Persecution (chess)
The persecution is a motif in chess , ongoing in which a character attacks an exposed enemy piece and can not run away right in front of them. This motif occurs in the endgame , but sometimes also in the middle game. A special form of pursuit is perpetual chess , for example in the queens endgame . In the following examples the king is the chasing piece, but any other piece can act as the chasing piece.
Examples
German chess newspaper, 1911
a | b | c | d | e | f | G | H | ||
8th | 8th | ||||||||
7th | 7th | ||||||||
6th | 6th | ||||||||
5 | 5 | ||||||||
4th | 4th | ||||||||
3 | 3 | ||||||||
2 | 2 | ||||||||
1 | 1 | ||||||||
a | b | c | d | e | f | G | H |
The white pieces dominate the apparently freely movable black tower. He cannot escape persecution.
Solution:
-
1. Kb5-b6 Ta7-a8
-
2. f6-f7 Kh8-g7
-
3. Kb6 – b7 Ra8 – d8 (or 3.… Ra5 4. Kb6 Rd5 5. Kc6 Rd8 6. Kc7 Ra8 7. Kb7 draw )
-
4. Kb7-c7 Td8-d5
-
5. Kc7-c6 Rd5-a5
-
6. Kc6-b6 Ra7-a8
- 7. Kb6 – b7 and a draw, since the rook cannot avoid the constant threat.
El Noticiero {Las Noticias}, 1926
a | b | c | d | e | f | G | H | ||
8th | 8th | ||||||||
7th | 7th | ||||||||
6th | 6th | ||||||||
5 | 5 | ||||||||
4th | 4th | ||||||||
3 | 3 | ||||||||
2 | 2 | ||||||||
1 | 1 | ||||||||
a | b | c | d | e | f | G | H |
Here the black runner is pursued until he has no more escape fields and is conquered. The motifs of domination and deduction chess can also be seen or play a role here.
Solution:
-
1. Ka7 – b8! Bc8-d7
-
2. Kb8-c7 Bd7-e8
-
3. Kc7-d8 Be8-f7
-
4. Kd8-e7 Bf7-g8
-
5. Ke7-f8 Bg8-h7
-
6. Kf8 – g7 and win
The black bishop is now caught on the edge and is conquered.