This game between Mr. G. Abrahams, the Lancashire champion, and Mr. H.G. Rhodes, an ex-champion of the county, was played in the recent British championship tournament at Felixstowe.
Herbert Gibson Rhodes (white) vs. Gerald Abrahams (black)
Queen's Gambit Declined: Ragozin Defense
1. A continuation frequently adopted by Ragozin.
2. White's usual reply is 5. Q-R4ch, Kt-B3; 6. P-K3, castles; 7. B-Q2. The text-move is good and avoids complications. Black must exchange for bishop or lose time. The absence of the KB, however, will severely handicap any attack on which he may embark.
3. Avoiding the trap 11. … KP x P; 12. Kt x Kt, P x Kt; 13. B x P, & c.
4. He wishes to unpin the knight by 18. … Q-Kt4, threatening mate.
5. Black is in an irksome position and it is not clear how he is to avoid material loss. He decides to give up two pawns and to proceed with his attack.
6. A typical and dangerous Abrahams attack. If 25. PxB KtPxP; 26. R-B2 R-R3; 27. P-Kt3 RxP ch. and Black wins. White, however, could force a draw by 27. Q-B7 Q-R6; 28. Q-K5 ch, & c.
7. White loses if he takes the bishop: 27. PxB Q-R6.
8. He overlooks the fatal check. But he is a piece down and his attack has been stemmed. Rhodes is to be commended for his first-class defense.