Obsession with the f-file

Submitted by FM_Eric_Schiller on Sun, 06/01/2008 at 3:14pm.

In this game an obsession with the f-file, and especially f7, pays off well. Of all my games, this is the one that has been most discussed, and it was featured in Chess Informant. The play is of course far from perfect, but it illustrates the concept of pressure well. I teach my students to pressure their opponents because under pressure we all make mistakes.

The game has other lessons as well. After head-hunting for most of the game, the resolution comes with a standard exchange into winning endgame plan.

I think you'll enjoy this game and learn a lot. It may not be my best game, but it remains one of my favorites.

» posted in Middlegame

| 1771 reads | 13 comments |

2 votes:

Comments:

by manoskats - 3 months ago
Greece

Member Since: Apr 2008
Member Points: 5

A little help please..

Why not 21. ... Rg8?

by gprable - 3 months ago
United States

Member Since: Oct 2007
Member Points: 3

A sensual ravishment indeed!

by silentfilmstar13 - 5 months ago
Medford, OR United States

Member Since: Sep 2007
Member Points: 2097

I think you mean 26...Rh1+, as Black was in check on move 25.

26...Rh1+ 27.Kd2

Now, if Black captures with 27...Rxa1, White wins immediately with 28.Qf7+ Kh8 29.Qh7#.

by grensley - 5 months ago
Minnesota United States

Member Since: Mar 2008
Member Points: 341

why not 25. Rh1+?

by Fellippo - 5 months ago
Zlín Czech Republic

Member Since: Aug 2007
Member Points: 490

Very good, few mistakes but instructive aproach and amazing moves. Congratulations.

by BirdBrain - 5 months ago
KY United States

Member Since: Apr 2008
Member Points: 814

Thanks for the instructive approach. I have been searching for a nice approach with the Sicilian. I appreciate you leaving the king in the center and playing Rf1...original...and I like it.

by OgreVI - 5 months ago
West Virginia United States

Member Since: Feb 2008
Member Points: 104

Wow, I wouldn't have had the nerve, but that was excellent!

by jay - 5 months ago
San Jose, CA United States

Member Since: May 2007
Member Points: 1092

Thanks for sharing Eric. That was a great game.

by anaxagoras - 5 months ago
Lafayette, IN United States

Member Since: Jul 2007
Member Points: 286

Awesome. The rook sacrifice is clever, but I found the play with the knights much more impressive. Too many players value bishops over knights regardless of the position.