4.Bf4We have seen on page 55 that Black can hardly develop his Q B without disadvantage. White, however, has no difficulty in doing so, as his Q P is protected, and after Black's Q—Kt 3 he has only to look after his Kt P. He could play Q—B 1, which might bring the Q into effective action on the diagonal to R 6. The aim of the text move is the early occupation of K 5. But, as the present game shows, this cannot be effected. Black must not waste time with Q—Kt 3, but play B—Q 3 at once.
9…Nd7Now White has no means of maintaining his centre. Whether he supports the pawn with Kt—B 3 or P—K B 4, Black forces matters with P—B 3.
10.Bd3Now that the idea underlying White's opening strategy has proved impracticable, he has difficulty in formulating a plan. Making the best of a bad job, he abandons his K P in exchange for Black's K R P. But Black obtains a powerful pawn centre, a telling advantage.
15…Qb6Black wishes to provoke the advance of the Q Kt P and Q B P in order to obtain a passed pawn (16 P—Q Kt 3, P—K 4; 17 Castles K R, Q—R 4; 18 P—Q B 4, P—Q 5). In order to avoid this continuation, White takes his chance of castling on the Queen's side. This turns out to Black's advantage. Indeed it is a foregone conclusion. In the ensuing double assault by pawns, Black is several moves ahead, as the White pawns concerned in the attack are still on their original squares.
21…cxd4Finely played. Black gives up his K P in order to get his Q R into play with the gain of a move.
24.Rhe1K R—Kt 1 would also be of no avail because of Q—K R 3, 25 Q—Q 3, Q—K B 3 threatening B—B 4. The move in the text puts an end to the agony.
24…Rxd2For after 25 R x R, R x R; 26 K x R, Q x P ch; 27 K—Q 3, B—B 4 ch; 28 R—K 4, Q—B 6 ch; 29 K—K 2, Q x Q; Black remains with an extra piece.
Edward Lasker, Chess Strategy (1921) · Public domain · source