Back Rank Blues - Chess.com

Back Rank Blues - Chess.com

Back Rank Blues

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Submitted by benws

Here is yet another game that shows the tactical brilliance of David Bronstein. After some insipid play by Mikenas, Bronstein is able to seize the advantage by making some threats against his opponent's weak back rank. Mikenas cautiously tries to defend, but Bronstein stuns him with a rook sacrifice that is truly a bolt from the blue, and he immediately capitulates.

Vladas Ivanovich Mikenas vs. David Bronstein

Ch URS | Tallinn | 1965 | ECO: A53 | 0-1

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. Nc3 c6 4. e4 e5 5. d5 Be7 6. Be2 O-O 7. Nf3 Na6 8. O-O Bd7 9. Ne1 Qc8 10. Nd3 Bd8 11. f4 cxd5 12. cxd5 Nc5 13. fxe5 Nfxe4 14. Nxe4 Nxe4 15. Be3 Bb6 16. Bxb6 axb6 17. Rf4 Nc5 18. exd6 Nxd3 19. Qxd3 Qc5+ 20. Kh1 Qxd6 21. Rh4 h6 22. a3 Rfe8 23. Bf3 Qe5! 24. Rb4?? Rxa3!!

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What a move! Mikenas resigned, as there is no defence to Bronstein's many threats. Notice the multitude of tactical motifs this move demonstrates. If 25 bxa3, then 25...Qxa1+ and 26 Re1+ mates; if 25 Rxa3 or 25 Qxa3, then 25... Qe1+ mates. All other defences lead to ruinous material loss.