In an earlier article in this blog, we had discussed about the importance of the pawns especially their inability to move backwards. Pawns, though considered to the weakest in terms of value, has the only attribute of getting promoted, which no other piece in the board, including the King, has. It is thus imperative that one should exercise restraint and also think more than once before developing the pawns or making pawn moves, as any careless or thoughtless move might result in a hindrance for development of other pieces or invite a problem.
The following game played between two international masters in 1995 is one of the examples for reckless pawn movements, which ultimately cost the game.
The position of the game after 12 moves is given below.
A cursory look at the position reveals that the game is in early stages of middle game and both the players fairly developed their pieces. White should consider developing his queenside bishop by moving it from the first rank.
The game proceeded as follows.
13. f4 Rb8
14. g4 …. There is no valid reason or logic behind the movement
of the pawns f2-f4 and g2-g4
14. …. Bd7
15. Ne4 b5
16. Ne3 ….. White is forced to retreat back
16. … Qe7
17. Nc3 b4
18. Nb1 …. Yet another forceful retreat for White’s Knight
White is literally losing its hold on the game and Black is trying to take advantage of the mistakes done by White.
18. ….. Bd4
19. Qd2 Nec7
20. Kg2 Rbe8
21. Rf3 ……
The position after White’s 21st move is given hereunder.
(Black to move)
The only disadvantage for White is the two pawns at f4 and g4, especially the pawn at g4 which is loose and open for attack.
21. ….. Bxg4 Black did exactly the same.
22. Nxg4 Qxe2+
23. qxe2 Rxe2+
24. Kf1 Rxb2
25. Nh6+ 0-1 White resigned after this move
The position at the board when White resigned the game is given below.
(Black to move)
The analysis of the game reveals that the reckless pawn movements in the middle stage and forced retreat of the Knight have lead to the downfall of White.
A clear understanding of the pawns, their role and the purpose of the move should be well thought out before taking up any pawn move.
Related posts:
- Middle game tactics: Do not relax with opposite colored bishops
- Middle game tactics: Concentrating on fundamentals is very essential
- Middle game tactics: Give more importance to understanding of openings and variations
- Middle game tactics: Understanding fundamentals of openings and variations essential
- Chess tips: Four things a beginner needs to know in middle game
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