What's New- July '00
Tal GambitWhen I think of California the first things that spring to mind are sun, sea and blondes! However, this image has changed forever because I now realise it is the scene of 'grudge match 2000' between James Cole and Charles Carrothers. They have been testing out a line in the Grand Prix Attack that appears after the moves 1 e4 c5 2 f4 d5 3 exd5 Nf6. |
            
|
It is known as the Tal Gambit and the game Carrothers - Cole covers some of the examples from the match.
The theme is followed in a game from the Norwegian Championship, Djurhuus - Dannevig, where White wins in style after 26 moves.
A slightly different approach by White is adopted in a game between the strong American players, Formanek - Rohde. Black responds well in an ending where he has better piece development in compensation for a pawn. In some of the older books on the opening there is a line that is heavily promoted with impressive looking results. However, the test of time has not been kind to White. In Komorzycki - Bernard, Black follows the winning formula and wraps up the game after 23 moves.
The Tal Gambit is arguably Black's toughest response to 2 f4. A careful look at the games will reveal that White has at least a draw but any error can result in a quick win for Black.
Please keep sending games and comments via e-mail