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Play like Kramnik

Play like Kramnik

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White to move



What did Kramnik play?

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Kramnik is a freak so a3. 😀

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If I calculated correctly:

1. Bf6! g6 2. hg fg 3. Kg5 +-

Black has 1...gf as well, but I don't think it matters.

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I remember the idea so couldn't test myself.

Players should of course try analysing for themselves. Don't get lazy! 🙂 But as an aside, I presume if any forum positions are suitably analysed with an engine, then people view the HTML and copy 'n paste the FEN string... just a small tip for anyone still setting up positions manually.

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Clicking the "reply and quote" button also provides the FEN.

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Nvm... Tony's right!

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Originally posted by Nowakowski
Nvm... Tony's right!
Yep, that's how the game continued. If Black takes the bishop, which Hiarcs 12 did when I played the position against the box, the knight will need to immolate itself for the h-pawn. Black can push the a-pawn to create a space for the rook to escape, but this is far to slow with White's pawn on f6.


Of course, one can always work this stuff out with an engine--in a way I did that be playing it against the box--but you could do that for the problems in any tactics book too. Letting the engine find the solution, then posting it, can make you seem smart in the forums that will be read by 17 people.

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Originally posted by Wulebgr
If Black takes the bishop, which Hiarcs 12 did when I played the position against the box, the knight will need to immolate itself for the h-pawn.
I don't think I would ever in my life find this move in a real game.

FWIW, Rybka Human plays 1...Bf6 2.g6.

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Originally posted by Wulebgr
Letting the engine find the solution, then posting it, can make you seem smart in the forums that will be read by 17 people.
Agreed. If anything, people should analyse; post it here; and maybe only then check with an engine. This creates a good habit of being “accountable” for one’s analysis, which we have to do in a game.

My comment about the FEN string was just an aside, and clarencecuasay’s suggestion was ever simpler.

Maybe it’s just me, but does anyone else see a similarity between this position and a famous Capablanca ending? I’m not referring to a bishop sac specifically, but just the idea of sacrificing material to activate one’s pieces to a maximum by clearing a path for the king, etc.

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Do not know about the Capablanca endgame you are referring to, but this ingenious endgame shot comes into mind:



Topalov - Shirov, Linares 1998.

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Originally posted by Varenka
Maybe it’s just me, but does anyone else see a similarity between this position and a famous Capablanca ending?
Now that you mention it, there is a resemblance. Another clear example of Kramnik's application of the famous Capablanca ending came in the final game in Bissago--his title defense against Leko.

Start from this position with White (Kramnik) to move




Shirov's brilliant move is especially nice because engines do not find it, or at least they couldn't when it was played. I cannot speak for Rybka 3.

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Not sure if this is right... but...
Rxb7 Bxb7 NxB7+ Kc8 Nc5!

I'm not sure what to do after that, thats part of the reason I'm not sure that i have it right 🙁

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That Bh3 of Shirov is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful moves in recorded chess, it continues to amaze me 😀

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Originally posted by Nowakowski
Not sure if this is right... but...
Rxb7 Bxb7 NxB7+ Kc8 Nc5!

I'm not sure what to do after that, thats part of the reason I'm not sure that i have it right 🙁
Nope.

First watch carefully the King's maneuver from:

White to move



Diagram is prior to White's move 35.



Now, how did Kramnik execute a similar king maneuver?