Effective Play Based on Pawn Structure Tutorial



1.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pppppppp/32/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKBNR WHITE}{W:003_537}I've saved this final chapter to review a lot of what I've said and to show a few different positions, looking at them from the perspectives taught in this tutorial.]

2.
[{B:r2qr1k1/pp1nbppp/2p1p3/8/PPPP4/5N2/3BQPPP/R4RK1}{W:003_538}This diagram was reached in the game Y. Seirawan v. V. Kortchnoi, Monaco 1993.]

3.
[{B:r2qr1k1/pp1nbppp/2p1p3/8/PPPP4/5N2/3BQPPP/R4RK1}{W:003_539}After 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bd7 5.Nf3 Bc6 6.Bd3 Nd7 7.Qe2 Ngf6 8.O-O Bxe4 9.Bxe4 Nxe4 10.Qxe4 c6 11.c4 Be7 12.Bd2 O-O 13.b4 Nf6 14.Qe2 Re8 15.a4 Nd7]

4.
[{B:r2qr1k1/pp1nbppp/2p1p3/8/PPPP4/5N2/3BQPPP/R4RK1}{D:6200}{N:a4b4c4d4}{W:003_540}This is a closed position with the battle still ahead. The main feature of the position is the advanced pawns on the queenside.]

5.
[{B:r2qr1k1/pp1nbppp/2p1p3/8/PPPP4/5N2/3BQPPP/R4RK1}{W:003_541}Pushing all your pawns on a flank is known as a PAWN STORM. The idea is to force some open files in order to penetrate the opponent's position. I hesitantly played:]

6.
[{B:r2qr1k1/pp1nbppp/2p1p3/8/PPPP4/5N2/3BQPPP/R4RK1}{D:200}{S:c4c5}{W:003_542}16.c5!]

7.
[{B:r2qr1k1/pp1nbppp/2p1p3/2P5/PP1P4/5N2/3BQPPP/R4RK1}{D:3600}{N:d5}{D:4400}{C}{W:003_543}This move considerably sharpens the fight. The d5-square now becomes a perfect outpost for Black's Knight. But White gains his own trumps, the ability to force open the b-file.]

8.
[{B:r2qr1k1/pp1nbppp/2p1p3/2P5/PP1P4/5N2/3BQPPP/R4RK1}{D:952}{S:d7f6}{D:2322}{S:b4b5}{D:1160}{S:f6d5}{D:2623}{S:b5c6}{D:1788}{S:b7c6}{D:2786}{S:e2a6}{W:003_544}16...Nf6 17.b5! Nd5 18.bxc6 bxc6 19.Qa6.]

9.
[{B:r2qr1k1/p3bppp/Q1p1p3/2Pn4/P2P4/5N2/3B1PPP/R4RK1}{D:2200}{N:c6}{D:4300}{C}{W:003_545}It is clear that White is targeting Black's c6-pawn. This move provokes a Queen exchange, after which it will be more difficult for Black to prevent White's b-file penetration, while simultaneously defending the c-pawn.]

10.
[{B:r2qr1k1/p3bppp/Q1p1p3/2Pn4/P2P4/5N2/3B1PPP/R4RK1}{D:835}{S:d8c8}{D:1996}{S:a6c8}{D:1602}{S:e8c8}{D:2670}{S:f1b1}{W:003_546}19...Qc8 20.Qxc8 Rexc8 21.Rfb1]

11.
[{B:r1r3k1/p3bppp/2p1p3/2Pn4/P2P4/5N2/3B1PPP/RR4K1}{D:9000}{A:Wg1f1}{W:003_547}Grabbing the open b-file. This Rook is used, rather than the a-Rook, because White is preparing to march his King into the center, Kg1-f1.]

12.
[{B:r1r3k1/p3bppp/2p1p3/2Pn4/P2P4/5N2/3B1PPP/RR4K1}{D:400}{S:f7f6}{W:003_548}21...f6!]

13.
[{B:r1r3k1/p3b1pp/2p1pp2/2Pn4/P2P4/5N2/3B1PPP/RR4K1}{D:3400}{N:e5}{W:003_549}An excellent defensive move. Black controls the e5-square, White's natural Knight outpost.]

14.
[{B:r1r3k1/p3b1pp/2p1pp2/2Pn4/P2P4/5N2/3B1PPP/RR4K1}{D:1068}{S:b1b7}{D:812}{S:e7d8}{D:1370}{S:a1e1}{D:1950}{S:c8c7}{D:1509}{S:b7c7}{D:2391}{S:d5c7}{D:1764}{S:d2f4}{W:003_550}22.Rb7 Bd8 23.Re1 Rc7 24.Rxc7 Nxc7 25.Bf4!]

15.
[{B:r2b2k1/p1n3pp/2p1pp2/2P5/P2P1B2/5N2/5PPP/4R1K1}{D:800}{N:d4c5}{D:4200}{C}{W:003_551}We know from the d4 and c5 pawns that White has a potentially bad Bishop. Therefore, White is quick to activate this piece.]

16.
[{B:r2b2k1/p1n3pp/2p1pp2/2P5/P2P1B2/5N2/5PPP/4R1K1}{D:400}{S:g8f7}{W:003_552}25...Kf7?]

17.
[{B:r2b4/p1n2kpp/2p1pp2/2P5/P2P1B2/5N2/5PPP/4R1K1}{N:e6}{W:003_553}Black defends his e6-pawn by this natural move.]

18.
[{B:r2b2k1/p1n3pp/2p1pp2/2P5/P2P1B2/5N2/5PPP/4R1K1}{D:7700}{S:a8b8}{G:BRb8}{D:4200}{S:e1e6}{G:WRe6}{D:1600}{S:g8f7}{G:BKf7}{D:2200}{S:e6e1}{G:WRe1}{D:1000}{S:b8b4}{G:BRb4}
{W:003_554}Instead, he should have taken this opportunity to sacrifice a pawn for activity. Best was 25...Rb8! taking the open file 26.Rxe6 Kf7! 27.Re1 Rb4 with fair compensation.]

19.
[{B:r2b4/p1n2kpp/2p1pp2/2P5/P2P1B2/5N2/5PPP/4R1K1}{D:400}{S:e1b1}{W:003_555}26.Rb1!]

20.
[{B:r2b4/p1n2kpp/2p1pp2/2P5/P2P1B2/5N2/5PPP/1R4K1}{W:003_556}Having lured Black's King to f7, White's control of the open b-file becomes decisive.]

21.
[{B:r2b4/p1n2kpp/2p1pp2/2P5/P2P1B2/5N2/5PPP/1R4K1}{D:400}{S:f7e8}{W:003_557}26...Ke8]

22.
[{B:r2b4/p1n2kpp/2p1pp2/2P5/P2P1B2/5N2/5PPP/1R4K1}{N:c7}{D:4500}{C}{S:c7d5}{G:BNd5}{D:2400}{S:b1b7}{G:WRb7}{D:2200}{S:d8e7}{G:BBe7}{D:2400}{S:f4d6}{G:WBd6}{W:003_558}In order to protect the c7-Knight. After 26...Nd5 27.Rb7+ Be7 28.Bd6, White has a powerful bind.]

23.
[{B:r2bk3/p1n3pp/2p1pp2/2P5/P2P1B2/5N2/5PPP/1R4K1}{D:400}{S:f3d2}{W:003_559}27.Nd2!]

24.
[{B:r2bk3/p1n3pp/2p1pp2/2P5/P2P1B2/8/3N1PPP/1R4K1}{D:3500}{N:e5}{D:3000}{N:d6}{W:003_560}
A very good move. The White Knight is denied the e5-outpost. But what about the d6-square?]

25.
[{B:r2bk3/p1n3pp/2p1pp2/2P5/P2P1B2/8/3N1PPP/1R4K1}{D:835}{S:c7d5}{D:1486}{S:f4d6}{D:2066}{S:d8a5}{D:1671}{S:d2c4}{D:1973}{S:a5b4}{W:003_561}27...Nd5 28.Bd6 Ba5 29.Nc4 Bb4]

26.
[{B:r3k3/p5pp/2pBpp2/2Pn4/PbNP4/8/5PPP/1R4K1}{D:1800}{N:b4}{D:4700}{A:Bd5b4}{W:003_562}Black has blocked the b-file with his Bishop. But his Bishop is a little shaky, relying solely upon the d5-Knight for support.]

27.
[{B:r3k3/p5pp/2pBpp2/2Pn4/PbNP4/8/5PPP/1R4K1}{D:1750}{A:Ba7a5}{W:003_563}If Black could just play ...a7-a5, then the b4-Bishop will have found a wonderful outpost while clogging-up the b-file.]

28.
[{B:r3k3/p5pp/2pBpp2/2Pn4/PbNP4/8/5PPP/1R4K1}{D:200}{S:a4a5}{W:003_564}30.a5!]

29.
[{B:r3k3/p5pp/2pBpp2/P1Pn4/1bNP4/8/5PPP/1R4K1}{D:2500}{A:Ba7a5}{D:2500}{R}{D:3000}{A:Wc4e3}{W:003_565}A fine move. White prevents ...a7-a5 and prepares to undermine the b4-Bishop by playing Nc4-e3.]

30.
[{B:r3k3/p5pp/2pBpp2/P1Pn4/1bNP4/8/5PPP/1R4K1}{D:200}{S:a8d8}{W:003_566}30...Rd8]

31.
[{B:r3k3/p5pp/2pBpp2/P1Pn4/1bNP4/8/5PPP/1R4K1}{D:d8a8}{D:1100}{S:a7a6}{G:BPa6}{D:2000}{S:c4b6}{G:WNb6}{W:003_567}If 30...a6? 31.Nb6 wins.]

32.
[{B:3rk3/p5pp/2pBpp2/P1Pn4/1bNP4/8/5PPP/1R4K1}{D:673}{S:a5a6}{D:986}{S:b4c3}{W:003_568}31.a6 Bc3]

33.
[{B:3rk3/p5pp/P1pBpp2/2Pn4/1bNP4/8/5PPP/1R4K1}{D:4700}{S:d8d7}{G:BRd7}{D:2300}{S:c4e3}{G:WNe3}{D:1200}{S:b4c3}{G:BBc3}{D:2600}{S:e3d5}{G:WNd5}{D:1800}{S:e6d5}{G:BPd5}{D:2700}{S:b1b8}{G:WRb8}{D:1800}{S:d7d8}{G:BRd8}{D:2000}{S:b8b7}{G:WRb7}{D:1100}{S:d8d7}{G:BRd7}{D:2200}{S:d6b8}{G:WBb8}{W:003_569}Black's b-file blockade gives way. If 31...Rd7 32.Ne3 Bc3 33.Nxd5 exd5 34.Rb8+ Rd8 35.Rb7 Rd7 36.Bb8 wins.]

34.
[{B:3rk3/p5pp/P1pBpp2/2Pn4/2NP4/2b5/5PPP/1R4K1}{D:754}{S:b1b7}{D:1335}{S:c3d4}{D:2774}{S:b7a7}{D:1474}{S:f6f5}{D:2020}{S:a7b7}{W:003_570}32.Rb7 Bxd4 33.Rxa7 f5 34.Rb7]

35.
[{B:3rk3/1R4pp/P1pBp3/2Pn1p2/2Nb4/8/5PPP/6K1}{W:003_571}...and Black gave up. An excellent demonstration of using an effective plan based upon the pawn skeleton.]

36.
[{B:64}{W:003_572}Our next game was considered the best game of 1993. This, before the year was up! It was played between the world's two highest rated players, Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov.]

37.
[{B:r1bq1rk1/5pbp/p1pp1np1/1p2n3/2P1P3/1PN1BP2/P2QN1PP/3RKB1R}{W:003_573}This was reached after the following moves:

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 O-O 6.Be3 e5 7.Nge2 c6 8.Qd2 Nbd7 9.Rd1?! a6 10.dxe5?! Nxe5! 11.b3 b5.]

38.
[{B:r1bq1rk1/5pbp/p1pp1np1/1p2n3/2P1P3/1PN1BP2/P2QN1PP/3RKB1R}{D:9200}{S:d2d6}{G:WQd6}
{D:1800}{S:d8d6}{G:BQd6}{D:2600}{S:d1d6}{G:WRd6}{D:2700}{S:b5c4}{G:BPc4}{W:003_574}White is committing a cardinal sin. He is ignoring his development and leaving his King in the center. White's best is 12.Qxd6 Qxd6 13.Rxd6 bxc4.]

39.
[{B:r1bq1rk1/5pbp/p1pp1np1/1p2n3/2P1P3/1PN1BP2/P2QN1PP/3RKB1R}{W:003_575}Going into an endgame spares White a dangerous middle-game attack. His reason for doing this was to win the d6-pawn.]

40.
[{B:r1bq1rk1/5pbp/p1pp1np1/1p2n3/2P1P3/1PN1BP2/P2QN1PP/3RKB1R}{D:696}{S:c4b5}{D:1904}{S:a6b5}{D:2531}{S:d2d6}{D:1718}{S:f6d7}{W:003_576}12.cxb5? axb5 13.Qxd6 Nfd7!]

41.
[{B:r1bq1rk1/3n1pbp/2pQ2p1/1p2n3/4P3/1PN1BP2/P3N1PP/3RKB1R}{D:3500}{N:e5}{D:3000}{N:g7}{D:5300}{N:a8}{W:003_577}Black maximizes his piece play. The e5-Knight sits on a fine square. The g7-Bishop is on the long diagonal and is prepared to enter the fray. The a8-Rook, without moving, is active along the a-file.{W:sil}{C}{W:003_578} White has to neutralize all of these active pieces, while trying to develop his own. The win of the pawn wasn't worth all of this trouble.]

42.
[{B:r1bq1rk1/3n1pbp/2pQ2p1/1p2n3/4P3/1PN1BP2/P3N1PP/3RKB1R}{D:673}{S:f3f4}{D:6000}{N:e5}{D:3000}{C}{W:003_579}14.f4? A completely understandable move. White wants to dislodge the powerful e5-Knight. However, the text has a tactical drawback that Kasparov is quick to exploit.]

43.
[{B:r1bq1rk1/3n1pbp/2pQ2p1/1p2n3/4P3/1PN1BP2/P3N1PP/3RKB1R}{D:2900}{S:e1f2}{G:WKf2}{D:2100}{A:Wf2g1}{W:003_580}While not ideal, best was 14.Kf2 followed by Kf2-g1, fleeing the center.]

44.
[{B:r1bq1rk1/3n1pbp/2pQ2p1/1p2n3/4PP2/1PN1B3/P3N1PP/3RKB1R}{D:700}{S:b5b4}{D:2300}{A:Be5g4}
{D:2100}{A:We3d4}{W:003_581}14...b4! Avoiding 14...Ng4 15.Bd4, when White is well on his way to neutralizing the Black forces.]

45.
[{B:r1bq1rk1/3n1pbp/2pQ2p1/4n3/1p2PP2/1PN1B3/P3N1PP/3RKB1R}{D:700}{S:c3b1}{D:5500}{S:b1c3}{D:900}{S:d6b4}{G:WQb4}{D:1800}{S:c6c5}{G:BPc5}{D:1600}{S:e3c5}{G:WBc5}{D:1600}{S:d7c5}{G:BNc5}{D:2600}{S:b4c5}{G:WQc5}{D:1700}{S:e5d3}{G:BNd3}{D:2500}{S:d1d3}{G:WRd3}{D:1500}{S:d8d3}{G:BQd3}{D:2400}{B:r1bq1rk1/3n1pbp/2pQ2p1/4n3/1p2PP2/1PN1B3/P3N1PP/3RKB1R}{D:1700}{S:c3a4}{G:WNa4}{D:1200}{S:a8a4}{G:BRa4}{D:2700}{S:b3a4}{G:WPa4}{D:1700}{S:e5c4}{G:BNc4}{D:2700}{S:d6d3}{G:WQd3}{D:1100}{S:c4b2}{G:BNb2}{D:2400}{S:d3c2}{G:WQc2}{D:1100}{S:b2d1}{G:BNd1}{D:2500}{S:c2d1}{G:WQd1}{D:1300}{S:d8e7}{G:BQe7}{D:2100}{S:e2g3}{G:WNg3}{D:1500}{S:f8d8}{G:BRd8}{W:003_582}15.Nb1. White has no choice. His two alternatives are destroyed 15.Qxb4 c5! 16.Bxc5 Nxc5 17.Qxc5 Nd3+ 18.Rxd3 Qxd3; if 15.Na4 Rxa4! 16.bxa4 Nc4 17.Qd3 Nb2 18.Qc2 Nxd1 19.Qxd1 Qe7 20.Ng3 Rd8.]

46.
[{B:r1bq1rk1/3n1pbp/2pQ2p1/4n3/1p2PP2/1P2B3/P3N1PP/1N1RKB1R}{D:789}{S:e5g4}{D:1370}{S:e3d4}{D:1857}{S:g7d4}{D:1741}{S:d6d4}{D:2345}{S:a8a2}{W:003_583}15...Ng4 16.Bd4 Bxd4 17.Qxd4 Rxa2]

47.
[{B:2bq1rk1/3n1p1p/2p3p1/8/1p1QPPn1/1P6/r3N1PP/1N1RKB1R}{W:003_584}Black crashes through on his half-open a-file. White's lack of development spells his downfall.]

48.
[{B:2bq1rk1/3n1p1p/2p3p1/8/1p1QPPn1/1P6/r3N1PP/1N1RKB1R}{D:200}{S:h2h3}{W:003_585}18.h3]

49.
[{B:2bq1rk1/3n1p1p/2p3p1/8/1p1QPPn1/1P6/r3N1PP/1N1RKB1R}{D:900}{S:d4b4}{G:WQb4}{D:2100}{S:g4e3}{G:BNe3}{D:2300}{A:Be3c2}{W:003_586}The capture Qxb4? Ne3! with the threat of ...Ne3-c2+ wins material.]

50.
[{B:2bq1rk1/3n1p1p/2p3p1/8/1p1QPPn1/1P5P/r3N1P1/1N1RKB1R}{D:650}{S:c6c5}{D:975}{S:d4g1}
{D:2089}{S:g4f6}{D:1811}{S:e4e5}{D:1253}{S:f6e4}{D:2200}{N:e4}{D:4000}{C}{D:1200}{A:Bd8h4}
{W:003_587}18...c5! 19.Qg1 Ngf6 20.e5 Ne4. Black continues to post this Knight aggressively in the center. He now threatens ...Qd8-h4+.]

51.
[{B:2bq1rk1/3n1p1p/6p1/2p1P3/1p2nP2/1P5P/r3N1P1/1N1RKBQR}{D:975}{S:h3h4}{D:859}{S:c5c4}{D:5300}{A:Bd8a5}{D:2700}{A:Bb4b3}{W:003_588}21.h4 c4! A beautiful move. Black's plan is to play ...Qd8-a5 and ...b4-b3+ with decisive effect.]

52.
[{B:2bq1rk1/3n1p1p/6p1/4P3/1pp1nP1P/1P6/r3N1P1/1N1RKBQR}{D:200}{S:e2c1}{D:3800}{S:c1e2}
{D:1200}{S:b3c4}{G:WPc4}{D:1700}{S:d8a5}{G:BQa5}{D:1800}{B:2bq1rk1/3n1p1p/6p1/4P3/1pp1nP1P/1P6/r3N1P1/1N1RKBQR}{D:1000}{S:g1d4}{G:WQd4}{D:1200}{S:c4c3}{G:BPc3}{D:2000}{S:d1c1}{G:WRc1}{D:800}{S:d7c5}{G:BNc5}{D:1800}{A:Bc5d3}{W:003_589}22.Nc1. White has no defense. If 22.bxc4 Qa5 wins, while 22.Qd4 c3 23.Rc1 N7c5 and ...Nc5-d3+.]

53.
[{B:2bq1rk1/3n1p1p/6p1/4P3/1pp1nP1P/1P6/r5P1/1NNRKBQR}{D:200}{S:c4c3}{D:4300}{S:c3c4}{D:2400}{S:a2b2}{G:BRb2}{D:2100}{S:g1d4}{G:WQd4}{D:900}{S:c4c3}{W:003_590}22...c3. This sacrifice of the Rook is unnecessary. The straightforward 22...Rb2! 23.Qd4 c3 is curtains.]

54.
[{B:2bq1rk1/3n1p1p/6p1/4P3/1p2nP1P/1Pp5/r5P1/1NNRKBQR}{D:200}{S:c1a2}{D:500}{S:c3c2}{W:003_591}23. Nxa2 c2]

55.
[{B:2bq1rk1/3n1p1p/6p1/4P3/1p2nP1P/1P6/N1p3P1/1N1RKBQR}{D:1294}{S:g1d4}{W:003_592}Karpov now played 24.Qd4]

56.
[{B:2bq1rk1/3n1p1p/6p1/4P3/1p2nP1P/1P6/N1p3P1/1N1RKBQR}{D:2200}{S:d1c1}{G:WRc1}{D:1300}{S:d7e5}{G:BNe5}{D:2900}{S:c1c2}{G:WRc2}{D:1700}{S:c8g4}{G:BBg4}{D:2200}{S:b1d2}{G:WNd2}
{D:1500}{S:d8d3}{G:BQd3}{W:003_593}His main alternative was 24.Rc1 Nxe5! 25.Rxc2 Bg4 26.Nd2 Qd3! when Black's piece activity proves to be overwhelming.]

57.
[{B:2bq1rk1/3n1p1p/6p1/4P3/1p1QnP1P/1P6/N1p3P1/1N1RKB1R}{D:750}{S:c2d1}{P:BQd1}{D:4600}{S:e1d1}{W:003_594}24...cxd1/Q+ 25.Kxd1]

58.
[{B:2bq1rk1/3n1p1p/6p1/4P3/1p1QnP1P/1P6/N5P1/1N1qKB1R}{D:1200}{S:d4d1}{G:WQd1}{D:1700}{S:d8b6}{G:BQb6}{D:2200}{S:d1e2}{G:WQe2}{D:1300}{S:b6d4}{G:BQd4}{W:003_595}Or 25.Qxd1 Qb6 26.Qe2 Qd4 wins.]

59.
[{B:2bq1rk1/3n1p1p/6p1/4P3/1p1QnP1P/1P6/N5P1/1N1K1B1R}{D:500}{S:d7c5}{D:7500}{N:b3}
{W:003_596}25...Ndc5! Another excellent move. Black seizes the open file and targets the b3-pawn.]

60.
[{B:2bq1rk1/5p1p/6p1/2n1P3/1p1QnP1P/1P6/N5P1/1N1K1B1R}{D:1207}{S:d4d8}{D:1648}{S:f8d8}{D:2298}{S:d1c2}{D:2020}{S:e4f2}{W:003_597}26.Qxd8 Rxd8+ 27.Kc2 Nf2]

61.
[{B:2br2k1/5p1p/6p1/2n1P3/1p3P1P/1P6/N1K2nP1/1N3B1R}{D:4226}{S:h1g1}{D:1253}{S:c8f5}
{D:2113}{S:c2b2}{D:1718}{S:f2d1}{D:1904}{S:b2a1}{D:1764}{S:c5b3}{W:003_598}White now lost on time. The finish is 28.Rg1 Bf5+ 29.Kb2 Nd1+ 30.Ka1 Nxb3 mate.]

62.
[{B:3r2k1/5p1p/6p1/4Pb2/1p3P1P/1n6/N5P1/KN1n1BR1}{W:003_599}Even in this extremely tactical battle, the pawn structure aided both players in determining their plans.]

63.
[{W:003_600}Good luck with yours!{W:sil}{W:003_601} GM Yasser Seirawan]