Queen versus Rook Pawn on the 7th
One of the many endgame positions that must be learned is the queen against a rook pawn on the 7th rank. Knowing specific endings helps players to plan in advance. Players of all ratings can learn simple endings, yet even grandmasters misplay them.
The following position was published in the October 2002 issue of Chess Life. The concluding moves were shown without comment. When playing over a game it is necessary to go beyond what is presented. Ask yourself questions about the game and try to answer them. The next move by Canada's youngest IM, 14 year old Mark Bluvshtein, lost the game and 1/2 point. This was his only loss. He scored 5-2 for 8th-15th place. Seven players scored 5.5-1.5, just 1/2 point more. Perhaps, he did what many have done when he reached a drawn position. They relax and go wrong. Two years later, in Montreal, Bluvshtein beat his opponent in this game to get his final GM norm.