https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRjUKUimcr8

Watch the full video analysis on YouTube: Game 19: Grunfeld vs Schenkein, Vienna 1915 | Subscribe to ChessExcellence for weekly lessons!

In Game 19 of Irving Chernev's Logical Chess: Move by Move, I walk you through a brilliant attacking game by Grunfeld against Schenkein, Vienna 1915. This game is a masterclass in central control, knight outposts, and the art of total chess: attacking on every part of the board simultaneously. If you enjoy learning chess through classic games, subscribe to ChessExcellence for weekly lessons!

Opening: The Slav Defense

The game begins with the Slav Defense: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6. Black supports the d5 pawn and prepares a solid structure. White's plan is to build a strong centre and launch a kingside attack while keeping the c4 pawn tension alive.

8.e4: The Central Break

With 8.e4!, White breaks open the centre. This pawn advance, reminiscent of the Colle device, opens lines for all the pieces that have been waiting behind. Black cannot allow e5, which would drive away the f6-knight and leave it out of play.

13.Ne5: Knight on the Outpost

The knight lands on e5 with 13.Ne5!, a magnificent outpost. From this central station, the knight radiates power in all directions, preventing Black from freeing his position. It is too late for Black to play c5 now: 14.Ba4+ forces the king to move and gives up castling rights.

15.Bf4: Diagonal Attack

With 15.Bf4!, the bishop develops with a threat against Black's queen. White plans 16.Ng6 next, discovering an attack on the queen. After the queen moves, the knight captures the f8-rook. Black's defence of 15...Bd6 prevents the knight jump but sets up new tactical themes. Watch the full breakdown: Game 19 on YouTube

The Decisive Attack

From move 21 onwards, Grunfeld delivers a series of hammer blows. The queen invades, the pawn advances, and Black's position collapses. The game ends with 25.Qxd8+, winning the rook and forcing resignation. A model of how to convert central control into a decisive attack.

Full Game

Key Takeaways from Game 19:

• Central control with pawns and knights creates lasting pressure
• Outpost knights on e5 are extremely powerful in the middlegame
• Connect all your pieces before launching the final attack
• Total chess means attacking on every sector of the board simultaneously

What did you find most instructive? Was it the e4 central break, the Ne5 outpost, or the tactical finish? Let me know in the comments!

Watch the complete move-by-move analysis: Game 19: Grunfeld vs Schenkein, Vienna 1915 | Like and subscribe to ChessExcellence for more classical chess lessons!

Full Playlist: Logical Chess Move by Move - All 33 Games

Based on Irving Chernev's Logical Chess: Move by Move. I'm FM Nicholas Van Der Nat, and on ChessExcellence I analyse classic games so you understand the WHY behind every move.