This is one of my favorite examples of using chess tactics in an attack on an uncastled king. When facing an aggressive opening like white plays here, develop your pieces and don’t get greedy!
A True Romantic
Playing white is renowned attacker Rudolf Spielmann (1883-1942). Even in his own time he was a throwback, preferring romantic, swashbuckling chess from the 19th century. Still, he performed well in tournaments and had respectable records against most of his contemporaries, including a lifetime 50% score against Capablanca (two wins, two losses, eight draws).
Spielmann wrote one of the early books on combinations and attacking chess, The Art of Sacrifice in Chess, which I highly recommend. It’s not just a textbook; the games selected are a pleasure to go through!
Classic Attack on the Uncastled King
Things to Remember
One player can reach the middlegame while the other is stuck in the opening! To avoid this fate, think carefully before accepting a “free” pawn, especially with your king in the center. Your opponent often hopes you take it — and stop developing new pieces. They will bring out more pieces and chase your tired forces around, leading to an attack on the uncastled king.
David Thompson holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics and has over 12 years of experience in competitive chess. As the lead writer for Chess-Essentials.com, David is dedicated to sharing his extensive knowledge of chess strategies and tactics. His clear and insightful articles are designed to help players of all levels enhance their skills and understanding of the game.
Connect with David on social media: Facebook