Positions to study from the old Masters

capa-corzo. b6.

Answer to Capa - Corzo



Bxc4.

In the game Corzo chose b6 and after cxd5 black was just down a piece for a pawn. The game continued Rxd5 Qc3 Ra5 and after Capa played Bc4 White had the win in hand.



Be4 and the Bishop will come under attack from the a pawn move to f3. Play might continue Bg5 (clearing the Bishop from attack by a timely Black f4) Be7 Bxe7 Qxe7 f3 and White should win.




Now on Bxc4 d5! Bxd5 Qxa7+ Black is able to survive the initital attack and depending on how white Continues might make an escape to the Kingside. While this is still most likely winning for White, Black has some opportunities to make things more difficult.

Capablanca - Blanco 1901 Havana (Casual game)



Blanco has just played Rd5 with the intention of swapping of the Rooks. Is this a good decision for Black?

Originally posted by nimzo5
Capablanca - Blanco 1901 Havana (Casual game)

[fen]8/5pp1/3k4/3r3R/P7/6P1/7P/6K1 w - - 0 37[/fen]

Blanco has just played Rd5 with the intention of swapping of the Rooks. Is this a good decision for Black?

Capa won easily after the exchange - never trade into a pawn endgame unless you are SURE.