Exchange Of A Pawn
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | | #Q | | #R | #K | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | #P | #P | #P | | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | #Kt| #P | #B | #Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | #B | | #P | | ^B | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | ^B | | ^P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | ^Kt| ^P | | ^Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | | | ^Q | | ^R | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 43.
This can only be done by the exchange of a Pawn and as the only
Pawn within easy reach is the Pawn e5 the files which are liable
to be opened first are the d-file and the f-file. In the position
of the Diagram it is not easy to find a way of opening either
file mentioned without elaborate preparation. P-d4 cannot be
played before the square d4 is three times controlled by White
and if White tries to accomplish this by (8) Kt-e2, Black spoils
White's plan by Bxc4 without being bothered by the threat Kt-d5
which existed as long as the Knight was posted on c3.
If, on the other hand, White exchanges the Bishop first on e6 he helps
Black's development by opening the f-file for his Rook. To avoid
these alternatives White could withdraw the Bishop c4 to b3 and
then play Kt-e2 followed by P-c3 and P-d4. But this maneuver
involves two moves with pieces which are already developed and it
is therefore preferable to place the Rook a1, who has to be
developed, right away in the Queen's file and then to proceed as
suggested above. In other words, White does probably best to play
(8) Q-d2 and (9) Ra1-d1.
Black, in the meantime, will of course, also aim at the
development of his Rooks. In the position of the Diagram it is
even less troublesome for him than for White to prepare the
opening of the d-file, as there is no objection to his playing
immediately Kt-e7 with P-c6 and P-d5. The only reason which might
deter Black from playing Kt-e7 is the fear that White might
answer Bxf6 forcing Black to retake with the Pawn g7 and thereby
tearing a hole in the protecting chain of Pawns around the King.
However, as will be explained in the discussion of the middle
game, this maneuver need not be feared.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | #P | #P | #P | | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | | #P | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | | ^P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | | | | | |
---------------------------------------
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 44.
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