Homework 4

Position 4.1

1.e4 e5, 2.Nf3 Nf6,

Now what do you play?  Try and think about Black's options and how you would answer them.

 Position 4.2

Its Black to play and he can win a good pawn here.  Can you find the moves?

Scroll Down for hints.

week 3 answers:

Position 3.1

1.d4 Nf6, 2.c4 e6, 3.Nc3 Bb4 is the Nimzo-Indian Defence, this is a good opening for both sides and is rich in ideas and variations.

I asked what would you play as White.  Here are some moves

4.e3 - The Rubinstein

4.Qc2 - The classic and my choice, see below

4.Nf3 - Kasparov

4.Bg5 - Leningrad

4.a3/f3 - Samisch

4. g3 - Fianchetto

4. Qb3 - 

4. Bd2 - This is the standard choice of the beginner, not that its bad there are loads of Grandmaster games in this line, but after 4...0-0, 5.a3 Be7 is ok for Black and leaves White's bishop on d2 poorly placed.  There is still an ocean of chess to play.

4.Qc2 would be my choice as White 4...0-0 (Black also has 4...d5 or 4...c5)

5.a3 Bxc3, 6.Qxc2 d5 - White would argue he has the bishop pair, while Black would point to a lead in development.  Almost all the top players have played this line at one time or another, with Carlsen and Kasparov topping the list of greats!

Position 3.2

Remember Black to play and win.

1...Nxg5! - Black creates a loose piece. 2.Nxg5 dxc4! Black attacks the queen, but the main point is he also reveals an attack on the newly created loose white knight.  This double attack loses a piece and the game.

3.Qxc4 Qxg5

Remember Loose Pieces Drop Off (LPDO)

Hints

4.1

Look at the pawn on e5 can it be captured?

4.2

Is the knight really pinned?  Can it take a pawn?