wschmidt
♡ 38 ( +1 | -1 ) Novice Nook #8This week's Novice Nook article, from September, 2001, is called "The Underrated Removal of the Guard", discussing what Heisman thinks is a particular tactic that often doesn't get enought attention. Here's the link. Let us know what you think.
alberlie
♡ 44 ( +1 | -1 ) the funny thing is...... that for a long time I thought that "Removal of the guard" meant some relatively standartized maneuvre like the greek gift sac or some such. Once I realized that this didn't make sense in all instances I stumbled upon the phrase, I got somewhat worried that I didn't know such a _BASIC_ tactical shot. So I even googled for it. And guess what google came up with... ;o))
cascadejames
♡ 76 ( +1 | -1 ) YesI have no doubt that for more highly skilled or experienced players, this article may have been soporific, but notice the title of the Heisman's column. His article was written for novices.
For me this article paid immediate dividends. I am exactly the sort of player that did not recognize the importance of "removal of the guard." Of course I had a general understanding of how it worked, but I was not consciously looking for the opportunity as an offensive tactic, nor was I sufficiently aware of the need to pay attention to it defensively. I realize now that the lack of attention to this theme has been one of the primary reasons for my weakness as a tactical player when playing against stronger opponents. The article is not a cure all for me, but more attention to this idea has already led to a win in a game that I was concerned that I had lost.
cascadejames
♡ 26 ( +1 | -1 ) Alberlie- GoogleThanks, I googled it too and in addition to the article that one might guess, I also found this short, fun game with a queen sacrifice. -> www.chessgames.com
alberlie
♡ 19 ( +1 | -1 ) yeah,that's a nice one, especially since it employs the same theme in another context: Here, it's not about material gain, but about mate. The bishop guards against mate in two.