Tactics: Anything can happen in blitz...
This week's Canadian Tactic comes from the 2014 Toronto Blitz Championship (2014.06.15).
Black had lost an exchange and then a piece in a "reluctant Benoni" line. But in a blitz game, with a time control of 3min + 2 sec, anything can happen.
What happens if White plays 29.Qxc5?
Hint: Be ready if Black plays...
Simple and safe moves like 29.Be5 and 29.Be3 would have won, since Black has no compensation for the material. Spoiler: Highlight to view
But what happens after 29.Qxc5 and a counter attack with 29... Bd4!?
Not-quite-the-best...
29..Qxc5 Bd4 Was an unpleasant surprise. But given White's huge initial material advantage, there are still several ways to win. Even 30.Qxd4 Qxd4 31.Ra4! wins, though not without a lot more effort (and comparable embarrassment). Better is the less paniky: 30.Qe7 Bxf2+ 31.Kh1 Bxe1 32.Bd6! +- But not 32.Bh6?? when 32...Bb4! defends the mate on f8, attacks White's Q, and threatens a back-rank mate against White; now Black wins with precise play: 33.Qe3 Qb1+ 34.Qc1 Qxc1+ 35.Bxc1 Re8 only move-+.Spoiler: Highlight to view
Solution:
29.Qxc5 Bd4 30.Qxf8+! Kxf8 31.Bh6+ and one of White's Rooks gives mate. 1-0 From the game: John Upper - Nava StarrSpoiler: Highlight to view
2014 Toronto Blitz Championship (rd. 2.2)
Harbourfront Chess Festival
2014.06.15
Look for a photo report on the Harbourfront Chess Festival, including the Toronto Blitz Championship, in an upcoming edition of Chess Canada, the CFC's online newsletter.