In this game from the Titled Tuesday tournament, Guillermo Baches (Chessllermo) takes on Margarita Filippova in a sharp battle that arises from the Semi-Slav Defense. Baches, playing as White, displays excellent attacking instincts and precision, overwhelming his opponent in just 22 moves. This game is a classic demonstration of how quickly things can go wrong for Black in the Semi-Slav if they misstep.
The Opening
The game begins with the Semi-Slav Defense (1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6), a solid and popular opening choice by Filippova, aiming to challenge White’s center early. Baches follows up with the main line (3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3), leading to the classical pawn structure.
After 4…dxc4, Filippova chooses the Botvinnik Variation, aiming for a counter-attacking setup with 5…b5, supporting the c4 pawn. Baches, however, counters this with precise moves, and by move 7 (7. Be2), he is ready to castle and quickly develop his pieces.
The critical moment in the opening arises after 10. b3 cxb3 11. Rxb3. Here, Baches is able to recapture the pawn, leaving White with a strong position, where White’s rooks are already poised for action on the b-file.
The Middlegame
The middlegame begins with Baches castling kingside and starting to mobilize his pieces toward the center and kingside. After 13. Nxd5 cxd5, Baches gains a slight but significant advantage by opening the c-file, which he uses to pressure Black’s queenside.
Filippova’s attempt to regroup with 14…Nb6 and 15…Nc4 allows Baches to seize the initiative. The move 16. Bd3, followed by a quick attack with 17. exf6 and 18. Qg3, sets up a powerful kingside assault. Baches has effectively mobilized all his pieces, and Black’s position begins to crumble under the pressure.
The move 19. Ne5 is the final nail in the coffin, as it not only threatens a devastating knight jump to g6 but also keeps Black’s pieces tied up defending critical squares. Filippova’s 20…Qf6 does little to alleviate the pressure, and Baches quickly capitalizes with 21. Bg5, forcing Black into a losing position.
The Endgame (or Lack Thereof)
While the game doesn’t reach a traditional endgame, the decisive sequence starting with 19. Ne5 shows how quickly an attacking position can convert into a victory when the opponent’s defenses collapse. After 21. Bg5 Nxe5, Baches delivers the final blow with 22. Bxf6, winning the exchange and leaving Black with a hopeless position, leading to an immediate resignation.
Conclusion
This game is a textbook example of how to conduct an effective attack in the Semi-Slav Defense. Baches’ ability to quickly centralize his forces and launch a direct assault on the kingside demonstrates the dangers that Black faces if they lose track of White’s dynamic possibilities.
Key Lessons:
- Quick development and piece activity are essential, especially in open or semi-open positions like the Semi-Slav Defense.
- A well-timed pawn break (like e4-e5) can open lines and lead to a swift attack against the opponent’s king.
- Centralization and coordination of forces often lead to decisive attacks, especially when the opponent’s pieces are poorly placed.
«Timing is everything in chess—strike when your opponent’s pieces are disorganized.» Baches’ swift and precise play is a perfect example of capitalizing on momentary weaknesses to deliver a knockout blow.
