Analysis (1)

Johansson – Bakels, ICN 2014-2015, Round 1

White is a pawn down and has a very vulnerable bishop, that does not have many squares to go to. The white knight is well placed, but cannot develop much further activity from there. In return the advanced a-pawn provides some counterplay. Black’s last move was Bb3-a4 with the idea to transfer the bishop to c6, securing a firm grip on the promotion square. As there was no time to lose, White came up with the radical

1.Bc3!?

Question: How is the position to be assessed? How should Black reply?

In the game, Black played the strong-looking

1…Qa5

In fact, this move gives White an unexpected chance to gain an advantage. What should he play?

– 2.a7

– 2.Qc8

– another move?