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1. b4
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This is the Polis (Sokolsky) opening. It is a strong opening for black, with e5, d5, or Nf6. |
 
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1... e5
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Black chooses the most common reply. |
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2. b5
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This blocks black’s knight. It is an interesting ploy I have never played. |
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2... Bc5
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Off book. Black typically answers d5 or d6. |
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3. Bb2 Qe7
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The pawn requires defense, as Bxg7 wins a rook. |
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4. a4
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White ignores right side development. While the far extended b pawn could use support, e3 or e4 might be stronger. |
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4... a6 5. e3
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Yes. White assists. |
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5... axb5
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Bxb5. |
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6. axb5
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Black trading rooks buries white’s black bishop onto the single diagonal. |
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6... Ba7
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Black blocks the threat to the rook, pinning the bishop. |
1 comment
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7. d4 e4 8. c3 Nf6 9. Nd2 d5 10. Ba3 c5 11. bxc6 e.p.
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White wins a pawn. |
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11... Qe6 12. c7 Nc6 13. Bb5 Ng4 14. Qxg4
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Queen for knight? Blunder. |
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14... Qxg4 15. g3 Bb6 16. Bxc6+ bxc6 17. h3 Qh5 18. g4
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This gives black a free pawn. |
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18... Bxg4 19. f3 Qh4+ 20. Kd1 Qf2
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Though it is nice having the queen deep into enemy territory, saving the bishop is probably a better idea. |
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21. Kc2
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Why move the king? Because hxg4 just seems so much stronger. |
1 comment
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21... Bxf3 22. Rf1 Qg3 23. Kb3
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Again, why move the king? Either knight trade for the bishop preserves the h rook. Ngxf3 seems best, so the rooks support each other. |
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23... Bxh1 24. Ne2
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White has no way to defend e3. |
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24... Qg2
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Queen can take the knight or pawn. The e knight has nowhere decent to move. Re1 might be best, but really just a delaying action as white is down 12 points. Qxe2 is followed by Rxh1, but white will lose another piece. The writing is on the wall, white resigns. |
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(1898)