William Steinitz, The Modern Chess Instructor (1889)
Game 70 of 83
52
Steinitz, William vs Chigorin, Mikhail Ivanovich
1889.01.22 · 1-0 · Queen's Pawn Game: Anti-Torre
54
Steinitz, William vs Chigorin, Mikhail Ivanovich
1889.01.26 · 1-0 · Queen's Pawn Game: Anti-Torre
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Event
Match/Consultation Chigorin-Steinitz
Site
Havana
Date
1889.03.04
Round
3
White
Chigorin/Ponce,
Black
Steinitz/Gavilan,
Result
0-1
- 7.d4 A deviation from the course adopted in the main contest between Messrs. Steinitz and Tschigorin which, however, might only lead to a transposition in the order of moves.
- 7…Bb6 For we think that White might have proceeded with 8 Q—R4 with the view of advancing P—Q5 to which Kt—R4 would not be a good reply, as White would then retreat B—Q3 followed by P—B4 and B—Q2. Whereas if 8....PxP; 9 P—K5, 9 Q—Kt3; 10 PxP, 10 KtxP; 11 KtxKt, 11 BxKt; 12 BxP ch., 12 QxB; 13 QxB, 13 Kt—K2; 14 B—R3, 14 Castles; 15 Kt—B3, 15 R—K sq.; 16 BxKt, 16 QxB; 17 QR—Q sq., with a fine game, for if 17....P—B3; 18 Kt—K4, 18 QxP; 19 Kt—Q6 and wins.
- 8.Na3 We believe that Black could also safely play 8....P—Q3; and if 9 QB—KKt5, 9 Q—Kt3; 10 PxP, 10 PxP; 11 KtxP, 11 QxB; 12 KtxP, 12 Q—R5; 13 KtxR, 13 Kt—B3 threatening Kt—Kt5 with an excellent attack.
- 12.dxe5 Black has now slightly the advantage owing to his opportunity of forcing an open file for his R by P—KB3.
- 17…dxe5 Either R to K sq. would have been of no use as White could well answer Kt—Q7.
- 19.Bf5 The Black allies take their chances of an immediate King's side attack but we believe that Q—QB3 was more sure to give them the best of the game. They might have then continued B—R4 which either forced the QBP on, whereupon Black would again retreat the B and then fix their B at Q5, or Black's QR would obtain free possession of the open Q file, in case White defended the QBP with one of their Rooks.
- 21.Bf3 This was wrong. They ought to have retreated B—K2 followed by K—R sq., and though Black would have won the KBP by doubling Rooks it would have been very difficult at least if not impossible for them to force the game on account of the Bishops being of opposite colors.
- 23…Rg8 This gives the opponents an opportunity of instituting an irresistible attack, 24 K—R sq. was by far better, for if 24....P—Kt5, 25 B—K2, 25 BxP (or 25....RxKP; 26 P—B3, etc.); 26 P—Kt3, 26 Q—R3 (if 26....RxP; 27 K—Kt2 and wins); 27 Q—Q5 (but not 27 PxR on account of the reply, 27....B—Kt6, etc.) and ought to draw.
- 24.h3 This forces the game, and it will be easily noticed that White's replies to the end are all compulsory. See Diagram page 184.
- 24…g4 If 25 BxP, 25 R (Kt sq.) xB; 26 PxR, 26 RxBP; 27 RxR; 28 QxR ch., 28 K moves, 28 Q—R5 mate.
- 26…Rxg5 Of course if PxP then RxB.
- 30.Kg1 Both parties were here much pressed for time, and relieved themselves by repetition moves.
- 33.Re1 For if KxR then Q—R7 ch. and QxP mate.