33. Opposition
White can force opposition by a double sacrifice.
1.24 – 19! 23 x 14
2.35 – 30 14 – 19
3.30 – 24 19 x 30
4.45 – 40
Sometimes we see double opposition or opposition of 3, 4 or even 5 pieces.
In the diagram black’s pieces are still working together, so this is not the end of the game:
1… 17 – 22
2.27 x 18 19 – 23
White wins according the fourth-rank-rule:
The fourth rank consist of squares 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20. If white is first at this rank he wins. If black is first it’s a draw.
3.29 – 24 23 x 12
4.24 – 19
Find out for yourself how the black piece is stopped just in time.
If white is to play he draws the game by:
1.27 – 22 17 x 28
2.29 - 23
It’s also possible to play 1.29 – 23 19 x 28
2.27 – 22 =.
1.28 – 22!
White calculated that after 1… 20 – 25 2.22 x 13 19 x 8 3.33 – 29! 24 x 33 4.39 x 28 black would lose by fivefold opposition.
For example: 11 – 17 5.28 – 23 8 – 13 6.42 – 37 and black has to give all his pieces (or surrender).
This is a famous composition of a very strong Dutch old master Keller.
White can win by double opposition. Nearly all people who see this position for the first time tend to play 1.30 – 24? It looks a natural move, but black escapes after 13 – 18 2.43 – 38 18 – 23 34.38 – 32 15 – 20 35.24 x 15 23 – 29 =.
1.30 – 25! 13 – 19
2.43 – 39 19 – 24
White can’t mechanically follow blacks moves: 3.39 – 34? 24 – 30 lets black escape.
3.25 – 20! 24 – 30
4.20 - 14
And white has achieved the needed double opposition.
White has only one winning move:
1.36 – 31!
Black has two different replies:
1… 16 – 21 2.26 x 17 11 x 22 3.37 – 32 6 – 11 4.31 – 26 11 – 17 5.32 – 27 22 x 31 6.26 x 37 and white wins by opposition.
1… 11 – 17 2.31 – 27 and black is simply frozen out.
1.37 – 32!
Black can defend in three ways. In all cases white wins in a charming way.
1… 17 – 21 2.26 x 17 11 x 22 3.32 – 27 22 x 31 4.36 x 27 6 – 11 5.27 – 21 double opposition.
1… 11 – 16 2.32 – 27 6 – 11 3.36 – 31 23 – 28 4.33 x 22 17 x 28 5.27 – 22! 28 x 17 6.31 – 27 and after 17 – 22 7.27 x 18 11 – 17 8.18 – 13 17 – 22 9.13 – 9 22 – 28 10.9 – 4 28 – 33 11.4 – 27 33 – 39 12.27 – 49 white is just in time to stop the black piece.
1… 17 – 22 2.32 – 27 22 x 31 3.36 x 27 11 – 17 4.27 – 21 17 – 22 5.21 – 17! 22 x 11 6.16 – 11 11 – 16 7.21 – 17 and two white pieces are superior to 3 pieces of black.
With a piece more white can search for a sacrifice forcing double opposition:
1.43 – 39 17 – 22
2.39 – 34 23 – 28
3.33 – 29 22 – 27
4.29 – 23! 28 x 19
5.34 - 29
White prevents black from going to king after which he forces opposition.
1.5 – 23! 40 – 45
2.23 – 40! 45 x 34
3.49 – 44 4 - 9
4.44 – 39 34 x 43
5.48 x 39
33.1 From a game Tsjizjow – Schwarzman Wch 2003. How did white win quickly?
33.2 – 33.8 White plays and wins!
33.1
33.2
33.3
33.4
33.5
33.6
33.7
33.8