International master Andrew Martin is the head of the English Chess Federation Academy. He is well qualified for this post, since his conversational writing style is both characteristically endearing and informative. It is very easy to learn from Andrew’s work. His latest book is a tour de force of the venerable Queen’s Gambit which was originally popularised in the great 1834 series of matches between Labourdonnais and Macdonnell in London. Since then it has formed a staple of every champion’s repertoire. This week’s game, with notes based on those in Andrew’s book (First Steps: Queen’s Gambit Declined, Everyman Chess), shows how devastating the Queen’s Gambit can be in the hands of a great virtuoso of the opening.
Kasparov-Short: Thessaloniki Olympiad 1988; Queen’s Gambit Declined
1 c4 e6 2 Nc3 d5 3 d4 Be7 4 cxd5 exd5 5 Bf4 c6 6 Qc2 Kasparov challenges Short with an unusual idea. 6 e3 is most common, after which Black develops with 6 … Bf5. 6 … g6 Black plans … Bc8-f5, gaining a move. However, Kasparov is happy to allow this possibility. 7 e3 Bf5 8 Qd2 An odd idea, but very interesting nevertheless. Now it is White who hopes to gain time, intending to attack the Bishop on f5 with his advancing kingside pawns. 8 … Nf6 9 f3 c5 A correct move, trying to open up the position with the White pieces on slightly odd squares. 10 Bh6 cxd4 11 exd4 a6 12 g4 Be6 13 Nge2 (see diagram 1) It is suddenly much easier to handle the White position. White has the clear plan of Bg2, 0-0, Rae1 and a kingside pawn storm. Black is struggling to coordinate. 13 … Nbd7 13 … Nc6 14 Bg2 Bf8 15 0-0 Bxh6 16 Qxh6 Qd6 puts up better resistance. I am not sure why Short plays his knight to d7, which is passive by comparison.
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