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Subject: Re: Is this a poisoned pawn?

Author: Peter Kappler

Date: 22:01:16 06/30/99

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On June 30, 1999 at 18:03:14, Chuck wrote:

>rn3rk1/pp2ppbp/6p1/8/3PP1b1/5N2/q2BBPPP/1R1Q1RK1 w - - 0 1
>
>I had Hiarcs 7.32 search the above position for several hours to a depth of 11
>ply, and it wants to play Rxb7 scoring this +0.69. However, in looking at Fritz'
>opening book, the move is not mentioned, only Bg5, Be3, and d5.
>
>This position arises from the Grunfeld Exchange, D85 as follows:
>
>1. d4 Nf6  2. c4 g6  3. Nc3 d5  4. cxd5 Nxd5  5. e4 Nxc3  6. bxc3 Bg7
>7. Nf3 c5  8. Rb1 O-O  9. Be2 cxd4  10. cxd4 Qa5+  11. Bd2 Qxa2  12. O-O Bg4
>
>I searched the 2 million games opening database and found six occurrences with
>no names that I recognized. In the six games, White drew 3 and lost 3 (1.5-4.5),
>so that indicates the pawn should be left alone.
>
>But this brings up my point? Is Hiarcs heading for trouble? Is the pawn
>poisoned, but in such a deep line that computers can't see it in reasonable
>time? And will all computers make this mistake, if it is one?
>
>I'm interested in what other computers and other people have to say about this
>position. How about it?
>
>Chuck


In my opinion, White cannot afford to give up his d-pawn, even if he wins the b
& e pawns in the process.  A simple variation is Rxb7 Bxf3 Bxf3 Bxd4 Rxe7 Nc6
where White has won back his gambit pawn, but Black's minor pieces are more
active and the passed a-pawn is very dangerous.

I think White must preserve his "big center" in this position.

--Peter






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