Keres's queen jump in the English is lesson 9 of 10 in Brilliant sacrifices 2: gambits, an opening course suited to players rated around 1200 (improving players). English Opening, Keres Variation, A23. Black leaves d5 hanging for a move to gain time. It has 3 interactive exercises: 3 find-the-move puzzles. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What this lesson explains
This is the English Opening. White took on d5. Black does not take back at once. The knight on d4 and the b2 pawn are targets. About 12,000 rated games on Lichess have reached this position.
Qb6! Black leaves the d5 pawn for now. The queen hits the knight on d4 and the pawn on b2.
After Nb3, cxd5 wins the pawn back. Black has a strong centre and active play, and a5 comes next to chase the knight. The engines call it about equal.
Recap.
In the English, Black's e4 pawn pushes the knight to d4.
Qb6 hits d4 and b2 before taking back.
After Nb3, cxd5 regains the pawn.
Black gets a strong centre.
What you practise
First play the line. You are Black: play the moves of the English Opening, up to the moment of the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. You are Black. White took on d5. Do not take back yet. Hit the knight and b2 with the queen.
White guards the knight with e3 instead of moving it. Take back the pawn now.
Worked examples
First play the line. You are Black: play the moves of the English Opening, up to the moment of the sacrifice. Good. White answers cxd5. Now the position is ready for the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. You are Black. White took on d5. Do not take back yet. Hit the knight and b2 with the queen. That is the Keres idea. The queen gains time, and the d5 pawn can be taken next move.
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