Queen's Pawn Game (D00)

February 10, 2005

WHITE:  Alont     BLACK:  Josefsky

1. d4 Nf6 2. f4

Position after 2. f4

Josefsky

 

Alont

  Theoretically, White has created a "hole" at e4-that crucial central square can no longer be guarded by White's pawns-and so Black is able to strategize a piece deployment which will increase the pressure on e4, preventing White from advancing his e-pawn there, and, in this instance, Black is actually able to use e4 as an outpost.  Normally, accurate play by White can overcome the deficiencies of this pawn configuration, but this game is illustrative of the dire consequences which may befall White should his opening play lack the necessary accuracy.

2...d5

  Exerting a 2nd, and more powerful, role in observing the e4 square than the Knight at f6, since White is unable to move a piece to e4 without surrendering it to Black's pawn at d5.

3. Nc3 Bf5 4. e3 e6 5. Qd2?

Position after 5. Qd2?

Josefsky

 

Alont

  A move with no justification whatsoever.  White's position requires minor piece development, and candidates for a 5th move should have been 5. Nf3, 5. Be2, and 5. Bd2.

5...Bb4!

Position after 5...Bb4!

Josefsky

 

Alont

  Rendering White's Knight at c3 helpless in preventing Black's KN from occupying e4.

6. Nf3?

Position after 6. Nf3?

Josefsky

 

Alont

  Missing out on the only opportunity to contest Black's control of e4 by playing 6. Bd3.

6...Ne4! 7. Qe2 Nxc3!

Position after 7...Nxc3!

Josefsky

 

Alont 

  White resigns.  8. Qb5+? allows 8...Nxb5; 8. Qf2 provides Black with a discovered check-8...Ne4+!-which wins the Queen, while 8. Qd2 allows 8...Nxa2 9. c3 Nxc1! (threatening 10...Nb3) 10. Rxc1 Bd6 and White's compensation for the lost piece is inadequate.   And  8. bxc3 is refuted by the forking 8...Bxc3+ 9. Bd2 Bxa1 10. Qb5+ Nd7, since Black remains a piece up.

 

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