ETCETERA: CHESS

MOST players would improve their results if they paid more attention to their own physiognomies and those of their opponents. It is an established fact that players with widely spaced eyes most often commit oversights in the centre of the board, while those with short arms play best in their own halves of the board. One man who clearly understands these principles is Viktor Korchnoi - heavily built, eyes far apart and right-handed. See how he played those features to advantage in this game.

White: Viktor Korchnoi

Black: Jan Timman

Linares 1985

1.Nf3 d5 2.c4 d4

Already a doubtful move against a wide-eyed opponent, for it blocks the centre, leaving White's eyes free to operate on opposite wings.

3.b4! g6 4.g3 Bg7 5.d3 b6 6.Bg2 Bb7 7.0-0 e5 8.Nbd2 Ne7 9.Nb3 0-0 10.a4!

The perfect right-handed strategy. White strengthens his vulnerable left wing, saving his right hand for the knock-out blow.

10...Nd7 11.a5 Rb8 12.axb6 axb6 13.Ra7

A good, long move, limbering up for an attack later in the game.

13...Ba8 14.Bg5 f6 15.Bd2 h6 16.Qc2 f5

Having stretched himself on both wings, White is now ready to create some threats.

17.Rfa1 c6

An unpleasant necessity to meet the threat of 18.Nxe5! Bxg2 19.Nxd7.

18.b5 Qc8 19.Qc1! (See diagram.)

White's queen gestures towards h6, but it's the gleam in his left eye that matters.

19...Kh7 20.Qa3!

With 20...c5 again losing to 21.Nxe5, White seizes his chance. The apparently cumbersome, but highly effective plan of Qc1-a3-d6 is perfect strategy for a slow-moving, heavily built left-hander.

20...Re8 21.Qd6 Bb7 22.Nh4!

Finally we see the right hand. Now bxc6 threatens to lure the black knight away from its defence of g6.

22...c5 23.Bc6!

Now 23...Bxc6 24.bxc6 loses one of the black knights, while 23...Nxg6 24.Qxg6+ does not bear contemplation.

23...Nf6 24.Bxe8 Qxe8 25.Qxb6! Nc8 26.Qc7 Nxa7 27.Rxa7 resigns.

27...Qc8 28.Qxc8 Bxc8 29.Nxc5 is fatal.