Section B2 – Min Draw
In the starting position, Black has two dangerous passed pawns. Both white pieces control the g-pawn’s promotion square. But 1…e1Q threatens. How can White defend against this threat?
1.Ba5!
The distribution of white pieces’ functions: the bishop holds the e-pawn, and the rook holds the g-pawn.
( But not 1.Re5? Rh6 2.Rxe2
( 2.Bg1 Re6 )
2…Rxb6 3.Rg2 Rg6 -+ )
1…Rg7 2.Re5!
The situation has changed: now both white pieces hold the e-pawn.
2…g2 3.Bb6
Change of functions of white pieces!
3…Rg4+
Now precise play is required from the white king!
( 3…Rg6 4.Rxe2 Rxb6 5.Rxg2 =, quiet )
4.Kb3!
( 4.Kb5? Rg5 5.Rxg5 e1=Q -+ )
( 4.Ka3? Rg3+ 5.Ka4 Re3 Novotny! 6.Rxe3 g1=Q 7.Rf3+ Kg8!
( 7…Kg6? 8.Bxg1 e1=Q 9.Rf8! Qe7 10.Rb8! Qd7+ 11.Ka5! Qc7+ 12.Rb6+! =, quiet )
8.Bxg1 e1=Q 9.Bd4 Qd1+ 10.Rb3 Qxd4+ -+ )
4…Rg3+ 5.Kc4!
( 5.Kc2? Re3! 6.Rxe3
( 6.Bxe3 e1=Q -+ )
6…g1=Q 7.Rf3+ Kg8 8.Bxg1 e1=Q 9.Bd4 Qe2+ 10.Kc3 Qxf3+ -+ )
5…Re3!
Novotny!
6.Rxe3!
( 6.Bxe3? e1=Q -+ )
6…g1=Q 7.Rf3+ Kg8 8.Bxg1 e1=Q 9.Bd4! Qe2+ 10.Rd3 =, quiet 1/2-1/2