This was the final win which clinched the Club Championship of 1971-72. I needed the full point to finish clear of MJ Gilhespie. — RAL
< Queen's Gambit Declined, Exchange Variation
strong>1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Nbd7 5. cxd5
Black's last move prepares the Cambridge Springs, but White enters a version of the Exchange Variation where Black has blocked his QB.
5...exd5 6. e3 c6 7. Bd3 Qc7 8. Qc2 Bd6 9. Nf3 O-O 10. O-O a6 11. Rab1 h6 12. Bh4 Kh8 13. b4
Embarking on the Minority Attack, which is typical of this line.
13...Rg8 14. a4 b6 15. Rfc1 g5 16. Bg3 Bxg3 17. hxg3 g4
Black attacks on the King's-side before White can get going on the Queen's-side. However, White can swing over and use openings there also.
18. Nh4 Nf8 19. Ne2 Bb7 20. b5 axb5 21. axb5 c5 22. dxc5 Qxc5 23. Qb2
Winning a Pawn by QxQ is no longer enough.
23...Qd6 24. Nf5 Qe6 25. Nf4
The N on f6 can not be defended and mate follows. 1-0
[Notes by Bob Lee]