How to Save a Lost Game?
A couple of weeks ago, I played in an over-the-board chess tournament – something I haven’t done much lately. I prepared properly: a few days before, I focused on tactics, reviewed my openings, chose the ones I wanted to play, and practiced some OTB positions. And it paid off – I won the tournament!
So today’s idea comes from that event.
That position comes from my game against IM Lewicki. I was playing Black. As you can see, I had an isolated pawn that was blocked, so I couldn’t push it forward. That’s why I followed another important principle: when the pawn can’t move, use your pieces. I started building up an attack.
That’s how my rook landed on the 2nd rank, the other rook is on g6 (thanks to a rook lift), and my knight is sitting on a nice outpost at c4. But now, my rook on c2 looks a bit lost.
What should Black play to keep the fight going?
I knew I had the option to sacrifice my exchange with Rxc1, but I was aware that I would likely lose the endgame against an International Master. So, I decided to create complications:
1... Nxb2
Creating complications. My rook is hanging, but my opponent's rook is hanging too.
2. Re1
Trying to keep pressure on my rook. After 2. Nxc2 Nxd1, Black is fine.
2... Rxf2!
An unexpected sacrifice.
3. Kxf2
No other choice.
3... Bxg3
With a skewer on the rook (an alternative was Nd3 with a fork).
4. Kf3 Bxe1
5. Bxb2 Bxh4
Now Black has four pawns for the minor piece, which means their position is slightly better going into the endgame.
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WHAT DOES IT TEACH US?
- When you have an isolated pawn, you usually have two main plans: push the pawn forward or organize an attack with your pieces.
- Not sure what to do? Activate your weakest piece. This principle really helped me in the tournament.
- If you are in trouble, try to make the position more complicated. It raises the chances that your opponent will make a mistake.
- In the endgame, three pawns are usually better than a minor piece (especially if the pawns are connected). But in the middlegame, a minor piece is better because it can be used for attack.
