1/22/2007

Lasker Vs. Thomas

This is one of my favorite games to show students of all levels. In this game White executes a beautiful attack on Black's King. Notice how Black's king is weakened because he traded off one of his defensive f-pawns. Also notice that White enjoys a major lead in development throughout the game. Because of Black's weaknesses and White's active pieces, White is able to use a beautiful combination to win the game. Here are the moves that lead to the diagrammed position.

1. d4 f5 2. e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 e6 5. Nxe4 Be7 6. Bxf6 Bxf6 7. Nf3 O-O
8. Bd3 b6 9. Ne5 Bb7 10. Qh5 Qe7

It is White to play and win.
Difficulty 1400


For the video solution, click below.