King Edward I of England (1239-1307), who was also known as the “Hammer of Scots,” neutralized a Scottish leader’s rebellion in 1302 by having France withdraw its support and accept peace. That the Scottish leader Sir William Wallace survived was not Edward’s preferred option at the time. With patience, however, Edward eventually captured Wallace and tortured him to death.
Similarly, in this week’s position black’s king and its claim to the throne are challenged by white’s pawn on c5, which most disrespectfully checks black’s liege. Employing the patience of King Edward I, as it were, black will eventually press forward and have Sir Wallace’s head. With this hint in mind please try and find black’s best reply to the check.
The most tempting reply is knight takes pawn. This move is fatal for black, however. White’s bishop checks white from f8, skewering the black king and knight (see next diagram).
Black’s best move is to move its king to d5, eliminating the skewer. White cannot hold the c5 pawn and should keep white’s chances of a draw or win alive by advancing its outside pawn to a5. Black’s center pawns with the help its king are better poised to win the pawn promotion race.
White, too, may easily miscalculate and move its bishop to e3, defending the pawn. But black’s f5 pawn kicks the bishop off e3 by moving to f4. The bishop then retreats to g1 and black’s e5 pawn advances to e4 (see next diagram).
DIAG 3
From here, black’s center pawns next support blocking the bishop’s line of fire with pawn to e3. This allows black to leisurely win the c5 pawn. White’s outside pawn is not enough against black’s advanced center, which will soon overrun white and promote a new queen.
King Edward outmaneuvered the Scots in diplomacy and made peace with his enemy to win. In chess, too, discretion is the better part of valor.
Reach Eric Morrow at ericmorrowlaw@gmail.com or (505) 327-7121.
