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Transcript of Blitz Theory How to Win at Blitz Chess 2nd Ed_Maxwell
ΒLΙΤΖ THEORY 2nd Edition
ΒLΙΤΖ THEORY 2nd Edition
JONATHAN MAXWELL
Silent Lyric Productions, Inc.
Silent Lyric Productions, lnc.
200 Fogg Mountain Lane
Flint Ηίll, νΑ 22627
First published 1999
2nd edition published 2005
Copyright 1999, 2005 by Jonathan Maxwell
ΑιI rights reserνed. Νο part of this book may be reproduced, by
any means, without ΡΓίΟΓ permission of the publisher.
Front cover photography by Jonathan Maxwell
Back cover photography by Frank Murray
Typeset and Proofιng by Kit Kat Maxwell
Printed ίπ the US by Technical Communication Serνices
Distributed by Biblio Distribution
ISBN 0-9677752-0-5
Edίtorίal Panel: Nader Mobargha, Reid Maclean
General Advisor: David Stowe
Specialίst Advisor: Manoli Sakellarious
Commissioning Edίtor: Michael Rocke
CONTENTS
Forward ...................................................... 10
1. Preface .................................................. 12
2. Introduction ............................................ 16
3. WBCA Official Rules .............................. 20
4. strategy .................................................. 28
5. Openings ............................................... 48
6. Clock Play .............................................. 64
7. Advanced Techniques ............................ 88
8. Miscellaneous ........................................ 98
9. Conclusion ........................................... 102
10. Exercises ........................................... 104
Solutions .................................................. 11 Ο
Dedicated to Greg ΒΓοννπ and Blake Goodwin
for letting me learπ the hard way.
FORWARD
We are a playful species. From ουΓ earliest childhood ννθ indulge ίπ all sorts of games, but those of us who not only play but want ΟΓ θνθΠ must be intellectually challenged compete at the greatest game θνθΓ devised called chess.
Without doubt the fastest, most eχciting roller-coaster, spine-tingling form of chess is b/ίtz. We get a decision ίπ under ten minutes, and play whole events ίπ only ΟΠθ to three hours! While many kids can be daunted by the unfair stereotype of chess as a slow, laborious undertaking, blίtz reveals to them just how much fun chess can be as they eχperience first-hand this training time control utilized by θνθΠ the formidable Russians and Icelanders. While regular chess requires a lot of pondering, suffering, and preparation, blitz is a physical as well as mental game contested with intuition, speed, and just plain determination. Perhaps it is best summed υρ as a one-on-one, twenty-first century equivalent of a shoot-out at the ο.κ. Corral!
Through a revolutionary appreciation of the clock, fillk. Theory yields eχcellent strategies, insightful tactical options, and effective techniques for dealίng with desperate situations. If ίπ slow chess the king is Commander ίπ Chief, then ίπ blitz the clock is God who punishes the sin of slow playing with the holiest of wraths! Of course there are some that only play for speed, but the top players of the twentieth century lίke Fine,
10
Najdorf, Petrosian, Fischer, Karpov, Kasparov, Dlugy, 5eriwan,
and Tal made an effort to play both strongly and quickly. It is a method for cultivating this such strength with speed that Iίes ίπ the foIIowing pages.
ΜΥ personal formula for success has been to play very fast for the fιrst fιfteen to twenty moves, and then play at a comfortable pace of about one move every three seconds. Fallίng behind over a minute usuaIIy speIIs disaster. Ι believe one's
optimum pace depends οπ his individual endgame technique, and plain speed ίπ the last minute.
Ι agree wholeheartedly with Jonathan that a sharp
opening is pivotal against non-masters. The weaker the ορροsition, the more effective a thoughtful opening ννίΙΙ be; however, the slow chess maxim holds true ίπ blitz that it is most important to play openings which one knows and with which one feels comfortable.
The only place where the WBCA draws the Iίne concerns the "pseudo check" technique. This may be ΟΚ at coffeehouses, but ννίΙΙ garner a penalty ίπ WBCA events! Otherwise Ι
endorse this uniquely insightful book with open arms!
-Walter Browne
5ix-time U.5. Champion
11
PREFACE
Before presenting the material, a few things must be
stated.
Firstly, this is a tome of strategies that transforms the
competitive standard chess player into a competitive blitz play
θΓ. This implίes that the reader is familiar with basic chess the
ory. If he isn't, then he must fίrst study this theory ΟΓ this book
will not help him. While blitz is indeed its οννπ discipline, its
piece mechanics are the same as that of standard chess
(which ννθ ννίll refer to as "slow chess"), so ίπ the most funda
mental sense the blitz game still operates along the same ΡΓίπ
ciples. Standard concepts such as center control, piece devel
opment, and pressuring pins are θνθΓΥ bit as important ίπ blitz
as ίπ slow chess, and it is only from this fundamental frame
work that ΟΠθ can build his Πθνν and varied blitz skills. Lίke try
ing to build a balcony before first erecting a foyer, learning blitz
before slow chess is equally fatuous.
Secondly, the following ideas are sound at any leνel of
blitz play; however, they are most effective for players not yet
at the master lθνθl. One who plays at a WBCA lθνθl above
2200 is so intimate with the mechanics of slow chess that he
ννίll not be significantly affected by many of the following strate-
12
gies. This player has "mastered" his understanding and tech
nique to the point that the time crisis has little consequence
when compared to the logic of the board. He can calculate at
the blink ofan eye, and has experienced eνery type of position
so many times that he can deriνe the best plan instantly. This
being the case, the usually towering mental, psychological, and
emotional factors inherent ίπ a normal blitz contest are πονν triν
ial when discussing a master. He may use an isolated blitz tac
tic οπ occasion, but at his leνel there really is πο such thing as
true blitz chess. For him fινθ minutes is an iceage.
Finally, it is true that many of the following concepts
contradict antiquated logic. Because of these contradictions,
traditional minds may refuse to challenge certain timeworn
principles, and dismiss different reνolutionary ideas found ίπ
this book. Νο doubt, there ννίll be many who ννίll champion obνi
ous mundane chess logic with statements such as "The best
moνe is only a consequence of the position of the pieces." ΟΓ
"Deliberately hanging a piece is foolish." Το these arguments Ι
can only refer to the premise of the book that "slow" chess and
"blitz" chess are not the same discipline. If ΟΠθ refuses to
accept this then he cannot benefιt from the text.
The fact is that blitz chess is indeed an altogether dif
ferent game, and must be seen as such if ΟΠθ is to gain the
optimum skills for success. This conclusion is not a mere deri
νation of an unbridled imagination; οπ the contrary, it is the
empirical νerdict from mastering the discipline through playing
thousands υροπ thousands of blitz games. While the mechan-
13
ics of slow chess and blitz chess are the same, blitz theory is
unique and overwhelmingly relevant. Το not appreciate this is
strategically irresponsible and naive.
14
INTRODUCTION
Blitz Chess IS Not Chess
The game of slow chess is a discipline of crystalline
logic. The contestant assesses each new position and selects
the move he believes best remedies the sum of the many var
ied considerations before him. The victor is then the ΟΠθ who
has most astutely manipulated the total of these positions. lπ
this challenge there are πο external factors. ΟπlΥ the logic dom
inates. That's ίΙ
The game of blitz chess is οπlΥ a relative of slow chess
as Blίtz is chess wίthin a time crisis. This cannot be stated
enough. ΟπlΥ when ννθ understand this fact can ννθ begin to
appreciate what it takes to be competitive blitz players. Many
see blitz as simply a fast game of chess. This is incorrect, for
this implies that the best move ίπ blitz is the same as that of
slow chess. While ίπ slow chess the situation is always dictat
ed by the board, ίπ blitz both the board and the clock dictate the
advantage. While the gain of a piece is usually decisive ίπ slow
chess, it is often far from decisive ίπ blitz as a flag violation
deems the board status inconsequential. The details of the
contest are meaningless if weighed without this fact.
16
LΠ the purely logical medium of slow chess, masterful
technique is realized through appreciating the νaried and sub
tle, and executing with inspired delicacy and precision. This
practice is known as "the artists touch", and its cultiνation can
often supersede a competitor's desire to ννίπ.
lπ blitz, howeνer, there is πο room for untempered
artistry as the time crisis directly forbids ίΙ If we attempt to fιnd
these romantic slow chess moνes, we ννίll chronically Γυπ out of
time and not attain either ουΓ creatiνe ΟΓ, releνant to this trea
tise, ουΓ competitiνe goal. This reνeals the game of blitz to be
not an elegant beast. Correct play adνocates the barbaric oνer
the beautiful ίπ the aim to ννίπ the game, not create art. ΟπlΥ if
we understand this ννίll we be able to adequately benefιt from
blitz theory.
Tίme Victory Valίdity
Many players feel that a νictory gained οπ time during
a resignable chess position is somehow of an inferior caliber
than one resulting from bril\iant oνer the board play. This idea
is consummately illogical and must be discarded if we are to
become competitiνe players. Persons who belieνe that the
clock should οπlΥ assist ίπ speeding υρ a slow chess game to
aνoid boredom must directly be deemed uncompetitive con
testants, since the goa/ ο( the contest is to win the game.
While the οπlΥ way to ννίπ ίπ slow chess is to check-
17
mate ουΓ opponent, ίπ blitz ννθ can ννίπ either by checkmating
him ΟΓ by forcing his flag to fall. For example, if ννθ just shuffle
ουΓ rooks to and fro until ουΓ aggressor's time expires, ννθ have
absolutely attained ουΓ goal ίπ a perfectly legitimate, honorable
way, and deserve every bit of praise as ΟΠθ who wins through
majestic strategic method. The additional time strategy for vic
tory is precisely why the clock is οπ the table! When the victor
accomplishes his task, it must conclude that he was the better
player during the contest as only he succeeded ίπ reaching his
goal. If ννθ ignore ίπ the slightest the fully integral and conse
quential time crisis, then ννθ simply do not appreciate the
nature of the contest before us. If ννθ ννίπ οπ time with an infe
ΓίΟΓ board position, it is by πο means conclusive evidence of
poor chess strength, but rather can often be testament to pru
dent blitz strategy, for instead of depleting ουΓ time by solving
the calculations, we may have realized the fertile chances of
blitzing ουΓ opponent off the board. Perhaps we could have
also out-played him over the board. ΑΠΥ type ofwin manifests
exact/y a net adroίtness of the victor, and a net shortcoming of
the /oser. .. πο more, πο /ess.
The Digita/ Chronometer
As ννίll be manifest ίπ the pages ahead, it is complete
ΙΥ necessary for the competitive player to have available the
~ time situation of the contest at any point ίπ the game. If
18
he doesn't, he ννίll not be able to correctly implement his strate
gic arsenal, and much of his blitz skill ννίll be rendered harm
less.
Το compete with maximum potential ννθ must use a
digital clock that clearly tells us, second to second, the time sta
tus of the game. The bottom lίπe is that analog clocks simply
do not permit a modern blitz arena, and must be discarded.
Know The Rules
Are we good chessplayers if ννθ aren't sure whether
bishops move diagonally ΟΓ flatly? Well then, how can ννθ be
good bJitzplayers if ννθ don't know all the ruJes of blitz? The fact
is that most players don't know the rules, and get swindled as
a resuJt. It is essential to be certain of these standard Γules of
blitz chess as disputes frequently surface. The following is the
official WBCA Γules of blitz. Κπονν them inside and ουΙ
19
World Blitz Chess AssociaIion Official Rules
Aρρroved by the advisory committee of Nick Defirmian, Max D/ugy, Yasser Seriwan, Ron Hen/ey, Danny Kopec, Joe/ Benjamin, and Wa/ter Browne.
1. Each player must make all his moves in the fιve
minutes allotted on his clock. This is the standard International
Blitz time limit for all WBCAevents. It is the only time limit which
ννίΙΙ be WBCA rated.
2. ΑΙΙ the clocks must have a special device, usually
called a "f1ag" , marking the end of the time control period.
Either player may object to using a computer clock provided
they produce a clock with a standard face. In the event that
both players prefer their own standard face clock, the player
with black ννίll have the choice each game.
3. Before play begins both players should inspect the
position of the pieces and the setting of the clock, since once
each side has made a move all claims are null and void.
20
4. Each player must push the clock with the same
hand he uses to move his pieces. Exception: Only during
castling may a player use both hands. When capturing, only
one hand may be used. The fιrst infraction ννίll get a warning,
the second a one minute penalty, and the third ννίll result ίπ the
loss of the game.
5. The arbiter should state at the start of the event the
direction the clocks are to face, and the player with the black
pieces then decides which side he ννίll play with that opponent.
6. Except for pushing the clock neither player should
touch the clock except:
a. Το straighten ίΙ
b. If either player knocks ονθΓ the clock, his
opponent gets ΟΠθ minute added to his clock.
C. If your opponent's clock does not tick,. you
may punch his side down and repunch your side; however, if
this procedure is unsatisfactory, please call for a director.
d. Each player must always be allowed to
push the clock after his move is made. Also neither player
should keep his hand οπ ΟΓ hover ονθΓ the clock.
7. Defιning a ννίπ
Α game is ννοπ by the player:
a. who has mated his opponent's king
b. whose opponent resigns
C. whose opponent's flag falls first, at any time
before the game is otherwise ended, provided he points it out
21
and neutralizes the clock while his οννπ flag is still υρ and that
he still has mating material.
d. who after an illegal move takes the king ΟΓ
stops the clock.
θ. an illegal move doesn't negate a player's
right to claim οπ time, provided he does so ΡΓίΟΓ to his ορρο
nent's claim of illegal move. If the claims are simultaneous, the
player who made an illegal move loses.
7a. Defίning mating material
Either two minor pieces (except king versus king and
two knights), a pawn, a rook, ΟΓ a queen ννίll be sufficient mat
ing material. Νο trick mates are allowed which means a lone
king ΟΓ bishop is insufficient unless a forced ννίπ can be demon
strated within two minutes.
8. Defίning a draw
a. Α game is a draw if one of the kings is
stalemated even if a fallen flag is claimed simultaneously.
b. Α game is a draw by agreement only if the
players make the agreement during the game.
c. Α game is a draw if the flag of one player
falls after the flag of the other player has already fallen, and a
ννίπ has not been claimed unless either side mates before
noticing both flags down.
d. Το claim a draw by perpetual check, a (ου,
time repetition is necessary with the player counting 1,2,3,4 out
loud so as to make it quite clear and easy for the arbiter to
assist. Claimant should stop the clock after the forth repetition.
22
θ. If both players each have just ΟΠθ identical
piece, either may claim a draw by stopping the clock if neither
side can show a forced ννίπ within two minutes.
f. Α game is a draw if οηθ player has insuffi
cient mating material when his opponent's flag falls ΟΓ makes
an illegal move.
g. lπ king and bishop versus king and bishop
of opposite colors, with οπlΥ ΟΠθ pawn οπ the board, ΟΓ ίπ two
versus ΟΠθ ίπ a clearly blockaded position, a draw can be
claimed by stopping the clocks and summoning an arbiter if
necessary provided there is ηο forced ννίη within two minutes.
h. King and rook pawn versus king can be
claimed as a draw once the defender is οπ the rook fιle ίπ front
of the pawn. King and pawn versus king can be claimed as a
draw once the defender is immediately οπ the square directly
ίπ front of the pawn as long as it's not οη the seventh rank.
ί. King and rook and rook pawn versus king
and rook is a draw if the pawn is blockaded by the king and
there is πο immediate ννίπ.
Miscellaneous
9. If a player accidentally displaces one ΟΓ more
pieces, he shall replace them οπ his οννπ time. If it is necessary,
his opponent may start his clock without making a move ίπ
order to make sure that the culprit uses his οννπ time while
23
replacing the pieces. If a player fιrst touches ΟΠθ piece, then
moves another; his opponent can restart the player's clock and
make him move the piece fιrst touched. Finally, it is unsports
manly to knock ονθΓ any pieces then punch the clock. For a fιrst
offense the player ννίll get a warning (unless he causes his
opponent's flag to fall, ίπ which case the offended shall get ΟΠθ
minute extra οπ his clock.): for a second offense a ΟΠθ minute
add-on ννίll be imposed; for a third he shall forfeit the game.
Thereafter the arbiter may use other penalties ΟΓ expel a play
θΓ from the event for repeated offenses.
10. lπ case of a dispute either player may stop the
clock while the arbiter is being summoned. lπ any unclear situ
ation the arbiter ννίll consider the testimony of both players and
any reliable witness before rendering his decision, which ίπ all
cases ννίll be fιnal.
11. The arbiter shall not pick υρ the clock except ίπ the
case of a dispute when both players allow him to do so.
12. Spectators and players ίπ another game are not to
speak ΟΓ otherwise interfere ίπ the game at hand. If a spectator
interferes ίπ any way, such as by calling the attention to a flag
fall ΟΓ an illegal move, the arbiter may cancel the game and rule
that a Πθνν game be played instead, and he may also expel the
offending party from the playing room. The arbiter should also
be silent about illegal moves ΟΓ flag falls (unless there are suf-
24
fιcient arbiters and they have agreed with the players to call
them before the event started) as this is entirely the responsi
bility of the players.
13. When a clearly drawn position is reached, either
player may stop the clock and appeal to the arbiter for a draw.
a. If the arbiter allows a draw as ίπ rule #8, the
game is ονθΓ.
b. If the appeal is rejected then a ΟΠθ minute
penalty is imposed οπ the player who stopped the clock.
14. Α player who has played an illegal move must
retract it and make a legal move οπ his οννπ time. If πο legal
move exists with that piece then he may make any legal move.
Illegal moves unnoticed by both players cannot be corrected
afterwards, ΠΟΓ can they become the basis for making a claim,
although a piece once touched must be moved. Απ illegal m.ove
is completed when the player presses the clock, whereupon
the opponent may claim a ννίπ provided he has mating materi
al.
15. Α legal move is completed when the hand leaνes
the piece.
16. Moving the king next to another king is illegal,
however neither player canplay king takes king! This cheap
shot ννίll not be tolerated! Stop the clock and claim a ννίπ
because of an ίllegal move.
17. If a player promoted a pawn and leaves the pawn
25
οπ the board, the opponent οπlΥ has the option of stopping the
clock while a replacement piece is found υρ until the end of the
game.
18. Απ arbiter may determine that a clock is defective
and may change clocks at his discretion.
19. 8efore a tournament the organizers should post at
least two copies of the complete blitz rules ίπ the tournament
area unless there are fewer than twenty-fιve players, ίπ which
case one list ννίll suffice. Posting one hour before play is advis
able.
20. If the king and queen are set υρ incorrectly then
one may castle short οπ the queenside and long οπ the king
side! Once each side has made a move, incorrect setups stay
unless both players agree to restart.
21. Excessive banging of the pieces ΟΓ clock ννίll not
be tolerated!
22. Finally, ίπ all W8CA tournaments the decision of
the arbiter is fιnal; however, for future consideration the W8CA
ννίΙΙ Iίsten to any grievances ΟΓ wrongdoings οπ the part of any
arbiter ΟΓ player.
26
STRATEGY
The Clock Is Α Piece
The most important concept ίπ blitz chess is that the
clock is a blίtz chess piece just like any other; and thus, ννθ
should make a strong effort to use it for attack. If ννθ don't, ουΓ
opponent ννίll attack with it and ultimately mate us with it (force
ουΓ flag to faII). This being the case, it is imperative that ννθ
move qUΊckly enough to eχert pressure οπ ουΓ ΟΡΡΟΠθΠΙ What
is quick? lπ a standard five minute game ννθ must average ΟΠθ
move eveιy (ίνθ seconds. With this pace, ννθ are preserνing ουΓ
ability to conduct a campaign both thoughtful and lengthy;
though most importantly, ννθ are forcing ουΓ opponent to main
tain ουΓ heightened pace ΟΓ fall into serious time pressure.
As many of ουΓ moves ννίll indeed be less accurate
than with slow chess, it is imperative that ννθ discipline our
selves from frustration. The reason why ννθ often don't find the
best move is directly because of the necessary competitive
pace at which ννθ are playing. This is not something to be
remedied, but embraced, for the truth is that ουΓ game is
stronger for the time pressure ννθ eχert οπ ουΓ ΟΡΡΟΠθΠΙ He
must, ίπ turn, adjust his game to this clock attack ΟΓ be defeat-
28
ed. Thus, by healthy clock aggression the inferior quality of the
chess is outweighed by the superiority of the time pressure.
/f a moνe is ποΙ ρ/ayed within about fίνe seconds, it is
necessariIy ΒΠ exercise ίπ bad technique, and thus a bad
move. This means that the best move οπ the board is only the
best move ίπ blitz if we fιnd it within fινθ seconds. With the
eχception of very complicated positions (which must be defιned
as rare) πο moνe should eχceed this lίmίΙ Perhaps a slower
pace may produce more accurate moves; howeνer, these bet
ter slow chess moves ννίll ΠθνθΓ see their fruition as ννθ ννίll lose
οπ the clock. The crowd may gasp at overlooked brίlliancies,
but such emotional discouragement has πο basis as it ignores
the fact that ννθ are ίπ a time crisis and are playing with optimal
technique since ννθ continue to eχecute effectiνe moνes within
the critical fινθ second interνal.
Some hold the belίef that they may correctly spend
more time at the beginning of the game, as long as they speed
υρ ίπ the fιnal minute. They argue that once they achieve a
technically ννοπ position, the game ννίll play itself, so the
remaining moνes ννίll only require a couple seconds each. This
is callow zeal. These persons ννίll not have time to convert θνθΠ
a simple position, and ννίll bungle it away. The weathered com
batant knows the tenacity hidden ίπ θνθΠ the most basic posi
tions, and therefore prepares himself to tiptoe through myriad
swindles. It is not the eχception but the rule that without appro
priate time the leader ννίll blunder.
It does not require eχtraordinary talent for the regular
29
blitz player to maintain this pace. Only simple mental effort is
needed. If we assume a lethargic attitude at the table, then it
will ΡΓονθ challenging; however, an honest decided effort will
get us right υρ to speed. If we are unable to play a satisfactory
game of chess within this pace, then we must practice if we
hope for enduring success.
Elίminate The Ego
If there is ΟΠθ thing for certain, it is that the average
player's ego is thoroughly tied to the outcome of the game.
After all, unlike most contests there is πο luck ίπ slow ΟΓ blitz
chess, so the total impact of a loss rests οπ the vanqUΊshed's
shoulders. We can't blame the dog, the traffic, ΟΓ the govern
ment when we're staring at ουΓ checkmated king. It's all ουΓ
fault, and it does hurt.
LΠ a game of logic and psychology there is πο room for
teeming emotions as they οπlΥ cloud our thoughts, but with
such a sting looming at the possibility of a defeat, οπlΥ a con
scientious player is able to play with his emotions at a mini
mum. This fact is wonderful for us because with some practice,
we can greatly reduce ουΓ emotional affectation while ουΓ
aggressor implodes inside his. ΒΥ simp/y re/easing the exces
sive importance from the outcome, and appreciating the fact
that ουΓ emotions do radica//y influence ουΓ p/ay, ουΓ game wi//
improve dramatica//y.
30
The fact is that most players neglect this shortcoming.
They devote fινθ hours to investigating the most recent
Informant, but can't fιnd fινθ minutes to investigate themselves.
Perhaps it is too unpleasant. Perhaps most don't believe their
emotional state to be ΓθlθνθηΙ Whatever the case, emotions
Γυη rampant ίη all chess competitions. Thus, the more οηθ can
extricate his ego from his play, the better a player he ννίll be,
and the greater ννίll be his advantage ονθΓ his opponent.
The Cardinal Rule
Easily the most important habit ννθ must practice is to
diffuse ουΓ opponent's superfίcial tactics as soon as possible.
This means releasing pins, moving pieces away from forking
squares, sheltering ουΓ king from obvious checks, etc. Of
course this is most often a good policy ίπ slow chess also, (as
many ideas are ίπ this book) but while ίπ slow chess it is cor
rect to weigh the timing of ουΓ attack versus that of ουΓ ορρο
nent's, this is not the case ίπ blitz chess, for the time and effort
required for such thought ίπ a series of blίtz games is far more
valuable than the accuracy lost ίπ ουΓ individual moves.
Consider the foIIowing position ...
31
Maroczy-Bogolyuboν
Dresden 1936
Ιη a slow game, the correct moνe is 1.dc because black's bish-
ορ fork at c2 is off limits as white then plays 2.Rxd8+ ... Rxd8
3.Bχf7+ winning. If black chooses 1 ... Rxd1+ 2.Rxd1 ... Bxc,
white can ηο longer immediately play 3.Bχf7+ soundly because
of the cool ... Kf8 4.ΒχΟ ... ΒχΟ; howeνer, white has an offensiνe
resource ίη the elegant 3.Qa2! Thus, after due calculation, he
may soberly continue aggressiνe operations.
Νονν consider the same position ίη a blitz game. The
time and mental strain required to calculate all this clearly and
with confidence is far greater than οηθ can afford. Ιη a blitz sit
uation the correct moνe is the wisely simple 1.Rbc1 because it
diffuses the obνious fork and ρίη tactics threatened, thus hold
ing our position wίth minimal time and strain lost.
In slow chess, the first ΡΓίΟΓίιΥ in an open game is to
castle. This is true tenfold in blίtz, for not only ννίll the ίll placed
32
king ΡΓονθ ΓίΡθ for a variety of tactics, but also the accurate
defense ννθ ννίll have to erect ννίll surely cost a premium οη the
clock. Sometimes ίη slow chess ννθ can calculate a Mikhail Tal
battle plan ίη which the king commands his troops from the
center of the battlefιeld. Ιη blitz leaνe this only to Mikhail Tal
himself! As soon as a center fιlθ breathes, ννθ must get ουΓ king
safe!
Max Lange Attack
Neglecting to castle is not θνθη worth a center pawn.
Ιη a slow game 5 ... Nxe is sound and strong as the ensuing
aggression can ultimately be parried; however, if ννθ are not
already versed ίη this opening, are ννθ really going to fιgure out
the ensuing variations ίη fιve seconds?! Of course ποΙ Α good
blitz player respects this fact and ννίll respond with a humble
move such as 5 ... d6 ΟΓ at least 5 ... Bc5 with his eye οπ an expe
dient castling to safety.
33
Α tactic that deserνes specific comment is the back
rank mate. As a ΓυΙθ, we create Iuft οπ the fιrst hint of back rank
weaknesses. Back rank threats, and actuaI mates account for
an inexcusable amount of blitz losses. Perhaps the luft is not
immediately necessary. Perhaps it is ugly, ΟΓ creates weak
nesses around the king. Perhaps ννθ ννίΙΙ lose the initiative. Ιπ
blitz such excuses are irrelevant. Make luft ΟΓ suffer the conse
quences!
Tactics: The SOU/ Ο( Blίtz
The more ουΓ playing style embraces tactics, the
stronger will be ουΓ blίtz game. This is true for two reasons.
Firstly, individual positionaI gains are less destructive ίπ them
selves than are tactical blows- It is easier to recover from a
backward pawn ΟΓ a bad bishop than from a royal fork. WhiIe it
is rare that a player ννίll hang a rudimentary tactic ίπ a slow
game, ίπ blitz θνθΠ the master routinely hangs pieces because
the time crisis inevitably forces slip-ups. Thus, tactical aggres
sion bears many more fruits than a positional siege because of
the direct, conclusive consequences of a tactical oversight.
SecondIy, it is possibIe to steer a/l situations away from
positional channels to tactical skirmishes since closed posi
tions can aIways be opened, piece play proves potent ονθΓ
pawn pushes, checkmate threats must forever be respected. lπ
slow chess a positional player may successtully arrest these
34
tactical maneuvers with the consequences of his prophylactic
net. He dulls his opponent's tactical goals, and angles against
weaknesses with individual moves not as important as their
overall theoretical aims. Finally he immobilizes his opponent ίπ
static shortcomings. Ιπ blitz these shortcomings are far out
weighed by the crushing force of the combination of the tactical
savagery and the clock.
Modern Defense
Here is an example of an attempt to enforce a positional cam
paign easily refuted by a tactical gauntlet. If white wishes, he
may fire 6.Nxb5!? .. d5! 7.Bb3 ... dxe4 8.Ng5 with a double
edged slugfest.
Other times the situation requires more of a positional
concession, but once again, the resulting familiar tactical flavor
combined with the time strain dominates the contest.
35
Benjamin - Christansen 1997 US Championship
Here black made a brazen bid for chances by intro
ducing tactics with the not quite sound 12 ... Bxe4 which gets
into trouble after 13. Bxf7+, but he got away with it as white,
under the blitz strain, οπlΥ found 13.Rxe4. Black continued to
liquidate his ίπfeήοr position, and gained a satisfying draw. As
ννθ can see, θVθΠ the world's best often cannot cash ίπ οπ con
cessions yielded for tactical wrestings ίη blitz.
Because the time crisis forces mistakes, and because
the tactician is so able to steer the game to conditions that
prove the most ΓίΡθ for these such mistakes (tactical condi
tions), ίt foIIows that the victor wiII necessarί/y be the p/ayer
who is most adept at thriving ίπ these sharpest condίtions.
50 then, ουΓ tactical acumen must be υρ to paΓ. If it
isn't, ννθ must study and practice until it is. There are ρlθΠιΥ of
36
books out there fιlled with tactical quizzes and theory from
which ννθ can benefι!. One must read them again and again
until he feels comfortable enough ίπ standard tactical encoun
ters.
The following is a series of basic tactical exercises. If it
proves too challenging, then ουΓ tactical skills need improve
ment. The solutions can be found at the back of the book.
37
Tactica/ Exercises
1. 2.
3. 4.
38
5. 6.
7. 8.
39
9. 10.
11. 12.
40
13. 14.
15. 16.
41
The Best Defense Is Α Good Offense
This is true manifold ίπ blitz chess because the conse
quences of a failed attack is a mere loss of initiatiνe, while that
of a failed defense is the loss of the game. Because of this fact
the attacker has the lυχυΓΥ of being less accurate than the
defender. Since this accuracy is exact/y the ingredient ίπ dearth
supp/y, an overwhe/ming advantage is gained simp/y by seiz
ing the inίtiative.
This being the case, it is best to adopt a campaign of
heightened aggression. We make eνery effort to create threats
to force ουΓ opponent into a defensiνe posture. When faced
with a choice of a solid yet passiνe position, ΟΓ a sharp and
double-edged position, we play the latter as it keeps ουΓ ορρο
nent's stress leνel to a maχimum, creating the most conduciνe
enνironment for a decisiνe miscalculation.
If Α Sacrifice Looks Good, Then ιι Is Good
lπ slow chess an unsound sacrifιce is ill-adνised
because it is too likely that the opponent ννίll calmly calculate
an adequate defense, and then conνert his material adνantage
to a ννίπ. lπ blitz, howeνer, he has not the time ΠΟΓ serenity to
calculate such a defense, and ννίll probably succumb to a flag
fall ΟΓ a blunder.
42
While the advantage gained from the opponent's lack
of time to calcuIate the consequences of a sacrifιce is obvious,
the psychoIogicaI advantage from his Iack of serenity merits
investigation. Anyone who has pIayed even a little chess is
acquainted with the sudden sinking feeIing ίη his stomach
when a knight ΟΓ bishop comes crashing into his buIwark. He
assumes we would never enthusiasticaIIy seek a permanent
materiaI defιcit, and concludes that ουΓ attack must be irre
sistible. Such thinking has been reinforced for a chessplayer's
entire career, so it is a safe bet that his immediate inclination
ννίΙΙ be to find ουΓ supposed winning line. If he finds none, his
neχt resoIution ννίΙΙ be to decIine the sacrifιce as he ννίΙΙ be con
vinced its solution is over his head.
Tal - Hodgson 1974 Camndentown Simultaneous
Here TaI specuIativeIy pIayed 1.Rχp, surely with the apprecia
tion of its signifιcant psychological consequences ίη addition to
the tangibIe Iines it opens. Even though simple analysis seems
43
to Γθνθθl 1.Rxp to be a technical failure (1 ... ΚxR 2.ΒχΒ ... ΟχΒ
3.Qxd7+ ... Kh6 4.Rh1 + ... Kg5 5.Qd2+ ... Qf4), Tal's opponent
declined the material with 1 ... Rc6?? 2.ΟχΒ and qUΊckly lost. He
was defeated through psychology.
ΕνθΠ if ουΓ blitz opponent fίΠθΙΙY accepts the sacrifίce,
its destructive vibrations wiII be felt for the remainder of the
contest. He wiII be focused οπlΥ οπ defending for a good many
moves to come, thereby extinguishing θΠΥ healthy attacking
aspirations he might have had. As there is always some lθνθl
of intimidation instiIIed ίπ an opponent when we play such a
seemingly steIIar, contemptuous moνe, his calculations wiII
now be consummately confused by the anxiety from which he
wiII πο doubt be suffering.
ΑΙΙ this ads υρ to not so much of a physical action οπ
his position, but a psychological maelstrom that leaves him ίπ
emotional tatters. lπ some instances his play wiII drop a fuII
class, and he wiII now take about twice as long to move. As a
matter of fact, 80% of Mikhail Tal's successful slow chess sac
rifίces have been refuted ίπ post mortem analysis, yet Tal was
world champion. Thus, the success of the sacrifίcial strategy
has been ΡΓονθΠ. If we simply foIIow υρ ουΓ blitz sacrifίces with
inspired fervor, there reaIIy wiII be πο way he can win the con
test.
Since this psychology behind a sacrίfιce is so potent,
we may boldly yet soberly embark οπ a sacrifίce based ρυΓθlΥ
οη a psychological platform. We do this by playing an outright
44
bluff!
Koblents - Tal Riga 1957
Ιη the aboνe, the slow chess moνe 20 ... Rxf2 is adolescent
romance, but it is not hard to appreciate its conνincing appear
ance. Ενθη if we are sharp enough to realize that white can ulti
mately hold οη to his material, it is sometimes recommended ίη
blitz to proceed anyway with the aim of crushing ουΓ opponent
under the inνolνed psychological strain.
Απ additionaI reason adνocating the occasionaI bluff is
that when we do pIay a soIid sacrifιce, ουΓ now incredulous
opponent is more apt to disbeIieνe us and take the bait. Now
we may paint the board with ουΓ eIegant combination amidst
the oohs and aahs of the crowd. While sIow chess rareIy ΡΓΟ
νides a credible opportunity for the dramatic sacrifιce, there are
more than enough chances ίη a session of blitz. This is ουΓ
chance to reaIIy haνe fun!
45
Essentially, the bluff combined with the sound sacrifice
forces ουΓ opponent to weigh θνθΓΥ move individually, a con
sequence that is quite steep for an environment that already
demands so much mental capacity. Because of this, θνθΠ
speculative sacrifices are often recommended. If the sacrifice
looks sound enough, then these added elements ννίΙΙ push the
decision much past the affirmative.
46
OPENINGS
Since a tactical initiative is so successful in blitz, the
most effectiνe opening ΓθΡθποίΓθ is mercilessly aggressive. If
ουΓ opponent isn't fluent with the positions, then these open
ings alone should provide us with enough pressure to win the
games either on the board ΟΓ the clock. If he isn't even familiar
with the positions, the games will play themselves.
Essentia/ Diνersity
As we play sessions of consecutive games versus the
same opponent, we must not make it easy for him to learn from
his mistakes from game to game. When we smash him with the
same opening two ΟΓ three times in a row, we must preserνe
this valuable weapon by playing something else for a while,
and then something else again. Now he will always be on his
heels. After a while we may return to ουΓ bread and butter, and
let him fall for the exact trap that tripped him υρ just a few
games ago!
Creating and maintaining this relentless atmosphere is
as important as any aspect of ουΓ game. This being the case,
48
it is essential that ννθ acquire a broad opening repertoire.
White Openings
For starters, Ι believe 1.e4 to be best ίπ blitz. While
many cases can be made for 1.d4 ΟΓ other fιrst moves ίπ slow
chess, ΟΠθ must remember that the savvy blitz player is pursu
ing inspired tactical. territory. 1.d4, 1.c4, and 1.Nf3 are, of
course, solid and dynamic; however, they lack the direct tacti
cal nature of 1 .e4. This is because after 1.e4, black must either
accept tactical activity with 1 ... c5, 1 ... d5, ΟΓ 1 ... e5, ΟΓ be con
demned to a drawn out uphill battle for equality. The positional
altematives for black's fιrst move do him πο good as they can
be twisted to tactical channels through forced transposition. For
eχample 1 ... Nf6, 2.Nc3 ... e5, 3.f4 twists the elusive Alekhine's
Defense into the sharp Vienna Gambit.
If white doesn't seize the opportunity to move his king
pawn out two squares at his fιrst opportunity, then black can
squelch its timely emergence with the simple and strong 1 ... Nf6
at which point the contest already begins a basically forced
joumey into a positionallabyrinth. It is true that all games can
assume a tactical flavor; however, ίt is most easi/y achieved
wίth the ever-sound 1.e4. This being the case, it only makes
sense to play accordingly.
The foIIowing is a sharp and varied opening repertoire.
It should be noted that part of its success comes from the inter-
49
relatedness between many of the openings. The pawn struc
tures, tactical motifs, and strategic aims often overlap between
these setups, so the play of one reinforces another. While there
are many aggressive and tactical lίnes one can employ, these
are my suggestions ...
Against 1 ... e5
Ι promote the Italian bishop (3.Bc4) over it's Spanish
counterpart (3.Bb5) for the direct pressure οπ black's Achilles'
heel at f7. Perhaps the ρίπ of the queen's knight has more sub
stance ίπ slow chess, but this is not the case ίπ blitz.
1. Τhe Evan's Gambit This is a gem for blitz play! For the eχpendable "b"
pawn we gain a dominating, dynamic center, thorough activity,
and a nasty attack οπ the king.
2. Τhe Danish Gambit The rapid threats along the "e" fιle and οπ f7 combined
with the raking bishops ννίll ensure enough chances for at least
a time ννίπ. We need not worry about the pawns as ουΓ ορρο
nent ννίll never have the time to cash them ίπ.
50
3. The Scotch Gambit Gary Kasparov employed the Scotch Game at the
world championship leνeΙ ίπ sIow chess. Enough said.
4. The Max Lange Attack AIthough perhaps superfιciaI for a sIow chess game,
the beauty of this opening is that it is reaIIy one long series of
memorized moves. Either ουΓ opponent knows the other side
of it fιfteen moves deep, ΟΓ gets smashed before we even start
thinking.
Against 1 ... d5
1. "ed" The immediate opening of the "e" file combined with
the probable harassment of the bIack queen provides fιne ίπί
tiative and tactics.
2. The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit The main advantage for ουΓ opponent ίπ the
Scandinavian (1 .. d5) Iίes ίπ his familiarity of the ensuing posi
tions. Therefore, simply take this famiIiarity back with a trans
position, and gain a solίd attack to boot.
Α word of caution here is needed. It is of great impor
tance that we avoid ουΓ opponent's tactics οπ the f1-a6 diago
nal by moving ουΓ king to h1 at the first favorable opportunity.
51
Against 1 ... c5
1. Any /ine with Morphy's 3.d4 The SiciIian Defense is so tacticaI ίη its οννη right that
not too much need be taiIored from the main theoreticaI ideas.
2. The Yugos/av Attack
The magic ίπ this attack Iies ίπ the perfect starting posi
tions of the king rook and dark squared bishop. Since ουΓ ορρο
nent's fιanchetto structure defιnes the weaknesses for us at f6,
h6 and h7, we have a taiIor made pIan for a rapid and IethaI
battIe. We just exchange dark bishops with ουΓ queen battery,
then ΡΓΥ open the "h" fιIe with ουΓ pawn.
3. The Smith-Morra Gambit ΒΥ surrendering ουΓ "d" pawn, we gain the ΟΠΙΥ centraI
pawn at e4, a knight at its naturaI c3, the opening of both bish
ορ diagonaIs, the d1-a4 diagonaI for ουΓ queen, and the "c" and
52
"d" files for ουΓ rooks. Meanwhile, ουΓ opponent has nothing
anywhere at all, save the single a5-d8 diagonal, and a possible
future backward pawn center. VVhite's radically accelerated
mobilization and unprejudiced dynamism combined with the
retardation of black's campaign yields attacking potential of the
highest order that can be gained from any opening gambit.
4. The Wing Gambit ΒΥ relinquishing οπlΥ the runt "b" pawn, we remove
black's influence over d4, and gain a broad, sturdy, and mobile
pawn center which cannot be ignored ίη an open game. lη
addition, ουΓ dark squared bishop may πονν pester at the a3
post. ΑιI ίπ all, this is a very well motivated undertaking.
Agai nst 1 ... Nf6
1. The VΊenna Gambit As previously mentioned, the main lines Γυπ into this
gambit by 2.Nf3 ... e5, 3.f5
If black takes the Ρθννπ, 4.e5 ννίll send the knight home
for a browbeating. If he doesn't, then we can terrorize along the
"r fιle.
2. The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit (see above)
VVe can transpose to this if black chooses to play 2 ... d5
53
instead of e5.
3. Any tactica//ine after an a/ternative against 2.Nc3
The best lίnes have been discussed. If black selects
any alternative, he has accepted inequality, and ννθ have
accomplished ουΓ goal of an enduring initiative.
Against 1 ... c6
1. The Advance Variation Signifιcantly tactical and aggressive. While ουΓ ορρο
nent ννίll πο doubt be familiar with the fιrst few moves, the light
ning kingside activity and unstructured flavor ννίll definitely
knock him off balance.
2. The Panov-Botνinnic Attack The immediate and permanent open lines ννίll grade
against the calm and rigidity of the Caro-Kann player. As
white's play is ίπ the center, his initiative should endure his
opponent's minority attack.
3. 4.Bd3 with a possib/e h3 Tal's idea is all the more effective ίπ blitz play. The
Caro-Kann is essentially an attempt to institute the ideas of the
54
French Defense without the drawback of the bad bishop. With
this ίπ mind, white can derail the whole of black's aspirations by
preventing the deployment of this bishop. After the exchange
οπ d5, ννθ simply do not allow the light squared bishop to devel
ορ by playing 4.Bd3. If he fιghts for g4's turf with an early Nf6,
ννθ quietly play h3 which decides the matter permanently.
Black must either ΟΡθΠ υρ the position ΟΓ accept the bad bish
ορ. lπ either case, he has used at least thirty seconds ίπ' his
decision, and ννίll be uncomfortable ίπ his setup.
Against 1 ... d6
1. The Austrian Attack The rapid f4 is ideal·to bully ουΓ opponent into immedi
ate decisions. ΒΥ rotating ουΓ spearhead between the pawn
pushes f5, g5, and h5, ννθ ννίll have enough to keep him guess
ing. Experimentation with Bc4 as an alternative to Bd3 may
bear fruit as well' Although black can try the recommended
55
center fork trick with Nxe, the response ΒχΠ is much more
fιerce ίπ blitz conditions.
Against 1 ... e6
1. The Mίlner-Barry Gambit As French players tend to expect a closed center, this
gambit is wonderfully motiνated as it νiolently disturbs blacks
assumptions.
2. 3.ed ... ed 4.c4 While this does yield a basic equality, it is psychologi
cally geared to strip black of his aspired positional expectations
similar to ουΓ Panoν-Botνinnik plans against the Caro-Kann.
Since he hopes to spring his usual closed lines, ννθ greet him
with a hard-hitting open game ίπ which tactical sparring ννίll be
the order of the day.
The potential of white's isolani should be appreciated
as well. While its positional shortcomings often ΡΓονθ a πυί
sance ίπ slow chess, its dynamic energy is far more effectiνe ίη
blitz.
56
Against all others
If black embarks οη θηΥ other ρlθη of defense, it must
be benign enough to condemn him to passivity with straightfor
ward moves.
Black Oρenings
Once again, the emphasis is οη aggressive tactical
winning chances, but ηονν there is θη added issue to consider:
ΒΥ having the luxury of the fίrst move, white ννίll have already
given the game a flavor favorable to him. Because of this, ννθ
must make θη θνθη stronger effort to steer the game into chan
nels both tactical and unfamiliar. lη a slow contest it is usually
prudent to stick with theoretically best Iines, but ίη ουΓ .blitz
arena psychology plays too great a role to be ignored. Thus ννθ
ννίll select ουΓ responses not so heavily based οη slow theory,
but largely aimed to rupture ουΓ opponent's psyche. Of course
a theoretically ΡΟΟΓ opening is out of the question, but οηθ that
is psychologically as well as theoretically motivated takes
precedence over another that is theoretically superior, but psy
chologically impotent.
57
Against 1.e4
1. The Sici/ian Lowentha/ This is my fιrst choice. Firstly, it perfectly caters to a
hostile, combinative style. The direct seizing of the initiative
and lead ίπ development puts us ίπ the driver's seat. Secondly,
it is rarely seen ίπ slow play so white ννίll instantly be ίπ deep
and uncharted waters. Ι guarantee that 4 ... e5!? and the prob
able 8 ... 0g6, ννίll together buy us at least forty seconds! The
thematic attack οπ c2 is too stubborn to be remedied ίπ fινθ
minutes.
2. The Sici/ian Najdorf The most aggressive and studied lίπe ίπ slow play also
pays off οπ the blitz board. Νο matter what white decides, ννθ
are ensured a fierce attack οπ the queen's wing. Although ννθ
aim to adopt openingsunfamiliar to ουΓ opponent, this main
lίΠθ is so tactically sharp that it should be ίπ every competitive
player's repertoire.
3. The French Defense "Hold οπ there! Ι thought ννθ ννθΓθ to play for ΟΡθΠ, tac
tical positions!" This is true. The reason why ννθ make this
exception is that The French is an opening that plays itself, and
that means lightning clock strikes.
58
In most games, ννθ play ουΓ pawns to e6, d5, c5, and h5, ουΓ
knights to c6 and f5, ουΓ queen to b6, and ουΓ bishops on the
central seventh squares. While white stumbles on his problems
at d4 and b2, and ponders how to attack the rock in front of him
in general, ννθ may glibly paint ουΓ same picture time and
again. It's as if ουΓ opponentis playing with a minute handicap.
After play-testing it for years, Ι have conclusively found that
only a small handful of players can smoothly handle this mis
chievous opening. Unless white has thoroughly studied his
lines, black can at least play for time with superb results.
Against 1.d4
Firstly, it should be stated that the foe ίn front of us is
probably of a positional breed as he opts for the safe and
sound queen's pawn thrust; therefore, ννθ can immediately take
solace in the fact that after ννθ muscle the opening to familiar
59
grounds, ουΓ tactical play ννίΙΙ giνe us an adνantage ίπ the ensu
ing fιght.
1. The A/bin Countergambit Α wonderful blitz enterprise. First, ννθ can enjoy watch
ing ουΓ opponent shift ίπ his seat for ten seconds after 2 ... e5.
Then commences the exciting setting of the many different
traps depending οπ how white attempts to quiet ουΓ renegade
"d" pawn. There is θνθΓΥ chance he ννίll be down material by
moνe ten ΟΓ mated by moνe twenty. If he isn't, his pawns ννίll be
doubled and isolated while his kingside remains critically
unemployed and without promise. If he makes it to a middle
game with a pulse, then he ννίll only haνe about half his time left
to undertake the daunting task of manifesting his unlikely tacti
cal prowess. ΑιI this for a pawn!
2. The Benko Gambit This is sound and sharp ίπ slow chess. ΒΥ trading two
flank pawns for white's Ud" pawn, we remoνe his control of the
prized real estate at e5 and c5, ννθ gain immediate dominating
pressure οπ the queen's wing with ουΓ heaνy pieces, and a
menacing bishop at a6. Ι really don't see how it's possible to
not lονθ this opening.
3. The Eng/und Gambit While Ι wouldn't adνocate this ίπ a six hour game, it fιts
blitz conditions like a gloνe. Firstly, it scores the maximum οπ
60
surprise value as ουΓ adversary may ΠθνθΓ have seen the
response 1 ... e5 ίπ his life. Secondly, the anomalic queen and
knight sorties οπ the queenside ννίll hemorrhage seconds off
his clock.
4. The Benoni Defense This is a perfect cap to ουΓ black arsenal against 1.d4.
Tactical and uncompromising, it is a fιΠθ call to ουΓ job descrip
tion. υροπ seeing 2 ... c5, ουΓ opponent ννill πο doubt begin to
wonder what happened to his happier days of quiet maneuver
ing for modest holes and backward pawns.
5. Straightforward deve/opment against uninspired p/ay If white decides to relinquish the advantage of his fιrst
move with something anemic such as 2.e3, ΟΓ 2.g3, then ννθ
can consider ουΓ job done. Classical expansion ννίll be suffι
cient for a good game.
Against 1.f4
1. The From Gambit If he is going to voluntarily weaken his most vulnerable
point ίπ a fινθ minute contest, then by all means punish him for
ίΙ He ννίll be versed ίπ this continuation, but the time pressure
combined with the relentless pounding of "f2" must result ίπ try-
61
ing times for such an imprudent monarch. If he transposes to
the King's gambit, 2 ... Bc5, ΟΓ the Falkbeer Counter Gambit
(2 ... d5) should teach him a lesson ίπ blitz strategy. There need
not be any further consideration for this opening, as he ννίll
admit his mistake by playing something else before long.
Against 1.c4
1. Sicilίan Ιines reversed While sound, c4 is innocuous ίπ a blitz engagement.
Play an immediate e5, engineer an early queen pawn thrust as
ίη a Sicilian reversed, and we'll be off and running. White must
be hoping for a positional game with such a commencement,
so welcome him with the same blistering piece play as ίπ the
original tried and true white attack against such an idea. If he
decides to surprise us with 2.d4, then 2 ... d5 introduces him to
ουΓ Albin friend.
Against all others
Spirited play and keen transposition ννίll decide the
day. We are equipped with enough opening ideas to menace
any white beginning. Happy hunting!
62
CLOCK ΡΙΑΥ
Pseudo Tίme Pressure
Before we talk of specifιc clock situations, we must fιrst
discuss an unsound strategy commonly employed by the aνer
age player. When he gains a normal adνantage ίπ time, per
haps four minutes to three, he then attempts to conνert his οπlΥ
slight adνantage by fanatically blitzing his opponent off the
board. This usually results ίπ his blundering away the game.
This unfortunate player put disproportionate pressure οπ him
self to realize the conνersion of his time adνantage. lπ fact, he
put himself ίπ pseudo time pressure. lnstead of calmly follow
ing his game ρlθΠ, he acted as if he, not his opponent, was the
one with the time problem.
Thus, ίπ οπlΥ the following circumstances should ουΓ
game change from ουΓ usual fινe second pace. If we happen to
haνe a standard lead οπ the clock, good for us. Our adνantage
is preserνed ίπ the disadνantage to ουΓ opponent, and ουΓ
usual strategies are still best. If he is diligent enough to speed
υρ to eνen again without faltering, then it is to his credit. Just
don't belieνe that we should make an actiνe effort to utilize his
time defιcit for it is not yet a weakness of enough merit to war-
64
rant a change ίπ ουΓ strategy.
Νονν that ννθ are leery of pseudo time pressure, ννθ can
discuss the instances ίπ which the specifιc time conditions are
of such signifιcance that they alter the strategies of the board
play.
Twice As Much Time As ΟυΓ Opponent
If ουΓ opponent has so critically fallen behind ίπ time so
that ννθ have twice as much time as he, then ννθ must adopt a
Πθνν strategy to take maximum advantage of his negligence. lπ
this situation ουΓ goal is to ννίπ οπ time, not οπ position, so
unless ννθ have an obvious board ννίπ, all of ουΓ actions ννίll fol
lοw ουΓ time objective accordingly. We πο longer care if he cor
rectly solves the board combinations, for the board has πονν
lost most of its consequence. We have achieved a theoretica/
win on time of which ίts conversion is now on/y a matter oftech
nique. This is πο longer fιghting chess. If ννθ play correctly, ννθ
ννίΙΙννίπ.
If he hasn't yet realized the depth of the hole he has
dug for himself, then ννθ must do ουΓ utmost to keep him from
noticing, and this may require a bit of acting. When examining
the clock, ουΓ eyes shift without any head movement that might
65
remove him from his distant thoughts. When moving the pieces
and pressing the clock, we must be as gent/e and unassuming
as possib/e. We LUΙL him into feeling there isn't any stress, ΟΓ
θνθΠ another person across the table, just Πθνν positions for
him to ponder. With a little luck, his competitive edge ννίll float
away. Νονν each captivated second carries him closer to
defeat. ΕνθΠ if he notices his dire situation and begins to speed
υρ, ννθ maintain ουΓ tranquil conduct that reinforces his sub
conscious with the false sense of security.
We keep the pieces οπ the board, and the positions
complicated. The PUΓsuit of slight chess advantages such as
doubled pawns, a better placed piece, ΟΓ a queenside majority
πονν takes a back seat to the prolonging of the positional ten
sion which forces ουΓ opponent to spend time thinking. If he
has fιfty seconds ΟΓ less, ννθ should θνθΠ forgo winning an
exchange! lnstead ννθ play for mate and create tactical πui
sances so that the board becomes an unrelenting minefιeld.
ΕνθΠ if we're υρ material, ννθ decline trades that yield simpler
setups. We keep the contest murky and confusing. lπ effect, ννθ
are mating him with the clock.
Moving /π Pairs
Playing moves ίπ couples of two may be the most
effective clock strategy of all. Το understand why, ννθ must
investigate the thought process of the blitzplayer. The natural
66
way ΟΠθ plays blitz is to think basically ΟΠθ move ahead, as
there is πο time to analyze variations that ΟΠθ ννίll ΠθνθΓ see. If
a knight is attacked, the best blitz defense is usually the quick
est, whichin turn is usually the simplest. There may be many
better "chess" moves involving double edged protection ΟΓ
counterattack, but the veteran player understands the prudent
concession of precision for time, and eχecutes the best blitz
move he can fιnd. Once he plays this move, he then com
mences to digest the Πθνν possibilities of the resulting position
οη ουΓ time. This being the case, ννθ can see that the time he
uses for analysis during ουΓ move is very important to him. 8Υ
removing this precious time for ana/ysis from him, he wiΙΙ be
forced to use more of his own time, thereby opening the fissure
ίπ his c/ock θνθΠ wider. We remove this ana/ysis time by think
ing of ουΓ moves ίπ pairs.
While before ννθ thought of the best move ίπ about fινθ
seconds, ννθ ννίll ηονν fιnd the most probable two moves ίη
about twelve seconds. We ννίll play ουΓ fιrst move, he ννίll react
as usual, but then ννθ ννίll play ουΓ neχt move immediately,
thereby granting him ηο analysis time for the ηθνν position. He
is now forced to manipu/ate a comp/ete/y fresh posίtion οπ on/y
his own time, a /υχυΓΥ he cannot afford. The result ννίll be either
further time depletion, ΟΓ the genesis of critical inaccuracies.
Either way, he is doomed.
One might wonder where the advantage derives if he
still has the same total amount of time for analysis ίη two
67
moves. After all, even though he is given ηο time for the sec
ond analysis, he was given ten seconds before. Doesn't this
extra previous time allow for the same analysis? Νο it doesn't.
Even though he is given more analysis time initially, he cannot
adequately apply these moments Ιο his second move as the
possibilities of what it ννill be are too numerous at the present
point ίη the game. Since the possibίJίties ο( p/ausib/e moves
expands not arίthmeticaJJy but geometricaJJy, his task is simp/y
too great. This phenomena is best witnessed with a diagram
and graph.
68
Maxwell - Rudloff National Open, Las Vegas 1997
70
....., ~
Mαxwell-RudloJf NationalOpen, Lαs Vegas 1997
.9.Ns •... BsN ~ •. NzB
... Ν<5 ~rS21.QhS ι Ι
21.pxN ... Q,B 21.Bc6 21.BdS ... Nd ... Qd7.22.Kb2 ... Nd8 22.BM ... Qς6
Λ ............... ~ ~ ~ 23.B,N .. ιαB24.Q!ιR ... 06 .. Ν&(> ••. Q06 ... Ν&(> ••. Qo.S/ Ι ~ ... dS.~
22.b3 ... Q06 2206 ... dS 23.Bd4 ... BxB 22.Bc6. .. Q06 22.pxN ... QxB 22.Κb2 2S.Qxp ... QxN 26.Κb2 2S.QιS ... QxN+ 26.Qjι2 ... Ν!)+ 27.RxN ... QxQ
1'.Β.6
I~---------------------------------2O.Bd4 ... NxB 2I.pxN ... BxD 22.Rcl. .. Qh6 == ;:::s 2O.0b3 2Ο.Νο.ρ ... Β,Β+ 21.NxD ... R,O 22.fS ... ReS 23.Be3 .. Ν" 20BdS 2O.0xO ... RxB
Ι ;;> .... __ ~
... Ra18 ... Qd7 ... dS ... 03 2I.Βχο .. Νι4 .. 06 .. Qd7 ... Qo.S ... ~ Ι """ 23.Κb2 23.ΝχΒ 23.Nιko
21.Noxd 21.RaeI 21.Ν06
Ι'.Ν.,
__________ ~~20~.N-x~B~ .. -.K~.,~N ______
;:::Ζ "~5~ ... ω ;::Ζ Τ :::::: - '"" ~ -~" 21.Bb3 21.BdS 21.Β ~1,Bd3",JU; 21.11ciιtt 2ΙΙΙΙΙ2 21.Qι5+ ... ~
... Ra18 ... Qo.S .. Qd7 ? / \ " ... Qo.S ... Nιt] ... Nd ... dS ... ΝχΒ ... ., / \ '" ~ 22._
.. Ra/1I . Qo.S .. Qd7 ... ΝΙ' 22 RII+ 22.BdS 22.Κb2 22.\>4 ... dS ...• S ... Rf6 ... B.tι 23.QxB ... N.40
If his task is to see one branch into the future he ννίll basically
mull over the best responses to white's three probable candi
date moves of 19.Nxe, 19.Be6, and 19.Ne6. As this is not that
dίfficult, odds are he ννίll frnd at least three of the six adequate
responses satisfactorily (frrstly either 20 ... Ne5 ΟΓ 20 ... Nf5, sec
ondly either 19 ... Rf6 ΟΓ 19 ... ΒχΒ, and thirdly either 19 ... ΒχΝ ΟΓ
19 ... Qd7.) If given the same amount of time on the following
move, his task ννίll be similar, and he ννίll respond with the same
leνel of accuracy. If we, however, give him more time on the
frrst move, and then none on the second and expect him to play
at the same leνel of accuracy, he ννίll be reqUΊred to analyze the
total of severity eight initial possible branches as opposed to
the isolated fraction of the total he would have to deal with nor
mally. His initial extra time clearly does not compensate.
This technique does cost us about a third more time
overaII than it costs him as ννθ must now analyze geometrical
ΙΥ added possibilίties, but our oρρonent has now given us this
time to sρare. Unless ννθ slip up, the game is ours.
Tίme Odds
Tίme odds is the term given to the situation where one
player starts with less time on his clock than his opponent,
thereby granting his opponent an advantage.
The concept is rather straight-forward, and wouldn't be
worth mentioning if it weren't for the signifrcant psychological
72
factor it adds to the challenge. When the average player is
given an initial advantage ίπ time, it is usually coupled with the
backlash of feelίng obligated to win. This added pressure to
succeed goes mostly unrecognized, yet inflicts noteworthy
damage to a player's ability that often outweighs his initial
advantage.
This being the case, we can actually gain an advan
tage by first foregoing some time, so we should experiment
with offering to handicap ourselves. Α good start is to suggest
dropping a minute off ουΓ clock granting ουΓ opponent a contest
at five minutes to four. His advantage is significant, but not at
all insurmountable as we will now play a second faster per
move. At this point ουΓ opponent's ego eats him up. His deter
mination to ΡΓονθ that he is at least equal to ουΓ calίber ruins
him.
We can politely suggest this condition with something
like, "Let me try five to four, just for fun." He wont want to give
it to us as this would be admitting inferiority, but then we may
continue, 'Well, just ΡΓονθ me wrong. If it doesn't work out, we'll
switch back to five-five." If he still doesn't want to comply, then
we may nonchalantly suggest that he give us fινθ to four if he
wants. If he accepts, then we jump οπ it! We'νe just bought our
selves a free minute for nothing! This trίck doesn't work οπ us
because we are informed blίtzp/ayers who have /earned the
va/ue of elίminating ου, egos! We will not have the phantom
pressure against us because we know the secret to the trick
and will not succumb. It's still just a game with a goal that has
73
πονν become easier. Either way, ννθ come out οπ top.
If ννθ begin to beat ουΓ opponent game after game with
this handicap against us, his discouragement ννίll become quite
noticeable-- his head ννίll shake amidst sighs and expletives,
and his play ννίll become reckless. Νονν it is time to go for the
knockout. We politely suggest dropping to fινθ, two and a half,
"just to make things a little more fair." While he ννίll quickly
accept it because he starνes for a ννίπ, his emotional stress ννίll
again multiply as the ego stakes have gone way up. While ουΓ
task ννίll be quite challenging as ννθ only have half ουΓ time to
make the same amount of moves, the massive pressure ουΓ
opponent ννίll feel from the deceiving time advantage ννίll
devour him.
Το understand the theoretical as well as psychological
origin of this deception ννθ must delve into the actual nature of
an advantage ίπ time. When ουΓ original fινθ minutes is handi
capped, it seems to follow that ουΓ winning chances decrease
proportionately. This is not the case because of the previously
discussed nature of chess analysis. (see previous graph)
As ννθ have investigated, ουΓ analysis does not Γυπ ίπ
an arithmetic progression, but a geometric progression.
Therefore, we will not be seeing less ίπίtίBI responses as
before, we will only be seeing less deep, a restraint of far less
consequence! Ιπ other words, ουΓ critical immediate candidates
ννίΙΙ stίll remain intact as we can instantaneously fιnd the few
superfίcial responses to almost any move. Ιπ the aforemen-
74
tioned game, if ννθ ννθΓθ forced to act immediately, ννθ could
confidently enough play 19.Νχθ without analysis. We wouldn't
be convinced that it was best, but it seems apparent that it is
strong enough (it gains material, it centralizes, πο pieces are
hanging, etc.) Since it is the breadth as opposed to the surface
of ουΓ thought that suffers, ννθ can quite adequately operate
under a time restraint.
Furthermore, much of chess analysis runs οπ abstract
principles of attack and defense and piece activity. The aver
age player ννίll spot an open file ΟΓ the need to activate a knight
ίπ a split second. Because these ideas are at the fore of one's
thoughts, they remain quite intact during time defιcits.
Ιπ addition, another νθΓΥ important detail must be
appreciated. While it seems that ννθ are playing with οπlΥ half
the time, ννθ still have ουΓ opponent's five minutes with which
to think. While it is not of the same quality as ουΓ time as ννθ
must think a half move ahead, it still is of great consequence to
ουΓ overall allotted thinking time. The truth is that we don't have
on/y half as much time as before, we actuaJIy have 3/4 as much
time. The average player does not appreciate this.
Finally, while ννθ still have all of ουΓ opponent's time,
he πονν has lost half of ουΓ time! Ιπ reality both contestants ννίll
spend about seven and a half minutes οπ each game. The dif
ference is that the quality of his time is a little better than ours.
It appears that ννθ are accepting a condition twice as difficult as
he, when ίπ realίty it is far less.
75
When ννθ consider these points, as well as the psy
chological grinder ίπ which ουΓ opponent struggles, the mystery
and magnitude of ουΓ advantage becomes obvious. What
makes us better is ουΓ understanding and manipulation of the
many different aspects of the contest before us. While he may
convince himself that we're proving to be twice as good as he,
ουΓ chess strength is about the same. ιι is ουΓ blίtz strength that
is twice as strong! He is playing slow chess at a fast pace. We
are playing blitz chess at an efficient pace.
P/ay Under 15 Seconds
When ννθ have between fιfteen and fινθ seconds left,
ουΓ time crisis has become so critical that it demands a Πθνν
strategy. But fιrst let's clear two things υρ.
This condition has πο bearing οπ what ουΓ opponent's
clock reads. The following strategy is structured ρυΓθlΥ to han
dle ουΓ specific situation, and ννίll οπlΥ be to ουΓ detriment if
used at any other time. We ννίll assume that ουΓ opponent has
πο more than a minute; for if he does, then ννθ are simply too
outmatched, and shouId move to the neχt game ΟΓ opponent!
SecondIy, time trouble does not necessarily mean that
ννθ have played inadequateIy ονθΓ the course of the game.
Many situations occur ίη which ννθ play a fιηθ, fast-paced game
of blitz, and fιnd ourselves with just seconds left. This is not any
resuIt of ΡΟΟΓ pIay; quite the contrary, it is often the result of
76
blitz played at the highest lθνθl ίπ which an epic battle brings
both contestants to the brink of defeat! There is πο reason to be
embarrassed ΟΓ afraid of this instance; instead, ννθ can calmly
and confidently apply the foIIowing technique.
When ννθ have less than fίfteen seconds, the impor
tance of the board position greatly decreases as it ννίll be ίΓΓθl
evant if ουΓ flag falls. Thus ννθ πο longer have the option of
solving its complications as this requires time ννθ do not have.
Ηονν must ννθ ννίπ then? IronicaIIy ουΓ οπlΥ option left is to use
what is ailing us most: the clock. ΕνθΠ though ννθ οπlΥ have a
few moments, it is much more plausible to πονν adopt an aII
purpose plan for rapid movement than to attempt accurate
analysis at an absurd pace. ΒΥ energetically applying the fol
lowing system, ννθ find that ννθ have much more than a mere
glimmer of hope, for the following is a stubborn, resilίent lίfe
support that ννίll account for a remarkable amount of ουΓ victo
ries.
1. The One Second Rule As with ουΓ fινθ second rule, it is of utmost importance
that ννθ adhere to this Πθνν tempo, lest ννθ fall victim to ίΠθΧ
cusable defeats. We mυst now move at a rate of nothing more
than ΟΠθ second per move. Νο excυses! It ννίΙΙ ΡΓονθ extreme
ΙΥ difficult to perform with any chess accuracy, and blunders ννίll
occur, but any slower rate ννίll completely extinguish ουΓ
chances. ΕνθΠ though it may feel foolish to execute moves
77
without analysis, it is the correct strategy demanded by the sit
uation, and ννθ must get used to it if ννθ hope to improve.
2. Safety Mate Threats As a checkmate by ουΓ opponent is still of the greatest
consequence, it is vital that ννθ extinguish such possibilities.
Whereas before ννθ might have had the allowance of walking a
tightrope with ουΓ attacking and defending allotments, ηονν the
safety of ουΓ monarch is all important. We must identify tangi
ble mating combinations and take immediate defensive action
as there ννίll be ηο time for analysis once they are put ίη motion.
0:14
0:23
Ιη the above example white has mating pressure οη g7. Since
this is not abstract hostility but a specific threat, black must
respect it by defending immediately with something like 1 ... 8f8
so that he may not let it trip him υρ ίη the upcoming time scram
ble.
78
3. Disregard Basic Material Considerations This means the loss of pawns and eχchanges are ηονν
irrelevant, while the full loss of pieces are only of lίttle conse
quence. We must believe this ΟΓ lose οπ time! It may take a
while for ουΓ conscience to let ουΓ pieces hang ίη the wind, but
these are ηονν skilled positional sacrifιces! Of course we
shouldn't simply throw away all the plastic we can, but we
absolutely must move ίη a second. If ουΓ king's welfare needs
the moment of consideration, then we must give his subjects
zero.
4. Maintain The Tension This is the heart of ουΓ strategy. We create and main
tain conditions conducive to maχimum time consumption by
ουΓ opponent. Ιη other words, we ννίll give him as much to think
about as possible so he strays from his vital speed play, and
loses οπ time. We do this by keeping the board complicated
and full of tension.
Although the maintenance of an involved position is
the basis of a winning strategy ίη such situations, it is remark
able how most players strive for the eχact opposite. They
assume that since they πονν have so lίttle time to think, they
should give themselves the smallest possibility for error, and
therefore either conclusively force the issue ΟΓ humbly retreat.
While this thinking is instinctive, it must be discarded for this
plan yields πο basis for success. Ηονν do these people eχpect
79
to ννίπ? Why execute an attack ΟΓ defense that ννίll ΠθνθΓ see a
fruition? If ουΓ opponent is not ίπ time trouble, then ννθ have just
solved all his problems. If he does have a mutual clock dilem
ma, then ννθ have mitigated all his mental pressure with ουΓ
untangling of the position. lπ the end, a simplifying strategy is
geared to help our opponent ννίπ!
lnstead ννθ make θνθΓΥ effort to burden him with deci
sions. The desire to fίnd the best chess move is seductive
indeed, and often occupies θνθΠ the wisest contestant, let
alone the uninformed player. As this is the case, ννθ offer ουΓ
opponent an array of choices at θνθΓΥ turn, and watch his ΡΓθ
cious seconds drip away as a result.
When ννθ are οπ the defense, ννθ πο longer attempt to
remedy insipid combinations as this discourages his attacking
interest and thereby alleviates his detrimental mental ίπνοlνθ
ment ίπ the position. We have already looked to ουΓ king's safe
ty by eliminating any mate threats. If there exists a way to grant
him further security, it should not be achieved ίπ this instance.
0:13
0:20
80
Here is a continuation of the previous position. Since there is
πο Ionger any reaI threat at g7, ννθ can Iet ουΓ opponent con
sume himseIf ίπ his aggressive ideas. We mustn't pIay some
thing from sIow chess such as 1 ... e5, but rather an indirect
waiting move Iike 1 ... Qe7 ΟΓ 1 ... Rc7 is recommended.
When attacking, ΟΠΙΥ certain mating combinations
should be executed. If we're not sure of the outcome of a series
of moves, then this is the Iast time to pIay them. Their apparent
threat works wonderfuIIy for us, and must be preserνed accord
ingIy.
0:14
0:12
Ιπ this instance white has a fιΠθ attack indeed, but πονν that he
is ίπ a time scrambIe adequate anaIysis is not possibIe. As stat
ed earIier, the easiest (and thus quickest) move anyone can
make is a response to a superfιciaI direct threat, 50 a reflexive
move such as 1.BxR is an exampIe of ΡΟΟΓ technique as it
forces bIack into pIaying quickIy (and thus correctIy). The
moves 1.Ra7, 1.Ba3, 1.Nd1, and 1.Kf1, οπ the other hand are
81
all equa//y best because they succeed ίπ the only immediately
relevant goal of maintaining an involved position.
If the board at present is simple, then ννθ must play
moves without direct responses since these moves elicit the
most curiosity, thus squeezing the most seconds from ουΓ foe.
0:27
0:12
Το keep ουΓ opponent occupied ννθ need to do more than play
a petty pawn prod such as 1.c4, since he ννίll immediately see
the reason behind ουΓ play, and quickly remedy ίΙ If ννθ
abstractly maneuver instead, he ννίll waste precious seconds
strugglίng to fιnd the relevance of ουΓ irrelevant actions.
Decentralizing minor pieces (1.Nd2) and switching Γooks to
Πθνν fιles (1. Ra 1) are eχamples that fιt the bill.
P/ay Under 5 Seconds
When ουΓ clock has just fινθ ticks to eχpiration, the
82
time crisis reaches its zenith, and ννθ must give it ουΓ fuII atten
tion. We have done ουΓ best through the last ten seconds, but
it has not been enough, and πονν ννθ must change ουΓ strategy
θνθΠ further for this final phase of the game.
Firstly, ουΓ strategy remains to best him οπ time. Only
staving off ουΓ eminent clock defeat matters, so material coπ
siderations are πονν completely irrelevant. While before ννθ
treated the chess play with a certain consideration, at this point
ννθ must totally disregard it as it πο longer has any meaning.
Νονν the best move is purely the fastest move. If ουΓ queen
hangs, fine. Let's hope ουΓ opponent takes sweet time yanking
it off the board.
1. The Split Second Rule We must πονν move within fractions of a second, with
the absolute maximum of a οηθ second lapse. This is not
impossible as ίπ practice ννθ often begin moving ουΓ piece just
before the opponent presses his clock. Whatever we do, we
mυst not fa/l into the trap of pondering the posίtion! Years of
reinforcement ννίll πο doubt interfere with ουΓ resolve to know
ingly let pieces hang ίπ the wind, but ννθ must not waver. We
just see that ουΓ king is not ίπ check, then move!
We are simply looking for the fastest move possible,
and this ννίll be the first legal move found with the piece physi
cally closest to the clock.
83
0:04
0:03
When fractions of a second count, the difterence between
reaching inches away and across the whole board is signίfι
cant. We fιnd the nearest piece, and just move it back and
fourth as qUΊckly as ννθ can. Ιπ the above either 1.κg1, 1.Nxh,
ΟΓ 1 .g3 are all correct. We ννίΙΙ not worry about the four move
repetition draw, as it is only a factor if he caIIs the sequence out
loud. ΕνθΠ if he does, ννθ simply move to a Πθνν square οπ the
fourth repetition. Ιπ this way it is possible to pIay four ΟΓ fινθ
moves ίπ ΟΠθ second!
2. Flag Scrutiny We must pay close attention to ουΓ opponent's flag,
and be sure to stop the clock at the exact instant it faIIs. Such
scrutiny is all important as it is often the case that ουΓ ορρο
nent's flag drops when ννθ have a scant ΟΠθ ΟΓ fraction of a
second remaining. If ννθ faiI to haIt ουΓ time at the precise point
of victory, ουΓ ννίπ ννίΙΙ turn into a lackluster draw. It should be
noted that this split second stopping of the cIock requires swift
84
and accurate arm movement. It is strange that a bit of athletic
skill is necessary ίπ playing any sort of chess; nevertheless, it
is the case here, and it ννίll be responsible for many of ουΓ vic
tories.
3. ·Falling Pieces During these shoot-outs it is very common for a con
testant to knock a piece over and fail to right it before hitting the
clock. This is a violation discussed ίπ rule #9 and may be pun
ished by the immediate hitting back of the clock with the
demand that the guilty party correct the position οπ his οννπ
time. Since this violation occurs so frequently, ουΓ active decla
ration of it is invaluable as the mere second ίη the balance can
be all the difference between victory and defeat.
When we knock over a piece, we ννίll attempt to slip by
the violation by fιrst hitting the clock and righting the piece οη
ουΓ opponent's time. If he moves before we can fιχ it,then we
ννίll move again, and once more try to right the piece οη his
time. If ουΓ opponent declares ουΓ violation, we are forced to
correct the position accordingly, but this rarely happens as
most players become too lost ίη the scrambling to remember to
declare this violation.
4. Stripping Mating Material One specifιc fιve second scenario must be dealt with
differently. If we have a preponderance ίη material, but the
probability of ουΓ flag dropping is too great, we must aim to
85
benefιt from the insuffιcient mating material condition noted ίη
the rule "8f' by making θνθΓΥ effort to snatch υρ ουΓ adversary's
remaining pieces and pawns leaving his king alone, ΟΓ only
assisted by an ineffectual minor piece.
0:03
0:09
Ιη this example the correct play is 1 ... Qxg followed by the cap
ture of the remaining pawns. Νονν θνθη if ουΓ clock reads zero,
ννθ ννίll sustain not a loss but a draw as ουΓ opponent's army
has not the ability to force mate.
86
ADVANCED TECHNIQUES
ΒΥ ηονν ννθ have a thorough knowledge of the skiIIs
needed to be a champion blitz player. If ννθ stopped reading
here, ννθ would be quite ready to embark οη a successful blitz
career. There are, however, many clever tricks of the trade that
can tum the tables οη θνθη the most hopeless games. The fol
lowing section discusses such swindles.
It must be noted that if these techniques are given
more emphasis than they deserνe, they ννίΙΙ hinder rather then
help ουΓ game since θνθη the most effective of these tricks
pales ίπ comparison to the importance of fundamental blitz
play.
As ίπ most disciplines, seemingly risky ΟΓ contradictory
strategy is often required to attain the greatest possible edge.
While a lawyer attempts to gain the best outcome for his client,
he ννίΙΙ sometimes request that the maximum penalty be the
consequence of a guilty verdict. While a doctor toils for the
greatest well-being of a patient, at times he must subject him to
deadly radiation and chemotherapy. Though ννθ are discussing
a mere recreational game, the same paradoxical nature exists,
and should be appreciated accordingly.
As these strategies rely greatly οη the unsuspecting
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mind-set of the opponent, they must not be employed too often
ΟΓ ουΓ opponent will catch οπ to ουΓ antics and backfιre them ίπ
ουΓ face. If instead we covet them as valuable aces ίπ the hole
by reserνing them for only important occasions, they will yield
much success and amusement.
The "??!" Move
There will always be games that have gone too drasti
cally wrong for any stellar combination ΟΓ Iίghtning play to rem
edy. Ιπ these instances it does not pay to expend valuable effort
ίπ the hope that ουΓ opponent will play some fantastic series of
blunders that once again wiII grant us competitive chances.
Instead the most prudent course is to take a conclusive calcu
lated risk. If it fails, we may resign with a clear conscience,. but
if it succeeds, victory wiII be ours. As the game was worth
aImost nothing the move before, the risk taken to gain the win
is easiIy warranted.
If the game is so severely lacking of a winning chance,
we have πο choice but to create ΟΠθ from nothing. This means
that we must play a move that is totaIIy unsound, but will tum
the tables if overlooked.
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1 :51
1:38
The white side is down two pieces and a pawn, and absorbing
a savage attack to boot. As black's time condition is comfort
able as well, there is πο plausible long term strategy that ννίll
work here; therefore, we must fιnd some move that, πο matter
how "chess" absurd, ννίll give us a shot at victory. The suicidal
Qa5+??! is πονν the order of the day. LΠ most cases ουΓ adver
sary ννίll snatch ουΓ queen hanging ίπ the wind, but οπ a sur
prisingly good many occasions, he ννίll overlook the obvious
and hang his queen ίπ tum! We may then delίver ουΓ blitz bolt
from the blue and Iίsten to the vociferations of ουΓ newly van
quished foe.
This ploy works often enough because of the favorable
psychology at work ίπ such a situation. Black is quite off guard.
He is υρ a wealth of material, his position is crushing, and his
time is far from concerning. This being the case, any move of
ours must prove harmless, so he falls into the trap of giving ουΓ
moves little heed. He ννίll fιnd the fιrst plausible aim to ουΓ
actions, and dismiss it accordingly. lπ the preceding case, the
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unassuming glance ννίll resolve that white's motivation was a
desperate hope to ννίπ the d8 rook. 'Άfter all, what else can he
do?" he ννίll think, at which ροίπ! there ννίll be seemingly πο
need for further consideration. He ννίll play something Iike R8f8
and we ννίll scoop the black queen and enjoy a victory from the
jaws of defeat.
Απ effective "??!" move must be creative and subtle.
As discussed, this ploy works because we dupe ουΓ opponent
into thinking we are harmless, but this can't be done without
some effort. Νο matter how strong is his position, a player ννίll
always take a moment to reason the motive behind ουΓ actions.
Therefore we must provide him with a plausible one ΟΓ he ννίll
πο! be duped. lπ the above example, if we move ουΓ queen to
g3 then of course he won't play R8f8 for the danger Ιο him is
blatant. Α better but still unsatisfactory try would be to move ουΓ
queen to c5. While this is more subtle, it's chances of suc
ceeding are slim as we haven't given him a motive as to why
we would move there. With Qa5 we sell ουΓ opponent οπ ουΓ
motivation to ννίπ the rook. This makes sense to him, and he
may πονν easily overlook ουΓ real lethal intentions. ΟπlΥ with
such care for artistry ννίll this tactic pay dividends.
The S/oppy Piece P/acement
Like anything dealt with οπ a regular basis, the chess
board soon gains a unique familiarity with its player. It is πο
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longer a block of squares οπ which sits a curious placement of
pieces. Instead, it becomes an intimate, forever returning arena
for the analysis of ideas. This awareness brings with it an
expectancy of consistency for its exterior characteristics. We
expect the squares to be essentially white and black, the bish
ops to be taller than the knights, the pawns to alllook the same,
etc. Α good testament to this is when during a particular tour
nament Bobby Fischer petitioned the administration to fιnd him
a set ίπ which the king could be better distinguished as the cur
rent ΟΠθ didn't have the characteristic Christian symbol atop its
base.
Along with these expectations is the assumption that
the pieces ννίll rest ίπ the center of their posts, and when ΟΠθ is
placed with too much inaccuracy, the veteran player is greatly
distracted at this "smudge" οπ the board. 8Υ purpose/y creating
such smudges, we can favorab/y distract ουΓ opponent into
serίous b/unders. Let's look at an example ...
The move Nf5 creates a standard discovered attack οπ
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the queen, and ννίll be seen ίπ a typical situation. ΒΥ placing the
knight not directly ίπ the center of the square, but a good ways
past the edge of the square, there is a fine chance that the
opponent's flow of concentration ννίll be jostled, and his view of
the position ννίll πονν be skewed ίπ the direction of the "sloppy
knight." Νονν that he is distracted to the wrong side of the
board, there is every Iikelihood he ννίll miss the attack οπ his
queen, and leaνe it vulnerable to the naughty bishop.
Gift Tίme
lπ many instances ουΓ opponent's clock ticks away
without his knowledge. This can happen for a variety of rea
sons. Perhaps he has failed to fully push down the lever,
maybe he was distracted when we made ουΓ move. It is often
the case that he is so wrapped υρ ίπ the position that he forgets
the clock exists. Whatever the case, an instance lίke this is a
valuable gίft and should be coveted as such.
When it is noticed, care must be taken to hide any
enthusiasm gained from the situation. We must remain still, as
if engaged ίπ thought. Although the situation proves very amus
ing, we must maintain composure by using the time to ponder
the position, ΟΓ we ννίll fail to reap ουΓ full benefιi.
If ουΓ opponent still hasn't noticed after thirty seconds
ΟΓ so, his suspicion ννίll rise as to why we are taking so long.
We πονν sell him further οπ ουΓ apparent meditation. While not
93
over-doing it, a common clicked tongue and furrowed brow can
buy twenty more seconds. ΒΥ πονν he ννίll be very puzzled by
ουΓ failure to move, and most defιnitely discover his dupe. If he
doesn't, ννθ can sell him θνθη further with an agitated shίft ίη
ουΓ chair. After this it is best to just sit still. Remember that ίπ
this acting, less is more.
Advanced Techniques Under 15 Seconds
1. Τhe Stunning Queen Sacrifιce While the unhurried opponent ννίll spend due time if a
position seems uncommonly crucial, he ννίll not evaluate much
of anything if he is ίπ dire time straits. For him to πονν ponder
consequences, they ννίll have to seem decisive. Such a tall
order can be found ίη a sacrίfιce of dramatic proportions.
0:13
0:08
As stated ίπ the fundamentals, material considerations have
94
very Iίttle relevance at this point, but the average player does not adequately appreciate this and can suffer as a result. We
play a bold sacrifιce with ουΓ "heaviest" piece possible, ίπ this case ... ΟχΝ+, and loudly slam it down into the board while voic
ing some confιdent expression such as, 'Wow is that beautiful!" ΟΓ "Smash!" ΑιI this paints a very intimidating picture as it seems we have just delivered a magnifιcent death blow. With any luck, ουΓ opponent ννίll πονν waste enough vital seconds to bring home a time victory for us. As his clock condition should be somewhat similar to ours, three ΟΓ four seconds ννίll be all
. we need to push himover the edge, and even a bargain at the price of a queen.
2. The Pseudo Check lπ the great majority of blitz scrambles the average
player seeks as many checks as he can against his opponent's
king, πο doubt taking refuge ίπ the idea that as long as his
opponent is ίπ check, his position ννίll remain safe. Because of
this, all blitzplayers grow to expect a wild series of checks
against them if they relinquish the initiative ίπ such a scramble.
Since this expectation is so fιrmly ingrained ίπ the psyche, we
can utilize ίΙ
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0:14
0:11
When we have an obvious check with a rook ΟΓ queen, we
don't play the check, but instead say "check" while merely cut
ting the king by placing the piece οπ the lίηθ adjacent to the
check. Ιη the above diagram, ουΓ opponent wiII expect the
move to be the Rg8 check. Instead, we say "check" whίle play
ing the wily Rg7 blίtz tactic! Now there is θνθΓΥ chance that
υροη seeing the typical rook thrust he wiII move out of the antic
ipated check, and walk right ίπ to ουΓ true check. We can then
claim his iIIegal move as ουΓ victory.
Thjs is a ρeήectlΥ le9al tactic. While the unfortunate
mark may complain about the validity of the swindle, the fact is
that there is ηο such thing as a "false check caII." Vocal decla
rations of check have ηο relevance ίη blitz ΟΓ slow chess. Only
the board speaks of the king's danger.
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MISCELLANEOUS
Sportsmanship
First and foremost, I'm an adamant follower of honor
able conduct. If Ι feel something to be morally incorrect Ι ννίll not
tolerate myself to do it πο matter how easily Ι may get away
with it; and thus, Ι hope to influence the reader accordingly. For
example, it is immoral to knock over a piece, purposely set it οπ
a different square, then argue that it is correctly placed.
Οπ the other hand, if Ι feel that an advantage is indeed
within the arena offair play even if it is somewhat devious, then
Ι ννίll ardently strive for its attainment. Although the effective
manipulation of blitz conditions may elίcit ΠΙ feelings from ίts tar
get, ίt is ίπ πο way i//egίtimate ΟΓ unsportsmanlίke. We are ίπ a
fast paced, pressured arena. The legal utilization of these rad
ical conditions is only prudent strategy.
As previously stated, both players aim to ννίπ using any
means allowed them by the stated rules. Arιy player falling vic
tim to a clever trick could have fairly employed the same trick
οπ his aggressor. If the method is not of some cultural vogue,
then so be ίΙ Is it wrong ίπ slow chess to hide a bishop οπ the
corner of the boardif it aims to deliver a sudden mate? Would
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it be more proper to tap ουΓ opponent οπ the shoulder and edu
cate him of the impending hostilities? Of course ποι ΟπlΥ a
frustrated victim's ill-conceived ridicule is deserνing of reproach
since he is attempting to place blame οπ actions that satisfy all
technical stipulations.
The Blade Must Be Sharp!
lπ order for a weapon to be effective, it must remain
fιnely tuned. Since the blitzplayer's weapon is his mind, he
must take care of it if he aims to succeed. This means a healthy
diet, adequate rest and exercise, and perhaps some form of
vitamin boost before combat.
Many believe that intelligence is a permanent genetic
function fιxed at birth, so their physical health has πο relevance
to the quality of their calculations. This couldn't be farther from
the truth. While Ι can site my own experiences with optimum
versus poor health, the best advice Ι can offer is to experiment
yourself. Eat fast food for a couple days. burn yourself out at
the office. catch οπlΥ a few hours of sleep, then play a session
of blitz. lπ the following week take fιne care of yourself and play
again. The verdict will manifest itself.
Downing a large health drink twenty minutes before
competing is an excellent habit for success. Carrot juice has
been best for me. Vegetable juice is great. Protein smoothies
work well. Now that ουΓ mind is fresh and fueled. we may slice
99
through ουΓ opponents with razor sharp technique!
Trash Ta/king
Many prefer to keep a cordial tone to the contest.
During the session not much is said save an occasional remark
of a sincere and respectful quality. Then there are others who
prefer a politically incorrect competition. Νονν away from their
professional world, they enjoy allowing the children within them
to frolic ίη unrestrained, uncensored censure. As neither party
takes the other seriously, spirited vocal exchange can ΡΓονθ
both refreshing and comical. While contributing this delίghtful
fraternity to the meeting, such banter also yields an added lθνθl
of competition ίπ which the better talker succeeds ίπ decisively
distracting and intimidating his ορροηθηΙ This advantage
proves signifιcant enough to merit substantial effort for its
acquisition. Put most simply, the good blίtz player knows how
Ιο talk trash!
While it might ΡΓονθ humorous, there is ηο need to give
examples of effective invective as ννθ all can remember ουΓ
days οη the school playground. It is important, though, to pre
pare ourselves against the debiIitating effect of such a barrage
of insults. If ννθ fιnd ourselves ίη a contest ίη which ουΓ ορρο
nent is quite vocal, ννθ can either fιght fιΓθ with fιΓθ, ΟΓ choose
to ignore him. Ιπ either case ουΓ goal is Ιο ΓθωΒίπ undisturbed
so that we may continue Ιο perform at ουΓ ορΙίωυω level'
100
If we choose to ignore him, ουΓ best plan is to remem
ber the detriment of a cumbersome ego, and simply dismiss
such silly supeήicial nudging. Besides, the fιnallaugh is always
found οπ the scoreboard. If we play ουΓ game, ουΓ opponent
ννίΙΙ eventuaIIy grow wary of expending so much energy ίπ vain,
and he ννίΙΙ quiet down.
If we do fιnd ourselves becoming intimidated at ουΓ
opponent's apparent confιdence, we must remedy the situation
at once. Α simple solution is to boldly affirm out loud how much
better we are than he. This is not so much for him to hear as it
is for us. Such self-affirmation is quite effective ίπ stabilizing
confidence. If we believe ίπ ουΓ heart what we say, and let our
selves hear it, ουΓ play ννίΙΙ foIIow accordingly.
Mum's The Word
It is very important that we keep ουΓ understanding
under lock and key, for the surrender of ουΓ secrets ννίΙΙ yield
many of them sterile. While at the end of the series we may feel
the urge to triumphantly show ουΓ friend the different strategies
and techniques we have been employing, we must remember
the elimination of the ego and have restraint if they are to work
ίπ the future.
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CONCLUSION
We have come a long way. While it may have
appeared that blitz chess was mere/y a standard game of
chess p/ayed within a smaller time interνa/, we have πονν wit
nessed that this is far from the truth. The time crisis creates a
who/e new arena ίπ which the successful strategies originate
from a well-tempered synthesis of the board logic and time
meter.
The most wide reaching aspect of this new system is
the advocation of a tactical approach over a positiona/ one. The
positiona/ p/ayer πο /onger has the time to administer de/icate
refutations to spirited attempts at comp/ications. Because of
this, tactics decide the winner; thus, the best b/itz p/ayers are
tacticians.
This /eads to an opening repertoire designed for the
greatest tactical chances. Since ουΓ opponent does not have
time to ponder positions new to him, outstanding consideration
is a/so given to the novelty and rarity of ουΓ openings.
Through active manipulation of the time crisis, we
transform it into a potent tool. ΒΥ moving rapidly, initiating
bluffs, and adapting to esca/ating blitz peri/, ουΓ play integrates
not ΟΠ/Υ logic but a massive psychological ideology character-
102
istic to champion blitz competition. Το top ίt off, we also have a
formidable arsenal of specifίc blitz traps that snare θνθn the
most eχperienced gladiators.
ΑιI this considered, the unwary opponent doesn't stand
a chance wίth a gameplan of mere chess theory. Eχpecting a
placid, enduring journey, he wiII be devoured ίπ short order by
the ensUΊng ten-minute tempest. He will have πο idea what hit
him, for while he plays chess, we play blitz. Go get 'eml
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EXERCISES
0:18 3:58
0:13 4:05
1. 2.
0:04 1:31
0:07 1:43
3. 4.
104
0:12 1:40
0:10 2:02
5. 6.
1:25 3:17
1:52 2:59
7. 8.
105
2:00 0:03
2:11 0:03
9. 10.
2:06 0:14
2:32 0:08
11. 12.
106
4:35 0:08
4:31 0:04
13. 14.
3:07 2:14
2:51 2:57
15. 16.
107
0:22 2:45
0:13 2:28
17. 18.
1:50 1:23
1:51 1:06
19. 20.
108
SOLUTIONS
Basic Tactics ρ.38 - 41
1. Qa7
2. Qxh ... ΚxQ, hg ... Κxg, Be4#
3. Bc5 ... Bb6, Qf4
4. Rg8
5. Qxh+ ... QxQ, BxQ+ ... ΚxB, RxR
6. Bf5 ... Kd8, RxN ... cxR, c6
7.Ng4
8. Qh8+ ... ΚxQ, Bf6+ ... Kg8, Rd8#
9. f7+
10. Nxp+ ... dxN, d5
11. Qe5
12. Rc6+ ... Bc6, Nc5+ ... Ka5, Bc7#
13. Ne5
14. Qxh+ ... ΚxQ, Ng5+ ... Kh6, Nxf7+ Draw
15.Ng5
16. Be7
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Blίtz Exercises
1. Rf6 "check"
2. Nxe sacrifιce (Bxe is also ok)
3. Kg1 closest to clock
4. Qc7??!
5. Οχρ stunning
6. h3 luft
7. Kf2 (nothing special warranted)
8. Kb1 diffusing skewer threat
9. h3 luft
10. Kf4 closest to clock
11. Bd4 diffusing mating combinations
12. Rg7 "check"
13. Kd1 diffusing fork threat (not Ne2)
14. h4 closest to clock
15. h31uft
16. Rxh sacrifιce
17. Kh2 keeping position complicated
18. Ne4 (nothing special warranted)
19. Kh1 diffusing tactics
20. Bd4??!
111