On a Wing and a Gambit

 Tennessee Chess News May 1974 Volume 16 Number 3 Page 29

"THE WING GAMBIT"

by John Hurt, 1973 Tennessee Chess Champion

According to chess writer, Elliot Fletcher, the title "Wing Gambit" was applied to the variation of the King's Bishop's opening when White played 3. b4 after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Bc5 3. b4







However, for the past seventy years, it has been used to denote the move b4 by White against the Sicilian Defence (after 1.e4 c5).

The idea behind b4 is to challenge Black's c5 and obtain control of the center by d4.  Also, it opens up the Queen's side for deployment of White's pieces Bb2 or Ba3 and Rb1.  Although current chess theory regards the Wing Gambit as being impetuous, the Gambit produces interesting and exciting chess.

The main line of the Sicilain "Wing Gambit" goes as follows:  1.e4 c5 2. b4 cb4 3. a3 d5 4. ed5 Qd5 5. Nf3 e5 6. ab4 Bb4

Now White has three moves: A) 7. c3   B) 7. Na3   C) 7. Ba3.  We will give one example from each:

If the games below are not visible, delete/take away the "s" in https:// to show just http:// on the browser; hit enter:

The line should read like this: http://memphischessclub.blogspot.com/2011/05/on-wing-and-gambit.html

The Year Before "1984"

1983 was a year of tremendous chess strength with players from many generations taking part in Memphis Chess Club tournaments.  John Hurt's book The Wing Gambit was published in 83, though now out of print, you can find used copies on the net.  In 1983 Memphis Chess Club and Pillsbury Chess Club players were active board members of the TCA;   Jack Smith was the Vice-President of the Tennessee Chess Association, the Tennessee Chess News editor was Gary Pylant, the Tennessee Chess Association Director for West TN was Dale Flickinger, and many covers and tournament advertisements for the Tennessee Chess News were drawn by Randy Cope.  Kenny Thomas submitted several analyzed games to the TCN in 83, and even did a book review of John Hurt's new book already mentioned.  At the Memphis Chess Club the year began with Greg Hood coming back from a hiatus and winning not only the City Candidates tournament but also the City Championship with a score of 6-0.  Let's take a look around the 1983 chess club with a few photographs taken sometime in January of that year by Randy Cope at the University Christian Church at 685 South Highland. (Click on the pictures below once and then a second time to enlarge.)