Gibbonspot

[IanDavis]

I was reading some blog on the internet today when I found the most astounding position. (See link.)
The blog in question deemed this to be "A crucial moment. Black seems to(sic) have to retreat his knight to c6, since if it goes into(sic) c2, it is clearly never coming out again, and can be rounded up by Ra2 and Bc1. But(sic)" Well. I was totally shocked to read this remarkable piece of shrewd brain scorching analysis. However, what in Jinksie's name is it on about? I know that I'm not that strong, but if I move my rook to a2 and then put the bishop on c1, what's to stop Black lopping of the queen's pawn followed by the knight, and then h2? Perhaps somebody who better understands Chess can answer my question

[Jon D'Souza-Eva]

http://stevegiddins.blogspot.com/2011/01/crucible.html

After 20. Ra2 Nxd4, White has 21. Qxd4 and the white knight is protected by the queen and the bishop, hence 21. ... Bxe5 doesn't with the piece back.

[James Coleman]

http://stevegiddins.blogspot.com/2011/01/crucible.html

After 20. Ra2 Nxd4, White has 21. Qxd4 and the white knight is protected by the queen and the bishop, hence 21. ... Bxe5 doesn't with the piece back.

That's with the Bishop on b2 though...

[IanDavis]

http://stevegiddins.blogspot.com/2011/01/crucible.html

After 20. Ra2 Nxd4, White has 21. Qxd4 and the white knight is protected by the queen and the bishop, hence 21. ... Bxe5 doesn't with the piece back.

That's with the Bishop on b2 though...

So should the bishop be on c1 and b2? I'm shocked.

[James Coleman]

I think you're right, White would have to drop the N back to f3 before he could be considering playing Bc1.