Side with the Safer King Wins in this Sharp Position

Vulnerability is definitely an element of the game of chess. Vulnerable pieces, squares, and Kings frequently guide a player when attempting to formulate a plan or tactical sequence.




In the following game played at the ICC, Samdog(not sure if he is trying to make an association with infamous NYC serial killer back in the mid 70s) playing with the White pieces finds himself in a world of hurt. Despite the fact that the material is balanced, his Kingside has weak squares and his a1 Rook is inactive and out of play.

Combine that with the exceptional piece activity and King safety of the Black pieces and you get a W for Black. Note that with Black to move, his Knight at d3 is hanging(undefended). See if you can find a tactical continuation that finishes White. Hint: visualize mating patterns that allow Black to leave his Knight unprotected.

The late NM Jim Gallagher would most certainly berate this writer for profoundly declaring that the side with the safer King wins in sharp positions. He would label it a superfluous tautology and not not worth mentioning. I miss Gallagher and think about him when I have lost a game that I should have won. It was a treat to watch him analyze with Sid Pickard who won the Texas State Championship long ago.

He pissed off a lot of people, but was a principled man who was a truth seeker in chess and life.