Step by Step: Calculation #31

Step by Step: Calculation #31

By Mark Donlan

Step by Step: Calculation is designed to improve your visualization and calculation skills.

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Evaluate the position with White to move.
Should he bring his king to safety with 15.Kh1?

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Ateka,Nathan – Nsubuga,Grace Daniel (2224)
Bled ol (Men) (5.1), 30.10.2002
Ruy Lopez Exchange [C68]

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.0–0 Qd6 6.d4 exd4 7.Nxd4 Bd7 8.Be3 0–0–0 9.Nc3 Qg6 10.Qe2 Nf6 11.f3 Bd6 12.Nb3 Rhe8 13.Bc5 Bf4 14.Be3 Nh5 15.Kh1 Lost quickly to 15…Ng3+ 16.hxg3 Qh6+ 17.Kg1 Bxe3+ 18.Rf2 Re5 0–1

Protecting the g3-square with 15.Qf2= was correct. Trying to protect the g3-square with 15.Bf2 invites 15…Bxh2+ 16.Kxh2 Nf4 when the white queen is lost because of the threat of mate on g2.

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