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October 27, 2011

In the game of Chess, one lesson consistently overlooked by the novice is the importance of develpment in the beginning phases.

I recently had the pleasure of playing three games, which demonstrate this point. I was fortunate enough to be on the winning side of these examples (but then again, I am sort of a chess genius...one might even go so far as to call me the 'Beethoven' of Chess...), and I have reproduced them below with my notes!

Game 1: N.N. - Jason

1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 3. exd5 c6!

This counter-gambit variation of the King's Gambit allows Black quick development, and, if White is not careful, a powerful attack.

4. dxc6 Nxc6 5. Nf3?! (5. Nc3 is considered theory) 5... e4!

A well-calculated response that, thanks to a tactical trick, allows Black to equalize immediately.

6. Ng5 Nf6 7. Bc4?!

White falls for the trap! This greedy move wastes a tempo and allows Black to seize the initiative. Better was 7. Nc3, a natural developing move.

7... Bg4 8. Be2 Bxe2 9. Qxe2 Bc5!?

Objectively 9... Nd4 might have been better, planning on meeting 10. Qc4 with Qd7 (and the idea of 11... Rc8 is very strong). However, the move played is very much in the spirit of this opening. Black has all pieces developed and is ready to castle. In addition, the White King is now stuck in the center.

10. d3?!

Black has a decisive advantage now, thanks to superior development. But it was hard to find a good move. 10. Nxe4 would have been met by 10... 0-0! with a strong initiative.

10... Nd4 11. Qd1 exd3 12. Qxd3 0-0 13. Be3?

The final mistake, but White is lost.

13... Re8 14. 0-0 Rxe3

0-1

Game 2: Jason - N.N.

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 4. 0-0 Bd7 5. Re1 a6 6. Bf1 g6 7. c3 Bg7 8. d4!? cxd4 9. cxd4 Qb6 10. Nc3 Nxd4!?

Black goes for the material. In exchange, White gets an initiative that is ever so slight.

11. Nd5 Nxf3+ 12. Qxf3 Qa5 13. Be3 Rc8 14. a4!? Nf6??

Black is in a hurry to catch up in development, but overlooks White's threat. Better was being greedy and capturing another pawn with 14... Bxb2. After 15. Rb1 White will have a major lead in development, and will have to work quickly to achieve adequate compensation.

15. b4 Qd8 16. Bb6 Bg4 17. Nxf6+ Bxf6 18. Qxg4 Qxb6 19. Qxc8

1-0

Game 3: N.N. - Jason

1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 3. d4 exd4 4. Qxd4 Nf6 5. e5 Ne4

Already Black has an advantage due to the vulnerable placement of the White Queen.

6. Nf3 Bg4 7. Nbd2 Bc5 8. Qa4+ Bd7 9. Qb3 Bf2+

A sortie that disrupts the flow of White's development and ensures the White King will be uncomfortable.

10. Ke2 Bc5 11. Nxe4?

Subsequently, the loss of tempo leaves White very far behind in development.

11... dxe4 12. Nd2 Nc6 13. c3 Qh4!

With threats against White's weak dark square complex.

14. Nxe4 Bg4+ 15. Kd3 0-0-0+ 16. Kc4 Na5+

0-1

These stunning examples of quick development illustrate how powerful the initiative can be, even in the opening, and the dangers of falling behind in development. My advice to those seeking to avoid similar pitfalls would be to choose openings that allow for smooth development of minor pieces and quick castling.

I am available for chess lessons at $300/hour. Please contact me at u0513738@utah.edu.