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Chats On Chess by George Koltanowski
Problem
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FEN 8/1p4Q1/8/R2Bn1BK/3k4/2p2rR1/3n1N2/8 w - - 0 1
White to play and mate in two moves. (Solution next week)
Solution to last week's problem: 1. Q-R7.
SICILIAN DEFENSE
Some of the most forceful King's side attacks occur when one or more minor pieces are sacrificed so as to expose the King to the crossfire of the opposing Queen and Rooks. This fine illustration from the U.S. championship helped to ensure that Bobby Fischer, Reshevsky's great rival, retained the title for the third year running.
Herbert Seidman vs Samuel Reshevsky
United States Championship (1959/60), New York, NY USA, rd 4, Dec-22
Sicilian Defense: Najdorf. Amsterdam Variation (B93) 1-0
(a) White's rather nonchalant handling of the opening here encourages Reshevsky to overestimate his own chances. It is important for Black to keep in mind the basic strategic idea of the variation; he must control his Q4 in such a way that when White occupies this square with a minor piece, he can be forced (after exchanges) to recapture with the KP, thus permitting the mobilization of Black's central pawns by … P-B4 and P-K5. Correct is 13. … B-N2.
(b) At last he is ready to exchange Bishops but now the storm breaks over his exposed King.
(c) A finely calculated sacrifice which gives Black little choice in the next few moves. The threat is an immediate mate by Q-N5 and Q-R6.
(d) A crushing strike; Black must sacrifice much material to avoid mate.