Tactics: How much for that Bishop on h6?

John Upper's picture
Submitted by John Upper on Sat, 03/19/2016 - 18:37

This week's Canadian Tactic comes from GM Anton Kovalyov's first round game at the 2015 World Open. In the first round of large Open events, the top seeds will be paired against much lower-rated opponents; but that doesn't mean those games will be an easy walk-over. At the 2015 World Open, Canadian GM Anton Kovalyov (2613) had Black against an opponent he outrated by 400 points, but who is still a Master. After 19 moves of a Najdorf they reached this position. White is trying to trap the Black Bh6: what should Black play?

Hint:

Spoiler: Highlight to view
In this pawn structure, what is the best thing Black's dark-square Bishop can do?

Hint:

Spoiler: Highlight to view
What's more valuable than the Bishop?


Solution: see the game below

.

() - ()
 
 Round:  Result:

.

This game, and much more, will appear in the next issue of Chess Canada, the CFC's online newsletter.

Category: