If R × R; Kt P × R would have given White a very powerful centre. Yet it might have been the best chance for Black.
| 8. R (Kt) - K B 1 | R (Q 2) - K 2 | |
| 9. P - Kt 5 | P × P | |
| 10. R × P |
The second part of White's strategical plan is now accomplished. It remains to find out if the advantage obtained is sufficient to win. White not only has a passed Pawn, but his King is in a commanding position in the centre of the board ready to support the advance of White's Pawns, or, if necessary, to go to Q B 5, or to move to the right wing in case of danger. Besides, White holds the open file with one of his Rooks. Altogether White's position is superior and his chances of winning are excellent.
| 10. ........ | R - R 3 | |
| 11. R - Kt 3 | R (R 3) - K 3 |
to prevent P - Q 4. Also Black fears to keep his Rook in front of his two King's side Pawns which he may want to utilise later.
| 12. P - R 4 | P - Kt 3 | |
| 13. R - Kt 5 | P - R 3 |
White threatens P - R 5, which would finally force Black to take, and then White would double his Rooks against the isolated Pawn and win it, or tie up Black's Rooks completely. The text move, however, only helps White; therefore Black had nothing better than to hold tight and wait. R - K 4 would not help much, as White would simply answer R - B 8, R - K 1; R (Kt 5) × R, and whichever Rook Black took, White would have an easy game. (The student should carefully study these variations.)