Taimanov's Magic Horsey

Taimanov's Magic Horsey...by, Ms Jessica Era Martin

Priviet!  (Hello--in Russian)  Today we will see how GM Mark Taimanov asked Mr World Champion Anatoly Karpov to please open the h file.  And he did!  What a magic horsey!

So let's remember the pattern:

• Sac your knight to open the h file
• Make forcing moves (checks!)
• Quick--get a rook or queen on the h file

 

 

 

This is very dangerous especially when the f pawn is missing.  I wonder where I've heard that before?!

This pattern requires that you take the initiative.  GO FOR IT.  Be sure you are the one to attack first.  Don't let up to tie your shoe or something.

In Taimanov's game, it looks like white could have the upper hand because of the passed, and advanced, pawn on b6.  But it's a knight to a bishop, and the knight has a special landing spot!

 

 

 

Did you see that if the queen took on g3 then the rook could take the other rook on b1?  The queen is overworked.

Now what's the plan?  It takes two moves to get over there...

 

 

Even you could beat a World Champion with a few sneaky tactics patterns!  Just a bit more practice....