These days Jan Timman is mostly know as an author of many fine chess books. However, if you, like me, were a chess fan in the 80’s then you recall that Jan Timman was widely considered to be one of the best players in the West for a decade or so.
While he never got a shot at the world title he certainly made his mark. Here he is in a game against “N. Davis” from 1966 featuring a sparkling attack from the White side of the Saemisch King’s Indian.
Let’s take a look at this position after White’s move 19.f4
Here Black should drop the knight onto the d3 square with 19…Nd3. If White exchanges off the knight then Black winds up better. For example 20.Bxd3 cxd3 21.Qxd3 Rxb4 22.Rxa6 Rxa6 24.Nxe4 Rxe4 25.Qd3 Re8
Here White should be able to hold a draw, but Black will be able to torture him for some time with the two bishops.
Instead, Black plays 19…Neg4
Timman now starts a blistering attack with 20.Bd4
Here is the complete game:
Til Next Time,
Chris Wainscott
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