Page:The chess-player's text book.djvu/123

one step further, attacking his Kt. with the view to win his K.'s P., because, after playing his Kt. to Q. R.'s 4th, he could move his Q. to K. B.'s 3rd, when you had taken his P., attacking your Kt., and threatening to Check-mate you. Your best, or, at least, your safest play, therefore, instead of P. to Q. Kt.'s 5th, would be to Castle, or move P. to Q. R.'s 4th.

If he prefer taking the Q. Kt.'s P., at move 4. with his Kt., it is not prudent for you to take his K. P. with your K. Kt., on account of his playing in reply. 5. Q. to K. B.'s 3rd. You had better, therefore, move 5. P. to Q. B.'s 3rd, as you do if he take with the Bishop.

If Black retreats the B. to Q. R.'s 4th, it admits frequently of your playing the Q. to Kt.'s 3rd, without the danger of her being attacked by his Q. Kt. (see Game II.) If he retire him to K.'s 2nd or Q.'s 3rd. you must speedily get an improved attack.

At your 6th move you may also play 6. P. to Q.'s 4th, as in Variation I.

If Black, instead of 6. P. to Q.'s 3rd, move 6. K. Kt. to B.'s 3rd, you must reply with 7. P. to Q.'s 4th. and you insure a great attack.

You have an undoubted advantage.