Tactic | Spanish Inquisition! | Bxf2+ / Bxf7+ | Bishop capture f-pawn with check!
#chesstactic #ruylopez #jaenischgambit #brilliant
One of the tactics that I've first learnt and can now use with some confidence is the bishop capture of the f-pawn, often a sacrifice, with check. I dub this tactic the "Spanish Inquisition": my bishop aggressively and unapologetically smashing into the opponent's defences, asking an immediate question of the opponent's king, often while consolidating power for my own forces!
Depending on your position, it can often be quite a binary move - a blunder or a brilliancy. What this means is that the tactic can often be unexpected and can be a strong tactical resource. Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!
This tactic is often most devastating when the f-file is semi-open - for instance, in Vienna Gambit lines, which is where I've practiced this. It is available when playing with the black pieces in "reversed" Vienna Gambit type lines, such as in this game of the Jaenisch Gambit against the Ruy Lopez Opening (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5).
In this game, the f-file becomes semi-open as I trade away my f-pawn (4... fxe4), and then lure away White's king's knight on f3 through a trade (8... Nd4 9. Nxd4 Bxd4).
My critical move came on move 10. At this point, the evaluation is technically equal [0.00]. We're both in normal positions, with good development towards the end of the opening. However, I can now strike with (10. Bxf2+) - my bishop captures White's f-pawn, giving a check. Stockfish rates this move a brilliancy.
White is technically equal but has only a single move that maintains the equality and it's a little hard to accept. White must forgo taking the bishop and play Ke2. All other moves give a major advantage to Black. The second-best move, in fact, is for White to take the bishop and seemingly fall into the trap!
In this game, my opponent rated at 1400 probably heuristically knew that they couldn't take the bishop but couldn't find the correct move. They played a blunder [-11] with Kd2. My knight leaps forward with check, revealing a devastating fork and discovered attack on White's bishop, and White resigns! GG!
Game on chess.com: https://www.chess.com/game/live/71988104479
