MacKenzie-Preuss from the Western States Open
Protests aside, most of the past 2-3 weeks have seen us breathing the rarified air of world championship play. But even as we await the culmination of the Kramnik-Topalov match, we should remain aware of some of the other great and interesting games taking place in the chess world.
One such game occurred at the Western States Open a few days ago, between Dana MacKenzie and IM David Preuss. MacKenzie offered a remarkable gambit line, offering up the queen on move 6(!) for a couple of pieces and long-lasting pressure. And only pressure: it was at least another 20 moves or so before any direct threats even started to show up, but Black was strangely helpless against White's slow-motion assault!
Is this gambit for real? See for yourself, and whatever your opinion of White's opening, it's a clever idea and an entertaining game. Have a look, here.
[Hat tip: Robert Bernard]
One such game occurred at the Western States Open a few days ago, between Dana MacKenzie and IM David Preuss. MacKenzie offered a remarkable gambit line, offering up the queen on move 6(!) for a couple of pieces and long-lasting pressure. And only pressure: it was at least another 20 moves or so before any direct threats even started to show up, but Black was strangely helpless against White's slow-motion assault!
Is this gambit for real? See for yourself, and whatever your opinion of White's opening, it's a clever idea and an entertaining game. Have a look, here.
[Hat tip: Robert Bernard]