Anything White could have played would not save a piece. + If, in lieu of playing R. White had played K. the adversary had sooner won, by moving only R. to K. B. 7th. If White had taken B., Black would have given check with Q. at her 6th square, and made the following move by taking R. The inventor of this, thought it a sure game, but three pawns well conducted, for the loss of a B. only, will win, both sides playing well. * If, instead of playing B. to his 3rd sq. it had been moved to K. 2nd, White had won the game in a few moves.-See first Variation. + Without sacrificing this B, he could not win the game; but losing it, for three pawns, he conquers; and provided due caution is observed in the advance, in spite of the best defence. If White had pushed this P. two sq. he would have opened a free entry for the opponent's Kts. and would soon have lost the game. -See Second Variation. § This move is of great importance; it prevents white from attacking K. Kt. with his Q. B., and separating his pawns by giving R. for Kt. This Kt. is played to take Q. B. which would be in the way if Black should castle on his Q. side. Observe as a general rule that if the strength of your game is in pawns, endeavour to capture the enemy's bishops, because they are more effectual than rooks in stopping the advance of pawns. 2 * Being unable to save B. without doing worse, White must play Q. to take his place; for if he had played it to K. B. 4th sq. to frustrate the check of the Kt., Black would have pushed K. Kt. P. upon E. and have won the game immediately. + Any where else Q. would have been cramped; Black therefore offers to exchange, and in case of refusal, move her to her 3rd square. Refusing to take Q. would make the matter still worse. If this P. had been moved two sq. the white Q. P. would have fallen to the B. and have given Black much the advantage. Always endeavour to impede the adversary from doubling his Rooks, especially when there is an opening in the game. |