Punishing Underdevelopment and Greed

One of the most remarkable insights into the game of chess is the well known comparison between it and the game of life. Just as countless television programs, articles, and social commentary speak to the extent that greed can ruin one's life, greed can also cost you the game in chess.



I have a copy of a book once owned by Anthony F. Kaye titled Common Sense in Chess by Emanuel Lasker. The great long time world champion spends some time showing the reader how excessive greed can turn a winning position into a losing position.

In the following 3 minute blitz game played at the internet chess club, Ewanyengi of the United Kingdom sees a way to win the exchange before he has castled or fully developed his pieces. His Queen at b3 and Knight at g5 can combine to win the Black Rook at f8.

White can not prevent this or he will lose to the sadistic and much dreaded smothered mate. With White to move, can you see why he will lose the game if he tries to win the Rook for his Knight? Chess also has a principle of Justice which is manifest here also. Bill Wall the prolific chess writer from Colorado who knew Bobby Fischer on a first name basis has, I believe, written beautifully on the manner in which chess and living a decent life go hand in hand.

Finally it is a widely promulgated rule of thumb in chess that a Rook is worth 5 points and minor pieces 3 points. Relying too much on rules of thumb do not lead to chess mastery!