WCM 1921 Capablanca vs. Lasker GAME #11

White:  Capablanca

Black: Lasker

1921 Apr-13 Havana, Cub

Round 11

In this series, I will analyse all the games in the World Championship Match year 1921. First, I will play the game with guess a move -method. Then, I will prepare an analysis of the game, including some candidate lines in all positions. I will also compare my notes to Capa's own notes. All this will be done without the help of a computer. I try to do an abstract of Capa's playing style, and find some important things to learn from every game. Finally, I will check the lines with computer.

The style of Capablanca: In the 11h game Lasker does not play particularly well. It seems that his inner strength has been shaken by the previous losses in this world championship match. Dubious or simply bad moves by Lasker are, in my opinion, for instance:

8.-Re8!?

11.-Rxe7!?

12.-Nf8!?

15.-Rc8?

17.-Rec7!?

18.-Ng6?

From here on Lasker starts to defend more accurately, but it is too late. Capa seizes the mistakes Lasker has made and launches a devastating attack, that is not necessarily always the most accurate, but it is strong enough. Around move 34.-Rc7 I admire the defending structure Lasker has created, but move by move Capa manages to make progress. Finally, when the pressure has been untenable for so long, Lasker makes the final mistake:

44.-Qe7? And the game is over.

THE LESSONS learned by me:

1. (11.1) LET US NOT FORGET THE GOOD OLD PLAN, THAT YOU CAN SOMETIMES ACTIVATE A BAD LSB IN c8-SQUARE VIA Bc8-d7-e8-h5. Variation 14.-Nxc3, moves 15.-Be8 and 16.-f6. Stockfish 9.

2. (11.2) LET US NOT FORGET THE GOOD OLD PLAN INTRODUCING A WEAK COLOR COMPLEX. Move 16. b4. Capablanca.

3. (11.3) WHEN STRENGTHENING YOUR BACK RANK, REMEMBER TO THINK ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF h2-h4 (g2-g4) INSTEAD OF THE USUAL h2-h3 (g2-g3). Move 34. h4. Capablanca.

4. (11.4)  IN A WORSE POSITION, MAINTAIN YOUR CALMNESS AND KEEP ALL YOUR PIECES PROTECTED. Move 34.-Rc7. Lasker.