(Making a double attack on the Rook—which still cannot be taken—and preparing to defend the K R P.) If either the Rook or Bishop are taken White would be mated in a few moves.
| 39. ........ | Q - R 6 ch | |
| 40. K - R 1 | R × P !! |
(If 40...R - R 3; 41 Kt - Kt 1, Q × Kt P; 42 Q - K Kt 2. Black therefore tries to get the Queen away from the defence.) A very beautiful move, and the best way to carry on the attack.
| 41. Q × R |
(The best defence was 41 R × B, but Black would emerge with Queen against Rook and Knight.)
| 41. ........ | B × B |
(Again, not R - K R 3; because of P - Q 6 dis. ch.)
| 42. R × R |