A little end-game strategy
Peter & Lola, snapped by Ann.
Last Saturday, Branko and I played a game which see-sawed a bit, then reached the following position:
This position has advantages and problems for both sides.
- White has a passed pawn
- Black has a q-side pawn-majority with fire-power to begin the exchanges which will gain a q-side passed pawn.
- Black has two bishops
- Black has a king in better position, with a move to spare.
Strategy for black?
Since white is confined to back ranks, and black has the powerful bishops, black can hope to do the following:
- 1. restrict white's movement and development
- 2. push q-side pawns to gain a passed pawn and force white to defend
- 3. take control of centre of board with black king.
However, the playing-relationship which Branko & I have negotiated does not include any discussion, or teaching from me. As a result, we ended the game in the following position:
Up until white's move, above, the position now favours white quite considerably.
- black's white-squared bishop is very badly placed
- white now has two passed pawns, connected and advancing.
This shift in advantage has come about because of black's neglect of strategic weaknesses and strengths. This is mostly a matter of knowledge, not aptitude.
But my move, 1.Kf4, is a fatal mistake. Branko jumped on it, saying "Check! Mate!", in the tone of a boy who knows he has received an early Xmas present and isn't confident he will be allowed to keep it. He had; he was allowed; he did.
Can you see Branko's winning move?
Lola & Peter, snapped by Judy
