White obtains a Rook and two pawns for his two Knights; this is in itself an equivalent of material. In the present instance the exchange is of decisive advantage for White, as Black must lose several moves to bring up his Rook for the defence of his unguarded King.

26. … PxKt 27. KtxBP Kt-Q5

If PxP, White wins by 28. Q-R5, Q-B2; 29. P-Kt6, QxPch; 30. QxQ and KtxR.

28. Q-B2 Q-B3 29. KtxR QxKt 30. BxKt KPxB 31. PxP B-Q2 32. R-K1 Q-B2 33. Q-R4! R-R1

Not BxP because of 34. R-KB2, followed by KR-KB sq.

34. R-KB2 B-B3 35. Q-Kt4

The threat is to open the Rook’s file by P-Kt6 with an attack on the King by the Rooks.

35. … R-K1 36. RxR QxR

BxR in order to play Q-R4 might be better. With the Queens off the board, Black has winning chances on account of his two Bishops. But then White might evade the exchange and proceed to seize the King’s file with the Rook after 37. Q-B4.

37. R-K2 Q-Q2 38. R-K6 B-R1