Sharp Your Attacking Skills With GM Morozevich

“At 17 years old, when I won a rapid tournament in New York, certain people actively worked on me: “Look at the events taking place in Russia – stay here, and with us, you’ll be a millionaire, we’ll organize everything for you”. I said that I want to become a chess player and not a cash cow.”

- Morozevich, Alexander

Born on July 18, 1977, in Moscow, GM Alexander Morozevich astonished the chess world since his teenage days with his fearless and uncompromising way of playing.  

In 1994, at 17 years old, the star of the young Muscovite talent started to shine brighter. For instance, this year, he scored wins with impressive scores at strong open tournaments as the Lloyds Bank in London (9.5 out of 10) and Pamplona in Spain (8 out of 9).

After that, Morozevich made quick progress, being a regular in super-tournaments all over the world and the Russian Olympic Team.

“His way of playing is something special, and of course not as classical as Carlsen’s (laughs). He plays very, very creatively, and extremely aggressively. He tries to disturb the balance on the board no matter what it takes. This exerts enormous pressure on his opponents. This style is very difficult to emulate. In his way to play chess Morozevich is unique.” - Viwashanathan, Anand

In 2002, when the World Champion title was divided in two, one by FIDE and the other one by PCA (an organization founded by Garry Kasparov in the 90s), Morozevich announced he was retiring of serious competition, as he, a real World Championship Contender, was unsatisfied with this disorganization and some prospects of a chess professional life as well.

Fortunately for the chess world, he didn´t quit at the time. Instead, he continued playing active and winning tournaments after tournaments.  

This Russian star was even ranked number 2 in the World in July 2008, with a classical FIDE rating of 2788.

"Morozevich is a bright player; I like how he plays. This is active chess: only forward! Sometimes luck is on his side, sometimes it is not. It is not boring to watch his games." – Vladimir Kramnik

Morozevich's blitz skills are also legendary. Just look how he managed to checkmate the current World Champion, Magnus Carlsen.

At the moment Morozevich is retired from serious competition but still works as a chess trainer.

He also is a Go enthusiast. 

BKB Game Analysis

The game we are going to analyze was played between the 17-year-old Morozevich and the legendary Viwashanathan Anand, considered the 2nd strongest player in the World at the moment, right behind only Garry Kasparov.

The game will be divided into parts, with diagrams and exercises for you. I advise you to try to expend from 5 to 15 minutes at each position, then compare your thoughts with the game continuation and explanations. The answers are right after the questions.

Alexander Morozevich vs Vishy Anand  

1) 1st Test Position

After a wild opening which included a pawn sacrifice, Morozevich fully mobilized his forces. But Black´s position looks rather solid. How can we make progress here?

It´s White to move, evaluate the position, elaborate a plan and choose a continuation.

Answer

The game continued with 18.g4!?.

Well, let´s assess the position for White.
He is down a pawn, but, has very active pieces. He has the bishop pair, a strong knight on e5, and a semi-open f-file to operate with his rooks.
Black´s position is solid. Besides all his activity, is not clear how can White breakthrough into Black´s domains.   

Anyway, we can come up with the conclusion that if we don´t do something, and quick, Black will be able to consolidate his position and the material advantage he has will count. 

Morozevich´s choice wasn´t the only way to go but was the most energic and the one who can put the most problems for Black defenses.

Let´s continue with the game.

2nd Test Position

In this position, White made some progress, as we saw. But Black´s answer was solid and it is not easy to see a way into Anand´s king. How would you continue here?

Answer

20.c4!?.

Another sharp move by the young Russian talent. Objectively, White is worse. But this is easy said when you have an engine near to you. On the board, facing a fierce attack like this is extremely difficult.

We will take a look at how Anand reacts to that.

3rd Test Position

Looks like Anand managed to stop his younger opponent's initiative. Is that so? How would proceed if you were at Morozevich shoes?

Answer

24. Nxg6!!. A killer blow. Morozevich obliterates the pawn shelter in front of Anand´s monarch, sacrificing his knight with decisive effects. 

The game is close to a conclusion.

4th Test Position

We reached our final position.

White has managed to open his opponent´s defenses, but, can he manages to end the game in his favor? Do all roads lead to home or should we be precise?

White to play and win. How would you finish Black off?

Answer

27.Qd5!. Now it´s over. White is threatening both Black´s queen and, if it moves, the g6-pawn will fall with a double discovered attack.

There´s no good answer for Black here. Because of that, Anand resigned.

A game that was going in Black´s way, but Morozevich creative and powerful play managed to make one of the greatest players in chess history go wrong in a difficult defense. With a lot of skill, the young Russian star turned the tables against his formidable opponent.

Thank you for reading till here, hope you have enjoyed this wizard biography, the game analysis, and the exercises.

BKB99