I'm curious if anyone has had good results with moving their rook soon after castling into a fianchettoed kingside in order to save their dark-squared bishop from the exchange after Bh6 with ...Bh8.
For example, here's a blitz game I played recently:
[Event "RHP Blitz rated"]
[Site "www.playtheimmortalgame.com"]
[White "tonyemmett"]
[Black "wittywonka"]
[Result "0-1"]
1. c4 c5 2. g3 Nf6 3. Bg2 Nc6 4. Nf3 g6 5. O-O Bg7
6. d3 O-O 7. Bf4 d6 8. Qd2 Re8 9. Bh6 Bh8 10. Nc3 Bg4
11. Re1 Qd7 12. Nd5 Nxd5 13. cxd5 Nb4 14. e4 Bxf3 15. Bxf3 Na6
16. Rab1 Nc7 17. Qe2 Nb5 18. Bg4 Qc7 19. f4 Nd4 20. Qf2 Nf5
21. Qf3 Nxh6 0-1
Position After 9. ... Bh8
In my blitz game, keeping my bishop seemed to help, helping me find the tactic that would have won the game, but I can also see how ignoring the exchange would allow for two extra tempi, which could also be put to good use.
Any thoughts?
Originally posted by wittywonkaOn move 11 whick rook moved to e1?
I'm curious if anyone has had good results with moving their rook soon after castling into a fianchettoed kingside in order to save their dark-squared bishop from the exchange after Bh6 with ...Bh8.
For example, here's a blitz game I played recently:
[Event "RHP Blitz rated"]
[Site "www.playtheimmortalgame.com"]
[White "tonyemmett"]
[Black "wit ...[text shortened]... uld allow for two extra tempi, which could also be put to good use.
Any thoughts?
Concerning the question I usually let the other guy exchange bishops and take with the king. My rationale is the following: Yes, my light/dark squared around the king are weakned but his light/dark square bishop is out too.
Originally posted by adam warlockThe correct notation should have been 11. Rfe1. Thanks for pointing that out.
On move 11 whick rook moved to e1?
Concerning the question I usually let the other guy exchange bishops and take with the king. My rationale is the following: Yes, my light/dark squared around the king are weakned but his light/dark square bishop is out too.
Again, I see the reasoning there, too, in that both bishops are taken off the board, but the fianchettoed bishop has the potential to be stronger than the non-fianchettoed bishop, and I've often found that the exchange can be particularly costly in the case of pawn storms further weakening my kingside (Sicilians), although this is hardly ever the case in the Symmetrical English.
Originally posted by wittywonkaI think that the shor answer is it depends on the position. If you see that pawn storms are likely or any other stuff can further harm your kingside shelter then don't exchange but if don't exchange.
The correct notation should have been 11. Rfe1. Thanks for pointing that out.
Again, I see the reasoning there, too, in that both bishops are taken off the board, but the fianchettoed bishop has the potential to be stronger than the non-fianchettoed bishop, and I've often found that the exchange can be particularly costly in the case of pawn storms fu ...[text shortened]... ning my kingside (Sicilians), although this is hardly ever the case in the Symmetrical English.
It may be obvious, but just in case - it's usually wrong for the player with the fianchettoed bishop to take their opponent's bishop as that would allow their queen to get in a very dangerous position. If you decide not to avoid the capture then allowing your opponent to take you and then recapturing with the king is usually best. The king then guards the weakened squares on f6/h6 (or f3/h3).
Having said that, I managed to lose my queen in a recent county game after my opponent played Bxh6, f6, g5, Kh8, Ng8. Maybe I should have complained that he had five moves in a row, but I didn't think of it at the time.
Originally posted by Fat LadyIndeed.
It may be obvious, but just in case - it's usually wrong for the player with the fianchettoed bishop to take their opponent's bishop as that would allow their queen to get in a very dangerous position. If you decide not to avoid the capture then allowing your opponent to take you and then recapturing with the king is usually best. The king then guards the w ...[text shortened]... should have complained that he had five moves in a row, but I didn't think of it at the time.
Game 4508226
🙂
Originally posted by wittywonkaNice game and illustrates the point perfectly. If you don't mind I will show it the children I teach as an example of what can happen if you let your opponent's queen stay too close to your king.
Indeed.
Game 4508226
🙂
Originally posted by Fat LadyI'd be thrilled, thanks! I enjoyed the game, and the rook tactic there in particular.
Nice game and illustrates the point perfectly. If you don't mind I will show it the children I teach as an example of what can happen if you let your opponent's queen stay too close to your king.