Dance on the Seventh Rank

Chessorb Classic, Issue #132 -- GOTM #102

The 7th rank is very important real estate in chess. In old chess notation, the 7th rank always referred to the 7th rank of the player making the move. Now with the modern notation, it refers to just White's 7th rank, Black's 2nd rank.

Still however, when talking motifs, chess players are still referring to the opponent's second rank, regardless of color, and their own 7th rank. It is a valuable prize indeed to seize control of the 7th rank. You basically have your foot on your opponent's throat.

We could show many games to demonstrate the value of this rank. There is one that you might enjoy. It also features an entire army of officers en prise.

It's true. Not only is every attacking piece hanging and undefended but the King is staring # in the face. And yet there is no time and no way. Witness this extraordinary finish for yourself. It is another taken from Hastings, 1895. William Steinitz has White and Curt von Bardeleben has Black.

Steinitz, William - von Bardeleben, Curt [C54]

P.S.
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Comments, ideas, feedback? I'd be stoked to hear from you.

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See you next month.

Ken

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