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Subject: Re: Why not 26.....g4

Author: A. Steen

Date: 18:49:01 11/20/05

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Thomas Logan wrote:

[D]r6k/p2bq3/np1p1brn/1NpPp1pp/1PP1Pp2/P2Q1P1P/1R3NP1/3BBRK1 b - - 0 26

>If there is an exchange of minor pieces on g4 the pawn on a7 is protected and
>rook on a8 is free to move without pawn sac
>
>Tom

Tom, please try this line-

26. .. g4
27. fxg4 hxg4
28. Nxg4 Nxg4
29. Bxg4 Bxg4
30. hxg4

which I think is the scenario you speak about (exchange sequence may differ, but
the same end result). So we get-

[D]r6k/p3q3/np1p1br1/1NpPp3/1PP1PpP1/P2Q4/1R4P1/4BRK1 b - - 0 30

Here black cannot just grab the pawn on g4 as white counters with Q-h3+ (another
reason for .. Q-h7 prior to the ..g4 advance). So here I believe you want to
play .. Ra-g8 with the (IMO irrelevant) a7 pawn still protected (and take the g4
pawn next move, which is then possible and probably the best move available).
This is the resulting position-

[D]6rk/p3q3/np1p1br1/1NpPp3/1PP1PpP1/P2Q4/1R4P1/4BRK1 w - - 0 31

But please don't look at it first with the computer analysis.  Just think.
Black now has 2 pawns (a7 and d6) which need piece protection if they are to
survive.  If the two rooks are to stay on g, that means only the BQ can protect
both.  Not good use for a queen!  The BB could do it on b8 after some shuffling
(will white start the a-pawn advancing at the right moment?), but it clearly
needs to be on the active diagonal to h4.  So, if black wants to resolve the
game, he has to face up to giving a pawn.  Better the one on a7 than the one on
d6.  So, why not .. Ra-g8 originally, instead? :)

Back to the last board. Here I do not like black's position at all, and consider
it may actually be losing.  Compared to the option K. chose, black is a tempo
down, the WN is menacing a return to the centre and after 31. R-f3 Rxg4 (warning
- I haven't checked if black is a little better off postponing the pawn capture)
white has nothing to fear on the K-side.  Indeed, 32. R-h3+ turns the tables on
black! We get-

[D]6rk/p3q3/np1p1br1/1NpPp3/1PP1PpP1/P2Q4/1R4P1/4BRK1 w - - 0 31

Black cannot block the check.  Blocking by rook loses the exchange, blocking by
bishop results in the h rook dropping back a square or two with a view to making
place for 34. Q-h3 (and 1-0). So the king must run.

[D]6r1/p3q1k1/np1p1b2/1NpPp3/1PP1Ppr1/P2Q3R/1R4P1/4B1K1 w - - 0 33

Can you see what follows?

[spoiler space]

[spoiler space]

[spoiler space]

[spoiler space]

[spoiler space]

[spoiler space]

[spoiler space]

[spoiler space]

[spoiler space]

33. Q-d1 with the twin threats of QxR and Q-a4. Black's Q-side suddenly looks
more vulnerable, doesn't it? This is possibly one of the reasons why Hydra would
hold back from a4-a5, hoping to get a Q in to a4 instead at the right moment.

After 33. .. K-f8 (I can't see anything better, but I am tired, what does Fritzy
think?) 34. Q-a4 N-c7 we get-

[D]5kr1/p1n1q3/1p1p1b2/1NpPp3/QPP1Ppr1/P6R/1R4P1/4B1K1 w - - 0 35

The fight is certainly not over but white has the play. I would not want to be
facing a Hydra monster in this.

Totally unlike K's line with 26. .. Ra-g8 with a "sure-fire" 0.5-0.5.  :)

>OK thanks
>
>If Hydra did not bite on a7 transposition is likely - no ?

The a7 pawn was surely irresistible to _all_ comps... :)

But in the hypothetical case that Hydra did not take it, no, I think we would
not get transpositions as there would not be as widespread exchanges on g4.
Remember I favour 27. .. Q-h7 over 27. .. g4, with my justifying analysis given
in-

http://www.talkchess.com/forums/1/message.html?463219

where you can see the light-squared bishops stay on the board. :)

>btw I agree move 34 was a blunder
>
>I saw that as soon as it was made
>
>Tom

Best,

A.S.



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