The Process of Decision Making in Chess Volume 2: Practice positions and solutions. Position 8.2 - Chess Forums

Spochman

Jan 10, 2018

0

#1

Solve for black:

Diagram 8.2- this is a typical case of a position being practically open for one side, and closed to the other. Note that the open diagonals white has can’t be used by black’s bishops; of course the diagonals lead from white’s camp to black’s, and therefore theoretically they are open for both sides. We, however, approach open diagonals from a practical perspective, determined by the use possibilities available to both sides.
The observation in this position therefore is that white’s bishops are much better than black’s low global quality bishops. This observation is a direct result of the first observation regarding the pawn structure.

Challenge: does black have a plan to open diagonals for his bishops in the given position?

moonmaster9000

Jan 10, 2018

0

#2

I like your idea... but why does White have to play Bb3? If she leaves the bishop where it is, then when you take it, she'll recapture with a pawn, making the d5 break even harder.

Could we make the d5 break with Bf8, Ne7, d5?

B4ttleT0ad

Jan 11, 2018

0

#3

I like either d5 to create/ break up the tension in the center or a6 to set up a najdrof style attack. Black obviously doesn't have the defenders to hold d5 so I would play it as a gambit losing the pawn to try and get momentum. Maybe d5 exd5 nb4?

morphyfanLL

Jan 11, 2018

0

#4

Why not Nd4?

This creates the obvious threats against the Queen and c-pawn, but also blocks off the Bishop on e3, and baits white into an exchange.

White’s bishop on e3 has the most range out of any piece, and if it takes, Exd gains a tempo and also gives Black the Bishop pair.

moonmaster9000

Jan 11, 2018

0

#5

nargaef wrote:

Why not Nd4?

This creates the obvious threats against the Queen and c-pawn, but also blocks off the Bishop on e3, and baits white into an exchange.

I had looked at this; I like that you point out that it potentially eliminates white's most active biship. But I ultimately rejected it, since an exchange on d4 doesn't liberate black's dark-squared bishop; in fact, if white plays Nb5 after the exchange, and we played c5 to protect our pawn on d4, then it seems like we're really just entombing our dark-squared bishop.

moonmaster9000

Mar 15, 2018

0

#6

I looked at this again as I’m reading the actual book now. I’d forgotten I’d already looked at this when it was posted; interestingly, going through the book today, I thought that making the d5 pawn break work / breaking up the center would ultimately free up both of blacks bishops. To make it work, I thought of 1... Nb4 (now threatening d5). And if 2. a3, then just play d5 anyways.