Dr. Siggy: Fred Reinfeld, "Tarrasch's Best Games of Chess", London 1947, pages 159-60: click for larger viewAfter 39. Nd5. - "The endgame which follows is handled by Tarrasch in his usual instructive manner. Eventually he will make the win clear by playing g3 and h4, but first he must bring his King to the centre and utilise the Knight to explore the weaknesses in Black's camp." About 45. Ne1! - "Tarrasch wants to post his Knight at f3, where it will function at maximum power: attacking the g- and e-pawns and keeping Black's Knight out of d4." About 46. Ke3! - "After 42. Nf3? Nxf3 43. gxf3 the King and pawn ending would be a draw." About 49. Ng1! - "Heading for c3. The advanced position of Black's Queen's side pawn[s] hastens his downfall." About 50... b4. - "Otherwise Nc1 wins a Pawn. But now the [White] Knight is headed for a fine post at c4." About 52... c4. - "Blackburne realises that after 52... Nd7 53. Nd2 Kg6 54. Nc4 Kh6 55. Kf3 Kh5 56. g4+ Kh6 (not 56... Kh4?? 57. Kg2 followed by Nd2-f3#) 57. Kg3 Kg6 58. h4 Kf6 59. hxg5+ Kxg5 60. Nd2 followed by Nf3+, White's gradual but steady penetration would prove irresistible." After Black's resignation. - "A well-played game by Tarrasch. Curiously enough, the h-pawn was not advanced throughout the whole ending! The clever handling of White's Knight proved to be the decisive factor." |