Euwe vs Keres, Rotterdam 1940

Between 1939 and 1940, Paul Keres and Max Euwe played a 14-game match in the Netherlands. In game nine, Euwe would make some serious strategic errors. Keres takes advantage and plays a powerful game, which becomes known as 'the ninth' in relation to Beethoven's last symphony.

Annotated Classic Game | Hot Off The Chess, www.hotoffthechess.com

This week’s classical game features two of the most formidable opponents chess has seen. They are, namely Dutchman Max Euwe (World Champion 1935-37 and FIDE President 1970-78) and Paul Keres of Estonia.

This game is taken from their 14-game match, which was played in different cities in the Netherlands, between 1939 and 1940.

The game was played in Rotterdam. It sees Euwe (incidentally, pronounced more like ‘eww-wer’ rather than ‘ewe’ as in the female sheep) as White, and takes the shape of a Queen’s Indian Defence. Unfortunately for Euwe, he plays the opening rather inaccurately, which leads to the loss of a pawn. It is a bum game for the Dutchman, who makes several less than optimum moves, unworthy of his chess prowess.


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Keres capitalises. As mentioned, above, Euwe loses a pawn, but this is only the beginning of his problems. His badly placed Queen lands him in further trouble and this will culminate with a magnificent Queen sacrifice on Keres’ 23rd move. And from here, there is no holding the Estonian.

About John Lee Shaw 291 Articles
Total chess nut! I enjoy following the chess world and giving my two-penneth. I don't pretend to be an expert, I'm more a knowledgeable enthusiast. My chess writing can also be seen at www.chessimprover.com.