It was difficult to decide which way to retake. I
took with the Rook in order to have it prepared for a possible attack against the King.
| 22. B - R 2 | Kt - B 3 |
Now that the White Bishop has been driven back, Black wants to get rid of White's strongly posted Knight at Q 5, which blocks the attack of the Bishop at B 2. It may be said that the Knight at Q 5 is the key to White's defence.
| 23. P - Kt 3 |
White strives not only to have play for his Bishop, but also he wants to break up Black's Pawns in order to counter-attack. The alternative would have been 23 Kt × Kt ch, Q × Kt; and Black would be threatening R - R 4, and also Q - K 3. The student should notice that Black's drawback in all this is the fact that he is playing minus the services of his Q R. It is this fact that makes it possible for White to hold out longer.
| 23. ........ | Kt × P | |
| 24. B × Kt | R × B | |
| 25. P × P | P - B 3 |
