Nimzowitsch Match Umansky - Timmerman
On the 10th of July 2008 a new thematic match has started between two World Champions: Gert Timmerman and Mikhail Umansky. The match consists of six games. The opening moves can be related to a great player of the past: Aaron Nimzowitsch (1886 - 1935).
This theme and the prescribed moves were chosen by the Dutch endgame expert Jan van Reek who also generously sponsors the match with a prize fund of 5000 euro. On the starting date he celebrates his 63rd anniversary. The Tournament Director is Nol van 't Riet.
The games will be played according to the ICCF Webserver Rules of Play, with a reflection time of 50 days for 10 moves. The games are live coveraged on the ICCF webserver without any delay.
The Nimzowitsch Match between Timmerman and Umansky is going on for about six months. They apply openings that were made popular by Nimzowitsch. A review follows.
- Game 1: 1.e3 e5 (Timmerman - Umansky)
White played 2.Nc3 and the best known position of the Van ?t Kruijs Opening has been reached. Later White?s pawn structure is better and Black has the initiative.
- Game 2: 1.Nf3 d5 2.b3 (Umansky - Timmerman)
When the middle game begins, White has the two bishops and exerts pressure on centre pawns, but Black has sufficient counter-play.
- Game 3: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 (Timmerman - Umansky)
They played theoretical moves in the Winawer Variation until Umansky delivered a new pawn sacrifice.
- Game 4: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 (Umansky - Timmerman)
The theoretical duel continues for many moves in the Nimzowitsch Variation.
- Game 5: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 d6 (Timmerman - Umansky)
The opening developed into the King?s Indian Defence quickly. Theoretical moves continued.
- Game 6: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 b6 (Umansky - Timmerman)
Nimzowitsch applied this line of the Nimzo Indian Defence. Umansky played the little known 5.f3 and developed a broad pawn centre. When the pressure on the pawns became strong, he sacrificed one. Will he be able to attack on the kingside?
Positional battles are fought in the six games.