The Daily Review, Sunday, September 10, 1967

Chess

by Richard Shorman

The following game has instructional value for those who are uncertain as to why Black generally prefers P-K4 to P-QB4 in the Saemisch variation of the King's Indian.

The point is that when White forgoes Queen-side castling in this line, Black's counterplay on the flank after P-QB4 seems to carry less weight than White's threatened break-through in the center.

White: James Ulrich. Black: John Mecorney.
Contra Costa Championships, Expert/A Division.
Aug. 26, 1967.
King's Indian Defense.

1 P-Q4   P-KN3
2 P-QB4   B-N2
3 N-QB3   N-KB3
4 P-K4   P-Q3
5 P-B3   0-0
6 B-K3   QN-Q2
7 Q-Q2   P-B4 (a)
8 P-Q5   P-QR3 (b)
9 N-R3   N-K4
10 N-B2   Q-R4
11 P-QR3   R-N1
12 B-K2   P-QN4
13 PxP   PxP
14 0-0   N-B5 (c)
15 BxN   PxB
16 QR-N1   R-N6
17 B-R6 (d)   BxB (e)
18 QxB   B-R3
19 P-B4   KR-N1 (f)
20 P-K5   N-K1
21 N/2-K4   RxNP (g)
22 N-KN5   RxPch (h)
23 KxR   R-N7ch
24 RxR   QxN
25 QxRPch   K-B1
26 QxPmate

(a) Black chooses to operate on the Queen side, but 7…P-K4 followed in due course by P-KB4 is strategically sounder.
(b) With 8…N-K4 first, Black prevents 9 N-R3 and tempts White to castle into a future combat zone.
(c) Very bad. After 14…P-N5 15 PxP QxP or 15 N-R2 Q-R5 Black retains some counterplay.
(d) Perfectly timed.
(e) Blacks pays dearly for bringing White's Queen over to the King side.
(f) Better calculated to slow down White's advance through the center is 19…N-Q2.
(g) Still intent upon Queen-side counteraction, Black forfeits his last chance for survival with 21…P-B3.
(h) Strictly for spite.

Just In Case…

Art Neal of San Jose has come up with the first really new idea in chess equipment since the invention of the chess clock. Neal's patented attache chess case, with ample space inside for a full-size chessmen and a chess clock, folds out flat to reveal a good-looking tournament chessboard (2¼-inch squares).

For further information regarding this convenient, practical and unique invention, telephone Mr. Neal at his home, 258-4740.

Where To Play Chess

The Hayward Chess Club, 2058 D St. (Hayward Arts and Science Center), Monday and Friday, 8-11 p.m.