14. PxP

White’s position is uncomfortable, and a satisfactory continuation is hard to find. Possibly passive resistance might have been the best plan, thus: Q-K2, KR-Q1, Kt-B1-Kt3. The text move is a preliminary to operations on the Queen’s side, but allows Black too much scope in the centre.

14. … PxP 15. B-Kt5

White wishes to get rid of the Black Knight which supports the advance of P-Q5.

15. … Kt-K5 16. BxKt BxB 17. Q-B2

White has no idea of the threatened disaster, or he would have played P-KKt3. Even then, however, Black has the better game with two Bishops, and the Q and Kt better placed.

17. … KtxKt

The beginning of a brilliant mating combination.

18. KtxKt P-Q5!

Black would have played the same move if White had retaken with the Queen.