Tal Converts the Endgame Attack After Precise Central Break

In this 1990 Tel Aviv encounter, Mikhail Tal faces Ehud Lahav in a French Defense and gradually steers the game into a rich strategic fight. After the early tension in the center, Tal expands on the queenside and reaches a dynamic middlegame structure with opposite-side pressure. The key turning point occurs when Black’s queenside pawns advance too quickly, allowing Tal to reorganize his rooks and convert the open files into long-term activity.

Once the rooks reach the 7th rank, Tal transitions smoothly into a winning endgame. The decisive phase begins when White invades the kingside with Rxg7, followed by consistent king activity and accurate pawn pushes. Tal slowly pushes Black backward until his passed pawns and rook coordination create unstoppable threats.

The final sequence is a clean technical conversion: Tal chases the king, activates his rook, and forces Black into a mating net ending with Rh2#. This is a pure example of Tal’s endgame technique—patient, accurate, and built on earlier strategic advantages rather than speculative sacrifices.


If you enjoy clean, strategic Tal victories, this one is a masterpiece.


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