![Personal Mona Lisa of GM Vitali Golod](https://images.chesscomfiles.com/uploads/v1/article/11593.38c04b94.668x375o.042bd0ea4e01@2x.jpg)
Personal Mona Lisa of GM Vitali Golod
Vitali Golod is one of those strong GMs who is not very well known outside of the professional circuit. And yet, he managed to win national championships in such traditionally strong chess countries as Ukraine and Israel (1991 and 2010 respectively).
I met Vitali 30 years ago when as kids we both participated in the training camps for the best Soviet juniors (they were called the Botvinnik school and the Smyslov school even though neither of the famous ex-World Champions attended that particular session in 1981). Truthfully speaking, I haven't followed his chess development after that, but his success last year in a very strong International tournament (ahead of GMs Dreev and Tiviakov amongst others) in the city where I was born (Tashkent, Uzbekistan) caught my attention.
After checking his games I can confidently state that it wasn't his last big success and we will see more of Vitali's big wins for sure. Sound strategical play coupled with excellent tactical skills assure good practical results for GM Golod.
In the next game a very strong 2700+ GM, Vladimir Akopian, was completely outplayed by GM Golod. I recommend you notice how the Black position became absolutely hopeless without any visible mistake. Also pay attention to the way White used the notorious Alekhine's gun to penetrate into Black's camp. Enjoy!
The position in the next diagram is very typical for the King's Indian Defense. Black is preparing his attack on the King's side and right now he wants to win the central 'e4' pawn by taking the Nd2 and then capturing the pawn. What should White do?
I am sure that Alekhine would be proud of this little gem of GM Golod!