Development Over Material
E. Hansen (2588) – V. Pechenkin (2428), Alberta Closed 2013
This week, we will be looking at a game from the 2013 Alberta Open. One of Canada’s strongest players, GM Eric Hansen, has White in the above tactical position.
Black is up an exchange and a pawn, but his lack of development will be his downfall. How does White break through to the king?
Click below to see a hint:
Spoiler: Highlight to view
Try to break open the king’s pawn cover.
Click below to see the solution:
Spoiler: Highlight to view
1. Rxe6! Opening up the h5-e8 diagonal for White’s queen. The result has already been decided. fxe6 2. Ne5 Here Black resigned. He will either lose heavy material or be mated in the following moves.
For example: 2. … axb5 3. Qg6+ Ke7 4. Qf7+ Kd6 5. Nxb5#.