The new position will occur each SUNDAY and I will always be pleased to receive POSITIVE feedback about the positions and the analysis and I will try to acknowledge these where relevant.
Lajos Steiner (1903-1975) International Master. He was Hungarian Champion in 1936 and played for Hungary in three Olympiads, 1931, 1933, and 1935. Just before the Second World War he emigrated to Australia and became the strongest player there winning the national championship a number of times. His brother was Herman Steiner (1905-1955) who emigrated to the United States and ran the famous Los Angeles club which was often frequented by Hollywood film stars.
Steiner needed to win this game to take outright first place. A draw would have meant sharing 1st prize with five other competitors. Therefore White has to take some risk in order to win. The sacrifice of the Bishop has a good chance of success because of Whites weakened pawn structure and the badly placed dark squared Bishop. The White Rooks lack mobility whereas the Black Rooks will gain open lines.
White now has to guard the attacked Bishop. But not 3.Rc2? f5+ and Blacks attack is winning. The pawn cannot be taken because of 4.Kxf5 Rf8+ 5.Kg4 Nf2+ The Knight fork wins back the piece and the ending is easily won. 3.b4 cxb3 4. Bxb3 f5+ is not much better, Black is still winning.
A tremendous square for the Knight. White is only playing with half his army and will not have time to recover. The passed f-pawn will decide the game.
I have been very fortunate recently to gain the analytical contribution of a famous gentleman who will from time to time give his reflections on a number of interesting endings and endgame studies. I will keep you in suspense about his identity until next week.
1. Endgame Solving Tournament 2000. This will consist of 3 events: these will take place at Easter, Summer and Christmas each consisting of 5 positions to solve, 15 in all. Participants have to take part in all three events to be considered for the prize of £100 or equivalent. Present strict rules will apply; no computer analysis.
2. Cumulative 2000. Prizes: 1st £50 or equivalent, 2nd £30, 3rd £20; Entries limited to 20 solvers. Join now to book a place and get some practice. Present active cumulative participants will have priority of entry. This event will run from 3/1/2000 to 30/12/2000. Present CUMULATIVE COMPETITION rules apply but note the prizes will go to those participants who climb the ladder the greatest number of times during the year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|