Suffolk Chess

With all eyes riveted to the TV set, and Europe leading USA by 10 points to 6, the name 'Ryder' is on everyone's lips.   The golfing name refers to the English businessman Samuel Ryder, who donated the trophy in 1927.   But we chess-players are more accustomed to the name as the Ryder Gambit, a sideline of the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit.   The Ryder Gambit, named after a Dr Ryder of Leipzig who played it regularly in the 1890s, is something of a one-trick pony; if Black accepts the second pawn he can get himself in trouble.

The opening starts like this:

1.   d4    d5
2.   e4    dxe4
3.   Nc3    Nf6
4.   f3    exf3
5.   Qxf3?!   (see diagram right)

The aim is to develop quickly, although the White Queen is depriving the g1 Knight of its most natural square.   The d-pawn is en prise, and this is where the gambit can prove lethal should Black accept the pawn.

The game may continue:

5.       ....Qxd4
6.   Be3   Qb4?
7.   O-O-O!    Bg4? (see diagram right)

Now White plays 8. Nb5!!, threatening mate in one.   Not only that, but the move shields b7 from its defender.   It was Emil Josef Diemer who first played this move in 1934.

How can Black respond?   The only move that prevents an early loss is 8... Na6, although correct play by White should give an advantage.   Everything else loses quickly.   For example 8... e6 (or ...e5) fails to 9.   Nxc7+   Ke7   10.   Qxb7!    Qxb7   11. Bc5#.   Or 8... Nbd7   9.   Qxb7   Rb8?   10. Qxb8!   Nxb8   11. Nxc7#.

Going back to the position after 6. Be3, Black is best advised to play ... Qg4, when White usually responds with 7. Qf2.   The game remains double-edged, with Black's Queen exposed to various attacks.

Try it sometime (probably not in a league match!) and see how it goes.