chess (2.1.3) simple chess - outposts 3

Here we have 2 positions to evaluate. Both of them are from the book Emms: Simple Chess.

SACRIFICE FOR AN OUTPOST

The first example is from the game Ward-Gibbs, 1999.

Q1: Which side is better?

Q2: What are the advantages of White?

Q3: How can White improve his position?

OUTPOSTS RELATIVE VALUE

The second example is from the game Conquest-Emms, 1990. Both sides managed to create an outpost. However, these outposts have relative value.

Q1: What do you think, the Bishop on c5 or the c4 Knight is better?

Q2: Why?

Q3: How can Black improve his position?

In my experience players strive to create the following outposts in certain openings.

Examples - Spanish: f5 for White. King's Indian: d4 or f4 for Black. Pirc classical: f4 for Black. Closed Sicilian: d4 for Black, d5 or f5 forWhite. Dutch: d4 for Black. Maroczy Bind and Rossolimo Sicilian d5 for White.

In this topic, last, but not least let's see a spectacular game of Ivanchuk, just for FUN. Don't forget to count the outposts he managed to create. 

Answers: In the first game White has an advantage: he has more space and the open c file and the weak b6 pawn as perspectives. He needs to consider an exchange sacrifice on c6. Thus, he will create a passer, inter alia. In the second game: when the bishop is supported by a pawn or two, then it has no effect on that diagonal leading backwards, whereas as the knight, being a ‘jumping’ piece, doesn't suffer from this problem. This means that, White’s bishop on c5 has no influence back on the c5-g1 diagonal. White is unfortunate enough to have no choice but passive defense. Black's plan is to open Kingside and enter in White's position.