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Chess Lesson #18

Chess Lesson #18

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White to move.

But what is Black's opportunity here?

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You mean U don't know?? But I thought U were soooo good...

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Re1 cxd4

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Originally posted by Bowmann
[fen]r2q1rk1/p4pp1/1p2pn1p/2p5/3PR2N/2P5/PP3PPP/R2Q2K1[/fen]

White to move.

But what is Black's opportunity here?
You are not going to post the solution to this lesson, Bowmann?

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After White moves the Rook to safety, Black can play cxd4 with the intention of isolating one of White's Pawns. Play might go:

1. Re2 cxd4
2. Qxd4 Qxd4
3. cxd4

and while material is equal, White's new d-Pawn will remain weak and a target for Black. White will find the defence of his Pawn difficult without tying up a more valuable piece to guard it.

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Originally posted by Bowmann
After White moves the Rook to safety, Black can play cxd4 with the intention of isolating one of White's Pawns. Play might go:

1. Re2 cxd4
2. Qxd4 Qxd4
3. cxd4

and while material is equal, White's new d-Pawn will remain weak and a target for Black. White will find the defence of his Pawn difficult without tying up a more valuable piece to guard it.
I thought you were going to use the queen attack on the knight
when black moves his knight, but didn't see much coming out of it.

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Originally posted by sonhouse
I thought you were going to use the queen attack on the knight
when black moves his knight, but didn't see much coming out of it.
Hence the Lessons.

They're not tricks and traps. After eighteen of them, no one seems to have understood that yet.

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Originally posted by Bowmann
Hence the Lessons.

They're not tricks and traps. After eighteen of them, no one seems to have understood that yet.
few perhaps, "no one" is a bit presumptious, as not all who look at your lessons post their thoughts

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Originally posted by Wulebgr
few perhaps, "no one" is a bit presumptious, as not all who look at your lessons post their thoughts
'...few seem...' wouldn't make sense. '...no one seems...' is exactly what I intended to say.

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Originally posted by Bowmann
Hence the Lessons.

They're not tricks and traps. After eighteen of them, no one seems to have understood that yet.
It makes for a small advantage - but not a decisive one - and is the correct move to play. The position still looks drawish, but a good player may yet go on to win. Capa would probably get 10 out of 10.

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Originally posted by Bowmann
'...few seem...' wouldn't make sense. '...no one seems...' is exactly what I intended to say.
I thought as much. I've ceased posting my replies to these lessons, as they are well geared towards weaker players. Little is gained if I give away the answer, unless I'm wrong, of course.

They are good lessons. Keep them coming.

The present lesson is reminscent of the sort of thing one finds in Bellin and Ponzetto, Test Your Positional Play.

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Bowmann:
Question:

What is the source for these "lessons"??

You should note the source...do not take credit for someone elses puzzles...

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Originally posted by Bowmann
After White moves the Rook to safety, Black can play cxd4 with the intention of isolating one of White's Pawns. Play might go:

3. cxd4

and while material is equal, White's new d-Pawn will remain weak and a target for Black. White will find the defence of his Pawn difficult without tying up a more valuable piece to guard it.
what happens if it goes:

1. Re2 cxd4
2. Rd2!?

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Originally posted by hypermo2001
what happens if it goes:

1. Re2 cxd4
2. Rd2!?
1. Re2 cxd4
2. Rd2!? Nd5


3a. Nf3 dxc3

3b. c4 Qxh4
4b. cxd5 e5!

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Originally posted by hypermo2001
What is the source for these "lessons"?
What are the sources for these lessons?

Originally posted by Bowmann
"The Game of Chess" by Harry Golombek. Third Edition (1980). Page 158.

Lesson 14

I imagine Bowmann is using several sources, and some of his lessons resemble those that are available in nearly every chess book concerned with fundamentals.