6 February 2020 - Swale Club Championship - Round Twelve

Swale Club Chess Championship - Round Twelve

Thursday 23 January 2020

White: Andrew Gillard (114) - Black: Keith Nevols (157)

Alekhine's Defence

1. e4 Nf6

I decided to give this one a try - I needed to expand my repertoire against e4.

2. e5 Nd5
3. c4 Nb6
4. d4 d6
5. f4 

The Alekhine Defence - Four Pawns Attack

5. ......dxe5

The main line - although 5. .. g5!? is mentioned as an interesting alternative.

6. fxe5 Nc6
7. Nf3 Bg4
8. Be3 Qd7

Now beginning to forget my theory. 8. .... e6 or 8. ... Bxf3 is recommended.

 

 9. d5? 

Although this looks tempting, 9. Nbd2 or 9. Nc3 is considered safer.

9. .......Bxf3

10. e6!?

Wow!! I suddenly saw this option a second before it was played and, knowing my opponent, thought he was certain to consider it. I could only see one line to get out of this.

10. .......fxe6

11. Qxf3 exd5
12. Bxb6 axb6
13. cxd5 Nb4

This was the position I foresaw at move 10. Although I am a pawn up, I have doubled pawns and am behind in development. On the other hand, the White king is stuck in the centre and I have an open file to bring the rook into the attack.

14. Nc3?!

A very bold move.

14. .......Nc2+

15. Kf2 Nd4

If 15. .. Nxa1 16. Bb5 c6 17. dxc6 Qd2+ 18. Qe2 O-O-O! (this was the move I had missed).

The best move for Black is 15. .. e6! releasing the other bishop, then 16. Bb5 c6 17. dxc6 Qd2+ and Black can play Bc5+ in various lines from there.

Instead, two pawns up and the white king dislodged, I decided to remain cautious.

16. Qd1 Qf5+

17. Kg1 e5

Setting the bishop free.

18. Na4 Qf4

Mate in one!

19. h3 Qe3+
20. Kh2 Bd6
21. Rg1 e4+
22. Kh1 Qg3

Mate cannot be stopped and so White resigned to end an entertaining short game.