Today is another position taken from an opening, the Scotch Game. In keeping with our recent emphasis on practical play, we ask, "What's your best move here?". The opening moves were: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Nge7 5.Nc3 g6 6.Bg5 Bg7.

Solution:

A first glance at this position doesn't really inspire one to think there is anything but finding something to do about the knight on d4 being attacked twice. Hope you noticed that: remember look at all checks and captures. However, when there are other factors in a position, you have to look at those possibilities, too. In this position, you have to ask yourself if there is some way to take advantage of the pinned knight on e7. Boy, is there! 7.Nd5! wins the game. For those who saw it, did you consider all the alternatives for Black? Here they are:

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Nge7 5.Nc3 g6 6.Bg5 Bg7 7.Nd5!

And now:

7...f6 8.Nxf6+ Bxf6 9.Bxf6 Rf8 10.Nxc6 bxc6 11.Qd4 and White has won a pawn, is ahead in development and the Black king has nowhere to really hide. White's winning.

7...0–0 8.Nxc6 and after a pawn recapture the knight on e7 is gone, with the further embarrassment of 8.Nxc6 dxc6 9.Nxe7+ Kh8 10.Nxg6+ winning the queen.

7...Nxd4 8.Bxe7 Qxe7 9.Nxe7 Kxe7 10.c3 and Black only has two pieces for the lost queen.

7...Bxd4 8.Qxd4 Nxd4 (8...f6 9.Nxf6+ Kf8 10.Nxd7+ Bxd7 11.Qxh8+ Kf7 12.Bc4+ and mates shortly) 9.Nf6+ Kf8 10.Bh6# This last one is my favorite line!

Even simple looking positions in chess—after six moves no less—can be marvelously complex. If you didn't see any of this, look at the position and the solution at the same time and go through it all mentally. Then try it without the solution. You will get better! Right, Rey?

Send questions and comments to PTamburro@aol.com.