Musings on law, tech, chess & other topics by a geek

I just finished a longer game online, 3 days per move, the game took about 2 months to complete.  Near the end of the game I was ahead and got into a hurry and missed a big tactical shot that could have ended the game a lot sooner. For new student one of the earliest lessons I cover is what I call the tactical algorithm.  This is a short series of steps chess players, especially new chess players, should use before making any move. This helps improve ones tactics and sets up a habit that will come in useful later.

Here is the position where I missed a nice tactical shot. White to move:

The Algorithm I suggest in the simplest form is:

Look for targets (undefended or under defended pieces along with an exposed king)

1. Check the Checks +

2. Check the Captures

3. Check the FORCING MOVES (moves that threaten a mate or taking a piece)

If I had followed my own advice I would have found the best series of moves see if you can find what I missed

Spoiler after the cut:

In the above position I missed 1. Qd8+ Kb7 2. Qxc7 Kxc7 3. h7 Crushing quickly as black can not stop the h pawn.  Instead I played Rc1 and exchanged rooks.  The exchange is still winning, but gives black a lot more time to look for a perpetual checks and to drag out the game.

The full game has some other interesting points Enefiok v. Sarterus (Brian Rowe) 2011 it is a French Defense: Alekhine-Chatard Attack where the pawn is declined.  In the opening and middle game there is much to learn from but that is another post .

Update: The tactic is not as easy as I made it out to be.  Black does have a few tricks.  After 1. Qd8+ Kb7 2. Qxc7 Kxc7 3. h7 black has two options

1. Drop the Queen back to e8 to try and stop the pawn which clearly fails to h8=Q

2. play d3 here what has to watch out for tricks based on Queen c3 and d3.

What do yo play as white after 3.  … d3?