3…c5This variation, favoured by Tarrasch, is disadvantageous for Black should White adopt Rubinstein's system (P—K Kt 3 and B—Kt 2), as in the present game.
7…Be6After 7. ....B—K 2 White has the choice between the line of play adopted in this game, and the continuation 8. P×P, B×P; 9. Q Kt—Q 2 followed by 10. Kt—Kt 3, successfully put into practice by Sämisch against Dr. Tarrasch (Carlsbad Tournament, 1923).
10.Na4This new continuation, introduced by Réti against Dr. Tarrasch in the Pistyan Tournament of 1922, aims at occupying, once and for all, the square Q 4, of vital importance in the Tarrasch variation. This innovation, in my opinion, constitutes a notable strengthening of the Rubinstein variation.
11…O-ODr. Tarrasch continued 11. ....P—Q Kt 3 in his game against Réti, without, however, obtaining a satisfactory game. Here is the continuation of the game: 12. Kt—Q 4, Kt×Kt; 13. B×Kt, Q—Q 2; 14. Kt—B 3, R—Q 1; 15. Q—Kt 3, Castles; 16. K R—Q 1 and White's advantage is obvious.
12.Nc5This move is sufficient to yield White a slight advantage. It is, however, probable that 12. Kt—Q 4 first would have given a more marked advantage.
12…Ne4Comparatively best. White evidently cannot capture the Q Kt P, because of 13. Q—B 2. The ensuing liquidation reduces White's winning chances, which will consist solely in the weakness of the adverse centre Pawns and the slight advantage of a Bishop against a Knight in this type of position, where it is not blocked by Pawns.
15.Bxd4On the other hand, the advantage of the two Bishops is illusory, for it is clear that after ....B—B 3 White cannot avoid the exchange of his Q B.
16.Qb3Already threatening 17. P—K 4.
19.e3Preparing 20. R—K B 4! which would not be so strong if played at once, because of 19. ....Q—K 4.
20…Qe7The weakness of the grouping of Black's Pawns on K 3 and Q 4 is felt the more as the hostile K B dominates the White squares. The plausible move 20. ....Q—K 4 would be quite bad because of the subtle reply 21. Q—R 4! attacking the Q R P and threatening to enter at Q 7 with decisive effect.
21…Kxf8Again best. If 21. ....Q×R; then 22. P—K 4! or if 21. ....R×R; 22. R—Q B 1, R—B 1; 23. R×R ch, Kt×R; 24. P—K 4! and White's K B enters into action with very great effect.
22…Kg8This retreat of the Black King to the square it originally occupied is intended to hinder the threatened 23. Q—Q 3 followed by 24. P—K 4, etc. It will, however, enable White to force the gain of a Pawn by a hidden manoeuvre. Better was 22. ....P—Q R 3, prolonging the resistance.
23.Qa3After this move Black has no defence against the double threat, 24. Q×P and 24. P—K 4!
23…Rc2Attacking the centre and thereby enabling his Queen to join in the defence of the King-side, since it will protect the K B P after capturing the Q R P.
25…Nb5Reckoning to secure a passed Pawn on Q 5, but the realization of this plan necessitates an immobility of the Black pieces of which White will take advantage to conclude the game by a direct attack. On the other hand, it was scarcely possible for Black to entertain other continuations, e.g.: I.—25. ....Kt×P; 26. B×Kt, P×B; 27. Q—Kt 6! II.—25. ....P×P; 26. Q—Kt 6, R—B 3; 27. Q—Kt 4. With an easy win for White in both variations.
26…d4Threatening mate in two.
29.e5Enabling White's K B to enter into the adverse game with decisive effect.
31.Bd5Not 31. P—Q R 4 because of 31. ....Q—B 2, whereas now White threatens inevitably 32. P—Q R 4, Q—B 2; 33. Q—K 6.
36…Kf8If 36. ....K—Q 1, then 37. Q—Kt 6 ch, K—B 1; 38. Q—B 5 ch, winning the Rook.
Alexander Alekhine, My Best Games of Chess 1908–1923 (1927) · Public domain · source