2…Nc6As we have already mentioned, the best move is 2. ....Kt—K B 3 followed, if 3. B—B 4, by 3. ....Kt×P!
6.Nf3By transposition of moves White has led into a safe and very promising position in the King's Gambit Declined.
6…Bg4Stronger was 6. ....B—K 3 and if 7. B—Kt 5, then 7. ....P—Q R 3; 8. B×Kt ch, P×B; 9. Q—K 2, P×P! with approximate equality (Spielmann—Dr. Tarrasch, Pistyan, 1922). After the text-move White obtains a slight advantage in position.
7.Na4The only correct move. On the other hand, the old move 7. P—K R 3 is inadequate, on account of 7. ....B×Kt; 8. Q×B, P×P! (but not 8. ....Kt—Q 5; 9. Q—Kt 3! Q—K 2!; 10. P×P, P×P; 11. K—Q 1 with the better game); 9. Q×P (if 9. B×P, Kt—Q 5!; 10. Q—Kt 3, Kt—R 4), Kt—K 4, and White, in view of the threat 10. ....Kt—R 4, has no way to avoid the exchange of his K B, after which Black has emerged from all the difficulties of the opening.
7…a6Hardly customary, and certainly not best. His opponent's previous move clearly showed his intention to eliminate the Q B, and it was therefore futile to force him to do that. An interesting variation, which is, however, advantageous for White, was 7. ....B×Kt; 8. Q×B, Kt—Q 5; 9. Q—Q 1, P—Q Kt 4; 10. B×P ch, K×B; 11. Kt×B, P×Kt; 12. P×P followed by 13. Castles ch, and White would have formidable attacking chances, apart from the two Pawns for the sacrificed piece. In a game Alekhin—O. Tenner (a Berlin amateur), played at Cologne in 1907, the latter continued 7. ....P×P; 8. Kt×B, P×Kt; 9. B×P, Kt—K R 4; 10. B—K 3, Kt—K 4?; 11. Kt×Kt, B×Q; 12. B×P ch, K—K 2; 13. B×P ch, K—B 3; 14. Castles ch, K×Kt; 15. R—B 5 mate. Comparatively best was 7. ....B—Kt 3 or 7. ....Castles.
10.h3Securing the advantage of two Bishops against two Knights.
14…Rae8Further loss of time, which seriously compromises Black's game. The following was equally disadvantageous: 14. ....P—B 5; 15. P×P, Kt—Kt 3; 16. Q—Kt 5!, Q×P; 17. Q R—K 1 with the better game. On the other hand 14. ....Q R—Q 1 would clearly have been better, as it would make the advance of White's centre Pawns more difficult.
15.Qf2With the double threat 16. B×P and 16. B—Kt 5.
17.c3Preparing 18. P—Q 4, against which there is no defence. The loss of the present game by Black can be attributed to the fact that his Knights lack bases in the centre, and that in positions of this character the possession of the two Bishops constitutes a decisive advantage for the opponent.
17…Ng6The first move of a new regrouping, the completion of which will give White a won-game. White's Q B is to be posted on K Kt 3, whence it will exercise pressure on Black's Pawn at his Q B 2, which will be weakened still more by the imminent opening of the Q B file after White's P—Q 4. Throughout the execution of this plan Black will find himself reduced to absolute passivity.
24.h4This threat to win a piece compels Black to weaken his position still more, thus enabling White's Rook to break through into his game.
30…Nf7Again forced, because of the double threat 31. B×Kt and 31. P—R 6.
32…Nd6Allowing a decisive sacrifice. 32. ....R—B 1 was a little better, upon which White would have continued his winning attack by 33. Q—Kt 4 and 34. B—R 4.
33.Bxh6Putting an end to all resistance, for if 33. ....P×B; 34. R (B 1)×P, K—Kt 1; 35. Q—Kt 3 ch and mates in a few moves.