Lecture by UMBC Chess Coach Igor Epshteyn
In general, term 'pawns in tension' related to so-called intermediate state of the center formation. Indeed, previously discussed 'static' positions need long preparation to perform solid and favorable transition from one type of structure to another. But this topic is about special class of dynamic positions were eventual changes of pawn structure are existing like 'in shadow' of the scenario on the chess board. The structure can be changed almost any time but both sides try to achieve an advantage afterwords. The main feature of this positions is that the main tension falls in the center in spite of the play spreading on flanks. This structure includes positions with White pawns e4, c4 and d3(d2) that in middlegame can be transformed to e4 - d4, and Black d6, c5 and e6(7) that later can be transformed to d6 - e6(Hedgehog). So, this type of structure also often converts to Maroczy bind and familiarity with Maroczy-like type of positions is also supposed. It is important to outline that such kind of positions from both sides were powerful weapon in hands of such subtle positional players as world champions M.Botvinnik, T.Petrosian, V. Smyslov.
Closed Sicilian - reversed English(supposed upper described structure) creates opportunities for both sides in:
In this type of position especially important is center control, combining of plans (2) and (3) in dependence of pieces regrouping, cohesion of defense and activity and very subtle play with the pawns. Reevaluation of the pieces on the chessboard, imaginary weaknesses and 'bad'-'good' pieces accompanies every complications or modifications of the position.
The first game (Bareev - Gelfand) demonstrates full set of positional maneuvering mentioned in upper lines. In opening Black almost equalized chances and a white choose the plans of simultaneous activity on both flanks. Black made positional inaccuracy moving knight out of center and had to fight again for equality. Later they manage to draw the game after very fine and instructive play. The second is masterpiece of World champion T.Petrosian, which extremely fine positional understanding often leads to non-standard even paradoxical decisions.
Based on this games find the best continuation in 'homework' game of two grandmasters.
1. c4 Nf6
2. Nc3 e5
3. Nf3 Nc6
4. g3 Bc5
5. Nxe5 Bxf2
6. Kxf2 Nxe5
7. e4 c5
8. d3 d6
9. h3 h5
10. Be2 Nh7
11. Kg2 h4
12. g4 Ng5
13. Be3 Bd7
14. Qd2 Ne6
15. b4 b6
16. Rab1 Bc6
17. Rhf1 Bb7
18. Kg1 Nc6
19. Nd5 Ncd4
20. Bd1 f6
21. Kh2 Bc6
22. a4 a5
23. bxa5 bxa5
24. Qf2 Ra7
25. g5 0-0
26. g6 f5
27. Rb8
1-0
1. c4 g6
2. Nc3 Bg7
3. g3 Nf6
4. Bg2 0-0
5. d3 c5
6. e4 Nc6
7. Nge2 Ne8
8. Be3 Nd4
9. 0-0 d6
10. Rb1 Nc7
11. b4 b6
12. Qd2 Bb7
13. f4 f5
14. a4 Rb8
15. Nb5 Ncxb5
16. axb5 Qc7
17. bxc5 bxc5
18. Qa2 Kh8
19. Nc3 e6
20. Kh1 Ra8
21. Rfe1 h6
22. Qd2 Qf7
23. Bg1 a6
24. bxa6 Rxa6
25. Bxd4 Bxd4
26. Nb5 Bg7
27. d4 cxd4
28. Nxd4 Bxe4
29. Bxe4 fxe4
30. Rxe4 e5
31. Nb5 exf4
32. Rxf4 Qb7
draw
1. c4 g6
2. Nc3 Bg7
3. g3 c5
4. Bg2 Nc6
5. e3 e5
6. Nge2 Nge7
7. d3 d6
8. Rb1 Be6
9. Nd5 0-0
10. 0-0 Rb8
11. Nec3 a6
12. b3 b5
13. Bb2 Qd7
14. Qd2 Bh3
15. Ne4 Nxd5
16. Bxh3 Qxh3
17. cxd5 Nb4
18. Nc3 a5
19. a3 Na6
20. Ne4 Nc7
21. Nxd6 Qd7
22. Ne4 Qxd5
23. Qxa5 Ne6
24. Qd2 f5
25. Nc3 Ng5
26. Nxd5 Nf3
27. Kg2 Nxd2
28. Rbc1 Nxf1
29. Kxf1 Kf7
30. b4 c4
31. dxc4 bxc4
32. e4 fxe4
33. Rxc4 Rbc8
draw
Questions: