc4 16.Nd5, and White has rather the better game. If, however, White avoids castling kingside here, it is because he is pursuing other, as yet hidden, aims.

8...0-0 9.Qd2

The lateral maneuver of 9.Nb3 constitutes the most scientific continuation here because, after the text move, Black could try to free his position by the central advance 9...d5.

9...Bd7 10.g4

A violent plan. (cf. the note to White’s 12th move.)

10...a6 11.g5 Ne8 12.h4

This impetuous advance – utilizing the g6-point so as to open the h-file and tacitly stating the intention to castle on opposite sides – is a proven and constantly recurring weapon against various fianchetto defenses.

In particular, this pawn storm against the Dragon Variation has been carried out, though somewhat imprecisely, in a fine game, Dr. Em. Lasker-Napier, Cambridge Springs 1904; but, in the present game, we witness the complete triumph of this idea!

12...Rc8 13.h5 Na5 14.hxg6 hxg6 15.0-0-0

The white king fearlessly enters the danger zone. It will now be a race between the two adversaries as to who shall deliver the decisive blow.

15...b5 16.f3! Nc7 17.Bd3! (D)

It becomes apparent that White is maneuvering to place the queen on the all-important h-file. Given time, he will accomplish a regrouping by Rh4, Qh2, and Rdh1, so as to threaten Rh8+. Realizing this, Black tries to keep his opponent busy in the center.

17...Ne6 18.Qh2 Re8 19.Qh7+ Kf8 20.Nxe6+ Bxe6

21.Rh6!

Notwithstanding Black’s efforts, White succeeds in tripling his heavy artillery on the open file in decisive fashion. Neither 21.Rh2 nor 21.Rh4 are anywhere near so strong.

21...Bc4 (D)

White was already threatening 22.Rdh1, followed by mate in three moves by 23.Qh8+ etc., while, on the other hand, it is evident that Black cannot play 21...Bxh6 because of 22.Qh8#.

22.e5!

Another hammer blow that makes five pieces dynamic: the e-pawn, the two bishops, and the two rooks.

22...Bxd3

Hastening to eliminate at least one of the dangers. Since, after 22...e6, White wins by 23.Bxg6! fxg6 24.Rxg6, etc. (e.g., 24...Re7 25.exd6 Rf7 26.Bd4 e5 27.Bxe5 Qd7 28.Rh1, with the threat of 29.Qh8+ Bxh8 30.Rxh8#).

23.e6!

The black king’s coffin must be nailed up securely.

23...Rxc3

If 23...Bf5, 24.Rdh1 fxe6 25.Qxg7+, followed by mate in three moves, and, if 23...fxe6, there can follow 24.cxd3 Bxc3 25.Rxg6, and Black will inevitably be mated on either g8 or g7. Once again, the importance of White’s 21st move is apparent.

24.bxc3 Qc8 25.Bd4! f6 26.gxf6 exf6 27.Bxf6! Qb7 28.Qh8+ Bxh8 29.Rxh8# 1-0

Quod erat demonstrandum. [What was to be demonstrated, traditionally appended at the end of a logical or mathematical proof as the acronym Q.E.D. – ed.]

The East threatens us, said the great master, Maróczy, who was watching this game.

(4) Tartakower – P.F. Johner

Nuremberg m(1) 1906

French Defense [C11]

Artillery in Action

Beating all records for the number of participants, the unique Major Tournament of the international chess congress at Nuremberg (August 1906) included 50 competitors, divided into five groups, and its progress seemed to me quite the opposite of that of the previous year at Barmen.

This time it was the American-Swiss player Paul F. Johner who was the general favorite since he had just shown his mastery in the monster tournament of Ostend 1906. Condescending at Nuremberg to participate in the Major Tournament (instead of taking part in the Masters’ Tournament that took place at the same time), Johner thought he would attain victory without any trouble and, indeed, reached the final group with the imposing score of 8½ points out of 9 games. As for me, in my preliminary group, it was only after terrific exertion that I managed to assure myself of the right to promotion to the winners’ group.

Nevertheless, in this final group, which included the two leading players from each of the five groups and so contained ten players, I played my way steadfastly to victory and had the final score of 6½ points out of 9 games (+4 -0 =5), while Johner could only obtain 6 points.

Attributing this check to ill fortune, Johner challenged me to play a supplementary match, announcing that he would show to the whole wide world who was the real master between the two of us!

This assurance turned out badly for him since, not only did I accept his challenge and obtain 4 points to 1 (+3 -0 =2), but also, afterwards, in our mutual performances in the international arena, he failed to display his normal skill against me.

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5

An untimely advance that imposes more responsibilities on White than the classical continuation, 4.Bg5.

4...Nfd7 5.f4 c5

The natural reply, directed at the pawn at the d4-base of the above-mentioned chain.

6.dxc5 Nc6 7.a3

.

7...Bxc5 8.Qg4 0-0 9.Bd3 (D)

A more vigorous continuation than 9.Nf3, when, by a regrouping maneuver, 9...Bb6 10.Bd3 f5 (not yet 10...Nc5, because of 11.Bxh7+!) 11.Qh3 Nc5, Black can master White’s attacking king’s bishop.

9...f5 10.Qh3 Bb6

Another plan of defense, somewhat similar to that in the game, is 10...Bxg1 11.Rxg1 Qb6 12.Ne2 Nc5, aiming at equality.

11.g4 Nc5 12.gxf5 Nxd3+ 13.Qxd3

It is true that White’s attacking bishop has been eliminated, but the coordination of his forces has in no way been disturbed.

13...Rxf5 14.Nf3 a6

A precautionary measure that serves two purposed: it prevents 15.Nb5, and it also renders 15.Na4 innocuous.

15.Ne2 h6 (D)

Once again, Black has to be on his guard for he is threatened by the double knight maneuver 16.Ng3 Rf8 17.Ng5 g6 18.h4 etc.

16.Be3

The most lucid line, whereas, after 16.Bd2 Bd7 17.0-0-0, the black b6- bishop would continue to play a much more effective role than White’s corresponding d2-bishop.

16...Bxe3 17.Qxe3 Rf7

Another regrouping maneuver, or rather, a convulsive attempt at reorganization since Black can scarcely hope to better his constricted position.

18.Rg1 Ne7

To ward off the eventual menace of f5, or he can play 18...Bd7 19.0-0-0.

19.Nfd4 Nf5 20.Nxf5 Rxf5 21.0-0-0 Qh4 22.Rg6! Rf7

How this castle oscillates (between f5 and f7), like the leaning tower of Pisa! Fatal would be 22...Qxh2 because of 23.Ng3 Rf7 24.Rh1 Qg2 25.Rhxh6.

23.Rdg1 Kh8 (D)

If 23...Qxh2, 24.f5!, but now this thematic advance is carried out despite Black’s precaution.

24.f5! exf5

If 24...Qe4, 25.Rxh6+ Kg8 26.Qh3, or, if 24...Rxf5, 25.Rxg7 Rf1+ 26.Rxf1 Kxg7 27.Rg1+.

25.e6 Bxe6

The first – already the last! – move that this bishop makes in this game. After 25...Re7, there would follow 26.Nf4 (not yet 26.Qe5 because of 26...Qe4) 26...Qxh2 27.Qe5 Bxe6 28.Rxg7, and Black can resign.

26.Qxe6 (D)

A well-calculated move. Less forceful is 26.Rxe6, which somewhat lightens the pressure of the white rooks on the open g-file and allows Black to reply with 26...Qxh2 27.Re8+ Rf8 28.Qd4 Qxg1+ 29.Nxg1 Raxe8 30.Nf3 Rd8, putting up obstinate resistance.

26...Raf8

If 26...Re7, 27.Qxf5 Rxe2 28.Rxg7 Re1+ 29.Kd2! Qd4+ 30.Kxe1 Re8+ 31.Kf1 Qc4+ (or 31...Qd1+ 32.Kg2 Qe2+ 33.Kh1, and wins) 32.Kg2! Kxg7 (after 32...Qe2+ or 32...Re2+, 33.Kh1 wins) 33.Kh1+ Kh8 34.Qf6+ Kh7 35.Qg7#.

27.Qxd5 Qxh2 28.Qd4 Rf6

After 28...Rg8, there comes 29.Nf4, or, if 28...Qxe2, 29.Rxg7 Rf6 30.Rg8+!.

29.Rxg7 1-0

For, if 29...Qxe2, 30.Rg8+ (but not 30.Qxf6? Qe3+ 31.Kb1 Qxg1+ 32.Rxg1+ Rxf6, and the scene has been quite transformed) 30...Rxg8 (or 30...Kh7 31.R1g7#) 31.Qxf6+ Kh7 32.Qf7+, followed by mate.

(5) Tartakower – P.F. Johner

Nuremberg m(5) 1906

Scandinavian Defense [B01]

Counter-Sacrifices

1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5

At this period, I myself often used to employ the Center Counter Defense; however, I continued here in gambit style, and not without success, 2...Nf6.

3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.h3

.

5...Bf5 6.Nf3 Nbd7 7.Bd3 e6 8.0-0 Bd6

Admitting that White is patiently concentrating on the production of a simple, clear type of game, his adversary, on the contrary, by reason of a psychological ricochet that is readily comprehensible, seems to be somewhat enterprising and not a little on edge. In fact, the preventive measure 8...c6 is to be preferred.

9.Nb5 Bxd3

For, if 9...a6, 10.Bd2 Qb6 11.Nxd6+ Qxd6 12.Bxf5 exf5 13.c3, and Black’s pawn structure has deteriorated.

10.Qxd3 Be7 11.c4 c6 12.Bd2 Qb6 13.Nc3 (D)

As a result of this first incursion into the enemy camp, White has established, by his two central pawns at d4 and c4, preponderance in important territory.

13...0-0

It is clear that, neither here nor on the following move, is the capture 13...Qxb2 to be recommended because of 14.Rfb1 Qa3 15.Rxb7 Qa6 16.Rb3 (but not 16.Rab1? Nb6, winning the exchange) 16...Nb6 17.Ne5 Qc8 (if 17...Bd6, 18.c5 Qxd3 19.Nxd3, and Black is still forked) 18.c5 (if 18.Qf3, 18...c5, preventing White’s blockade of the c-pawn) 18...Nbd5 19.Rab1, and White dominates the game.

14.Bf4 Rfd8 15.Qe2 Qa6 16.Rad1 Nf8 17.Rfe1 Ng6 18.Bh2 c5 (D)

His precarious position in the match forces Master Johner to abandon his restraint in an attempt to shatter the enemy battle order.

19.Nb5

Will this second incursion into the hostile trenches enable White to put into effective motion all the infantry still, as it were, dozing away on the queen’s wing? That is the question. The solution of which will, above all, depend on the individual temperament of the players.

19...Rac8

In the event of the hazardous capture 19...Qxa2, White could bring about, apart from anything else, the enveloping maneuver 20.Ra1 Qb3 21.Bc7 Rd7 22.Ra3 Qb4 23.Ba5 Nf4 24.Qc2, and the black queen is lost.

20.a3 cxd4 21.Nfxd4 Qb6 (D)

With the threat of 22...a6.

22.b4

Instead of conceding an inevitable loss of ground by the retreat 22.Nf3, White wants, on the contrary, to acquire fresh territory.

22...a6

Possibly calculated deep enough to overcome the wiles of his adversary, but not far enough to surmount the rocky dangers of the position.

23.c5 Bxc5 24.bxc5 Qxc5? (D)

At all events, he should have played 24...Rxc5, with considerable chances.

25.Nxe6!

The counter-sacrifice! Not, however, 25.Rc1? because of 25...Qxc1!.

25...fxe6 26.Qxe6+ Kh8 27.Nd6 Rxd6 28.Bxd6 Qc6 29.Bg3 Qc2 30.Qb6 1-0

(6) Tartakower – Vidmar

Masters’ Tournament, Vienna 1907 (first round)

French Defense [C12]

Skirmishes

Although (or rather, because?) this was my first participation in an international masters’ competition, I had entered it with a juvenile assurance of emerging victorious.

I succeed, indeed, at the very start, in placing myself at the head of the tournament and held in check the grand panjandrums by beating Schlechter and drawing against Maróczy as well as against Mieses, who was playing with great verve in this event and who eventually proved to be the winner of the tournament. I seemed to master my young rivals Vidmar and Duras, but unexpected defeats at the hands of H. Wolf and (quite at the end of the contest) Dr. Perlis – the defeats, however, arose with complete logic from my style, which was then light, superficial, purely intuitive, and very up and down! – cast me down to third place (shared with Maróczy and Vidmar). The tenacious Czech master Duras acquired second prize, and the incalculable Mieses, as already mentioned, attained the great success of his whole career.

I, on the other hand, was desolated at having failed to emulate the Cid of Corneille [A French play published in 1636, based on the legendary Spanish hero El Cid – ed.], whose first attempt was already a master-stroke! Nevertheless, the opening game that follows well images the optimism and self-confidence that animated my play at that period.

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Bb4

This variation, the so-called MacCutcheon, has not yet been refuted by theory.

5.e5

Lasker (and Capablanca) used to play 5.exd5 here, performing feats of juggling with simplification, but ordinary mortals prefer to maintain the tension in the center by the text move.

5...h6 6.exf6

The various methods of retreating the bishop that have been tried hitherto all have their drawbacks.

6...hxg5 7.fxg7 Rg8 8.h4 (D)

The lateral advance, carried out in the present game for the first time, was modestly attributed by myself to Chigorin, whose genius I revered. Lending, as it does, a fresh energy to White’s game, the text move has been frequently adopted in tournament play, and many experts recommend this Chigorin Attack as the line of play for White. The continuation previously recognized, 8.Qh5 Qf6 9.Nf3 Qxg7 10.0-0-0 Bd6, is rather in Black’s favor.

8...gxh4 9.Qh5 (D)

In reply to 9.Qg4, 9...Be7 10.g3 Bf6 is recommended.

9...Rxg7

Subsequent data show that a better defense is found in the continuation 9...Qf6 10.Nf3 Nc6! 11.Rxh4 Qxg7 12.0-0-0 Bd7 13.Qh7 (not a very heroic decision, but a prudent one in view of the fact that his opponent is preparing to obtain control of the open h-file after castling queenside) 13...0-0-0 14.Qxg7 Rxg7, with equality.

10.Nf3 Nd7

The black knight is being maneuvered to the kingside (in particular the f6-square), and this means that he will soon have to surrender to his white rival the e5-square, an important outpost. It would be better, therefore, to employ the knight in a static rather than dynamic fashion and play 10...Nc6, followed by ...Bd7, ...Qf6, and ...0-0-0, etc., with approximate equality.

11.Rxh4 Nf6 12.Qh6 Bf8

It is clear that Black deliberately avoided the capture 8...Bxc3 because he was still relying on the defensive powers of his dark-square bishop.

13.Qf4

Slipping away from the threat of 13...Rxg2, the white queen is beautifully placed on a square from which she can exert pressure on both wings.

13...Bd7 14.Ne5 (D)

See the note on Black’s 10th move. White’s advantage lies in the more aggressive possibilities for his pieces.

14...Qe7

(not 15.Rh6 because of 15...Ng8 16.Rh8 Qf6, when Black has untangled himself, nor the premature 15.Nxd7 Nxd7 16.g3 Bd6 17.Rh8+ Nf8, when the black pieces are satisfactorily regrouped) e.g., 15...Bd6 16.Rh8+ Bf8 (16...Rg8?? 17.Rxg8+ Nxg8 18.Qxf7#) 17.Bh3!, with a position in which White has accumulated a wealth of possibilities.

15.Nxd7!

White solves the problem set by the tricky position in an accurate and exact manner. Indeed, if 15.Nb5 at once, there follows 15...Rc8!, after which neither 16.Nxa7 Qb4+, nor 16.Nxd7 Kxd7!, nor finally 16.0-0-0 Bxb5 17.Bxb5+ c6 18.Bf1 Nd7 would obtain anything concrete for White.

15...Nxd7

If 15...Kxd7, White would have continued to besiege the enemy fortress by 16.g3, followed by Bh3.

16.Nb5

This far-flung expedition, which will bring back booty, necessitates either very exact calculation or else great self-confidence. On the other hand, if, first of all, 16.0-0-0, there follows 16...a6 17.g3 Qg5, with an exchange of queens and a level game.

16...e5 (D)

This is the critical moment of the game. Opening up the center seems promising, but proves deceptive. However, the two other possible continuations would be to Black’s disadvantage, viz.: (a) 16...Qb4+ 17.Kd1! Qxb2 18.Rc1 Rc8 19.Nxa7! Ra8 20.Nb5 Rxa2 21.Nxc7+ Kd8 22.Rh8, with the threat of 23.Nxe6+; and (b) 16...Rc8 17.Rh8 (Castling by Black no longer being possible, this pin gains considerable value) 17...Qb4+ 18.Kd1 Qxb2 19.Rc1 a6 20.Nxc7+ Ke7 (20...Kd8 21.Nxe6+) 21.Rh3, with fresh threats.

17.dxe5 Nxe5 18.0-0-0 0-0-0

The struggle between the two young rivals is most exciting. If 18...Ng6, 19.Nxc7+ Kd8 20.Rxd5+ Kc8 21.Qf5+ Kxc7 22.Rc4+, and, thanks to his major pieces of artillery, White’s cause triumphs.

19.Rh5! (D)

Since it simultaneously provides a defense of the h4-rook that is in danger and an attack against the insolent e5-knight, the text move gives White the time necessary to capture material.

19...f6

He wants to preserve his central knight. Nevertheless, more tenacious still is the retreat 19...Ng6. For example, 20.Qg4+ Qe6! 21.Qxe6+ fxe6 22.Nxa7+ Kb8 23.Nb5 Bc5 24.Rd2 Nf4 25.Re5 Nxg2 26.Rxe6 Nf4 27.Rf6 Rg1 28.Rxf4 Rxf1+ 29.Rd1 Rxd1+ 30.Kxd1 Rh8, and, despite being a pawn down, Black can still put up a most stubborn resistance in the ending.

20.Nxa7+

Without fear or reproach, as if in the veins of this knight flowed the blood of the famous French Chevalier Bayard!

20...Kb8 21.Nb5 Qf7

21...Rg4 fails to 22.Qe3.

22.Rf5 Rg4?

A blunder such as frequently arises in positions that are already compromised.

23.Qxe5 1-0

(7) Martinolich – Tartakower

Vienna 1907

French Defense [C11]

Who will have the attack?

By the irony of fate, those dashing variations that aim at seizing the initiative as quickly as possible, which is the motive behind the move 5.Qg4 in the following game, themselves run the risk (sometimes even more than common-sense continuations!) of allowing the direction of events to slip into the hands of the adversary.

Everything hangs on a trifle, on some almost imperceptible episode (as in the counter-thrust here ...h4), on an interposition, or on a temporary measure, and suddenly one finds the roles of attack and defense have been reversed.

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.Qg4

Let us take the opportunity of recording that a large number of theoretical discoveries, with the gambit of Captain Evans at their head, have had their origin, not in the privileged brains of the masters, but in the daily practice of amateurs: Minerva emerging, not from Jupiter’s head, but from the thought of ordinary mortals!

The text move is the product of the inventive mind of a British amateur, Gledhill. This attempt to dissolve the mystery of the position by a bold and forthright sally is not without some ingenious points, but proves insufficient in the long run.

However, the most logical line here appears to be the Gunsberg continuation: 5.Nce2, with a view to maintaining the pawn chain: 5...c5 6.c3 Nc6 7.f4 Qb6 8.Nf3 etc.

5...h5 (D)

An intrepid counter, aiming at depriving the enemy queen, by this move and the next, of the important observation square on g3, and so preventing White from achieving the fundamental variation of the Gledhill attack, viz.: 5...c5 6.Nf3 cxd4 7.Nxd4 Nxe5 (much more prudent, however, than the acceptance of this dubious gift is 7...Nc6) 8.Qg3 Nbc6 (after 8...Ng6 9.Ndb5 Na6 10.h4!, White would be able to dictate the course of the game) 9.Bb5 Bd7 10.Bxc6 Nxc6 11.Ndb5 Rc8 12.Bf4 Qa5! 13.0-0!, and White’s attack promises to be more than sufficient compensation for the pawn invested.

6.Qg3 h4 7.Qg4 c5 8.Nf3 cxd4 9.Nb5

An adventure into which White is now well-nigh forced since, after 9.Nxd4 Nxe5, his attack is finished before it had started, his adversary having deprived the white queen of the fine g3-square by the flank maneuver ...h7- h5-h4.

9...Nc6 10.Bf4 a6

Forcing a clarification of the position.

11.Nbxd4

White discreetly prefers to regain his patrimony rather than continue playing with fire by 11.Nd6+ Bxd6 12.Qxg7 Bb4+ 13.c3 Rf8 14.cxb4 Nxb4 15.Nxd4 Qb6 16.Be3 Qc7 etc.

11...Nxd4

Redeeming his arrears in view of the enemy threat, 12.Nxe6 fxe6 13.Qg6+ Ke7 14.Bg5+, and wins.

12.Nxd4 Qb6 (D)

Black is already preparing to take control of the combat into his own hands.

13.0-0-0

If 13.Nb3, 13...Qb4+ 14.c3 Nxe5! 15.Qg5 Qe4+, and Black has gained a good pawn with impunity. By his queenside castling, White defends both the attacked knight and the b-pawn simultaneously. But, will his king be safe now? What follows provides a negative answer.

13...Nc5 14.Be3 Bd7 15.Kb1

So as to threaten 16.Nb3.

15...Qc7 16.f4 Rc8 17.Rc1 Na4 (D)

Having placed his batteries in position, Black rapidly passes over to direct action and is threatening (e.g., after 18.Bd3 or 18.Qf3) 18...Nxb2! 19.Kxb2 Qc3+ 20.Kb1 Ba3, when the white king will be mercilessly mated on b2.

18.c4

White is forced to open up a little the citadel protecting his king because even 18.Nb3 would not have eliminated the threat of 18...Nxb2! 19.Kxb2 Qc3+, followed by 20...Qxe3 (but not 20...Ba3?? now because of the counterblow 21.Bd4).

18...Qb6 19.b3 Qb4 20.Bd3 (D)

White intends now to continue with Rc2 and Rhc1, consolidating his own defenses, after which he could recommence his attempt to penetrate the enemy ramparts.

20...b5!

20...Nc3+ would still yield nothing convincing because of 21.Kb2! dxc4 22.Rxc3!.

21.cxd5 Nc3+ 22.Ka1

The black knight being henceforth overprotected, White cannot now play 22.Kb2, because of 22...Qa3+ 23.Kc2 Qxa2#.

22...Qa5 23.Rc2

Or 23.Bb1 Nxd5, and Black’s attack endures nicely.

23...Nxa2! (D)

This knight’s work is remarkable.

24.Rxc8+

White now attempts to seek salvation in a counter-action in the center, while leaving his king to look after himself; for, if 24.Rxa2, 24...Qc3+ etc., making new ravages in White’s camp.

24...Bxc8 25.dxe6 Nb4+ 26.Kb2 Qa2+ 27.Kc1

The trouble is that he cannot play 27.Kc3 because of 27...Nd5#!

27...Nxd3+ 28.Kd1 Nf2+ 29.Bxf2 Qxf2 30.exf7+ Kxf7 31.f5 (D)

With the triple function of shielding the queen from attack, of protecting the knight, and of threatening 32.Qg6+. Useless would be 31.e6+ Kg8, when the black king is quite safe, e.g., 32.Nf5 Bxe6 33.Ne7+ Kf7.

31...Bc5!

In his turn, Black also provides an attack against the adverse knight and a defense, by the evacuation of the excellent square of retreat for his king on f8.

32.Qg6+ Kf8 33.Nf3 Bb7 34.e6

With the almost preposterous threat of mate on f7. Since White puts up a desperate resistance, Black is compelled, so to speak, to win a second well-organized battle with the little material that remains at his disposal.

34...Bxf3+ 35.gxf3 Qxf3+ 36.Kd2

Or 36.Kc2 Qe2+ 37.Kb1 (37.Kc3 b4#!) 37...Qd3+ 38.Ka1 Bd4+ 39.Ka2 Qc2+ 40.Ka3 Bb2+ (but not 40...Bc5+ because of 41.b4) 41.Ka2 Bc3+ 42.Ka3 Qb2#.

36...Bb4+! 37.Kc2 Qc3+ 38.Kb1 Qd3+! 39.Kb2 Bc3+ 1-0

Resigns (40.Ka3 b4+ 41.Ka4 Qb5#).

(8) Tartakower – Schlechter

Vienna 1907

English Opening [A29]

Who Controls the Open g-file?

1.c4!

A curious point: 18 years later (in 1925), I published a detailed analysis of this opening in which I arrived at the conclusion that 1.c4 was the strongest initial move in the world, and I was already applying it intuitively with great predilection in the first stages of my chess career.

1...e5

Just like Lasker, the great Viennese master Carl Schlechter chooses the most aggressive and bold reply, transforming the game into a Sicilian with the move in hand.

2.Nc3 Nf6 3.d3

More usual have become the continuations 3.Nf3 (3...Nc6 4.d4 exd4 5.Nxd4 etc., the Four Knights variation of the English), or else 3.g3 (3...d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Bg2 etc., which will more or less transpose into the text line. See the note on White’s 6th move).

3...d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.g3 (D)

As can be seen, White is already employing, in 1907, a line which, around about 1923, acquired the name of hypermodern strategy, in which the lateral development of opposing bishops plays a part of prime importance.

6...Be7 7.Bg2 Be6

This shows much more independent spirit than the retreat 7...Nf6, after which one can recommend 8.0-0 0-0 9.Be3 (with the aim of achieving an eventual d4-advance) 9...Bg4 10.a4 a5 11.Rc1, and White has gained a distinct advantage in space.

8.0-0 0-0 9.Kh1

A more patient preparatory maneuver would be 9.h3, followed by 10.Kh2.

9...h6 10.Ne1 Qd7 11.Bd2

This, in conjunction with White’s next move, also comprises a maneuver much to the taste of hypermodern strategy. Though not its creator, I was, nevertheless, one of its forerunners.

11...Rad8 12.Qc1 Nd4 13.e3 (D)

Clearly, the incursion of the black knight has, as its aim, the provocation of weakness in the enemy camp (d3- pawn); but, without troubling himself too much over these small details, White is going to seize the occasion to accelerate the rhythm of events.

13...Nc6 14.Nxd5 Bxd5 15.e4 Be6 16.f4 f5 17.Bc3 Bf6 18.Qe3 exf4 (D)

He could also maintain the tension in the center by playing 18...Rfe8, but he prefers to clear the ground. Both sides now run great risks.

19.gxf4 Bd4 20.Qg3 Rf6 21.e5

Otherwise, there follows 21...Qf7 (or Kh7) and 22...Rg6, when Black obtains possession of the open g-file.

21...Rf7 22.h3 Bb6

Very important for Black’s welfare is the control of the a7-g1 diagonal, especially the g1-square, which gives White’s rooks access to the file.

23.Kh2 Kh8 24.Bf3 Rg8 25.Qg6

If 25.Bh5, 25...g6! at once, repulsing the enemy because 26.Bxg6? would then be disastrous because of 26...Rfg7.

25...Ne7 26.Qh5 Kh7 27.Bg2 (D)

Arranging an honorable retreat for the white queen on e2 (in the event of 27...g6), with a view of returning, after Rf3-g3, to the charge in the struggle for the g-file.

27...g5

Black deems himself already master of the disputed file; more solid, however, is 27...g6.

28.Bd2! gxf4

He persists in the delusion that he dominates the field of battle, but, by playing 28...g4, Black could have placed more obstacles in the path of his adversary.

29.Bxf4 Rg6 (D)

Black seems to have everything well protected, and, in his turn, he threatens to double rooks, e.g., if 30.Rf3, 30...Rfg7 31.Rg3 Qd4!, and wins.

30.Nf3!

Taking advantage of the opening up of lines and diagonals, White carries out a lightning attack; his double threat (either 31.Ng5+ or 31.Nh4) forces the win of the exchange.

30...Rfg7 31.Nh4 Qd4

Or 31...Qxd3 32.Nxg6 Rxg6 33.Rad1 Qb5 34.b3, when the power of the white rooks has been greatly enhanced.

32.Nxg6 Rxg6 33.Qe2 Nd5 34.Bxd5 Qxd5

If 34...Bxd5, 35.Bg3. Now comes the death agony.

35.Rf3 Qd4 36.Raf1 Bxa2 37.Rg3 Rxg3 38.Bxg3 Be6 39.Bf4 a5 40.Qh5! Qxb2+ 41.Kg3 Bd5 42.Qxf5+ (D) 1-0

Having no desire to become the victim of the following bloodthirsty variation: 42...Kg8 43.Qg6+ Kh8 44.Qxh6+ Kg8 45.Qg6+ Kh8 46.Qf6+ Kg8 47.Bg5! Qg2+ 48.Kh4 Bc5 49.Qg6+ Kh8 50.Bf6#.

(9) Perlis – Tartakower

Ostend 1907 (B section)

Sicilian Defense [B22]

Deadly Surprise

1.e4 c5

In search of new paths at this pseudo-heroic stage of my career, I hardly ever replied 1...e5 to 1.e4, but sometimes played the Sicilian Defense, sometimes the Caro-Kann, and even sometimes the Gambit Variation of the Center Counter (1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Nf6). Similarly, after 1.d4, I hardly ever tried 1...d5, but at times played the Dutch Defense, at times the Old Indian Defense (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 d6), and sometimes even the Benoni Counter-Attack (1.d4 c5).

My principle that has remained unchanged ever since that period was the following: As long as an opening is reputed to be weak, it is playable.

2.c3

Alapin’s line.

2...d5

What is the best way for Black to utilize the pause allowed by White’s second move? The text move appears to be the most logical because it frees the center, without, however, succeeding in entirely doing away with the tension therein. For these reasons, 2...Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 e6 contains more venom.

3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4

White fearlessly permits an isolated pawn, though it is, however, central.

4...cxd4 5.cxd4 Nc6 6.Nf3 Bg4 7.Be2 e6 8.Nc3 Qa5

Weak is 8...Bb4 for then 9.0-0 would force Black still, either to displace his centralized queen or exchange on c3, which would reinforce the enemy center. However, more prudent than the diversionary text is the retreat 8...Qd7, with equality (e.g., 9.Be3 Bd6 10.0-0 Nf6 11.Qd2 0-0 etc.).

9.0-0 Nf6 10.Ne5

A vigorous conception that aims at striking the iron while it is hot instead of becoming reconciled to the continuation 10.Be3 0-0-0 etc.

10...Bxe2 11.Nxc6? (D)

Plausible, but lethal. In any event, it is essential to continue 11.Nxe2! Nxe5 12.dxe5 Qxe5, regarding this, in the meantime, not as the loss of a pawn, but as an intentional sacrifice, giving White many practical chances after 13.Qa4+! b5 14.Qa6 etc.

11...Qxc3! 0-1

This unexpected reply wins a piece in every variation. It goes without saying that such an ultra-rapid turn of events against a master of proven worth, above all, with the black pieces, is quite exceptional in master praxis.

So this was a present that fate was kind enough to offer me right at the beginning of the Ostend tournament (in the second round), perhaps as recompense for my defeat by the same opponent almost at the very end (the penultimate round) of the Vienna 1907 tourney, which had just taken place.

However, an eventual transposition of these two results would have been of more use to me because my Ostend performance was but mediocre, while at Vienna this additional point could have led to my triumph. But, one has not the right to question presents that must be accepted exactly as they come, while recording, nevertheless, their cruel irony!

Objectively speaking, I could not even hope for victory during the Vienna tournament, having caught a bad head cold towards the end of the competition. My doctor had even forbidden me to leave my room, but what chess player would like to give up his chances without trying the impossible? So, I made my appearance in the tournament room with my neck enveloped in a scarf, which caused my colleagues to suppose that I was simulating illness in order to incite pity from my adversary, whereas, in reality, my brain was in a whirl.

For the rest, this is intended in no way to lessen the merit of the congenial Dr. Perlis, who blockaded my troops in majestic fashion and won by one of those elegant maneuvers in which, as a worthy forerunner of the concise style of Capablanca, he truly excelled.

(10) Tartakower – Spielmann

Ostend 1907 (B section)

Vienna Game [C27]

Triumphant Pawn

1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Bc4

The most carefree move instead of the Vienna Gambit: 3.f4 d5 4.fxe5 Nxe4 etc.

3...Nxe4 4.Qh5(!) Nd6 5.Bb3

Preferring to continue the combat in razor-sharp style, whereas the other possible line, 5.Qxe5+ Qe7 6.Qxe7+ Bxe7 etc., levels out the field of battle too much.

5...Nc6

More solid is 5...Be7, voluntarily giving up the pawn in order to arrive at castling as soon as possible.

6.Nb5

Accepting the challenge, which, anyway, now must be done for, if 6.d3, 6...g6, and White must give ground.

6...g6

Evidently forced for, if 6...Nxb5, 7.Qxf7#, and, if 6...Qf6, 7.Nxc7+, and wins.

7.Qf3 Nf5 8.g4 (D)

White aims at prompter methods of refuting the enemy innovation than 8.Qd5 Qe7 9.Nxc7+ Kd8 10.Nxa8 b6 11.Qxf7 Qxf7 12.Bxf7 Bb7 13.Nxb6 axb6, with equal chances.

8...a6

If 8...Nh6, 9.d4, threatening 10.Bxh6. The incidents that ensue develop with kaleidoscopic rapidity.

9.gxf5 axb5 10.fxg6 Qe7

Forced for, if 10...f6, 11.g7! Bxg7 12.Qh5+ Ke7 13.Qf7+ Kd6 14.Qxg7, winning.

11.gxf7+ (D)

Excelsior! On the fate of this pawn hangs the fate of the game.

11...Kd8 12.d3 Nd4 13.Qh5 Bg7

After 13...Nxb3, there would follow, not the immediate 14.Bg5 (because of 14...Nxa1 15.Bxe7+ Bxe7, and Black has more than enough for his queen), but quite simply 14.cxb3, retaining the powerful threat of 15.Bg5.

14.Nf3 Ra6

An attempt at active defense.

15.Nxd4!?

White replies to this by a kind of active attack and does not fear the opening of the e-file, which, in fact, will soon fall into his possession.

15...exd4+ 16.Kf1

An important decision. After the more plausible move, 16.Kd1, Black can adequately defend himself with 16...Rf8, still keeping in hand the possibility of an eventual sacrifice of the exchange (e.g., if 17.Qxh7, 17...Rxf7, or, if 17.Re1, 17...Re6), and White’s a1-rook would then remain out of action for a long time, whereas, now, both of White’s rooks are going to enter the lists.

16...Rg6 17.Bd2 d6 18.Re1 Bg4 19.Rxe7 Bxh5 20.Re1

The only square for, if 20.Re4?, 20...Bf3, and, if 20.Re6, 20...Rxe6 21.Bxe6 Ke7, and Black will eliminate the terrible f-pawn.

20...Bf3

Clearly not 20...Bg4 21.h3, nor 20...Rf6? 21.Bg5

21.Rg1 Be5 (D)

Obstructing the e-file. After 21...Rxg1+ 22.Kxg1 h6, there would follow 23.Re6!, e.g., 23...Bh5 24.Bxh6! Rxh6 25.Re8+ Kd7 26.f8Q Bxf8 27.Rxf8 etc., with advantage in material for White.

22.Bh6

By this pretty maneuver, White demonstrates that he is also master of the other dangerous file, the g-column for, if 22...Rxh6, 23.Rg8+ etc.

22...Ke7 23.Bg7!

Preferring to win a second pawn and simultaneously enlarge the scope of his queen’s rook rather than pocketing the exchange.

23...Rd8 24.Bxe5 dxe5 25.Rxe5+ Kf8 26.Rg3! (D)

If 26.Rxb5, 26...Be2+ 27.Kxe2 Rxg1 28.Rxb7 Rh1, with counterchances for Black.

26...Bc6 27.Reg5 Rdd6 28.Rh5 Rxg3

If 28...h6, 29.Rxh6!, and wins.

29.hxg3 h6 30.g4 Bf3

If 30...Rg6, 31.g5!, and White breaks his way into the enemy fortress.