Monday, September 21, 2009

you always get a second chance

So I taught the Panov last week. I like teaching it a lot: I have a good little shtick I do, good questions, nice new handout, all very logical, etc. And the trap at the end is such a sucker punch:

1.e4 c6
2.d4 d5
3.exd5 cxd5
4.c4 Nf6
5.Nc3 e6
6.Nf3 Be7
7.cxd5 Nxd5
8.Bd3 0–0
9.0–0 Nc6
10.Re1 Nf6
11.a3 b6
12.Bc2 Bb7
13.Qd3


the big moment of truth... black has to play 13...g6. But doesn't 13... Rc8 look reasonable?

13....Rc8
14.d5!! exd5
15.Bg5 g6

16.Rxe7! Qxe7 [16...Nxe7 17.Bxf6]
17.Nxd5 +/-

So first round at the Marshall, Randy Rivera

Randy

gets the position in the first diagram against an 1880, but after 13... Rc8, plays 14. Bg5 and goes on to lose. First I was annoyed that he forgot, then I was smugly elated at the idea that my students would see how preternaturally relevant my class lessons are. Also James,

got paired against the same guy in round three and he has a much better memory.
at

1 comment:

  1. GurdonarkSeptember 22, 2009 at 6:05 PM

    That's a great story.
    It's a great way to promote paying attention in class!

    The Panov is fun on both sides, and yet
    when I play the Caro in blitz I am always more inclined to choose a different path for black:
    1.e4 c6
    2.d4 d5
    3.exd5 Qxd5

    Nobody is afraid of the Scandinavian, but it's sure a lot less trouble to learn.

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