Author: Ricardo Gibert
Date: 12:31:38 06/21/03
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On June 21, 2003 at 14:30:48, Hans van der Zijden wrote: > > > >>>[D]2Brr1k1/5ppp/8/8/6B1/8/5PP1/5RK1 w - - 0 1 > >>>The fact that _this_ position can't be won does not make 2 bishops on the same >>>color stronger than a rook. >> >>I didn't say they were. I was merely disagreeing that the rooks were stronger. >>There's a difference. >> >>I'm sure you'll find this position more interesting: >>[D]2qrr1k1/2p2ppp/1p6/p4B2/P5B1/1P6/2P2PP1/5RK1 w - - > >Not really. > >>The point is I think you will find that the 2 same color bishops are as tough as >>nails and there really is little reason to think that a rook is stronger. The >>extra pawn gives Black some advantage, but my guess it is not enough. It's clear >>with equal pawns, it's an equal position. > >I must admit I have overlooked the defensive strenght of the bishops. But that's >just it, they only can defend. No attacking power. In the majority of the >positions they will probably hold the draw. But I found a nice position where >you would probably favor the rookside as well :). > >[D]8/4rk2/8/8/1p6/1Pp2K2/B1P5/1B6 w - - > >Hans :) Okay, that was a convincing illustration of the impotence of the Bishops. Now here is an illustration of the impotence of the Rook. This one I hope you will agree is more instructive: [D]8/1pBp4/1P1PpBp1/4P1P1/2r5/1k6/8/1K6 w - - It seems Black's dream has come true and he has a free hand at mating the White King. Unfortunately, K+R vs K has to resort to zugzwang to mate. Unfortunatel, in the above position White can avoid zugzwang with the pendulum move Bc7-d8-c7, etc. Sac'ing a Rook for B+P doesn't help, because he will free the other B. Finally, Black can set a trap with: 1...Ka3!? 2.Ka1? Rb4! and Black will continue with Rb2 followed by Kb3 then Rh2-h1 mate. Of course, 2.Bd8 instead is a draw.
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