Thursday 15 July 2010

Say of the Jackal






The blog takes an occasional sample game and examine it in some detail in relation to the current analysis described in the Jackal Attack e-book.

As the opening tends to have a high tactical content, it is hoped that the games and positions discussed may be of general interest.


The Jackal Attack website can be accessed here and there are related articles to be found on the web; for example here and here .
 The latest [March 2010] update of the Jackal e-book represents the most current analysis and evaluations. The e-book is updated twice a year.


Further and more diverse content will be added to the blog in due course. Particular games [famous or otherwise] will be analysed. There will also be essays on  aspects of the game that have to do with position evaluation and move choice - but using linguistic cues rather than calculation. 
                            
Why not try the four 'Test your Tactics' [T-Y-T] positions on one of the blog's links. There are two separate sets: If you can understand the system of scoring  then you should do well on the tests.












This month's Featured Game


A fine and interesting game played at the cutting edge of one of the Jackal's main lines.

Christophe. Nirav [2150] - Witt. Rob [2250]  NED: Internal club League: 2008


Here's the story - and thanks to the players for their notes.

White, a hundred  points adrift of his opponent but nevertheless armed with inside knowledge [and a stiff drink at the bar], goes straight to the recommended 12th move - long since considered to be the most aggressive and dangerous in this particular variation.
A question then arises as to whether Black should play 12...O-O when the opportunity presents itself. But he knows that this and other alternatives had already been examined in the e-book. Consequently, and maybe fearing a prepared line from the club specialist, Black, himself no stranger to the Jackal from an earlier game with the same opponent, chooses a different path. It is a risky improvisation.
The White rook's swing to the king-side comes as no surprise: But after a tactical oversight, Black suddenly finds himself in a lost position stemming from his earlier 12...h6 pawn kick.
But salvation is unexpectedly at hand: Within sight of victory, a slip-up in the prosecution of the attack takes the game into a new phase. 
White now finds himself a pawn down; but at least in possession of a passed h-pawn and a more active king. Stinging from his earlier miss, he nevertheless plays very actively and no further major favours are granted.
 Carried by the game's momentum, both turn down draws by repetition and the resulting endgame battle touches just about every sector of the board. 
One facet is a very dangerous initiative which became possible for White on his 49th move. The winning attempt involved the idea of a king and two-minor piece mate stemming from a final pawn sacrifice - rejected after this cute tactical feature was overlooked. 
But it seems that all roads were in fact destined to lead to a draw in the end - and probably a fair result overall. In this see-saw tactical scrap, White finally emerges with an extra pawn in place of his earlier deficit but, by now, there was no win.

So, back to the bar for the post-mortem. There is always time for some club politics after the game: Yes, Black will defend the line again next year; if the chance returns. However, he helpfully volunteers the names of some other club mates who might first take up the challenge to explore that thorny 12...O-O line avoided at the outset. Good idea.

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