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Simple Chess Outposts: 4. Tal - Bronstein, USSR ch 1959

Simple Chess game 4: Tal - Bronstein, USSR ch 1959

ruhib211 viewsEnglish (US)
ChessStrategy
There is a streak of sadism running through every chessplayer - Micheal Stean

The Game

https://lichess.org/study/6nWh4o7P/fsqZXxym

Thoughts

Prophylaxis - The majority of Tal and Bronstein's play is trying to prevent their opponent from carrying out their plans. I need to spend more time trying to figure out what my opponents are doing and how to make it harder.

The value of outposts vs isolated pawns - Stean commends Bronstein's decision not to evacuate his bishop after 17. Ng5 and accept the possibility of isolated doubled pawns after 18. Nxe6 fxe6 in exchange for denying white the d5 outpost. Stockfish 14 thinks that either Bronstein's move of c4 or Bc8 are fine. While accepting isolated pawns makes me really nervous.

Giving back material - When Tal is up two pawns but his bishop is trapped he gives up one pawn to free his bishop and improve his piece activity.

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