“A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer”
Bruce Lee
A quick reminder how it works:
- Have a look at the position for 1 minute (watch the clock)
- Think about the choices in front of you and pick the one you feel it is right
- Verify it in your mind the best you can
- Compare it with the solution
In the heat of the moment it is important to know how to run your attack. Anyone can play if time is not a constrain. However, in time crunch one needs to know how to play certain positions. Now you might say it is a tall order to learn strings of moves for each typical position we have in chess today. What you need to know instead are the applicable principles. By knowing them you can figure out the proper move order in your case. Consider the position below and the obvious moves that start the combination. Please do your best to cover all possible king retreats if you have time.
I hope the first thing you have recognized is the position: it is the one where the Greek gift sacrifice is possible. In this case White does not have the dark squares bishop. That means the attack hinges on the proper support given to Ng5. Since the queen must join the attack, it is the most likely piece to support it. That restricts the queen movement, so here you should consider the principles that apply. Also, when Black continues attacking Ng5 the proper pawn must be pushed forward to support the attack. I am showing below what can happen if White pushes the wrong pawn. This happened to one of my students when doing his homework.
Not sure how many might have recognized the game. It is from the end of the 19th Century and has been a classic for a long time. Here it is for your reference. I hope it will help you remember how to attack when the Greek gift sacrifice is possible.
Eugen Demian
