Monday, February 14, 2022

Here's A Problem For You

     I recently came across the below diagram and found it quite interesting. It originally appeared in the August 1953 issue of C.J.S. Purdy's magazine Chess World in an article titled How To Tackle Wild Positions. 
     The article discussed positional play versus tactics. Purdy always insisted that tactics ruled. However, he was also quick to point out that in most positions there won't be a tactical shot available so you also have to know how to play those positions where there aren't any sound tactics possible...a fact that seems to be lost on a lot of players who have heard the saying "Chess is 99% tactics." It's also noteworthy that Purdy always emphasized "sound." 
     So, take a gander at the position with black to move. Note that white threatens to win black's Q with 1.Bg5 Qf5 2.e4 or 1.Bg5 Qe5 2.f4. But, it's black's move so decide what you would play and then check it out HERE.
 

 

3 comments:

  1. The second problem I believe is in Ct-art I think. So why I was able to solve it. Queenside castle and pawn on c3 ... ding, ding Look for Boden Mate.

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    Replies
    1. Never heard of the Boden Mate but it is pretty.

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  2. I would try d5 followed by Qxc3 with the idea of following up with Ba3++

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