Originally posted by queenabberIt might be worthwhile to withhold judgment on the quality of play until you know the players! 😉
Who were the players in that game: curious as white played extremely weakly in the 2nd half? I would be suicidal to lose white's position from about move 25! It is instructive however and definitely the sort of knowledge I was hoovering up 20 odd years ago!
The white pieces were played by soon-to-be World Champion and endgame maestro Vassily Smyslov- you can click on "header" to see the players, etc.
Endgames can be harder and more subtle than they appear, which is the lesson I learned the hard way.
Originally posted by Paul LeggettEverybody can play stinker regardless of strength. Just look at Ivanchuk on a bad day! That day was Smyslov's turn to play very weakly from move 25 onwards. Time trouble maybe? It doesn't surprise that white was a strong player that much, after all his opening moves were strong and the bishop pair did have potential, especially if queens could have been exchanged
It might be worthwhile to withhold judgment on the quality of play until you know the players! 😉
The white pieces were played by soon-to-be World Champion and endgame maestro Vassily Smyslov- you can click on "header" to see the players, etc.
Endgames can be harder and more subtle than they appear, which is the lesson I learned the hard way.
Originally posted by Paul LeggettI would actually say this game is more beneficial in emphasising how well Q and N combine in the middle game. The endgame part, as I see it, is a fairly basic good bishop v bad bishop with extra pawn island/weakness and Smyslov would have known many moves before he resigned, that it was rank lost. Possibly there was no way back after 26. Bd4? as black powerfully showed
It might be worthwhile to withhold judgment on the quality of play until you know the players! 😉
The white pieces were played by soon-to-be World Champion and endgame maestro Vassily Smyslov- you can click on "header" to see the players, etc.
Endgames can be harder and more subtle than they appear, which is the lesson I learned the hard way.
Trust Paul L. to stain my thread with an endgame.
Actually the endings I have been involved in I have won the majority.
There are certianly none that I should have won and lost. (I think)
Only two I can recall where I lost a possibly draw.
Agreed a few draws when I had a plus. Usually to clinch a match or a prize..
Once got tricked by a clever stalemate.
Have won/drawn quite a few lost endings due to swindles
including one lad who resigned against me in a won ending!
Reluctantly admit that I too have the Keres book and have given it
more time than I really need to. Good Book....Very Good Book.
My games are decided with an opening trap or a middle game attack.
If neither happens and I have not sacced anything then I usually offer a draw,
the game is over.
Endgames are for sissy players who don't know how to attack in the middle game. 🙂
And that is the myth I stand by.
(See Zebras for players who play to a myth, Rowson had me in mind in that
chapter....Another good book....for the advanced player stuck in a rut who needs
and is not afraid to take a good stiff boot up the ass.)
