This is the position between Shirov and Aronian in round 4 at the Tal Memorial after 29…Qd3. This is the kind of unbalanced position that makes chess exciting. It is White to move. Which side would you take? This is the kind of position you should definitely play out with both sides against a friend or your computer. This would help you improve a great deal.
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
I instantly new just by looking at the position that wite has to be Shirov! I hope he wins today!
D.K.
No he only has 2 min left and Aronian decided to lpay blitz in order to take advantage of Shirovs time truble, now that I looked at the position for more then just a sec I thnk hat White wuld be very happy with a draw – especialy now that the queens are off …
D.K.
I think Moro and Leko might be able to win this … (I happen to like the 2 bishops advantage over the two knights advantage :D)
D.K.
Shirov emplyed the same tactic as las time against the Marshall – this might be a mistake.
D.K.
I like Be5 here with the idea of Qg5+. That might push Black to a defensive mode.
As long as the Black’s Queen is attacking, it’s hard for the White’s Queen to move anywhere.
I like Bh6 with the threat of Qg5 +
Bh6 is not blocking the open e file though. Black can trade Queens after Qe2+ Kg3, Qe1+. Just an idea.
To answer Susan’s question, I would take white in this position (as the defense seems interesting, though black has slightly better chances). Black’s attacking threats are not greater than white’s and the black K is also exposed.
My first choice would be Be5 (I don’t like Bh6 as black is left with the choice of using the e-file). After Be5, I think black would play Qg6 or f6!?. Qg6 sets black into defensive mode and white has Qf4. If instead f6!?, Bxf6 Qe2+, Kg3 Ke1+ exchanging queens. Here white will need to protect his c3 pawn, as the a2 pawn seems doomed anyway. A draw is possible.
This is all calculated without a computer or a chess-set. There can be a hole somewhere 🙂
As a beginner, I found the situation in the corner, after 48 Kg7 Ke8, facinating and I learnt a few things from it.