Forgacs, Leo VS Tartakower, Saviely 1909.03.11

Annotations

1. 5…Ne4 K Kt - Q 2 is better, because it would support the advance of P - Q B 4 and also be of use eventually in an attack on White's centre by P - K B 3. The text move allows the exchange of two minor pieces, which can only be to White's advantage, as Black cannot get his Q B into play, and is for a long time practically a piece down.
2. 6…Bxg5 After P x Kt the pawn would be very weak, and could hardly be held for long.
3. 8.g3 To be able to play P - K B 4 before developing the Kt (see p. 49).
4. 16…b4 So far the game is easy to understand in the light of the remarks made on page 44, when treating of the openings. The continuation shows in an instructive fashion that White's attack is the more effective, being directed against the King's side.
5. 17.f5 This sacrifice of a pawn in conjunction with a second sacrifice on the next move, produces a combination of rare beauty.
6. 18.g4 If Black did not capture White would. In either case the storming of the position by pawns achieves its object and the lines of attack are free for the pieces.
7. 19…g6 Now that White has made an opening for himself at K B 6, the rest is easy. 19...P - R 3 is of no avail. The sequel might have been: 20 Kt - R 7, K R - Q 1; 21 Kt - B 6 ch, after which White wins after either P x Kt; 22 Q x P, or K - R 1 Kt x P.
8. 20…Kg7 Black gets no breathing space. If P - R 3, then 21 B x P.
9. 25.R1f5 Help!

Edward Lasker, Chess Strategy (1921) · Public domain · source