Upper Limit on Brilliant Moves
A brilliant move is a stunning act of creativity and audacity that flouts the calculated suggestions of chess engines at initial depth parameters. These moves are often gambits, sacrificing valuable pieces in a way that seems initially unsound but sets the stage for a clever trap or a deeper strategic win. They challenge the norm, requiring a blend of deep foresight and boldness that can turn the tide of a game in unexpected ways.
To estimate the theoretical limit of brilliant moves in a single game, one could conceptualize a game where each move alternates between immediate tactical shocks and the setting up of subsequent opportunities. An ideal approach would involve crafting a sequence of moves where each player continuously creates conditions under which their opponent's most natural responses lead to progressively deteriorating positions. To make this easier, let's assume one has control over both sides of the board with the goal of creating a legal game with the largest number of brilliant moves. In order to appease the 50 move rule, the strategy may involve moving a pawn, or capturing a piece, as part of the sequence.
Of course, all this depends on the exact version of code used by Chess.com for Engine backend to assess a move as Brilliant. Let's learn from some real games with brilliant moves before delving into the craziness necessary to approach a theoretical maximum.
Examples from my recent games:
Move 11. Bxh7: This sacrifices the bishop to break open the kingside. The move Bxh7 is not immediately obvious because it exposes the bishop without a guaranteed material gain. However, it is highly effective in initiating a strong attack against the black king, who is stranded in the center.
Move 29. axb7: This opens the a-file and creates immediate threats of promoting the a-pawn, drastically altering the dynamics of the position. This pawn sacrifice is a deep strategic decision; the immediate material loss of the pawn is compensated by the significant activation of the rook on a3 and threats of queening the pawn.
Move 33. Ng6: This places the knight on a critical square, supporting potential mating threats and disrupting Black's defensive resources. It enhances control over key squares and paths to the black king, intensifying the attack.
Move 16. Rxd5: This captures on d5, activating the rook to a central, dominant position. While the exchange seems even materially, the resulting pressure on Black's weakened pawn structure and control of the open file turn this move into a pivotal advantage.
Move 37. Be5: This places the bishop on an influential square, enhancing control over important diagonals and supporting the advancement of the passer. This strategic placement restricts the opponent's king and rook, effectively dominating the endgame.
Examples from other player's games:
2021 Chess.com Game with 26 Brilliant Moves:
Move 74. Rf6+: Brilliant move because it initiates a series of forcing moves that lead to a draw by repetition.
Move 75. Rf8+: Similar to Move 74, it's a forcing move that leads to a draw by repetition.
Move 76. Rd8+: Continues the series of forcing moves to force a draw by repetition.
Move 77. Rd6+: Another forcing move in the sequence to repeat the position and force a draw.
Move 78. Rd8+: Continues the sequence of forcing moves, aiming to repeat the position and secure a draw.
Move 79. Rd6+: Repeats the pattern of forcing moves to secure a draw by repetition.
Move 80. Rd8+: Again, a forcing move to repeat the position and force a draw.
Move 81. Rd6+: Continues the pattern of forcing moves, aiming to repeat the position and secure a draw.
Move 82. Rd8+: A final move in the sequence of forcing moves to force a draw by repetition.
Move 84. Re7: A brilliant move that threatens mate on g7 and maintains the pressure on Black's position.
Move 88. Re7: Similar to Move 84, it maintains the pressure on Black's position and keeps the threat of mating.
Move 89. Rf8+: A forcing move that initiates a series of checks to reach a drawn position by repetition.
Move 91. Rf8+: Continues the sequence of forcing moves to force a draw by repetition.
Move 92. Rd8+: Another forcing move in the sequence to repeat the position and secure a draw.
Move 93. Rd6+: Continues the pattern of forcing moves to secure a draw by repetition.
Move 94. Rd8+: Again, a forcing move to repeat the position and force a draw.
Move 96. Rd6+: Repeats the pattern of forcing moves to secure a draw by repetition.
Move 98. Rd8+: A final move in the sequence of forcing moves to force a draw by repetition.
Move 105. Ra8: A brilliant move that aims to deflect the rook from guarding the pawn on f7.
Move 109. Rc8: Similar to Move 105, it's a brilliant move that deflects the rook and prepares for promotion.
Move 112. Rf8+: Another forcing move in the sequence to repeat the position and secure a draw.
Move 113. Rd8+: Continues the pattern of forcing moves to secure a draw by repetition.
Move 115. Rf8+: A forcing move that initiates a series of checks to reach a drawn position by repetition.
Move 116. Rd8+: Another forcing move in the sequence to repeat the position and secure a draw.
Move 117. Rf8+: A final move in the sequence of forcing moves to force a draw by repetition.
2015 St Louis Tournament Game where Hikaru Nakamura plays 4 Brilliant Moves in a row:
Move 26. Nxe4: This exploits the pinned knight on d3 and threatens to open up lines against White's king.
Move 27. Rxf3: This sacrifices the rook to open up lines towards White's king and intensify the attack.
Move 28. Rf1+: With the rook offering itself as a sacrifice to deliver a check and bring Black closer to a decisive attack against White's king.
Move 29. Be3: This continues the attack against White's king with decisive threats.
Move 16. Qxd8+: This sacrifices the queen to deflect the Black bishop from protecting the d8 square. After this sacrifice, White gains a decisive material advantage by winning the Black rook on d8.
Move 23. Kg2: Instead of retreating passively, White advances the king, setting up a mating net with the threat of Rh1# and Ng5#.
Move 25. Be3: This defends against Black's threats while simultaneously threatening mate on g2. This move keeps the pressure on Black and restricts Black's options.
Move 26. Nd5: This sacrifices the knight on d5 to open up Black's king position and create a mating net. This sacrifice is highly unexpected and forces Black into a difficult position.
