Sunday, August 19, 2018

Simplifying the tree of analysis

Dismissing the king as a viable target was easy, of course. Let's see if we can do the same for the queen. The queen is the next in line in the hierarch of value.

White to move

3r2k1/5p2/1p5p/p1qb4/5R2/P1N1p1P1/1P2P2P/2Q3K1 w - - 1 1

[solution]

A point of pressure must be in contact with two targets (immobility due to lack of time) OR it must be in contact with an immobile target (due to lack of space). Otherwise, your opponent has a free move.

In this position, only the points of pressure f5 and d1 meet this condition. Which one of them is best?

The answer to that is fairly simple.
Rf5 adds one attacker to the point of pressure d5 that means that d5 is not outnumbered yet. That gives black a free move to save its pieces.

Qd1 adds two attackers to the point of pressure d5, since it unpins the knight.

This analysis adds a whole new dimension to the simplification of tactics. You just do not look at a potential point of pressure, but you look for a point of pressure that is either connected to an immobile piece OR you look at a point of pressure that is the base for a duplo attack. Everything else gives your opponent a free move.

I didn't see that one coming.

1 comment:

  1. Nice problem! I drew a blank when looking at this puzzle. I just thought 1.Rf5, then looked that you had listed 1.Qd1 as a candidate move, and so I knew that was the answer as soon as I saw your suggestion of it. Didn't see the ...Bb3 response, but the check saves the day for White.

    Actually, once I knew the two candidate moves, it was easy to rule out 1.Rf5, as 1...Qc8! gives Black time to get the bishop out of the pin.

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