Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Joanna Majdan-Gajewska – Tea Gueci
12th European Women’s Team Chess Championship; Hersonissos, November 1, 2017
8/p4Qpk/6rp/2p5/2P1P3/3qnN2/P5P1/4R1K1 b - - 0 36

Position after 36. Qf5xf7

Yesterday must have been a very hard day’s night for men’s Italy team, crushed today by Ukrainian team 4 – 0. For the girls instead, there was no such bad news as they scored the equaliser against the very strong Polish team. There is just one little regret that Tea Gueci came very close to win, but just could not make it! It all looks very easy: 36. ... Rxg2+ 37. Kh1 Rg3? 2 minutes and 37 seconds left are not enough for Gueci to appreciate the strength of 37. ... Rg4! 38. Qh5 Rg3! 39. Kh2 g6! and White has no more moves. 38. Kh2? Majdan-Gajewska has time, but no inspiration. 38. Qf4 was called for. 38. ... Rg2+!? (38. ... Rg4!−+) 39. Kh1. 39. Kh3?? Qxe4 is the best way to self-mate. 39. ... Rg3? (39. ... Rg4!−+) 40. Qf4. There is not given a third chance. 40. ... Ng2 41. Qf5+ Kg8 42. Qc8+ Kh7 43. Qf5+ ½ : ½.