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Continuing from Part 1 of Do not panic – Tactics are present even if they are not visible.

In response, the black moved the rook from d5 to g5.

29. Rd4 …..
29. ….. Rg5

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

The move by White to safeguard his queen and rook, and the response by Black by moving the Black rook to g5 unveils the grand plan of Black to launch an attack on the White King.

The white pawn at g2 is vulnerable and it is this pawn that is targeted by the Black in a double threat – one from the rook at g5 and then from the bishop in b2. The Queen at f6 is also exerting pressure on f2, as can be seen in the diagram given below.

Fig. 3

The Black has launched an attack on the White and it is the turn of White pieces to counter this attack by defending his pieces or exploring possibilities to counter attack the Black King.

One important point worth bearing in mind is not to get panic when faced with an attack by the opponent as is the situation in the present case. The situation calls for a careful analysis of the position and various alternatives that might be employed by White to thwart the attack.

It is very important that before deciding on a particular move, an analysis of the possible counter moves or consequences should be assessed.

The White pawn at g2 is at threat. If white considers moving the pawn at g2 to g3, what might happen?

The black queen at f6 might be placed at f3 thus opening up the diagonal a8-h1 for checkmating the White King, placed precariously at g1.

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Now, White has to consider other alternatives to come out of the precarious situation. The most important point worth considering is that there is no reason for panic, when faced with such an attack from the opponent.

If the Black rook captures g2 and threatens with check, White King can move to f1 and in turn, the black rook might capture the pawn at h2.

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

Fig. 9

There is no imminent threat of mate to the White King, and White has some time to develop its own pieces and try to force a counter-attack on the Black King.

In any case, there is absolutely no reason for panic. It is here that the need for counter attack and tactics arises.

What are the options available to White at this juncture – not only to defend his pieces but also counter-attack the Black King – as the saying says – Attack is the best form of defence – in this case counter attack on the part of White.

A closer look of the position makes it clear to the naked eye that the Black King is placed at g7 and the only option available to White to attack the Black King is through the diagonal a1-h8.

Fig. 10

Fig. 11

Realizing that point, white preferred to move the rook at d4 to f4. In response, Black, as anticipated, black rook at g5 captured the pawn at g2 and threatened the white king with a check. The white king at g1 promptly moved to f1. The Black Queen, further exerting pressure on the White pieces, moved the Queen from f6 to g5.

30. Rf4 Rxg2+
31. Kf1 Qg5 (with an idea of moving the rook to g1)

Fig. 12

Fig. 13

Fig. 14

Fig. 15

Continue reading Part 3 of Do not panic – Tactics are present even if they are not visible..

1. Do not panic – Tactics are present even if they are not visible – Part 3
2. Do not panic – Tactics are present even if they are not visible – Part 1
3. Chess Tactics: How simple tactics helped to improve the location of pieces?
4. Importance of positional factors in chess tactics
5. Chess Tactics: How tactics helped convert a losing position to a winning one?