GM Luke McShane and GM Nigel Short reached this position about 15 moves after the position below. They then agreed for a draw about 6 moves later. This is your second exercise. It is Black to move.
– Go for the win as Black
– Try your best to hold as White
But this is NOT a position to agree for a draw in about 6 moves as Black even if you are playing against another Grandmaster!
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
Whose move is it in the diagram?
Not the same persons who posted earlier – but from the caption, it sounds like Susan Polgar expected more agressive play from both Short and McShane. I’m not strong enough a player to venture a guess as to who is ‘better’. It looks like White can keep Black’s king from ever advancing so long as the rooks are on the board. In turn, Black seems to be tied down defending his pair of passed pawns on the kingside.
? possible plans? Black should try to force a swap of rooks and play the ending pawns versus bishop? Or push pawns and try to force White’s rook back to help defend and somehow allow the king to move up.
It seems like a draw because of these mutual limitations but I guess I agree that more moves could be played out.
“But this is NOT a position to agree for a draw in about 6 moves as Black even if you are playing against another Grandmaster!”
I agree with this 200%!!!
Its nice to see a grandmaster who gives respect to the fans and gives us the chess we deserve to see. This is especially true in America where the amateurs pay large tournament entry fees so grandmasters can show up, get in free and take home a large prize. I’m not insisting that every game be a decisive game, since grandmasters day job is chess and everybody needs to “call in sick” once in a while. However, a large percentage of grandmaster draws will definitely push both fans and sponsors away.
Black’s general strategy here is to draw White’s attention (King) to the Kingside pawns, and then advance his pawns (and win) on the Queenside.
Something like:
1. … Rd3+
2. Ke2 f4
White offers trade forces Black’s rook to b3 or h3
3. Rd6 Rb3
4. Re6+ Kf7
5. Re4 f3+
And now black forces the White King to the King side and begins the Queenside pawns steady march to promotion:
5. Kf2 c3
6. Rf4+ Ke6
7. Rxg4 c2
8. Rg1 Rb1
9. Be3 b4