Fatal decision

by Oliver Reeh
1/7/2023 – In the diagram position White just played 26.Rb1+. How would you parry the check spontaneously, with 26...Nb6 or with 26...Ka8? But you can also think a bit longer, because one of these moves leads straight to a loss...

88 times, IM Oliver Reeh leads you step by step through the most brillant game conclusions of the world champions - in interactive Fritztrainer format, enabling you to enter the winning moves yourself.
 
New ...
Open...
Share...
Layout...
Flip Board
Settings
MoveNResultEloPlayers
Replay and check the LiveBook here
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Be7 8.Qc2 h6 9.Bf4 Nh5 10.Bg3 Nxg3 11.hxg3 Nf6 12.Nf3 Bd6 13.0-0-0 Qa5 14.Kb1 Bd7 15.Ne5 Bxe5 16.dxe5 Ng4 17.Bf5 Nxe5 18.Bxd7+ Nxd7 19.e4 d4 20.Rxd4 0-0-0 21.Ra4 Qc5 22.b4 Qc4 23.b5 Qc5 24.bxc6 bxc6 25.Ka1 Kb8 26.Rb1+ Fatal decision In the diagram position White just played 26.Rb1+. How would you parry the check spontaneously, with 26...Nb6 or with 26...Ka8? But you can also think a bit longer, because one of these moves leads straight to a loss... Ka8?? In the corner, the king will not find peace. 26...Nb6! was correct.
White to play and win.
  • Start an analysis engine:
  • Try maximizing the board:
  • Use the four cursor keys to replay the game. Make moves to analyse yourself.
  • Press Ctrl-B to rotate the board.
  • Drag the split bars between window panes.
  • Download&Clip PGN/GIF/FEN/QR Codes. Share the game.
  • Games viewed here will automatically be stored in your cloud clipboard (if you are logged in). Use the cloud clipboard also in ChessBase.
  • Create an account to access the games cloud.
WhiteEloWBlackEloBResYearECOEventRnd
Book,E-Halfdanarson,J-1–01966D36Reykjavik International-0210

 

Oliver Reeh in ChessBase Magazine

Do you like these lessons? There are plenty more by internationally renowned endgame expert Dr Karsten Müller in ChessBase Magazine, where you will also find openings articles and surveys, tactics, and of course annotations by the world's top grandmasters.

ChessBase Magazine #208

Order now at the ChessBase Shop! Available as a download or on DVD.


Oliver Reeh has been working for ChessBase for many years as a translator and presenter of the internet show TV ChessBase, and he also looks after the tactics column in ChessBase Magazine, for which he has also been responsible as editor-in-chief since 2019. The International Master has contributed to the CB "MasterClass" series and is the author of the DVDs "Strike like the World Champions" and "Master Class Tactics - Train your combination skills!" Volumes 1 & 2. Oliver Reeh lives in Hamburg.

We use cookies and comparable technologies to provide certain functions, to improve the user experience and to offer interest-oriented content. Depending on their intended use, analysis cookies and marketing cookies may be used in addition to technically required cookies. Here you can make detailed settings or revoke your consent (if necessary partially) with effect for the future. Further information can be found in our data protection declaration.