28.  K-R2          P-QKt4
29.  K-Kt3         P-QR4
30.  K-R4          P-Kt3

If White were to play PxP now, Black would mate him one move earlier (Q-Kt4).  Of course he parries the threat first, and Black is helpless.

31.  R-K3           QxKtP
32.  R-Kt3          Q-B7

After P-Kt4ch White could not play 33.  K-Kt4 on account of the pretty mate by B-B6.  He would play K-R5-Kt6.

33.  PxP            Q-B5ch
34.  R-Kt4          Q-B7ch
35.  K-R5           Resigns.

A most instructive game, showing how the superior position of the pieces can lead indirectly to a win, by reducing the opponent’s pieces gradually to impotence and compelling him to move pawns, thereby affording opportunities for a decisive entry.

Game No. 11

White:  Schlechter.  Black:  Janowski.

Ruy Lopez (compare p. 40).

1.  P-K4 P-K4 2.  Kt-KB3 Kt-QB3 3.  B-Kt5 Kt-B3 4.  Castles KtxP

A continuation, which has lately gained in favour, is:  P-Q3 and B-K2 (see p. 39).

          5.  P-Q4 B-K2

It is clearly very dangerous to gratify White’s wish for an open file by playing PxP.  The move may be playable in the system of defence called the “Riga variation” (see Game No. 17).  Here it would be advantageous to be able to close the KB’s diagonal.  It is better when intending to play the “Riga variation” to have played P-QR3 on the third move.

6.  Q-K2           Kt-Q3
7.  BxKt           KtPxB
8.  PxP            Kt-Kt2
9.  Kt-B3          Castles
10.  R-K1           R-K1

The manoeuvre cited on p. 40, namely Kt-B4-K3, which makes P-Q4 possible, is essential for the development of the QB.  Black loses the present game because White is able to keep the Bishop shut in permanently

11.  Q-B4 Kt-B4

so that the pawn B3 should not be “hanging” when the QP moves.

12.  Kt-KKt5!        BxKt
13.  BxB            QxB
14.  QxKt           R-K3

---------------------------------------
8 | #R |    | #B |    |    |    | #K |    |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | #P |    | #P | #P |    | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 |    |    | #P |    |#R  |    |    |    |
|---------------------------------------|
5 |    |    | ^Q |    | ^P |    | #Q |    |
|---------------------------------------|
4 |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
|---------------------------------------|
3 |    |    | ^Kt|    |    |    |    |    |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^P |    |    | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R |    |    |    | ^R |    | ^K |    |
---------------------------------------
A    B    C    D    E    F    G    H

Diag. 114

After the exchanges the position is clearly in favour of White.  Against an undeveloped B, which also hampers a Rook, his Knight is mobile.  The Black Queen’s side pawns are weak, and give White winning chances even if Black succeeds in playing P-Q4 and bringing the Bishop into play.  The move in the text, which covers the pawn at B3, again prepares for P-Q4.