"Attack" (Book 2) by GM Julian Hodgson, 1997 Hodgson Enterprises, Figurine Algebraic Notation, Flexi- cover, 127pp., $17.95 About six months ago, we reviewed British GM Julian Hodgson's book (and first publishing venture) "Attack". The sequel is now out, aptly entitled "Attack" (Book 2). We liked the first book. We also like the second. There are nine chapters: (1) Mating Sacrifices; (2) Stranded Kings; (3) Non Starters; (4) Kings on Opposing Wings; (5) Swinging Rooks; (6) Opposite Coloured Bishops; (7) Pawn Power; (8) Knight Tour; and (9) The Decoy. Forty complete games are contained in the chapters. Hodgson does not overwhelm the reader with long-winded variations or deep opening analysis. What he does, and does well, is break down positions into their basic elements so that the fundamentals of attack in progress may be better understood. Hodgson states in the Introduction: "My basic motto has always been that chess above all should be FUN...I have tried to explain the beauty of these games with the written word as much as possible.. I hope...you will notice a definite improvement and increased enjoyment in your play." He has succeeded quite nicely. From the chapter "Kings on Opposing Wings"... When kings are castled on opposite sides of the board there is usually a buzz of excitement as both players strive for the initiative - the play is sharper, tenser and more high risk. There is less time to dawdle, speed is of the essence. Often the plans are much more straightforward attack your opponent's king with gusto. But the real key to playing these positions is doing that while defending your own king. It is a difficult but rewarding balancing act that is required. GAME 15 At the end of 1993 the P.C.A ( I think it stood for Professional Chess Association although I wouldn't bet on it!) held its own version of a World Championship qualifier (outside F.I.D.E.) in Groningen. It was a great tournament in which most of the world's leading players took part. It holds mixed memories for me as I came within inches of qualifying for the knockout stage only to lose an amazing game with Sergei Tiviakov in the penultimate round. There was, however, one game which always brings a'smile to my face for reasons that will become apparent later... White: Kiril Georgiev Black: Michael Adams Groningen P.C.A. 1993 Caro Kann 4...Nd7 1 e4 c6 2 d4 d5 3 Nc3 dxe4 4 Nxe4 Nd7 5 Bc4 Ngf6 6 Ng5 e6 7 Qe2 Nb6 8 Bd3 h6 9 N5f3 c5 10 dxc5 Bxc5 So far so good. White would now normally play 11 Ne5 followed by developing the other knight to f3. Kiril, however, had an another idea. 11 Bd2!? Now it is the time to reveal why I so enjoyed this game. About five years before William Watson (a fellow Grandmaster and old school friend) and I played in a round robin in Iceland. On the rest day Willie rushed into my room in a dreadful panic exclaiming that he had found the refutation of the Caro Kann defence (which was at the time his main line defence to I e4). I asked him what it was, to which he replied by setting up this position on a chess set and banging out 11 Bd2. I remember thinking "Is that it? What's the point?" I asked "What would happen if I simply castled?" Well, that was exactly what Micky played. 11...0-0 12 0-0-0 This was Willie's idea. He thought White had a dangerous initiative due to the pressure down the d-file. It did not take us long to find the move that dramatically changes the assessment of the position. 12...Na4! (See Diagram) Micky played this move immediately which must have had a rather demoralising effect on his opponent. Some of you may be wondering if I had told Micky about this or was it just a coincidence that we both thought of identical ways of dealing with 11 Bd2. In fact Micky had learnt about this conversation all those years ago, from another English Grandmaster, Jon Speelman, via William Watson. 13 Bb5 This was the move that Willie and I had spent most of the day analysing. White must react quickly because 13...Qb6 targetting b2 is a huge threat. 13...Bd7 14 Bxd7 14 Bxa4 was the move that had grabbed our attention five years earlier. It looks as if White is winning a piece after 14...Bxa4 15 Qc4 forking the two bishops but then Black can reply 15...Qe8!! 16 Qxc5 Rc8 with tremendous pressure for the piece. 14...Qxd7 15 Nh3 Around this stage Kiril offered a draw which Micky politely declined. White's king on cl is simply too much of a temptation. 15...Rac8! The rest of the game is poetry in motion. I still can't quite believe how quickly Micky builds up his attack. 16 Kb1 16 Bxh6 is too optimistic on account of the simple 16...Qc6 17 Be3 Qb6! when White's king is in for a rough ride. 16...Qc6 17 Bcl Nd5! Another powerful move which threatens a devastating check on c3. 18 Qc4 Rfd8 19 Ka1 b5 20 Qe4 Be7! Micky retreats the bishop to clear the c-file and place it on the long al-h8 diagonal from where it eyes White's king on al. 21 c3 Qa6 22 Ne5 Bf6 23 Ng4 (See Diagram) Black has reached a dream position with every single one of his pieces attacking and he has a little pawn on b5 to blow apart White's defences if needed. 23...Naxc3! The end draws near - in such positions there are all sorts of combinational possibilities that are in the offing. 24 bxc3 If 24 Nxf6+ Nxf6 White's queen is very cleverly attacked by both black knights. I can't recall ever seeing such a motif before. 24...Bxc3+ 25 Bb2 Rc4! The rook drives away White's one and only decent defender. 26 Qf3 Bxb2+ 27 Kxb2 Rc2+!! (See Diagram) It's one hammer blow after another. White's two knights and rook on hl are now looking distinctly sorry for themselves. 28 Kxc2 Qxa2+ 29 Kd3 Qc4+! Micky is precise to the end. Kiril not unsurprisingly decided to call it a day. It is mate after: A) 30 Kd2 Nb4+ 31 Ke3 Nc2 mate. B) 30 Kd2 Nb4+ 31 Kel Nc2 mate. This book should primarily benefit those players rated below Elo 2000. The material is presented in an interesting fashion, in a clear and straightforward manner, and will make sharpening your tactical ability enjoyable.