Counterattack
The best way to counter-attack a hater is to make it blatantly obvious that their attack has had no impact on you. (Tim Ferriss)
For this article, I have chosen two classical games and three games from my career, to illustrate the method of aggressive counterattack, where a defending side was not willing to stay behind.
Here are some general things that you should know about counterattack :
- If someone launches a flank attack against you, try to hit your opponent in the center. (b5, Qb6 in Geller-Euwe, e6-e5 in Gareev-Ipatov)
- If your position is under serious pressure, change the course of the game and/or try to find a move that would shock your opponent and kick him out of his comfort zone (Kb7-c6 in Kasparov-Petrosian, b7-b5 in Ipatov-Giri. Nf4-e6 in Cheparinov-Ipatov)
- However, remember that passive defence can sometimes be the best option!
I can’t count the times I have lagged seemingly hopelessly far behind, and nobody except myself thinks I can win. But I have pulled myself in from desperate [situations]. When you are behind there are two strategies - counter-attack or all men to the defences. I’m good at finding the right balance between those.
- Magnus Carlsen
