Obsession with the f-file

 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

| 2991 reads | 15 comments |

2 votes:

Comments:

by FM FM_Eric_Schiller - 3 years ago
San Jose, CA United States

Member Since: Jul 2007
Member Points: 993

Manoskats: 21...Rg8 22.Bxg6+ Rxg6 23.Qh5 followed by O-O-O and Rf1+

by figrock - 3 years ago
United States

Member Since: Jul 2008
Member Points: 1438

Interesting..!

by manoskats - 3 years ago
Greece

Member Since: Apr 2008
Member Points: 8

A little help please..

Why not 21. ... Rg8?

by gprable - 3 years ago
United States

Member Since: Oct 2007
Member Points: 3

A sensual ravishment indeed!

by silentfilmstar13 - 3 years ago
Medford, OR United States

Member Since: Sep 2007
Member Points: 2143

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 - 3 years ago
Minnesota United States

Member Since: Mar 2008
Member Points: 408

why not 25. Rh1+?

by Fellippo - 3 years ago
Zlín Czech Republic

Member Since: Aug 2007
Member Points: 556

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

by BirdBrain - 3 years ago
KY United States

Member Since: Apr 2008
Member Points: 4961

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 - 3 years ago
West Virginia United States

Member Since: Feb 2008
Member Points: 108

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

by jay - 3 years ago
San Jose, CA United States

Member Since: May 2007
Member Points: 1431

Thanks for sharing Eric. That was a great game.

by anaxagoras - 3 years ago
Lafayette, IN United States

Member Since: Jul 2007
Member Points: 292

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.

by loewenshizzle - 3 years ago
United States

Member Since: Apr 2008
Member Points: 7

i loved the rook sacrifice. great playing.

by SirDonald - 3 years ago
Tennessee United States

Member Since: Jun 2007
Member Points: 507

Thanks for sharing this very interesting and instructive game. I enjoyed playing through it.

by DundeeHurricane - 3 years ago
Virginia Beach United States

Member Since: Apr 2008
Member Points: 19

This is a very interesting game. I do not have the experience or knowledge to fully appreciate the full extent of the play, but i enjoyed it.

by orejano - 3 years ago
Concepcion del Uruguay Argentina

Member Since: Oct 2007
Member Points: 673

Remarkable Game!.