As a professional chess coach, I have experienced numerous proud moments over the past quarter century while witnessing the growth and success of countless students. From guiding gifted students to victories at CalChess State Championships, United States Chess Federation National Events and FIDE World Youth tournaments, I have watched my students shape the future of competitive chess. I take pride in the tremendous achievements of the children I have mentored and I am especially proud of those who are now helping to teach the next generation of young people to be passionate about chess.
This past weekend I felt an an immense sense of pride watching my daughter daughter, Rosaleia Torres, confidently teach a chess class at our local library in Lathrop, California. Seeing her share Lindehn vs. Maczuski (Paris, 1867), which is one of my favorite examples of the Danish Gambit, filled my heart with joy. I could not help but notice how much her patience, enthusiasm, and leadership, qualities have matured over time due to her dedication and hard work. Standing in the back of the Library, I was a proud Chess Dad not only of her skills but also of the confident, compassionate young adult she is becoming.
For those who don’t already know, the chess game between Hans Lindehn (sometimes spelled Linden) and Ladislas Maczuski is a classic example of Danish Gambit pyrotechnics that is numbered as Danish 2 in my popular series of illustrative games on the gambit. Even the great Richard Shorman, who taught the Danish Gambit for over half a century, once commented that my lessons on the Danish Game were “an improvement” over his own which is “as it should be” (meaning that it is important for each generation to add more to the knowledge of chess in order for our understanding of the game to keep improving).
Below I present a copy of Lindehn – Maczuski (Paris, 1867) for your enjoyment. Of interest is the brilliant 14. Qg4!! which is a beautiful use of the Removal of the Guard motif. Black resigned after 15. Bf6+ as there is nothing that can be done to prevent checkmate on the next move.
[Event “Danish 2”]
[Site “Paris FRA”]
[Date “1867.??.??”]
[EventDate “?”]
[Round “?”]
[Result “1-0”]
[White “Lindehn, Hans”]
[Black “Maczuski, Ladislas”]
[ECO “C21”]
[Result “1-0”]
1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Bc4 cxb2 5. Bxb2 Bb4+ 6. Nc3
Nf6 7. Nge2 Nxe4 8. O-O Nxc3 9. Nxc3 Bxc3 10. Bxc3 Qg5
11. Re1+ Kd8 12. f4 Qxf4 13. Bxg7 Rg8 14. Qg4 Qd6 15.Bf6+ {Black Resigns} 1-0