New York · 1924
Preventing Problems Before They Happen
Jose Raul Capablanca vs. Savielly Tartakower — Capablanca answers every black idea before it starts, then walks his king into the enemy camp to win a rook endgame.
LevelAdvanced JuniorElo1100–1300ThemePreventing problems before they happenMoves49
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Moves · tap to jump
0/970/97
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Starting position
Ready
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Main lesson
Restriction and preventing counterplay
What your student should learn
- Stop your opponent's plan before pushing your own.
- In rook endings, activity beats an extra pawn.
- The king is a strong piece once the queens are gone.
- Passed pawns need a rook behind them.
Mini tournament checklist
- ✓ What is my opponent trying to do next move?
- ✓ Is my rook active or defending?
- ✓ Can my king walk towards the action?
- ✓ Do I have a passed pawn, and is it supported?
Run through this list before you start an attack in a real game. Mostly yes means look for tactics; otherwise improve one more piece first.
Full move list
Opening & Plans
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Simplifying Safely
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Improving Every Piece
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Waking the King
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Trading into a Better Ending
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Squeezing Black
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The King Marches In
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Converting the Endgame
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Note: Ask three questions after every black move: what changed, what is Black threatening, and which white piece needs improving?