White:  Alapin.  Black:  Rubinstein.

Sicilian Defence.

1.  P-K4 P-QB4

At first glance this move would seem to lose time, as it does nothing towards the main object of opening strategy, namely, the development of pieces.  But we shall find that it does contribute to that aim, although indirectly.  For one thing it could, by a transposition of moves, lead into an opening in which P-QB4 is played in any case; in other openings it is of use, in that it acts from the first against the formation of a strong white centre.  Concurrently it prepares the opening of a file for the Rooks.

          2.  Kt-KB3 Kt-KB3?

Black should not play Kt-KB3 as long as White’s P-K5 means the clear gain of a move.  There are plenty of developing moves to choose from.

Two systems of development can be followed by Black according to whether the KB is to develop at K2 or Kt2.  In the first case (compare Game No. 29) P-K3 is played.  In the second case, the opening might take this course:  2. ...  Kt-QB3; 3.  P-Q4, PxP; 4.  KtxP, Kt-B3; 5.  Kt-QB3, P-Q3 (not P-KKt3 at once, because White would exchange Knights and drive off the KKt by P-K5); 6.  B-K3, P-KKt3, and B-Kt2.  White’s position is superior, as he has a pawn in the centre in conjunction with greater mobility.  Black will find it difficult to bring his QB into play.  Nevertheless his position is compact and difficult to get at.

          3.  P-K5

Undoubtedly Rubinstein had taken this move into account when playing 2. ...  Kt-KB3.  His idea was to provoke the advance of the KP.  The pawn at K5 is weaker than at K4, particularly as Black’s QBP prevents its natural support by P-Q4.  Moreover Black’s Q4 is free from interference by White.  White refutes this ultra subtilty by simple and straight-forward play, and he gets such an advantage in development that his attack succeeds before Black is able to demonstrate any weakness in White’s game.

3. ...  Kt-Q4 4.  Kt-B3 KtxKt 5.  QPxKt Kt-B3 6.  B-QB4 P-Q3

After 6 ...  P-K3, 7.  B-B4 would restrain the QP.

          7.  B-B4 PxP

At this early stage Black has no satisfactory means of development.  The QP is attacked three times, and therefore the KP cannot move, nor can the KB be developed at Kt2.  B-Kt5, in order to play BxKt and PxP, is refuted by BxPch.  The move in the text which brings about the exchange of Queens, but develops another White piece at the same time, is more or less forced.  It is instructive to watch how White’s advantage in development soon materialises.

8.  KtxP          QxQch
9.  RxQ           KtxKt
10.  BxKt          P-QR3

White’s threat of B-Kt5ch could not be parried by B-Q2 because of 11.  BxPch.