Employing The French

Submitted by ih8sens on Fri, 08/08/2008 at 4:55pm.

In the previous article of this series we saw a very interesting miniature climaxed by an incredible white attack. In the name of keeping the universe balanced (or at least keeping the French lovers happy!), this game will be the exact opposite. The French defense, as black, can be an incredible tool. As the following game will show. Enjoy!

In this game Steinitz, who played a rather beautiful game, is simply 'outthought' by Bird. Bird strings together such a complicated attack that Steinitz, who would have won with perfectly play, can simply not keep up and finally gives the game away. This provides a great lesson for us: if we can't refute our sacrifice maybe our opponent can't either!

» posted in Amazing Games

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by ih8sens - 3 months ago
Sudbury, Ontario Canada

Member Since: Jan 2008
Member Points: 1560

I also am not a particular fan of the French Defense. My next article will have Tal as it's theme :). THAT will be more interesting on my end to write. I hope you'll enjoy reading it. See ya Friday!

by jreyes33 - 3 months ago
Quito Ecuador

Member Since: May 2008
Member Points: 52

I've enjoyed both articles you've written about French. Although I don't really play french as black, it was good to know how to "destroy it".

by Artemi - 3 months ago
Imus, Cavite Philippines

Member Since: May 2008
Member Points: 90

Are you sure Steinitz is playing White here?

by tbonius - 3 months ago
Hobart Australia

Member Since: Mar 2008
Member Points: 52

Is that the 'Bird' of the Bird Opening - 1.f4?

by skyknight193 - 3 months ago
New York United States

Member Since: Apr 2008
Member Points: 76

very good game. very nice... i am not a french person but i did like to play the french when i was an amatuer(worked well for a while).

ya Steinitz could have won... i didnt see why he actually fell for all of Birds traps. he didnt have to be greedy by taking pieces he could have moved the rook rather than take the knight with the king?

by davidetal - 3 months ago
Tarragindi Australia

Member Since: Jan 2008
Member Points: 1178

A delightful game, and just as delightful annotation - keep 'em coming, ih8sens!

You are spot on about 25 Bb2 being worth two ?? After Bxd4 it is game over: if White takes back with f, Q gone; if he moves the N he loses the R (at least); but if - as he did - he takes with the Q it is forced mate in five.

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