BRILLIANCY TEST SUITE (2 min/move)
Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2007 4:21 am
I've been out of chess for quite a while now and haven't kept up with the latest engines. I was laid off my job and started playing around again with various chess programs. I started running a few through a test suite I put together a few years ago and here a few of the results. The big surprise was "Slow Blitz." I had never heard of it and simply downloaded it by chance off some website. It scored better than both Crafty 20.14 and Arasan 10. I ran the tests on a Toshiba notebook with a 1733Mhz dual core processor and 1 gig RAM. Here are the tests that each program got right.
Slow Blitz 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 14, 16, 17,
Crafty 20.14 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 14, 17, 23
Arasan 10 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, 14, 17, 23, 25
I love the GUI that comes with Slow Blitz and wish Jon Dart and other programmers would provide a little more polished interface with theirs. I believe more people would use them more as a result of that. Slow Blitz may well replace my beloved Genius program which seems to have died in the mind of Richard Lang. I would be interested in how some of the commercial programs do in solving some of these problems. It's been a while since I tried to post a diagram so these may not work. Regards.
BRILLIANCY TEST SUITE (2 min/move)
[Event "Test 1"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]3rk2r/p4pRp/4p3/q1pPn3/1pP5/4p2B/PQ2KP1P/2R5 b - - bm Rxd5
{ BLACK TO MOVE: 20...Rxd5!! A spectactular sacrifice to open a line for
the queen toward the White king. (Fedorowitz-Shamkovich, New York 1981)
The Mammouth Book of Chess p. 218} Rxd5 *
[Event "Test 2"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]8/5p1p/1p2pPk1/p1p1P3/P1P1K2b/4B3/1P5P/8 w - - bm b4
{WHITE TO MOVE: 1.b4!! White wins by using an interesting tactic designed to
clear the way for the a4-pawn's advance. It's based on the fact that
Black's queenside pawns are resting on dark squares, thus making them
vulnerable to attack by White's Bishop. (Smyslov-Yastrebov, Moscow 1936). How
to Reassess Your Chess Workbook, p. 326} 1. b4 *
[Event "Test 3"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]3r2k1/1ppr3p/p2p1p2/4pNbR/2P1P1P1/1PP3P1/P4PK1/3R4 w - - bm Rhh1
{WHITE TO MOVE: 1.Rhh1!! The subtle point of White's play. By
forcing...f7-f6, White has taken away a route of retreat from the Black
Bishop. White now intends to win the bishop with Rhf1 and f4. There is no
defense against this threat. "How to Reassess Your Chess Workbook", p. 376} 1.
Rhh1 *
[Event "Test 4"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]1r1q1rk1/2p1bppp/p5b1/3pP3/Bn1Pn3/2N1BN1P/1P2QPP1/R2R2K1 w - - bm Na2
{WHITE TO MOVE: 1.Na2!! We reach a position that was once thought to be
allright for Black. However, a new move was unveiled that cut to the heart of
the position and showed that White is actually clearly better.
(Short-Karpov,Linares Match 1992). How to Reassess Your Chess Workbook, p.
125} 1. Na2 *
[Event "Test 5"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r5k1/1b1n2q1/pp1p3p/1p1Pp1p1/5r2/2P1N2P/PPB2PP1/R2QR1K1 w - - bm a4
{WHITE TO MOVE: 1.a4!! A very deep move. The idea is to force an exchange
of one pair of Rooks after 1...bxa4 2.Rxa4. This in turn, will give
White permanent control over the f5-square. Anand points out that neither
1.Bf5 Rf82.Be6+ Kh8 nor 1.g3 Rf6 2.Bf5 Raf8 gives White much.TEST 5 is a game
from Anand-Kamsky, Las Palmas Match 1995 in "How to Reassess Your Chess
Workbook," p. 211. } 1. a4 *
[Event "Test 6"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]2rq1rk1/pb1nbpp1/5n1p/2pp4/5B2/2N1PN2/PPQ1BPPP/R2R2K1 w - - bm a4
{WHITE TO MOVE: 1.a4!! Portisch made the comment "What move is this? He's
just weakening his queenside. Is that really so? Oh no, he's starting to push
the pawn to a5 where it will take the important b6-square from my Knight."
Black figured out the first point of a2-a4: if the pawn can get to a5 it
will severely restrict the movements of the Black Queen and make b6
in accessible to the d7-Knight. TEST 6 is a game from Kasparov-L. Portisch,
OHRA 1986 in "How to Reassess Your Chess Workbook," p. 228.} 1. a4 *
[Event "Test 7"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r3r1k1/p1q2ppp/2p1pn2/3p1b2/1Q1P4/1PP2N1P/P4PP1/R3KB1R b - - bm e5
{BLACK TO MOVE: 1...e5!! Ripping the center open so that the Black army
can reach the centrally placed White King. 1...Rab8 is possible as long as
you thought that this move made the following ...e5 advance even stronger
(it actually forces the White Queen to run to a better square). How to
Reassess Your Chess Workbook, p. 250} e5 *
[Event "Test 8"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]3qrbk1/3b1pp1/p2p1n1p/2pP4/nrP1P3/3B2NP/P1QB2PN/1R2R1K1 b - - bm Qc7
{BLACK TO MOVE: 1...Qc7!! This fine move gives up the Exchange for
several positional plusses. By making this sacrifice, Black gives himself
something to play with. Of course, he could have retained material equality by
1...Rxb1, but then every advantage would have been on the opponent's side. No
self-respecting grandmaster would accept such a dismal state of affairs!
(Tal-Gligoric,Candidates' Quarter Final Match 1968). How to Reassess Your
Chess Workbook, p.258} Qc7 *
[Event "Test 9"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r1b2rk1/pp3p1p/4pBp1/5q2/3P3Q/4K1R1/P4P1P/R7 b - - bm e5
{BLACK TO MOVE: 1...e5!! Black is two pawns up and doesn't have to worry
about giving one back. Thus, for the small price of one tiny pawn, Black opens
up the center (White's King is far from happy there!) and frees the Bishop on
c8.(Thomas-Williams, San Francisco 1996). How to Reassess Your Chess Workbook
TEST 9 is found on p. 260 in "How to Reassess Your Chess Workbook."} e5 *
[Event "Test 10"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]2r1r1k1/1b2qp1n/3p2p1/1ppP3p/1n2P3/1P2NN1P/3Q1PP1/RB2R1K1 w - - bm Nd1
{WHITE TO MOVE: 1.Nd1!! The best move without a doubt. White's Knight
retreat,though odd looking, stops Black's ...Ng5 (White's Queen now hits that
square) and prepares to swing the Knight around to c3 where it takes aim at
Black's loose pawn on b5. Black can save his pawn by moving his b4-Knight and
pushing the b-pawn to b4, but that leaves a once-active Knight on a poor
square, and also creates a hole on c4. (Anand-Kamsky, Las Palmas Match 1995).
How to Reassess Your Chess Workbook, p. 270} 1. Nd1 *
[Event "Test 11"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r1b3k1/pp1n3p/2pbpq1r/3p4/2PPp1p1/PP2P1P1/1BQN1P1P/3RRBK1 b - - bm Rxh2
{BLACK TO MOVE: 17...Rxh2!! Black could have continued the attack slowly,
for example by 17...Nf8 18.Bg2 Bd7 19.Nf1 Rg6, intending ...h5 and
then...Nh7-g5-f3, but Tartakower's judgment is excellent. The sacrifice
presents White with enormous practical problems, and analysis shows that Black
retains the advantage even against perfect defense.
(Maroczy-Tartakower,Teplitz-Schonau 1922). The World's Greatest Chess Games,
p. 104} Rxh2 *
[Event "Test 12"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r1bq1rk1/p4ppp/1pnp1n2/2p5/2PPpP2/1NP1P3/P3B1PP/R1BQ1RK1 b - - bm Qd7
{BLACK TO MOVE: 12...Qd7!! This move, together with the subsequent
queen manoeuvre, astounded the chess world at the time it was played, but its
concept has been an inspiration to many grandmasters since. Nimzowitsch's main
idea was first to restrain, then blockade and finally destroy. Here Black
starts the restraining part of the plan. (Johner-Nimzowitsch, Dresden 1926).
The World's Greatest Chess games, p. 142} Qd7 *
[Event "Test 13"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r2r2k1/ppq2pbp/3p1np1/4p3/2b1PP2/1PN1BB2/P1PQ2PP/2R1R1K1 b - - bm d5
{BLACK TO MOVE: 16...d5!! It is always nice to be able to play a move like
this - there are four pieces trying to stop this advance, yet Black can play
it. Moreover, the move creates such serious threats that Black need not move
his attacked bishop for now. (Rauzer-Botvinnik, USSR Championship, Leningrad
1933)The World's Greatest Chess Games, p. 159} d5 *
[Event "Test 14"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]8/p3q1kp/1p2Pnp1/3pQ3/2pP4/1nP3N1/1B4PP/6K1 w - - bm Ba3
{WHITE TO MOVE: 30.Ba3!! There are two ideas behind this move: to remove
the blockader from in front of the e-pawn and to divert the queen from
defending the f6-knight. (Botvinnik-Capablanca, AVRO Tournament, Rotterdam
1938). TheWorld's Greatest Chess Games, p. 165} 1. Ba3 *
[Event "Test 15"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r1b2r1k/4qp1p/p2ppb1Q/4nP2/1p1NP3/2N5/PPP4P/2KR1BR1 w - - bm Nc6
{WHITE TO MOVE: 18.Nc6!! A truly incredible sacrifice. The logic is
that Black's kingside is hanging by a thread, but this state of affairs will
exist for only one move. If Black could play ...Bb7 and ...Rg8 then he would
have alarge advantage thanks to his two active bishops. Thus White must take
instant action and the point of this sacrifice is simply to remove the knight
from e5 for a moment. Analysis shows that White gains the advantage in every
line. (Kholmov-Bronstein, USSR Championship, Kiev 1964). TEST 15 is found in
"The World's Greatest Chess Games," p. 294.} 1. Nc6 *
[Event "Test 16"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]3k3r/p1p2p2/1N6/7p/8/3P4/PP4K1/R7 b - - bm cxb6
{BLACK TO MOVE: 28...cxb6!! "To win, Black needs to penetrate with his king
to the queenside without allowing White to reduce the number of pawns with the
plan a4-a5." Sowray. Thus 28...axb6 29.a4 intending a5 should be sufficient
for White to hold the draw. (Estrin-Berliner, 5th Correspondence World
Championship 1965-8). The World's Greatest Chess Games.} cxb6 *
[Event "Test 17"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]3q1rk1/pb3Np1/1p6/3pPQ1P/2r5/8/Pn3PP1/3RR1K1 w - - bm e6
{WHITE TO MOVE: 25.e6!! White now threatens 26.e7 and 26.Nxd8. The move is
far better than 25 Nxd8? Rxf5 26.e6 Bc8 27.e7 Bd7, when Black stops the pawn
at the cost of a "mere" bishop. (Polugaevsky-Tal, USSR Championship, Moscow
1969). The World's Greatest Chess Games, p. 327} 1. e6 *
[Event "Test 18"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r3kb1r/4Pp2/pn3P2/1pp3B1/2p5/2N3P1/PP3P1P/3RKB1b w - - bm h4
{WHITE TO MOVE: 17.h4!! Polugaevsky had cooked up this astonishing idea in
his "laboratory" at home. 17.exf8=Q gives black the better chances
in Beliavsky-Bagirov, Moscow 1981. (Polugaevsky-Torre, Moscow 1981). The
World's Greatest Chess Games, p. 412.} 1. h4 *
[Event "Test 19"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]4rrk1/1bqn1pbn/p5pp/2pPp3/NpP2P2/1P2B1NP/P2Q1RB1/5RK1 w - - bm f5
WHITE TO MOVE: 1.f5!! Five points for the thematic 23 f5! with a bonus of one if you planned to meet 23…g5 with 24 Ne4. The threats of f5-f6, Nxc5 and d5-d6 ensure that White will have an advantage after getting the pawn back. (Franco-Colovic, Saint Vincent 2000, Multiple Choice Chess, p. 114) 1. f5!!
[Event "Test 20"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]8/8/p2k1p2/1p1p3p/1P1P3p/P3NPP1/5K2/1b6 w - - bm Ng2
{WHITE TO MOVE: 47.Ng2!! By sacrificing a pawn, White makes certain that
his king will have a route into Black's position. Together with the fact
that Black's bishop is now very "bad", this is quite enough to seal Black's
fate. Instead 47.gxh4 would leave White with no real winning
prospects.(Karpov-Kasparov, World Championship Match (Game 9), Moscow
1984/85). The World's Greatest Chess games, p. 426} 1. Ng2 *
[Event "Test 21"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r3n3/3b2kp/1qNp2p1/1p1Pp2n/1P2Pp2/3B1N1P/1Q3PP1/2R3K1 w - - bm Rc5
{WHITE TO MOVE: 36.Rc5!! The obvious sacrifice is 36.Nfxe5 dxe5 37.Nxe5,
but this is refuted by 37...Qf6. Instead Tal combines his queenside play
against the b-pawn with tactics along the long diagonal. (Tal-Hjartarson,
Reykjavik 1987). The World's Greatest Chess Games, p. 460} 1. Rc5 *
[Event "Test 22"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r1b2r1k/ppp1q1pp/2n1pb2/2P5/2BPpp2/P3PPB1/1PQ3PP/2KR2NR w - - bm Qxe4
{WHITE TO MOVE: 14.Qxe4!! This brilliant piece sacrifice kills Black's
attempt at snatching the initiative. (Steinitz-Lasker, St Petersburg 1895/6).
The World's Greatest Chess Games, p. 47.} 1. Qxe4 *
[Event "Test 23"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]2r2k2/pb3p2/q6r/2pp4/n1p2P2/N5P1/PPQ3BP/2KR3R b - - bm c3
{BLACK TO MOVE: 22...c3!! "Perhaps the most difficult move of the
game."(Shirov). He perceives that 22...Rb6 23 Qh7 gives real counterplay,
whereas the game continuation, although hair-raising, only gives White visual
counterplay.(Kamsky-Shirov, World team Championship, Lucerne 1993). The
World's Greatest Chess Games, p. 499} c3 *
[Event "Test 24"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r2qkb1r/1b2np1p/p2pp3/4n1P1/1p2P1P1/1N2B3/PPP1N1QP/R3KB1R b - - bm h5
{BLACK TO MOVE: 13...h5!! Far better than 13...Nc4 14.Bd4 e5 15.Ng3!,
when White's pieces suddenly find some coordination. A key move breaking open
lines on the kingside. (Shirov-Polgar, Sicilian theme Tournament, Buenos Aires
1994). The World's Greatest Chess Games, p. 510.} h5 *
[Event "Test 25"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "2003.11.01"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r3kb1r/2p3pp/p1n1p3/1pn1P3/8/2q5/P1BN1PPP/R1BQ1RK1 w - - bm Nb3
{WHITE TO MOVE: 15.Nb3!! This was bashed out instantly by the defending
champion. Anand pondered for a full 45 minutes before making the most obvious
reply. (Kasparov-Anand, PCA World Championship Match (Game 10), New York
1995). The World's Greatest Chess Games, p. 520.} *
3rk2r/p4pRp/4p3/q1pPn3/1pP5/4p2B/PQ2KP1P/2R5 b - - bm Rxd5
8/5p1p/1p2pPk1/p1p1P3/P1P1K2b/4B3/1P5P/8 w - - bm b4
3r2k1/1ppr3p/p2p1p2/4pNbR/2P1P1P1/1PP3P1/P4PK1/3R4 w - - bm Rhh1
1r1q1rk1/2p1bppp/p5b1/3pP3/Bn1Pn3/2N1BN1P/1P2QPP1/R2R2K1 w - - bm Na2
r5k1/1b1n2q1/pp1p3p/1p1Pp1p1/5r2/2P1N2P/PPB2PP1/R2QR1K1 w - - bm a4
2rq1rk1/pb1nbpp1/5n1p/2pp4/5B2/2N1PN2/PPQ1BPPP/R2R2K1 w - - bm a4
r3r1k1/p1q2ppp/2p1pn2/3p1b2/1Q1P4/1PP2N1P/P4PP1/R3KB1R b - - bm e5
3qrbk1/3b1pp1/p2p1n1p/2pP4/nrP1P3/3B2NP/P1QB2PN/1R2R1K1 b - - bm Qc7
r1b2rk1/pp3p1p/4pBp1/5q2/3P3Q/4K1R1/P4P1P/R7 b - - bm e5
2r1r1k1/1b2qp1n/3p2p1/1ppP3p/1n2P3/1P2NN1P/3Q1PP1/RB2R1K1 w - - bm Nd1
r1b3k1/pp1n3p/2pbpq1r/3p4/2PPp1p1/PP2P1P1/1BQN1P1P/3RRBK1 b - - bm Rxh2
r1bq1rk1/p4ppp/1pnp1n2/2p5/2PPpP2/1NP1P3/P3B1PP/R1BQ1RK1 b - - bm Qd7
r2r2k1/ppq2pbp/3p1np1/4p3/2b1PP2/1PN1BB2/P1PQ2PP/2R1R1K1 b - - bm d5
8/p3q1kp/1p2Pnp1/3pQ3/2pP4/1nP3N1/1B4PP/6K1 w - - bm Ba3
r1b2r1k/4qp1p/p2ppb1Q/4nP2/1p1NP3/2N5/PPP4P/2KR1BR1 w - - bm Nc6
3k3r/p1p2p2/1N6/7p/8/3P4/PP4K1/R7 b - - bm cxb6
3q1rk1/pb3Np1/1p6/3pPQ1P/2r5/8/Pn3PP1/3RR1K1 w - - bm e6
r3kb1r/4Pp2/pn3P2/1pp3B1/2p5/2N3P1/PP3P1P/3RKB1b w - - bm h4
4rrk1/1bqn1pbn/p5pp/2pPp3/NpP2P2/1P2B1NP/P2Q1RB1/5RK1 w - - bm f5
8/8/p2k1p2/1p1p3p/1P1P3p/P3NPP1/5K2/1b6 w - - bm Ng2
r3n3/3b2kp/1qNp2p1/1p1Pp2n/1P2Pp2/3B1N1P/1Q3PP1/2R3K1 w - - bm Rc5
r1b2r1k/ppp1q1pp/2n1pb2/2P5/2BPpp2/P3PPB1/1PQ3PP/2KR2NR w - - bm Qxe4
2r2k2/pb3p2/q6r/2pp4/n1p2P2/N5P1/PPQ3BP/2KR3R b - - bm c3
r2qkb1r/1b2np1p/p2pp3/4n1P1/1p2P1P1/1N2B3/PPP1N1QP/R3KB1R b - - bm h5
r3kb1r/2p3pp/p1n1p3/1pn1P3/8/2q5/P1BN1PPP/R1BQ1RK1 w - - bm Nb3
Slow Blitz 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 14, 16, 17,
Crafty 20.14 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 14, 17, 23
Arasan 10 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, 14, 17, 23, 25
I love the GUI that comes with Slow Blitz and wish Jon Dart and other programmers would provide a little more polished interface with theirs. I believe more people would use them more as a result of that. Slow Blitz may well replace my beloved Genius program which seems to have died in the mind of Richard Lang. I would be interested in how some of the commercial programs do in solving some of these problems. It's been a while since I tried to post a diagram so these may not work. Regards.
BRILLIANCY TEST SUITE (2 min/move)
[Event "Test 1"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]3rk2r/p4pRp/4p3/q1pPn3/1pP5/4p2B/PQ2KP1P/2R5 b - - bm Rxd5
{ BLACK TO MOVE: 20...Rxd5!! A spectactular sacrifice to open a line for
the queen toward the White king. (Fedorowitz-Shamkovich, New York 1981)
The Mammouth Book of Chess p. 218} Rxd5 *
[Event "Test 2"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]8/5p1p/1p2pPk1/p1p1P3/P1P1K2b/4B3/1P5P/8 w - - bm b4
{WHITE TO MOVE: 1.b4!! White wins by using an interesting tactic designed to
clear the way for the a4-pawn's advance. It's based on the fact that
Black's queenside pawns are resting on dark squares, thus making them
vulnerable to attack by White's Bishop. (Smyslov-Yastrebov, Moscow 1936). How
to Reassess Your Chess Workbook, p. 326} 1. b4 *
[Event "Test 3"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]3r2k1/1ppr3p/p2p1p2/4pNbR/2P1P1P1/1PP3P1/P4PK1/3R4 w - - bm Rhh1
{WHITE TO MOVE: 1.Rhh1!! The subtle point of White's play. By
forcing...f7-f6, White has taken away a route of retreat from the Black
Bishop. White now intends to win the bishop with Rhf1 and f4. There is no
defense against this threat. "How to Reassess Your Chess Workbook", p. 376} 1.
Rhh1 *
[Event "Test 4"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]1r1q1rk1/2p1bppp/p5b1/3pP3/Bn1Pn3/2N1BN1P/1P2QPP1/R2R2K1 w - - bm Na2
{WHITE TO MOVE: 1.Na2!! We reach a position that was once thought to be
allright for Black. However, a new move was unveiled that cut to the heart of
the position and showed that White is actually clearly better.
(Short-Karpov,Linares Match 1992). How to Reassess Your Chess Workbook, p.
125} 1. Na2 *
[Event "Test 5"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r5k1/1b1n2q1/pp1p3p/1p1Pp1p1/5r2/2P1N2P/PPB2PP1/R2QR1K1 w - - bm a4
{WHITE TO MOVE: 1.a4!! A very deep move. The idea is to force an exchange
of one pair of Rooks after 1...bxa4 2.Rxa4. This in turn, will give
White permanent control over the f5-square. Anand points out that neither
1.Bf5 Rf82.Be6+ Kh8 nor 1.g3 Rf6 2.Bf5 Raf8 gives White much.TEST 5 is a game
from Anand-Kamsky, Las Palmas Match 1995 in "How to Reassess Your Chess
Workbook," p. 211. } 1. a4 *
[Event "Test 6"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]2rq1rk1/pb1nbpp1/5n1p/2pp4/5B2/2N1PN2/PPQ1BPPP/R2R2K1 w - - bm a4
{WHITE TO MOVE: 1.a4!! Portisch made the comment "What move is this? He's
just weakening his queenside. Is that really so? Oh no, he's starting to push
the pawn to a5 where it will take the important b6-square from my Knight."
Black figured out the first point of a2-a4: if the pawn can get to a5 it
will severely restrict the movements of the Black Queen and make b6
in accessible to the d7-Knight. TEST 6 is a game from Kasparov-L. Portisch,
OHRA 1986 in "How to Reassess Your Chess Workbook," p. 228.} 1. a4 *
[Event "Test 7"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r3r1k1/p1q2ppp/2p1pn2/3p1b2/1Q1P4/1PP2N1P/P4PP1/R3KB1R b - - bm e5
{BLACK TO MOVE: 1...e5!! Ripping the center open so that the Black army
can reach the centrally placed White King. 1...Rab8 is possible as long as
you thought that this move made the following ...e5 advance even stronger
(it actually forces the White Queen to run to a better square). How to
Reassess Your Chess Workbook, p. 250} e5 *
[Event "Test 8"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]3qrbk1/3b1pp1/p2p1n1p/2pP4/nrP1P3/3B2NP/P1QB2PN/1R2R1K1 b - - bm Qc7
{BLACK TO MOVE: 1...Qc7!! This fine move gives up the Exchange for
several positional plusses. By making this sacrifice, Black gives himself
something to play with. Of course, he could have retained material equality by
1...Rxb1, but then every advantage would have been on the opponent's side. No
self-respecting grandmaster would accept such a dismal state of affairs!
(Tal-Gligoric,Candidates' Quarter Final Match 1968). How to Reassess Your
Chess Workbook, p.258} Qc7 *
[Event "Test 9"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r1b2rk1/pp3p1p/4pBp1/5q2/3P3Q/4K1R1/P4P1P/R7 b - - bm e5
{BLACK TO MOVE: 1...e5!! Black is two pawns up and doesn't have to worry
about giving one back. Thus, for the small price of one tiny pawn, Black opens
up the center (White's King is far from happy there!) and frees the Bishop on
c8.(Thomas-Williams, San Francisco 1996). How to Reassess Your Chess Workbook
TEST 9 is found on p. 260 in "How to Reassess Your Chess Workbook."} e5 *
[Event "Test 10"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]2r1r1k1/1b2qp1n/3p2p1/1ppP3p/1n2P3/1P2NN1P/3Q1PP1/RB2R1K1 w - - bm Nd1
{WHITE TO MOVE: 1.Nd1!! The best move without a doubt. White's Knight
retreat,though odd looking, stops Black's ...Ng5 (White's Queen now hits that
square) and prepares to swing the Knight around to c3 where it takes aim at
Black's loose pawn on b5. Black can save his pawn by moving his b4-Knight and
pushing the b-pawn to b4, but that leaves a once-active Knight on a poor
square, and also creates a hole on c4. (Anand-Kamsky, Las Palmas Match 1995).
How to Reassess Your Chess Workbook, p. 270} 1. Nd1 *
[Event "Test 11"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r1b3k1/pp1n3p/2pbpq1r/3p4/2PPp1p1/PP2P1P1/1BQN1P1P/3RRBK1 b - - bm Rxh2
{BLACK TO MOVE: 17...Rxh2!! Black could have continued the attack slowly,
for example by 17...Nf8 18.Bg2 Bd7 19.Nf1 Rg6, intending ...h5 and
then...Nh7-g5-f3, but Tartakower's judgment is excellent. The sacrifice
presents White with enormous practical problems, and analysis shows that Black
retains the advantage even against perfect defense.
(Maroczy-Tartakower,Teplitz-Schonau 1922). The World's Greatest Chess Games,
p. 104} Rxh2 *
[Event "Test 12"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r1bq1rk1/p4ppp/1pnp1n2/2p5/2PPpP2/1NP1P3/P3B1PP/R1BQ1RK1 b - - bm Qd7
{BLACK TO MOVE: 12...Qd7!! This move, together with the subsequent
queen manoeuvre, astounded the chess world at the time it was played, but its
concept has been an inspiration to many grandmasters since. Nimzowitsch's main
idea was first to restrain, then blockade and finally destroy. Here Black
starts the restraining part of the plan. (Johner-Nimzowitsch, Dresden 1926).
The World's Greatest Chess games, p. 142} Qd7 *
[Event "Test 13"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r2r2k1/ppq2pbp/3p1np1/4p3/2b1PP2/1PN1BB2/P1PQ2PP/2R1R1K1 b - - bm d5
{BLACK TO MOVE: 16...d5!! It is always nice to be able to play a move like
this - there are four pieces trying to stop this advance, yet Black can play
it. Moreover, the move creates such serious threats that Black need not move
his attacked bishop for now. (Rauzer-Botvinnik, USSR Championship, Leningrad
1933)The World's Greatest Chess Games, p. 159} d5 *
[Event "Test 14"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]8/p3q1kp/1p2Pnp1/3pQ3/2pP4/1nP3N1/1B4PP/6K1 w - - bm Ba3
{WHITE TO MOVE: 30.Ba3!! There are two ideas behind this move: to remove
the blockader from in front of the e-pawn and to divert the queen from
defending the f6-knight. (Botvinnik-Capablanca, AVRO Tournament, Rotterdam
1938). TheWorld's Greatest Chess Games, p. 165} 1. Ba3 *
[Event "Test 15"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r1b2r1k/4qp1p/p2ppb1Q/4nP2/1p1NP3/2N5/PPP4P/2KR1BR1 w - - bm Nc6
{WHITE TO MOVE: 18.Nc6!! A truly incredible sacrifice. The logic is
that Black's kingside is hanging by a thread, but this state of affairs will
exist for only one move. If Black could play ...Bb7 and ...Rg8 then he would
have alarge advantage thanks to his two active bishops. Thus White must take
instant action and the point of this sacrifice is simply to remove the knight
from e5 for a moment. Analysis shows that White gains the advantage in every
line. (Kholmov-Bronstein, USSR Championship, Kiev 1964). TEST 15 is found in
"The World's Greatest Chess Games," p. 294.} 1. Nc6 *
[Event "Test 16"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]3k3r/p1p2p2/1N6/7p/8/3P4/PP4K1/R7 b - - bm cxb6
{BLACK TO MOVE: 28...cxb6!! "To win, Black needs to penetrate with his king
to the queenside without allowing White to reduce the number of pawns with the
plan a4-a5." Sowray. Thus 28...axb6 29.a4 intending a5 should be sufficient
for White to hold the draw. (Estrin-Berliner, 5th Correspondence World
Championship 1965-8). The World's Greatest Chess Games.} cxb6 *
[Event "Test 17"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]3q1rk1/pb3Np1/1p6/3pPQ1P/2r5/8/Pn3PP1/3RR1K1 w - - bm e6
{WHITE TO MOVE: 25.e6!! White now threatens 26.e7 and 26.Nxd8. The move is
far better than 25 Nxd8? Rxf5 26.e6 Bc8 27.e7 Bd7, when Black stops the pawn
at the cost of a "mere" bishop. (Polugaevsky-Tal, USSR Championship, Moscow
1969). The World's Greatest Chess Games, p. 327} 1. e6 *
[Event "Test 18"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r3kb1r/4Pp2/pn3P2/1pp3B1/2p5/2N3P1/PP3P1P/3RKB1b w - - bm h4
{WHITE TO MOVE: 17.h4!! Polugaevsky had cooked up this astonishing idea in
his "laboratory" at home. 17.exf8=Q gives black the better chances
in Beliavsky-Bagirov, Moscow 1981. (Polugaevsky-Torre, Moscow 1981). The
World's Greatest Chess Games, p. 412.} 1. h4 *
[Event "Test 19"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]4rrk1/1bqn1pbn/p5pp/2pPp3/NpP2P2/1P2B1NP/P2Q1RB1/5RK1 w - - bm f5
WHITE TO MOVE: 1.f5!! Five points for the thematic 23 f5! with a bonus of one if you planned to meet 23…g5 with 24 Ne4. The threats of f5-f6, Nxc5 and d5-d6 ensure that White will have an advantage after getting the pawn back. (Franco-Colovic, Saint Vincent 2000, Multiple Choice Chess, p. 114) 1. f5!!
[Event "Test 20"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]8/8/p2k1p2/1p1p3p/1P1P3p/P3NPP1/5K2/1b6 w - - bm Ng2
{WHITE TO MOVE: 47.Ng2!! By sacrificing a pawn, White makes certain that
his king will have a route into Black's position. Together with the fact
that Black's bishop is now very "bad", this is quite enough to seal Black's
fate. Instead 47.gxh4 would leave White with no real winning
prospects.(Karpov-Kasparov, World Championship Match (Game 9), Moscow
1984/85). The World's Greatest Chess games, p. 426} 1. Ng2 *
[Event "Test 21"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r3n3/3b2kp/1qNp2p1/1p1Pp2n/1P2Pp2/3B1N1P/1Q3PP1/2R3K1 w - - bm Rc5
{WHITE TO MOVE: 36.Rc5!! The obvious sacrifice is 36.Nfxe5 dxe5 37.Nxe5,
but this is refuted by 37...Qf6. Instead Tal combines his queenside play
against the b-pawn with tactics along the long diagonal. (Tal-Hjartarson,
Reykjavik 1987). The World's Greatest Chess Games, p. 460} 1. Rc5 *
[Event "Test 22"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r1b2r1k/ppp1q1pp/2n1pb2/2P5/2BPpp2/P3PPB1/1PQ3PP/2KR2NR w - - bm Qxe4
{WHITE TO MOVE: 14.Qxe4!! This brilliant piece sacrifice kills Black's
attempt at snatching the initiative. (Steinitz-Lasker, St Petersburg 1895/6).
The World's Greatest Chess Games, p. 47.} 1. Qxe4 *
[Event "Test 23"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]2r2k2/pb3p2/q6r/2pp4/n1p2P2/N5P1/PPQ3BP/2KR3R b - - bm c3
{BLACK TO MOVE: 22...c3!! "Perhaps the most difficult move of the
game."(Shirov). He perceives that 22...Rb6 23 Qh7 gives real counterplay,
whereas the game continuation, although hair-raising, only gives White visual
counterplay.(Kamsky-Shirov, World team Championship, Lucerne 1993). The
World's Greatest Chess Games, p. 499} c3 *
[Event "Test 24"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "0000.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r2qkb1r/1b2np1p/p2pp3/4n1P1/1p2P1P1/1N2B3/PPP1N1QP/R3KB1R b - - bm h5
{BLACK TO MOVE: 13...h5!! Far better than 13...Nc4 14.Bd4 e5 15.Ng3!,
when White's pieces suddenly find some coordination. A key move breaking open
lines on the kingside. (Shirov-Polgar, Sicilian theme Tournament, Buenos Aires
1994). The World's Greatest Chess Games, p. 510.} h5 *
[Event "Test 25"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "2003.11.01"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[d]r3kb1r/2p3pp/p1n1p3/1pn1P3/8/2q5/P1BN1PPP/R1BQ1RK1 w - - bm Nb3
{WHITE TO MOVE: 15.Nb3!! This was bashed out instantly by the defending
champion. Anand pondered for a full 45 minutes before making the most obvious
reply. (Kasparov-Anand, PCA World Championship Match (Game 10), New York
1995). The World's Greatest Chess Games, p. 520.} *
3rk2r/p4pRp/4p3/q1pPn3/1pP5/4p2B/PQ2KP1P/2R5 b - - bm Rxd5
8/5p1p/1p2pPk1/p1p1P3/P1P1K2b/4B3/1P5P/8 w - - bm b4
3r2k1/1ppr3p/p2p1p2/4pNbR/2P1P1P1/1PP3P1/P4PK1/3R4 w - - bm Rhh1
1r1q1rk1/2p1bppp/p5b1/3pP3/Bn1Pn3/2N1BN1P/1P2QPP1/R2R2K1 w - - bm Na2
r5k1/1b1n2q1/pp1p3p/1p1Pp1p1/5r2/2P1N2P/PPB2PP1/R2QR1K1 w - - bm a4
2rq1rk1/pb1nbpp1/5n1p/2pp4/5B2/2N1PN2/PPQ1BPPP/R2R2K1 w - - bm a4
r3r1k1/p1q2ppp/2p1pn2/3p1b2/1Q1P4/1PP2N1P/P4PP1/R3KB1R b - - bm e5
3qrbk1/3b1pp1/p2p1n1p/2pP4/nrP1P3/3B2NP/P1QB2PN/1R2R1K1 b - - bm Qc7
r1b2rk1/pp3p1p/4pBp1/5q2/3P3Q/4K1R1/P4P1P/R7 b - - bm e5
2r1r1k1/1b2qp1n/3p2p1/1ppP3p/1n2P3/1P2NN1P/3Q1PP1/RB2R1K1 w - - bm Nd1
r1b3k1/pp1n3p/2pbpq1r/3p4/2PPp1p1/PP2P1P1/1BQN1P1P/3RRBK1 b - - bm Rxh2
r1bq1rk1/p4ppp/1pnp1n2/2p5/2PPpP2/1NP1P3/P3B1PP/R1BQ1RK1 b - - bm Qd7
r2r2k1/ppq2pbp/3p1np1/4p3/2b1PP2/1PN1BB2/P1PQ2PP/2R1R1K1 b - - bm d5
8/p3q1kp/1p2Pnp1/3pQ3/2pP4/1nP3N1/1B4PP/6K1 w - - bm Ba3
r1b2r1k/4qp1p/p2ppb1Q/4nP2/1p1NP3/2N5/PPP4P/2KR1BR1 w - - bm Nc6
3k3r/p1p2p2/1N6/7p/8/3P4/PP4K1/R7 b - - bm cxb6
3q1rk1/pb3Np1/1p6/3pPQ1P/2r5/8/Pn3PP1/3RR1K1 w - - bm e6
r3kb1r/4Pp2/pn3P2/1pp3B1/2p5/2N3P1/PP3P1P/3RKB1b w - - bm h4
4rrk1/1bqn1pbn/p5pp/2pPp3/NpP2P2/1P2B1NP/P2Q1RB1/5RK1 w - - bm f5
8/8/p2k1p2/1p1p3p/1P1P3p/P3NPP1/5K2/1b6 w - - bm Ng2
r3n3/3b2kp/1qNp2p1/1p1Pp2n/1P2Pp2/3B1N1P/1Q3PP1/2R3K1 w - - bm Rc5
r1b2r1k/ppp1q1pp/2n1pb2/2P5/2BPpp2/P3PPB1/1PQ3PP/2KR2NR w - - bm Qxe4
2r2k2/pb3p2/q6r/2pp4/n1p2P2/N5P1/PPQ3BP/2KR3R b - - bm c3
r2qkb1r/1b2np1p/p2pp3/4n1P1/1p2P1P1/1N2B3/PPP1N1QP/R3KB1R b - - bm h5
r3kb1r/2p3pp/p1n1p3/1pn1P3/8/2q5/P1BN1PPP/R1BQ1RK1 w - - bm Nb3