We've Got a Queen Sac and an Overload

Chessorb Classic, Issue #135 -- GOTM #105

We have another Sicilian Dragon for you. There are a few interesting elements to this one. White is again energetic and the game evolves into a unique middlegame. It seems as if there is an advantage but the breakthrough is uncertain.

The first couple of sacrifices seem to break open the defense and yet the position is just about holding. Finally a Queen sacrifice makes progress possible. The King's position is key, freezing one of his own pieces out of the game and overloading the other in the face of two weaknesses.

This game has Dragon motifs, sacrifices, endgame motifs in addition to an unusual pawn structure by it's conclusion. It's a different kind of game.

The game was played by two lesser known players from the Soviet era. Gusev and Auerbach may not be well known but such was the strength of Soviet chess by now that even players you may not have heard of were extremely talented. And they showed that here.

Gusev, Yuri - Auerbach, E. [B70]

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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