Jon Speelman: Attack and defence – hidden ideas

In this analytical column, GM Jon Speelman explores how winning lines can hide behind unexpected variations, even when a position appears manageable. Drawing on a missed opportunity from his own 4NCL game and a sharp encounter from Wijk aan Zee between Matthias Bluebaum and prodigy Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus (pictured), he examines overlooked tactics, defensive ingenuity and the practical difficulty of finding precise moves over the board. | Photo: Tata Steel Chess / Lennart Ootes