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Oleksandr_Bortnyk vs lachesisq
winTable of Contents
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Game Snapshot
Queen's Pawn Game
Crucial Positions
| move # | position | classification | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Move #:
51
Move:
Nxh4+
blunder
Endgame error lost winning advantage
|
51 | Nxh4+ | blunder | Endgame error lost winning advantage |
|
WHAT HAPPENED Move Played: Nxh4+ Black chose 51... Nxh4+, grabbing the undefended pawn on h4 and delivering a check. The capture removes a white pawn but places the knight on h4, where it is not defended by any black piece. White can simply escape the check with 52. Kg3 (or 52. Kf2), keeping the rook on e6 alive and maintaining the threats against the black e7‑pawn and g6‑pawn. The black rook on a1 remains undefended, and Black forfeits the opportunity to win material. WHY IT'S BETTER Engine suggested: Nd4+ The engine’s 51... Nd4+ is a decisive fork. The knight jumps to d4, checking the king and attacking the white rook on e6 simultaneously. After the forced 52. Kg3, Black wins the rook with 52... Nxe6, gaining a full exchange and eliminating White’s most active piece. Nd4+ also keeps the knight on a safe, central square, whereas Nxh4+ leaves the knight exposed and wastes a tempo on a pawn that was already undefended. The engine line therefore converts the check into a material gain, while the player's move only yields a superficial check. KEY PRINCIPLE Prioritize Checks that Create a Fork: A checking move should aim to generate multiple threats, especially winning material. Simple checks that only capture a pawn and leave your pieces vulnerable miss critical tactical opportunities. |
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Master Lens
What The GM Did Well By Phase
Opening
Middlegame
Endgame