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ANNOTATED GAME
The Pearl of Hastings
Wilhelm Steinitz vs. Curt Von Bardeleben
Annotated by: tag1153
(1700)
Chess opening: Giuoco Piano (C54), Greco's attack
Wilhelm Steinitz vs. Curt Von Bardeleben
Annotated by: tag1153
(1700)
Chess opening: Giuoco Piano (C54), Greco's attack
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So named by GM Soltis, this gem comes from the Super GM tournament of Hastings in 1895. When asked which game inspired him the most, World Champion Mikhail Tal chose this one. In it, the very traditional and positional master Steinitz utilizes some outstanding tactical play to crush his opponent. I highly encourage you to play through this game twice, from both of the player's perspectives. It is truly amazing the way that Steinitz totally handcuffs Bardeleben after move 14. I hope you enjoy:) | |||||
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1. e4 |
The Steinitz standard. | ||||
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1... e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 |
The Italian Game. | ||||
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4. c3 |
The standard (or "book") move, which aims to support playing d4. | ||||
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4... Nf6 5. d4 |
The most aggresive continuation. White is playing to maintain the tempo he has by virtue of having the first move of the game. Control of the center is the aim! | ||||
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5... exd4 |
Black strikes first, drawing first blood. This is the sound play. | ||||
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6. cxd4 |
Regaining the material, and establishing a strong base of operations in the middle of the board. | ||||
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6... Bb4+ 7. Nc3 |
!? The most aggressive way to deal with the check. White opts to interpose with development. Safer, but far less sexy was [7.Bd2 Bxd2 8.Nbxd2 d5 9.exd5 Nxd5 10.Qb3!? Nce7] with even chances (albeit a little passive for white). | ||||
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7... d5 |
?! Dubious, and condemned by many far more experienced than this lowly commentator. Modern theory suggests [7...Nxe4?! 8.0-0 Bxc3 (8...Nxc3!? 9.d5! The Moeller Attack)]. | ||||
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8. exd5 |
! White keeps up the pressure. | ||||
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8... Nxd5 9. O-O |
! from many including Kasparov. [9.Bxd5!? Qxd5 10.0-0 once again yields even, although passive chances for white]. | ||||
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9... Be6 |
! The best move. Black saw the danger of playing 9...Nxc3, as 10.bxc3 Bxc3 11.Bxf7 Kxf7 12.Qb3 ! Be6 13.Qxc3 yields a strong initiative for white. | ||||
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10. Bg5 |
Obviously I'm no Steinitz, but 10.Bd2 seems a little safer as the dark squared bishop can now be made to retreat if black plays h6. | ||||
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10... Be7 |
Black now sets the table for a feast of tactical captures. | ||||
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11. Bxd5 Bxd5 12. Nxd5 |
White once again attempts to maintain his tempo. | ||||
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12... Qxd5 13. Bxe7 Nxe7 14. Re1 |
! Logical and strong! Black cannot castle now or his knight falls. | ||||
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14... f6 15. Qe2 |
Steinitz loads up on the e file, preparing a potent battering ram. | ||||
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15... Qd7 |
Black is now forced to retreat. Time for Steinitz to start turning up the heat. | ||||
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16. Rac1 c6 |
Solid looking, and it does sort of just feel right. But a subtle chink in the armor is detected by Steinitz. | ||||
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17. d5 |
!! The first move that sets up a combination that required incredible foresight. Steinitz opens up d4 for his knight. | ||||
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17... cxd5 |
Black takes the bait. | ||||
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