International Chess Challenge: Into the Middlegame

This latest moves in the International Chess Challenge brought the contest into the middlegame.

Last week's moves resulted in this position being reached.

Hutt International Boys' School (New Zealand) v The Links (England)

Hutt now played 9 Nf3, developing the knight into the best place, where it can influence matters in the centre of the board.

The Links now considered many moves, before 9 ...Bg4 won the vote. (9 ...Qd6 was a close second). The bishop is pinning the knight against the rook.

We now have this very complicated position.

Hutt International Boys' School (New Zealand) v The Links (England)

Lots of exchanges could now happen, but which side will emerge with the better position? Alternatively, the tension could be maintained for quite a while. It is time to test the middle game skills of both teams.