Tactical Patterns Everyone Should Know: The Crafty Queen
The pattern of the Crafty Queen requires Qh3, Ne5 and a bishop on the diagonal b1-h7 (usually Bd3) for White, and the black king should be castled to the kingside. Superficially it looks like the white queen is only looking at a good opportunity to checkmate the black king by Qxh7#, but in reality, she is also looking towards a different path! Here is one of the oldest games where this pattern occurred:
As you could see, the crafty white queen was hitting the enemy's pieces in both directions: h3-h7 and h3-d7.
Here is a slightly more complicated example from a game between two famous Russian grandmasters:
Was it too easy? OK, here is even more complex combo:
Finally, let me present the most recent case of this typical pattern:
Since the pattern is very distinctive, I am sure you'll never miss it in your games!
RELATED STUDY MATERIAL
- Check out IM Danny Rensch' video series Patterns Everyone Must Know;
- Improve your attacking skills even further with GM Grigory Serper's Learn to Attack!;
- See more attacking examples in IM Bryan Smith & IM Danny Rensch's Chess Mentor Attack and Defense.