Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Take the Draw??

In the following position (from a Semi-Italian Four Knights Jerome Gambit), White is ahead the exchange and a pawn. Black, to move, could choose to force a draw by repeatedly checking White's King. On the other hand, Black is rated 350 points higher than White, so that might give him second thoughts...


neni - radup, blitz, FICS, 2011

26...Qe4+

Going for the draw?

27.Kg1 Bxf6

No, winning the pawn.

Unfortunately, this leads to a sparkling finish for White.

28.Qc8+ Ke7 29.Bg5+ Kf7 30.Rxf5+ Kg6

31.Qe6+

A wry move, causing Black to resign.

Playing it out 31...Qxe6 32.dxe6 Kxf5 (What else??) 33.e7 Rh8 34.Rf1+ Kxg5 (might as well) 35.Rf8 and the e-pawn will Queen, whether or not Black exchanges Rooks.

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