Back Cover

Title page
System of Signs

The Best Game of the Preceding Volume

The Most Important Theoretical Novelty of the Preceding Volume

WOJTASZEK WINS BIEL TRIATHLON GM Ian Rogers & IM László Hazai

LEGENDS PLAYING THE RAGOZIN GM Elshan Moradiabadi
LEGENDARY TECHNIQUE IN THE LEGENDS OF CHESS WGM Sabina-Francesca Foişor
THE CROATIAN CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2020 GM Saša Martinović
THE STRENGTH OF MOBILE PAWN CENTRE GM Mihail Marin
THRILL ON THE EDGE OF THE CHESSBOARD GM Šarunas Šulskis
THE ENGLISH REPERTOIRE FOR WHITE GM Ivan Ivanišević
AN INTERESTING NEW IDEA IN THE RUBINSTEIN GM Francesco Rambaldi
WHAT IS NEW UNDER THE RICHTER–RAUZER SUN? GM Milos Perunović
SACRIFICING THE QUEEN GM Kannappan Priyadharshan
POSITIONAL QUEEN SACRIFICE GM Michael Prusikin
ROGERS' REMINISCENCES – BATH 1983 GM Ian Rogers
FROM THE CHESS INFORMANT ARCHIVES Douglas Griffin

Games
Classification of Openings
A00-A24
A25-A74
A75-A99

2
B00-B24
B25-B49
B50-B74
B75-B99
C00-C24
C25-C49
C50-C74
C75-C99
D00-D24
D25-D49
D50-D74
D75-D99
E00-E24
E25-E49
E50-E74
E75-E99
Index

COMBINATIONS GM Branko Tadić

TRAIN YOUR TACTICS WITH GM Aleksander Delchev
ENDINGS IM Goran Arsović
TOURNAMENTS

3
4
5
6
² white stands slightly better
³ black stands slightly better
± white has the upper hand
µ black has the upper hand
+– white has a decisive advantage
–+ black has a decisive аdvantage
= even
∞ unclear
© with compensation for the material
‰ development advantage
О greater board room
‚ with attack
ƒ with initiative
„ with counterplay
ʘ zugzwang
# mate
! a very good move
!! an excellent move
? a mistake
?? a blunder
!? a move deserving attention
?! a dubious move
∆ with the idea
™ only move
¹ better is
‡ centre
¸ king's side
« queen's side
× weak point
¬ endgame
® bishops of opposite color

7
¯ bishops of the same color
º double pawns
¼ passed pawn
> advantage in number of pawns
† time
86/203 Chess Informant
E 12 Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings
¦ 3/b Encyclopaedia of Chess Endings
N a novelty
(ch) championship
(izt) interzonal tournament
(ct) candidates' tournament
(m) match
(ol) olympiad
corr. correspondence game
RR editorial comment
R various moves
ª with
– see

8
 144/12. A33
Anish GIRI 2763 — Ian NEPOMNIACHTCHI 2774
Yekaterinburg (ct) 2020

1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.Nc3 Nc6 4.d4 cd4 5.Nd4 e6 6.g3 Qb6 7.Ndb5 Ne5 8.Bf4 Nfg4 9.e3 [9.Qa4 –
123/122] 9...a6 10.h3 ab5 11.hg4 Nc4 12.Rc1?! [12.Qb3 – 78/(34)]

12...d5! N [12...Nb2 13.Qb3 Qc6 14.Rh5!+–; 12...Qa5 13.b3 e5 14.bc4 ef4 15.gf4 Ba3 16.Rc2 d6
17.Qd4 Kf8 18.cb5 Bg4 19.Be2 Be6 20.Qd3²; 12...Bb4 13.a3 Bc3 14.Rc3 d5 15.Qc2©] 13.b3 Bb4
14.bc4 Ra3 15.Be5 f6 16.Bd4 Qa5 17.Be2 Bc3 [17...e5? 18.0-0 ed4 19.Nb5] 18.Rc3 Rc3 19.Kf1!
[19.Bc3 Qc3 20.Kf1 bc4–+] 19...b4! [19...bc4?! 20.g5!„; 19...Rc4?! 20.Bc4 bc4 21.g5! e5 22.gf6!
gf6 23.Qh5 Ke7 24.Be5 Qa2!∞; 19...Ra3 20.g5! … 20...e5? 21.gf6 gf6 22.Bh5 Kd8 23.Qf3‚] 20.g5
e5 21.Bc3 bc3 22.gf6 gf6 23.Qb1!? [23.Qd5 Qd5 24.cd5 Bf5; 23.cd5 Qa2 24.Qd3 Bd7 25.Qc3 Qd5
26.Rh6 0-0 27.Bc4 Bb5 28.Bb5 Qb5 29.Kg1©] 23...Qc7! 24.Qd3 b5! 25.Qc3 [25.Qd5? Bb7 26.Qe6
Qe7 27.Qe7 Ke7 28.f3 b4–+] 25...bc4 26.e4 de4 27.Rh4 [27.Bc4? Ba6–+; 27.Qc4 Qc4 28.Bc4 Bg4
29.Be2 Bf3³] 27...Be6 28.Re4 0-0 29.Bc4? [29.Rh4! Rc8 30.Kg1©] 29...Kg7 30.Qb3 Rb8 31.Be6!
[31.Qa4 Bd7! 32.Qa3 (32.Qd1 Bf5–+) 32...Rb1 33.Ke2 Bf5 34.Rh4 Qd7–+] 31...Rb3 32.Rg4 Kf8
33.Bb3 Qc1 34.Kg2 Qc6 35.Kg1 h5 36.Rg8? [36.Rh4! Qf3 37.Bc4 f5 38.Bf1 Ke7 39.a4 f4 40.gf4
ef4 41.Rh3 Qg4 42.Bg2 Qd1 43.Bf1=] 36...Ke7 37.Rg7 Kd6 38.Rh7 Qf3 39.Rh8 e4 40.Rd8 Ke7
41.Bd1 Qc3 42.Rd5 h4! [42...e3 43.fe3 Qe3 44.Kg2 Qe4 45.Bf3 Qc2 46.Kh3 Qa2 47.Rh5=] 43.gh4
f5! 44.Rf5 [44.a4 f4–+] 44...Qe1 45.Kg2 Qd1 46.Rg5 [46.Re5 Kf6 47.Re4 Qd5 48.f3 Qa2 49.Kg1

9
Qd2ʘ 50.Kf1 Qh2 51.Rg4 Qe5 52.Kf2 Kf7ʘ 53.Kf1 (53.Re4 Qh2 54.Kf1 Qg3 55.Ke2 Qg2
56.Ke3 Qf1 57.Kf4 Qg1 58.Ra4 Kg6–+) 53...Qe3 54.Kg2 Qe2 55.Kg3 Qf1 56.Rf4 Ke6 57.Re4
Kd5–+] 46...Qa1 47.Rg4 Qb1 48.Rg3 Qa2 49.Rh3 [49.Kf1 Qd2! 50.Re3 Qd1 51.Re1 Qd3 52.Re2
Qc4! 53.h5 Kf7 54.h6 Kg6–+] 49...Qd5 50.Kf1 Qd1 51.Kg2 Qg4 52.Rg3 Qh5! [52...Qh4?
53.Kf1=; 52...Qd1 53.Re3 Kf6 54.Rg3 Kf7ʘ 55.Re3 Kg6 56.Rg3 Kh5 57.Rh3 Kg4?? 58.h5! Qd5
59.Rg3? Kf4!–+; 59.Kh2!] 53.Ra3 Qd5 54.Kg1 Kf6 55.Rg3 Qd1 56.Kg2 Kf5 [56...Qb1! … 57.h5
Qc1 58.Rg6 Kf7 59.Rg3 Qd2 60.Re3 Qd5–+] 57.Rg5 Kf4 58.Rg3 Qd5 59.Kf1 Qd2 60.Kg2 Qd1
61.Re3 Kf5 [61...Qd5! 62.Kf1 Qc4 63.Ke1 Qc1 64.Ke2 Qe3!! 65.fe3 Kg4–+] 62.Rg3 Kf6 63.Rh3
[63.Re3 Qb1 64.Rg3 Qc1 65.h5 Kf7!–+] 63...Kg6 64.Rg3 Kh5 65.Rh3 [65.Re3 Qb1 66.Rh3 Qc2
67.Kf1 Qd1 68.Kg2 Qb1–+ʘ] 65...Qb1 66.Re3 Kh4 67.Rg3 Kh5 68.Rh3 Kg4 69.Rg3 Kf4 70.Re3
Qd1 71.Ra3 Ke5 72.Rg3 Kd4 73.Re3 Qd3
0 : 1 Danilo Milanović

10
 144/146. D85
Viswanathan ANAND 2753 — Ian NEPOMNIACHTCHI 2784
chess.com (Internetrapid) 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cd5 Nd5 5.Bd2 Bg7 6.e4 Nc3 7.Bc3 c5 8.d5 Bc3 9.bc3 Qd6 10.Qd2
0-0 11.f4 e6

12.Nf3! N [12.Bc4 – 139/(164)] 12...ed5 [12...Nd7 13.de6 Qe6 (13...Qd2 14.Kd2 fe6 15.Ke3 Nf6
16.Ne5 Nd7 17.Nd7 Bd7 18.Bc4 Kf7 19.Rhd1 Rad8 20.a4²) 14.Bd3 Rd8 15.0-0 Nb6 16.Qe3 a)
16...Nd5?! 17.Qc5 Nf4 18.Bc4 Qd6 (18...Qg4? 19.Bf7!+–) 19.Qd6 Rd6 20.e5 Rc6 21.Bf7 Kf7
22.Nd4 Rb6 23.Rf4 Ke7 24.a4±; b) 16...Qe7 17.Rae1²] 13.Bc4 Be6 [13...d4 14.cd4 cd4 15.0-0 Nc6
16.Rab1 a) 16...d3 17.f5! (17.Qd3 Qd3 18.Bd3 b6 19.Rfd1 Bb7=) 17...gf5 (17...Qc5? 18.Kh1 Qc4
19.Qh6 gf5 20.Ng5+–) 18.Bd5 f4 (18...Ne5 19.Kh1 Kh8 20.Ne5 Qe5 21.Qd3²) 19.Rb3 Be6
20.Rd3²; b) 16...Be6 17.Bd3 Qe7 18.f5 gf5 19.Ng5 f6 20.ef5 Bd5 21.Ne6 Be6 (21...Ne5 22.Nf8 Rf8
23.Rf4 Kh8 24.Be4²) 22.fe6 Qe6 23.Rb7 Rf7 24.Bf5 Qe5 25.Rf7 Kf7 26.Qd1²] 14.0-0 d4 [14...Nc6
15.f5 Ne5 16.Ne5 Qe5 a) 17.f6 Kh8 (17...Qh5 18.Be2 Qh4 19.ed5±) 18.ed5 Bf5 19.Rae1 Qf6 20.g4
Qh4 21.gf5 Qc4∞; 20.Bd3²; b) 17.Bb3 c4 18.Bc2 gf5 19.ef5 Bd7 20.f6±] 15.f5!+– Bc4 [15...gf5
16.Qg5 Kh8 17.Qf6 Kg8 18.Ng5+–] 16.e5 Qd7 17.f6
1 : 0 Goran Arsović

D85
11
 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cd5 Nd5 5.Bd2 Bg7 6.e4 Nc3 7.Bc3 0-0 8.Qd2 c5 9.d5 Bc3 10.bc3 Qd6

11.h4 e6 1 12.h5 ed5 13.Bc4 2 Nc6 14.Nf3 Ne5 15.Bd5 Nf3 16.gf3 Be6 17.c4 3 Rae8 4 18.Rb1 5 b6 19.Ke2 Bd5= 6
11.Nf3 Bg4 12.Be2 7 e6 13.0-0 8 ed5 14.ed5 Nd7 15.h3 Bf3 16.Bf3 b5 17.a4 a6 18.Rfb1 Rab8 19.ab5 ab5= 9
11.f4 Nd7 10 12.Nf3 11 e5 13.de6 Qe6 14.Bd3 b6 12 15.0-0 Bb7 16.Rae1 f6 17.Bb5 Rad8 18.f5 gf5 13 19.ef5 Qf7² 14
11...e6 12.Bc4 15 b5 13.Bb5 ed5 14.Bc4 16 Bb7 15.Nf3 Nd7 17 16.0-0 Nb6 18 17.Bb5 19 Qc7 20 18.e5 Bc8 19.Bd3 Bg4²
21
12.Nf3 ed5 22 13.Bc4 d4 23 14.cd4 cd4 15.0-0 Nc6 16.Rab1 Be6 24 17.Bd3 Qe7 18.f5 gf5 19.Ng5 f6² 25

11...f5!? 12.h5 [12.e5!? Qe5 13.Be2 Nd7 14.Nf3 Qg7 15.h5©] 12...fe4 13.hg6 Qg6 14.Ne2 Nd7
15.Rh6 Qf7∞ Vassily Ivanchuk 2704 – Leinier Domínguez Pérez 2726, Beijing (rapid) 2014
2
13.hg6 fg6 14.Qd5 Qd5 15.ed5 Re8 16.Kd2 Rf8 [16...Nd7∞] 17.Ke1 Re8 18.Kd2 Rf8 19.Ke1 Re8
1/2 : 1/2 Vasily Papin 2455 – Artur Gabrielian 2526, Taganrog 2017
3
17.Qh6 Bd5 18.hg6 [18.0-0-0 Qe7 19.Rd5 Rad8=] 18...Qg6 19.ed5 Rad8 20.0-0-0 Qh6 21.Rh6
Rfe8=;
17.Bb7 Rad8 18.Qd6 Rd6 19.e5 Rd3©
4
17...Bd5 18.cd5 Rae8 19.Rb1 Re7∞
5
18.Bb7 Qd2 [18...Qe5 19.Rc1 Rb8 20.Bd5 Rb2 21.Qe3 Ra2 22.hg6 hg6∞] 19.Kd2 Bc4 20.Rac1 Rd8
21.Ke3 Rd3 22.Kf4 Rd4=
6
20.cd5 f5 21.hg6 hg6 22.Rbg1 fe4 23.Qh6 ef3 24.Kf1 Re1! 25.Ke1 Qe5 (Alexander Moiseenko 2707
– Wei Yi 2638, Tromsø (ol) 2014 – 121/156) 26.Kd1 Qe2 27.Kc1 Qc4 28.Kb2 Qb4=

12
7
12.Ng5
a) 12...h6 13.h3 hg5 14.hg4 Qe5 15.Bd3 [15.Qe3 Nd7 16.Bb5 Nb6 17.Be2 Kg7 18.g3 Rh8 19.0-0-
0∞ Kamil Stachowiak 2434 – Marcin Sieciechowicz 2449, Wrocław 2015] 15...Qf6 16.Rb1 b6
17.Bb5 a6 18.Be2 Nd7 19.g3 [19.Qe3 Kg7 20.g3 Rh8 21.0-0 Rh6 22.Kg2 Rah8 23.Rh1 Rh1 24.Rh1
Rh1 25.Kh1 b5 26.Kg2 c4 27.f4 gf4 28.gf4

28...g5! 29.Qa7 Nf8 30.f5 (Kevin Terrieux 2434 – Romain Édouard 2602, France 2011) 30...Qd6
31.Qe3 f6µ] 19...Kg7 20.Kf1 Rh8 21.Kg2 b5∞;
b) 12...f6 13.h3 fg5 14.hg4 Qe5 [14...Rf4 15.Qe3 Qe5 16.f3 b6 17.0-0-0 Nd7 18.Bb5 Rd8 19.Rhf1
Rf6 20.Kc2 h6 21.Rh1 Kg7 22.Rh3 Rd6 23.Bd7 R6d7 24.c4² Klaudiusz Urban 2463 – Piotr Bobras
2550, Polska 2012] 15.Qe3 [15.f3 Nd7 16.a4 Kg7 17.Kd1 Nf6 18.Kc2 h5 19.gh5 Nh5 20.Bc4 Ng3
21.Rh3 Rh8 22.Rh8 1/2 : 1/2 Matthias Rüfenacht – Igor-Alexandre Nataf, corr.2014] 15...Nd7 16.0-0-
0 a6 17.f3 b5 18.Kc2 Rab8 19.Be2 b4 20.cb4 cb4 21.Qd4 Qd6 22.Bc4 Rfc8 23.Kb1 Ne5 24.Bb3
Rc3∞ Kamil Stachowiak 2440 – Marcin Sieciechowicz 2446, Legnica 2015
8
13.Rb1 b6 14.0-0 ed5 15.ed5 Bf3 16.Bf3 Nd7 17.a4 Rfe8 18.Rfd1 Re7 19.Be2 Rd8 20.g3 Nf6 21.Bf3
Nd7 22.Be2 Nf6 23.Bf3 Nd7 24.Re1 Ne5 25.Bg2 Nc4 26.Qd3 Ne5 27.Qb5 Qf6 28.a5 Rd6 29.ab6
ab6 30.Ra1 Kg7 31.h3 h5 32.f4 Nd7 33.Re7 Qe7= Lalith Babu 2579 – Diptayan Ghosh 2562, India
2016
9
20.Ra2 Rb6 21.Rab2 Rfb8 22.Be2 b4 23.cb4 Rb4 24.Rb4 Rb4 25.Rb4 cb4 26.Bc4 h5 27.Bb3 Kf8=
Ioan-Cristian Chirilă 2529 – Ray Robson 2628, Las Vegas 2014
10
11...e5 12.fe5 Qe5 13.Bd3 Bg4 14.Nf3 Bf3 [14...Qh5 15.0-0 Nd7 16.Bb5 Ne5 17.Ne5 Qe5 18.Qf4
Qf4 19.Rf4 a6 20.Bc4 Bd7 21.d6² Evgeny Gleizerov 2513 – Marcin Sieciechowicz 2410, Darłówko

13
2018] 15.gf3 f5 16.f4 [16.0-0 fe4 17.Rae1 Nd7 18.Re4 Qd6 19.Bb5 Rae8 20.Bd7 Qd7 21.Re8 Re8
22.d6 (Tomáš Studnička 2359 – Lukáš Černoušek 2453, Praha 2014)

22...Qh3! 23.d7 Rd8 24.Qd5 Kg7=] 16...Qd6 17.ef5 c4 18.Bc2 Nd7 19.0-0 gf5 (Nijat Abasov 2498 –
Li Chao 2686, Kazan 2013) 20.Rad1 Rad8 21.Rfe1²
11
12.e5 Qc7
a) 13.h4!? c4 14.h5 Nb6 15.Nf3 Bg4 16.hg6 fg6 17.Ng5 [17.Rh4!? Bf3 18.gf3„] 17...Rad8 18.d6
[18.Be2? Nd5! 19.Bg4 Nf4 20.Qe3 Rd3–+ 21.Qe4 Qc5 22.Ne6 Ng2 23.Qg2 Qe3 0 : 1 Li Ruofan
2366 – Tran Minh Thang 2258, Ho Chi Minh City 2016] 18...ed6 19.Rh7 Qc5 20.Rh6 [20.e6!?]
20...de5 21.Rg6 Kh8 22.Nf7 Kh7

14
23.f5! [23.Rh6?? Kg7 24.Nd8 Rd8–+ Alexander Riazantsev 2714 – Romain Édouard 2625, France
2012] 23...Rd2 24.Ng5 Kh8 25.Rh6 Kg8 26.Rg6=;
b) 13.Nf3 c4 14.Rd1 [14.Be2 b5 15.Nd4 a6 16.0-0 Bb7 17.Bf3 Qc5 18.e6 fe6 19.de6 Bf3 20.Rf3 Nf6
21.f5 Ne4 22.Qe3 gf5 23.Re1 Rad8 24.g4 Rf6 25.gf5

25...Nc3! 26.Rg3 Kh8 27.Rg4 Na2 28.Qg5 Rg6! 29.fg6 Qg5 30.Rg5 Rd4 31.g7 Kg8= Hans Galje –
Martin Jarabinský, corr.2014; 14.a4 Rd8 15.Qd4 Qa5 16.Bc4 Nb6 17.d6 Nc4 18.Qc4 ed6 19.Ng5 d5
20.Qb4 Qa6 21.Kf2 Bf5∞ Francisco González Barcina – Juan Suárez Rodríguez, corr.2014]
b1) 14...Nb6 15.d6 ed6 16.ed6 [16.Qd6 Qd6 17.Rd6 Be6 18.Nd4 Rfd8∞] 16...Qc5 17.Qd4 Qd4
18.Rd4 Be6
b11) 19.Ng5 Bd5 20.a4 a5 21.Kf2 Rfd8 22.Bc4!? [22.Be2 Rd6 23.Rhd1 Rad8 24.Ne4 Rc6 25.Rb1©]
22...Bc4 23.Rb1 Ra6 24.Ne4 Be6 25.Nc5 Nd5 26.Na6 ba6∞;
b12) 19.Kf2 Rac8 20.Ng5 Bd5 21.Be2 [21.a4?! Rc5µ] 21...Rfd8 22.Rhd1 (Alexander Onischuk 2681
– Samuel Shankland 2668, Saint Louis 2018 – 136/144) 22...Rd6 23.Ne4 Re6 24.Ng5 Rd6 25.Ne4=;
b2) 14...b5! 15.h4 [15.d6 ed6 16.Qd6 Qd6 17.Rd6 a6 18.Nd4 Nc5³] 15...Nc5 16.Qe3 [16.h5 Ne4
17.Qe3 Ng3 18.Rh2 Bg4µ] 16...Qb6 17.Rd4 h5∞
12
14...Rd8 15.0-0 Nb6

15
a) 16.Rae1 c4 17.Bc4 Qf6 18.Bd3 Qd6 19.Nd4 Na4 20.f5 Nc3! 21.Qc3 Qd4 22.Qd4 Rd4 23.Rd1
Bd7 24.fg6 fg6 25.Bc4 Rc4 26.Rd7 a5 27.Rb7 Rd8 28.Ra7 Re4 29.Rc1 Ra4 30.h3 Ra2 31.Rcc7 h5
32.Ra6 Rad2 33.Rg6 Kf8 34.Ra6 R2d5 35.Rca7 R8d6 36.Rd6 (1/2 : 1/2 Juan Aguiar García – Josep
Mercadal Benejam, corr.2013) 36...Rd6 37.Ra5 h4=;
b) 16.Qe3 Qd6 17.Rad1 Bg4 18.e5 Qe7 19.Be4 Nc4 20.Qe2 Nb6 21.Rfe1 Rd1 22.Rd1 Rf8 23.h3 Bc8
24.Qf2² Glyn Sinnett – Edward Holland, corr.2015
13
18...Qe7?! 19.fg6 hg6 20.Qh6 Qh7 21.Qf4± Markus Ragger 2680 – Ivan Popov 2644, Tromsø (m/2)
2013 – 120/(165)
14
20.Qh6²
15
12.c4

16
12...e5! 13.Nf3
a) 13...ef4?! 14.e5 Qc7 [14...Re8 15.Kf2±] 15.Kf2 [15.d6 Qb6 16.Bd3 Qb4∞] 15...Bg4 16.Be2!
[16.Qf4 Bf3 17.gf3 Nd7 18.d6 Qb6∞] 16...Nd7 [16...Bf3 17.d6 Qb6 18.Bf3 Nc6 19.Rab1±] 17.Qf4
Bf3 18.d6 Qa5 19.Bf3 Rae8 20.Rhe1²;
b) 13...Nd7 14.Bd3 [14.fe5 Ne5 15.Be2 f5∞; 14.f5 gf5 15.Qg5 Qg6 16.Qf5 Qf5 17.ef5 Nf6 18.g4
Re8 19.Rg1 e4∞] 14...ef4 15.0-0 f6 16.Rae1 Ne5 17.Qf4 Nc4 18.Qc1 Ne5 19.Ne5 fe5 20.Rf8 Kf8
21.Rf1 Kg7∞ Paulius Pultinevičius 2503 – Nikola Đukić 2517, Batumi 2019 – 144/(145)
16
14.ed5 Nd7
a) 15.Nf3? Re8
a1) 16.Kf2 Nf6! [… Ne4] 17.Kg1 Re4µ;
a2) 16.Kf1 Ba6 17.a4 Nf6 … Ne4ƒ;
b) 15.Ne2 Nb6 16.Bc6 Rb8 17.0-0

17
b1) 17...Bd7 18.Bd7 Qd7 19.f5ƒ Shahin Lorparizangeneh 2319 – Diptayan Ghosh 2512, Pattaya
2015;
b2) 17...Nc4! 18.Qd3 Na5 19.Ba4 Ba6 20.Qf3 Bc4 21.f5 Bd5 22.Qf4 Qf4 23.Nf4 Bc4 24.Rfe1
Rfc8∞;
c) 15.Bd7 Bd7 16.Nf3 Bb5 17.Kf2 Rad8 18.Rad1 Rfe8 19.Rhe1 f6 [19...Bc4? 20.Re8 Re8 21.Ne5±;
19...Re1=] 20.a3 [20.Re6 Qe6 21.de6 Rd2 22.Rd2 Re6=]
c1) 20...Bc4 21.Re6!? Re6 22.de6 Qd2 23.Rd2 Re8 [23...Rd2 24.Nd2 Bd5 25.Ke3] 24.Rd7²;
c2) 20...Re1 21.Re1 [21.Ne1 Re8 … Re2=] 21...Qd5 22.Qd5 Rd5 23.g4 Kf7 24.g5 Rf5 25.Kg3 Bc6
26.gf6 Bf3 27.Kf3 Kf6 28.c4 g5 29.Re4 gf4 30.a4 a5 31.h4 Kf7 32.Re1 [32.Rf4=] 32...Rh5 33.Kg4
Rh6 34.Re5

18
34...f3! 35.Kf3 Rh4 36.Rc5 Ke6 1/2 : 1/2 Boris Gelfand 2777 – Leinier Domínguez Pérez 2754, Wijk
aan Zee 2014 – 120/165;
14.e5!? Qb6 15.Bd3 c4 16.Rb1 Qc5 17.Bc2 Nc6 18.Nf3 Bd7 19.Nd4 Rab8 20.0-0 Nd4 21.cd4
Qc6∞
17
15...Rd8 16.e5 [16.Bd5 Bd5 17.Qd5 Qd5 18.ed5 Rd5 19.Rd1 Rd1 20.Kd1 Nd7 21.Re1 Kf8 22.Kc2
Nb6 23.Re5 Rc8 24.g3 f6 25.Re1 Kf7= Evgeny Tomashevsky 2702 – Ian Nepomniachtchi 2768,
Russia (ch) 2018 – 139/(164)] 16...Qb6 17.Bd3 d4 [17...c4 18.Rb1 Qc7 19.Bc2 Nc6 20.0-0±] 18.Rb1
Qc7 19.0-0 Bf3 20.Rf3 Nc6 21.Bc4!? dc3 [21...Na5 22.Bf1] 22.Qc3 Nd4 23.Rf2 Rab8 24.Rc1²
18
16...Nf6 17.e5 Qc6 18.ef6 dc4 19.Ne5 Rad8 20.Qb2 Qd5 21.h3²
19
17.e5?! Nc4 18.ed6 Nd2 19.Nd2 Rfd8 20.Nb3 Rac8µ;
17.Be2

17...d4!
a) 18.cd4 Be4 19.Qe3 Bf3 20.dc5 Rae8 21.cd6 Re3 22.Bf3 Rd8 23.Rfd1 Re6=;
b) 18.f5 Be4 19.Qh6 Bf3 20.Rf3 Rfe8 21.fg6 fg6

19
22.Rf7! Kf7 23.Qh7 Ke6 24.Re1 Nd5 25.Bb5 [25.Bc4 Kf6 26.Rf1 Nf4 27.g3 Re7 28.Qh6 Re4
29.Bd3 Rae8³] 25...Ne3 26.Qg6 Ke7 27.Qg7 Ke6 28.Bc4 Kf5 29.Bd3 Ke6=;
c) 18.e5 Qd7 19.cd4 Rad8 20.Rad1 Bf3 21.Rf3 Qd4 22.Qd4 Rd4 23.Rd4 cd4 24.Rd3 Rd8= Anish Giri
2763 – Maxime Vachier-Lagrave 2767, Yekaterinburg (ct) 2020 – 144/145
20
17...c4? 18.e5 Qc5 19.Nd4 a6 [19...f6 20.Qe3 a6 21.f5+–] 20.f5! ab5 21.Qh6 Kh8 22.Rf4+–;
17...d4 18.f5
a) 18...Be4 19.Qh6 f6 [19...Nd5 20.f6! Nf6 21.Ng5 Bf5 22.Bd3+–] 20.fg6 Bg6 21.Nh4±;
b) 18...gf5 19.e5 Qe6 20.cd4 c4 21.Ng5 Qg6 22.Rac1 Kh8 [22...Rac8 23.Rc3!±] 23.Rc4! Nc4
24.Bc4²;
17...Rad8 18.e5 Qe6 19.Rae1²
21
20.Rae1²
22
12...Nd7 13.de6 Qe6 [13...Qd2 14.Kd2 fe6 15.Ke3 Nf6 16.Ne5 Nd7 17.Nd7 Bd7 18.Bc4 Kf7
19.Rhd1 Rad8 20.a4²] 14.Bd3 Rd8 15.0-0 Nb6 16.Qe3
a) 16...Nd5?! 17.Qc5 Nf4 18.Bc4 Qd6 [18...Qg4? 19.Bf7!+–] 19.Qd6 Rd6 20.e5 Rc6 21.Bf7 Kf7
22.Nd4 Rb6 23.Rf4 Ke7 24.a4±;
b) 16...Qe7 17.Rae1²
23
13...Be6?! 14.0-0
a) 14...Nc6 15.f5 Ne5 16.Ne5 Qe5
a1) 17.f6 Kh8 [17...Qh5 18.Be2 Qh4 19.ed5±] 18.ed5 Bf5 19.Rae1 Qf6 20.g4 Qh4 21.gf5 Qc4∞;
20.Bd3²;
a2) 17.Bb3 c4 18.Bc2 gf5 19.ef5 Bd7 20.f6±;

20
b) 14...d4

15.f5!+– Bc4 [15...gf5 16.Qg5 Kh8 17.Qf6 Kg8 18.Ng5+–] 16.e5 Qd7 17.f6 1 : 0 Viswananthan
Anand 2753 — Ian Nepomniachtchi 2784, chess.com (Internet-rapid) 2020 – 144/146;
13...Nc6
a) 14.0-0 d4
a1) 15.cd4 Nd4 [15...cd4 – 13...d4] 16.Nd4 Qd4 17.Qd4 cd4 18.f5©;
a2) 15.Rfe1 Bg4 16.Ng5∞ Arsh Shah 1751 – Chilukuri Sai Varshith 1943, chess.com (Internet-rapid)
2020;
b) 14.Bd5 Be6 15.0-0²
24
16...d3

21
a) 17.Qd3 Qd3 18.Bd3 b6 19.Rfd1 Bb7=;
b) 17.f5! gf5 [17...Qc5? 18.Kh1 Qc4 19.Qh6 gf5 20.Ng5+–] 18.Bd5 f4 [18...Ne5 19.Kh1 Kh8
20.Ne5 Qe5 21.Qd3²] 19.Rb3 Be6 20.Rd3²
25
20.ef5 Bd5 21.Ne6 Be6 [21...Ne5 22.Nf8 Rf8 23.Rf4 Kh8 24.Be4²] 22.fe6 Qe6 23.Rb7 Rf7 24.Bf5
Qe5 25.Rf7 Kf7 26.Qd1²

22
Covid-safe 53rd edition of Biel Chess Festival

Tournament Review

The Biel Chess Festival in Switzerland has been a fixture

on the chess calendar since 1968, with almost every top
player of the modern era competing - the biggest exception
being Kasparov.
However the 53rd edition was in doubt for many months
before becoming the first high level, face-to-face, round-
robin international since the Candidates tournament was
aborted in March.
On July 18, on the stage of the concert hall in the Biel Kongresshaus, eight Grandmasters sat opposite
each other, without masks but separated by a perspex screen. The screen had a gap at the bottom, to
enable players to reach through and move pieces to the opposite side of the board, and, to compensate
for the inconvenience of needing to do so, the players were given a 45 second increment for each
move. There were no handshakes, and pieces and clocks were cleaned after every game. Players were
encouraged not to leave their board unless necessary and were required to take certain fixed routes
entering and leaving the playing hall. The arbiter was masked. As with most sporting events restarting
around the world, there were no spectators.
The original invitation list had changed dramatically due to border restrictions, with only players
based in Western or Central Europe competing. Attempts to recruit any top 10 players failed, in part
due to a clash with the Carlsen Online Tour.
Ultimately every player expressed their satisfaction at simply being able to play crossboard chess
again. "Since March 2020, I cannot recall days, weeks and months," admitted Praha-based Pentala
Harikrishna.
Of the elite tournaments, Biel was already the least "normal", adopting a triathlon format in 2019,
with results from classical, rapid and blitz tournaments counting towards a player's final tally. Biel
offered 4 points for a classical win, 2 for a rapid win and 1 for a blitz win.

23
Draws were scored at half that, except in the classical event where, in an unnecessary attempt to
discourage draws, 1½ points were awarded.
With a finishing spurt of four consecutive wins, Harikrishna won the classical tournament
convincingly. However, equal top seed Radoslaw Wojtaszek scored so heavily at the faster time
limits, undefeated in both rapid and blitz events, that he ultimately edged out Harikrishna 37 to 36½
to take the 10.000 Swiss franc first prize. (Harikrishna - the top rated blitz player in the field -
completely bombed out in the blitz event, scoring only 6/14. The blitz tournament was the only part
of the Triathlon played with masks and no plexiglass, and Wojtaszek was one of many players who
described playing in masks as "not easy at all.")
48-year-old Michael Adams finished second in the classical tournament and third overall, while 15-
year-old Vincent Keymer, the tournament's lowest rated player, was enormously impressive with the
White pieces and finished fourth.

E52
Keymer, Vincent (2558) - Anton Guijarro, David (2703)
Biel, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Bb4 5.e3 O-O

6.Bd2!? "A sideline but still a bit dangerous," said Keymer. "I thought he might have analysed all the
main lines but not worried about this."
6...b6 7.cxd5 exd5 8.Bd3
8.Rc1 Bb7 (8...Ba6 9.Bxa6 Nxa6 10.O-O) 9.Bd3 - 8.Bd3
8...Bb7

24
8...Ba6!? 9.Bxa6 Nxa6 10.Qa4 Qc8
9.O-O Nbd7
9...Bd6!? 10.Rc1 (10.Nb5 Be7) 10...c5 (10...a6 11.Ne5 (11.Qb3 Nbd7 12.Na4 Qe7 13.a3 Rab8
14.Qc2 Ne4µ Kraidman,Yair - Kortschnoj,Viktor, Lugano (ol) 1968 - 6/674)) 11.Ne5 Nc6;
9...Be7 10.Qc2 c5
10.Qc2
10.Rc1 a6 (10...c5 11.a3 Bxc3 12.Bxc3 c4 13.Bc2 Ne4 14.Bxe4 dxe4 15.Ne5 b5 16.Nxd7 Qxd7
17.d5!! Qxd5 18.Qg4) 11.Ne5 Nxe5 (11...Bd6 12.f4 ¹c5 (12...Ne4 13.Nxe4 dxe4 14.Bc4 b5
15.Bb3² Xu,Xiangyu 2567 - Klekowski,Maciej 2507, Nova Gorica 2019 - 141/181)) 12.dxe5 Nd7
13.f4 Nc5 14.Bb1 (14.Bxh7+ Kxh7 15.Qh5+ Kg8 16.Rf3 (16.f5 d4 (16...f6) 17.Ne4 (17.f6? Ne6-+)
17...Bxe4 18.Bxb4 Qd5 19.Rf4 Qxe5 20.Rh4 f6 21.Qh7+ Kf7 22.Qg6+ Ke7 23.Qg3 Qxg3 24.hxg3
Bxf5 25.exd4 a5 26.Ba3 Rfd8µ) 16...f6 (16...f5 17.Rh3 Ne6 18.Qh7+ Kf7 19.Qxf5+ Ke7 20.Qg4 d4
21.Be1 dxc3 22.bxc3 Bc5 23.Bh4+ g5 24.Bxg5+ Nxg5 25.Qxg5+ Kd7 26.Rd1+ Kc8 27.Rxd8+
Rxd8∞) 17.Rh3 fxe5 18.fxe5 Ne6 19.Qh7+ Kf7 20.Qh5+ Kg8=) 14...d4 15.Ne2 Qd5 16.Rf2
(Yu,Yangyi 2764 - Vaibhav,Suri 2590, Gibraltar 2019 - 140/188) 16...dxe3 17.Bxe3 Qxd1+ 18.Rxd1
Rad8=
10...a6
Black's most common try; but for practical reasons preventing 11.Ne5 with 10...Re8 makes sense.;
10...c5!? 11.a3 Bxc3 12.Bxc3 c4 13.Bf5²;
10...Be7!? 11.Rfd1 (11.Ne5!? c5 12.f4) 11...a6 12.Ne5 Re8 13.Ne2 c5∞ (13...Bd6!? 14.Nc6 Qc8
15.Nf4 g6 16.Rac1 Nb8 17.Ne5 Nbd7= Dubov,Daniil 2666 - Vavulin,Maksim 2507, Russia 2016)
11.Ne5 "Now I am threatening 12.f4 and Be1-h4", said Keymer.
After the game, Keymer decided that 11...c5 might be a serious error and that Black should first
retreat his dark squared bishop.
11...Nxe5!? 12.dxe5 Ne4! 13.Bxe4 (13.Nxe4? dxe4 14.Bxb4 exd3µ; 13.Rfd1 Bxc3 14.Bxc3 Qe7=;
13.Be1 Bxc3 14.bxc3 Qe7 (14...Qg5 15.f3 Qxe3+ 16.Kh1ƒ; 14...h6!? 15.f3 Nc5) 15.f3 Nc5
16.Bxh7+ Kh8 17.Qf5 g6 18.Qh3 Kg7 19.f4 Bc8∞) 13...dxe4 14.Rfd1 Bxc3! (14...Qe7? 15.Nd5!
Bxd5 16.Bxb4 Qxb4 17.Rxd5±; 14...Qg5 15.Ne2! (15.Nxe4 Qxe5 16.Bxb4 Bxe4=) 15...Bxd2
16.Qxc7 Ba5 17.Qxb7²) 15.Bxc3 Qe7 16.Rd2 (16.b4!?) 16...Rad8 17.Rad1 a5 18.h3 h6 19.a3 Rfe8=
Jussupow,Artur 2630 - Dautov,Rustem 2600, Dresden (zt) 1998 - 72/491;
11...Re8;
11...Be7 … c5

25
12.a3! cxd4
¹12...Bxc3 13.Bxc3 c4 14.Bf5²
13.exd4
"At first I was thinking about 13.Nxd7 Qxd7 14.axb4 dxc3 15.Bxc3 but then I realised he wanted to
play 15...d4! 16.Bxd4 Bxg2! with a draw.", explained Keymer. 17.Bf5 (17.Kxg2 Qg4+ 18.Kh1 Qf3+
19.Kg1 Qg4+ 20.Kh1=) 17...Qb7∞
13...Bxc3
"It's not a very pleasant position for Black," said Keymer. "In this type of symmetrical structure it can
get really bad, really quickly. If he tries 13...Bd6 then 14.Bf4² threatens 15.Nf7!"
14.Bxc3
14.bxc3 Nxe5 15.dxe5 Ne4 16.Be3 Rc8 17.Bd4²
14...Ne4 15.Bb4 Re8
"If he includes 15...Rc8 then I have 16.Qb1! Re8 17.f3 Nef6 18.Nxd7! Qxd7 19.Bf5," explained
Keymer.
16.f3

26
16...Nef6?!
16...Nxe5 17.dxe5 Rc8 18.Qb1 Ng5 19.Bd6²
17.Rfe1± Keymer was more than happy here, saying: "White has the two bishops, the knight on f6 is
almost dead, I have well placed pieces and he was already very low on time!"
17...Rc8?!
17...Nf8 18.Qf2 a5 19.Bd2±
18.Qf2! Nf8
18...Nxe5 19.dxe5 Nd7 20.Bf5±
19.Bd2
19.a4 a5 20.Ba3±
19...N6d7
19...Ne6 20.Re2±
20.Ng4! Qc7?!
20...Rxe1+ 21.Rxe1 Nf6 22.Ne5±
21.Ne3 Ne6
21...g6 22.Ng4±
22.Nf5 Ndf8 23.Rac1 Qd7 24.Qg3 Rxc1 25.Rxc1 Ng6 26.h4! h5
"On 26...Ne7, I was intending 27.Nh6+! (27.Nxg7 Nxg7 28.Rc7 Qa4 did not seem so clear to me.

27
29.Kh2±) 27...Kf8 28.Bb4! gxh6 29.Bxh7 Ng7 30.Rc7+-, which seemed very strong.", said Vincent.
27.Nd6+- Rd8 28.Nxf7! Qxf7 29.Bxg6
"This took quite a lot of calculation. 29.Qxg6 Qxg6 30.Bxg6 Nxd4 31.Rc7 also looked really good
but I wanted to keep the queens on." - Keymer.
29...Qf6 30.Kh2! Qxd4

31.Re1! Bc8 32.Rxe6!

32.Rxe6! "After 32...Qxd2, (32...Bxe6 33.Bc3 Qc5 34.Bh7+! is also lost.) 33.Qd6!! is a very nice
winning move.", said Vincent Keymer.
1-0

28
 Vincent Keymer vs David Antón Guijarro, Biel 2020; Photo by Biel International Chess Festival

E32
Edouard, Romain (2649) - Anton Guijarro, David (2703)
Biel, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 O-O 5.e4 d5 6.e5 Ne4 7.Bd3 c5 8.Nf3
8.Ne2 cxd4 9.Nxd4 merely transposes to the 8.Nf3 line.
8...cxd4 9.Nxd4 Nd7 10.Bf4
10.Bxe4 dxe4 11.Qxe4 is well met by 11...Qa5
10...Qh4 "A very theoretical line," said Anton.
Black has two main alternatives, both also heavily analysed but not as popular as 10...Qh4:
10...Qb6!? was first played in Moscow by the Vladimir Kramnik. White can reply with 11.Nb3 Qc7!
(11...f6; and 11...Nxc3) 12.O-O (12.Bxe4 dxe4 13.Qxe4 Nb6 (13...f6 14.exf6 Bxc3+ 15.bxc3 e5
16.Bg5 Nxf6 17.Bxf6 Rxf6 18.O-O Bf5 19.Qe3²) 14.c5 Nd5 15.Bd2 Nxc3 16.Bxc3 Bxc3+ 17.bxc3
a5 18.a4 Bd7 19.O-O Bc6 20.Qf4 Rfd8©) 12...Nxe5 13.Bxe4 dxe4 14.Qxe4 Bxc3 15.bxc3 f6 16.Rfe1
Qxc4 17.Bxe5 Qxe4 18.Rxe4 fxe5 19.Rxe5 b6! (19...Rf5 20.Re4) 20.Nd4 Bd7 21.Rae1 Rac8=
Anand,Viswanathan 2786 - Kramnik,Vladimir 2803, Moscow 2013 - 118/176;

29
10...Ndc5 was Black's universal choice in the early years of this line and has never been refuted,
although Black must often walk a tightrope to maintain equality. Play can then continue 11.O-O
Nxd3 (11...Bxc3 12.bxc3 Bd7 (12...Nxd3 13.Qxd3 - 11...Nd3) 13.Rac1?! Kaczmarczyk, Dennis 2311
- Sanikidze,Tornike 2599, Deizisau 2013 - 117/183) 12.Qxd3 Bxc3 (12...Nxc3 13.bxc3 Be7 14.Rfd1
(14.Rad1; 14.Qg3) 14...Qa5 Gordon, Stephen J 2524 - Beliavsky,Alexander 2646, Gibraltar 2009 -
105/(307)) 13.bxc3 b6 Georgescu,Tiberiu Marian 2367 - Rodriguez,Reinaldo 2529, Bucuresti 2013 -
118/175
11.g3 Qh5 12.O-O Played after long thought. "I don't know what he was thinking about," admitted
Anton.
"Maybe he was considering the complicated line 12.h4!? Nxe5 13.Be2 Ng4! which Vallejo (with
Black) played against So and it seems quite unclear, though you need to know quite a bit.
Also White can play 12.cxd5!? exd5 13.Be2 Qh3 14.Bf1 Qg4 15.Be2 with a draw. Sometimes when
you cannot remember (a line) it makes sense to make a short draw, even with White."
12...g5 13.cxd5 Bxc3
13...gxf4 14.dxe6 Nxc3 15.exd7 fxg3 16.hxg3 Bxd7 17.bxc3 Rac8 18.Bf5 Bxc3!= Vachier
Lagrave,Maxime 2778 - Ding,Liren 2791, chess.com (Internet-rapid) 2020
14.bxc3 exd5

15.Bc1N
"Not a mistake," remarked Anton, "but this is not (often played) and I guess this is for a reason.
Romain told me after the game that he simply forgot that the main line was 15.Bxe4 dxe4 16.e6. I
have already had one game against Harika which after 16...gxf4 (16...Nf6 17.Bd6 Re8 18.exf7+ Qxf7
19.f4 exf3 20.Nxf3² Medvegy,Zoltan 2527 - Manik,Mikulas 2397, Slovensko (ch-open) 2011)

30
17.exd7 Bxd7 18.Qxe4, finished as a draw." 18...fxg3 19.fxg3 (19.hxg3 b6 20.Rfe1 Rac8!? (20...Rfe8
21.Qb7 Bf5 22.Qc6 Rxe1+ 23.Rxe1² Navara,David 2697 - Swiercz,Dariusz 2631, France 2013))
19...b6 20.Nf5 Rae8 21.Ne7+ Kg7 22.Qd4+ f6 23.Rae1 (23.Qxd7 Qc5+) 23...Bh3 24.Rf4 Rd8 and
the Harika,Dronavalli 2499 - Anton Guijarro,David 2490 game, Benasque 2012, was drawn on move
58.
15...Nxe5 16.Bxe4
"Probably 16.f3 was better here," said Anton, e.g. 16...Nxd3 (RR16...Nc5 17.Be2 Bd7 18.f4 Ng4
19.Bf3 Ne4 20.Qg2 Qg6 21.f5 Bxf5 22.h3 Ne5 23.Nxf5 Qxf5 24.Bxe4 Qxe4 25.Bxg5 Rfe8 26.Rae1
Qxg2+ 27.Kxg2 1/2 : 1/2 Weldon,David - Kevicky,Martin, corr 2019) 17.Qxd3 Nc5 18.Qe3 f6
19.Ba3 Re8 20.Qd2©
16...dxe4 17.Qxe4

17...Re8! "I think the position is already good for Black," observed Anton. "I don't know if he can
equalise somehow but Black is very (comfortable)."
18.f4
18.Bxg5 Qxg5 19.Rfe1 Qh5 20.f4 Bf5!µ
18...Qxh2+! 19.Kxh2 Ng4+ 20.Kg2 Rxe4 21.fxg5 Bd7 "This endgame is good for Black, but not to
easy," said Anton.
22.Bf4 Rae8

31
23.Rad1?!
23.Rfc1 Ne3+ 24.Kf2 Nd5 25.Bd2
23...Ne3+ "Maybe not the best move, but I thought it was good enough to play for a win,"
commented further Anton.
"I also considered 23...Kg7."
24.Bxe3 Rxe3 25.Nf5 "Here I realised that White has very good drawing chances."
25...Re2+ 26.Kh3 Be6 27.a4 Re3 28.c4?!
28.Kh4 Re4+ 29.g4 Rxa4 30.Nh6+ Kg7 31.Rde1„
28...Re4 29.Rb1 b6 30.a5?† "Not the best as now I take a pawn for free." - Anton.
30.c5!? was a superior version of the game, since after 30...Re5 31.g4 Rxc5 32.Rbc1!µ, White keeps
some drawing hopes.
30...Re5! 31.g4 Rxa5 32.Rf4 Rd8 33.Rb3 Rc5 34.Ra3 Rd7 35.Re3 Rdc7 "I was very nervous when I
played this move that White would have some back rank mating idea, but I didn't see anything,"
concluded Anton.
36.Rd3 Bxf5 37.gxf5 Rxc4 38.Rxc4
38.Rd8+ Kg7 39.f6+ Kg6 40.Rg8+ Kh5 doesn't lead anywhere in view of 41.Rxc4 Rxc4 42.Rg7 a5
43.Rxh7+ Kxg5 44.Rxf7 Rc6-+
38...Rxc4 39.Rd7 a5 40.Rb7 Rc8! 41.Kg4 Ra8! 42.g6 hxg6 43.fxg6 fxg6 44.Rxb6 Kf7 45.Rb7+ Ke6
0-1

32
 Romain Édouard vs David Antón Guijarro, Biel 2020; Photo by Biel International Chess Festival

E62
Keymer, Vincent (2558) - Naiditsch, Arkadij (2626)
Biel, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.Nc3 d6 6.Nf3 c6 7.e4!?
7.O-O
7...Bg4
7...Na6 is less logical: 8.O-O Nc7 9.h3 Rb8?! 10.Be3± Ivkov,Borislav - Ujtumen,Tudev, Siegen (ol)
1970 - 10/753;
7...Qa5 8.O-O transposes to the main line of 7. 0-0 Qa5 8.e4, and White has avoided the 7.0-0 Bf5
line.
8.h3
8.Qb3 Qb6 (8...Qc7 9.O-O Nbd7 (9...Bxf3) 10.Be3 Qb6 11.Qc2 Qc7 12.Rac1 Rfc8 13.Qd2 Bxf3
14.Bxf3 a6 15.b3² Marrero Lopez,Agustin 1859 - Gonzalez Garcia, Zoilo 1572, Espana (ch) 2010 -
110/(304)) 9.Be3 Qxb3 (9...Nfd7 10.Qxb6 Nxb6 11.Nd2²) 10.axb3 Na6
8...Bxf3 9.Bxf3 e5 The most commonly played move, yet apparently new to Keymer, who spent 9

33
minutes on his reply and later said: "Up to here the opening was theory but I had not prepared for this
so I took my first real think." Black has to put pressure on the dark squares. Since 6... c6 has already
been played, the typical ...Nc6 is not possible. However the text move closes the g7 bishop's diagonal
and in this type of position the exchange of the light squared bishop helps White.
Both 9...Nfd7and 9...Qb6 looked more in the spirit of the position.
10.d5!
"I thought about 10.Be3 but I was happy with 10.d5 because now his bishop is pretty bad.", said
Keymer.
10...cxd5 11.cxd5

11...a5!? "Interesting, but of course he has weakened the b5 square which may become important in
the long run.", explained Keymer.
11...Nbd7 looked more flexible. 12.Be3 Qa5 13.O-O²
12.Be3 Na6

34
13.h4!? Not particularly the signal for a ferocious attack since White wants to deprive Black of any
counterplay on the kingside, notably making ...f5 more difficult to play.
13.O-O was the quiet positional setup. 13...Nc5 14.Rc1²
"I was really surprised by this," admitted Keymer, "although after he played 13...h5 I realised that it
was not so easy. The problem for White was that after 13.h4 he was not really threatening anything.
However after 13...Nd7 maybe I can justify 13.h4 with 14.g4 - though I am not sure how good it is.";
13...Nc5 allows 14.h5 and after 14...Qd7 White has to decide between completely different strategic
plans; a typical problem in practical play. 15.g4!? looks to be the most aggressive try. (15.Bxc5 dxc5
16.Be2 is a Petrosian-style attempt to dominate the light squares,while 15.h6 Bh8 and only then
16.Bxc5 is similar.)
14.g4!
14.O-O Nc5 15.Bg2²
14...hxg4 15.Bxg4 Nxg4?!
"This exchange helps for White to activate his pieces. 15...b5!? was interesting, with the idea 16.h5 ((
I also considered 16.Bf3 b4 17.Ne2 followed by 18.Ng3, with a slow attack.) 16...b4 17.Na4 Nxe4
18.hxg6 f5." Keymer analysed both 19.Rh5!? (and 19.Bxf5 Rxf5 20.Qg4 Qf6 21.Qxe4 Qxg6; but
missed just how strong 19.Bh3! would be, e.g. 19...Rf6 20.Qf3! with enormous pressure.) 19...fxg4
20.Qxg4;
15...a4! creating some counterplay on the other flank was more to the point. 16.h5 a3! 17.Rb1
(17.bxa3 Qa5 18.Bd2 Nc5 with many practical chances. (18...Bh6?! is witty, but not correct: 19.hxg6
Bf4 20.Bf5±)) 17...Qa5²

35
16.Qxg4 Nb4
"I would have played 16...f5 17.Qxg6 f4 18.Rg1 Rf7 19.Bd2 when I still think White should be much
better but it is not so easy." - Keymer.
17.h5!? A brave rook sacrifice but Vincent viewed it as necessary to keep his attack going.
"I thought about 17.O-O-O but after 17...f5 (17...Qc8 18.Qxc8 Rfxc8 19.Kb1±) 18.Qxg6 f4, I really
don't like my bishop being forced back to d2."
17...f5?
"If you play 16...Nb4 then you have to take the exchange. I don't believe it is very good, but it is the
best chance. On 17...Nc2+ I was intending to play simply 18.Kd2 (18.Ke2 Nxa1 19.Rxa1 (19.hxg6?
Nc2-+) 19...Qc8 20.Qg5 Qd8 (Or 20...f5 21.Qxg6 Rf6 22.Qg5 Kh7∞) 21.Qg4 with a curious
repetition of moves - Laszlo Hazai.) 18...Nxa1 19.hxg6 Qf6 (19...fxg6!? 20.Qxg6 Rf6 21.Qh7+ Kf7
22.Qh5+ Kf8 23.Rxa1 Qe8∞ Laszlo Hazai) 20.gxf7+ Rxf7 21.Rxa1, when even in an endgame I
believe White will stand well, e.g. 21...Qf3 22.Qe6 Qf6 23.Rc1 (or 23.Rg1 and Black cannot
exchange on e6 because of Nd5.")
18.Qxg6+- Rf6

19.Qg2!
"Maybe he expected only 19.Qg5 because then after 19...f4 20.h6 he has 20...Rxh6!," explained
Keymer. "Yet even here White is better after 21.Qxd8+ Rxd8 22.Rxh6 fxe3 (Or 22...Bxh6 23.Bb6)
23.Rh1! "
19...Kh7
19...Nc2+ is already too late. 20.Kd2 Nxe3 (20...Nxa1 21.h6+-) 21.fxe3+-

36
20.exf5! "Now I am totally winning, because he has no counterplay.", said Keymer. "He can take on
a1, but that's it."
20...Nc2+ 21.Kd2 Nxe3
"This surprised me," admitted Keymer, "but 21...Nxa1 is hopeless so maybe it was the only idea."
22.fxe3 Qb6

23.Kc2! "The king is completely safe here!"

23...Rc8 24.Rag1 Bh6 25.Kb1!
"25.Rh3 Qb4 26.Rg3 was also winning, of course," said Keymer, "e.g. 26...Rf7 27.Rg8"
25...Qxe3
25...Rxc3? 26.Qg8#
26.Ne4 Rff8 27.Qg6+ Kh8 28.Nf6 1-0

37
 Vincent Keymer vs Arkadij Naiditsch, Biel 2020; Photo by Biel International Chess Festival

D47
Harikrishna, Pentala (2719) - Keymer, Vincent (2558)
Biel, 2020

1.c4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Nf3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 b5 8.Bb3 "Not that critical,"
said Harikrishna, "but I wanted to take him into a line where he might be less well prepared. I
prepared this line from Chess Informant's Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings back in 2000 and 2001.
My then coach Vladimirov played it a few times while I used it to beat Prasad in 2000"
8.Be2 Bb7 9.e4 b4 10.e5 bxc3 11.exf6 Nxf6 12.bxc3 Bd6 13.Rb1 Qc8!?N (13...Qc7) 14.Bg5 Ne4
15.Qc2 c5 16.Bb5+ Kf8= Heberla,Bartlomiej 2571 - Nasuta,Grzegorz 2558, Polska (ch-m/1) 2020
8...b4 9.Ne2 Be7
9...Bd6 10.O-O Bb7 11.Nf4 O-O 12.Ng5 Bxf4 13.exf4 h6 14.Nf3 c5= Harikrishna,Pentala 2500 -
Prasad,Devaki 2431, Kelamabakkam 2000
10.O-O Bb7 11.Nf4 "The only point of 8.Bb3 is to attack e6," explained Harikrishna. "If you develop
normally Black will not have any problems."
11...c5 12.Ng5! Harikrishna had also employed this plan against Prasad but in that game Black's
bishop was on ...d6 and he could solve most of his problems by exchanging on f4. "I didn't like his

38
9...Be7 plan," admitted Harikrishna. "Prasad's plan is (still) considered the best."
12.Bxe6?! fxe6 13.Nxe6 Qb6 14.Nxg7+ Kd8! 15.Nf5 Rg8³ offers Black counterchances.
12...O-O
12...Qb6 13.Nxf7! Kxf7 14.Nxe6 c4 (14...Qxe6 15.Bxe6+ Kxe6 16.e4! Bxe4 17.Re1+-; 14...Bd5
15.Ng5+ Ke8 16.e4!) 15.Bxc4 Rhc8 16.Bb3 Kg8 17.Nc7+ Kh8 18.Nxa8 Bxa8±
13.Ngxe6! fxe6 14.Nxe6 Qc8 15.Nxc5+ Kh8 16.Nxb7! Qxb7

17.f3! "White has three pawns for the piece plus the bishop pair, but his problem is that his pieces are
not well developed," explained Harikrishna. "If Black can play ...Ne4 he will stand well."
17...a5?
"A strange move," said Hari, "because now White can put his pieces on their best squares. Black's
play should be on the kingside. After 17...Bd6! so I must try 18.Bd2 but then (18.Qe2²; 18.Bd2 Qc7
19.Kh1!²; I cannot play 18.e4?! because of 18...Nxe4 19.fxe4 Qxe4=, with initiative,) 18...Qc7 is
annoying because I don't want to make pawn moves on the kingside." The computer suggests that
White retains an edge here with 19.Kh1!, planning 19...Bxh2 20.f4!;
17...Rad8 18.Qe2²
18.e4

39
18...Nb6?! "The knight doesn't belong here," said Harikrishna. "There is no coordination between his
pieces."
18...Bd6!? 19.e5 Nxe5 20.dxe5 Bxe5 21.Kh1²
19.Qe2 a4 20.Bc2 Rfc8 "Again going in the wrong direction. He will soon have a nice rook on c3 but
it does nothing. He needed to somehow point pieces at my king." - Harikrishna.
21.Bd3 a3 22.b3± Qd7 23.Be3 Rc3 "Personally I think he should just put a knight on d5, and then to
c3," said Harikrishna. "Otherwise White will just win without any effort."
23...Nbd5 24.exd5 Nxd5 25.Bf2 Nc3 26.Qe5 Bf6 27.Qh5 g6 28.Bxg6 Bxd4 29.Rae1+-
24.Rad1 Rd8 25.Kh1! Qe8 26.Bg1 Bf8 27.Qe1 Nbd7

40
28.Bb1! Over the past four moves White has set his pieces up for a game of Fischer Random, but
Harikrishna had other ideas as well: "First of all, when you have such a good position you don't want
to ruin it by allowing any cheap tricks. For example, I want to play f4 but don't want Black to have
...Rd3. Secondly, it is not so easy for Black to find four (constructive) moves in such a position so he
is sure to use a lot of time." (Indeed Keymer did spend more than 20 minutes countering Harikrishna's
retreats.)
28...Nh5?
28...Qh5 29.Qe2±
29.e5!
"There was one big trap I had to avoid: 29.f4? is the move I would like to play, but then Black has
29...Ng3+! 30.hxg3 Qh5+ 31.Bh2 Nf6!-+ and White has no defence, e.g. 32.Qf2 Ng4 33.Qg1 Rd6!
and Black wins! If you are not alert you can lose even after playing a very nice game.", explained
Harikrishna.
29...Qe6 30.Qh4 Qh6

41
31.g4! "
31.Qxd8?? Ng3# is not very difficult to see," said Harikrishna. "Now the game is over."

31...Nf4 32.Qxd8 Qh3 33.Rf2 Rxf3 34.Qa8 "If I keep the queen here I will never be mated. Now I
have too much material; the exchange up and extra pawns."
34...Rxf2 35.Bxf2 Qxg4 36.Rg1 Qh5 37.Re1 1-0

B51
Naiditsch, Arkadij (2626) - Wojtaszek, Radoslaw (2719)
Biel, 2020

42
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Nd7 4.d4 cxd4 5.Qxd4 a6 6.Bxd7+ Bxd7 7.c4
7.Nc3!? e5 8.Qd3 Rc8 9.O-O h6 10.Rd1 Nf6 11.h3 (11.Nd2 Qc7 12.Nf1 Bg4 13.Re1 Be7 14.Ne3
Be6 15.a4 O-O 16.Bd2 Qc5 17.Red1 Bd8 18.h3N (18.a5; 18.Be1) 18...Bb6 19.Qe2 Qc6 20.Qf3
Bxe3 21.Bxe3 Kh7 22.a5 Rfd8 23.Bb6 Rd7 24.Rd3 d5 25.exd5 Nxd5 26.Nxd5 Rxd5 27.Rc3 Qd7
28.Rxc8 Qxc8 29.Rd1 Qd7 30.Rxd5 Qxd5 31.Qxd5 1/2 : 1/2 Adams,Michael 2701 -
Wojtaszek,Radoslaw 2719, Biel (rapid) 2020) 11...Be7 12.a4 Qc7 13.Nd2 O-O 14.Nf1 Be6 15.Ne3
Qc5 16.Qe2 Bd8 17.Qf3 b5 18.axb5 axb5 19.Ne2 g6N (19...Bb6) 20.Ng3 Kg7 21.Ra3 b4 22.Rad3
Be7= Nepomniachtchi,Ian 2784 - Giri,Anish 2764, chess24.com (Internet-m2/3-rapid) 2020
7...e5 8.Qd3 b5 9.Nc3 bxc4 10.Qxc4 Be6 11.Qd3
"All my previous games with this line had continued 11.Qc6+ Bd7 12.Qc4 Be6 with a draw,"
confessed Wojtaszek, "but obviously he had more in mind."
11...h6 12.O-O Nf6 13.Rd1 Be7 14.Ne1 O-O 15.Nc2
"I knew of this position and that 15...Qd7 and ...Bd8 were the way to go for Black," explained Radek.
15...Qb6 16.Ne3 Rfc8 17.b3² Carlsen, Magnus 2868 - Anand,Viswanathan 2783, Sandnes 2013 -
117/(58)
16.Ne3 Rfc8 17.Bd2

17.b3 Bd8 18.Ba3 Bb6! 19.Rac1 Bd4 20.Ne2 Rxc1 21.Rxc1 Bxe3 22.Qxe3 d5=
17...Bd8N
RR17...Qb7 18.b3 Rc5 19.f3 Rd8=
18.Ncd5 Qb7 19.Bc3 "I knew that this position was about equal," said Wojtaszek, "but Black has

43
quite an easy plan - double rooks on the c-file, then ...Rc5 threatening to take on d5."
19...Nxd5 20.Nxd5 Rc6 21.h3
21.f4 f6=
21...Rac8

22.Kh2?!
22.f4=
22...Bg5
"I wanted to play 22...Rc5 ", said Radosław, "but my problem was that after 23.Bb4 Rc2 24.Bxd6
Rxf2 (24...Bxd5 25.Qxd5 Qxd5 26.Rxd5 Rxf2 27.Bxe5=) 25.Bxe5, if I play 25...Rcc2 he has
(25...Bxd5 26.Qg3!=) 26.Ne3, covering everything."
23.f3 Rc5! 24.Ne3
"Now on 24.Bb4 I was looking at 24...Rc2!? (I also have 24...Rc4 when he must go back with the
bishop because 25.Bxd6 Bxd5 26.Qxd5 Bf4+ 27.Kh1 Qxb2 is very dangerous for him.; 24...Rb5!
25.Bc3 Bxd5 26.exd5 Bf4+ 27.Kh1 Rbc5µ) 25.Bc3 R8xc3!? 26.bxc3 Qb2 27.Rg1 and I thought I
must have some play here," - Wojtaszek. 27...Bxd5 28.Rab1! Bc4 29.Qxc4 Rxg2+ 30.Rxg2 Bf4+
31.Kh1 Qxb1+ 32.Rg1 Qc2 33.Qc8+ Kh7 34.Qf5+=
24...Qb6 25.Re1 Bf4+ 26.g3 "Now he has a problem with his pawn structure around his king," said
Wojtaszek.
"I wasn't sure how to proceed after 26.Kh1" 26...a5µ
26...Bxe3?!

44
26...Bg5µ
27.Qxe3
27.Rxe3? Rxc3! 28.bxc3 Qb2+-+
27...Qc6 28.a3 f6 29.Rad1 Rd8
"After 29...d5 30.exd5 Bxd5 31.f4„ he has some counterplay, so I must allow an exchange of rooks,"
explained Wojtaszek. "Around here Arkadij thought that it was very close to a draw but it is not so
simple."
30.Rd2
30.f4!³
30...d5 31.exd5 Rcxd5 32.Rxd5
On 32.Red1 Wojtaszek was intending 32...Bc8!? since after (32...Rxd2+! 33.Rxd2 Rxd2+ 34.Bxd2
Qb5!µ) 33.Rxd5 Rxd5 34.Rxd5 Qxd5 "obviously it is close to a draw, but it is still not easy for
White," said Wojtaszek.
32...Qxd5 33.f4?!
33.g4 Bc8 34.Re2! Qb5 35.Rd2 Rxd2+ 36.Qxd2 Bb7 37.Kg2³

33...Bc8! "He underestimated this move, of which I was quite proud!" - Radoslaw Wojtaszek.
34.fxe5
"An important point is that after 34.Qe4 Qd7! 35.g4 Bb7, I am getting to the long diagonal anyway,"
explained Wojtaszek.

45
34...Bb7 35.Rg1?†
35.Qf2 fxe5 36.Rf1³
35...fxe5 36.g4?
36.Qe2 e4 37.Qe3 Qb5!µ
36...Rf8! "Already I didn't see how White could defend."
37.g5
"He must play 37.Qe2," said Wojtaszek, "but obviously if you have only seconds it is not an easy
move to make." 37...e4! (37...Rf3?! 38.Rf1³) 38.Rf1 e3! 39.Rxf8+ Kxf8-+
37...Rf3 38.Qxe5 Rf2+ 39.Kg3 Rg2+! "Maybe Arkadij missed this. There is only one road to mate,
but that is enough."
40.Rxg2 Qxg2+ 41.Kh4 Qf2+
41...Qf2+ 42.Kh5 (42.Qg3 hxg5+-+) 42...Bf3+-+
0-1

D12
Wojtaszek, Radoslaw (2719) - Harikrishna, Penteala (2719)
Biel, 2020

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 "If I was in Radek's situation I would play the Exchange Slav, since I needed
to win this game to have any chance of winning the tournament."
3...Nf6 4.e3 Bf5 5.Nc3 e6 6.Nh4 Be4 7.f3 Bg6 8.Qb3 Qc7 9.Bd2 Be7 10.O-O-O
10.cxd5 cxd5 11.Nxg6 hxg6 12.O-O-O!? a6 13.Kb1 Nc6 14.Rc1 Rb8?! (14...Nd7) 15.Bd3N (15.h4;
15.g3) 15...Rxh2 16.Ne2!² Caruana,Fabiano 2835 - Vachier Lagrave,Maxime 2778, chess24.com
(Internet-rapid-m/1) 2020
10...dxc4 11.Bxc4 b5 12.Be2 a6 13.Nxg6 hxg6 14.Ne4 Nxe4 15.fxe4 c5 16.Kb1 Nc6

46
17.Bc3!?
"A new move for me," said Harikrishna. "But I think it was prepared. Now I thought - OK, that's it for
my computer preparation but at least I can't forget anything! Magnus played 17.e5N cxd4 against
Vachier Lagrave and (he set up) a nice trick," showing 18.Bf3 Rc8 19.Rc1 Qb6!? (19...Qd7? 20.Qc2!
Na7 21.Qxc8+! Nxc8 (21...Qxc8 22.Rxc8+ Nxc8 23.Bc6+ Kf8 24.exd4+-) 22.Bc6+-
Carlsen,Magnus 2863 - Vachier Lagrave,Maxime 2778, chess24.com (Internet-m/3-rapid) 2020)
20.Qc2 O-O 21.Bxc6? dxe3! 22.Be1 Rc7!-+;
17.d5
17...O-ON
RR17...Rd8 18.Qc2 Qb7 19.d5 exd5 20.exd5 Nb4 21.Bxb4 cxb4 22.h4 Qb6 23.Qe4 f5=
"I also thought about 17...c4!? 18.Qc2 Nb4 19.Qd2 a5, but I had no idea what was happening,"
admitted Hari. 20.d5!±
18.h4!
18.d5 exd5 19.exd5 Nb4=
18...c4?!
18...Rac8 19.h5 cxd4 20.Bxd4 (20.exd4? b4 21.Bxb4 (21.Be1? Nxd4!) 21...Nxb4 22.hxg6 Qc2+
23.Qxc2 Rxc2 24.gxf7+ Kxf7³) 20...Nxd4 21.exd4 gxh5 22.Rxh5 g6 23.Rhh1 Kg7 24.Qe3 Rh8²
19.Qc2 b4 20.Be1

47
20...c3?!
"This looks natural but now I can not force open the queenside so easily." - Harikrishna." 20...b3!?
21.Qxc4 bxa2+ 22.Ka1 Rab8 was perhaps better. 23.h5 Qb6 24.Qxa2 g5 25.Rc1 (25.h6 Nb4
26.Bxb4 Qxb4 27.hxg7 Rfc8!=) 25...Nb4 26.Bxb4 Qxb4= "
21.h5 g5 22.e5 b3 23.Qxc3 "
23.axb3 Nb4 24.Qxc3 Qa5³, and 23.Qxb3 cxb2³ are both bad for White, " said Harikrishna.
23...bxa2+ 24.Ka1 Bb4 25.Qc2 Bxe1 26.h6?

Going all-out for the win, but Wojtaszek has missed an important detail.

48
"After 26.Rdxe1! Rfc8, I thought I had good compensation for the pawn," said Hari, "but I could not
prove it later against my computer!" 27.Rc1±
26...Rfc8! "I was really happy with this move, and I think he missed it."
"26...Bh4 27.g3 Rfc8 (27...Qb6! 28.gxh4 Na5 29.Rd3 Rab8 30.Bd1 Rfc8 31.Rc3 Qd8=) 28.gxh4² is a
mess. My main idea is to get my queen to ...b6 and knight to a5-b3, but it is not that easy, I think."
28...Qb6?! 29.Rc1 Na5?? 30.h7++-
27.Rdxe1 A sad necessity.
"27.hxg7 Bh4 28.g3 Qb6! is completely lost for White," explained Harikrishna, "e.g. 29.Qe4 Rab8
30.Rd2 and only now 30...Na5-+"
27...Nb4! 28.Qxc7 Rxc7 29.hxg7!?
"On 29.Rd1 I simply reply 29...gxh6 30.Rxh6 Rac8 and White has to go back," said Harikrishna.
31.Rhh1 Kg7µ
29...Nc2+ 30.Kxa2 Nxe1 31.Rh8+ Kxg7 32.Rxa8 Nxg2µ 33.Rxa6 Nxe3 34.Ra3 "I had calculated
this far when playing 26...Rfc8. White's king is badly placed on a2 and the knight on e3 is doing a
great job."
34...Nf5
34...Nc2! 35.Rg3 (35.Ra4 Rd7) 35...f6 36.exf6+ Kxf6 37.Rf3+ Ke7µ
35.Rd3 Rd7 36.d5?†
36.b4! Rxd4 37.b5 was a serious try for counterplay although, with little time left, Wojtaszek believed
the text move offered better practical chances. Unluckily for him, Harikrishna's first big decision
comes after the time control at move 40 has been reached. 37...Re4 38.Bh5! (38.Rd2 Nd4 39.Bd3
Rxe5 (39...Nxb5 40.Bxb5 Rxe5³) 40.b6 Nc6µ) 38...Rxe5 (38...Nd4 39.b6 Nc6 40.Rb3! Rxe5 41.b7
Nb8 42.Bf3! f5 43.Ra3 g4 44.Bg2! Re2+ 45.Kb1 Rd2 46.Rc3! Rd8 47.Rc8 Rf8 48.Kc2 f4 49.Be4 f3
50.Kd2 f2 51.Bg2=) 39.b6 Rb5 40.Rb3 Ra5+ 41.Ra3 Rxa3+ 42.Kxa3 Nd6 43.Kb4 Kf6 44.Kc5 Ke7
45.Bf3 f5 46.b7 Nxb7+ 47.Bxb7=
36...Rxd5 37.Rxd5 exd5 38.b4

49
38...Nd4!-+ "I knew that if I could have three pawns to one, it must be winning," said Harikrishna -
although it turns out that Black prevails by a single tempo.
39.Bg4 Nc6 40.b5
"If 40.e6 then 40...fxe6 41.Bxe6 Kf6!-+ is winning," explained Harikrishna.
40...Nxe5 41.b6 Kf6!
"An important move. If 41...Nc6? 42.Bf3! and I am not sure if Black can win any more," said
Harikrishna. 42...Nb8 43.Bxd5 f5 44.Kb3 Kf6 45.b7 Ke5 46.Kc4 g4 47.Kc5 f4 48.Bc6 f3 49.Kb6=
42.b7 Nc6 43.Ka3 Ke5 44.Ka4 Kd6 45.Kb5 Kc7 46.Kc5 Ne7! 47.b8=Q+ Kxb8 48.Kd6 f5!
49.Bd1 g4 0-1

50
 Radosław Wojtaszek vs Pentala Harikrishna, Biel 2020; Photo by Biel International Chess Festival

Studer, Noel (2580) - Adams, Michael (2701)

Biel, 2020

51
After a highly theoretical opening, the game has been drifting towards a draw, until Studer unwisely
decided to "do something"...
25.e4!?
25.Bxc7 Rxc7 26.e4= (26.Ra1=)
25...dxe4 26.Nxe4?
26.Bxc7! Rxc7 27.Nxe4=
26...Nb5! 27.Qd2
27.Qd1 Ra4µ
27...Ra2 28.Rb2
28.Qd1 Qa4µ
28...Rxb2 29.Qxb2 Qa4! 30.Nc3 At first sight White has solved all his problems, but Adams has
seen further.
30.Nxf6+ Nxf6 31.Bf4 Nd5 32.Be3 f5!µ
30...Qb4! 31.Nxb5 Nxc5!! 32.Qa2 Nxb3 33.Qa8+ Kh7 34.Qxc6 Hoping for a 4 versus 3 endgame
should Black grab the d4-pawn. Adams chooses a more challenging plan.
34...Qe1+! 35.Kh2 Nd2 36.Qc2+ g6 37.h4 Qe2!?
37...Nf1+ 38.Kh3 Nxg3 39.Kxg3 Kg7µ
38.Qc6? Now White loses by force.
38.Kh3 was necessary when Black has 38...h5! after which 39.Qc1! offers greatest resistance, Now
Black has a choice of ways to win the d4-pawn but none of them lead to a clear technical win, e.g.
(whereas the more obvious 39.f3?! can be met by 39...Nxf3! 40.Qxe2 Ng1+ 41.Kh2 Nxe2 leaving
White hopelessly placed, a pawn down and with the d4-pawn still a worry.) 39...Qxb5 (39...Bxd4
40.Nxd4 Qg4+ 41.Kh2 Qxd4 42.f3 is probably impossible to win.) 40.Qxd2 Qd7 41.Kh2 Qd5 Black
needs to keep the queens on the board since (41...Qxd4 42.Qxd4 Bxd4 43.Kg1 e5 44.Kf1 is a
technical draw.) 42.Qb4 Bxd4 43.Qe7 Kg7 44.Bd6 Qf5 45.f3 when it is still not easy for Black to
make progress.
38...h5! 39.Nc3
39.Qd7 Nf1+ 40.Kh1 Qe1 41.Qxf7+ Bg7 42.Be5 Ne3+ 43.Kh2 Ng4+ 44.Kh3 (44.Kg3 Nxe5
45.dxe5 Qxe5+-+) 44...Nxf2+ 45.Kg3 Ng4+ 46.Kh3 Qh1+ 47.Kg3 Qh2+ 48.Kf3 Qxe5!-+
39...Nf1+ 40.Kg1 Qe1! 41.Qe4 Ne3+ 42.Kh2 Ng4+ 0-1

52
 Noël Studer vs Michael Adams, Biel 2020; Photo by Biel International Chess Festival

Covid Safe?

The Biel precautions for the Grandmaster group - perspex screens, piece and clock cleaning, hand
sanitiser, etc - were minimally intrusive but were they effective?
A doctor and member of FIDE's Medical Commission gave his opinion after the Biel tournament: "It
is impossible to say! The only way we would know if the measures were effective is if a tournament
was organised with Biel's precautions with one player already infected and see if the other players
stayed healthy - but that would not be ethical, of course."
"What I can say is that round-robin tournaments are safer than large opens, and if there is minimal
community transmission in that part of Switzerland, then the precautions seem very reasonable. So
the risk for the players in Biel would have been low."
Though I would have recommended covid tests for the players before and after the tournament, my
key question would be: what is a tournament's policy if a player has, say, a slightly high temperature
and a sore throat? Would that player be allowed to continue in the tournament? If no, that would
reduce the risk considerably - but that might be unfair if a player does not have covid. And of course
a test would take some time to come back, and the tournament cannot easily be delayed.

53
These are questions which tournament organisers of top tournaments will have to confront this year,
at least.

54
LEGENDS PLAYING THE RAGOZIN
A botanical analysis and a few notes

As part of Magnus Carlsen Invitational Tour, the "Legends

of Chess" event was a unique one: three world champions,
two challengers, and five elite players - both recent and
current ones - took part in the preliminary event after
which four participants qualified for the final stage. But
what is so unique about this event? It is not only the clash
of the "pre-Magnus era" leading players with some of
today's elite, but it is also a clash between two generations.
Those who played chess online as kids and those who have
not spent much playing chess online before!
The tournament proved a hard test for the older generation not only for its format, but also for its
demanding nature as an online event. Despite seeing good fights from middle-aged lions, it was the
young ones who prevailed with Carlsen showing his dominance once more by beating
Nepomniachtchi in the final.
I took a different angle toward this event and tried to explore the Ragozin Defence and its trending in
the online events. The legends did not disappoint at all! Here, I share four games with you, with the
last one encompassing all of Ivanchuk's effort in transforming it into a Nimzo structure. Nevertheless,
the most entertaining of these games is the one between Carlsen and Giri where the World Champion
essayed another new idea in the Ragozin. An in-depth analysis of the line is included in the game.
Dear readers, enjoy the material and stay safe!

D38
Carlsen, Magnus (2863) - Giri, Anish (2764)
chess24.com (Internet-m/2-rapid), 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Bb4 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bd2!? This idea was tried once by Grischuk in an
online event. I only found another over-the-board GM game between Li Di and Cheparinov.
6...O-O
6...dxc4 7.e3 c5 8.Bxc4 cxd4 9.Qa4+ Nc6 10.Nxd4 Qb6 (10...Bxc3? 11.Bxc3 Bd7 12.Qa3 Qe7
13.Qxe7+ Nxe7² Grischuk,Alexander 2777 - Girish,A Koushik 2498, chess.com (Internet-blitz)

55
2020. White has a solid advantage thanks to his bishop pair.) 11.Nxc6 bxc6 12.O-O O-O 13.Rfd1
White has a slight though managable edge.
6...c5

7.a3N (7.e3 cxd4 8.Qa4+ Nc6 9.Nxd4 Bd7 10.Nxc6 Bxc3 11.Bxc3 Bxc6 12.Qa5 O-O 13.Qxd8
Rfxd8 14.f3 dxc4 15.Bxc4 Rac8 16.Be2 Nd5 17.Bd2 Be8=; 7.cxd5 exd5 8.e3 Nc6 9.Be2 cxd4
10.Nxd4 Nxd4 11.exd4 O-O 12.O-O Re8 13.Bf3 Bxc3 14.Bxc3 Ne4 15.Qb3 b6 16.Rfe1 Bf5 17.a4
Rc8 18.a5 Re6 19.axb6 axb6 20.Bxe4 Rxe4 21.Rxe4 Bxe4 22.f3 Bd3 23.Re1 Bf5=) 7...Bxc3 8.Bxc3
cxd4 (8...Ne4 9.e3 Nxc3 10.bxc3 O-O 11.cxd5 Qxd5 12.Bd3 b6 (12...Nc6!?) 13.Qb1 Bb7 14.O-O
Nc6 15.Bh7+ Kh8 16.Be4 Qd6 17.Rd1 Rfd8 18.Ne5 Kg8 19.Bh7+ Kf8=) 9.Qxd4 O-O 10.Ne5 dxc4
11.e3 Nd5 12.Bxc4 Nxc3 13.Qxc3 Nd7 14.Nf3 Nb6 15.Bb3 Qf6 16.Qxf6 gxf6 17.h4 Bd7 18.Nd4
Rac8 19.Rd1 Rc5 20.Rh3 Rfc8 21.e4 Kf8 22.Re3 Ke7 23.Ne2 Ba4 24.Bxa4 Nxa4 25.Rd2 b5 26.Nd4
Rc1+ 27.Ke2 a6 28.Kf3 Nb6 29.b3 Ra1 30.Kg4 Rxa3 31.Kh5 Nd7 32.Kxh6 Ra1 33.Kg7 Rh1 34.g3
Ne5 35.Rc2 Rxc2 36.Nxc2 Rh2 37.f4 Ng4 38.Rc3 Nf2 39.Nb4 Nxe4 40.Rd3 Nd6 41.Nc6+ Kd7
42.Nb8+ Ke7 43.Nc6+ Kd7 44.Ne5+ Ke7 45.Nc6+ 1/2 : 1/2 Li,Di 2529 - Cheparinov,Ivan 2679,
China 2019;
6...Be7!? is definitely a move to consider! 7.g3!? and a new form of Catalan can be practiced as well.
(7.Bf4 and here we have a transposition to the Queen's Gambit Declined when White plays Bg5-h6
and then drops the bishop back to f4.)
7.g4!?N This has has its own merit, as it was a good enough shock to throw Giri off. Giri had at least
two reasonably obvious choices.
7.a3; 7.c5; 7.cxd5; 7.e3
7...Bxc3?! A step in the wrong direction.

56
More principled was 7...c5 We will have a lot of transpositions to the line with dc4, but I keep the
analysis the same in both lines. 8.g5 hxg5 9.Bxg5 dxc4 10.Rg1 cxd4 11.Nxd4 Qa5!? A standard
move for these kind of positions! (11...Be7?! 12.e3 e5 13.Ndb5 a6 14.Bxf6 Bxf6 15.Nd6 Be7
16.Nxc4 Qxd1+ 17.Rxd1 Nc6 18.Nd5 and White is more comfortable.; You do not want to play this
move, but engines care for your fear. 11...g6 12.e3 e5 13.Nb5 Qb6 14.Bxc4 Bf5 15.a3 Bxc3+
16.Nxc3 Rc8 17.Qb3 Qxb3 18.Bxb3 Nbd7 19.Rd1 Kg7 20.e4 Rxc3! 21.bxc3 Bxe4©; 11...e5 12.Nc6
(12.Nb5 Qb6 13.Bxf6 Qxf6 14.Nc7 Rd8 15.Qc1 Nc6 16.Nxa8 Nd4 17.Rg3 Bc5 18.Nd5 Bb4+
19.Nc3=) 12...Qxd1+ 13.Rxd1 Nxc6 14.Bxf6 g6 15.Bg2 Be7 16.Bxe7 Nxe7 17.h4 Be6 18.h5 Kg7
19.hxg6 Nxg6 20.Bxb7 Rab8 21.Bd5=) 12.Qc2 Ne8 13.Rg3 Nd7 14.O-O-O Ndf6 15.Bd2© White
has a clear attacking plan. Practically speaking, this is not an advisable line for Black.
7...dxc4 This is definitely a path to choose! 8.Rg1

(8.a3?! is way too slow. 8...Bxc3 9.Bxc3 Nd5 10.Rg1 Nc6 11.g5 (11.Qc2 b5!? (11...Qe8 12.g5 h5
13.g6 e5 14.dxe5 fxg6 15.O-O-O Nxc3 16.Qxc3 Be6 17.Ng5 Kh8∞)) 11...Nxc3 12.bxc3 h5 13.g6
fxg6 14.Qc2 Rf6 15.Ne5 Nxe5 16.dxe5 Rf5 17.Bh3 Rxe5 18.Qxg6 Qe7 19.f4 Rd5 20.Rb1 Rb8
21.Bg2 Qh4+ 22.Qg3 Qxg3+ 23.hxg3 Rd6 and White does not have enough compensation for the
two sacrificed pawns.; 8.e3?! b5!? 9.g5 hxg5 10.Nxg5 Bb7 11.Rg1 c5 12.a3 Ba5 13.Nxb5 a6
14.Bxa5 Qxa5+ 15.Nc3 Rd8 16.Bxc4 cxd4 17.exd4 Nc6 18.Qf3 Rxd4 19.Be2 Qe5³; 8.g5 hxg5
9.Bxg5 c5 (9...e5!? Another interesting choice! 10.Nxe5 Nc6 11.Nxc6 bxc6 12.Qd2 Rb8 13.Rg1 Re8
14.Qf4 Nd5 15.Bxd8 Bxc3+ 16.bxc3 Nxf4 17.Bxc7 Nd3+ 18.Kd1 Nxf2+ 19.Ke1 Nd3+=) 10.Rg1
cxd4 11.Nxd4 e5 12.Nb5 (12.Nc6 Nxc6 13.Qxd8 Rxd8 14.Bxf6 Be7 15.Rxg7+ Kf8 16.Bxe7+ Kxe7
17.Bg2 Be6=) 12...Qb6!? 13.Bxf6 Qxf6 14.Nc7 Rd8 15.Qc1 Nc6 16.Nxa8 Nd4 17.Rg3™ (17.Nc7
Bf5 18.Bg2 Qh4! 19.Nd5 Bc5 20.e3 Nc2+ 21.Kf1 Bd3+ 22.Ne2 Rd6 and White run out of moves!
23.b3

57
23...Rf6!! 24.Nxf6+ Qxf6-+ White is hopeless against the capture on e3.) 17...Bc5 18.e3 (18.Ne4
Bb4+ 19.Nc3=) 18...Nf3+) 8...c5 (8...Bxc3?! 9.bxc3 Ne4 10.g5 h5 11.g6 fxg6 (11...f5?

12.Bg5! An engine approved threat! 12...Qd5 13.e3 (13.Rc1 For some reasons incomprehensible to
me, engines prefer this move, while the immediate 13.e3 wins in a very human way! Maybe depth 46-
47 of Stockfish is just not good enough! 13...f4 14.e3 Nxg5 (14...fxe3 15.Bxe3 Nc6 16.Ng5 Nf6
17.Nf7 Bd7 18.Qe2 Ne7 19.Rg5 Qe4 20.f3 Qh4+ 21.Kd2 b5 (21...Nxg6 22.Rxg6 Kxf7 23.Rg3 Nh7
Otherwise Bg5. 24.Qg2 Rg8 25.Bxc4+- and Black is hopeless against White's attack.) 22.Rg3! Nxg6
23.Bg5 Qxg3 24.hxg3 Rxf7 25.Bg2±) 15.Nxg5 f3 16.Nf7+- Followed by Rg5.) 13...Nxc3 14.Qc2
Qa5 15.Bxc4 Nc6 16.Rc1 Nxa2+ 17.Nd2 Nxc1 18.Qd1 Ne2 19.Kxe2 f4 20.exf4 Nxd4+ 21.Kf1
(21.Ke1?? Qc3-+) 21...Nf5 22.Qxh5 Nh6 23.Qe2 Qb6 A great example of total domination. 24.Nf3

58
Bd7 25.Ne5 Ba4 26.Bxh6 gxh6 27.Ng4+-; 11...f6?! 12.Qc2 Qd5 13.Bf4 Nc6 (13...e5?? 14.dxe5
Nxf2 15.Kxf2 fxe5 16.e4 Qb5 17.Rb1 Qa6 18.Be3+-) 14.Bxc7 Ne7 15.Nd2! Nxd2 16.Bg2 Qd7
17.Bf4±; 11...Qf6!? The position is probably losing(!) but this move has some practical value and
must be analysed. 12.Qb1! Nxd2 13.Kxd2 Nd7 14.gxf7+ Rxf7 15.Ng5! (15.Qe4?! Surprisingly, not
effective enough. White only achieves a better endgame here! 15...e5 (15...Qf4+ - this is too slow.
16.Qxf4 Rxf4 17.Bh3 Nf6 18.Ne5! Rxf2 19.Rg6! Rxh2 20.Rag1 Ne8 21.Bg2 h4 22.Ke3 h3 23.Be4+-
) 16.Ng5 Qf4+ 17.Qxf4 Rxf4

18.e4! b5 19.Ke3 Rg4 20.Rxg4 hxg4 21.a4 c6 22.d5! White destroys Black's pawns. 22...bxa4
23.dxc6 Nb6

59
24.Rb1! You may be surprised by the number of diagrams in this botanical analysis. However, I find
each of these diagrams highly educational and helpful for players who wish to become titled players.
24...a3 25.Rb5 Kf8 (25...a5?? 26.Rxb6 and Bc4 wins.) 26.Ra5 a6 27.f4! exf4+ 28.Kxf4 Ke7 29.e5
Rb8 30.Rxa3 Nd5+ 31.Ke4 Nc7 32.Bxc4 With a better endgame for white.) 15...Qh6 (15...Qf4+
16.Kd1! Nf6 17.Nxf7 Ne4 18.Nh6+ Kh8 19.e3 Qxf2 20.Qxe4 Qxg1 21.Kd2 gxh6 22.Bd3 Qf2+
23.Be2 Qf5 24.Qg2 Bd7 25.Rg1 Qf6 26.Qxb7+- And White will collect all of Black's pawns, one at
a time! The black king is permanently weakened and cannot find a safe haven anywhere.) 16.f3 Nb6
17.e3 Rf5 18.f4 c5 19.Bh3 (19.Qe4 Engines show a winning line with this active queen move as well,
but I found it very hard to comment on any of the moves in this line! Bh3 makes more sense.)
19...cxd4 20.Bxf5 exf5 21.Qb4 dxe3+ (21...d3 22.Qe7 Qf6 23.Qe8+ Qf8 24.Qxh5+-; 21...Qc6
22.Qe7 Qd7 23.Qe5 dxc3+ 24.Ke2 Qd2+ 25.Kf1 Qd3+ (25...Bd7 26.Ne4+-) 26.Kf2 Qd2+ 27.Kg3
Bd7 28.Rad1 Qe2 29.Qe7 c2 30.Rc1 Nd5 31.Qf7+ Kh8 32.Qxd5+-) 22.Ke1 Bd7 23.Rd1 Bc6
24.Rd6 Nd5 25.Qc5+-) 12.Qc2 Nxd2 (12...Qd5?? 13.Ne5! Rxf2 14.Be3 Rf6 (14...Rxf1+ 15.Rxf1
Bd7

16.O-O-O! Be8 (16...b5 17.Rf4+-; 16...Nc6 17.Nxd7) 17.Rf4 Nd6 18.Nxg6+-) 15.Bg2+-) 13.Kxd2!
Rf6 14.Rxg6 Nc6 15.Rxf6 Qxf6 16.Qe4!² Preventing e5 and exerting annoying pressure on Black's
kingside after Bh3. Despite the extra pawn, Black will go through a long suffering from this point
onward.) 9.g5 hxg5 10.Bxg5 cxd4 11.Nxd4 e5 12.Nb5 and we have arrived again at the familiar
position!
8.Bxc3 Ne4 9.Qc2 c5 Giri is handling it just fine. But this move is actually helping White to achieve
the ideal game plan - sharp play! I know that we advise our students and players to counter flank
attacks in the centre, but in this case the c5 central counter-play opens the eye of the bishop on c3.
9...Nd7 10.h4 b6 11.g5 h5 12.Bg2 Bb7 would have kept things under control for Black. 13.O-O Re8
14.Rac1 Nf8∞

60
10.dxc5 b6?! Giri plays too principled and conservative.
11.g5 However, Carlsen's response is also principled.
11.Bg2 bxc5 12.Rd1 is definitely one way to go, but Carlsen wants blood!
11...hxg5?? Surprisingly, this is almost a losing blunder.
11...h5 12.g6 Nc6 was called for, with a crazy position where White has a slight edge.
12.h4! g4 13.Ng5 A typical response.
13...f5

14.Bg2? This is a waste of time.

14.O-O-O!! Nxf2 (14...Nc6 15.e3 bxc5 16.cxd5 exd5 17.Bc4+-) 15.Bg2 Nxh1 16.Bxh1+- White is
totally dominant!
14...bxc5 15.O-O-O Nxg5
15...Nc6 would have kept Giri in the game.
16.hxg5 Qxg5+ 17.Kb1 Nd7 18.cxd5 Nb6 19.dxe6 Bxe6 20.Bxa8 Rxa8 The game is over, and the
rest is easy for Carlsen.
21.Qd2 Qg6 22.Qd6 f4+ 23.Ka1 Rf8 24.Qe5
24.Rh8+ This would have been nice. 24...Kxh8 25.Qxf8+ Kh7 26.Rh1+ Qh6 27.Qxg7#
24...g3 25.fxg3 Nc4 26.Qh5 Qxh5 27.Rxh5 Ne3 28.Rg1 Bf5 29.b3 fxg3 30.Rxg3 Bg4 31.Rxc5 Rf1+
32.Kb2 Nd1+ 33.Ka3 Nxc3 34.Rxg4 1-0

61
The verdict: Our analysis shows that the line offers a lot of play and original ideas in the Ragozin. If
you are up for the task to combat the Ragozin with an off-beat choice, this is one of the ways to go!

D38
Carlsen, Magnus (2863) - Anand, Viswanathan (2753)
chess24.com (Internet-m/3-rapid), 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Bb4 5.Qa4+ Carlsen chose a different path against Anand. This
was already the third game of the match, so probably he did not want to risk as much as he did in his
first game against Giri. Also, his off-beat line had already been seen by Anand.
5...Nc6 6.e3!? A topical line!
6...O-O 7.Qc2 Re8 8.Bd2 Bf8 9.a3
9.Be2 and 9.Rd1 are the other two alternatives.
9...e5!? There is no abundance of theory in this line, even though it is well-known among the
Ragozin players. There are several top level games in this position.
10.dxe5
10.cxd5?? loses to 10...Nxd4 11.exd4 exd4+ 12.Ne2 Qxd5 13.Qd3 c5 14.O-O-O Ne4 15.Nc3 Nxc3
16.bxc3 c4 17.Qxc4 Bf5 18.Re1 dxc3 19.Rxe8 Rxe8 20.Qxd5 Bxa3+ 21.Kd1 c2#

0 : 1 Spalir,Jernej 2336 - Diermair,Andreas 2472, Deutschlandsberg 2018

10...Nxe5 11.cxd5
11.Nxe5 Rxe5 12.cxd5 Nxd5 13.e4 Nxc3 14.Bxc3 Re8 15.Bd3 Qg5 16.O-O Bd6 17.e5! (17.Rae1 is
only slightly better for White, though in this game White missed his chances to win. 17...Bf4 18.e5

62
Qh5 19.g3 Bh3 20.Be2 Qg5 21.Kh1 Rad8 22.Bd3 Qh5 23.Be2 Qg5 24.Bd3 Qh5 1/2 : 1/2
Fier,Alexandr 2580 - Swayams,Mishra 2447, Llucmajor 2018) 17...Bxe5 18.Rae1 Bh3 19.Bxh7+ Kf8

20.f4! Bxf4 21.Rxe8+ Rxe8 22.Rxf4! Qxf4 23.Bb4+ Re7 24.Qc5 Qd6 25.gxh3 Ke8 26.Qxd6 cxd6
27.Bd3±
11...Nxf3+ 12.gxf3 Nxd5 13.h4!?N
13.Bd3 This position occurred in two high profile games, and once in a correspondence game. The
arising positions are not that promising for White. 13...Nxc3 14.Bxc3 Qh4 15.O-O-O g6!? (15...Be6
16.Rhg1 (16.f4 Rad8 17.Rhg1 f6 18.Rg3 Kh8 19.Qe2 (19.Rdg1 Qh5 20.Qe2 Qxe2 21.Bxe2 a6
22.Bf3 Rb8 23.Bh5 Re7 (23...Red8? 24.e4 b5 25.f5 Bc4 26.e5±) 24.Bg4 Bxg4 25.Rxg4 Rd7 26.R4g2
(26.Bxf6? h5) 26...h6=) 19...a6 20.Rdg1 b5 21.Be4 c5​→ And black attacks looks daunting -
Kriksciunas,Bronislavas - Jones, Kenneth, corr 2017) 16...Rad8 17.Rg3 g6!? (17...Bc4? 18.Be4
Rxd1+ 19.Qxd1 Rd8 20.Qg1 Qh6 21.Kc2 b5 22.Bf5 Be2 23.b4 Rd1 24.Qg2 g6 25.f4 Qh5 26.Rg5
Qf3 27.Qxf3 Bxf3 28.Be4 Rf1 29.Bxf3 Rxf2+ 30.Kd3 Rxf3 31.Rxb5± Navara,David 2733 -
Piorun,Kacper 2634, Deutschland 2018) 18.f4 Bg7 19.f5 Rxd3! 20.Qxd3 Bxf5 21.Qxf5 gxf5
22.Rxg7+ Kf8 23.Rd7 Qc4 24.Rxh7 Qf1+ 25.Kc2 Qe2+ 26.Kb1 Qf1+=) 16.Be4 Bg7 17.Qa4 Qe7
18.Bxg7 Kxg7 19.h4 Qc5+ 20.Kb1 Bf5 All these moves are accurate and keep engines happy at
0.00. 21.h5?! - an inaccuracy. 21...b5! After this, Grischuk seized the initiative and went on to win the
game. 22.Qa6 Rxe4 23.h6+ Kf8 24.fxe4 Bxe4+ 25.Ka1 Bxh1 26.Qf6 Bc6!-+ Navara,David 2703 -
Grischuk,Alexander 2764, Hamburg (m/2) 2019 - 142/144
13...Nxc3 14.Bxc3 Qd5 15.Be2 Bf5 16.Qa4
16.e4?? Rxe4-+
16...Bd7 17.Rd1

63
17.Qf4 Bd6 18.Bc4 Qf5 19.Qg5 Be5 would not get anywhere either.

17...Qxf3!?
There is nothing wrong with 17...Bxa4 18.Rxd5 Bc6
18.Bxf3 Bxa4 19.Bxb7 Bxd1 20.Bxa8 Bg4 21.Bc6 Rd8 22.f3 Be6 23.Bd4 a6 24.Kf2 g6 25.Rc1
Bg7 26.Bxg7 Kxg7 27.Ke2 a5 28.a4 Kh6 29.Rc5 Rb8 30.Kf2 Rxb2+ 31.Kg3 Rb6 32.Bd5 Bxd5
33.Rxd5 Rb4 34.Rxa5 c5 35.Rxc5 Rxa4 36.e4 Kg7 37.Rc7 Ra5 38.Rd7 Rb5 39.Rc7 Ra5 40.Rd7 Rb5
41.Rc7 Ra5 1/2-1/2
Verdict: It seems that Black has figured out how to neutralise White's play in this line.

D38
Gelfand, Boris (2676) - Leko, Peter (2663)
chess24.com (Internet-m/2-rapid), 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Bb4 5.Qa4+!? Gelfand also gave this line a try.
5...Nc6 6.e3 O-O 7.Bd2!? dxc4 8.Bxc4 Bd6 9.Qc2 e5 So far players follow the mainline.
10.dxe5 Nxe5 11.Nxe5 Bxe5

64
12.O-O!? A rare choice.
12.f4 Bxc3 13.Bxc3 Ng4! 14.Bd4 c5 15.Bxc5 Re8 16.O-O Nxe3 17.Bxe3 Rxe3 18.Qf2N (18.f5)
18...Re4! (18...Re8?! 19.Rad1 (19.f5 Re5 20.Rad1 Qc7 21.f6 Bf5 22.b3 Bg6 23.fxg7 b5=) 19...Qc7
20.Rc1 Qd6 21.f5 Re5! (21...Qf6? 22.Bb3! Bd7 23.Rc7 Re7 24.Rxb7± Andreikin,Dmitry 2724 -
Carlsen,Magnus 2872, Moscow (blitz) 2019) 22.f6 Be6=; 18...Qb6 19.Rfe1 Rxe1+ 20.Rxe1 Qxf2+
21.Kxf2 (21.Kh1?? Qxe1+-+) 21...Kf8 22.Rc1 Bf5 23.Bb3 Rc8 24.Rxc8+ Bxc8 25.Ke3 Ke7
26.Kd4 b6 27.Bd5 f6 28.g3 Kd6 29.a3 h6 30.b4 Bd7 1/2 : 1/2 Abasov,Nijat 2632 -
Anand,Viswanathan 2765, Douglas 2019) 19.Rad1 (1/2 : 1/2 Straka,Zdenek - Sasikiran,Krishnan, corr
2018/19) 19...Qf6 20.Bd5 Re7 21.f5 Bd7 22.Qd4 Rae8 23.Qxf6 gxf6 24.Rf4 Re1+ 25.Rxe1 Rxe1+
26.Kf2 Rd1=
12...b6N
12...Qe7 13.f4 Bxc3 14.Bxc3 Qe4!?N (14...Be6?N 15.Bd3 Bd5 16.Bxf6 Qxe3+ 17.Kh1 gxf6
18.Rae1 Qb6 (18...Qh3 19.Kg1 Qh6 20.Re3±) 19.Qd1!+- (19.Bxh7+ Kg7 20.Be4 Bxe4 21.Qxe4
Rfe8 22.Qf3 Rxe1 23.Rxe1 Qxb2 24.Qg4+ Kf8 25.Qh4 Kg7 26.Qg4+ Kf8= Alonso Rosell,Alvar
2559 - Hammer,Jon Ludvig 2652, Pro Chess League (Internet-rapid) 2019); 14...Qxe3+ 15.Kh1 Qb6
16.Rf3 Bd7 (16...Re8) 17.a4N Kh8 18.b4 Be6 19.Bd3 Nd5 20.f5 Nxc3 21.fxe6 Nd5 22.Bxh7 fxe6
23.Rh3 Nf4 24.Rh4 Qe3 25.Be4+ Kg8 26.g3 Nd5 27.Bxd5 exd5 28.Qh7+ Kf7 29.Qf5+ Ke7
30.Qxd5 Qf3+ 31.Qxf3 Rxf3 32.Re1+ Kf7 33.Kg2 Rc3 34.Rd4 Rf8 35.h4 Kg8 36.Re5 Rff3 1/2 : 1/2
Tarrio Ocana,Francisco - Schaub,Jean-Paul, corr 2019/20) 15.Bd3 Qxe3+ 16.Kh1 Qb6 17.h3
(17.Be5!? Qc6 18.Qxc6 bxc6 19.Bxc7 a5 20.Rac1 Nd5 21.Be5 Rd8 22.Be2 Ba6∞) 17...h6 (17...Bd7
18.Rad1 Rad8 19.Kh2 Rfe8 20.Rf3 1/2 : 1/2 Tauber,Hans - Biedermann,Thomas, corr 2019/20)
18.Be5 Nd5 19.Rf3 f6 20.Qc4 fxe5 21.Qxd5+ Kh8 22.Qxe5 Bd7 23.Rg3 Qf6 24.Qe4 Bf5 25.Qxb7
Bxd3 26.Rxd3 Rab8 27.Qxa7 Rxb2 28.Qc5 Rb5 29.Qc1 Qxf4 30.Qxf4 Rxf4 31.a4 Ra5 1/2 : 1/2
Rodriguez Fraga,Yoandy - Biedermann,Thomas, corr 2018/19;

65
12...g6;
12...c6
13.f4 Bxc3 Leko is mixing up two ideas here. Yet, it somewhat works fine.
13...Bd6 14.Be2 (14.e4? Ng4 15.Na4 Be7µ and Qd4 is hard to meet.) 14...Bc5 15.Bf3 Rb8 16.Rfe1
Bb7 17.Bxb7 Rxb7 18.Rad1 Qe7 19.h3 Re8 20.Kh2 Rbb8= White cannot push his pawns due to the
check on g4.
14.Bxc3 Bb7 15.Bd3 Re8 16.Rae1 Be4 17.Bxe4 Nxe4 18.Be5

18...Nd6?!
18...Nc5 19.Rd1 Qe7 was a bit simpler.
19.e4 Qe7 20.Rd1 f6 21.Bxd6 cxd6 22.Rd4 Rac8 23.Qd3 Rc6 24.h3² White is slightly better.
Leko managed to equalise but later lost in time pressure.
The verdict: Equal, but requires a lot of in-depth memorisation from the black side of this line.

E51
Ivanchuk, Vassily (2678) - Giri, Anish (2764)
chess24.com (Internet-m/4-rapid), 2020

1.Nf3 d5 2.d4 Nf6 3.c4 e6 4.Nc3 Bb4 Ivanchuk dabbled with the idea of acquiring the bishop pair
and playing a Nimzo style pawn structure with doubled c-pawns. However, it seems that this idea is
barely yielding any fruitful prospects for White. At least the way it turned out in this game!
5.e3
5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 dxc4?! Anand takes some risk to avoid the main line. (6...O-O 7.e3 c5 is what

66
Ivanchuk was after Dumitrache,Dragos Nicolae 2455 - Monroy,Charles 2408, Guingamp 2007 -
99/388) 7.e3 Qd5?!N (7...c5; 7...O-O; 7...Nc6) 8.Nd2 O-O 9.Nxc4 b6 (9...c5 10.f3 cxd4 11.cxd4
Nc6 12.Bd3 b6 13.Bb2 Ba6 14.e4 Qb5 15.a4 Qh5 16.Ne3 Bxd3 17.Qxd3 Rad8 18.Qc4 Na5 19.Qb5
with more than just a slight advantage.) 10.f3 c5 11.e4 Qc6 12.Be3 (12.Ne5 Qc7 13.Bf4 Nh5 14.Be3
is more promising.) 12...Ba6 13.Rc1 Rd8 14.Be2 Qc7 15.O-O Nc6 16.Qd2 would have mainatained
Ivanchuk's undeniable advantage. (16.Qa4?! Na5 17.Rfe1 Bxc4 18.Bxc4 Nxc4 19.Qxc4 Rac8
20.Red1 cxd4 21.Qxc7 Rxc7 22.cxd4 Rdc8= Ivanchuk,Vassily 2678 - Anand,Viswanathan 2753,
chess24.com (Internet-m/1-rapid) 2020)
5...O-O 6.a3 Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 c5 8.Bb2!? b6
8...Qa5 This time Anand chose an interesting and well-prepared idea. Apparently, he is not dabbling
here. 9.Nd2! White needs to undo the pin. 9...cxd4 (9...Qc7 Olafsson,Fridrik 2550 - Sosonko,
Gennadi 2505, Wijk aan Zee 1976 - 21/520) 10.cxd4 Bd7! 11.Bd3 (11.Rc1 Rc8 12.Qb3 (12.Bd3 dxc4
13.Bxc4 Ba4 14.Qe2 Ne4 15.f3 Nd6=) 12...Nc6 13.Bd3 Qd8! 14.O-O Na5 15.Qb4 Nxc4 16.Nxc4
dxc4 17.Bxc4 a5 18.Qb3 Ne4 19.Rc2 a4 20.Qb4 b5 21.Bd3 Rxc2 22.Bxc2 Bc6 and Black should be
safe after rerouting the knight on e4 to c4, or Qh4 in case of Rc1) 11...dxc4 12.Bxc4

12...Bb5!N White does not have much without the two bishops. (12...Ne4) 13.Bxb5 Qxb5 14.Qb3
Qxb3 (¹14...Qa6) 15.Nxb3 Nbd7 16.Ke2 Rfc8 17.Rhc1 Nd5 18.a4 f5 19.a5 Kf7 20.f3 b6 21.axb6
axb6 22.g3 Rxa1 23.Nxa1 Rxc1 24.Bxc1 e5 25.dxe5 Nxe5 26.Bb2 Nc6 27.Nb3 g6 28.Nd2 b5 29.e4
Nb6 30.exf5 gxf5 31.g4 Nc4 32.Nxc4 bxc4 33.Ke3 Kg6 34.h4 fxg4 35.fxg4 h5 36.gxh5+ Kxh5
37.Bf6 Nb4 38.Kd4 c3 39.Kxc3 Nd5+ 40.Kb2 Nxf6 41.Ka1 Kxh4 1/2 : 1/2 Ivanchuk,Vassily 2678
- Anand,Viswanathan 2753, chess24.com (Internet-m/3-rapid) 2020
9.cxd5 exd5 10.c4!? Ivanchuk plays for an open position, capitalising on his bishop pair.
10...cxd4?N

67
10...Ba6 11.dxc5 dxc4 12.Qxd8 Rxd8 13.Rc1 Nfd7 14.cxb6 Nxb6 15.h4 Nc6 16.h5 Na4 and Black's
activity should suffice to maintain equality.
10...Nbd7
11.Nxd4 Re8? 12.Rc1?! The first inaccuracy.
12.cxd5 Qxd5 (12...Nxd5 13.Bc4 Ba6

(13...Nf6 14.Qf3 Ba6 15.Bxa6 Nxa6 16.Nf5 Nc5 17.O-O+- and the threats along the a1-h8 diagonal
are decisive.) 14.Nf5!! Bxc4 (14...Nf6 15.Nxg7! Qxd1+ 16.Rxd1 Kxg7 17.Bd5; 14...Nxe3
15.Nxe3+-) 15.Qg4 g6 16.Nh6+ Kf8 17.Qxc4+-) 13.Nb5! Qg5 14.Qf3 Ne4 15.Bc4+-
12...Bg4 13.f3 Bd7 14.Kf2?! Too artistic. Now most of White's advantage is gone.
14.Qd2±
14...Qe7 15.Qd2 Na6 16.Bd3?!
16.Nb3 dxc4 17.Bxc4²
16...Nc5 Now the knight enters the game with a tempo.
17.Bb1 dxc4 18.Rxc4 Rad8

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19.Qe2??
19.Rcc1 was the only way to go.
19...Nd5 Suddenly, Black is winning!
20.e4 Nf4 21.Qe3 Bb5
21...Qg5 22.g3 Nh3+ 23.Ke2 Qh5 24.Rb4 Nxe4 25.Bxe4 Rxe4 26.Qxe4 Re8-+ is a nice and
important sequence to see!
22.Qxf4? Again!
22...Bxc4 23.Nf5 Qd7 24.Bxg7 Qd2+ 25.Qxd2 Rxd2+ 26.Kg3 Re6?? - and Giri returns the favour.
26...Red8 27.Rc1 Bb3 28.Bh6 Rd1-+
27.Bc3 Rg6+ 28.Kh4 Rdxg2 29.Ne7+ Kf8 30.Nxg6+ hxg6 31.Kh3 Rg5 32.Kh4 Rg2 33.Kh3 Rg5
34.Kh4 Rg2 1/2-1/2
Verdict: There is a lot of potential in this line for White, as the games and their qualities do not
thoroughly represent its complete importance. I am sure that we will see more of this line in the
future!

69
Legendary Technique in The Legends of Chess

Introduction

We start each decade with the belief and hope that it will
be better than the previous one. In the beginning of 2020 I
doubt anyone could have predicted the uncertainty we are
living today with the COVID-19 situation taking over the
Globe. For me personally last year was a bad year on a
professional level, but looking back now, I would be happy
to have the chance to go back in time and relive my exact
same mistakes.
But, enough about complaining. You know there is this
saying that "Humans plan and God laughs". I think it is important not to dwell on the past, but find a
way to make the best of the present. I am impressed to see the continuous growth of the chess
community and how it has been able to find a way to continue its process of improvement through
hardships.
I think, you will agree when I say that we have all been able to enjoy the top events continuing online.
I have been particularly excited by the spotlight the chess24 platform has managed to bring to the
chess world with the start of the Magnus Carlsen Chess Tour. I really enjoyed commenting on the
first event of the Tour discussing pawn breaks, and now I was happy to continue on a similar path
from another event from the Tour.
For this article I chose to look the the fourth stage, namely - "The Legends of Chess". As the name
suggests, the invited players for the event were a few of the top players who were joined by Magnus'
predecessors including two former World Champions, Vishy Anand and Vladimir Kramnik.
"The Legends of Chess" event consisted of two stages, a 10-player preliminary round-robin event
which was a qualifier to a top 4 player knock-out event. Each event consisted of mini matches. The
time control was 15 minutes with a 10-second increment. Much like in my previous article on the first
event in the series, with so many good games to choose from and taking out the time element (of
course with less time on the clock it is easier to make mistakes), I decided to focus on positions where
chess technique played an important role in the result of the game. Finding the right plan to improve a
position is much easier said than done. Knowing you are better is of course not enough, you have to
find the right continuation without giving too much counter-play to your opponent.

70
As a kid, I have often heard my dad remind me that I have to be careful not to give too much
counterplay to my opponent when having a better position, but of course it is always much easier said
than done. Technical play does not necessary mean that you have a better position you are supposed
to convert, it could be finding the right plan to maintain a balanced position.
Without further due, let us look into my selected examples:

Leko, Peter (2663) - Anand, Viswanathan (2753)

chess24.com (Internet-m/4-rapid), 2020

This position had not occured before these two giants playing it in this event, but I had seen this
position in other games' commentary where the commentators deemed it as absolutely equal.
16.h3 Re5 17.f4
17.c4 Leko tried this in another round, but Anand managed to hold with relative ease. 17...c6!
18.bxc6 Bxc6! 19.Nxc6 bxc6 20.Bd2 Qb6 21.Qf3 Bb4! (21...a4!?„) 22.Be3 Qa6? (22...Bc5!=)
23.Rec1 Rae8 24.Bd4 R5e6 25.Nf5 Kh7 26.Rc2 Qb7 27.Rd1 Qc7 28.Re2 Bc5 29.Bc3 Bb4 30.Bxb4
axb4 31.Qg3 g6 32.Nxd6 Nxe4 33.Rxe4 Rxd6 34.Rxd6 Rxe4 35.c5 Re2 36.b3 Rc2 37.Rxg6 Qxg3
38.Rxg3 Rxc5 39.Rg4 Rc1+= Leko,Peter 2663 - Anand,Viswanathan 2753, chess24.com (Internet-
m/2-rapid) 2020
17...Bxd4+ In my opinion, this move is practically too committal. Besides, it also gives White an
unnecessary initiative. The b5-pawn can wait.
17...Re7 had to be played. I do not think Black should rush in this position, as White's attack on the
kingside is far from happening. Besides the bishop pair should be helpful in keeping White from

71
advancing too much. 18.Qf3 Qe8 19.Kh2 h5! 20.Nxh5 Nxh5 21.Qxh5 Rxe4 22.Bd2 c6!= If this is
the best White could get from this position, it would certainly be important to wait, and not give up
the dark-squared bishop too soon.
18.cxd4 Rxb5 19.Ra3

19...d5? Anand wants to build a blockade, but he misses a valuable technical concept.
19...Qe7 - engines cry for this move, but it is very counter-intuitive for humans eyes, in my opinion
20.e5 dxe5 (20...Re8 21.Kh2 a4 22.Re2 Nh7 23.Rxa4 Rd5 24.Ra3 dxe5 25.Rxe5 Rxe5 26.dxe5 Nf8
27.Qc2ƒ White is better with a long-lasting initiative.) 21.dxe5 (21.fxe5 Nd5 22.Nh5 Ra6! and the
rook will cover Black's king. White has no compensation for the sacrificed pawn.) 21...Rd5! 22.Qc2
a4 23.Rae3 Ne8 24.Kh2 Qc5 was a threat. 24...Qb4 25.Qe2© Despite the fact that the engines claim
that Black is safe, it is harder to play as Black. In my opinion one mistake could lead to a decisive
attack against Black's king.
20.e5 Ne4 21.f5! Now taking on g3 brings the a3-rook to the kingside, with a dominant attack on the
dark squares.
21...Nxg3 22.Rxg3 Bc8 Most likely a mouse-slip. The position was losing anyways.
22...Bxf5 23.Bxh6 Bg6 24.e6+-
1-0
The former World Champion, Vladimir Kramnik is known for his legendary technique. The retired
Russian legend (from over-the-board chess of course!), had a good starting run in this event and had
some shot at qualifying. However, in this game, he is slightly worse against another legend, Vassily
Ivanchuk, who has made his debut to online chess.

72
 Ivanchuk, Vassily (2678) - Kramnik, Vladimir (2753)
chess24.com (Internet-m/1-rapid), 2020

It is certainly an interesting position. Black's knights are well placed, but given that White does not
have weaknesses, White is the only one who could try to improve by taking advantage of the path
through c4-b5 to activate his king. This is the only active idea Black has to be careful about.
In this position, Black chose to play: 33...g5?, which in my opinion is rather committal. In the attempt
to create a weakness in White's camp, Black weakens his own kingside.
34.Kd2 h5 35.Kd3 h4? Kramnik overestimated his threat with h3. This move gives White's king a
golden opportunity to move toward Black's queenside pawns.
35...Ne6 would have given Black the counterplay he was searching for. 36.Kc4 Nf4 37.Bc5+ could
be another attempt to gain advantage for White, but after (37.g3 Ne2 38.Bc5+ Ke6 39.Bb6 Kd6
40.Bc5+ Ke6 41.Be3 Ncd4 42.Kd3= (The attempt for more with 42.Nc5+ could get a little scary
after 42...Kd6 43.Bxd4 Nxd4 44.f4 gxf4 45.gxf4 Nf3 - now it is White who has to be careful. The
endgame is, nevertheless, a drawish one.)) 37...Ke6 38.Kb5 Nd4+ 39.Kxa5 Nxg2 Black is active
enough to hold this position.
36.Kc4 The right choice!
36...h3 37.gxh3 Nxf3

73
38.Kb5?? The attempt to win the a pawn fast is logical, but tactically wrong.
Instead, 38.Bc5+! would lead to the win as follows:
38...Kc7 (38...Ke6 39.Kb5 Nfd4+ (39...Kd7 40.Nb6+ Kc7 41.Nd5++-) 40.Bxd4 Nxd4+ (40...exd4
41.Kxc6 d3 42.Nc5++-) 41.Kxa5 f5 42.Nc5+ Kd6 43.Kxb4 f4 44.Nd3+-) 39.Nb6! (39.Bb6+
pushing Black's king far from the f6 weakness, fails to help White progress after 39...Kd6 and now
White must repeat. (39...Kb7? 40.Kd5± Nxh2 41.Kd6 g4 42.hxg4 Nxg4 43.Bc7 Nd4 forced,
otherwise Nc5. 44.Bxa5 f5 45.Nc5+ Kc8 46.exf5 Nxf5+ 47.Ke6 Nd4+ 48.Kd5 Ne3+ 49.Ke4 Ndc2
50.Nd3!+- and both pawns will fall.)) 39...Ncd4 40.Nd5+ Kd7 41.Bb6! Ke6 42.Nc7+ Kd7 43.Bxa5
f5 44.exf5 Nxf5 45.Nd5 Nd6+ 46.Kd3 Ke6 47.Nxb4 Kf5 48.Bb6 e4+ 49.Ke3 Nxh2 50.Bc7!+-
38...Ncd4+?
38...Nd2! would have been the correct defence for Black. 39.Bc5+ Kc7 40.Bb6+ Kd6 41.Nc5 Nd4+
42.Kxa5 Kc6! 43.Na6 Nc2 44.Bd8 Nxe4 45.Nxb4+ Nxb4 46.Kxb4 Kd7 47.Bb6 Kc6 48.Bg1 f5=
and Black's pawns are fast enough to secure a draw.
39.Kxa5 Nc2 40.Nb6?!
40.Bc5+ Kc6 41.Bxb4+-
40...Kc6 41.Nd5 Nd2 42.Nxf6+- Now it is all over! The rest is a matter of "simple technique"!
42...Kd6 43.h4 gxh4 44.Bxh4 Ke6 45.Bg5 Nb1 46.Nd5 Nc3 47.Nxc3 bxc3 48.h4 Kf7 49.a4 Nd4
50.Kb4 Ne2 51.a5 c2 52.Bd2 Ng3 53.a6 Nxe4 54.Bc1 Nf6 55.a7 Nd5+ 56.Kc5 Nc7 57.Kc6 1-0

Ivanchuk, Vassily (2678) - Leko, Peter (2663)

chess24.com (Internet-m/4-rapid), 2020

74
Once again, Ivanchuk is on one side of an interesting technical position. We have a typical case:
Black is up an exchange, but he has problems finding a safe heaven for his king while struggling with
his weak pawn structure.
29...Qxg3? It seems logical to take the g3-pawn, but this move lets loose White's queen to take the
b4-pawn which led to a position with strong initiative for White, masterfully converted by Ivanchuk.
29...Qf3! would have been the correct continuation. Black needs to keep an eye on White's d1-knight
so that he maintains White's queen and bishop pair on leash! 30.Nf2 - the only attempt to improve the
worst placed piece allows (30.e5 could create some complications, but after 30...dxe5 31.dxe5 Rxe5
32.Qxb4 Bf5! Black is safe.) 30...Bd7. Now the e3-bishop is unprotected. 31.g4 d5!? Engines like
this move, though practically it weakens Black's king, so it is better to check safer and equally good
choices. (31...Kg7 seems to keep the balance as is more natural to the human eye. 32.Be2 Qg3 33.e5
d5 34.Bd3 Nxe5! 35.Bh6+ Kf7 36.dxe5 Qxe5+ 37.c3 bxc3+ 38.Qxc3 c5 and the queens will be off
the board. Black is safe!)
30.Qxb4 Bg4?? A losing blunder in a much worse position.
30...Kg7 would have been the attempt to keep the king safe, though after 31.Bc1 c5 32.Qd2 Qh4
Black is still much worse, but we have a position which would have offered good practical fighting
chances, in my opinion.
31.e5! A beautiful idea, on of those Ivanchuk would certainly not miss!
31...f5 In a difficult position, Leko chose to close White's light-square bishop, but after the text move,
White did not have much trouble converting the position.
31...Bxd1 maybe a final desperado, though after 32.Qb7+ Kh8 (32...Kg8 33.exf6+-) 33.Qxc6! Rg8

75
34.Qh1+! Qh4 35.Qxd1+- White's attack is winning, but a good technique is of course still required.
32.Qxd6± And the rest was just a matter of routine!
32...Bxd1 33.Bxf5 Rg8 34.Bd2 Bg4 35.Qe7++- Rg7 36.Qg5 Qh2 37.Bxg4 Ne7 38.Qh5+ Qxh5
39.Bxh5 Rg2 40.Bb4 Nd5 41.Bf3 Rf2 42.Bxd5 cxd5 43.Bc5 a6 44.b4 Kg6 45.a4 Kf5 46.b5 axb5
47.axb5 Ke6 48.b6 Kd7 49.Kb3 Kc6 50.c4 dxc4+ 51.Kxc4 Rf4 52.e6 Re4 53.e7 Kd7 54.b7 Kc7
55.Bd6+ Kxb7 56.Be5 1-0
I always like to choose a rook endgame for my articles. They are the most prominent endgames these
days, and certainly the toughest as well. With a little time on the clock, it is easy for anyone to make a
mistake, but I think this is what makes them the best to learn from. In this position, with the passed a-
pawn, White should be able to convert this position given Black's king being far away, but avoiding
to give Black counterplay is very important.

Svidler, Peter (2723) - Anand, Viswanathan (2753)

chess24.com (Internet-m/2-rapid), 2020

76
47.Rb6+?! Is in my opinion not the best practical choice for White. It is of course still winning, but
White does not need complications.
Instead 47.e4 trading the e-pawn with Black's f-pawn helps White maintain both his a- and h-pawns
protected and could follow with a king march to support the a-pawn to promotion. In addition, the
rook would be keeping Black's king from entering in front of his a-pawn. 47...fxe4 48.Kxe4 Kf6
49.Kd5 Ke7 50.Kc6 Kd8 51.Kb6 Kc8 52.a5 Rf3 53.h5 Rf6+ 54.Ka7 Rf7+ 55.Ka6 Rf5 56.Rb5 Rf4
57.Rb6+-
47...Kh5 48.Ra6 Rb3 49.Rd6 Ra3

77
50.Kxf5?? The mistake that loses the chance to win the game because after the text move, Black is in
time for counterplay as the game proceeded.
50.Rd4 Had to be played first. It is very important to try to keep farther away passed pawns even if it
may seem a little longer to the win, but it would be a win without couunterplay form the opponent.
50...Ra1 51.Ke5 Ra3 now 52.e4! fxe4 53.Rxe4+-

and with the rook defending both pawns on the 4th rank, White is ready to bring his king to support
his pawn to promotion. When needed the rook would cover the lateral checks.
50...Rxa4 51.e4 Ra1 52.e5 Rf1+ 53.Ke4 Kxh4 54.Rxh6+ Kg5 55.Ra6 Rb1 Anand chooses the side
check technique to make a draw.
56.Rf6 Ra1! With three files separation, draw is easily achived by lateral checks.
57.Rf2 Ra4+ 58.Kd5 Ra5+ 59.Kd6 Ra6+ 60.Kc7 Re6 61.Re2 Kf5 62.Kd7 Rxe5 63.Rxe5+ Kxe5
1/2-1/2

Carlsen, Magnus (2863) - Leko, Peter (2663)

chess24.com (Internet-m/4-rapid), 2020

78
This is one of my favorite positions that shows the domination of a bishop versus a knight and I had
to leave it for the end.
23.f3! This game is another example of Carlsen's technical ability to exploit an advantage into a full-
point. I found his technique to be flawless. I think by now it is quite obvious, he is indeed my favorite
chess player...
23...Nd6 Now trading the rooks is important and leaves Black with three weaknesses: a7, c6 and e6.
Even though these pawns are not on dark squares the whole concept actually helps White to seize
advantage thanks to the holes in Black's position.
24.Rxe6 fxe6

79
25.Qa4 Qd7 26.Qb4 Now Black will struggle finding a good place for his knight.
26...Nc8 27.Qb8 Kf7 28.Be5 It seems that keeping the pieces on light squares would save Black, but
now comes the superiority of the bishop that soon will place Black in zugzwang.
28...Kg8 29.b4! Given that Black is out of moves, White can improve his position as much as he
wants!
29...Kf7 30.a4 Ke7 31.a5! Kd8 32.a6 Now that the a7-pawn has been fixed, White can proceed with
improving his kingside as well.
32...Ke8 33.Kh2 Kf7 34.Qb7! The opportunity presented itself, so the World Champion went for the
easiest path, simplifying the position into a winning pawn endgame.
34...Ke8

80
But not before my favorite move: 35.g4! Fixing the kingside, given that Black does not have much to
do!
35...Ne7 36.Qb8+ Nc8 37.Kg3 Kd8 38.Qb7 Finally, trying to improve the knight's position, but in
vain.
38...Nd6 39.Qxd7+ Kxd7 40.Bxd6!+- The simplest way to win, and I will leave the rest to be
enjoyed by readers.
40...Kxd6 41.f4 Ke7 42.h4 Kf6 43.hxg5+
43.fxg5+ hxg5 44.h5 also wins.
43...hxg5 44.fxg5+ Kxg5 45.Kf3 Kg6 46.Kf4 Kf6 47.g5+ Kg6 48.Ke5 Kxg5 49.Kxe6 Kf4 50.Kd6
Ke4 51.Kxc6 Kxd4 52.b5 1-0
I found this to be an interesting example where Black's attack on the kingside seems to have fizzled
out, yet he finds this misterious knight trap to continue his pressure.

Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784) - Giri, Anish (2764)

chess24.com (Internet-m1/2-rapid), 2020

81
The only problem is that he fell for his own trap (Romanian expression) as after 16...Nh5 now comes
a technical decision for White: To take or not to take?! That is the question!
17.Qxh5! To take, and it seems that allowing his queen to be trapped is more of a gain than a loss as
this game showed.
17...Bg4 18.Qxg6 fxg6 19.Bxh6 A few moves later and it seems that White has not sacrificed any
material, as he won a rook, a knight and a pawn for his queen. Now his dominance over the f-file and
dark-squares lets him prevail.
19...Kd7 20.Ne3 I will let the readers to enjoy Nepo's nice technique from here on.
20...Be6 21.Rf1 Qh7 22.Bg5 Qg8 23.Rf6 a6 24.Raf1
24.d4!?
24...Re8 25.c4 b6 26.Nd5 Kc6 27.R6f2 Qg7 28.Kh2 Kb7 29.Nc3 Ra8 30.Rf6 Qg8 31.c5 Qe8
32.Nd5 dxc5 33.bxc5 bxc5 34.Rb1+ Kc8

82
35.Bh6!?
35.Rbf1
35...Kd7 36.Rb7 Bxd5 37.exd5 Kc8 38.Rb1 Kd7 39.Rbf1 Rd8 40.Rf8 Qe7 1-0
I find this to be a balanced position, but White has to play very precise to keep the equality.

Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784) - Giri, Anish (2764)

chess24.com (Internet-m2/3-rapid), 2020

23.b3? After this move the problem of the c2-pawn becomes permanent.

83
23.c3 works. 23...Rh8 24.Bd2 bxc3 25.bxc3 h5 26.c4 h4 27.Ngf1 Bxc4 28.Nxc4 d5 29.Rc3 dxc4
30.Rdc1 Qc6 31.Rxc4 Qxc4 32.Rxc4 Rxc4 33.Bg5 Rh5 34.Bxf6+ Bxf6 35.Ne3 Rc1+ 36.Kh2 Bg5
37.Nd5 Rc2 38.Kg1 and White should be able to hold after 38...Rh8 39.Qg4 Bd8 40.Qd1 Rc4
41.Qd3 Rd4 42.Qe2 Ba5 43.Qa6 Bd8 44.Qe2 and Black cannot bring his h8-rook into the game.
However, this line is much harder and less practical than the other one!;
23.c4! bxc3 (23...Bxc4?? loses to 24.Nef5++-) 24.bxc3 h5 25.c4 h4 26.Ngf1 Qc6 27.Nd5 Bxd5
28.cxd5 Qxc1! 29.Rxc1 Rxc1 30.Rd1 Rxd1 31.Qxd1 Nxe4 The position is a fortress and a more
comfortable one for Black, but White's queen activity can ensure a simple draw in the long run.
23...Rh8! A strong prophylactic move by Giri, preparing the idea h5-h4.
24.Bb2 h5 25.Ngf1 Qc6 26.Nd2 Rhd8 27.Nec4!? This pawn sacrifice does not save White, but it
does gives him some practical chances to come up with tricks.
27...Bxc4
27...Ra8! disregarding the pawn on e4 and preparing to penetrate via a-file is the best policy, but it is
not an easy find in a rapid game!
28.Nxc4 Nxe4 29.Qe3

29...Nf6?
29...d5! I think this is a very difficult decision to make in a rapid game and doubt many players would
choose to play it. 30.Nxe5 (30.Bxe5+?? f6-+) 30...Qxc2 31.Nc6+ Qxb2 32.Nxe7 Rc2 33.Rxd5 Re2
34.Qd4+ Qxd4 35.R5xd4 Ra8 36.Nd5 Nxf2 37.Nf4 White should be able to hold this endgame, but
Black still has excellent practical chances to keep the pressure.
30.Qe1 Qc5 31.Kh1 Kf8 32.f4?!

84
32.c3 bxc3 33.Bxc3 and the threat of Bb4 saves White. 33...e4 34.Bb4 Qb5 35.Bxd6 exd3 36.Bxe7+
Kg7 37.Qc3 Qf5 38.Bxd8 Rxd8 39.f3=
32...exf4 33.Bxf6 Bxf6 34.Rd5 Qa7 35.Qe4?? In an already difficult position, White allows Black's
queen to get to f2 after which it is difficult to avoid the trades into a lost endgame.
35.Qxb4 could hold on to the position a little longer. 35...f3! 36.gxf3 Qf2 37.Qd2 Qxf3+ 38.Qg2
Qxg2+ 39.Kxg2 Be7µ Black has a long way to convert this into a full point. (39...Ke7³ This is of
course a better endgame for Black, but White maintains activity with all of his pieces as it is going to
be difficult for Black to make progress.)
35...Qf2 36.R5d2 d5! 37.Rxf2 dxe4 38.Rxd8+ Bxd8 39.Rxf4 f5-+ From here on, it was easy!
40.Rf1 Bc7 41.Ra1 Bg3 42.Kg1 f4 43.Kf1 f3 44.Ra6 Kg7 45.Ra7+ Kh6 46.gxf3 exf3 47.Rf7 f2
48.Kg2 Bh4 49.Ne3 Rc3 50.Rf3 Kg7 51.Nf1 Rxf3 52.Kxf3 Kf6 53.Ke4 g5 54.Ne3 Ke6 55.Kf3
Ke5 56.Kg2 Kd4 57.Nd1 Bg3 58.Nb2 Kc3 59.Nd3 Bd6 60.Nxf2 Kxc2 61.Ne4 Be7 62.h4 g4
63.Ng3 Kxb3 64.Nxh5 Kc2 65.Nf4 b3 0-1
I found this to be a great example of piece coordination.

Giri, Anish (2764) - Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784)

chess24.com (Internet-m3/5-blitz), 2020

26...Nxf3+! Nepo found this nice tactical idea that gives Black a great initiative!
27.gxf3 Rxd5 28.exd5 Qxe3+ 29.Kg2

85
29...Qg5+! An important check.
30.Kf2 Qxh6 31.Qc8 Giri tries the last trick.
31.Qc7 does not help much either as after 31...Kg7! 32.Qf4 Qh5! - of course Black would like to
keep the queens on the board a while longer. 33.d6 Black cannot play Be5 because of Qe4. However,
White cannot play Rc7 because now Be5 leads to capturing the pawn on d6. So, in a mutual
zugzwang situation, Black just improves his position. 33...a6! 34.a4 b5 35.Rc7 (35.axb5 Bxb5-+)
35...Be5 36.Qe4 (36.Qg4 Qxg4 37.fxg4 Bxd6 38.Rc8 Bd7 39.Rd8 Bc5+-+) 36...Bxd6-+
31...Bh4+?? Now, Nepo gave one wrong check after which the advantage seems to be gone.
Instead 31...Qh2+! had to be played followed by 32.Ke1 Kf8! A very hard move to consider given
that after 33.Rc4 Black seems helpless against the threat of Re4. However, after (33.Qg4 Kg7 and
now that the bishop on e8 is unleashed, Black could gradually try to convert his advantage.) 33...Qh5!
34.Re4 Bh4+! - now is the time! 35.Kd1 Qxd5+ 36.Rd4 Qg5 A nice move that keeps everything
under the control. 37.Qb8 Qe7 38.Re4 Qd8+-+ simplifying to a winning endgame, though of course
Black still has to be somewhat precise.
32.Kg2 Qe3 33.Ng3 Qg5
33...Kf8 could have still posed some problems to White. 34.Rc2 Qe5 35.Qh3 Bxg3 36.Qxg3 Qxd5
Black has three pawns for the exchange again, but he had to give his good bishop. White can hold
after 37.Qc7! Bd7 38.Qf4 h5 39.Rd2 Qe6 40.Kf2 and engines evaluate this as equal, but White still
needs to fight hard to maintain the balance, in my opinion.
34.Qxe8+ Kg7 35.Qe1 Bxg3 36.Qxg3 Qxc1 37.Qe5+ f6 38.Qe7+ Kh6 39.d6 Qg5+ 40.Kh3 Qh5+
1/2-1/2

Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784) - Giri, Anish (2764)

86
 chess24.com (Internet-m3/6-blitz), 2020

White is up a piece for three pawns, but Black does not have any passed connected pawns in order to
create some active play. Thus, an accurate play should yield victory for White.
24.Rxh6? Was Nepo's, choice, though with it he lets go of most of his advantage. He most likely
forgot about a small tactical nuance.
24.b4!! a beautiful tactical idea which would have kept the piece as follows: 24...Kxa6 25.c5+ Kb7
26.cxb6 axb4 27.bxc7 Kxc7 and only now 28.Rxh6 and with d7, f4 and h7 weak, White is bound to
win an additional pawn. 28...Re7 29.Rf6 Rde8 30.Rxf4 Re4 31.Rf7 R4e7 32.Rxe7 Rxe7 33.Kb3+-
24...c5! Now that the a6-knight is trapped, Black has good drawing chances. However, he still needs
to deal with his passive knight on b6 and White's active play.
25.Nxc5+ Rxc5 26.Rxh7 Rf8? A passive inaccuracy. Black needed to seek active play.
26...Rg8 27.Rf7 Rcg5 28.Rxf4 d5!∞ would have given Black good drawing chances as after 29.cxd5
Nxd5 30.Rf3 c6 - Black gradually plans to play a4 to trade more pawns. At the same time, the d5-
knight has found its active position.
27.Be2 d6?? A surprising blunder that both players missed with low time on the clock.
27...c6 28.Bf3 Kc7 was necessary, keeping the pawns on light squares to restrict White's bishop.
28.Bf3+?
28.Rxd6+-
28...Kb8 29.Re1 Here, White still holds a substantial advantage. The knight on b6 is doomed.

87
29...Nc8 30.Re6 Rg5 31.Kc3 Black's efforts to improve the position of the knight come a little too
late.
31...Rfg8
31...Rc5 maybe the final attempt to save the 7th rank from collapsing, though after 32.Rg7 with the
idea Reg6, Rh7 and Black is in somewhat of a zugzwang.
32.Rf7 Re5 33.Rh6 a4 34.Rhh7 Fine move after which Nepo slowly converted his advantage.
34...axb3 35.Rxc7 Re3+ 36.Kb2 Rxf3 37.gxf3 bxa2 38.Kxa2 Rg3 39.Rb7+ Ka8 40.Rb3 Rg2+
41.Ka3 Rc2 42.Rb4 Rc3+ 43.Kb2 Rxf3 44.Rh8 Rf2+ 45.Kc3 1-0
Queen endgames are notorious for their complex and difficult nature when it comes to calculating all
the possible lines. The position is equal, but in a short time control like this one, it is not easy at all to
make the only moves in order to stay in the game. The technique to hold this endgame though, is
rather instructive.

Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784) - Carlsen, Magnus (2863)

chess24.com (Internet-m1/1-rapid), 2020

34.c5!
34.e5?? would lose on the spot after 34...Qf5+ 35.Kb2 h3-+ and given that White is unable to play e6
because of Qd5, Black is winning.
34...Qf1+ 35.Ka2?? It is not easy to calculate all the details.
35.Kb2?? fails as well after 35...h3 36.Qd4+ (36.Qe5+ Qf6-+) 36...Kh7 37.Qd7+ Kh6 38.Qd2+ g5
39.c6 Qb5+-+

88
Surprisingly, 35.Kc2! was the way to hold. Nepo had a 33% chance to find this move without
calculation, so the odds were against his intuition. 35...h3 36.Qd4+ Kh7 37.Qd7+ Kh6 38.c6! Qe2+
(38...h2 39.Qd2+ and Black loses the h-pawn: 39...Kg7 40.Qxh2 Qc4+=) 39.Qd2+! This is the key
move which saves White! 39...Qxd2+ 40.Kxd2 h2 41.c7 h1=Q 42.c8=Q Qxe4 43.Qxa6=
35...Qg2+?? Magnus returns the favor as he fails to cover the h4-square.
35...Qf2+??

still does not win! 36.Kb1! Again a counter-intuitive move that seems to save the game for White.
(36.Kb3?? would be a wrong square for the king because it prevents Qd7. 36...h3 37.Qd7+ Qf7+-+;
36.Ka1! works with the same idea as Ka1. This time the odds were 2 to 3 in Nepomniachtchi's favor!
36...Qf1+ 37.Ka2 h3 38.Qe5+ Kh7 39.Qe7+) 36...Qf1+ 37.Kc2= and we are back to the drawish
line I showed earlier.;
35...h3! It seems that it is important to push the pawn first! 36.c6 And now the check! (36.Qe5+ Kh7
37.c6 Qf2+ 38.Kb3 h2 39.c7 h1=Q+- and given that Black promotes first he will be able to mate with
his two queens.) 36...Qf2+ 37.Kb3 h2 38.Qd1 Qb6+ 39.Ka2 Qxc6-+
36.Kb3 Qg3+ Carlsen realises that he needs to cover h4 but now White's king is out of the danger
zone.
36...h3 37.Qe5+ Kh7 38.Qe7+ Kh6 39.Qh4+= with perpetual.
37.Ka4 h3 38.c6?? Ian missed the chance for perpetual check. Once again.
38.Qd4+ Kh7

89
39.Qd6! A very difficult move to see! One cannot be criticised for missing this move, in my opinion,
but it makes for a nice analysis. 39...Qh4 40.Qh2 Qxe4+ 41.Ka5 Qg2 42.Qc7+ Kh6 43.Qf4+ g5
44.Qf6+ Kh5 45.c6 h2 46.c7 Qd5+ (46...h1=Q 47.Qh8+ Kg6 (47...Kg4?? even loses after
48.c8=Q++-) 48.Qg8+ Kh6 49.Qh8+=) 47.Kxa6 Qc4+ (47...h1=Q 48.Qh8+ Kg6 49.Qxh1 Qxh1
50.c8=Q=) 48.Kb6 Kg4 49.Qh8!= A breath-taking draw. It is impossible to play intuitively in this
time control. Maybe the idea that could help White finding it was the fact that Black could not
promote with checks or immediate threats against White's king. However, this is merely an instructive
way to learn it. We just have to see these patterns and learn from them!
38...h2 39.Qd7+ Kh6 40.Qd8

90
40...Qe5!-+ The tragic part for White is the fact that now Black combines attack with defence - the
queen on e5 is very powerful defending the h2-pawn, while preventing White's c-pawn to go any
further. From here it was simple for Magnus.
41.Qh4+ Kg7 42.Kb3 Qb5+ 43.Kc3 Qxc6+ 44.Kd3 Qd6+ 45.Ke2 Qxa3 46.Kf2 Qb2+ 47.Kg3
Qf6 48.Qh3 Qc3+ 0-1

Carlsen, Magnus (2863) - Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784)

chess24.com (Internet-m2/3-rapid), 2020

White has a close to winning advantage in this position, but it is important to continue regrouping.
Most likely, Carlsen made an oversight and went for the immediate 25.Nxb7? but this move gives up
most of the advantage.
Instead, 25.g3! had to be played with the idea of rerouting the bishop to h3. 25...Bf8 (25...Ke7
26.Bf1! Rd8 (26...f5 does not help Black much as after 27.Bh3 Bg7 28.g4! fxe4 29.g5! White will be
able to activate his rook on 7th rank in no time. 29...exf3 30.Nxb7!+-) 27.Bh3 f5 28.exf5 gxf5
29.g4!+- once again forcing the opening of the h3-c8 diagonal as well as h4-d8 one, and with the
bishop pair in hands, White should be close to winning!) 26.Bf1 Be7 27.Bh3 f5 seems to be a
necessary move in every line, but it allows not only for the opening of White's bishops, but also of the
e-file which will be utilised by White at once! 28.exf5 gxf5 29.Re1 Bf6 30.Bd4 Kf7 31.Bxe5+-
25...Nxb7 - from here on the line is forced 26.Bxa6 Nbd6 27.Bxc8 Nxc8 28.a6 Of course White will
recoup his piece down, but for the price of the passed a-pawn. A nice idea of how White could follow
up after would be with Bc5 and Rd6 putting pressure on the c6-pawn, but Black seems to be in time
to keep it safe.

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28...Rf8!? A nice idea found by Nepo, bringing the final piece into the game.
29.a7 Nxa7 30.Bxa7 Rf7 31.Bc5 Magnus might have overestimated this position.
31...Rb7 32.b4 Bf8! Black manages to trade the bishops right on time leading to a rook endgame that
should end in a draw.
33.Bxf8 Kxf8 34.Rd6 Ke7 35.Rxc6 Rxb4 36.Rc7+ It must have been difficult letting go of that
advantage going for the pawn instead of piece improvement, which is typically Magnus Carlsen's
style. I guess nobody escapes the moments of being materialistic.
36.Rc7+ Ke6 37.Rxh7 (37.Rc2 f5 38.exf5+ gxf5 39.Kf2 h5 40.Ke2 h4 41.Kd3 h3 42.g3 (42.gxh3
Rh4=) 42...Rb3+ 43.Ke2 e4=) 37...Rxb2 38.h4 f5 39.Rh6 Kf7=
1/2-1/2

92
Tournament review

The 20th Croatian Chess Championship was organised in

the city of Vinkovci (18. VI - 29. VI) which became known
to the chess lovers throughout the world back in 1968
when the legendary Bobby Fischer won a prestigious event
there. Due to the COVID-19 global crisis and postponing
of all the scheduled tournaments, our beloved game found
shelter on the world-wide-web and various chess
platforms. The 2020 Croatian Championship was the first
tournament of remarkable importance held in standard,
over-the-board conditions, with participation of 12 players (11 grandmasters and 1 international
master). The highest rated Croatian player Ivan Saric was absent, but all the other strongest players
took part in the tournament, with the defending champion Marin Bosiocic being the favourite by
ratings. The tournament was extremely competitive and hard-fought, with a few participants leading
the pack throughout the event. The former European Champion Zdenko Kozul had the best start (3/3),
but after a few draws he lost to Robert Zelcic in the 7th round. It was Zelcic who took the lead before
losing the key 9th round game against the author of this review. The final round was a particularly
dramatic one - Ante Brkic who entered the final round as the leader lost to Kozul. Fortunately, I
managed to score the third victory in a row and win the Championship (7/11).

93
Since I became a Grandmaster at the age of 19 I won a great number of strong open tournaments,
including the Zagreb and Split Opens which are the most important events in Croatia. However, the
results I achieved with the Croatian national team are the most memorable to me. Especially, at the
last two European Team Championships (Hersonissos 2017 and Batumi 2019) we managed to win
4th and 5th place, a truly sensational accomplishment. Now I would like to share with you some of
the best games and most interesting moments from the Championship.

D29
Martinovic, Sasa (2532) - Zelcic, Robert (2527)
Hrvatska (ch), 2020

I consider this game to be of crucial importance for the championship triumph, as my winning streak
started with it. In actual fact, Zelcic was a sole leader with 5½ out of 8 score, while I had a run of
eight draws up to this point!
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 dxc4 I expected Zelcic to repeat the Vienna variation since he had
used it very successfully against Kozul two rounds earlier.
5.e3 By opting for this modest-looking move, I am seeking transposition into Queen's Gambit
Accepted waters. Even though the ensuing line is considered to be very pleasant for Black, I hoped to
use some of the ideas I had in store.
Anyway, I wanted to avoid a sharp theoretical battle in deeply analysed variation such as 5.e4 Vienna.
5...a6 6.Bxc4 b5 The most precise move order for Black.
7.Bb3!? In my opinion this is the only way for White to fight for slight opening advantage.

94
I am very familiar with this position having faced it three times with the black pieces. In the most
important of those clashes, GM Kozul chose a modest continuation 7.Be2 and then 7...Bb7 8.O-O
Nbd7 9.Ng5!? h6 10.Bf3 Bxf3 11.Nxf3 c5 12.d5 exd5 13.Nxd5 Nb6 14.Nxb6 Qxb6 15.a4 Rd8
16.Qc2 Be7 allowing me to solve all the opening problems after 17.axb5 axb5 18.Bd2 Qb7 19.Bc3
Ne4! 20.Bxg7 Rg8 21.Be5 Nd2! managing to seize the initiative and eventually score a full point
after a well played game, Kozul,Zdenko 2601 - Martinovic,Sasa 2554, Zagreb 2018
7...Bb7 8.O-O c5 9.e4 The critical continuation.
Usually the play continues with 9.Qe2 Nbd7 10.Rd1, allowing Black to reach a very comfortable
position in few ways.
9...cxd4 10.Nxd4 Nc6 Zelcic chooses the most solid option, which seems rather reasonable having in
mind that he was in the lead.
Much sharper play ensues after 10...Nbd7!? 11.Re1 with quite interesting resemblance to the Sozin
Sicilian in view of possible bishop sacrifices on e6 (or even d5). For example, after the natural
11...Ne5 it is possible to play (or 11...Nc5) 12.Bd5!? leading to some highly rich complications. I
believe that Black has decent play in both continuations if he manages to find several precise moves.
11.Nxc6 Qxd1 Once again, Zelcic goes for the most solid continuation.
Also, it is possibe to play 11...Bxc6 but, I would avoid the queen trade with 12.Qe2 leading to very
complex play, and in my view, without any advantage for White.
12.Rxd1 Bxc6 13.f3 Bc5+ 14.Kf1 O-O One more solid move by Black. It may seem reasonable to
leave the king in the centre since we are already in the endgame.
However after 14...Ke7

95
White does have some interesting tactical motifs at his disposal. The follwing examples illustrate that:
15.Ne2 (15.e5!? Nd7 16.Bg5+ f6? (It was necessary to play 16...Ke8 but, White should still manage
to retain slight edge after 17.Rac1) 17.exf6+ gxf6 18.Re1!ƒ with an extremely strong initiative for
White leading to a full point, as in Korobov,Anton 2675 - Lesiege,Alexandre 2512, Baku (ol) 2016)
15...Rhd8? 16.Bg5! Rxd1+ 17.Rxd1 Bd6 18.Rxd6! Kxd6 19.e5+! Kxe5 20.Bf4+ Kf5 21.Bc2+ Ne4
22.fxe4+ Kf6 23.Kf2+- and White easily managed to convert his huge advantage in
Artemiev,Vladislav 2736 - Izoria,Zviad 2603, Astana 2019
15.Ne2N This move is a novelty, but it does not change the character of the position. In actual fact, I
was inspired by Artemiev's win where he played Ne2 before developing the dark-squared bishop. The
goal is to remain as flexible as possible and decide whether to place the bishop on f4 or g5 later on.
Previously only 15.Bf4 was played, with excellent results for White. In any case, the position should
be holdable for Black.
15...Rfd8 16.Bg5 I thought that Bg5 made more sense with the black rook on d8. However, Black
demonstrated that e5 advance was not a threat.
16...Bb6

17.Bh4! With no queens on the board the activity of the monarchs becomes very important. So, I
realised that my king has significant prospects if I manage to trade the dark-squared bishops, since the
black b6B covers the crucial f2 and e3 squares.
17.e5? is rather bad because of 17...h6 18.Bh4 (18.Bxf6 wins a pawn, but after 18...gxf6 19.exf6 it is
only a matter of time before the f6 pawn falls thus allowing the black bishop pair to dominate the
whole board.) 18...g5 and White is not able to win any material. As a matter of fact, he will have to
deal with the weak d5 square, the ideal outpost for the black knight.

96
17...h6 Not a necessity, since I planned Bf2.
It seemed more useful to play 17...Kf8 since 18.e5? is not really feasible due to 18...Rxd1+ 19.Rxd1
Nd5³ So, in case of 17...Kf8 I would surely respond with 18. Bf2 proving Kf8 to be more useful than
h6.
18.Bf2 Bxf2 19.Kxf2 Now it becomes obvious why the exchange of the dark-squared bishops was so
important. The white king has a clear path to e3.
19...Kf8 20.Rxd8+! I am extremely pleased with this move. The d-file will not be of great importance
since there is no penetration squares for the rooks. On the other hand, after a4 pawn push the a1R will
be quite strong on the a-file.
20...Rxd8 21.Ke3 Bb7 22.a4 I proceeded with the plan, even though I am now aware that there were
some more precise options available.
It was a bit better to go for 22.Rc1! limiting Black's options since he would be forced to pay attention
to the possible Rc7. Only then, White should calmly prepare the a4 advance without any fear of the
rook swap wince my king is well positioned to swiftly reach the key b6 square.
22...bxa4 23.Bxa4 g5 It is quite natural to seek counterplay on the kingside. However, it does not
bring Black much joy.
23...Nd7! was a really excellent defensive resource that I completely underestimated. In view of that
possibility I should have played 22.Rc1. Black is well advised to transfer the knight to a more active
position since it was very restricted on f6. 24.Rc1 (24.Rd1 Ke7 does not bring much to Black.)
24...Nb6! and Black should be able to hold this endgame without much trouble.
24.h3 I intended to eliminate the motifs related to Be4 with Ng4. However, such possibilities become
realistic only after Black pushes h5, so the text move is a slight loss of time.
It was more powerful to play 24.Rc1!
24...Rc8 25.Rc1 Once more I stress that White's biggest trump in this position is the active position of
his king. Ideally, the white monarch should reach b6. However, that operation requires the exchange
of the rooks.

97
25...Rxc1? Until this moment the position was roughly balanced, with only a slight pull for White.
But, now it quickly becomes critical for Black, especially since he helps White to manoeuvre the
knight to the superb d3 post.
25...Ke7! 26.Rxc8 Bxc8 27.Kd4 Bd7 should lead to a draw with precise play.
26.Nxc1 Ke7 27.Nd3 I was in no hurry to play Kd4 since Black cannot prevent that. Instead, I
wanted to thwart the Nd7 manoeuvre.
I was not sure if the position after 27.Kd4 Nd7 28.Bxd7 Kxd7 29.Nd3 is winning, or not. Later on I
established that Black should be able to hold after 29...Ke7! 30.Kc5 f5! creating the counterplay. The
only reasonable winning attempt for White is 31.Nf2! fxe4 32.fxe4 Kd7! 33.Kd4 (33.Kb6 Kc8
seems holdable.) 33...Ke7! 34.Ke5 a5! 35.Ng4 Ba6 36.Nxh6 Bf1 37.g3 Bxh3 38.Ng8+ Kf7 39.Nf6
and the position is closer to a draw than winning for White.
27...Nh5?! Now, Black's chances to secure a draw become minimal.
If 27...Nd7? White should easily win the ensuing pawn ending: 28.Bxd7 Kxd7 29.Nc5+ Kc6
30.Nxb7 Kxb7 31.Kd4 Kc6 32.Ke5 Kb5 (32...Kd7 33.Kf6 Ke8 34.Kg7 h5 35.Kh6+-) 33.Kf6 Kb4
34.Kxf7 Kb3 35.Kxe6 Kxb2 36.e5 a5 37.Kf7 a4 38.e6 a3 39.e7 a2 40.e8=Q a1=Q 41.Qe5+ Kb1
42.Qxa1+ Kxa1 43.Kg6+-
The most stubborn was 27...Bc8! with the idea of 28.Kd4 Nd7 but obviously, it was not easy to
commit to such a passive resistance.
28.g4! Ng7
The fianchettoed knight is usually a weak piece, but also after 28...Nf6 29.Kd4 Black cannot do
much about against Kc5-b6 winning.

98
29.Kd4
Also, White is winning in case of 29.Nc5 Bc8 30.e5 with a complete domination. 30...Ne8 (30...f6
does not help because of 31.Kd4+-) 31.Bxe8! Kxe8 32.f4! gxf4+ 33.Kxf4 and White will soon
create the h-passer with the decisive advantage.
29...Kd6 30.Ne5 Black cannot prevent the loss of material. He hoped to trap the white knight in
return.
30...f6
If 30...Ke7 White wins after 31.Kc5
31.Nf7+ Ke7 32.Nxh6 Kd6 33.Nf7+ Ke7 34.Nh6 Kd6 I repeated the position trying to safely reach
the time control. I saw two paths to victory and could not quickly decide which one to take. In
hindsight, I believe I chose the wrong one.
35.Ng8
The knight sacrifice 35.Nf7+! Ke7 36.Kc5! is a more beautiful solution, allowing White to continue
with easy-to-find moves. After 36...Kxf7 37.Kb6 both the black bishop and a6-pawn are lost.
However, I was not sure if 37...Bd5 (37...Bc8 38.Kc7; or 37...Ba8 38.Ka7 does not help Black.)
38.exd5 exd5 Black has a passer which should offer him some chances to save himself. However,
after 39.Kxa6 White's task is very simple since he only needs to advance the b-pawn. The game
continuation is also winning, but I had to think really hard about a few more moves.
35...e5+ 36.Ke3
It seems that 36.Kc3! is more to the point 36...Ne6 37.Nxf6 Nf4 38.Kb4 Nxh3 39.Ka5 but I did not
even consider it during the game.
36...Ne6 37.Nxf6 Nf4 38.Bb3! The crucial move I had in mind when I made decision regarding the
35th move. After Nh3 the bishop will be much needed on f1 chasing away the knight. Also, the g5-
pawn will be lost after Nh7.
38...Bc6!? Quite an interesting attempt to hold the knight endgame.
In case of 38...Nxh3 White wins after 39.Bc4! with threat of Nh7, Bf1. The critical response for
Black is 39...Kc5 White wins after 40.Bd3! threatening Nh7, Bf1 again. And if (As now 40.Bf1 does
not win in view of 40...Nf4 41.Nh7 Ne6) 40...Nf4 41.Nh7 Ne6 White plays 42.Bb1! followed by the
crushing Ba2 winning.
39.Bc4 Bb5 40.Bxb5 axb5

99
41.Nd5! The most direct win. Without the motif of trapping the black knight on h3 the position
would be pretty drawish!
41...Nxh3
Also, the pawn endgame is winning for White: 41...Nxd5+ 42.exd5 Kxd5 43.Kd3 Kd6 44.Ke4 Ke6
45.b4+-
42.Ke2! It seems very slow, but the white monarch will collect the poor black knight.
42...Kc5 43.Kf1 Kc4 44.Kg2 Nf4+
If 44...Kb3 45.Kxh3 Kxb2 White easily wins 46.f4 creating a passed pawn.
45.Nxf4 The pawn ending is easily winning for White.
45...exf4 46.Kf2 b4 47.Ke2 b3
Also, Black is too slow after 47...Kb3 48.e5 Kxb2 49.e6 b3 50.e7 Kc2 51.e8=Q+-
48.e5 Kd5 49.Kd3 Kxe5 50.Kc4 The final precise manoeuvre with standard shouldering of the
enemy king.
50.Kc3?? would be a disastrous mistake allowing Black to save himself in the most surprising
fashion 50...Kd5 51.Kd3 (If 51.Kxb3? it would be White who fights for a draw after 51...Kd4
52.Ka4 Ke3 53.b4 Kxf3 54.b5 Kxg4 55.b6 f3 56.b7 f2 57.b8=Q f1=Q) 51...Kc5! 52.Ke4 (52.Kc3
Kd5=) 52...Kc4 53.Kf5 Kd3 54.Kxg5 Ke3 55.Kh5 Kxf3 56.g5 Ke4 57.g6 f3 58.g7 f2 59.g8=Q
f1=Q=
50...Kd6 51.Kxb3 1-0

100
 Jadranko Plenča vs Saša Martinović, Hrvatska (ch) 2020; Photo from Hrvatski Šahovski Savez

Kovacevic, Blazimir (2410) - Martinovic, Sasa (2532)

Hrvatska (ch), 2020

101
In the 10th round I was extremely fortunate to escape from a very difficult position and win the game.
In the penultimate round I had high hopes to win the Championship so I ventured into a highly risky
play. Kovacevic took advantage of it and outplayed me completely. However, in time scramble he
experiences a serious blackout: 30.Qxf7+?? and overlooks a tactical nuance.
The only winning (and also saving) move is 30.Nd5! covering the key e3 square. I am not sure what
exactly my opponent overlooked, but it must have been something along these two continuations:
30...Rc8 at a first glance it seems enough to defend because White cannot capture 31.Qc8?? because
of Ne3, and also in case of 31.Ne7?? Black wins with the coldblooded Kf8. White wins after (The
alternative is 30...b5, but then after 31.Ne7+ Kf8 the queen sacrifice works out 32.Qxf7+!! Kxf7
33.Nxf5 and Black is defenceless due to multiple threats.) 31.Nhf6+! Bxf6 32.Nxf6+! Nxf6
33.Qxc8+ followed by Qf5
30...Kxf7 31.Rh4 Kovacevic counted on initiative after the black queen retreat and 32.de4, but he
missed 31...Qf3+!
31...Qf3+ and resigned right away in view of 32.Rxf3 exf3+ 33.Kxf3 Nxh4+ leaving Black up an
exchange in the ensuing endgame.
0-1
The final round was a very dramatic one. Even though Brkic was leading with half a point clear of the
pack, he had to play for a win in the final round with the black pieces. In case of a draw against Kozul
and my win in the final round, I would overtake him according to the additional criteria.

D39
Kozul, Zdenko (2597) - Brkic, Ante (2593)
Hrvatska (ch), 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Bb4 The Ragozin variation is no surprise since it is an important
weapon in Brkic's repertory for years now. On his part, Kozul used the same line he applied a few
rounds earlier in the tournament.
5.Bg5 h6 6.Bxf6 Qxf6 7.e3 O-O 8.Rc1 The main line. White delays development of his f1B, waiting
to recapture on c4 with loss of a tempo. Therefore he makes a useful rook move, waiting for Black to
take on c4.
8...dxc4 9.Bxc4 c5 10.dxc5 Kozul repeats the same continuation he used a few rounds earlier.
The most common line is 10.O-O cxd4 11.Nxd4, but after 11...Bd7 with the idea of Nc6, White could
not prove any advantage at the highest level of play.
10...Bxc5
In the third round Bosiocic played 10...Nd7 11.O-O Nxc5 12.Nb5 and, most likely after 12...Ba5?!
he mixed up the lines. 13.Be2 Qe7? This is a really serious mistake. White's position is very close to
winning. 14.Qd6! Qxd6 15.Nxd6 Na4 16.Ne5 Bb4 17.Ndxf7! Nxb2 18.Bh5 a5 19.Rc7 Na4 20.Bg6

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1 : 0 Kozul,Zdenko 2597 - Bosiocic, Marin 2625, Hrvatska (ch) 2020. Black resigned since he cannot
defend himself from the checkmate after 21.Nh6 gh6 22.Bh7 Kh8 23.Ng6
11.Qc2 A rarely played, but venomous move. White delays castling trying to achieve some other
goals...
After 11.O-O Qe7 12.Ne4 Rd8 13.Qc2 Bb6 14.Rfd1 Nc6 15.Rxd8+ Nxd8 16.Ne5 Bd7 17.Nxd7
Qxd7= Black easily reached full equality in Aronian,Levon 2816 - Anand,Viswanathan 2780, Sao
Paulo/Bilbao 2012
11...Qe7 12.Ne4!?N A very interesting novelty which should not bring White any advantage
objectively, but it could prove to be very tempting one-game bait.
Previously White went for 12.a3 preventing check on b4, but Kozul showed that White had nothing to
worry about.
12...Bb4+?! Brkic could not resist to deprive White from castling rights. However, he is soon to face
some serious problems.
In my opinion we will witness more games reaching this position, but at the moment 12...Nd7 seems
to be Black's wisest response.
13.Ke2! Of course! The white monarch is quite safe on e2.
13...Bd7?! I am not totally sure, but it seems that Brkic was not aware of all the danger he was about
to face on the kingside.
I believe it was the last moment to prevent White's kingside expansion and play 13...f5! Of course, it
is always difficult to make such a move and weaken own structure, but after 14.Nc3 (If 14.Ng3 Kh8
the white g3N is left out of the action.) 14...Nc6 there seems to be no devastating attack on the

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kingside, so White would have to settle with a slight positional edge after 15.Rhd1²
14.a3 Ba5 15.b4 Now it becomes obvious why Black should not have checked the white king, as
White is now able to improve his position by attacking the black dark-squared bishop.
15...Bb6

16.g4! The point of White's play! The h6-pawn is a great liability allowing White to quickly open the
kingside. Kozul does not waste any time...
16...Bc6?! After this move Black's position is very close to lost.
The correct reply was 16...Rc8! allowing Black to retain some threats of his own. 17.g5 Bb5 18.Ned2
Nd7! A very important move that was not easy to see in advance. Actually, it seems that the tension
between g5 and h6 pawns needs to be addressed. However, if 19.gxh6 Qf6! 20.hxg7 the black king
becomes relatively safe and Black gains strong compensation by means of 20...Ne5! Therefore White
should not capture on h6 on move 19, but to calmly prepare an attack 19.Rhg1! thus retaining the
advantage. However, the position is far from a winning one.
17.Rhg1
Probably it was more precise to start with 17.g5 because if Black attempts blockade with 17...h5
White was an additional option at his disposal 18.Ne5!
17...Nd7 18.g5 h5 19.g6! Of course, White does not allow a complete blockade of the kingside.
19...Rac8
It was better to play 19...f5, but after 20.Neg5 Rf6 21.Nh7 Bxf3+ 22.Kxf3 Ne5+ 23.Ke2 Black loses
the exchange because he cannot play 23...Rxg6? 24.Rxg6 Nxg6 25.Qxf5​→ with a devastating attack.

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20.Neg5 f6 Speeding up the disaster. However, the position is lost anyway.
If 20...Qf6 very strong is 21.Nh4! with a crushing attack. (White should avoid the anxious 21.gxf7+?
Rxf7 22.Qh7+ because after 22...Kf8∞ the position is not so clear anymore.)
21.Bxe6+ Kh8 22.Nf7+ Rxf7

23.Qf5! The final finesse! Black cannot defend from overwhelming mating threats.
23...Kg8 24.gxf7+ Kf8 25.Nh4 1-0
Kozul's victory brought me considerable relief because I knew that with the victory in the final round
I would win the Championship. I managed to gain large advantage out of the opening, while the
Black's last imprecise move (Nb6-d7) allowed me to convert the advantage into a full point.

Martinovic, Sasa (2532) - Jovanic, Ognjen (2524)

Hrvatska (ch), 2020

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29.e5! I could have blocked the centre for quite some moves, but I chose the best possible moment.
29...Nh7
Also after 29...Ne8 30.Qc8 Kf8 31.Bd8 Black is completely paralysed.
30.Bd8! Now it becomes evident why e5 was so strong. The bishop eyeballs the main weakness in
the black position - the a5-pawn which cannot be defended. The concrete threat is Qc7.
30...Nb8 31.Qb5 Bf8 32.Bxa5 Na6 33.f4
I thought I had all the time in the world to limit the play on the kingside, but it was a bit better to right
away go for 33.Bf1!
33...Be7 34.Bf1 Nf8 35.Qb6 The conversion was not perfect, but more importantly, the victory was
not in jeopardy.
35...Qxb6 36.Bxb6 Nd7 37.Ba5 Nab8
If 37...Bxh4 White wins after 38.Nc1 Ndb8 39.Bb5 Be7 40.Nd3 with Bb6 and Nc5 to follow.
38.Bc7 Na6? Now the game is decided.
38...Nc6 would offer some more stubborn resistance. But, after 39.a5 Bxh4 40.a6 the a-passer would
guarantee the victory.
39.Bd6! Bd8
39...Bxd6 40.exd6 followed by Nc1 and Bb5 winning easily. The two white passers are way too
strong.
40.Nc1 Ndb8 41.Bb5 Bb6 42.Nd3 Ba5 43.Kf1

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I could have won with 43.Bxa6 and 44.Nc5, but since Black did not have any useful moves, I
activated my king first.
43...Kg7 44.Ke2 Kg8 45.Ke3 Kg7 46.Bxa6! Nxa6 47.Nc5
Black resigned 47.Nc5 because he would lose a piece after 47...Nc7 48.Nb7 Bb6 49.a5
1-0
We witnessed a really thrilling and important game in the 7th round. Kozul came out very strong out
of the opening and had a winning position, but Zelcic's fighting spirit and persistance proved to be of
great value.

Kozul, Zdenko (2597) - Zelcic, Robert (2527)

Hrvatska (ch), 2020

27...Nh4! Now Black starts generating some threats.

28.Re3?! The most natural move, but nevertheless it is a mistake. Black obtains a really decent
compensation for the exchange.
White should have played 28.Rf1! removing the rook from the open file is a very hard decision to
make. However, from f2 the rook serves a highly important defensive duty protecting the f3-pawn
and the whole of the 2nd rank. In the game continuation the 2nd rank proved to be a crucial weakness
in White's camp. So if 28...Qh3 29.Rf2 Black cannot find any additional attacking resources. White
retains a very promising position.
In case of 28.Kf2 Black would gain counterplay after 28...Qh3 29.Re8+ Kh7 30.gxh4 Qxh4+ 31.Ke2
Rg2+ 32.Bf2 c3! preparing the activation of the bishop with Ba6

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28...Qf5! Now it becomes obvious why the rook should be on f2. Black threatens Nf3, as well as
dangerous Qc2.
29.Qb8+ Kh7 30.Re8? White was well-advised to defend, but instead Kozul thought he could
execute a crushing assault on the enemy king. That proved to be a grave mistake.
White could have defended with 30.Kh1! countering Qc2 with Rg1. Therefore the best move for
Black is 30...Re6 with a rich endgame after: 31.Qf4 Qxf4 32.gxf4 Rxe3 33.Bxe3 Nxf3 Black retains
decent chances to survive thanks to the d4 pawn advance. On his part, White cannot set the blockade
34.Bd4 because of 34...Bc6 and Ba4 threat looming.
30...Nxf3+ 31.Kh1

31...Rf6?

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Black wins after 31...Re6! 32.Rh8+ Kg6 33.Bxg7 However, Black is winning after (Since Zelcic
played 31...Rf6, he must have been afraid of this sequence. 33.Qg8 leading to a lost ending after
33...Nxd4 34.Qh7+ Kf6 35.Qxf5+ Nxf5-+) 33...Re2! 34.Rh6+ Kg5! 35.Qd8+ Kg4 White does not
have any useful checks, so Black will deliver a checkmate.
32.Rh8+? The final mistake. White's position is hopeless.
White could have defended with a brilliant 32.g4! Thanks to this excellent in-between move, the b8Q
defends the white king by covering the h2! 32...hxg4 (32...Qc2? 33.Rf1 and, suddenly White is
winning.) 33.Bxf6 Black could clinch a draw by finding 33...Nd2! 34.Kg1 Nf3+ 35.Kh1 Nd2=
32...Kg6 33.Qg8
However, now 33.g4 is not saving because after 33...hxg4 34.Bxf6 the rook is not on e8 anymore, so
Black wins after 34...Qe4!
33...Ng5! A really beautiful move serving a dual purpose, defence (preventing Qh7) and attack (Qf3
and Nh3). White resigned right away. 0-1
In the 2nd round Hrvoje Stevic won a really nice game.

Stevic, Hrvoje (2575) - Plenca, Jadranko (2483)

Hrvatska (ch), 2020

109
16.d4! White is a bit better and can choose from a variety of ways to extend his advantage, but the
pawn sacrifice does seem to be the most efficient.
16...Bxc1 17.Raxc1 exd4 18.Be4 dxc3 19.Rxc3 Qd2? Too greedy! Stevic exploits it with no mercy.
Black should have continued with 19...Nd4! 20.Qg4 g6 21.Bxb7 Ra5 with only a slight edge in
White's favour.

20.Rd1! Qxb2
20...Qg5 was a lesser evil, but still after 21.Bxc6 bxc6 22.Qxc6± Black's position remains poor.

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21.Qf5! g6 22.Qf6 Black cannot parry both threats: Nf5 and Rc6.
22...Ra5 23.Rxc6 I believe that Plenca overlooked this move when he embarked on the adventure
with his queen. Now Stevic manages to convert his huge advantage being up a piece.
23...Qxf6 24.Rxf6 c6 25.Rb1 Nd7 26.Rd6 Nc5 27.Bf3 Re8 28.Rd4 Re7 29.Ne4 Ne6 30.Rdb4 1-0
The following two positions are extremely instructive and should serve as a general warning to all the
chess players. One can never get relaxed until the resignation took place (or a checkmate delivered, of
course).
Zelcic outplayed the opponent and had the upper hand throughout the game.

Zelcic, Robert (2527) - Bosiocic, Marin (2625)

Hrvatska (ch), 2020

However, he assumed that any move was winning and went for 46.Kxf4? White is still winning, but
the path to the full point got very complicated.
The most efficient was 46.Nh8! The white king is still able to catch the black d-passer, while the
knight is well placed to collect the black pawns.
46...Ne6+ 47.Kg4?? A "logical" move, yet the one that allows Black to save himself.
It was still possible to return to the right track with 47.Kf3! Kxc6 48.Nh8! and after 48...Nxg5+
49.Ke2 The white king controls the d-pawn, while the knight can capture the g6-pawn. However, it
was psychologically difficult to take a step back and accept a weaker version of the same plan.
47...d4! Now, the white king cannot deal with the d-passer which proves to be enough for Black to
clinch a draw.

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48.Nh8
Also, White does not improve his chances by means of 48.Kxh4 d3 49.Nd6 Kxc6 50.Ne4 Kd5
51.Nf2 d2 52.Kg4 Kxe5 53.h4 Kd4 54.Kf3 Ng7 followed by Nf5 - draw.
48...d3 49.Kf3 Nxg5+
Also, a draw should occur after the simplistic: 49...Kxc6 50.Nxg6 Nxg5+ 51.Ke3 d2! 52.Kxd2 Nf3+
53.Ke3 Nxh2=
50.Ke3 d2 51.Kxd2 Nf3+ 52.Ke3 Nxe5
Once again, the game should end in a draw after 52...Nxh2 53.Nxg6 Kxc6, but the line Bosiocic
calculated leaves a far greater aesthetic impression.
53.Kf4 g5+! 54.Kxe5
54.Kxg5 Nf3+ 55.Kg4 Nxh2+ 56.Kxh4 Kxc6=
54...g4 55.Kf4 g3 56.hxg3 hxg3 57.Kxg3 Kxc6 - and the knight is too far away to rescue the last
remaining white pawn.
58.Nf7 Kb5 59.Ne5 Ka4 1/2-1/2

Saric, Ante (2541) - Plenca, Jadranko (2483)

Hrvatska (ch), 2020

Plenca managed to defend a slightly worse rook endgame for quite a while, but then he relaxed way
too soon and lost half a point. In actual fact, when he was very close to a draw he played: 68...Kf6??
Overlooking 68...Re2! should lead to a draw. 69.Rg5 (69.Rf5+ Kg6 70.Rg5+ Kf6 reaching the same

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position.) 69...Kf6 70.Rxg4 (If 70.Re5 Black can only stay put with 70...Kg6) 70...Kf5! 71.Kf3 (In
case of 71.Rg5+ Ke4 with sufficient counterplay.) 71...Rf2+ 72.Kxe3 Kxg4 73.Kxf2 Kxf4=
69.Kxg4 Rg1 70.Rf5+! A crucial in-between check! Now, wherever the black king goes there will be
another rook check followed by Kf3, leaving White with two extra pawns. 1-0

The winners: Robert Zelčić, Saša Martinović and Zdenko Kožul, Hrvatska (ch) 2020; Photo from Hrvatski Šahovski Savez

113
EVERY NEW IDEA IS ACTUALLY A LONG FORGOTTEN ONE

There is an almost unanimous opinion that, in chess as in other fields, the beginning of the third
Millennium features an explosion of information that is without precedent.
To me, this seems a bit exaggerated. I remember that as a kid I found similar statements in many of
the opening monographies of the ’80s, the ’70s and even of the ’50s. Believe it or not, a similar
informatics explosion is described in the introduction of the first edition of the Bilguer’s Handbuch,
the Chess Encyclopaedia of the 19th century.
There is nothing really new in life or in chess. In every game, there comes a moment when a novelty
inevitably pops up, but one cannot be sure that the idea behind it has not been played before.

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In this column, I will try to highlight the way in which certain strategic and tactical ideas have
maintained their actuality over the decades and sometimes centuries. I invite you to re-discover with
me some long forgotten chess from the past.
Mihail Marin

THE STRENGTH OF MOBILE PAWN CENTRE

The importance of the centre can be explained in many

ways. Most of the pieces (with the notable exception of the
rooks) enjoy a higher mobility if placed on a central
squares. Even the "hyper-modernists", who refrain from
occupying the centre in the early phase, use the enemy
central pawn mass as a target during the early middlegame.
It is widely known that the best reaction against an attack
on the wing is a counter-action in the centre. This article
will focus on another, somewhat related, theme. One of the
ways of using a mobile central majority is sacrificing a pawn in order to either reach a favourable
structure, or cause some lack of coordination in the enemy camp, each time for the ultimate purpose
of starting an attack against the enemy king.
Due to reasons that each one can judge according to his own criteria, tournament chess passes
through a serious crisis in 2020. The best thing spectators and fans can get are online rapid
tournaments between top players. This surely is fun to watch and it offers good examples of fierce
fights between characters and ambitions, but, due to their quality, I doubt that too many of these
games will ever be quoted in books or recorded by the future generations.
Fortunately, there are a few notable exceptions, too. In rapid chess, when one does not have the time
to check all the concrete details of his plan thoroughly, he has to rely on general patterns, from
classical or modern games, studied in advance. The game below, played just a couple of days before I
write these lines, is a good illustration for the main theme of this article.

E49
Carlsen, Magnus (2863) - Nakamura, Hikaru (2736)
chess24.com (Internet-m6/1-rapid), 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 O-O 5.Bd3 c5 6.Ne2 d5 7.a3 Bxc3+ 8.bxc3 dxc4 9.Bxc4 Qc7

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There were times when this line was considered comfortable for Black. Unlike in one of the main
lines, with 0-0 and ...Nc6 inserted, the pressure along the c-file is real, forcing the bishop to retreat at
once.
However, Carlsen has managed to unearth a series of new ideas, showing that White's position has
more resources than it was initially thought. 10.Ba2 b6 11.O-O Ba6 12.Bb2 Nc6 13.Rc1 Rac8

Deviating from an earlier game of Carlsen's: 13...Rfd8 14.c4 cxd4 15.exd4 Ng4?! 16.Ng3 Qf4 17.h3
Nf6 18.Ne2 (18.d5!) 18...Qh4 19.d5ƒ with certain initiative for White, Carlsen,Magnus 2851 -
Aronian,Levon 2780, Leuven (rapid) 2017
14.c4 The same idea as in the game quoted above. Black has prepared for taking the c4-square under

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control with ...Na5. Even at the risk of weakening his c4-pawn, White turns things dynamic in the
centre, in view of the permanent threat d5.
14...cxd4 15.exd4 Qe7 Black over-defends the knight in order to avoid d5 followed by Bf6 and
threatens ...Na5.
16.d5!? An intuitive two pawn sacrifice, corresponding to our main theme.
Objectively, 16.Re1 may be stronger though. White threatens d5. 16...Na5 17.c5 Usually, forcing this
move is a success for Black, but he cannot enjoy his control on light squares as is imperfectly
regrouped. 17...bxc5 (17...Nd5 18.Ng3 (… Bd5+-) 18...Bb7 19.Ne4²) 18.d5! The same moves as
played by Carlsen, but in reversed move order. (18.Qa4 Qb7 looks fine for Black.) 18...Nxd5
19.Bxd5 exd5 20.Nf4 Qb7 21.Nxd5

White has very strong initiative. 21...Rcd8 (21...Qxb2? 22.Ne7+ Kh8 23.Nxc8 Bxc8 (23...Rxc8
24.Rxc5+-) 24.Qd6 Kg8 25.Qxc5 Nb3 26.Qxf8+ Kxf8 27.Rxc8#) 22.Nf6+ Kh8 23.Qc2 Bd3
24.Qc3 Qb3 25.Nh5 f6 26.Qxa5 Qxb2 27.Qxa7 Rg8 28.Qxc5±
16...exd5
16...Na5 17.Nd4ƒ with strong initiative.

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17.Re1! A calm move, threatening cd5 and leading to time gain at the cost of a second pawn.
17...Bxc4 18.Ng3 Qd8 19.Bb1 b5 20.Nf5 White has entirely adequate compensation for the pawns.
All of his pieces are ready to join the attack against the black king and Black is underdeveloped.
From practical point of view, especially in a rapid game, White's play is easier. He only needs to
continue with the natural flow of his pieces, while Black has to think up a defending strategy,
involving many concrete details.
20...d4 21.Qd2
21.a4!? a6 22.Ba3

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21...Be6 Black decides to bring his bishop closer to his king.
His last move may be correct, but exchanging one of White's threatening rooks is a worthy
alternative: 21...Re8 22.Rxe8+ Nxe8 White can retrieve a pawn and retain good compensation for the
other one, due to his active bishops, but Black may be out of danger.
22.Rc5 a6
Obviously Nakamura underestimated the perilous situation he ended up in. Hikaru might have
thought that he could exchange the active knight later.
It is also true that his problems of making the most practical choice would continue after 22...Re8
23.Rec1 or 22...Bxf5 23.Bxf5 Qd6 24.Rec1 Nd7 25.Rxb5

23.Nxg7! Nakamura must have considered this impossible or inoffensive due to the fact that the
bishop on b2 seems passive.
23...Kxg7 24.Qg5+ Kh8 25.Qh4 Suddenly, White threatens Rc6 followed by Bd4, or even Bc1-g5.
25...Rg8? The decisive mistake.

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The only way to put up resistence was 25...Re8! creating some tension along the e-file.

26.g3! (White needs to open an escape route for his king as 26.Rxc6? Rxc6 27.Bxd4 runs into
27...Bf5! parrying Qh7# and threatening a back rank mate. White is lost, for instance: 28.Bxf6+ Kg8!
29.Rxe8+ Qxe8 30.Qg5+ Bg6-+) 26...Kg8 (26...Bf5 27.Rxe8+ Nxe8 28.Bxf5± leaves Black
hanging. We can now see why g3 was a better way to secure the back rank than h3.) 27.Qh6 Bd5
28.Rxe8+ Qxe8 29.Rxd5 Qe1+ (29...Nxd5 30.Bxh7+ Kh8 31.Be4+ Kg8 32.Bxd5± White retains a
very dangerous attack.) 30.Kg2 Qxf2+ The only defence. 31.Kxf2 Ng4+ 32.Kf3 Nxh6 33.Rc5 White
retains the more pleasant ending despite he is missing two pawns. The pawn on d4 is doomed and
Black's queenside pawns are vulnerable. The two bishops offer White lasting pressure.

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26.Rxc6! This mini-combination wins now.
26...Rxc6 27.Bxd4 Kg7 28.Qxh7+ Kf8 29.Qh6+ Ke8 30.Bxf6 Qa5 31.Qe3 Qb6 32.Rd1 Rd6
33.Bd4 Qc6 34.Be4 Qc4 35.h3 Kd7 36.Rd2 Re8 37.Kh2 Bd5 38.Bf5+ Be6 39.Bd3 Qa4 40.Be5
Rd5 41.Qa7+ 1-0
The following game, doubtlessly known by Carlsen, is absolute classic related to our theme. It may
actually be the first one featuring this type of scenario.

D41
Polugaevsky, Lev - Tal, Mihail
Moscow 8/485, 1969

1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.d4 c5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.e4

6.e3
6...Nxc3 7.bxc3 cxd4 8.cxd4 Bb4+ 9.Bd2 Bxd2+
9...Qa5 10.Rb1! Bxd2+ 11.Qxd2 Qxd2+ 12.Kxd2±
10.Qxd2 O-O 11.Bc4 Nc6 12.O-O b6 13.Rad1! Bb7 14.Rfe1

14...Na5 This was recommended by Tal in his comments to a game from the Petrosian - Spassky
match, earlier that year.
Polugaevsky was aware of Tal's suggestion and spent several hours analysing the position before the
game. His results were stunning.
The aforementioned game went 14...Rc8 15.d5 exd5 (I assume that both Petrosian during the game
and Tal when commenting, thought that 15...Na5 was dangerous in view of 16.dxe6 but this sems to

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lead to a draw: 16...Qxd2 17.exf7+ Kh8 18.Nxd2 Nxc4 19.Nxc4 Rxc4 20.e5 Bc8 21.e6 Bxe6
22.Rxe6 Rc7= Marin,Mihail. However, White can transpose to the main game with 16.Bd3)
16.Bxd5± Spassky,Boris - Petrosian,Tigran V, Moscow (m/5) 1969 - 7/488
15.Bd3 Rc8

16.d5!± The same pawn break as Carlsen's, but with a different central configuration.
16...exd5 17.e5! Ever since this game, this way of reaching a threatening kingside majority has
become a well-known pattern.
17...Nc4 Unlike Nakamura, Tal seems to be in time to bring his knight into play in time.
17...g6 18.Qh6±
18.Qf4 Nb2
18...h6 19.Qf5 g6 20.Qh3 Kg7 21.e6±

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19.Bxh7+! The same as in Carlsen's game, after the initial operation in the centre White sacrifices on
the kingside. Tal had doubtlessly seen this sacrifice, but with the rook on d1 hanging and with the
possibility of ...Rc4 he might have thought it would not work.
19...Kxh7 20.Ng5+ Kg6 21.h4!! According to Polugaevsky, this must have been the moment when
Tal understood that he was fighting under "unfair" circumstances. Indeed, Polugaevsky's analysis was
far from its end yet.
Polugaevsky mentiones that the last move threatens 22.h5 Kh5 23.g4 Kg6 24.Qf5 Kh6 25.Qh7 Kg5
26.Qf5 Kh4 27.Qh5#.
21...Rc4!
21...f6 22.h5+ Kxh5 23.g4+ Kh6 24.Qh2++-;
21...f5 22.Rd4!+-
22.h5+ Kh6 23.Nxf7+ Kh7 24.Qf5+ Kg8 25.e6!

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Polugaevsky had reached this position during his analysis when Geller entered his room. Judging
from a later comment by Polugaevsky, ("an analysis until move 25") he had stopped here. Of course,
excellent intuition is needed to do that, as White still is a piece down, but Polugaevsky rightly
evaluated that the e-pawn has a decisive strength.
To the young modern player, Polugaevsky's analysis may not seem so impressive. But we have to
take into account that nowadays one only has to push the engines a bit to work out such an analysis or
longer. In 1969, a chess playing computer existed only in the dreams of such visionaries as Botvinnik.
25...Qf6
25...Qe7 26.h6!+-
26.Qxf6 gxf6 27.Rd2
27.Nd6!? Nxd1 28.e7 Rc1!
27...Rc6
27...Rb4 28.a3+-;
27...Na4!? 28.e7 Re8 29.Nd6 Bc6 30.Nxc4 dxc4 31.Rd6±
28.Rxb2 Re8?
28...Bc8! 29.Nh6+! (29.e7 Re8 30.Nd8±) 29...Kh7 30.Nf5 Rxe6 31.Rc1±
29.Nh6+! Kh7 30.Nf5 Rexe6 31.Rxe6 Rxe6 32.Rc2 Rc6 33.Re2+- Bc8
33...Rc7 34.Re6+-
34.Re7+ Kh8 35.Nh4 f5 36.Ng6+ Kg8 37.Rxa7 1-0

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The impact of this game was such, that Polugaevsky's pawn sacrifice in the centre became a standard
method of fighting for the initiative, even without prior home analysis.

E12
Kasparov, Garry (2640) - Najdorf, Miguel (2510)
Bugojno 33/624, 1982

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.a3 Bb7 5.Nc3 d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.e3 Be7 8.Bb5+ c6 9.Bd3 Nxc3
10.bxc3 c5 11.O-O Nc6 12.e4 O-O 13.Be3 cxd4 14.cxd4 Rc8 15.Qe2 Na5 16.Rfe1 Qd6N
16...Kh8!? Kasparov,Garry 2630 - Groszpeter,Attila 2425, Graz 1981 - 32/594
The structure is almost identical to the one in the previous game. The only (completely irrelevant)
difference is the pawn's presence on a3.
For the enormously talented, but at that time still impatient, Kasparov, there was no reason to refrain
from the familiar operation.

17.d5!?
The main alternative is 17.Rad1 Compare with Rf1-e1 as an alternative to d5 in Carlsen's game.
White simply completes his development, planning Bc1 with certain pressure. 17...Qxa3 The critical
move, of course. 18.d5 exd5 19.exd5 Bxd5 Otherwise White has excellent compensation for just one
pawn. 20.Bc1 (20.Nd4 Bb3∞ remains interesting but unclear.) 20...Rxc1 21.Rxc1 Bf6 At this height
Black seems to have no problems, but in the long fight White's extra exchange may count.
17...exd5 18.e5 Qe6 The main difference with respect to Polugaevsky - Tal is that g5 is defended,
excluding the possibility of Bh7. Optically, White has good compensation, but concretely things are
not that clear.

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19.Nd4!
19.Ng5!? Bxg5 20.Bxg5©
19...Qxe5 20.Nf5 This looks a bit premature.
20.Qg4!?© (Marin,Mihail) sets up the battery along the e-file, yielding White reasonable
compensation for the two pawns.
20...Bf6!
20...g6? 21.Bd4!+-;
20...Bc5? 21.Qh5! Rfe8 22.Ne7+!+-;
20...Nc4 21.Qf1! … Bd4± In fact, Black has (Actually 21.Qh5 looks stronger: 21...g6 22.Bd4 Qxd4
23.Nxd4 gxh5 24.Rxe7 Marin,Mihail. White has chances to retain adequate compensation. From a
practical point of view his play is easier.) 21...Bd6 when White's compensation is not obvious at all.
21.Qg4

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21...Rce8? Najdorf's wish to bring his pieces closer to his king is understandable. But the rook could
have been useful on the c-file.
21...Rfe8?! 22.Bd2! Qxa1 23.Rxa1 Bxa1 24.h4!± Kasparov's evaluation is correct. White retains
realistic attacking chances as Black's rooks are not very useful. Whether ² would be more accurate
than ± is not such a relevant question. (24.Nh6+? Kf8 25.Bb4+ Rc5µ; 24.Nxg7? Bxg7 25.Bh6 Rc1+!
This is the difference with respect to the game continuation. 26.Bf1 Rxf1+ 27.Kxf1 Ba6+-+)
21...Qc3! 22.Ne7+! (22.Nh6+ Kh8 23.Bf5 Nb3!µ; 22.Rac1 Qxd3 23.Nh6+ Kh8 24.Nxf7+ Kg8=)
22...Bxe7! (22...Kh8 23.Bxh7! Rc4 24.Be4!+-) 23.Bd4 Qxd4 24.Qxd4 Bf6 25.Qg4 Bxa1 26.Rxa1²
∆Nb3?! 27.Bxh7+! Kxh7 28.Qh3+ Kg8 29.Qxb3±
22.Bd2 Qxa1 Under the given circumstances, this loses.
22...Qc7 23.Nh6+ Kh8 24.Rxe8! Rxe8 25.Qf5 Re4 26.Bxe4 dxe4 27.Rc1 Nc4 28.Bg5!+-;
22...Qb2!? was the only way to stay in the game. The queen keeps the a1-rook under observation,
preventing a later Re8 as in Kasparov's line above. 23.Nh6+ Kh8 24.Qh5 Re4! 25.Bxe4 dxe4 26.Bb4
e3! Black is on the verge of defeat, but keeps finding resources. 27.Ng4 exf2+ 28.Nxf2 Bd4 29.Qh4
Rc8 30.Rab1 Qxf2+ 31.Qxf2 Bxf2+ 32.Kxf2 Rc2+ 33.Ke3± Black has two pawns for the exchange
but his back rank is weak and the minor pieces are hanging.
23.Rxa1 Bxa1

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24.Nxg7! The knight sacrifice on this square is much simpler than in Carlsen's game.
24...Bxg7
24...Bc8 25.Ne6+! Kh8 26.Qf5+-;
24...f5 25.Nxf5+ Kh8 26.Qh5+-
25.Bh6 1-0
The next example proves even clearer that Polugaevsky's attacking pattern does not always work
optimally. After d5 White should always evaluate the alternatives.

E12
Jussupow, Artur (2660) - Sokolov, Andrei (2620)
Riga (m/14) 42/665, 1986

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.Nc3 Bb7 5.a3 d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.e3 Be7 8.Bd3 Nxc3 9.bxc3 c5 10.O-
O O-O 11.Qe2
11.Qc2!?
11...Nc6 12.Bb2 Rc8 13.Rad1 cxd4 14.cxd4 Bf6 15.h4!?N A strong novelty. White sacrifices a
pawn in order to gain time for his attack. If Black declines the gift, the pawn would become
threatening after h5(-h6).
15.Nd2 Benjamin,Joel 2450 - Sokolov,Andrei 2435, Kobenhavn 1982 - 34/605
It was known that after 15.e4 Black should refrain from taking the d4-pawn, but after 15...Na5 it is
far from easy for White to put his centre into motion. The most dangerous idea is 16.h4, offering a
transposition to the game.

128
15...Bxh4
15...g6 16.h5ƒ
16.e4 White threatens d5, which would open the diagonals for his bishops, with strong threats against
the enemy kingside.

16...Na5 The most flexible move, taking preventive measures against White's plan.
16...Bf6!? may be playable, but it gives White a choice. 17.d5 would most likely transpose to the later
game between the same players mentioned below, but maybe Sokolov did not like that White can
gain time for his attack with 17.d5!?© (17.e5 Be7 18.d5 exd5 19.Bf5, possibly followed by e6)
After the game move, White's compensation for the pawn is beyond any doubt. The h4-bishop is
hanging and the central pawns look very powerful. However, it is not easy to take a concrete decision
about how to take advantage of this favourable moment. When making his choice, Jussupow most
likely relied on the most known patterns in that period.
The magic of the 1969 Polugaevsky - Tal game had not been extinguished with the pass of the years.
17.d5! exd5

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18.e5?! The same as in the Kasparov - Najdorf game, White obtains active play with this move, but
two pawns is too high a price to pay for it.
Three years later, Artur hit onto the right track with 18.exd5! Bf6 19.Ne5, with a very promising
position in Jussupow,Artur 2610 - Sokolov,Andrei 2605, Rotterdam 1989 - 47/621. True, he
eventually lost that game, but this was not the opening's fault at all.
There may be also a psychological explanation for Artur's choice in the last game of the 1986 match.
After the double sacrifice, White gets the possibility of building up his attack without being exposed
to direct piece contact, with the inherent danger of simplifications. On the contrary, after 18.ed5, play
takes a forced character, increasing the risk of a liquidation to a draw after an intense, but short
tactical phase. 19...Qd6 20.Rfe1©
18...Nc4 19.Bd4 Re8 20.g3 Bg5
20...Bf6? 21.Bxh7+ Kxh7 22.Qd3+ Kg8 23.exf6​→;
20...Be7!?
21.Kg2© Frankly speaking, I would not be too happy with the black pieces if I saw this position for
the first time. White has a fluent plan of activating his rooks through the h-file, while keeping the
centre firmly in his hand. At the same time, Black's chances for counterplay are not obvious.
Sokolov's play in the next phase of the game will focus on two aspects: 1) neutralising the main white
threats, and 2) taking advantage of the small change of nuances induced by White's regrouping, in
order to get some activity of his own.
It is worth nothing that starting with the 19th move and almost until the end of the game the a3-pawn
will remain en prise, but neither side will care about it! Both players considered the kingside and
central tension to be the only thing worth focusing on.

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21...Rc6 22.Rh1
22.Nxg5 Qxg5 23.f4 Qe7 24.Rde1 … f5∞
22...h6
22...Rh6? 23.Nxg5 Rxh1 24.Nxf7+-
23.Rh5
23.Nxg5 Qxg5 24.f4 Qe7 25.Rde1 Re6!? 26.Bf5 f6=
23...Be7
23...g6 24.Nxg5 gxh5 25.Nh7 Rg6 26.Qxh5​→
24.Rdh1
24.Ba1 Bf8!? … g6
24...Bc5 Over the past few moves, each side has carried on his own plan. Black has defended his
sixth rank and slighlty questioned White's control over the central dark squares. From now on, we
will follow a more interactive fight: with each regrouping of White's will offer Black some new
opportunities.
24...Bf8 25.R1h4ƒ
25.R1h4 Overdefending d4, but leaving the other rook immobile.
25.Ba1 d4!? 26.Bxc4 Rf6 27.exf6 Rxe2 28.Bxe2 Qxf6©
25...b5! 26.Ba1?
26.Bxc5 Rxc5 27.Nd4 Qb6! 28.Bb1 Rc7!? (28...Nxa3?! 29.Rxh6! gxh6 30.Qg4+ Kf8 (30...Kh8
31.Qf5​→) 31.Bh7!​→) 29.Qd3 Qg6=;

26.Rf4!?©
26...Rg6! [… d4] The pawn is not needed for defending the bishop any more, and Black clears the b6-
square for his queen.
27.Nd4
27.Bd4!?
27...Rg5µ Once this square has become available, exchanging one rook is the best defensive idea.
28.Rxg5 Qxg5 29.f4
29.Rg4 Qd2!µ
29...Qd8 White has played quite consequently, but his position has lost part of its inner harmony. The
bishop is loose on a1, and after the rooks' exchange the space advantage also gives the impression of

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some backward weaknesses.
Before activating his knight, White needs to spend a tempo on evacuating he king from the long
diagonal.
30.Kh2 Qb6 A dozen of moves have past from the beggining of the attack, we can feel that the
situation has somewhat escaped from under White's control. He cannot maintain the control of the d4-
square properly and needs to embark on forced play. The following sequence seems rather promissing
for him, though.
31.Nf5† Ne3
31...Bg1+!?
32.e6 Nxf5 33.Bxf5

Here it is, the high point of White's attack. All his pieces are targetting the enemy king and the natural
33...fe6? would lead to a devastating attack after 34.Rh6!
33...Rxe6! Just as its colleague on the 25th move, the second black rook willingly gets under the
bishop's attack, and this time we can speak about a real exchange sacrifice. The simplicity with which
Sokolov extinguishes White's initiative is impressive.
34.Bxe6 Qxe6 35.Qxb5 With queens on board, the white king will be deadly exposed.
However, in the ending arising after 35.Qxe6 fxe6 Black would have three pawns for the exchange
and every chance to win. A white win would be out of question, and this was actually the only thing
that could be of Artur's interest.
35...Bb6 36.f5 Qxf5 37.Qe8+ Kh7 38.Rf4

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38...Qh5+ Forcing a draw and the qualification for the Candidates' Superfinal.
Black would win easily with 38...Qc2+ 39.Kh3 Bc8+ 40.g4 Qd3+ (40...Bg1 followed by ...Qh2#
mate.) 41.Kg2 Qd2+ 42.Kg3 Bc7-+
39.Rh4 Qf5 40.Rf4 Qh5+ 41.Rh4 1/2-1/2
During Kasparov's ascension towards the World Champion title, his opponents must have frequently
felt that the effects of the resolute advance of Garry's d-pawn were almost impossible to counter. He
would start the game with 1.d4 and in the early middlegame (sometimes even late opening) d5 would
yield him a very dangerous attack. Here is a game against a very experienced opponent.

E12
Kasparov, Garry (2690) - Portisch, Lajos (2620)
Niksic 36/608, 1983

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.Nc3 Bb7 5.a3 d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.e3 Nxc3 8.bxc3 Be7 9.Bb5+ c6
10.Bd3 c5 11.O-O Nc6 12.Bb2 Rc8 13.Qe2 O-O 14.Rad1 Qc7?! At this height, the structure is
similar to that in Carlsen's game, even if White's development is a bit different.
14...cxd4 Benjamin,Joel 2450 - Sokolov,Andrei 2435, Kobenhavn 1982 - 34/605
15.c4!N With all his pieces developed, White starts the central action.
15...cxd4
15...Bf6?! 16.d5 Ne5 17.Nxe5 Bxe5 18.Bxh7+!+-;
15...Na5 16.d5! exd5 17.cxd5 c4 (17...Bxd5 18.Bxh7+ Kxh7 19.Rxd5±) 18.Bf5 Rcd8 19.e4±
16.exd4 Na5

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17.d5! This is not a sacrifice, but the exchange operation which will weaken Black's kingside.
17...exd5
17...Nxc4 18.Qe4! g6 19.Bxc4 Qxc4 20.Qe5 f6 21.Qxe6+ Rf7 22.Rc1 Qa6 23.d6 Rxc1 24.Rxc1 Bd8
25.Ng5! fxg5 26.Rc7!! Bxc7 27.Qe8+ Rf8 28.Qe5+-
18.cxd5 Bxd5 19.Bxh7+ Only vaguely reminiscent of Polugaevsky - Tal game.
19...Kxh7 20.Rxd5 Kg8
20...Qc2 21.Rd2! Qc5 22.Ne5!+-

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21.Bxg7!! Finally the sacrifice on g7. Kasparov explains it very logically. He wanted to play Ne5 but
did not like to obstruct his bishop! Brilliant simplicity.
21.Ng5? Qc2!∞
21...Kxg7 22.Ne5! Black's extra piece does not count for practical reasons, as the knight on a5 does
not take part in the fight. Unfortunately, his king does!
22...Rfd8™
22...f5 23.Rd7 Qc5 24.Nd3+-;
22...Rcd8 23.Qg4+ Kh7 24.Nd7!+-;
22...Qc2 23.Qg4+ Kh7 24.Rd3 Rc6 25.Qf5+!+-;
22...Rh8 23.Qg4+ Kf8 24.Qf5 f6 25.Re1 Nc6 (25...Qc1 26.Rdd1+-) 26.Nd7+ Kf7 27.Rxe7+!+-
23.Qg4+ Kf8

24.Qf5! White attacks with simple moves, gradually invading the enemy territory.
24.Nd7+ Rxd7 25.Rxd7 Qe5²
24...f6
24...Bd6 25.Qf6! Nc4 (25...Kg8 26.Qg5+ Kf8 27.Qh6+ Kg8 (27...Ke8 28.Re1+-) 28.Ng4! Bxh2+
29.Kh1+-) 26.Ng6+ Ke8 27.Re1+ Kd7 28.Re7+ Kc6 29.Rxc7+ Kxc7 30.Qxf7+ Kb8 31.h4+-
25.Nd7+
25.Ng6+? Kg7! (25...Ke8? 26.Qh5!! Rxd5 27.Ne5++-) 26.Nf4 Rxd5 27.Qg6+ (Actually 27.Nxd5!
is stronger. White retrieves the piece retaining an extra pawn. 27...Qe5 28.Nxe7 Qxf5 29.Nxf5+ Kf8

135
Kasparov might have been worried about losing the pawn on a3, but his kingside attack would retain
its strength: 30.Re1 Rc3 31.h4 Rxa3 32.Re6 White wins a pawn. 32...Kf7?! 33.Re7+ Planning Ra7.
33...Kg6? 34.g4 mating soon - Marin,Mihail) 27...Kh8 28.Qh6+ (28.Ne6 Rg5!) 28...Kg8=
25...Rxd7 26.Rxd7 Qc5 27.Qh7 The material balance is about even and White's attack continues.
27...Rc7 28.Qh8+!
28.Rd3? Qxf2+!! 29.Kxf2 (29.Rxf2? Rc1+-+) 29...Bc5+ 30.Kg3 Rxh7 31.Rxf6+=
28...Kf7 29.Rd3 Nc4 30.Rfd1! Ne5?
30...Bd6! 31.Rd5! Qc6 (31...Qxa3? 32.Rxd6! Nxd6 33.Qh7++-) 32.h4±
31.Qh7+ Ke6
31...Kf8 32.Rd8++-
32.Qg8+ Kf5 33.g4+! Kf4 34.Rd4+ Kf3 35.Qb3+ Not the only winning move, but such long queen
retreats are very elegant.
35.Qb3+ Qc3 36.Qd5++-
1-0
Here is another example where the pawn sacrifice took place right out of the opening, being part of a
then young variation.

E17
Kasparov, Garry (2595) - Marjanovic, Slavoljub (2505)
Malta (ol) 30/631, 1980

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Bb7 5.Bg2 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.d5!? exd5 8.Nh4! Polugaevsky (who
else?) introduced this move during his match against Korchnoi earlier that year. Kasparov could not
avoid adopting it, of coure, as it suited his style so well.
8...c6 9.cxd5 Nxd5 10.Nf5 Nc7 11.Nc3!
11.e4 Ne6 12.e5 f6!³
11...d5
11...Ne6!?
12.e4 As a result of the pawn sacrifice, White has gained developing time and weakened the enemy
kingside defence.
12...Bf6
12...dxe4?! 13.Nxe4 Nd5 14.Qg4±
13.exd5! cxd5

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13...Nxd5 14.Nxd5 cxd5 15.Ne3 Nc6 16.Nxd5²
14.Bf4 Nba6 15.Re1!
15.Qg4!? (… Bd6) 15...g6 16.Nh6+ Kg7 17.Rad1∞
15...Qd7? Without any theoretical reference points available, Marjanovic plays a few standard moves
eventually landing him in a hopeless position. But the last move is not that wrong yet.
15...Nc5 16.Rc1!?© (16.Bd6 Re8 17.Rxe8+ Nxe8 18.Bxc5 bxc5 19.Nxd5 Bxd5 20.Bxd5 Rb8 21.Qf3
Rxb2 22.Rd1ƒ)
15...Bc8 16.Nd6 Be6 17.Nxd5 Nxd5 18.Bxd5 Bxd5 19.Qxd5 Bxb2 20.Rad1©

16.Bh3! Kh8

137
16...Qc6 17.Rc1! Nc5 18.Be5! d4 (18...Rfe8 19.Nd4!+-) 19.Ne4! Rae8! 20.Nxd4!+-;
16...Ne6!? 17.Ne4!​→
Marjanovic notices only one of the two threats created by Kasparov's last move. The king retreat is a
decisive mistake. He could have parried both threats with the paradoxic 16...Qd8! when White does
not have a simple way to an advantage.
17.Ne4! Apart from Nh6, this is the threat overlooked by Marjanovic. The game is over as White
attacks with a huge material advantage on the kingside.
17...Bxb2?
17...Ne6™ 18.Nxf6 gxf6 19.Nd6! This threatens not only Nf7 but also Bf5 followed by Qh5.
(19.Bd6± Kasparov, Garry) 19...Nac5 20.Bf5 Rg8 21.b4+- The knight retreat would run into Nf7!
18.Ng5!+- Qc6
18...Ne6 19.Nd6 Bxa1 20.Ndxf7+ Rxf7 21.Bxe6+-
19.Ne7 Qf6 20.Nxh7! A pseudo-sacrifice, of course.
20...Qd4
20...Kxh7 21.Qh5+ Marin,Mihail
21.Qh5 g6 22.Qh4 Bxa1 23.Nf6+
23.Nf6+ Kg7 24.Nf5+ gxf5 25.Qh6#
1-0

138
Time has come to step down from the high spheres to a game between mere mortals, which has some
connection with my personal experience.

E14
Hoffman, Alejandro (2435) - Verat, Laurent (2235)
Royan, 1989

1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.e3 b6 4.Bd3 Bb7 5.O-O Be7 6.c4 O-O 7.b3 d6 8.Nc3 Nbd7 9.Bb2 c5

10.d5! When reaching this position I advanced the d-pawn without hesitations as I felt that it is the
only principled move. But I was not sure about the evaluation of the ensuing forced line.
10...exd5
Fortunately, my opponent played the passive 10...e5? and I obtained a crushing advantage almost
effortlessly. 11.Nd2 Ne8 12.f4 exf4 13.exf4 f5 14.Nf3 g6 15.Qd2 Bf6 16.Rae1 Ng7 17.Ng5+-
Marin,Mihail 2534 - Sanal,Vahap 2275, Porto Carras 2011
11.cxd5 Nxd5 12.Nxd5 Bxd5 13.Bxh7+ Kxh7 14.Qxd5 White has weakened the enemy king's
defence and he has a pleasant blockade on d5. However, Black has not exhausted his resources yet.
14...Bf6 This was the move worrying me, as it seems that Black can remove the blockade on d5.
After the game, I was delighted to see that White has a very strong continuation.
15.Rad1!! Even though I knew since my childhood that the player with the better development
should continue developing at any cost, I did not manage to find this move during the time my
opponent was thinking whether to enter this line or not.
15.Bxf6 Nxf6 16.Qd3+ Kg8 17.e4 Re8=
15...Bxb2 16.Qf5+ g6

139
16...Kg8 17.Rxd6 g6 18.Qh3 is a worse version of the game continuation as g6 is hanging.
17.Qh3+ Kg7 18.Rxd6 f5 19.Rfd1 Rf7 20.Nh4 Bf6 All the moves have been forced so far.
21.Qg3
21.Nxg6! is stronger. 21...Kxg6 22.R1d5 Kg7 23.Qxf5² Qe8 24.Rxd7 Kg8 25.h4± With respect to
the line in the next comment, White has taken the pawn on f5. With three pawns for a piece and a
continuing attack, his chances are clearly better.
21...Bxh4 22.Qxg6+ Kf8 23.Qh6+

23...Ke8?
23...Rg7! 24.Rxd7 Qf6 25.Qh8+ Rg8 26.Qh5 Qg6 27.Qf3 Re8 White's position remains pleasant, but
with his f5-pawn alive, Black is in no immediate danger.
24.Qh8+ Nf8 25.Rxd8+ Bxd8 26.Qe5+
26.Rd5+-
26...Be7 27.h4 Nh7
In a game played three years later Black deviated with 27...Rc8 without changing much. 28.h5 Rf6
29.g3 b5 30.e4 fxe4 31.Qxe4 Rcc6 32.a4 a6 33.axb5 axb5 34.Ra1 Kf7 35.Ra7 Rce6 36.Qd5 Kg7
37.Qxc5 Rf7 38.Qxb5 Nh7 39.Kg2 1 : 0 Giorgadze,Giorgi 2525 - Wians,Camille 2280, Debrecen
1992
28.g3± The material is about equal, but Black's pieces are no reasonable match for the centralised
queen.
28...Rc8 29.Qe6 Rc7 30.Rd8+!+-

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THRILL ON THE EDGE OF THE CHESSBOARD

In a dispute, now and again emerging at chess websites or social media networks, on whether folks
played chess better in the past or in the present, the majority of respondents are quite confident with
the alleged supremacy against their forefathers.
As far as I am concerned, I am not so sure though. I could leave alone the numerous proponents of
engine based analysis of any chess game if I were sadly ignorant of the impact it leaves on both their
own and their reader's ability to think independently. As to the second argument, an important
consideration is comparison of beauty between the moves of the past and the present. In an endless

141
flow of modern games, both standard and rapid, I am yet to discover the likes of Bird - Morphy or
Levitsky - Marshall with their stunning strikes out of the blue.

C41
Bird, Henry Edward - Morphy, Paul
London (m/5), 1858

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 f5 4.Nc3 fxe4 5.Nxe4 d5 6.Ng3 e4

7.Ne5 Nf6 8.Bg5 Bd6 9.Nh5 O-O 10.Qd2 Qe8 11.g4
Nxg4 12.Nxg4 Qxh5 13.Ne5 Nc6 14.Be2 Qh3 15.Nxc6
bxc6 16.Be3 Rb8 17.O-O-O

Morphy offers a rook for the starter. What's coming up next, however, could have made the chair
under Mister Bird squeak loud...
17...Rxf2! 18.Bxf2 Qa3!! Against all odds the queen forces her way across the board to herald a
deadly attack on the white king.
19.c3 Dare not touch the queen!
19.bxa3? Bxa3#;
19.Qc3 Qxa2 (19...Qxc3 20.bxc3 Bf4+ 21.Rd2 e3-+ also wins.) 20.b3 (20.Be3 Bb4) 20...Bb4 and
White must part with his queen.
19...Qxa2 20.b4
On 20.Qc2 the black bishop strikes on other side: 20...Bf4+! 21.Rd2 Bxd2+ 22.Qxd2 Qa1+ 23.Kc2
Rxb2#

142
20...Qa1+ 21.Kc2 Qa4+ 22.Kb2 Stunned by 18...Qa3!!, Bird walks straight into fire down the b-file.
22.Kc1 could have been more resilient. Paul Morphy would have had a vast choice of at least 4
continuations. 22...a5 (or 22...Bxb4 23.cxb4 Rxb4 24.Qc3 Rb3; 22...Rxb4!? is even more defying
caution, but still Black can afford it: 23.cxb4 Bxb4 24.Qc2 Qa1+ 25.Qb1 Qc3+ 26.Qc2 ultimately
draws a bloody game.; 22...Qa1+ with immediate perpetual, however, is least likely of all. 23.Kc2
Qa2+) 23.Rhg1 gives White some survival hopes.
22...Bxb4! Morphy does not need to be asked twice to fire upon the king.
23.cxb4 Rxb4+ 24.Qxb4 Giving up the queen is mandatory to avoid a checkmate in 2.
24...Qxb4+ 25.Kc2
25.Ka2 Qc3 26.Rb1 e3 27.Be1 Qc2+ 28.Rb2 Qa4+ 29.Kb1 Bf5+ with a mate to follow soon.

25...e3! Making headway for a rearguard to decisively join the battle.

26.Bxe3 Bf5+ 27.Rd3
27.Bd3 Qc4+ offers no escape either.
27...Qc4+ 28.Kd2 Qa2+ 29.Kd1
29.Ke1 Bxd3 30.Bxd3 Qa1+-+
29...Qb1+ and White resigned as he loses one of his rooks. 0-1

C10
Levitsky, Stepan Mikhailovich - Marshall, Frank James
Breslau, 1912

143
23...Qg3!! An ultimate thriller! Levitsky resigned, speechless.
23...Qg3 24.hxg3 (I feel honoured to point out few not too long variations which caused White's
resignation: 24.Qxg3 Ne2+ 25.Kh1 Nxg3+ 26.Kg1 Nxf1 (26...Ne2+ 27.Kh1 Rc3 also wins easily a
piece up.) 27.gxh3 Nd2-+; 24.fxg3 Ne2+ 25.Kh1 Rxf1#) 24...Ne2#
0-1
As you can see, pretty often these stunner moves happen where the opponents tend to expect them
least of all - at the edge, or even at the very corner of the chessboard. Another valuable classic
example comes from the World Chess Championship 1966. The problem is, however, I am at a loss
to define which shelf it belongs to : classic or modern games?

Petrosian, Tigran V - Spassky, Boris V

Moscow (m/10), 1966

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27.Nxd6
27.Nf5?? in contrast, would have been a blunder. 27...Qe1+ 28.Kg2 Qxe4+;
27.Bxf7+ Kxf7 28.Nxd6+ seems both simple and strong, but Petrosian probably rejected it on
grounds of 28...Kg8 29.Qg2+ Kf8 30.Qf3+ Kg8 31.Qf7+ Kh8 when suddenly there is no clear way
forward.
27...Qg5+ Spassky is trying to prevent White's possible attack along the g-file, but slowly walks into
beautiful trap which Petrosian has skillfully set up for him.
27...Qe1+ 28.Kg2 Qxe3 loses to 29.Bxf7+ Kf8 30.Qh8+ Ke7 31.Nf5+ Kxf7 (31...Kd7 32.Be6++-)
32.Qg7+ Ke8 33.Nxe3;
27...Rf8 allows the aforementioned attack down the g-file: 28.Qg2+ Kh8 29.Nxf7+ Rxf7 30.Bxf7
Qe1+ 31.Nf1 winning easily;
27...Ra7 was in my opinion most resilient. Spassky probably rejected it on grounds of 28.Nxf7 Rxf7
29.Bxf7+ Kxf7 30.Qf2+ Qxf2+ 31.Kxf2± when he would suffer badly in the knight ending being a
pawn down with no counterplay whatsoever.
28.Kh1 Ra7
28...Qxe3 is similar to 27...Qe1
29.Bxf7+ Rxf7
And now just look at this:

145
30.Qh8+!! A thunderbolt across the long diagonal that Spassky had certainly not seen in advance.
Black resigned. 1-0
RR This game is published in very first Chess Informant - 1/431

Inspired by the classics above I always dreamed big of creating such star moves or ideas myself. I
would not mind them to unfold in front of my eyes either. As the miracles do not easily occur now
and then, I admit starting to invent miracles! The reader may argue that it is a field of chess
composition and my article possibly does not belong here.
To defend myself I first need to assert that all those well-known tools of chess composing such as
helpmates and selfmates or checkmates in 2 or 3 in positions won all throughout have never been my
cup of tea. I have never regarded solving them as useful and relevant preparation for practical games.
And in case of selfmate I even feared it might actually leave a damaging effect on my armoury.
All the positions that I am about to offer you for consideration and solving bear strong relevance to
practical games. These either directly happened in human games, or are only few pieces away from
real over-the-board games. Therefore I regard them as useful and relevant preparation for OTB games
to sharpen your skills and spring a huge surprise on your opponent when time is ripe!
Some 8 years ago I sat home and followed the live broadcast of National Chess Championship of
Lithuania. Some time ago I had seen a famous "Titanic" movie and now was on the lookout for a
heavy dramatic iceberg strike... on a chessboard. One game drew my attention, but obviously no big
century worth collision happened.

Vedrickas, Tautvydas (2318) - Kveinys, Aloyzas (2512)

Lietuva (ch), 2012

146
An ordinary position in an ordinary game. A young Lithuanian FM Vedrickas has set up a strong
battery on a long diagonal, but his other pieces are quite loose. With a next ordinary move Kveinys
gets an upper hand as he challenges White's supremacy on a long diagonal and pinches on White's
weak 1st rank.
37...Rd8 38.Rg4! Good enough not to loose the game straightaway. For "Titanic" charms, however,
you will need to wait untill the next diagram...
38.Qe5? Rd1+ 39.Rf1 Qe3+ is curtains;
whereas 38.Qc3 Rd1+ 39.Rf1 Na4 is very awkward for White.
38...Rxd4 39.Rxg5 Rd1+ 40.Kf2 Nd3+ A powerful counterattack. White is lucky not to lose the
game immediately.
41.Ke3 Nxb2
On 41...Re1+ 42.Kd2 permits White to still clutch at straws.
42.Kxe4 Nxc4 Kveinys won a pawn and turned it into win 30 moves later. We will omit it as it is out
of our topic. Why this game matters though is that by removing and shifting few pawns on a diagram
above I made up a wonderful puzzle that I dubbed a 'Titanic'.
43.Rc5 Nxa3 44.Nf3 Rd8 45.Ng5 h6 46.Nxe6 Rd2 47.Ke5 Rc2 48.Rd5 Nc4+ 49.Kd4 Nb6 50.Ra5
Rc4+ 51.Kd3 Kf7 52.Nc5 Kg6 53.g3 Rc1 54.h4 Nc4 55.Ra6+ Kf5 56.g4+ Ke5 57.Nd7+ Kf4
58.Ra4 Rd1+ 59.Kxc4 Rxd7 60.Kc5+ Ke5 61.Kc6 Rd6+ 62.Kc5 Rd5+ 63.Kc6 Rd4 64.Ra5+ Ke6
65.g5 Rxh4 66.gxh6 Rxh6 67.Rxa7 g5 68.Kc5 Rh4 69.Rg7 Kf5 70.Kd5 Ra4 0-1

Disappointed, I decided to bring in few small corrections to set a stage for infamous iceberg strike on

147
the Titanic ship.

I like showing this puzzle both to my pupils and titled colleagues be it IM and GM. Before
presenting I usually avoid alerting them by loud words 'puzzle' or 'Titanic'. I tell them that it is Black
to move and ask them what continuation in their view is most plausible.
Black's position looks great. He is a pawn up, he is to move, White's king is exposed and his rook
and knight are undefended. The younger my respondents are the quicker they are to suggest the
obvious 1...Rd8? which is a very human move indeed.
Now, however, Black's fortune gets struck with an incredible iceberg strike which sinks their game
in a minute.
2.Ng6!! Bang!! Isn't it something extraordinary? This move resembles me a fateful iceberg strike the
best. Black's fortune is rapidly going underwater.
That is how poor "Titanic" passengers must have felt about the strike. Let us see if someone's life can
be spared...
2...Qxg4+ Looks mad, but in fact is a sad necessity and I believe the best chance. Some "Titanic"
passengers actually jumped into ocean from the sinking ship and few of them got their lives spared.
Provided we trust the "Titanic's" melodrama...
2...hxg6 3.Qxg7# no survivors left.
2...Bxg6 3.Qxg7# no survivors left.
2...Rxd4 3.Rf8# no survivors left.
For a moment 2...e5 may seem a decent chance to repulse a disaster, but 3.Qc4+ Bd5 4.Qxd5+!

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Rxd5 5.Rf8# pulls her under.
2...Qxg6 3.Qxd8+ and Titanic will be engulfed by the ocean in an instant.
3.Rxg4 Rxd4 4.Bxd4
4.Ne7+ also wins easily.
4...hxg6 5.Bxc5+- A few passengers have survived, but the ship is gone.
When I want to increase the thrill, I remove the h2-pawn at the initial "Titanic" position. This often
makes Black feel as confident about their sail as some travellers must have felt aboard Titanic in
1912. People almost unanimously suggest 1...Rd8? and get a taste of fateful iceberg crash 2.Ng6!!
for free.
A disclaimer: my exclamation marks on 2.Ng6 are no way meant to praise the alleged beauty of
killer iceberg, but both its sheer strength and lethal unpredictability.

Ever since I acquired a taste for such odd, invisible moves as 2.Ng6!!. To avoid detection by the
opponent they are often carried out near or on the edge of the board. After all, all of us have been
taught how significant is to control the center of the chessboard! Therefore the moves on the edge
may easily escape your opponent's vigilance.
I'm happy to prove with the following example from my own game that the topic of odd moves is not
entirely my fancies with no relevance to OTB games. In fact, my entire article is designed to prove
the opposite.

C54
Sulskis, Sarunas (2519) - Blagojevic, Dragisa (2482)
Baku (ol), 2016

1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 Nf6 3.d3 Nc6 4.Nf3 Bc5 5.O-O O-O 6.c3 d5 7.exd5 Nxd5 8.b4 Be7 9.Re1 Bf6
10.Ng5 Bxg5 11.Bxg5 Qxg5 12.Bxd5 Ne7 13.Bf3 Ng6 14.Nd2 c6 15.g3 Bh3 16.Ne4 Qe7 17.Bh5
Rae8 18.Qd2 Bc8 19.a4 Nh8?! 20.d4 Qc7 21.a5 Ng6 22.d5 cxd5 23.Qxd5 Rd8 24.Qc5² Qb8
25.Bxg6 hxg6

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26.Ng5!​→ Rfe8 27.Qc4 Be6 28.Qh4 f6 29.Qh7+ Kf8 30.Nxe6+ Rxe6 31.Qxg6± Qc7 32.Re3 Rc6
33.Rc1 Rc4 34.Qc2† Kg8 35.h4 Rc8 36.Qb3 Kh7 37.Qb1+ Kg8 38.h5 Qd7! 39.Rd1† Qg4
40.Red3 e4† 41.Rd4 Qxh5 42.Qb3 Kh7 43.Rxc4 Rxc4 44.Qxc4 Qxd1+ 45.Qf1= Qc2? 46.Qh3+
Kg6 47.Qg4+ Kf7 48.Qd7+ Kg6 49.g4! Qxc3?! The game had seen ups and downs. I had been on
the top in the middlegame, but at the end of first time control Blagojevic completely regained control.
Perhaps he started having hopes of something better than a draw and again began making
inaccuracies.

50.Qe8+!
More clever than 50.Qf5+ Kf7= when the draw is quite likely.

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50...Kh7!
For time being Blagojevic succesfully avoids deadly traps as 50...Kg5? 51.Qh5+ Kf4 52.Qf5# or
50...Kh6? 51.Qh5#
51.Qxe4+ Kh6?? But now, however, he lets his guard down.
51...Kh8 52.Qxb7± and White would have still needed to work hard to win it.

52.Qh1+!!
He certainly has missed this corner brilliancy 52.Qh1+ and now is forced to resign in view of
52...Kg5 53.Qh5+ Kf4 54.Qf5#
1-0
With COVID-19 infamously raging across the globe, almost all OTB chess events have been
cancelled since March. After a few months of tense quarantine, during which thousands of online
speed games were played all over the world, attempts were made to return to normal chess in the East
Baltic countries Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. In July people had played quite many OTB events,
both rapid and standard in my country, before Lithuanian Chess League 2020 again was suspended at
the beginning of August due to the infamous COVID-19 threat and understandable reluctance of
many teams to play long chess games wearing masks. While people still played mask-free in July, I
whetted my appetite for chess watching live stream.
The curiosity below does not require any remaking and stands good as it is:

Pultinevicius, Paulius (2512) - Juksta, Karolis (2366)

Plateliai, 2020

151
White is to move.
It looks as though the tournament leader and ultimate winner Pultinevicius is calling the shots. White
is a pawn up, his king is dominant, his far advanced pawn on a6 can rely on its comrade support in
walking him through to promotion.
Nothing could be farther from the truth! In fact, White is sitting on a powder keg and must now run
for his life!
56.g5! Well done, Paulius! You have just saved the game.
On 56.b4?? or any other move White's king perishes in a terrible trap: 56...g6+!! 57.hxg6 Be6#
56...g6+!! Although less devastating than it could have been had Pultinevicius not played 56.g5!, this
tactic still hits White powerfully. It annihalates White's kingside pawn battalion in a matter of
minutes. Subsequently the leader's hopes for yet another win pawn up are vanquished.
57.Kg4 Run away as quick as you can!
57.hxg6?? Be6#
57...gxh5+ 58.Kh4 hxg5+ 59.fxg5 fxg5+ 60.Kxg5 No enemies are left on the kingside. Besides,
Black has managed to get his pawn back. The game rapidly steers toward a draw.
60...Be8 61.Kf5
As 61.Bxh5 is met by 61...Bb5
61...Kd6 62.Kf4 Bd7 Draw agreed. 1/2-1/2
The Round 8 game between Vaidas Sakalauskas and U-18 Champion of Lithuania Karolis Juksta,

152
however, begged for my artistic intervention. First, the real position from the game.

Sakalauskas, Vaidas (2335) - Juksta, Karolis (2366)

Plateliai, 2020

An experienced IM Sakalauskas, good friend of mine, has outplayed his young opponent, Juksta.
Many skillful positional measures that he has applied in the middlegame, however, has taken its toll
and now Sakalauskas cruises past the win in tiredness.
43.Qe8?!
During a live broadcast I was eager to make the idea Qd6 work, but I failed, for example 43.Qe7+
Qg7 44.Qxd6 cxd6 45.c7 (Radical 45.Rxd3? is ill-timed and even loses the game to Black: 45...exd3
46.c7 Qd7 47.c8=Q Qxc8 48.Rxc8 d2-+) 45...Ba6™ This bishop retreat rescues Black: 46.c8=Q
Bxc8 47.Rxc8 Qa1+ 48.Kh2 Qe5+ and Black is better;
43.Rxd3! could have been a strong kick that failed Sakalauskas' attention. 43...Qxd3 (If 43...exd3
44.Re1! I do not see a way to ward off White's invasion.) 44.Qf7+ Kh8 45.Qxc7 e3 46.Qf7 (46.Qb8+
Kg7 47.Qxa7+ Kf6 48.Qxb6 e2 is too messy.) 46...e2 47.Qf8+ Kh7 48.Qe7+ Kg8 49.c7 Qd1+
50.Rxd1 exd1=Q+ 51.Kh2+- is winning.
43...Qf6 44.Rd1? A blunder which nearly costs Sakalauskas a game.
44.Qc8 Qe7 and Black keeps up the struggle.

153
44...Rd8! The white queen is now trapped, but Sakalauskas' position is too powerful to entirely lose
control over the game.
45.Qxd8 Qxd8 46.Rxe4 Black's extra bishop is going to perish in a pin.
46...Qd6 47.Re3 Qxc6 48.Re7+
48.Rdxd3 g5∞ is unclear, but by this stage Sakalauskas is already too frustrated to play for a win
again.
48...Kg8 49.Rxd3 Qc1+ Draw agreed.
49...Qc1+ In case of 50.Kh2 Qf4+ 51.Rg3?! is overambitious. (51.Kg1=) 51...h5
1/2-1/2

And now the position-puzzle after my slight interference adding up few pawns here and there.

154
The task is to assess pros and cons of 1.Qd6 operation.
1.Qxd6? In case you have chosen this unequivocal decision, you are wrong. It is a losing mistake.
Wanna know why? Wait a minute!
Better is a routine 1.Qe3
1...cxd6 2.c7 The ball seems to be crossing the goal line in an instant. Will it?
2...Qh8!! No way! What an amazing top corner save! And now it is Black who is winning.
A panicky 2...Qc5? even loses to 3.Rxc5 d2 4.Rc4 d1=Q+ 5.Kh2+-
An impulsive 2...d2 3.c8=Q favours White.
3.c8=Q Qxc8 4.Rxc8 d2-+ - and the ball is going to cross the goal line at the other side of the pitch.

I will round off this overview of ghostly moves with a quite recent top game from last Chess
Olympiad, Batumi 2018 when we still had pleasure and privilege of watching face-to-face games.
In the last round, blazing with heat for olympic medals, Russia's heavy gun Ian Nepomniachtchi
pulled off the only decisive win over a Frenchman Etienne Bacrot. Russia beat France narrowly 2½ :
1½ and secured olympic bronze with 18 team points out of 22. China and USA finished on the same
point group but were a bit luckier than Russians, taking respectively gold and silver.
Although an acrobatic Qb7-h1!! did not actually happen in the game, for most of time it was there in
the air, as Nepomniachtchi had skillfully made his entire bold strategy of marching an edge pawn
down the board hinge on this well concealed and spectacular final lunge.

A13

155
 Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2768) - Bacrot, Etienne (2678)
Batumi (ol), 2018

1.Nf3 d5 2.e3 Nf6 3.c4 e6 4.Nc3 Be7 5.b3 O-O 6.Bb2 c5 7.cxd5 Nxd5

8.h4!? Nepomniachtchi is taking a corner shot.

8...b6 9.Qb1 A cutting-edge approach to chess. The queen aims at h7 with Ng5 in the air.
On 9.Qc2 it could have been harassed by the black knight from b4.
9...h6?! Ironically, this super cautious move invites fire on the black king.
Both 9...Bb7 and 9...Ba6 could have been stronger.
10.g4! What a bold determination to take Black's king prisoner!
10...Bb7 11.Rh3! The rook both evades shelling on the diagonal and joins in attack on the black king.
11...Nd7 12.g5 h5 13.Bd3 Nb4? Only leads to a horrible waste of time.
13...Qc7
14.Bh7+ Kh8 15.Be4 Nd5

156
16.Ne2! A nice multipurpose manoeuvre. The knight is obviously transferred closer and an important
long diagonal is left open for a dark-squared bishop to shell the enemy king.
Thanks to the bold g5-pawn, as many as 3 black minor pieces are denied access to f6. On his next
move Bacrot is going to desperately challenge White's imposition, but that is going to leave him with
many weak points around his king and vulnerable to frontal attack by the white rook and queen.
16...f5 17.gxf6 N7xf6 18.Ng5​→ Nxe4 19.Qxe4 Alarm bells are ringing for Bacrot as he is threatened
with a mate in 1.
19...Bxg5 20.hxg5 With restraints to the white rook now lifted, the fate of the black king is sealed.
20...Nf4
On 20...Qxg5 21.Ng3 (21.Rg3 is actually most simple way to win.) 21...Nf4 (or 21...Nf6 22.Qxb7)
22.exf4 Bxe4 23.fxg5 wins.
21.Qxb7 Nd3+
21...Nxh3 22.Qxg7#
22.Kf1! In the heat of the battle, that he himself has incited, Nepomniachtchi shows no sign of fear
for possible counterattack by Black!
22...Nxb2
As 22...Rxf2+ 23.Kg1 Qxg5+ 24.Rg3+- is curtains.
23.Rxh5+ Kg8

157
24.g6! Black resigns.
24.g6 As 24...Qf6 (on 24...Rf6 an extraordinary 25.Qh1! steals the show too.) 25.Rh8+!! Kxh8
26.Qh1+!! Kg8 27.Qh7# is a wonderful goal!
1-0
Nepomniachtchi was good at bending the ball and scored an extraordinary olympic goal literally from
a corner kick. Well done, Ian!
RR This game is published in Chess Informant 138/7

158
THE ENGLISH REPERTOIRE FOR WHITE

The English is en vogue once again! In this article I will

explore and present you the most popular line of the
English, the so called Reversed Dragon Sicilian. I am sure
that the older and more knowledgeable chess players will
recall the famous game Botvinnik,Mikhail - Portisch,Lajos,
Monte Carlo 1968 and brilliant victory by the ex-World
Champion (see Informant vol. 5/44 for more details). Over
the years the theory advanced quite significantly, but the
actual games plans remained pretty much the same due to
the typical pawn structures we encounter in the English.
White is seeking chances along the half-open c-file and majority attack on the queenside. Recently,
White engages in attacks on the black centre by means of d4- and f4-pawn breaks. On his part, Black
usually achieves good piece development thanks to the control over the central squares.

A29

1.c4
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6 6.Be2 Nc6 7.Nb3 Bg7

159
The Reversed Dragon!
1...e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2

What is so attractive in the so called "reversed colours variations"? Specifically, in the Reversed
Dragon White is up a tempo (compared to the Sicilian Dragon), so Black cannot play any setup
involving the queenside castling which are the most promising for White in the "standard Sicilian
Dragon structures. Therefore, Black is forced to castle short reaching much tamer waters... Also, we
must emphasise that Black is trying to achieve equality, so there are no many forced, deeply
investigated lines in the Reversed Dragon. In my opinion, that adds to the popularity of the line
making it very popular among all echelons of players. There is still much to explore and discover!

160
6...Nb6
6...Nde7 Black's idea is to go for the fianchetto Dragon setup with the colours reversed after g6.
White has quite a few ideas of how to make use of the extra tempo. 7.O-O (Clearly, the 7.h4 move is
aimed at fighting against g6 and Ng6. 7...h6 8.h5 Nf5 9.b4 a6∞ (9...Bd6 10.b5 Ncd4∞); 7.b4 a6 8.a4
(8.O-O) 8...Ng6!?∞ Now, Black is not in position to play the Fianchetto Dragon. However, the white
pawns are a bit overextended so the game becomes quite concrete and unclear.; 7.Qa4!? Bd7 8.O-O²
Obviously, White managed to disrupt Black's intended scheme. Also, the white queen on a4 seems to
be of greater use than the black d7-bishop.) 7...g6

8.b4! (If White sticks to "standard" moves Black should be able to achieve good play: 8.Rb1 a5 9.a3
Bg7 10.b4 axb4 11.axb4 O-O 12.d3 Nd4 (12...h6; 12...Re8) 13.Nd2 c6!? with the idea of swift Nd5)
8...a6 (8...Bg7 9.b5 Nd4 10.e3 Nxf3+ 11.Bxf3 O-O 12.Ba3ƒ) 9.a4 (9.Bb2 Bg7 10.a3²) 9...Bg7
(9...Nxb4 10.Nxe5 a5 (10...Bg7? 11.Nxf7+-) 11.Ba3 (11.d4 Bg7 12.f4²) 11...Bg7 (11...Nf5 12.Rc1)
12.Nc4 Nec6 (12...c5 13.Rc1 O-O 14.Ne4) 13.Rc1ƒ ∆O-O 14.Bxc6 Nxc6 (14...bxc6 15.Nxa5)
15.Bxf8±) 10.Ba3 O-O 11.b5 Nd4 12.e3 (12.Ng5 h6 13.Nge4 axb5 14.axb5 Rxa3!? 15.Rxa3 f5
16.Nc5 Qd6 17.N3a4™ b6 18.e3 bxc5 19.exd4 cxd4 20.Qc1 e4©; 12.Nxd4 exd4 13.Bxe7 (13.Ne4
axb5 14.axb5 d3 15.e3 Be6) 13...Qxe7 14.Nd5 Qe5 15.Rc1 axb5 16.axb5 Bg4∞ (16...Rd8 17.Nxc7
Ra2©)) 12...Nxf3+ (12...Ne6 13.Qb3 Re8 14.Rfd1ƒ) 13.Qxf3 (13.Bxf3 Re8 14.Bg2 Nf5 15.Qc2²)
13...Re8 14.h4² White is combining threats on both wings!;
6...Bc5!?

161
This is quite a recent trend, being played regularly over the last 2-3 years. Curiously, the very same
line with the reversed colours became totally obsolete because Black had managed to find solid
answers in all the continuations. Actually, it is questionable if White is able to gain advantage even
with the extra tempo. I will give you a few interesting continuations now. 7.O-O O-O 8.Nxe5!? and
Black achieves quite satisfactory play with the reversed colours! (8.d3 Re8 (8...Bb6 9.Nxd5 Qxd5
10.b4!? e4 11.Ng5 Qd4 12.Ba3 e3 13.b5 exf2+ 14.Kh1 Ne5 15.Bxf8 Kxf8 16.a4 a5 17.bxa6 Rxa6
18.a5∞ - even though the position is completely unclear, Dubov managed to score a full point in great
style - Dubov,Daniil 2666 - Karjakin,Sergey 2773, Tbilisi (m/2) 2017) 9.Bg5!? (9.Nxd5 Qxd5
10.Be3 (10.Ng5 Qd8; 10.Bd2) 10...Bxe3 11.fxe3 e4 (11...Qb5)) 9...Nxc3 (9...Qd7 10.Nxd5 Qxd5
11.Nd2 Qe6 12.Rc1²) 10.bxc3 Qd7∞ (10...Qd6∞); 8.Nxd5 Qxd5 Aronian tried to apply a really
interesting "geometrical" theme. 9.Ng5!? Qd8 (9...Qc4 10.d3 Qg4 11.Bf3 Qd7 12.Qc2 Bd4
13.Bxc6²) 10.Nxh7 Re8 (10...Kxh7 11.Qc2+ Kg8 12.Qxc5±) 11.Ng5 (11.h4 f6 (11...Be7 12.Ng5
Bxg5 13.hxg5 Qxg5=) 12.Qc2 Bb6! 13.Qg6 Re6 14.d3 Ne7 15.Qh5 Bd7µ (15...Rd6µ)) 11...Qxg5
12.d4 (12.Bxc6 bxc6 13.d4 Qh5 14.dxc5 e4³ Aronian,Levon 2799 - Caruana,Fabiano 2807, Saint
Louis (rapid) 2017) 12...Qh5 13.dxc5 Rd8 (13...Bg4!? 14.f3 Be6©) 14.Bd2 Bg4© (14...Nd4©))
8...Nxc3 (8...Bxf2+ 9.Rxf2 Nxc3 10.bxc3 Nxe5 11.d4±) 9.bxc3 (9.Nxc6?! Nxd1 10.Nxd8 Bxf2+
(10...Nxf2 11.Nxb7 Nh3+ 12.Kh1 Nf2+ 13.Kg1 Nh3+=) 11.Rxf2 (11.Kh1 Bg4!-+) 11...Nxf2
12.Nxb7 Nh3+ 13.Kf1 Bg4³) 9...Nxe5 10.d4 Bd6 11.dxe5 Bxe5 12.Qc2 (12.Rb1!?; 12.Ba3 Re8
13.Qxd8 Rxd8 14.Rfd1 Bg4 15.Bxb7 Bxe2=) 12...Qf6 (12...c6; 12...Re8) 13.Rb1 c6 (13...Bxc3)
14.Bd2 (14.c4) 14...Rd8 15.e4 b5 (15...Bc7 16.Be3) 16.f4 Bc7 17.Be3 Bb6 18.Bxb6 axb6 19.e5 Qe7
(19...Qh6∞) 20.Qf2 Qc7 (20...Be6!? 21.Qxb6 g6=) 21.f5 Qxe5! (21...Ra3 22.Rbd1ƒ) 22.Bxc6 Rb8=;
6...Be6 7.O-O Nb6

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(7...Be7 8.d4! Nxc3 (8...exd4 9.Nb5 Qd7 10.Nfxd4 Nxd4 11.Nxd4 Bh3 12.e4 Bxg2 13.Kxg2 Nb6
14.Nf5 Bf6 15.Qc2² Larsen,Bent 2630 - Dueckstein,Andreas 2410, Cala Galdana 1974 - 17/52)
9.bxc3 e4 10.Nd2 f5 11.f3! (11.e3 O-O∞ Smejkal,Jan 2545 - Ivkov,Borislav 2520, Wijk aan Zee
1972 - 13/47) 11...exf3 (11...Nxd4 12.fxe4ƒ) 12.Rxf3 O-O 13.e4²) 8.d4! exd4 9.Nb5 Qd7 (9...Be7
10.Bf4 Nd5 (10...Rc8 11.Nfxd4 Nxd4 12.Nxd4 Bd5 13.Bh3± Jaracz,Pawel 2543 - Jurcik,Marian
2471, Cesko 2011) 11.Nfxd4 Nxd4 12.Qxd4±; 9...Bc5 10.Qc2! Bc4 11.Bf4 Bxb5 12.Qxc5 Qd5
13.Qa3 Nc4 (13...O-O-O 14.Ne5+-) 14.Qb3 Nb6 (14...O-O 15.Ng5 Qc5 (15...Qf5 16.Be4) 16.Qd3
g6 17.Rac1+-) 15.Nxd4! Qxb3 16.Bxc6+ Bxc6 17.axb3±) 10.Nbxd4 (10.Nfxd4 Nxd4 (10...O-O-O
11.Nxc6+-) 11.Nxd4 O-O-O 12.Bg5 f6 13.Bxf6 gxf6 14.Nxe6 Qxe6 15.Bxb7+ Kxb7 16.Qxd8²)
10...Nxd4 (10...O-O-O 11.Be3±; 10...Rd8 11.Nxe6 Qxe6 (11...Qxd1? 12.Nxc7+ Ke7 13.Bg5++-)
12.Qc2ƒ) 11.Qxd4 O-O-O 12.Qc3!?² (12.Be3²)
7.a3
7.O-O Be7 8.a3 a5 (8...Be6 9.b4 transposing into the main line.) 9.d3 O-O 10.Be3

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10...Be6 (10...f5 11.Na4 (11.b4!? f4) 11...Be6 12.Rc1 In my opinion, this is the crucial position if
after 7.a3 Black responds with 7...a5. 12...f4 (12...e4 13.Ne1 (13.Nd2 Nd5 14.Bc5 (14.dxe4 Nxe3
15.fxe3 Bg5∞) 14...e3 15.Nf3 (15.fxe3 Bg5 16.Qb3 Nf4 17.Qxb7 Nxg2 18.Nf3) 15...f4∞
(15...exf2+ 16.Bxf2 f4 17.Nc5 Bxc5 18.Rxc5∞; 15...Bxc5 16.Nxc5 exf2+ 17.Rxf2 Bc8 18.Qb3±))
13...Nd5 14.Bc5 Nf6 15.Qc2 (15.Bxe7 Qxe7 16.Nc5 Bd5„) 15...Bf7 (15...Bxc5 16.Nxc5 Nd4
17.Qd1 Bf7 18.dxe4 fxe4 19.Nxe4 Nxe4 20.Bxe4 Nb3 21.Qxd8 Raxd8 22.Rxc7 Nd2 23.Bxb7 Nxf1
24.Kxf1 Rd1 25.f3 Rb1 26.Kf2 Rxb2 27.Nd3²) 16.dxe4 fxe4 (16...Bxc5 17.Nxc5 transposing into
15...Bc5) 17.Rd1 Qe8 18.Be3 Kh8) 13.Bxb6 (Also, White can play 13.Bc5) 13...cxb6 14.Rxc6!?
bxc6 15.Nxe5 Qd6 (15...Bd6 16.Nxc6 Qf6 17.Nxb6 Rae8∞) 16.Nxc6 Rac8 (16...Bf6 17.Nxb6
Rae8!? (17...Ra6 18.Nc4 Qc5 (18...Bxc4 19.dxc4 Qxd1 20.Rxd1 Bxb2 21.Bd5+ Kh8 22.a4±) 19.b4
(19.N6xa5) 19...axb4 20.axb4±) 18.Qc2 (18.Nc4 Bxc4 19.dxc4 Qxd1 20.Rxd1 Rxe2 (20...Bxb2
21.Bf3²) 21.b4 fxg3 22.hxg3 axb4 23.axb4 Bc3=) 18...Bg4 19.Be4) 17.Nxe7+ Qxe7 18.Nxb6 Rb8
(18...Rc5 19.Na4² (19.Qd2)) 19.Nd5 Bxd5 20.Bxd5+ Kh8 21.b4 axb4 22.axb4 Qxb4 23.Bf3²
Giesemann, Steffen - Tacke,Hubert, corr 2010; 10...Re8 11.Rc1 h6 (11...Bf8 12.d4!? (In all the
positions with the inserted a3 and a5 it is also quite reasonable to exchange the bishop for the knight
12.Bxb6 trying to apply the light-square domination strategy. 12...cxb6 13.e3 (13.Nd2∞)) 12...Nc4!
(12...exd4 13.Nxd4 Nxd4 14.Qxd4 Qxd4 15.Bxd4² Naiditsch,Arkadij 2698 - Bogner,Sebastian
2569, France 2012) 13.dxe5!? (13.Bg5 f6 14.d5 Nb8 15.Nd2 Nd6 16.Be3 f5∞) 13...Nxe3 14.Qxd8
Rxd8 15.fxe3²) 12.Bxb6 cxb6 13.Nd2 Bf8 14.Nc4² Morozevich,Alexander 2707 -
Motylev,Alexander 2632, Russia (ch) 2005) 11.Rc1 (11.Na4 Nd5 (11...Nxa4 12.Qxa4²; 11...f5
12.Rc1) 12.Bc5 b6!? 13.Bxe7 Ndxe7= and the position is roughly equal.) 11...a4!? is quite an
interesting pawn sacrifice. Black is trying to compensate the pawn with greater activity. 12.Bxb6
cxb6 13.Nxa4 e4 14.Ne1

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(14.Nd2 exd3 15.Nc3=) 14...Bg5! (14...Nd4 15.Nc3 Bg5 16.e3 Nb3 17.Bxe4 Nxc1 18.Qxc1±
Nepomniachtchi,Ian 2730 - Bocharov,Dmitry 2609, Russia (rapid) 2011) 15.Ra1 (15.e3 exd3
16.Nxd3 Rxa4µ; 15.Rxc6 bxc6 16.Bxe4∞) 15...Nd4 16.Nc3 Bb3 17.Qb1 e3 18.f4 Bf6∞ Obviously,
Black has compensation for the pawn. Also, White's intention to take on b7 and to sacrifice the
exchange after d4 advance, forcing the black knight away, is very reasonable. I believe that White
should have easier play. For example: 19.Bxb7 Ra7 (19...Ra5 20.Be4 Qd7 (20...Qd6 21.Nf3 Nc2
22.d4 Nxa1 23.Bxh7+ Kh8 24.Bd3 Bxd4 25.Ne4 Qd7 26.Qxa1∞) 21.Nf3 Nc2 22.d4 Nxa1
23.Bxh7+ (23.Qxa1 Bxd4µ) 23...Kh8 24.Bd3 Qh3 25.Qxa1 Rh5 26.Ne4 Bd5 27.Qc1 Re8 28.Qxe3
Bd8 29.Rf2 (29.Kf2 f5 30.Ne5 fxe4 31.Bxe4 Qxh2+ 32.Kf3) 29...Bxe4 30.Bxe4 f5 31.Ne5 fxe4
32.Qxe4 Kg8∞) 20.Be4 Rc7 21.Nf3 Nc2 22.d4 Nxa1 23.Qxa1∞
7...Be7
Black's 7...a5 attempt is discussed earlier - 8.O-O Be7 9.d3 O-O - when we analysed the 7.0-0
continuation.
8.b4 Be6
8...O-O 9.O-O Re8 In this position White can force developments after (9...Be6 10.Rb1 with
transposition into the main line.) 10.b5!? Nd4 11.Nxe5 Bf6 12.f4 Bxe5 13.fxe5 Rxe5 14.e3
(14.Rf4!?) 14...Nxb5 15.Nxb5 Rxb5 16.a4 Rf5 (16...Ra5 17.Qb3 Be6 18.Qb4 Nc4 (¹18...Rh5)
19.Rf4 c5 20.Qc3 Nd6 21.Bb2ƒ Matlakov,Maxim 2685 - Timman,Jan 2610, Helsingor 2014;
16...Rb4 17.a5 Nd5 18.d4© White has a full compensation for a pawn in view of the strong bishop
pair and a bit awkward position of the black rook on b4) 17.Rxf5 (17.a5©) 17...Bxf5 18.Qf3 Qf6
19.d4 c6 20.g4 Bd3 21.Qxf6 gxf6 22.Ra3©
9.O-O O-O 10.Rb1 f6
10...a6 11.d3 f5 12.Nd2

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11.b5
11.d3 a5 12.b5 Nd4 13.Nd2 c6 is yet another "tabya".
11...Nd4 12.e3 Nxf3+ 13.Bxf3

13...Nd5
13...Qc8 14.a4 a5 15.bxa6 (15.d4 Bb4 16.Bb2 Rd8 17.Ne2 f5³) 15...Rxa6 16.d4 (16.Qc2 Bf5 17.e4
(17.d3 Rd8 18.Rd1 Kh8 19.Be2 Bg4 20.f3 Be6 21.d4 Ra5 22.dxe5 (22.Bd3 exd4 23.exd4 Rxd4
24.Nb5 Rdxa4 (24...Rxd3 25.Qxd3 Rxa4)) 22...Rxd1+ 23.Nxd1 Rxe5 24.Rb5 (24.e4 Rc5 25.Qd2
Nc4„) 24...Rxb5 25.axb5 c5=) 17...Bd7 18.Be2 Ra5∞ (18...Ra8 19.Ra1)) 16...Rd8 17.Qc2 (17.Re1
Bf8 18.Qc2 exd4 19.exd4 Bf5=) 17...Bf5 18.Qb3+ Be6 (18...Kh8) 19.d5 Bf7 20.Rd1 Bd6 21.Ba3
Bxa3 22.Qxa3 Nc4 23.Qc5 Nd6 24.Be2 (24.Nb5 Rxa4 25.Qxc7 Qxc7 26.Nxc7= Ding,Liren 2801 -
Nakamura,Hikaru 2741, Kolkata (blitz) 2019) 24...Ra8 25.Qb4²;
13...Rb8 14.d4 exd4 15.exd4 Qd7 16.Re1 Rfe8 17.a4 Bf7 18.a5 Nd5 19.Nxd5 Bxd5 20.Bf4ƒ
Dubov,Daniil 2770 - Nakamura,Hikaru 2829, chess24.com (Internet-m1/3-rapid) 2020 -144/9;
13...Bc4 14.Re1 Bd3 15.Bxb7 Bxb1 (15...Rb8 16.Be4 Bxb1 17.Qb3+ Kh8 18.Qxb1 with the
transposition into the game.) 16.Qb3+ Kh8 17.Qxb1 Rb8 18.Be4© Ervan,Mohamad 2357 -
Wang,Hao 2730, Makati 2018
14.Ne2!?

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14...f5
14...Qd7 This position is both relatively new and unexplored. White's idea is to the advance the
central pawns, e4 and d4. Now we shall take a look at a few sample lines: 15.d4 (15.Re1 Rad8 16.Qc2
(16.d4!?) 16...Bg4 17.Bg2∞ Gustafsson,Jan 2633 - Lalith Babu MR 2577, Bangkok 2019) 15...Rad8
16.Qc2 (16.e4 Nb6 17.d5 Bh3 18.Re1 f5³) 16...Kh8 (16...c6 17.bxc6 Qxc6 (17...bxc6 18.Rd1²)
18.Qb3²) 17.Bb2∞
15.Bb2 Qd6
15...Bf6 16.e4² followed by d4 (16.Qc2 Qd7 17.e4 Nb6 (17...Ne7 18.d4! exd4 19.Rfd1 Ba2
20.Rbc1±) 18.d4 exd4 19.Rfd1 Qxb5 20.Bxd4 Qc4 21.Qxc4 (21.Qb2!? fxe4 22.Bxe4©) 21...Bxc4
22.e5 Be7 23.a4 c5 24.Be3)
16.Bg2∞

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Conclusion: After the introductory moves 1.c4 e5, White must proceed with 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6
and then 4.g3 if he intends to fight for the opening advantage. If Black responds with 4...d5 we have
the Reversed Dragon with the short castle on the board. The position is being discussed in tournament
practice all the time, but still it contains much to be discovered and appreciated. In my opinion, these
are the main reasons for the great popularity the English opening enjoys in modern-day chess. In the
next volume of the Informant I will discuss all the other responses for Black on move 4 (besides
4...d5),so the white players can have a complete "user-friendly" repertory in hands!

168
An Interesting New Idea in the Rubinstein

The Rubinstein variation is one of oldest and most

common systems that White can adopt against the Nimzo-
Indian Defence. Black has a wide array of options to
counter it, but most games follow well-trodden paths.
Occasionally, however, a new idea arises which expands
the theoretical body and offers Black a pathway to fresh
and interesting positions.
In this article I will try to cast some light on one of those
new ideas for Black, so without any further ado let's delve
deep into the analysis.

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 O-O 5.Bd3

5...Re8!? This novel continuation offers Black flexibility: he waits for White to continue his
development and will react accordingly. Specifically, Black intends to opt for different setups

169
depending on whether White develops his g1-knight to f3 or e2. The text move is a useful inclusion in
either case, as we will see.
6.Ne2
6.a3 is premature as Black can react swiftly in the centre: 6...Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 e5! 8.Ne2 e4 9.Bc2 b6³
Black already had the upper hand in Wahlberg,Erik - Stolt,Veikko, corr 1974;
6.e4 is also an attempt to exploit Black's inaction in the centre, but White is underdeveloped: 6...d5
7.e5 dxc4! 8.Bxc4 Nd5!? 9.Bd2 c5=;
6.Nf3

This is White's main alternative to 6.Nge2, and it allows me to showcase the flexible nature of Black's
setup. Whereas 6.Nge2 aims to reinforce White's position by protecting the c3-knight, the text move
prioritises quick development and activity, by eyeing the e5-square. 6...d6! White's minor pieces are
about to encounter some issues as Black's e-pawn comes marching forward. Since the g1-knight has
been developed to f3, Black steers away the more common approach (with ...d5) and instead uses the
specific move-order to his advantage. The ...d6, ...e5 plan would not be appropriate against 6.Nge2
since ...e4 would not be a threat, giving White the time to organise his pieces accordingly (see note to
6.Nge2 d6; (6...d5 is also playable, but does not fit Black's setup. The present position could also be
reached via 5...d5 6.Nf3 if Black plays 6...Re8. Although 6...Re8 may be playable, it is certainly not
as convincing in that move-order.) 7.O-O (7.Bd2 keeps White's pawn structure intact, but White can
hardly hope to get advantage after 7...e5 8.dxe5 dxe5 9.Qc2 Nbd7= as in Daniel,Achim - Gehrke,
Karsten, corr 2005) 7...Bxc3! (7...e5?! leaves Black's dark-squared bishop in an uncomfortable
position on b4 after 8.Ne4!²) 8.bxc3 e5!?

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Black carries on with one of the most well-known plans in opening theory: after weakening White's
position by taking on c3, he attempts to establish a grip on the centre to create space for his pieces
and prevent White from activating his own. This particular move order, however, comes with a pawn
sacrifice since White can take twice on e5. Black could avoid this by starting with 8...Nc6, but I do
not see a reason to do so. 9.dxe5 White can decline the offer and avoid taking on e5, but his position
does not offer chances for an advantage. (9.Nd2 avoids the fork but is clearly not a desirable move at
this point in the game. Play may continue 9...e4 10.Bc2 Bg4 11.f3 (11.Qe1 Qe7!?) 11...exf3 12.gxf3
Bh3 13.Re1 Nh5 14.Kh1 Nd7=; 9.e4 is met by 9...Nc6 and White's centre comes under fire. 10.d5
(10.Re1 Bg4!=; 10.h3 exd4 11.cxd4 Nxe4 12.Qb3 Bf5 13.Qxb7 Bd7=) 10...Na5!? 11.Nd2 b6
12.Nb3 Nb7!= Black maintains his structural advantage and prepares to reorganise his pieces by
using the c5-square for his knights.) 9...dxe5 10.Nxe5 Qe7 11.Nf3 Bg4©

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In exchange for the pawn, Black has opened the central files for his rooks and has sped up his
development. The sacrifice is a long-term idea: Black intends to use his lasting initiative and White's
structural weaknesses to compensate for the pawn. 12.Qc2 (12.Be2 resolves the pin without any
damage to the pawn structure, but it confines White to a passive position: 12...Ne4!? 13.Qc2 Nd7
14.Rd1 c5©) 12...Bxf3 13.gxf3 Nbd7 White can choose between a handful of moves, but the
evaluation is similar: Black's active piece play will force White to deal with some concrete issues as
he attempts to complete his development, likely forcing him to give the pawn back to ease the
pressure. 14.Kh1 Rad8 15.Rg1 Ne5 16.Be2 Ng6∞ The computer recommends 17.c5, returning the
pawn to open diagonals for White's bishops. If White options to keep the pawn, Black will play ...c5
himself and maintain a strong grip on the position.
6...d5 Since White's g1-knight was developed to e2, Black chooses to employ the ...d5 approach,
maintaining a path to safety for his b4-bishop and gaining space in the centre. Black's plan is
reminiscent of certain lines of the Ragozin: he will continue his development without committing to
...c5, keeping a flexible position.
6...d6?! would not be as good here since White can gain the bishop pair without any damage to his
pawn structure: 7.a3 Bxc3+ 8.Nxc3 e5 9.O-O²
7.O-O Nbd7!? The text move is Black's most natural and flexible continuation, but it does allow
White to enter a quite forcing sequence.
7...b6 is also possible, but it allows 8.e4!? dxe4 9.Nxe4 Nbd7 10.c5! bxc5 11.a3 c4! 12.Nxf6+ Nxf6
13.Bxh7+ Nxh7 14.axb4 Bb7 15.Nc3² where White has the more comfortable position.
8.cxd5
8.Qb3 Bd6 transposes to the main line since White does not have promising alternatives to 9.cxd5;

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8.e4 is met by 8...dxe4 9.Nxe4 Nxe4 10.Bxe4 e5! (White may have a slight pull after 10...Nf6
11.Bf3² Del Rio de Angelis,Salvador 2487 - Argandona Riveiro,Inigo 2404, San Sebastian 2008)
8.Ng3 is a logical continuation, but White's knight is not ideally placed on g3. Black can exploit this
by employing a Semi-Slav setup: 8...c6 9.Bd2 Bf8=;
8.a3 Bf8 9.b4 a5! 10.b5 c5=;
8.Qc2!? This move continues White's development while entertaining ideas like e4. Although the
move does not seem too challenging at first, it does offer White some attractive continuations and a
chance to maintain a QGD-like position. I like the following continuation for Black, although it is not
as straightforward as I would like it to be. 8...dxc4!? 9.Bxc4 a6 10.Rd1 (10.a4 prevents ...b5 but gives
away control of the b4-square. Black can continue with 10...Qe7= and choose between ...e5 and ...c5)
10...b5 11.Bd3 Bb7∞
8...exd5 9.Qb3 This move seemingly forces Black to give up his bishop pair to avoid losing a pawn.
However, Black has an amazing resource at his disposal:
9...Bd6! 10.Nxd5 Nxd5 11.Qxd5

11...Nc5! Black uses the awkward placement of White's pieces to force the matters.
12.Bxh7+
12.Qc4 b5! (12...Be6? 13.Bxh7+! Kh8 14.Qc2 Qh4 15.Nf4± was played in Kambrath, Yannick 2371
- Ramirez,Alejandro 2589, Merida 2019, but Black likely had the text move in his opening files.)
13.Qc2 Nxd3 14.Qxd3 c5! Black's initiative, fueled by his active bishops, is definitely enough to
compensate for the pawn. 15.Ng3 (White can grab a second pawn with 15.Qxb5 but this does not
change the evaluation of the position. Black can continue with 15...Re6!? 16.g3 Bf8 17.Re1 Ba6
18.Qb3 cxd4 19.Nxd4 Rb6 20.Qd1 Qd7∞) 15...c4 16.Qc2 a5©

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12...Kxh7 13.Qh5+ Kg8 14.dxc5 Re5 15.Qf3 Rf5! This is a nice intermediate move, forcing White
to worsen his position.
15...Rxc5 16.Ng3∞ gives White some chances for an advantage.
16.Nf4 Rxc5© It's not too surprising that Black has enough compensation for equality. As White
completes his development, Black will activate his pieces and play along the light squares to pose
problems to his opponent.
17.b3
17.e4 Qf6 18.Be3 Rb5 19.b3 a5= Black will play ...a4 and White will have to deal with an annoying
initiative on the queenside.

17...Rb5! Black prevents Ba3 and prepares ...Bd7-c6.

18.Bb2 Qg5 19.h3 Bd7 20.Rad1 Bc6 21.Qg4 Qxg4 22.hxg4 a5=
Conclusion: 5...Re8 offers Black a dynamic and fresh approach to the 4.e3 Nimzo, and I expect to
see this idea in many games in the future. As the analysis show, Black seems to achieve excellent
positions in all continuations, and it is White who needs to find new ways to challenge this setup.
Perhaps, 6.Nge2 d5 7.0-0 Nbd7 8.Qc2!? may be White's best attempt to search for an advantage.

174
Interesting Ideas and Developments

The Richter-Rauzer Sicilian used to be a really powerful

weapon in the repertoire of many elite players (Kramnik,
Leko, Ivanchuk, Khalifman and many others) against the
1.e4. Now, after a bit longer hiatus it is regularly discussed
in the games of top players. However, some of the lines
which used to be most promising for Black a while ago
became way too risky and rarely essayed.
Fortunately, some of the Rauzer lines survived and
blossomed again. The most resilient proved to be the so
called Kozul Variation which is both the sharpest and most complicated one. In particular, the
"improved" Kozul variation 8...Be7 (instead of 8...b5) is often discussed, having the same pawn
structure as "regular" Kozul, but completely different game plans for Black. The major difference
being the long castle in the 8... Be7 variation compared to the Kozul when the black king usually
remains in the centre (on e7).
In this article I will focus on the new attempt for White based on an early deviation with 7.Bb5
followed by Qd3, or 7.Qd3 right away. The major point being the flexible position of the white queen
on d3 and her ability to reach the kingside very quickly (g3, h3). I cannot claim that this approach
shattered the concept of Black's play in the Rauzer, but at the moment White is enjoying a really great
percentage of success.
Black is yet to find the most adequate answers, but one of the possible paths may be the suggested
8...g5 followed by Ne5. Of course, a more thorough analysis is required, as well as practical
tournament test. Also, in the second part of the article I will examine a new move for White, 9.f3
(instead of 9.f4), with the idea of creating the English Attack formation. We will investigate two
suggestions for Black, the simple 9...Bc6 followed by h6 with the idea of executing the liberating d5
break, and 9...Be7 with the idea of castling short and complete Sicilian "warfare" on both flanks.
Also, I would like to mention that the black players usually reach this variation via slightly altered
move order, so instead of the standard 6...e6, they begin with 6...Bd7. Quite possibly Black chooses
such path because of the 7.Bb5 and 7.Qd3 lines?
Only the test of time and tournament practice will cast more light, but anyway the Richter-Rauzer is

175
highly popular once again!

CHAPTER 1
6...e6

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Bg5 e6

7.Qd3

7.Qd3!? An interesting move with two important functions. White is simultaneously preparing the
long castle with the initiative along the d-file, and the queen transfer to g3 with the idea of exerting
pressure on the Black's kingside.
7...Bd7
7...a6 looks like a logical reaction, but may prove to be an important tempo loss after 8.Nxc6! before
Black manages to develop the bishop to d7! 8...bxc6 9.O-O-O Be7 (9...Qa5 10.Qg3 Rb8 (10...d5
11.Be2±) 11.Bc4±; 9...Qb6 10.Qg3 Rb8 11.b3²) 10.Qg3 Qc7 (10...e5 11.f4² Nabaty,Tamir 2658 -
Westerberg, Jonathan 2546, Batumi 2019 - 142/55) 11.Bc4 (White may also continue with 11.Be2!?)
11...e5 12.Bb3² Alekseenko,Kirill 2696 - Vidit,Santosh Gujrathi 2726, chess.com (Internet-blitz)
2020
8.Ndb5 Nb4 9.Qd1! a6
Quite an interesting transposition occurs after 9...Bxb5 10.Bxb5+ Nc6 with a complete transposition
into a well known theoretical line usually reached via 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cd4 4.Nd4 Nf6 5.Nc3
Bd7 6.Bg5 e6 7.Ndb5 Bb5 8.Bb5 Nc6! 11.Qf3 (Also, we should mention a rather interesting move

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11.f4!? with the idea of Qf3 and 0-0-0) 11...Be7 12.e5 Nd5 (12...dxe5 13.Bxc6+ bxc6 14.Qxc6+ Kf8
15.O-O² Vachier-Lagrave,Maxime 2780 - Carlsen,Magnus 2872, London 2019) 13.Be3!? (The
following continuation was seen in some recent games: 13.Bxe7 Nxe7 (and White wins some
significant tempi developing strong initiative in the process 13...Qxe7? (Maghsoodloo, Parham 2674
- Kunin,Vitaly 2550, Moscow 2020) 14.exd6 Qxd6 15.O-O-O±) 14.Ne4

14...O-O! 15.exd6 Qa5+ 16.Nc3 Nd5∞ and Black should be able to maintain equality.) 13...Nxe3
14.Bxc6+ bxc6 15.Qxc6+ Kf8 16.fxe3 dxe5 17.Rd1 Qc8 18.Qxc8+ Rxc8 19.Rd7ƒ and White has
quite realistic chances to push for a win.
10.a3! Now we can see why is important to bring the queen back to d1, as she must protect the a1-
rook.
10...Nxc2+
Now, there is no point in playing 10...axb5 11.axb4±
11.Qxc2 axb5 12.Bxf6 Qxf6
12...gxf6 13.Bxb5² Esipenko,Andrey 2682 - Vokhidov,Shamsiddin 2512, lichess.org (Internet-blitz)
2020
13.Bxb5 Qd8 14.Bxd7+ Qxd7 15.O-O Be7 16.Rad1²

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White retains some pressure, as in Zelcic,Robert 2508 - Ivanchuk,Vassily 2714, Zagreb 2018

7.Bb5

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Bg5 e6 7.Bb5 Bd7

The major alternative is 7...Qb6

8.Qd3!? A trendy idea! Over the last few years, in various variations of the Sicilian, White optioned
to develop the queen on the 3rd rank right away (d3 or f3 square). What could be the reason for such
choice? First, the queen has a greater manoeuvrability acting from the 3rd rank and being able to

178
reach the attacking position on g3 (or h3). Secondly, the queen protects the e4-pawn thus eliminating
all the possible tactical strikes (Ne4) which occur in the Richter-Rauzer very often.
The old treatment of this position does not bring much for White: 8.Bxc6 bxc6 9.Qf3 h6 10.Bh4 c5!
11.Ndb5 (11.Nb3 Be7 12.O-O-O Rc8! The idea is fight for the c4-square, preventing the Nd2-c4
manoeuvre which would allow White to pressurise the d6-pawn. (12...c4 13.e5! The storm is rising!
13...cxb3 14.exf6 bxa2 15.fxe7 (15.Nxa2 gxf6∞) 15...a1=Q+ 16.Kd2 Qxd1+ 17.Rxd1 Qb8 18.Bg3
Kxe7 19.Kc1© White has a full compensation for the exchange and pawn.) 13.Nd2 c4 14.Qe2 Qc7
(14...O-O!?)) 11...Rb8 12.e5

12...Bxb5! (12...dxe5?! 13.O-O-O Be7 14.Nd6+ Kf8 15.Bg3±) 13.exf6 (13.a4 Ba6 14.exf6 Qb6
15.Nb5 Rg8∞) 13...Qb6 14.Nxb5 (14.Ne4 g6 15.Bg3 Rd8∞) 14...Qxb5∞
8...h6
8...a6 9.Bxc6 bxc6 10.O-O-O Be7 (10...c5 11.Nf3) 11.Nb3 e5 (11...d5?! 12.e5± Sethuraman,SP 2644
- Gupta,Abhijeet 2612, chess.com (Internet-rapid) 2020; It is too slow to try 11...a5 because White is
able to obtain initiative by means of a swift strike in the centre - 12.e5! dxe5 13.Bxf6 gxf6 14.Ne4ƒ)
12.f4! Ng4 13.Bxe7 Qxe7 14.Qxd6! Nf2 15.Nc5 Qxd6 (15...Nxd1 16.Rxd1 Qxd6 17.Rxd6 O-O-O
18.fxe5±) 16.Rxd6 Nxh1 17.Rxd7 Nf2 (17...exf4 18.Rd2²) 18.f5² - the active rook on the 7th rank
promises somewhat better chances for White.
9.Bh4 Be7
9...Ne5 10.Qh3! Bxb5 (10...a6 11.Bxd7+ Nexd7 12.O-O-Oƒ) 11.Bxf6 gxf6 (11...Qxf6 12.Ndxb5)
12.Ndxb5 a6 13.Nd4²;
9...Qb6 10.O-O-O Nxd4 11.Qxd4 Qxd4 12.Bxd7+ Nxd7 13.Rxd4 a6 14.Rhd1² Ragger,Markus 2696
- Sanal,Vahap 2511, Skopje 2019 - 140/67;

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9...g5!?

An interesting idea which leads to some completely unexplored positions. 10.Bxc6 (10.Bg3 Ne5
11.Qe2 (11.Bxe5 dxe5 12.Nb3 (12.Nf3 a6 13.Bxd7+ Qxd7 14.Nxe5 Qc7 15.Nc4 Rd8 16.Qe2 Bb4³)
12...a6 13.Bxd7+ Qxd7³) 11...a6 (11...Rc8 12.O-O-O (12.h4 g4) 12...a6 (12...Rxc3) 13.Bxd7+
Nfxd7) 12.Bxd7+ Nfxd7 13.h4 Bg7 14.O-O-O

Black reaches an important crossroads here. He has three viable options: 14...Qb6 (14...Qa5 15.hxg5
hxg5 16.Rxh8+ Bxh8 17.Qh5 O-O-O 18.Nb3 Qb6 19.Qxg5 Nc4©; 14...Rg8 15.Nf5!? exf5 16.exf5
Qe7 17.Ne4 O-O-O 18.Nxd6+ Kb8 19.hxg5 hxg5 20.Rd5©) 15.hxg5 Rc8! (15...hxg5? 16.Rxh8+
Bxh8 17.Nxe6! fxe6 18.Qh5+ Ke7 (18...Nf7 19.Rxd6+-) 19.Qh7+ Kf6 20.f4+-) 16.g6 (16.Nd5

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exd5 17.Nf5

17...Nd3+! Counter-stroke! 18.Qxd3 Qxb2+ 19.Kd2 Rxc2+! 20.Ke1 Qc3+ 21.Qxc3 Bxc3+ 22.Kf1
hxg5∞) 16...O-O!? 17.gxf7+ Rxf7 18.Qe1 Nc4 19.Na4 Qc7 20.Qb4 Nf8©) 10...bxc6 11.Bg3 Nh5
12.O-O-O a5!? (12...Nxg3 13.hxg3 Qb6 (Sychev,Klementy 2563 - Soumya,Swaminathan 2369,
Moscow 2020) 14.Nb3 (In the stem game Sychev proceeded with 14.f4) 14...Bc8∞; 12...Qb6 13.Nb3
Nxg3 14.hxg3 a5 15.Nd2) 13.Rhe1 (13.Nf3 Nxg3 14.hxg3 Rb8∞) 13...Be7 (13...Nxg3 14.hxg3 Qb6
15.f4 Rb8 16.b3 Bg7∞) 14.Nf5!? exf5 15.exf5 O-O (15...Nxg3?? 16.f6 Nf5 17.fxe7 Qc7 18.Ne4+-)
16.Bxd6 Bxf5 17.Bxe7 Bxd3 18.Bxd8 Raxd8 19.Rxd3 Rxd3 20.cxd3 Nf4 21.Kc2 Nxg2 22.Re5² and
White enjoys greater activity in this endgame.
10.O-O-O O-O
10...a6?! This is a waste of time. White intends to capture on c6 anyway, so he benefits from this
pawn move. 11.Bxc6 bxc6 12.Nb3²
11.Bxc6 bxc6
11...Bxc6

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12.g4!? (12.Rhg1 is the standard idea with the black pawn on h6 is to push for g4-g5. 12...Qc7!∞
Prophylaxis aimed at impeding White's idea 13.g4? Nxe4!³; 12.f4 Rc8 13.Rhe1 (13.g4!? Nxg4
14.Bxe7 Qxe7 15.Qg3 Nf6 16.Rhg1 Ne8©; 13.f5!?ƒ) 13...a6 14.Nxc6 Rxc6 15.e5ƒ Chanda,Sandipan
2534 - Magshoodloo,Parham 2637, Sharjah 2019 - 140/(67)) 12...Nxg4 13.Bxe7 Qxe7 14.Qg3 Nf6
(14...Ne5 15.f4 Ng6 16.Rhg1 Qf6 17.f5 Ne5 18.Kb1²) 15.Nxc6 bxc6 16.Qxd6∞
12.Nb3

12...a5! A cold-blooded response!

12...Ne8 13.Bxe7 Qxe7 14.e5 Qg5+?! 15.Qe3 Qxe3+ 16.fxe3 d5 17.Ne4± Swiercz,Dariusz 2649 -
Luo,Terry 2129, chess.com (Internet-rapid) 2020

182
Claryfing the pawn structure favours White. 12...d5 13.e5 Nh7 (13...Ne8 14.Bxe7 Qxe7 15.Qd4²)
14.Bxe7 Qxe7 15.Qe3² The control over the dark squares and Black's weak d7-bishop should grant
White a long-lasting advantage, as in Lagarde,Maxime 2655 - Nevednichy,Vladislav 2531,
Paleochora 2020
13.Bxf6
A highly interesting play ensues after 13.e5 Nd5 14.Bxe7 Qxe7 15.exd6 Qxd6 16.Qc4 a4!? Black
plays in a very energetic manner trying to obtain active play and prevent White from consolidating
his positional edge in view of weak black pawns on the queenside, as well as rather passive bishop on
d7. (16...Qb4 17.Qd4²) 17.Nxa4 c5 18.Nc3 Bc6 19.a3 Rfc8 20.Nxc5 Qb8 21.Qd4 Nxc3 22.Qxc3
Bxg2 23.Rhg1 Qxh2 24.b4∞
13...gxf6 14.a4!?
Also, in some practical games White tried 14.Qg3+ Kh7 The king is holding onto the h6-pawn.
(14...Kh8?! 15.Rxd6 Bxd6 (15...Rg8 16.Qe3±) 16.Qxd6±) 15.Rxd6 Rg8! A very important in-
between move. The black rook reaches a highly active position, forcing White to deal with the g2
weakness before engaging any concrete action. (15...Bxd6 16.Qxd6 Bc8 17.Rd1 Qxd6 18.Rxd6²
Lagno,Kateryna 2549 - Efroimski,Marsel 2317, Batumi 2019) 16.Qd3 Bxd6 17.Qxd6

17...Bc8! (17...Ra7? 18.Rd1ƒ Tanenbaum,Zachary 2137 - Sinha,Sahil 2324, chess.com (Internet)

2020) 18.Qxd8 (White takes a great responsibility by taking on c6: 18.Qxc6 Ra6 19.Qc5 a4
(19...Rxg2 20.Rd1 Qg8 21.Qc7©) 20.Rd1 Qe8 21.Na5!? Rg5 22.e5! with the idea of freeing the e4-
square for the knight! 22...Rxe5 23.Qc7 Rexa5 24.Ne4 Kg7 25.Rd8 Qc6 26.Qg3+ Rg5 27.Nxg5 fxg5
28.Qa3 Qc7 29.Qf8+ Kg6 30.Rxc8 Qf4+ 31.Kb1 Qxf2³ and after a series of difficult moves White
managed to reach a satisfactory position.) 18...Rxd8 19.Nc5 e5 20.Re1© White has a decent
compensation for the sacrificed exchange. However, it is not clear if any side can generate a concrete

183
play without serious consequences.
14...Kh8
14...f5 15.g4!​→ with a really dangerus initiative towards the black king;
14...e5 15.f4²;
14...Rb8 15.Qg3+ Kh7 16.Rxd6 Rg8 17.Qd3 Bxd6 18.Qxd6 Unfortunately, Black cannot free
himself by playing Bc8 now. 18...Be8 (18...e5 19.Rd1 Be6 20.Qxd8 Rgxd8 21.Rxd8 Rxd8 22.Nxa5±)
19.Qxd8 Rxd8 20.g3 Ra8 21.Rd1²
15.f4 Rg8 16.Qh3 Kh7 17.g4ƒ

White has a clear initiative. He may proceed with positioning the queen on h5 and eyeballing the
weak black pawns on a5, f7 and h6. Later on he can advance his kingside pawns supporting them
with the pair of rooks.

CHAPTER 2
6...Bd7/9.f3

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Bg5 Bd7 Quite possibly some of the lines we
have discussed so far in this article inspired Daniil Dubov and the young Indian Murali Karthikeyan
to enter the topical Richter-Rauzer variation via this move order.
7.Qd2 a6 8.O-O-O e6 9.f3
We discussed the 9.f4 variation in the Chess Informant vol. 139
9...Nxd4 10.Qxd4 Bc6 The main idea being the execution of the liberating d5 move.

184
10...h6 11.Bd2!? Bc6 12.Bd3 Be7 13.Kb1 b5 14.g4 Nd7 15.h4 Qb6= Nakamura,Hikaru 2736 -
Dubov,Daniil 2699, chess24.com (Internet-m1/6-blitz) 2020;
10...Be7 - this continuation leads to more complicated position and was utilised by the World
Champion Magnus Carlsen. 11.Kb1 Qc7 12.h4 (12.g4) 12...b5 13.Qd2 (13.g4 h5∞ is a thematic
move.) 13...b4 14.Ne2 a5 15.Nd4 (15.c4 h6 16.Bxf6 Bxf6 17.Qxd6

(Nakamura,Hikaru 2736 - Dubov,Daniil 2699, chess24.com (Internet-m3/4-rapid) 2020) 17...Qxd6!

18.Rxd6 Ke7 19.Rd1 g5©) 15...O-O!? Black should not be afraid of Nb5. (Also, Black tried 15...Rb8
16.g4 h5 17.Bxf6 Bxf6 18.g5 Be7∞ Nakamura,Hikaru 2736 - Dubov,Daniil 2699, chess24.com
(Internet-m3/2-rapid) 2020) 16.g4 (Black would get a chance to activate his forces after 16.Nb5?!
Bxb5 17.Bxb5

185
17...a4! 18.Bxf6 (18.Qxb4 d5³) 18...Bxf6 19.Qxd6 Qa5 20.e5 Rfd8 21.Qc6 Bxe5 22.Rxd8+ Qxd8
23.Bxa4 Rb8³ White is up a pawn. However, the black e5-bishop is an extremely powerful piece and
is surely as valuable as one pawn.) 16...a4 17.h5 Rfb8„
11.Kb1
11.h4 h6 12.Be3 d5 (12...Qc7!?) 13.e5 Nd7 14.f4 Bc5 15.Qd2 O-O 16.Bxc5 Nxc5 17.Qe3 Qa5∞ It
seems like Black is up a few tempi compared to the similar French position. The idea being Rc8, Na4,
b5...;
11.e5 dxe5 12.Qxe5 Nd7 (12...Qb8!? 13.Bxf6 gxf6 14.Qxf6 Rg8 15.Kb1 Be7 16.Qd4 Qc7©)
13.Qg3 (13.Bxd8 Nxe5=) 13...Qb6 14.Bc4 h6 15.Bd2 (15.Bf4 O-O-O 16.h4 Bc5∞) 15...O-O-O
16.Kb1 g5∞
11...h6 12.Be3
12.Bh4 Be7 13.Bc4 (13.Bg3 d5 14.Bd3 dxe4 15.Bxe4 Qc8 16.Bd6 Bxd6 17.Qxd6 Nxe4 18.Nxe4
Bxe4 19.fxe4 Qd8∞) 13...b5 14.Bb3 O-O 15.Bxf6 Bxf6 16.Qxd6 Qe8© and Black should advance a
and b-pawns next.
12...d5 13.exd5
13.e5 Nd7 14.f4 (14.Qf4?! Qg5!³ Sjugirov,Sanan 2675 - Jacobson, Brandon 2487, chessclub.com
(Internet) 2020) 14...Bc5 15.Qd2 Bxe3 16.Qxe3

186
16...g5! Breaking the pawn chain! 17.f5 (17.h4 gxf4 18.Qxf4 Qc7 19.Re1 O-O-O∞) 17...Qb6
18.Qxb6 (18.Qh3 O-O-O 19.fxe6 fxe6∞ Rathanvel,VS 2411 - Kollars,Dmitrij 2584, Stockholm
2019/20) 18...Nxb6 19.Bd3 Nd7 20.Rhe1 O-O-O∞
13...Nxd5 14.Nxd5 Qxd5 15.Be2
15.Qxd5 Bxd5=
15...Qxd4 16.Bxd4 O-O-O 17.Bb6 Rxd1+ 18.Rxd1 Be7=

Rodchenkov,Sergey 2346 - Karthikeyan,Murali 2606, chess.com (Internet-blitz) 2020

187
Dynamic Decision-making

Imagine having a position in front of you, where you see

an interesting queen sacrifice, but you are not entirely sure
if you get enough compensation for the sacrificed queen. I
will give you three different scenarios so you could think
about how to act in such situations.
The three scenarios are: Classical Game, Quick Game
(rapid or blitz), and Online Quick Game. I asked myself
the same question on how I would react, and after deep
thought, I came to the following answers:
Scenario 1 - Classical Game - Think deep about the pros and cons and then make the decision.
Scenario 2 - rapid or blitz Game - Executing the sacrifice, as it looks fun.
Scenario 3 - Online Quick Game - Absolutely! Let us sacrifice the queen, as YOLO ("You only live
once") in an online game.
If you would have also made a similar decision as me - Voilà! You are now officially a member of
the "Queen Sacrifice Club"!
When we have figured out in which time control we feel more comfortable to sacrifice the queen, the
next step should be to understand in what type of positions we generally sacrifice the queen.
We typically sacrifice Queens when:
1) We have a worse endgame position and sacrifice to build a fortress.
2) The advantage after the queen sacrifice is evident.
3) We have no other option but to sacrifice the queen to keep the game going.
In this article, we will not be discussing any of these three situations, but instead, we will be looking
at positions where the players sacrificed their queen in order to:
1) Make a position dynamic so that even if they are worse, they have some practical chances.
2) Sacrificing when there was no real need, but just made the position exciting and complicated.
3) Sacrificing the queen in an equal position to build a fortress instead of choosing other equally
good continuations without sacrifices.

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Let me now take you into the world, where you have sacrificed the queen!

Ding, Liren (2801) - Harikrishna, Penteala (2731)

Kolkata (blitz), 2019

11.h3?!
11.a3 The World Champion move as Magnus played this against my Webster University teammate
GM Le Quang Liem in the World Rapid 2019. The idea of this move is to stop Black from
manoeuvring his c6N to b4 and then to d5. 11...Bg4 (11...Na5 12.Bc2 Qd7 13.Bxf5 exf5 14.d5 Nac4
15.Bxb6 Nxb6 16.Qb3± Carlsen,Magnus 2872 - Le,Quang Liem 2713, Moscow (rapid) 2019)
12.Qd3! Bxf3?! 13.Bc2! (13.gxf3?? Nxe5-+) 13...f5 14.exf6 Rxf6 15.Qxh7+ Kf7 16.gxf3 Qh8
(16...Nxd4?? 17.Qh5+ Kf8 18.Bxd4 Qxd4 19.Bg6! Black's king is in big danger. 19...Rxg6+
20.Qxg6+-) 17.Qxh8 Rxh8 18.Kg2² White's extra pawn certainly gives him some advantage.
11...Qd7?!
11...Nb4 Black takes control of the d5 square and has a very solid position. 12.a3 N4d5=
12.a3! Stopping Nb4.
12...Rad8 13.Qe2 Kh8? I guess Black's king wanted to move away from the a2-h8 diagonal, as he
was planning to do f6 pawn break and reduce the pressure on the centre of the board. Unfortunately,
it's not a great idea as White has some great refutations.
13...Na5 14.Ba2 c5! 15.Rfd1 c4 Black could have secured the control of d5 square with this creative
c4 idea.

189
14.Rfd1! White is all set for the d5-pawn push.
14...Bg6
14...f6? 15.Nh4 fxe5 16.Nxf5 exf5 17.dxe5 Qc8 18.f4+- - two bishops and the e-passed pawn give
White a significant advantage.;
14...Nd5 15.Nxd5 exd5 16.Ba4± White will create lots of threats on the c-file.
15.Rac1
15.d5 exd5 16.Nxd5±
15...Bh5 16.g4 Bg6 17.d5 Nxd5 18.Nxd5 exd5 19.Bxd5 We have reached the critical moment of the
game. The trend of the last few moves seems to be favouring White, as White has managed to execute
d5-pawn break and also has managed to keep his pieces very active.
Black, on the other hand, has a bunch of minor pieces with no real hope and also a very cramped
position. White will create lots of threats on the c-file.

19...Qxd5! A fantastic practical decision by Harikrishna!

The other continuations without the queen sacrifice would have lead to 19...Qc8 20.Bxc6 bxc6
(20...Rxd1+ 21.Qxd1 bxc6 22.Nd4+-) 21.Nd4+- White is going to pick up a bunch of the queenside
pawns and also has the big threat of f4-f5;
19...Qe8 20.Bxc6 Rxd1+ 21.Qxd1 bxc6 22.Qa4+- White is on his way to pick up all the queenside
black pawns. The one issue though is White's weak king due to the overextended g-pawn. However,
in the current position, there is no good way for Black to exploit this problem, so I certainly prefer
White here.

190
20.Rxd5 Rxd5
Black mainly generates his counterplay thanks to the following factors:
1) Control of the light squares, especially the e4 and d3 squares.
2) The bishop pair advantage.
3) The weak white king.
21.Bf4?!
21.b4 a6 (21...Nxe5 22.Nxe5 Rxe5 23.Rxc7+- White has a big advantage.) 22.Bc5!+- White offers
the bishop swap, as it would reduce the pressure on his king. The king can find safe hiding spots on
h2 or g3 squares without having to worry about the black bishop harassing him.
21...Rd3 22.h4 h6 23.h5 Bh7 24.Rd1! Black needs all his minor pieces to generate as much
counterplay as possible. Ding makes a wise decision to exchange rooks as now Black will have less
firepower to create counterplay.
24.Rc3 Rd5 25.Bg3±
24...Rxd1+
24...Rfd8 25.Rxd3 Rxd3!? (25...Bxd3 26.Qe3 Bc4 27.g5 hxg5 28.Bxg5 Rd3 29.Qe4 Rd1+ 30.Kh2
Bd5 31.Qe2 Ra1 32.Bxe7 Nxe7 33.Kg3+- Black's chances don't look great, as he has very few pieces
on the board, which also stops him from creating active counterplay.)
25.Qxd1 Be4! Activating the bishop.
26.Nd2?! Allows Black to centralise his bishop.
26.Qb3 Rd8 27.Nd2 Bd5 28.Qxb7 Bc5 29.Be3!+-
26...Bd5! 27.Nf1?! White completely loses the plot in the next few moves, as Ding thinks that giving
the knight a safe outpost on e3 would stabilise his weak kingside. The problem though is that by
moving the knight away from f3, White has lost control of the critical d4 square.
27...Rd8 28.Ne3 Be6 29.Qc2?
29.Qf1 Nd4 30.Kg2 Kg8© - unless White can get f4-f5, I don't see a clear way for him to improve
his position.
29...Rd4! 30.Bg3

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30...Bg5! In a span of few moves, all the white pieces have become passive. In contrast, Black pieces
have all occupied fantastic squares. The black pieces have taken control of the centre and the
kingside.
31.Qc3
31.Qe2 Bxe3 32.Qxe3 Bxg4 33.e6 Bxe6 34.Bxc7©
31...Bxe3 32.Qxe3 Rxg4³ Black has achieved material parity on the board and also has some clear
targets to focus on, like the h5 pawn, and the weak king. In contrast, White has no such targets in
Black's camp.
33.Qc5
33.f4 Ne7 34.Qf3 c6 35.Kf2 Kh7 36.Qd1©
33...a6?
33...Rc4 34.Qf8+ Kh7µ Black has Nd4 coming up, and then the white position would collapse as
there is no coordination among the white forces.
34.b4?
White misses a chance to activate the queen: 34.Qf8+ Kh7 35.Qa8!© picking up pawns on the
queenside.
34...Kg8 35.Qc3 Rc4 36.Qd3 Rd4
¹36...Nd4µ Complete domination.
37.Qc2 Rd7 38.Kh2 Nd4 39.Qe4 c6?!

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39...Rd5!? 40.Bf4 Nc6³ Black can put some pressure on the queenside pawns, which gives him a
slight edge.
40.a4 Rd5 41.Qf4 Nf5 Black can gain a lot of crucial tempi just by attacking the white queen. It's
tough to play with a queen in these positions, as you may easily miss some tactic, and end up losing
more material.
42.Qe4 Rd1 43.Qe2 Rd4
43...Ra1 44.Qd2 Rxa4-+
44.b5 axb5
44...Rxa4 45.bxc6 bxc6 46.Qd1 Rd4 47.Qc1 Bd5µ
45.axb5 Bd5
¹45...c5 Black could have created a passed pawn. 46.b6 Rb4 47.Qd2 Kh7 48.Qc3 Rxb6 49.Qxc5
Rb3-+ The black king is very secure, and also has a passed pawn which gives Black a big advantage.
46.b6?
46.bxc6 bxc6 47.Qa6 Kh7 48.Qe2 Be6µ
46...Rc4
¹46...Re4 47.Qd1 Nd4-+ Black has created a mating net around the white king.
47.Qd3 Nd4 48.Qa3 c5 49.Qa8+ Kh7 50.Qd8 Nf3+ 51.Kh3 Rd4 52.Qc7
52.Bf4?? Be6+-+
52...Ng5+ 53.Kh2 Rd1 54.Bh4 Black misses his chance to checkmate White in 4 moves.

193
54...Nf3+?
54...Rh1+ 55.Kg3 Rh3+ 56.Kf4 Rf3+ 57.Kg4 Be6#
55.Kg3 Rg1+ 56.Kf4 Nxh4-+ The remainder of the game doesn't really need any annotation as
Black has got a huge material advantage.
57.Qxc5 Ng2+ 58.Kg3 Ne3+?
58...Ne1+ 59.Kf4 Nd3+-+
59.Kf4 Ng2+ 60.Kf5 Be6+ 61.Ke4 Re1+ 62.Kf3 Nh4+ 63.Kf4 g5+ 64.hxg6+ Nxg6+ 65.Kg3 Rxe5
66.Qc7 Rg5+ 67.Kh2 Bd5-+ 68.f4 Rf5 69.Qd7 Be4 70.Kg3 Rxf4 71.Qc7 h5 72.Qd7 h4+ 73.Kh2
Kg7 74.Qd4+ Kh6 75.Qe3 f5 76.Qd2 Bc6 77.Qe3 Kh5 78.Qd2 Rg4 79.Qe2 Kg5 80.Qd2+ Kf6
81.Qd8+ Kg7 82.Qc7+ Kh6 83.Qd6 f4 84.Qf6 f3 85.Qd6 Rg2+ 86.Kh3 Rg3+ 87.Kh2 Rg5 88.Qf6
Rg2+ 89.Kh3 Rg3+ 90.Kh2 Rg5 91.Kh3 f2 92.Kh2 Rg2+ 93.Kh3 Rg3+ 94.Kh2 Rf3 95.Qd6 Rf7
96.Qf4+ Rxf4 0-1

A29
So, Wesley (2763) - Karjakin, Sergey (2748)
Riga (m/7-blitz), 2019

1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.Nd5 Bc5 7.O-O d6 8.e3 Re8 9.d4 Bg4
10.dxc5 e4 11.Nc3?N Wesley plays a terrible novelty.
The more popular and safer continuation is 11.cxd6 Qxd6 12.h3 exf3 13.hxg4 fxg2 14.Kxg2∞
Inarkiev,Ernesto 2663 - Popov,Ivan 2636, Moscow 2019
11...Ne5!

194
12.Nxe5! White realises that things have gone terribly wrong, so Wesley makes the practical choice
of sacrificing his queen to complicate the matters.
The other option for White is 12.Nxe4 Nxe4 13.h3 Nxf3+ 14.Bxf3 Bxh3 15.Bg2 Bxg2 16.Kxg2 Qg5
17.cxd6 Rad8-+ White's pieces are poorly developed, so Black is going after the white king via the h-
file.
12...Bxd1 13.Nxf7 Qe7
13...Kxf7 14.Rxd1 Re6 15.b3µ White has some compensation for the sacrificed queen.
14.Nxd6
14.Rxd1?! Qxf7 15.cxd6 Rad8-+
14...cxd6
¹14...Bf3 This bishop exchange idea is similar to the one that we saw in the Ding - Harikrishna game
where White could have played 21.b4 followed up by Bc5 bishop exchange. 15.Nxe8 Rxe8 16.b3
Qxc5-+ The light squares near the white king are very weak, while Black has a big attack coming up
with ... Qh5
15.cxd6 Qxd6 16.Rxd1
Let's look at the compensation that White has for the sacrificed queen:
1) Two bishops and two pawns for the queen.
2) The bishop pair advantage.
3) No clear target for Black to focus on.
16...Qe5

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¹16...Qb4 - this move is more forcing in nature and helps Black to grab a few pawns. 17.Bd2
(17.Nd5 Qxc4 18.Nxf6+ gxf6µ) 17...Qxc4 18.Rac1 Qf7 19.Be1 Rac8 20.Rd4µ Computers give a big
advantage to Black, but I feel that White has practical chances as there is no weakness for Black to
target in the position.
17.Bd2 Rad8 18.Be1 b6 19.b3 Rd3
19...h5!? 20.h3 h4 21.g4µ Black tried to create a weakness but unfortunately it didn't work.
20.Rxd3 exd3 21.Rd1 Rd8 22.Bf1 Qf5
¹22...Ne4 23.Nd5 d2! 24.Rxd2 (24.Bxd2 Qh5-+) 24...Nxd2 25.Bxd2-+ White doesn't have enough
compensation as he has a rook and queen less than the opponent.
23.Nd5 Nxd5 24.Rxd3 Kf8? Exposes the king to a lot of unnecessary threats.
24...Kh8 - this move keeping the king safe from the prowling bishops. 25.cxd5 Rxd5 26.Rxd5 Qxd5
27.Bc4 Qd1! 28.Kf1 The white king is stuck, and Black can slowly improve his position and win the
game. 28...g6 29.f4 Kg7 30.a4 Kf6 31.Kf2 Kf5-+
25.cxd5 a5
25...Rxd5?? Hopefully, you have figured out why this "natural" move would be a blunder for Black.
26.Bb4+ Rc5 (26...Ke8? 27.e4 Qxe4 28.Re3+-; 26...Kf7 27.Rxd5 Qxd5 28.Bc4+-) 27.Rd4± White
has good chances to win this position.
26.Rd4 Qb1 27.Bc3 Qxa2 28.Bc4 Qc2?
28...g5! Securing the f4 square and in the process, saving the black king from deadly checks. 29.h4
Qc2 30.Bd2 gxh4 31.gxh4 Rd6µ
29.Rf4+ Ke7 30.Bxg7 Rd6?? An inexplicable blunder! But, Black's position was already on thin ice
as the white forces were working together and hunting down the black king.
30...Rxd5

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31.e4!! (31.Bxd5? Qd1+ 32.Kg2 Qxd5+ 33.Kh3 Qxb3-+) 31...Rd1+ 32.Kg2© White's e-pawn will
create a lot of problems for Black.
31.Bf8+ Kd7 32.Bb5+ Kc7 33.Rc4+ 1-0
The material imbalance in this game was a bit out of the box, as White had two bishops and two
pawns for the queen which in normal circumstances shouldn't be enough. White won this game as he
had enough firepower to generate threats using his rook. In contrast, Black couldn't come up with a
lot of threats of his own.

Tomashevsky, Evgeny (2731) - Li, Chao (2746)

Moscow (blitz), 2016

197
Should White take on c6 and sacrifice his queen?
21.Ba3?
21.bxc6?? Absolutely not, as you have a clear advantage after 21.Nfd2 - see below. 21...Rxb3
22.Rxb3 Qa8©;
21.Nfd2 Looks like a typical knight manoeuvre aimed at activating the g2-bishop. In this particular
instance, Black's position just collapses as all the white pieces will position themselves in great
squares in the next few moves. 21...Na7 22.b6 Be6 23.Qa3 Nc6 24.Qc5 Qd7 25.Ba3+- Compared to
the position before 21.Nfd2 White's pieces have got themselves to great squares, whereas Black
pieces have retreated to defend their weaknesses.
21...Nc3 Once again, we need to make a decision if we should sacrifice our queen or not. What do
you think?
22.bxc6!? Tomashevsky goes for the queen sacrifice!
22.b6!? Nxb1 23.Rxb1 Qd7 24.b7 Bh3©
22...Rxb3??
22...Nxb1 This is better because Black gets to put together a great blockade against the c6-pawn.
23.Bb4 Nc3 24.Qa3! (24.Nfe5?! reduces pressure on the e7-pawn. 24...Be6 25.Qa3 Nb5 26.Qa4©
Control of the h1-a8 diagonal and advanced pawn on c6 gives White compensation for the exchange.)
24...Nb5 25.Qc1 Nd6 26.Bc5© White is threatening to take on d4, and the c6-pawn ties down the
black pieces.
23.Rxb3

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The compensation that White has for the sacrificed queen:
1) Rook and knight.
2) A passed pawn on c6.
3) Pressure on the weak e7-pawn.
4) The black knight on c3 is not doing much.
23...Be6 24.Rb7! Bf6 25.Nfe5 This is a picturesque position as all the white pieces are so beautifully
positioned and are just dominating the black forces.
25...Bd5
25...Bxe5 26.Bxe7 Qa8 27.Bxf8 Bxc4 28.h3! Bd5 29.Rxe5+-
26.Rd7 Qa8 27.Bxd5 Nxd5 28.Rxd5 Bxe5 29.Rdxe5+- Black can resign here, but he decides to play
a few more moves before accepting defeat.
29...Qxc6 30.Rxe7 Ra8 31.Bb2 Qf3 32.Ne5 Qf6 33.Rxf7 Qb6 34.Nc4 Qb3 35.Ree7 Qxd3 36.Rg7+
Kh8 37.Ne5 Qb1+ 38.Kg2 Qe4+ 39.Kh3 Qf5+ 40.g4 1-0
When you have a passed pawn, a queen sacrifice makes so much more sense as you are removing the
minor pieces which could be used as a blockader. The queen ends up doing the blockading role, and
we know that queen is the worst piece to blockade a pawn.

Anand, Viswanathan (2816) - So, Wesley (2779)

Saint Louis, 2015

Black has got a great position, and if he is allowed to place his bishop on d5 and then target the b3-
pawn White would have no answers. Anand senses that the position is slipping out of hand, and
comes up with a genius queen sacrifice idea that helps him build a fortress in the position.

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27.Nc4! Targetting the a5-pawn.
27...Bxc5
27...a4!? 28.bxa4 White would be happy to exchange his weak b3-pawn for the potentially passed
pawn on a5. 28...Rxa4 29.Nb2 Nxd4 30.Bxd4 White is a pawn down, but Black has no new targets
that he can aim at in the white position, thus giving White lot of chances to hold the balance with a
fortress.
28.Nxe6 This queen sacrifice was the one that Vishy had to figure out before playing 27.Nc4.
28...Bb4 29.Nxg7! Weakening the black king before sacrificing the queen.
29...Bxc3 30.Nxe8 Bxe8
30...Qxe8 31.Rxc3 Be6 32.Nd2 Bd5 33.Re1 Qb8 34.Ne4 Kf7 35.Rce3µ Engines heavily favour
Black's chances in this position, but practically White has fantastic drawing chances.
31.Rxc3 White should aim to position his knight on c5, after which there would be no problems on
the queenside. White can focus his energy on the centre and the kingside in search of opportunities
after playing Nc5.
The compensation that White has for the sacrificed queen in this position:
1) The weak black king.
2) Broken pawn structure for Black.
3) Opposite coloured bishops.
4) Strong outpost squares available for White on c4 and c5.

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31...Bf7

32.Nd2! Aiming for Ne4-c5.

32...f5
32...Bd5 33.Re1 Kf7 34.Ne4 Qb7 35.Nc5 Qb5 36.h3© I do not see a clear way how Black can break
this fortress.
33.Rxc6 Anand decides that the more the position gets simplified, the closer we get to a drawish
result.
33.Nc4 Bxc4 34.Rxc4 Qb7 35.Rc3 - this should be a fortress too.
33...Qd7
¹33...Qb7 As Black's queen keeps some active threats on the b3-pawn. 34.Rfc1 (34.Rc3 Rd8 35.Be3
Re8 36.Rfc1) 34...Rd8 35.Rxc7 Qb4 36.Nf1 Qxb3 37.R7c3 Qb4 38.Bc5 Qb2 White has not yet built
a perfect fortress, but he should be able to achieve that as Black cannot really push his a-pawn
forward. Also, the black king can be targetted with some crafty knight moves.
34.Rc2 Re8 35.Nc4 Bxc4 36.Rxc4 Re2 37.h3 Rd2 38.Re1 Rd1 39.Kh2 c6 1/2-1/2
The players agreed to a draw as White will eliminate the a5-pawn after which Black has no realistic
winning chances. White was positionally worse at the start of the game, then managed to find an
interesting queen sacrifice which helped him build a fortress. Finally, Black was unable to execute a
breakthrough.
39...c6 40.Rxd1 Qxd1 41.Rc5! Qxb3 42.Rxa5 White will keep his rook on c5, and start moving his
king to h2 and h1, while Black would be unable to make any progress.

Kramnik, Vladimir (2784) - Andreikin, Dmitry (2716)

201
 Tromso (m/1), 2013

28.d5! If you had understood the concepts of queen sacrifice pretty well from the game between
Tomashevsky - Li Chao, then finding the move here would be a cakewalk.
28...exd5 29.exd5 White now has a passed pawn!
29...Re8
29...Bd7! The b1-h7 diagonal is terribly weak, but with computer-like precision, Black can defend
this position. 30.Qe4 f5 (30...g6 31.Qf4 Kg7 32.Bd3² White has some pressure in this position, but
Black can hold if he gets his queen exchanged and creates a blockade on the d6 square.) 31.Qd4 Qa5
32.Rdb1 Qa7=
30.dxc6! I am sure you would have guessed the move by now.
30...Rxe1+ 31.Nxe1! By capturing with the knight White keeps the pressure on the black queen.
31.Rxe1 leads to a draw by force. 31...g6 Creating an escape square. 32.Rxb5 Nd6 33.Rd5 Qc7
34.Nd4 Ra5=
The compensation for the sacrificed queen:
1) Rook and bishop.
2) Advanced c6-pawn.
3) Back rank issues for Black.
31...Qc7

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31...Qb6?? 32.Rxb5!+-
32.Rxb5
By provoking 32.Rd7?!, Black aims to take control of the 1st rank. 32...Qc8 33.Rxb5 Ra1 34.Bb1 g6
35.c7 Qxd7 36.Rb8+ Kg7 37.c8=Q Qxc8 38.Rxc8 Rxb1 39.Rxc4 Rxe1+=
32...g6 33.Rc5 Ne5?! Even though the knight puts pressure on c6-pawn and covers the d7 square, the
knight is technically not very stable.
33...Nd6 34.Bd3 Kg7 35.Rdc1 Ra5 36.R5c2= Black has a very tough task defending this position.
There are no active threats for Black, so White can continue to improve his position.
34.Be4 Ng4 The black knight moves to an even more unstable square from where it will get kicked
away.
¹34...Ra4 - the idea is to play Rc4 and swap the rooks. 35.Bf3 Rc4 36.Rxc4 Nxc4 37.Rd7 Qa5
38.Nd3² White, once again, has a risk-free slight position with slight edge.
35.Nd3! Kramnik exploits the drawback of Ng4, which was losing control of the d3 square.
35...Kg7 36.Bf3 Nf6
Kramnik in his analysis, mentions that he did not want to give even a sliver of hope to Black, which
could have happened after 36...h5? 37.Bxg4 hxg4 38.Nf4 Ra8 39.Rdc1 Rc8 40.Nd5 Qd6 41.c7+- The
knight will be manoeuvred to a7 or d6 and will push the black rook away from c8.
37.Nb4 as Black can play ...Ra2 and put some pressure on the f2-pawn.
37.Nf4 Ra2 38.Rdc1±
37...h5! Black's idea is to go g5-g4 and push the bishop away from f3.
38.Rdc1 Ra7 39.Nd5 Nxd5 40.Bxd5 Qd8?? Black blunders as he just makes it to the 2nd time
control.
40...f5 41.Bf3 Kh6! Black has built a fortress where White cannot really achieve much improvement
from this position. 42.Rb5 Qg7! 43.Kh2 Rc7 44.Rd1²
41.c7! Rxc7 42.Rxc7 Qxd5

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43.Re1! White rushes to target the f7-pawn.
43...Kh6
43...Kf8 44.Ree7 Qf5 45.Rxf7+ Qxf7 46.Rxf7+ Kxf7 47.Kh2+-
44.Ree7 f6
44...f5?? 45.f4 Qg8 Black is now in a zugzwang-like position. 46.Kh2 Qh8 47.Rf7 Qg8 48.Rcd7
Qh8 49.Rd6! Qc8 50.Rff6 Qe8 51.Rxf5+-
45.Red7! Pushing the queen away from its centralised square.
45.f4 g5 46.fxg5+ Kxg5 47.Rg7+ Kf5 48.Rh7+-
45...Qa5
45...Qe4 46.Rh7+ Kg5 47.Rc5+ f5 48.Kh2 defending the g3-pawn, so that White can next play f4.
48...Qe1 49.Rc6 Qxf2 50.Rg7 f4 51.Rgxg6++-;
45...Qb5 46.f4 - taking away the escape square on g5. 46...Qb1+ (46...g5 47.Rh7+ Kg6 48.Rcg7+
Kf5 49.fxg5+-) 47.Kh2 g5 48.Rf7 Kg6 49.Rg7+ Kh6 50.fxg5+ fxg5 51.Rgd7+-
46.f4 g5 47.Kh2
47.fxg5+! - in my opinion, this is the simplest way to win! 47...Kxg5 48.Rg7+ Kf5 49.Rc4 Ke6
50.Re4+ Kd5 51.Rh4 Kd6 52.Rh7+-
47...Kg6 Escaping with the king.
47...gxf4?? 48.Rh7+ Kg6 49.Rcg7+ Kf5 50.Rxh5++-
48.fxg5 Kxg5?? f6 and h5 pawns are on their own, which makes it easier for White's rooks to target

204
them.
48...fxg5 49.Rd6+ Kf5 50.Rf7+ Ke5 51.Rh6 h4 52.gxh4 Qd2+- White will convert this advantage
into a win.
49.Rh7 f5 50.Rcg7+ Kf6 51.Ra7 Qb4 52.Ra6+ Ke5 53.Rxh5+- Qb1 54.Ra5+ Kf6 55.Raxf5+ Kg6
Black continues to fight, but it is now a "matter of technique". Kramnik is a true legend in converting
even minor advantages, so this must have been "super easy".
56.Rfg5+ Kf6 57.Rb5 The idea for White must be to keep his rook on the h-file and use the other
rook to push the enemy king to the 8th rank.
57...Qc2 58.Rh6+ Kg7 59.Rbb6 Qc5 60.Rbg6+ Kf8 61.Rh7 Qf5 62.Rgg7 Qe6 63.Re7 1-0
Black cannot capture the rook on e7 since the king and pawn ending would be a simple loss.
RR This game is published in Chess Informant 118/140

Ivanchuk, Vassily (2768) - Grischuk, Alexander (2746)

Khanty-Mansiysk (m/2), 2011

Should Grischuk go for the 2 rooks vs queen, or should he move his king from the g8 square?
27...Bxf1 Grischuk has visualised a fortress in his mind. I would suggest you visualise the fortress
plan and then continue with the game.
27...Kh8 I think it is a matter of taste if one chooses not to go for the Bf1 continuation as this position
is also good enough for Black. 28.Rfe1 f5! Black wants to exchange the advanced e-pawn or take
away the g4 square. 29.exf6 Qxf6=

205
28.Rg4 Bd3 29.Rxg7+ Kxg7 30.Bb7 Has Black blundered by choosing to sacrifice his queen as
White is now threatening the deadly Qf6?
30...Bf5! Grischuk has correctly calculated that this rook and bishop versus queen situation is a
fortress, as the white pawns are scattered all over the board. The one clear weakness is on f7, which
can be easily defended by the king or by the bishop.
31.Bxc8 Rxc8 32.Qd4

32...h5! Securing the g4 square so that White does not have the option to go g4, h5 and restrict the
black bishop.
33.Kh2 Rc5 34.c4 Ra5 35.Qd7 Rc5 36.Qd4 Ra5 37.Qd8 Bg4 38.Kg3 Rxa4 39.Qc7
39.Kf4 - rushing forward with the king does not work since Black is just in time to defend.
39...Rxc4+ 40.Kg5 Bf5 41.Qf6+ Kf8 42.Kh6 (42.Kxh5?? Rg4-+) 42...Ke8 43.Qh8+ Ke7=
39...a5 40.Qxb6 Rxc4 Black has eliminated all the pawns on one side of the board, making his
defensive job easier.
41.Qxa5 Bf5 42.Qd8 Rg4+ 43.Kf2 1/2-1/2
This was a very instructive game about understanding how to build a fortress.

Ivanchuk, Vassily (2754) - Jakovenko, Dmitrij (2726)

Plovdiv, 2010

206
18...Nxd4!? Black decides to complicate the matters.
19.Qxd4 Bxg2 What should White do now?
20.Qxd6! Gives White the most promising practical chances.
20.Qf4 Bc6 21.Bd3 Red8 22.Rd1 Rf6 23.Qc4 b5 24.Qc2 Rd5 25.Bh7+ Kh8 26.Rxd5 Bxd5 27.Bd3
Qe5 28.Rb1 Qg5+ 29.Kf1 Qxe3= Black has nothing to worry about in this position;
20.Qc5!? - playing something like this requires a lot of guts since the white king is poorly placed.
20...Be4 (20...Bh3?! 21.Qh5 Rg6+ 22.Kh1 Bd7 23.Bf1 Qf6 24.Qe2 Bc6+ 25.f3 Re5 26.Qf2 Reg5
27.Be2 Rg4©; 20...Bc6!? 21.Kf1 g6 22.Qb4 Be4 23.Rc4 Qe5 24.Rac1 Rf6 25.f4 Qf5 26.Qd2 g5©)
21.Kf1 (21.Ng2 b6! (21...Rg6?? 22.f3+-) 22.Qxc7 Rg6 23.Qxe7 Rxg2+ 24.Kf1 Rxe7 25.f3 Bxf3
26.Bxf3 Rxh2©) 21...c6 22.Ng2 Bxg2+ 23.Kxg2 Rg6+ 24.Kh1 Qh4 25.Rf1 Qe4+ 26.f3 Qxe3
27.Qxe3 Rxe3 28.Rf2©
20...Qxd6 21.Nxg2
What did White get for sacrificing his queen?
1) Rook, bishop and knight.
2) A lot of pawns on the board, therefore plenty of targets to attack.
Technically we have an equal position on the board, but practically White has better chances than
Black to win this game.
21...Rd8 22.Rc2 c6 23.Rb1 Qg6 24.Rbb2 Rd7?! Defensive approach. Instead, Black should have
tried to go after the white king.
24...Rd6! 25.h4 Qe4 26.h5 g5=

207
25.h4! White expresses his intentions clearly wishing more than a draw.
25...h5 26.Kh2 White comes up with a very nice improvement plan here.
26...Qf5 27.Nf4 g6 28.Kg3 Kg7 29.Bf3² Qe5 30.Rb3 Kh6 31.Rcb2 Starting from move 26., White
has improved all his pieces, and now he has a clear target on b7.
31...Qe7
31...f6? 32.Kg2!+-
32.a4 a6? This allows White to fix the b7-pawn weakness. I guess Jakovenko's plan was to just sit
tight and move his rook to c7 and d7 back and forth, but unfortunately White has multiple ways to
break through from that position.
32...a5 33.Rc3 Kg7 34.Rc4²
33.a5! Rc7 34.Rb4 Rd7

35.Nh3! White goes for another set of manoeuvres to improve the piece placements.
35...Rc7 36.Kg2 Rd7 37.Ng5 Kg7 38.Be2 f6 The pawn push creates a new weakness on g6 for
Black.
38...Rd5 39.Rxb7 Rxg5+ 40.hxg5 Qxg5+ 41.Kf1
39.Ne4 Kh6 40.Bf3 Rc7 41.Ng3 White is now threatening to play Bh5 and win a pawn.
41...Kh7 42.R2b3 Rd7 43.Ne2 Kh6 44.Nf4 Rc7 45.Re4 Qf7 46.Rb2 Rd7 47.Be2 Qf8 48.Rb3 Qc5
49.Re6 Kg7 50.Rd3
50.Bd3 - this would be the forcing way to win this position. 50...g5 51.Nxh5+ Kf7 52.Rxf6+ Ke7

208
53.Rf5+-
50...Rf7 51.Rdd6 Qxa5 52.Bd3 Qc7 53.Bxg6 Rd7 54.Nxh5+ Kh6 55.Rxd7 Qxd7 56.Rxf6 Qg4+
57.Ng3 Kg7 58.Rd6 Kf8 59.h5 Ke7 60.Bf5 1-0
This game was a great example of how not to play when you have a queen against a bunch of minor
pieces. Black allowed White to fix targets, and then he tried to passively defend the weaknesses.
White just kept on improving his pieces and managed to defeat Black. Great play by Ivanchuk!

209
Generally speaking, the material is only one of the elements we must take into account when we are
evaluating any position on the board. The other criteria such as the activity of the pieces, weak
squares and pawns are often equally important as the material count.
In volume 143 of the Informant series we examined the topic of positional pawn sacrifice in some
detail. Now, we shall "promote" this pawn to a queen sacrifice and analyse a few games, where only
two minor pieces successfully resist a mighty queen.

C54
Speijer, Abraham - Janowski, Dawid
Nederland, 1901

David Janowski was one of the strongest players in the

beginning of the 20 century. He lost two world
championship matches to the great Emmanuel Lasker, but
demonstrated some brilliant play in those encounters. His
main strengths were vibrant attacking skills and creativity.
The following game is an excellent example of these
qualities.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.d3 Nf6 5.c3 O-O 6.Qe2
A rare, but perfectly playable move. Speijer wants to
develop his bishop to g5 before playing Nbd2.
The immediate 6.Bg5 could be answered by 6...h6 7.Bh4 Be7! 8.Nbd2 d6 9.Bb3 Nh5! with a
reasonable position for Black.
6...d5 7.Bb3

210
7...Bg4?! A wrong place for the bishop in this pawn structure. The problem with this move is, that
Black does not want to exchange the bishop on f3. Also, he does not want to retreat it to g6, where it
would be very passive.
7...a5 8.O-O a4 9.Bc2 h6³ Rathnakaran,Kantholi 2452 - Ragger,Markus 2686, Wien 2016
8.Bg5
8.h3! Bh5 9.Bg5 d4 10.g4 Bg6 11.Nbd2± would have been the correct move order.
8...d4 9.Nbd2
Now it is too late for 9.h3 due to 9...Bxf3 10.Qxf3 dxc3 11.bxc3 Nd4! 12.Qg3 a5! 13.Nd2 (13.Qxe5
a4! 14.Qxc5 axb3-+) 13...a4 14.cxd4 Bxd4 15.Rc1 axb3 16.Nxb3 Bb6 17.O-O Qd6³
9...b5?! A bit too optimistic!
9...h6 was called for 10.Bh4 g5 11.Bg3 Nh5 12.h3 Nxg3 13.fxg3 Bc8∞ with a complicated and
unclear position.
10.Bd5? This is a huge mistake, but 120 years ago it was not easy to anticipate Black's idea.
10.h3 Bxf3 11.Nxf3 dxc3 12.bxc3 b4 13.Ba4 Qd6 14.Bxc6 Qxc6 15.Nxe5 Qe6 16.Nf3 bxc3 17.O-O
±

211
10...Nxd5!! An exiting positional queen sacrifice by David Janowski! His decision deserves a double
exclamation mark for its bravery and the sheer power of imagination.
10...dxc3!? 11.Bxc6! (11.bxc3?! Nxd5!! 12.Bxd8 Nxc3 13.Qf1 Rfxd8-+) 11...cxd2+ 12.Bxd2 Rb8
13.Rc1 Qd6 14.Be3! Bxe3 15.fxe3 Rb6 16.Qc2 Rd8 17.O-O Bxf3 18.gxf3 Qxd3 19.Qxd3 Rxd3
20.Rc5 Nd7 21.Bxd7 Rxd7 22.Rxe5= does not promise much.
11.Bxd8 Nf4 12.Qf1 Rfxd8

With only two minor pieces for the queen Black is pressing, because all of his pieces are perfectly
placed while the white queen is doomed to passivity.

212
13.Nb3? A natural move, and at the same time a decisive mistake.
13.c4 Nb4 14.O-O-O Nxa2+ 15.Kb1 Nb4 still looks very dangerous for White, but he seems to be
able to hold with the only move 16.cxb5!∞ (16.Nxe5? Be2! 17.Qe1 Bd6-+)
13...Bf8 14.O-O-O
14.cxd4!? Bxf3! 15.gxf3

15...a5!! the key move! (15...Nxd4?! 16.O-O-O∞) 16.d5 a4! 17.Nd2 (17.dxc6 axb3-+) 17...Nb4
18.Kd1 c6-+
14...a5-+ Now Black's task is rather easy. Janowski converts convincingly.
15.Kb1 a4 16.Nc1 a3 17.cxd4 axb2 18.Nb3 Nb4 19.Nxe5 Bxd1 20.Qxd1 Rxa2 21.Qf3 Rda8
22.Nc5 Bxc5 23.dxc5 Ne2 24.Qxe2 Ra1+ 25.Kxb2 R1a2+ 26.Kb3 Rxe2 27.Kxb4 Rb2+ 28.Kc3
Rxf2 0-1

B35
Nezhmetdinov, Rashid - Chernikov, Oleg
Rostov on Don, 1962

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 g6 5.Nc3 Bg7 6.Be3 Nf6 7.Bc4 O-O 8.Bb3 Ng4 9.Qxg4
Nxd4 10.Qh4!?
10.Qd1!? Nxb3 11.axb3 d6 (11...a5 12.Bd4 d6 13.Bxg7 Kxg7 14.Qd4+ e5 15.Qd3 f5 16.O-O±
Leko, Peter 2666 - Sadikhov,Ulvi Ramil Oglu 2502, Ulcinj 2019) 12.Bd4 Bxd4 13.Qxd4 b6 14.h4
Bb7 15.O-O-O f6 16.f4 Qc8 17.h5 Qc5 18.hxg6 Qxd4 (18...hxg6 19.Qd3+-) 19.gxh7+ Kh8
20.Rxd4± Kotkov,Yuri - Krogius,Nikolai, USSR 1959
10...Qa5 11.O-O Bf6

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12.Qxf6!!
12.Qg3? is bad because of 12...Qxc3! 13.bxc3 Ne2+ 14.Kh1 Nxg3+ 15.hxg3 Bxc3-+;
12.Qh6 Bg7 13.Qh4 Bf6 leads to repetition.
There was nothing wrong with 12.Qg4 d6 13.Qd1² which means, that Nezhmetdinov's queen
sacrifice was not forced at all, even if he was looking for a fight.
12...Ne2+! Winning a tempo!
13.Nxe2 exf6 14.Nc3 Re8
14...d6 was tried in a correspondence game, played almost 50 years later. White won in a very
convincing manner: 15.Nd5 Be6 16.Nxf6+ Kg7 17.Bd4 Rfc8 18.c3 Rc6 19.f3!? Bxb3 20.axb3 Qb5
21.b4 h5 22.h3!? Kf8 23.Be3 Kg7 24.Nd5 Kh7 25.Rf2 Ra6 26.Re1! Qc4

214
27.f4! Ra2 28.f5+- Mark Noble - Loyd Wellen, corr. 2009
15.Nd5 Re6 16.Bd4 Kg7
16...Qd8 17.f4! is equal according to Stockfish, however, the defence is very difficult from a practical
point of view.
17.Rad1! Bringing all the pieces into the attack!
17...d6?!
17...b5?! 18.Rd3 Rxe4 19.Bxf6+ Kg8 20.a3! Re6 21.Ne7+ Rxe7 22.Bxe7 d6 23.Rxd6 Bg4 24.Bf6
Qc7 25.Rd2±
Only 17...b6! was sufficient for the equality, but it was almost impossible to to find the right way in
over the board play. 18.Nc7 Bb7 19.Nxa8 Bxa8 20.Bc3 Qb5 21.Bxe6 fxe6 22.f3 e5! 23.Rf2 g5!=
18.Rd3 Bd7 19.Rf3 Bb5? After this mistake Black is fighting with his back to the wall.
19...Re5! was still close to equal: 20.Bc3! (20.Nxf6 Be6=) 20...Qd8 21.Nxf6 Be6 22.Rd3 (22.Ng4!?
Bxb3 (22...Bxg4 23.Rxf7+ Kh6 24.Bd2+ g5 25.f4+-) 23.Nxe5 dxe5 24.Bxe5+ Kg8 25.cxb3 Qe7
26.Bc3 Qxe4 27.Rd1²) 22...Qxf6 23.f4 Qe7 24.Rxd6 Kg8 25.fxe5²
20.Bc3?! The only inaccuracy by Nezhmetdinov in the whole game.
The straightforward 20.c4 led to a large advantage: 20...Ba4 21.Bc3 Qa6 22.Nc7 Qc6 23.Nxe6+ fxe6
24.Rxf6 Bxb3 25.Rxe6+ Kg8 26.axb3±
20...Qd8 21.Nxf6

215
21...Be2? The decisive mistake.
With 21...Rc8! aiming to exchange the main attacker: 22.Bxe6 fxe6 23.Rd1 Rxc3 24.bxc3² Chernikov
would have been back in the game.
22.Nxh7+!!+- Kg8
22...Kxh7 23.Rxf7++-
23.Rh3 Re5 24.f4 Bxf1?!
24...Rh5 25.Nf6+ Kf8 26.Nxh5 Qb6+ 27.Rf2 gxh5 28.Rg3±
25.Kxf1 Rc8 26.Bd4
26.fxe5 dxe5 27.Rd3 Qh4 28.Bxe5 Qxh7 29.Rh3+-
26...b5 27.Ng5 Rc7 28.Bxf7+ Rxf7 29.Rh8+ Kxh8 30.Nxf7+ Kh7 31.Nxd8 Rxe4 32.Nc6 Rxf4+
33.Ke2 1-0

A57
Loetscher, Roland (2210) - Prusikin, Michael (2440)
Zug, 1999

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5 The opening choice was one one my youthful sins!
4.cxb5 a6 5.f3 Not the most challenging variation, but it usually leads to very sharp and unbalanced
positions.
5...e6! 6.e4 exd5 7.e5 The most principled move.
7.exd5!?

216
7...Qe7 8.Qe2 Ng8 9.Nc3 Bb7 10.Nh3 c4 11.Be3
11.a3? d4 12.bxa6 Nxa6 13.Nb5 d3 14.Qe3 Qc5 (RR14...Qh4+!? 15.g3 Qh5µ) 15.Nd6+ Bxd6
16.exd6+ Kf8 17.Qxc5 Nxc5 18.Be3 Nb3 19.Rd1 Nf6µ Grabliauskas,Virginijus 2370 -
Prusikin,Michael 2535, Passau 1996;
11.Nf4! Qc5 12.Nfxd5! Bxd5 13.Be3 Qb4 14.a3 Qa5 15.Bd2 Be6 16.Nd5 Qd8 17.Qxc4 Ra7 18.Rc1
Bxd5 19.Qxd5 axb5 20.Bxb5 Ne7 21.Qe4 Qb6 22.a4∞ Nieuweboer,Mark - Sobry, Sebastien, corr
2011
11...axb5 12.O-O-O

12...Qb4?
These days the main line is 12...Na6! - a much stronger continuation! 13.Nf4 Qxe5 14.Bb6 (14.Qd2
Nc7 15.Bb6 Ne7 16.Re1 Qd6 17.Bxc7 Qxc7 18.Nfxd5 Qc5 19.Nc7+ Qxc7 20.Nxb5 Qc6 21.Nd6+
Kd8 22.Nxf7+ Ke8 23.Nd6+ Kd8 24.Nf7+ Kc8 25.Re4 c3 26.bxc3 Nd5 27.Nxh8 Ba3+ 28.Kb1 Ra5
(28...Nxc3+ 29.Qxc3 Qxc3 30.Rc4+ Qxc4 31.Bxc4 d5©) 29.Ka1∞ Lahlum,Hans Olav -
Nightingale,Darrell, corr 2008) 14...Qxe2 15.Bxe2 h5 16.Nfxd5 Rh6 17.Bf2 Bxd5 18.Nxd5 Rc8
19.f4 Bc5 20.Bh4 Ne7 21.Rhe1 Nc7 22.Bxe7 Bxe7 23.Bxh5 Re6 24.Nxe7 Rxe7 25.Bg4 Ne6 26.g3
Nc5 1/2 : 1/2 Weber,Karlheinz - Borowiec,Janusz, corr 2015
13.Nf4 Ne7 14.Qf2 Na6?
14...Qa5 was called for 15.Bb6 Qa6 16.Rxd5! Bc6!∞; 14...Bc6!?
15.Bb6! A strong novelty, although the idea to cut off the retreat of Black's queen was already well
known.

217
15...h5! The only possibility to keep on fighting. The h8R comes into the play via slightly unusual
route h8-h6, and then straight to the queenside.
16.Kb1! Rh6 17.a3!
17.Rxd5? Rxb6! 18.Qxb6 Nxd5 19.Nfxd5 Bxd5 20.Nxd5 Qd2-+
17...Qb3 18.Nfe2 Nc8 19.Nc1? This is very temping, but at the same time the decisive mistake.
19.Be3! was the way to go. After the forced variation 19...Bxa3™ 20.Nd4 Qxb2+ 21.Qxb2 Bxb2
22.Kxb2 b4 23.Bxh6 bxc3+ 24.Kxc3 gxh6 25.Be2± White is close to winning despite the material
equality.

218
19...Qxc3!! This queen sacrifice was obviously underestimated by my opponent.
19...Qxd1?

20.Be3!! (20.Nxd1? Rxb6-+) 20...Qxc1+ 21.Kxc1 b4 22.axb4 (22.Bxh6 bxc3 23.Be3 cxb2+
24.Kxb2 Bc6​→) 22...Re6 23.b5 Nc7 24.b6 Ra1+ 25.Kd2 Na6∞
20.bxc3 Nxb6-+ A highly interesting situation occurred on the board: with only two minor pieces for
the queen Black is completely winning due to the vulnerability of White's queenside.
21.Na2 Nc5 22.Qb2 Nba4 23.Qc2 Nb3 24.Nb4 Bxb4 25.cxb4
25.axb4 Rha6 26.Be2 Nb6
25...d4 26.Bxc4 bxc4 27.Qxc4 Bd5 28.Qxd5 Nc3+ 29.Kb2 Nxd5 30.Kxb3 Rha6 31.Ra1 Nc3
32.Rhc1 Ra4 33.Rc2 Ke7 34.Rd2 Nb5 35.f4 Ke6 0-1

E90
Firouzja, Alireza (2682) - Karthikeyan, Murali (2593)
Xingtai, 2019

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.h3 O-O 6.Be3 c5 7.Nf3
7.dxc5 does not promise anything substantial - 7...Qa5 8.Bd3 (8.cxd6? Nxe4!³) 8...dxc5 9.e5 Nh5!! -
a beautiful and strong idea found by the Israeli grandmaster Vitali Golod. 10.g4 (10.f4 Ng3 11.Rh2
Rd8 12.Qc2 Nc6-+ Arcuti,Davide 2040 - Gallagher,Joseph 2508, Schweiz (ch) 2013) 10...Rd8!
11.Nf3 Nc6 12.O-O Nxe5 13.Nxe5 Bxe5 14.Nd5 (14.gxh5 Bxc3 15.bxc3 Bf5-+) 14...Nf6
15.Nxe7+ Kg7 16.Qe2 Qc7³ Fressinet,Laurent 2626 - Golod,Vitali 2576, Biel (open) 2006 - 97/420,
E 71
7...Qa5 8.Nd2?! A very strange decision by the rising star Firouzja. Perhaps he simply wanted to

219
avoid a theoretical battle.
8.Bd3! This simple developing move is much stronger. I failed to find an equality for Black here.
8...cxd4 (8...Nfd7 9.Be2! cxd4 (9...Nc6 10.d5 Nce5 11.Nxe5 Nxe5 12.Bd2± Srihari,LR 2271 -
Lee,Jun Hyeok 2404, Paracin 2019) 10.Nxd4 Nc6 11.O-O Nxd4 12.Bxd4 Bxd4 13.Qxd4 Qb6
14.Qd2± (14.Qxb6?! Nxb6 15.Rad1 a5 16.f4 a4 17.Rd4 Bd7= Karpov,Anatoly 2655 -
Efimenko,Zahar 2660, Russia 2008)) 9.Nxd4 Nc6 10.Nb3 Qc7 11.O-O²
8...cxd4 9.Nb3?!
9.Bxd4 Be6! 10.a3 Nc6 11.Be3 Rfc8 12.Be2 Nd7 13.Rc1 Nd4 14.O-O (14.Bxd4 Bxd4 15.Nb3
Bxc3+ 16.Rxc3 Qb6 17.O-O a5³) 14...Nxe2+ 15.Qxe2 Nb6³

9...Qxc3+!! Here we go! As compensation for the sacrificed queen the young Indian gets two minor
pieces, a pawn... and all the 32 dark squares on the board under control!
10.bxc3 dxe3 11.f3!? It looks dangerous to keep the e3-pawn alive.
11.fxe3? Nxe4µ is simply lost, but 11.Bd3!? was probably the best defence, although Black would
still enjoy a full compensation. 11...exf2+ 12.Kxf2 Nc6 13.Re1 b6 14.Bf1 Ne5 15.Kg1 Bb7 16.Qc2
Rfc8©
11...Nh5! 12.Qc1?!
12.Nd4 looks much more stubborn - 12...Ng3 13.Rg1 Nd7 14.Ne2 Nxe2 15.Kxe2 Bxc3 16.Kxe3!?
e5!? (16...Bxa1 17.Qxa1 b6=) 17.Be2 Bd4+ 18.Kd2 Nc5 19.g4 Be6 20.Rb1 a6 21.Qc2 Bxg1
22.Rxg1 b5³
12...Bh6
12...Ng3!? 13.Rg1 Bh6 14.Nd4 Nd7 15.Ne2 Nxf1 16.Kxf1 Ne5 17.Qe1 Be6µ

220
13.g4 Nf4?! This is a small inaccuracy.
13...Ng3! 14.Rg1 Bf4 15.Nd4 Nd7 16.Ne2 Nxe2 17.Bxe2 Ne5µ looks overwhelming.
14.Kd1
14.Qc2 was a better try: 14...Nc6 15.Nd4 Ne5 16.h4 Bd7 17.Rb1 b6 18.g5 Bg7 19.Qh2 Nh5 20.Qg1
f5! 21.exf5 Bxf5©

14...Ne6!? A highly remarkable decision by Karthikeyan!

Surely, he noticed a simple tactical trick 14...Nd3 15.Bxd3 e2+ 16.Kxe2 Bxc1 17.Rhxc1³ but
obviously he assessed his winning chances in the middlegame higher than in this slightly better
endgame!
15.Kc2
15.Ke1 Nc6 16.h4 Bf4 17.Be2 Bd7 18.Qb2 Ne5 19.Nd4 b6 20.Kf1 Rac8µ

221
15...Nc6µ In the higher sense Black has a winning position, because of the numerous weaknesses in
the white pawn structure. On top of this, White has no counterplay at all. Black won convincingly
after a long fight - CI 140/201

222
BATH 1983
Karpov Rules OK?
Ian and Cathy Rogers, Bath 1983; Photo by
Maurice Engels

Evening falls in the English city of Bath in November 1983

with a group of players sitting around a Monopoly board.
Once again, the dice roll favours Anatoly Karpov, who
lands on a property and builds a hotel on it.
"For a communist, you are a very good capitalist," says
fellow competitor Murray Chandler. The World Champion
looks embarrassed so Chandler, with the bravado of youth,
adds, "You know you can't put all that Monopoly money in
your Western bank accounts." Karpov bankrupts Chandler
soon afterwards.

In August 1983 a beautifully embossed letter from the

BBC arrived at Murray Chandler's house in Plumstead,
London, with an invitation to participate in the 1983
edition of the Master Game, the televised tournament
which had become a surprise hit for the BBC in the
Fischer-boom years.
Unfortunately for Chandler, a Grandmaster, the letter was
for one of his Australian tenants, me, and I read the
invitation with increasing disbelief. I, a humble International Master, was being offered a 900 pound
appearance fee - about US$ 3,500 in today's money - to compete in a tournament containing some of
the world's best players. The tournament was to be played in Bath over the first 10 days of November
and Cathy and I were to be housed in the historic town's best hotel, the Beaufort.
While the 2,750 pounds first prize was obviously out of reach, I was also to receive 200 pounds per

223
win and 75 pounds per draw. This was close to half a year's income to compete in a tournament I
would have paid to enter. And I could become a television star!
My reply was in an envelope the next day - these were pre-email days. Soon afterwards Cathy and I
headed off on a rather less lucrative road trip to tournaments in Hungary and Yugoslavia. Chandler
joined us in Nis with news that he was also to play in the Master Game because one Grandmaster had
declined his invitation.

The Master Game was a programme created by the BBC where world class players competed in a
classical tournament, with the games condensed on screen to fit a half hour format. The shows were
hosted by IM William Hartston (author of "How to Cheat at Chess" and later a star on the English
version of the reality show Gogglebox) and the affable amateur Jeremy James (who was a current
affairs reporter in England as well as a chess fan).
The key innovation which made the Master Game stand out from other chess programmes was
requiring the players to voice their thoughts, move by move, after the game. These voice-overs were
then matched with footage of the games to give the impression that the competitors were thinking
aloud while playing. (In the modern era, the confession box has been an attempt to similarly gain
access to the players' thoughts, though in real time.)

224
In addition, the games to be broadcast were replayed later by the players with cameras close by,
enabling close-ups that would not normally be possible without interfering with the players'
concentration. Even better, instead of keeping a poker face, as many do during a game, the players
could show their true emotions on the replay. Fake, but effective.
In the UK, viewer numbers for the Master Game were excellent, though not as stellar as that for other
televisual "niche" sports - snooker and darts - sports which continue to feature on British television to
this day.
The 1983 Mastergame was supposed to be a joint production between the BBC and German
broadcaster NDR (who employed GM Helmut Pfleger as host and interviewer and Eugen Kurz as
supervisor).
However a month before the tournament, an industrial dispute between the BBC and the Scenic
Service Union led to 400 set design workers being sacked. (The dispute was to become so serious that
episodes of "The Young Ones" were cancelled and, in April 1984, the BBC going off air for 24 hours
after a walkout by most BBC staff.)

225
The organisers improvised by using the NDR crew to film the tournament, with the producer, Bob
Toner - who had worked on chess for the BBC since 1972 and devised the Master Game format -
staying on to make sure his brainchild was completed successfully.
The upshot was that the Master Game died; the BBC's unions refused to allow a programme made
with "scab labour" to be broadcast, while the BBC refused to make another Master Game while one
series had not yet been shown.

Following a train trip to Somerset's largest city, Cathy and I were taken to the Grand Pump Room,
adjacent to the Roman Baths, for the opening ceremony.
The players were serenaded by the Pump Room Trio, who acquired Karpov's autograph on one of
their instruments. The Pump Room had been famous for its daily musical concerts since the early
1700s, performing for famous visitors such as Joseph Haydn. COVID 19 has temporarily ended 300+
years of tradition.
After the opening came a technical meeting, where Hartston and Toner, explained how the Master
Game would work. On the free day and the days after the tournament, players were required to be on
call, ready to drop everything and, with their opponent, create a soundtrack of thoughts or participate
in a game reconstruction.
The main topic for debate was the radical time limit: 40 moves in 2 hours, and then 1 hour to finish.
(Most top tournaments in 1983 were played at 40 moves in 2 hours 30 minutes and then 16 moves per
hour. Of course with analogue clocks, increments were impossible)
On the final time control, Hartston explained that a player could ask for a draw if they were short of
time in an equal or better endgame and their opponents were expected to act like gentlemen.
Walter Browne shot back: "Can you define gentleman? Can I play on with rook and pawn against
rook?"
Before Hartston could answer, Karpov stepped in: "We are all serious players. We know which
positions are winning and which are not."
Browne did not pursue the matter, but was clearly peeved that his desire to win from any position
might be curbed.

226
 Guildhall, Bath 1983; Photo by Cathy Rogers

The tournament's games were played in the beautiful Guildhall - Bath's administrative centre for 350
years. Three decades before the Russian Chess Federation began their "Chess in Museums" project,
the eight players and the spectators found themselves in a banqueting hall with Corinthian columns,
chandeliers and royal portraits.
Unfortunately viewers of the Master Game series were not able to see much of this - the cameras
were pointed at the black screens with name tags which were placed behind the boards to make the
games look as if they were played in a television studio.

A few Master Game series had been shown in Australia and I already knew that there was one
absolute superstar of the show - Vlastimil Hort.
The GM's broad Czech accent, genial personality and his philosophical turn of phrase made him a fan
favourite. Just like an amateur player, he would alternate between triumph - if he saw a good idea -
and despair - when he had overlooked something.
In Australia and, as I later discovered in England and the Netherlands, every chessplayer wanted to
analyse - and talk - like Hort. Dutch Grandmaster John van der Wiel adopted a Hort persona so often,
and so convincingly, it was sometimes hard to believe that the affable Czech was not in the room.
John Saunders, editor of Britbase, explained: "Previously, British chess fans had only experienced

227
their chessboard heroes via the written word and photographs, so to have them talking to us via a
cathode ray tube was bliss."
Those of us who lacked the deep reverence due to Grandmasters parroted their various catchphrases
and other linguistic oddities whilst playing our friends at the local club. My particular favourite was
Vlastimil Hort, with his lugubrious self-castigations, delivered in a rich Middle European accent:
"Yes, yes, of course, he plays beeshop eee six... Oh! what am I to do?"
In Bath, much to the delight of the producers, Hort played a number of exciting games suitable for
broadcast.
However Hort's chances of catching Tony Miles and qualifying for the final were handicapped by his
agreement to play two short draws against Miles, the friend and Bundesliga teammate who was to
help him defect from Czechoslovakia at the Tunis Interzonal in 1985. Luckily when the two met in
the final round of the preliminaries, Hort could no longer catch Miles, having lost a key game to
Cuban star Guillermo Garcia in the previous round. (Garcia was renowned as the fastest top player in
the world - a precursor to the young Viswanthan Anand.)

CHANDLER'S MEMORABLE MISS

The first round very nearly saw Karpov's most spectacular defeat as World Champion. However
Chandler, in time trouble, saw but did not trust himself enough to play the winning queen sacrifice.

Karpov, Anatoly (2710) - Chandler, Murray G (2485)

Bath, 1983

Anatoly Karpov

28.Bg2 "This could have been a fatal mistake, said Chandler, "played when Karpov had only two

228
minutes left and myself one.
28.Bxe4 Bxe4 29.Qf2 is still "mucky". (This is true,
although Karpov admitted during the audio recording that
he was planning to play 29.Ng2 "with a probable draw". In
fact here 29...Bxg3! 30.hxg3 Rh6! is immediately winning
for Black.)
28...Nxg3?
"Here is the position where Black has the incredible
28...Qxh2+!! 29.Kxh2 Nxg3!!," said Chandler. "I analysed
the queen sacrifice as much as my time would allow, but
ultimately rejected it on the grounds that one cannot
sacrifice a queen for two pawns on intuition - there must be
a flaw!" In post-mortem analysis, however, Karpov and I
failed to find a defence, e.g. Karpov's amazing try 30.Qb5!
fails to (30.Qa6 Ne2+ 31.Rf4 Bxf4+ 32.exf4 g3+! 33.Kh1
Rh6+ 34.Bh3 Be4+ and mates.) 30...Rh6+! (White was
hoping for 30...Ne2+ 31.Qxb8!) 31.Kg1 cxb5-+
"Back to real life, however..."
29.hxg3 Qxg3 30.Rxf5 Qh4 "I had thought I had a perpetual check with ...Qh2-g3, etc," said
Chandler. "What an hallucination!"
31.Bxd5 Rh6 32.Qg2 Rc7 33.Nf3 Qh3 34.Rg5+ Kf8 35.Bg7+ Ke8 36.Bxh6 1-0
This miss has haunted Chandler since 1983. When asked recently about his memories of the Bath
tournament, Chandler replied succinctly: "Monopoly and ... Qh2!!"
RR This game is published in Chess Informant 36/470

C54
Chandler, Murray G (2485) - Karpov, Anatoly (2710)
Bath 36/393, 1983

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.O-O Nf6 5.d3 d6 6.c3 O-O
6...Qe7 7.Nbd2 a6 8.Bb3 Be6=
7.Bg5 a6 [… Na5-c4] 8.Bb3 h6 9.Bh4 g5 10.Bg3
10.Nxg5?! hxg5 11.Bxg5 Kg7 12.Qf3 Rh8 13.Qg3 Nh5
10...Ba7 11.Nbd2 Bg4 12.Kh1

229
12...Bh5!N
12...Nh5 13.h3 Nxg3+ 14.fxg3²
13.Qe1 Kg7 14.Bd1
14.Nc4?? Bxf3 15.gxf3 Nh5µ
14...Bg6 15.Nc4 Re8 16.Bc2 [… Qd2, Rfe1, d4] 16...Qd7 17.Qd2
17.h4 Nh5 18.hxg5 hxg5 19.Nxg5?? Nxg3+ 20.fxg3 Rh8+ 21.Nh3 Rxh3+ 22.gxh3 Qxh3#
17...Rad8
17...b5 18.Ne3 d5³
18.a4 Nh5 [… 19...d5, 19...f5] 19.b4?!
19.Ne3 Bxe3 20.Qxe3 d5!µ (20...f5³)
19...d5! 20.exd5
20.Bxe5+ f6 21.exd5 Nxe5-+; 20.Ncxe5 Nxg3+ 21.fxg3 Nxe5-+
20...Qxd5 21.b5
21.Ne3 Bxe3 22.Qxe3 f5-+
21...e4! 22.Ne3
22.dxe4 Qxc4-+; 22.bxc6 exf3 23.gxf3 Qxf3+ 24.Kg1 Nxg3 25.hxg3 Qxg3+-+; 22.Bxc7 exf3 23.g4
Qxc4-+
22...Bxe3 23.fxe3 Nxg3+ 24.hxg3 exf3!

230
24...exd3 25.Bb1 … Nd4µ (25.bxc6 dxc2 26.Qxd5 Rxd5 27.cxb7 Rb8 28.Nd4 Rxb7-+)
25.bxc6 Rxe3! 26.Qxe3
26.Rf2 fxg2+ 27.Kh2 (27.Rxg2 Rde8-+) 27...Qe5-+
26...fxg2+ 27.Kh2 gxf1=N+ 28.Rxf1 Qxc6 29.Qe5+ Kg8
29...Kh7 30.d4
30.Rf2
30.Rf6 Re8 31.Rxg6+ (31.Rxc6 Rxe5 32.Rxc7 Re2+-+) 31...fxg6 32.Bb3+ Kh7-+
30...Re8 0-1

A BROWNE "EXPLOSION" THAT DID NOT HAPPEN

By the second round, the tournament organisers were getting nervous.

Browne, Walter S (2560) - Rogers, Ian (2450)

Bath, 1983

52...Kg7 53.Kg3 Kg6 54.Kh4 b6 55.axb6 Rxb6 56.Ra5 Re6 57.Kg3 e4 58.Kf2 e3+ 1/2-1/2
Walter Browne had run himself down to less than two minutes to finish the game and the organisers
feared that Browne would claim that his opponent should be a gentleman and give him a draw.
As the strongest chessplayer among the Master Game team, Hartston had decided that such a request
would be refused, both because Black still had the right to push a little more and because a Browne
explosion when told this would look great on the broadcast!

231
These hopes went unfulfilled; Browne did not ask for a draw, blitzed out his moves, and held the
position comfortably.

10 RESIGNATIONS IN A ROW

After his lucky win against Chandler and a far more convincing victory against Browne in the second
round, Karpov easily qualified for the final.
The other group was far more hard-fought and decided by the penultimate round game between co-
leaders Kindermann and Tony Miles.
The game swung on a couple of moves...

Kindermann, Stefan (2500) - Miles, Anthony J (2585)

Bath, 1983

Instead of the obvious 32.h3, when the e3 pawn will fall sooner or later, Kindermann went for
32.Qd4 but after 32...Rxf1+! 33.Rxf1 e2 he automatically replied 34.Re1?!
When 34.Qf4+ g5 35.Nf5+ instead would have forced a draw.
The game continued 34...Qf8! 35.Kg1 Ne3 36.Qh4+ Kg7 37.Qf2 Qxf2+ 38.Kxf2 Nd1+ 39.Kf3
Nc3
Now after Miles missed that he could set up a mating net with 39...Re3+! 40.Kf4 h6 41.Nxb7?! Kf6!
40.a3 Kf6 41.g3 g5 42.g4 Kindermann had equalised.
However the lower ranked Austrian eventually faltered in desperate time trouble and lost in 77
moves, leaving Miles to play Karpov in the final.

232
Kindermann was not a happy man, later explaining: "I missed the finals very closely by scoring only
half a point from two clearly winning positions against Tony Miles.
For the TV recording we had to reconstruct the last moment of the game when I shook his hand and
had to say "I resign" but something went wrong and I had to resign at least ten times in a row! In the
end I was so upset that I told Tony I would never again shake his greasy hand! Fortunately I didn't
keep this promise and we played two more games in later years, and I even managed to win one of
them in good style!"

KARPOV RULES? - OK!

In preparation for the 1981/2 Australian Chess Championships in Melbourne, I had a plain blue t-shirt
printed with the words "Karpov Rules OK?" on the back. (In the 1970s and 80s, a phrase such as
"Sharps Rule OK" was commonly seen as graffiti when a gang sought to mark out its territory.)
I had worn the t-shirt during a table tennis session in Bath, whereupon Toner asked that I wear it
when playing Karpov in the final round of the preliminaries. I hesitated, not wanting to be
disrespectful of the World Champion. Toner insisted and, reasoning that the phrase was obliquely
complimentary, I agreed.
After the game, in which I was massacred, Karpov was asked what he thought of the t-shirt and
replied: "My opponent has a question on his shirt. I think after today he also has an answer."

233
 Anatoly Karpov vs Ian Rogers, Bath 1983; Photo by Eugen Kurz

B01
Karpov, Anatoly (2710) - Rogers, Ian (2450)
Bath 36/145, 1983

1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bh5 7.g4 Bg6 8.Ne5 e6

234
9.h4!N
9.Bg2 Karpov,Anatoly 2720 - Larsen,Bent 2605, Mar del Plata 1982 - 33/147; 9.Nc4
Marjanovic,Slavoljub 2515 - Rogers,Ian 2390, Nis 1983 - 36/(145)
9...Bb4 10.Rh3!± c6
10...h5?! 11.Nxg6 fxg6 12.g5 Nd5 13.Bd2±
11.Bd2 Qb6 12.h5 Be4
12...Qxd4 13.Nf3 Qxg4 14.hxg6 Qxg6 15.Rg3 Qh5 (15...Qf5 16.Rg5+-) 16.Rg5+-
13.Re3!
13.Nc4 Qxd4 14.Nxe4? Nxe4 15.Bxb4?? Qxf2#
13...Bxc3
13...Qxd4 14.Nxe4 Nxe4 15.Bxb4 Qxe5 (15...Qxb4+ 16.c3+-) 16.Bg2 f5 17.gxf5 exf5 18.Bxe4 fxe4
19.Qg4+-
14.Bxc3
14.bxc3 h6!²
14...Bd5
14...h6 15.Nc4 Qc7 16.Bb4±
15.g5 Ne4 16.Qg4 Nd6
16...Nxc3 17.bxc3 Qb2 18.Qd1 Bxa2 19.Bc4 Bxc4 20.Nxc4 Qb5 21.Nd6++-

235
17.O-O-O Nd7

18.Be1!!
18.Nxd7 Kxd7²
18...Nxe5 19.dxe5 Nf5 20.Rh3+-
20.Ra3 O-O-O 21.c4 (21.Ba5 Qxf2 22.Bxd8 Ne3 (22...Rxd8)) 21...Bh1²
20...O-O-O
20...c5 21.Rxd5 exd5 22.Qxf5+-
21.c4 Qc5 22.b4 Bf3 23.Rxd8+ Rxd8 24.Qxf3 Qxe5 25.Bc3 Qd6 26.Bd3 Nd4 27.Qxf7 Nf5
28.Bxf5 Qf4+ 29.Re3 1-0

236
 Anatoly Karpov vs Ian Rogers, Bath 1983; Photo by Cathy Rogers

During the recording of the audio stream after our final round game, above, Karpov and I finished our
commentary a few minutes too quickly and were asked to rerecord our comments on the second half
of the game again.
During the original recording, after Karpov's 22.b4 I had said "Sure he's winning material, but I am
going to play 22...Bf3! - I'll bet he hasn't seen that!"
When the rerecording was done, Karpov decided to make my comment redundant by prefacing 22.b4
with the extra comment: "Of course he could play 22...Bf3?!, but it doesn't look much good to me!"
Unfortunately for me, Hartston kept my original comment and spliced it with Karpov's second effort,
for the final version of the programme. It made for good television but also made me look very silly
indeed!

Morning recreation activities during the tournament revolved around table tennis tables. Browne, a
poor but aggressive ping-pong player, was a regular visitor, though becoming more unpopular over
time as he steadfastly refused to contribute to the cost of the tables.
He also caused a fuss when paired with Cathy, saying: "We've paid for these tables. I am not going to
waste my time playing a woman!"
Yet it was Browne's bluntness that also made him a Mastergame favourite, being invited four times
and always delivering memorable and sometimes outrageous comments for the television audience.

237
 Murray Chandler vs Walter Browne, Bath 1983;
Photo by Cathy Rogers

During the days before and after the final, the players spent
a lot of time waiting around, ready to be called up for audio
or video recording work.
The principle time-waster was the board game Monopoly,
at which Karpov proved himself to be an absolute master.
Stefan Kindermann recalls: "Karpov was a great Monopoly
fan and proudly told that he had sets from two different
countries at home. It was quite a surprise for me to find
him a fan of this super-capitalistic game". (In those days
Karpov was known for quotes like "I have got only two
loves: chess and communism!")
One evening I was really excited when Karpov himself sat
next to me to watch me play. Personally I wasn't as interested in the game and was thinking more
about some chess problems. But then I felt somebody kick me really hard under the table! And it
happened a second time! Only then I realised that this was Karpov, who wanted to signal me that
somebody was standing on my property!
Chandler, the second-best Monopoly player, made it his job to provoke Karpov about his capitalist
skills at every opportunity.

THE FINAL

The final between Karpov and Miles was played before a full house - about 60 spectators - and was
the most exciting game I had ever witnessed live. Karpov was a hot favourite, having a huge plus
score against Miles - thanks in part to a large number of extra Whites for Karpov. (Miles' only win
against Karpov before Bath was the famous 1...a6 game at the European Teams Championship in
Skara 1980. RR This game is published in Chess Informant: Karpov,Anatoly 2725 - Miles,Anthony J
2545, Skara 1980 - 29/153)
Miles chose the dodgy 5...gf6 variation of the Caro-Kann, succeeded in randomising the position, and
scored a memorable victory. The time scramble was intense, with Karpov eventually losing on time
in a position where neither player knew if 40 moves had been played or not. (Karpov resigned as soon
as his flag fell without waiting to see if the time control had been reached as his position was by then
hopeless.)
To his credit, after both scoresheets had been updated, Karpov stayed around for a long post-mortem
watched by most of the other players. Browne was the only one brave enough to participate fully, by
regularly sacrificing Karpov's pieces in various attacking attempts which Karpov, who had spent a
long time on the critical position before his 19th move, calmly refuted. Karpov did find some
promising options for White but Miles, relaxed and with nothing to prove, had no problem with
Karpov "winning the analysis".

238
 Anthony Miles vs Guillermo García González, Bath 1983; Photo by Cathy Rogers

B16
Karpov, Anatoly (2710) - Miles, Anthony J (2585)
Bath Final, 1983

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nf6 5.Nxf6+ gxf6 6.Nf3 Bf5 7.Bf4 Nd7 8.c3 Qb6

9.b4

239
A year later when Miles tried this line for a second time, Karpov played the gambit 9.Bd3! Bxd3
10.Qxd3 Qxb2 11.O-O and won a fine game. RR Karpov,Anatoly 2700 - Miles,Anthony J 2565, Oslo
1984 - 37/146
9...e5 10.Bg3 O-O-O 11.Be2 h5 12.O-O Be4 13.Nd2

13...Bd5 By now Miles was falling far behind on the clock and nobody liked his position (except
perhaps Miles).
The post-mortem showed a difference of opinion about the line 13...Bxg2!? 14.Kxg2 h4 15.Bf4! exf4
; Miles thought it was about equal, but Karpov claimed an advantage for White - and they still
maintained their positions when their comments were recorded for broadcast a day later.
14.Bxh5 exd4 15.c4 Be6 16.a3 Ne5 17.Re1 d3 18.c5 Qb5

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19.Rb1! Played after 30 minutes' thought, after which both players had about half an hour to reach
move 40.
Karpov later pointed out 19.Bxe5 fxe5 20.Rxe5 (20.Bg4! Rh6 21.Rxe5 (21.Bxe6+! Rxe6 22.Qh5!)
21...Bg7 22.Bxe6+ fxe6 23.Re4 Bxa1 24.a4 Qa6 25.Qxa1) 20...Bg7 21.Bxf7 Bxe5 22.Bxe6+ Kb8
23.Bc4 Bxh2+ 24.Kf1 Be5 25.Kg1 with a draw, while MIles was much more worried about 20.Bg4!
Rh6 21.Re5 (21.Be6! Re6 22.Qh5! is even stronger.) Bg7 22.Be6 fe6 23.Re4 Ba1 24.a4 Qa6 25.Qa1
with what he considered more than enough compensation for the exchange.
19...Bh6 20.a4 Qa6 21.f4 Nc4 22.b5 cxb5

23.Rxb5?! By now Karpov had only 12 minutes left to Miles' 21 minutes.

241
"I hadn't even considered this," admitted Miles, who had been expecting 23.axb5 Qa2, when he was
sure Black was fine. Miles' surprise was not apparent during the game but when the players replayed
the moves for the cameras, he made sure that he adopted a look of shock.
Many years later, computers discovered the beautiful winning line 23.Bf3! Bd5 24.axb5 Qa2
25.Bxd5 Rxd5 26.b6! a6 27.Qg4+! f5 28.Qh5! and the Black king is cornered from an unexpected
angle.
23...Na3! 24.Rb2 Ten more minutes gone on this move and, with no increment and less than two
minutes left, Kaprov's chances on making the time control looked bleak.
24...Nc2 25.Bf3 Bd5 26.Re7 Bf8 27.Bxd5 Rxd5 28.Rbxb7? "I just forgot that my rook was
hanging," admitted Karpov.
28.Rexb7 Bxc5+ is objectively about equal but Miles knew that if he didn't allow mate, he should win
on time.
28...Bxe7 29.Rxe7 Qc6 30.Rxf7 Rxc5?

31.Qg4+! Overlooked by Miles, but he did not panic.

31...f5! With this move, Miles also ran his clock down to less than two minutes, and the game became
a mad scramble with neither player required to write down the moves.
31...Kb8? 32.f5+ Ka8 33.Qg7 would be fatal for Black.
32.Qg7?
32.Rxf5 leaves Black with nothing better than 32...Rxf5 33.Qxf5+ Qd7 34.Qc5+ Qc7 35.Qf5+ Qd7
with a draw.

242
32...Re8 33.h4
33.h3 was the last hope.
33...Ne3! 34.Bf2 Rc1+ 35.Kh2 Ng4+ 36.Kg3 Nxf2 37.Nf3 Too short of time to realise that even if
White achieves Ne5, Black is still winning.
37...Ne4+ 38.Kh2 d2 39.Nxd2 Nxd2† 0-1
Karpov lost on time and, without waiting to see if move 40 had been reached, extended his hand.
Miles' win was published in Informant (Karpov,Anatoly 2710 - Miles,Anthony J 2585, Bath 1983 -
36/180), and later in his book Learn From Your Defeats, Karpov falsely claimed the game was played
at a rapid time limit. Miles was sufficiently annoyed to ask for, and receive, a written apology.

The evening after his defeat, Karpov joined Chandler, Kindermann and myself in a lengthy and
boisterous blitz session. Games were played with a 50 pence stake, but a player could double the bet -
a "contra" - though by doing so he would allow the opponent draw odds. Having accepted a contra,
the opponent could then double the bet again - "recontra" - and hand draw odds back.
The winner stayed in - mostly Karpov of course - with Kindermann dropping out after a couple of
hours. Then I won a crazy game against Chandler with 5 contras and recontras and my landlord
decided that losing 16 pounds to his tenant was enough.
So I enjoyed the pleasure of playing blitz against Karpov for almost two hours, with the added bonus
of Chandler kibitzing throughout.
Indeed I accepted all Karpov's contras, simply because I wanted to play as much as possible against
the World Champion, a policy reinforced by swindling a couple of draws.
In contrast, Karpov resigned one game soon after the opening rather than risk a pound, and
complained: "When you offer a contra I always treat it with respect and consider it. When I offer you
one, you always play on without thinking!"
"Are you a man of a mouse?" Chandler said to me when I reacted to Karpov's next contra by thinking,
so I accepted, with the bravado of youth, saying: "I'm the man, he's the mouse."
In the end, I was proud to have lost only 8 pounds over the two hours; two hours of playing Karpov
and I still finished a few pounds ahead thanks to one game against Chandler!

After Bath the BBC Master Game died, although NDR continued to create similar German language
programmes. The 1983 series was never shown on British television and even when the BBC granted
permission for the Master Game programmes to appear on DVD, the final tournament was not
included.
Nonetheless, the NDR version of the programme was shown in some German-speaking countries and
I was lucky enough to see parts of the 1983 series when competing in Biel a year later. On Biel's big

243
screen near the entrance to the Kongresshaus, the organisers showed the series, dubbed into German.
Between moves, I could visit the busy foyer and listen to Karpov's squeaky voice dubbed into basso
profundo German explaining how he was taking apart my Scandinavian Defence. Still, I could now
say I was a television star, famous in Biel with someone else's voice.

POSTSCRIPT

The end of the Master Game programme was also a signpost to the end of the Karpov Rules era.
Within two years Karpov would have lost his world title to Garry Kasparov, while Miles' position as
an elite player was undermined not long after that when he was destroyed, ½ : 5½, by Kasparov in a
match.
I returned to Australia in early 1984 to also learn that I was not as good as I thought I was.
In April at the 21st Doeberl Cup in Canberra I was approached by an amateur player - also well-
known as a slightly annoying kibitzer - Milan Grcic. The local player came up to me and said: "You
could have beaten Karpov if you had played the right move!". "Yes, Milan," I replied with
inexcusable condescension, trying to get away as fast as possible.
Grcic greeted me with the same claim the next day, and again I brushed him off.
Soon afterwards a friend and strong player said "Maybe you should have a look at Milan's move. He
beat me with it - it's not bad." So I went over to Grcic, who took me to an analysis board and
demonstrated:

10...Bxc3+!! It turned out to be very effective. White cannot capture with the rook and both the
queen on a5 and the bishop on g6 need no longer be scared about becoming trapped.

244
The Karpov - Rogers game from Bath was published in the July 1984 issue of Informant, annotated
by Karpov, who indicated that Black's loss was directly attributable to the opening. That analysis was
also included in the new edition of the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings, also published in mid-
1984, suggesting that 6...Bh5 was close to unplayable. (Indeed it probably is, but that is because
9.b4! is so hard to meet.)
Since there was no internet and Informant came out only every six months, I had many opponents -
including GMs - copy Karpov, only to draw or lose after 10...Bc3!!.
The final victim was Jan Timman at Reggio Emilia in December 1984 (soon after which a new
Informant gave the news to everyone). At the end of the game, which White hung on to draw,
Timman's first comment was "I knew I should never trust Karpov's analysis!"

245
 "...in forty minutes I completed one of the most subtle analyses of my life..."

Botvinnik,Mikhail (USSR) v. Zuidema,Coen (Nederland), Amsterdam IBM

1966

The 7th World Champion, Mikhail Botvinnik, is a towering figure in the history of the game. The
Chess Informant era began towards the end of his long career, but while his best years from the
sporting standpoint were by then behind him, he played some of his best chess in the second half of
the 1960s.
The sixth in what would be a long series of international tournaments sponsored by the business giant
IBM took place in Amsterdam from 5th-15th July 1966. The round-robin event was completely
dominated by Botvinnik, who scored 7½/9 (+7, -1, =1), with Spanish grandmaster Arturo Pomar
Salamanca two points behind in 2nd place, and Botvinnik's compatriot, Salo Flohr, in 3rd.

246
Old rivals Botvinnik and Flohr at the conclusion of their 9th-round game in the IBM tournament. (Photo credit: J. van Bilsen, via
www.nationaalarchief.nl)

In the 6th round Botvinnik played a very fine game against the Dutch international master, Coen
Zuidema. He later annotated the encounter in volume 3 of his monumental autobiographical work
Analyticheskie i kriticheskie raboty (Fizkultura i Sport, Moscow 1986), which covered the period of
his career from 1957 - 1970.
It also appeared in volume 2 of Chess Informant, with annotations by one of the founders of the
publication, Borislav Milic.

D75
Botvinnik, Mikhail - Zuidema, Coen
Amsterdam 2/587, 1966

The Botvinnik-Zuidema game in progress. White

has just played 10.Nbd2. Photo credit: R. Kroon,
via www.nationaalarchief.nl

1.Nf3 Nf6 2.g3 g6 3.Bg2 Bg7 4.O-O O-O 5.c4 d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.d4 c5 8.dxc5
Previously, Botvinnik had played 8.e4 here on a number of occasions, for instance, in the 19th game
of his World Championship match v. David Bronstein (Moscow, 1951).

247
8...Na6 9.c6
Subsequently, 9.Ng5 came to be regarded as the main line
here.
9...bxc6 10.Nbd2
Here Botvinnik suggests the continuation 10.Nd4!?, for
instance 10...Bb7 11.Na3 Qb6 12.Nb3 Rfd8 13.Bd2 Qc7
14.Nc4 Karasev,Vladimir - Savon,Vladimir, 39th USSR
Championship, Leningrad 1971

10...Qc7?! This move is justifiably criticised by Botvinnik, on the grounds that White's bishop
subsequently arrives at f4 with gain of tempo.
He indicates instead 10...Rb8, which although having the same deficiency, at least attacks the pawn at
b2, as well as 10...Nc5!?. This was later seen in the game Donchenko,Anatoly 2395 - Gipslis,Aivars
2535, Dubna 1976, which continued 11.Nc4 Ba6 12.Nfe5 Qc7! 13.Qc2?! (Better is 13.Nxc6, though
after 13...Bxc4 14.Bxd5 Bxd5 15.Qxd5 Rfc8 16.Qxc5 Qxc6 Black's compensation for the pawn is
fully sufficient; Black can also consider 13... e6!?) 13...Ne6! and Black already stood better - see
"Chess Informant" vol. 21/530
11.a3 A key move, securing the square at c2 for the queen and limiting the mobility of the black
knight at a6.

248
 Botvinnik - Zuidema 6th round, IBM International,
Amsterdam, 11th July 1966; The game appears in
Volume 2 of Chess Informant with notes by
Borislav Milić

11...c5?!
As Botvinnik points out, this removes another square from the ill-fated knight. Milic suggests
11...Nc5!? 12.Qc2 Ne6
12.Nc4 Bb7 13.Qc2 Rac8 14.Rd1 Rfd8 15.Bd2 Nb8 Black naturally tries to bring the knight into
play.
16.Bh3 e6
On 16...f5 Botvinnik indicates the continuation 17.e4, but as Khalifman points out, still stronger is
17.Ba5 Nb6 18.Qb3
17.e4 Nb6
On 17...Nf6 White can, however, play more strongly: 18.Bf4! (18.Ba5 Rxd1+ 19.Rxd1 Bxe4
(19...Qc6 20.Nd6 Rf8 21.Ne5) 20.Qxe4 Qxa5 21.Qb7, as indicated by Botvinnik, Black is saved by
21...Qa6!) 18...Qc6 (18...Qe7 19.Nd6 Rc7 20.Nxf7!) 19.Nd6 Rxd6 20.Rxd6 Qxe4 21.Qxe4 Nxe4
22.Rxe6!, etc. (Khalifman, Alexander).
18.Bf4

249
18...Qc6 Botvinnik writes: "Black decides to give up the
exchange for a pawn, after which the position of his pieces
is improved, he occupies the centre, and the struggle flares
up with new force."
The alternative was hardly appealing: 18...Rxd1+ 19.Rxd1
Qc6 20.Nd6 Rf8 and now as well as Botvinnik's 21.Ne5,
21.Ng5! (Khalifman,Alexander) is extremely strong.
19.Nd6 Rxd6
Forced - as Milic points out, on 19...Rc7?, 20.Nxb7 wins
immediately.
20.Rxd6 Qxe4 21.Qxe4 Bxe4 22.Ng5
22.Rad1? is succesfully parried by 22...Bf8! 23.Rd8 Rxd8
24.Rxd8 Nc6
22...Bd5

250
"Black has two active bishops, the white rooks are disunited, and at first sight it seem that White's
position has become critical" (Botvinnik,Mikhail).
However, everything is under control...
23.Nxe6! fxe6
Not 23...Bxe6? 24.Rxe6
24.Rxd5 exd5 25.Bxc8 Nxc8 26.Bxb8 Bxb2

27.Rb1!
"The 7th rank must be occupied by the rook as soon as possible" (Botvinnik,Mikhail).

251
27...Bxa3 28.Rb7 c4
Borislav Milić, pictured in play at the 1965
Amsterdam IBM event. Photo credit: R. Kroon, via
www.nationaalarchief.nl

On 28...d4 Milic indicates 29.Rc7, (while Khalifman

prefers 29.Be5 Nb6 30.Rxa7)
29.Be5 Bf8 30.Kf1 Now if necessary the white king holds
up the passed pawns, freeing the other pieces from this
task.
30...Ne7
Milic suggests 30...a5!?, on which White can continue
31.Rb5
31.Bd6
Of course, the a-pawn is indirectly defended: 31.Rxa7??
Nc6 Khalifman awards the move in the text an
exclamation mark; as he points out, after 31.Bc3 a6 32.Ra7
a5 33.Rxa5 Bg7 Black gains counter-play.
31...Kf7 32.Rxa7 Ke6 33.Ra6 Bg7 34.f4?

A mistake. Correct is 34.Ba3+!, and after the forced 34...Kf7, 35.Ra5 d4 36.Ra7 etc.
34...Kd7! Now the threat of Nc6 forces White to exchange minor pieces.
35.Bxe7 Kxe7 36.Ra7+ Kf8 37.Rc7

252
"The closeness of the time control tells. Stronger was the immediate advance 37.g4 -g5 with a
guaranteed victory" (Botvinnik). As he puts it, "neither side had yet sensed the subtleties of this
endgame".
37...c3 38.Ke2
Botvinnik is seen considering his 12th move. Photo
credit: R. Kroon, via www.nationaalarchief.nl

Again, 38.g4! was stronger.

38...h6! 39.Kd3 d4 40.g4 Bf6
The last move of the first time control,, and Zuidema was
perhaps reluctant to take a committing step such as 40...g5.
However, after 41.f5 Bf6 Botvinnik considers that it would
have been much more difficult (if, in general, possible) to
breach Black's defences.
41.h4 Kg8
Of course, not 41...Bxh4? 42.Kxd4, and the white king is
freed.
42.Ke4 Bg7 43.g5
Around this point the game was adjourned. Botvinnik
writes: "This was the IBM tournament, which later became
a traditional Dutch festival. Flohr and I were living in a
motel on the way from Amsterdam to the Den Haag (this
building has now been demolished). Not far away there
was a modern church, in front of which on four columns
stood an automatic bell. It was in this church that we played. Since the game remained unfinished, I
had to analyse it in the 'tournament building', since the dinner break was short. Clearly, I was helped
by God himself: in forty minutes I completed one of the most subtle analyses of my life."

253
43...hxg5
On 43...h5 the following variation had been prepared: 44.Rc6 Kf7 45.Kd3 Bh8 46.Rc7+ Kg8
47.Rc8+ Kh7 48.Ra8 Bg7 49.Ra6 Bh8 50.f5 gxf5 51.Rh6+ Kg8 52.Rxh5 Bg7 53.g6, etc.
On 43...Kf8 White wins by 44.Rc6 Kf7 45.h5!
44.hxg5 Kf8 45.Kd3 Kg8 46.Rc6 Kf7 47.Ke4 A well-known endgame method, giving the move to
the opponent. Black is not forced to move his bishop to h8, and subsequently his king is forced to h7
as well. These factors allow White to create mating threats.
47...Bh8 48.Rc7+ Kg8 49.Rc8+ Kh7 While now the time for decisive action has arrived.
50.f5! gxf5+
Or 50...d3 51.Kxd3 gxf5 52.g6+ Kg7 53.Kxc3
51.Kxf5 Bg7
Once again the pawns have to remain in place: 51...d3 52.g6+ Kg7 53.Rxc3

254
52.Re8!! "This fantastic move leads to a new, but more subtle zugzwang" (Botvinnik).
52...d3
On 52...Bh8 White wins by 53.g6+ Kg7 54.Rc8! (Milic,Borislav).
If instead 52...c2, then 53.g6+ Kh6 54.Re2! (the point of White's 52nd move).
Khalifman also considers 52...Be5!?, when White wins by 53.Rxe5 c2 54.Kf6 c1=Q 55.Re7+ Kg8
56.Re8+ Kh7 57.g6+ Kh6 58.Rh8#,

and 52...Bh6!? 53.gxh6 c2 54.Re1! (Not 54.Rc8? d3) 54...d3 55.Kg5 d2 56.Re7+, when again White
forces mate.

255
53.g6+ Kh6 54.Re3 Here too the point of White's 52nd move is seen.
54...Bd4
Or 54...Be5 55.Rxe5 Kg7 56.Re7+ Kg8 57.Kf6 c2 58.Re8#
55.Rxd3 c2 56.Rh3+ Kg7 57.Rh7+
Botvinnik writes: "Black resigned (he loses the c2-pawn). But around half an hour later someone
expressed the opinion that the endgame with the pawn at g6 is drawn. I replied only that I had seen
Smyslov win such an endgame against Smyslov. A little time passed, and everyone calmed down. In
an endgame reference book the way to victory was found."
Indeed, Khalifman indicates the winning line: 57.Rh7+ Kg8 58.Rc7 c1=Q 59.Rxc1 Bb2 60.Rc7 Bd4
61.g7 Kh7 (61...Bxg7 62.Kg6 Bf8 63.Rc8) 62.Rc4 Bxg7 63.Rh4+ Kg8 (63...Bh6 64.Kf6) 64.Kg6
Kf8 (64...Be5 65.Re4) 65.Rf4+ Kg8 66.Ra4, etc.
1-0

RR - The annotations to this game are based on those of M. M. Botvinnik, from Analtyicheskie i
kriticheskie raboty 1957-70 (Fizkultura i Sport, 1986), A. V. Khalifman, from Mikhail Botvinnik -
Games. Vol. II, 1951-1970 (Saint Petersburg, 2001) and B. Milic in Chess Informant (vol. 2/587).

Douglas Griffin (Aberdeenshire, Scotland)

Douglas Griffin in Central Chess Club, Moscow
2019

Competitive player since the age of 12, representing

Scotland at all levels from Under-14 to senior international
during 1980-1989. Inactive over-the-board since the mid-
1990s, but remains a keen student of chess history, and
diligent collector of classic chess literature in the English
and Russian languages. Chess Informant associate.

256
257
A00-A24

1. A05
Kozul, Zdenko (2597) - Subelj, Jan (2408)
Maribor 145/1, 2020

1.Nf3 Nf6 2.g3 b5 3.Bg2 Bb7 4.O-O e6 5.d3 Be7 6.e4 d6

6...O-O 7.c4!? - 120/2
7.c3
7.Nd4!? a6 8.Nb3 e5 (8...c5?! 9.e5! Bxg2 10.exf6 Bxf1 11.fxe7 Qxe7 12.Qxf1 Nc6 13.Be3 O-O
14.Nc3²) 9.Na5 Bc8 10.b4 c5 11.a3 Qc7 12.Be3 Be6 13.Qe2 Nc6=; 7.Nbd2 - 15/(4); 7.Na3 - 29/7;
7.a4 - 73/(1); 7.Ne1 - 73/1
7...c5 8.Qb3
8.a4 b4 9.Nbd2 O-O 10.Re1 Nc6 11.Nc4 d5 12.exd5 Nxd5 13.Qc2 Bf6=
8...a6 9.a4

9...Nbd7?!N
9...Qb6
10.Bf4?!
10.axb5 axb5 (10...Qb6 11.c4 O-O 12.Nc3 axb5 13.Rxa8 Rxa8 14.Qxb5 Qc7 15.Qb3²) 11.Rxa8

258
Qxa8 12.Qxb5 O-O 13.Qb3²
10...c4! 11.dxc4 Bxe4
11...Nc5!? 12.Qd1 (12.Qa2?! bxa4³) 12...bxc4 13.Nbd2 Ncxe4 (13...Bxe4!?) 14.Nxc4 Rc8∞
12.Nbd2 Nc5 13.Qa2!
13.Qd1 bxc4 14.Nxe4 Ncxe4 15.Nd2 Nxd2 16.Bc6+ Kf8 17.Qxd2 Rb8³
13...Bb7 14.Nd4?!
14.a5 O-O∞
14...Bxg2 15.Kxg2 bxa4 16.b4 axb3 17.N2xb3 Nxb3
17...Nd3 18.Be3 (18.Bg5 Qc7µ) 18...Ng4µ
18.Qxb3 Qd7
18...e5!? 19.Nc6 Qc7 20.Nxe7 (20.Qa4 O-O (20...exf4 21.Rfe1 O-O 22.Nxe7+ Kh8³) 21.Bg5
Rfc8µ) 20...Kxe7µ
19.Qb6 e5 20.Nc6 Bd8
20...Rc8 21.Nxe7 Kxe7 22.Rxa6 Rb8 23.Qa5 Ra8!µ (23...exf4?? 24.Ra7 Rb7 25.Re1++-)
21.Nxd8 Qxd8
21...O-O!?
22.Qc6+ Ke7

23.Bg5?!

259
23.Bxe5! dxe5 24.Rfd1 Qc8 (24...Nd7 25.Ra5 f6 26.Qd6+ Ke8 27.c5©) 25.Qd6+ Ke8 26.Ra5 Nd7
27.Rdd5 (27.c5 Nf8 28.c6 f6 29.c7 (29.f4? Kf7) 29...Kf7 30.Qb6 Ne6 31.Rad5 Re8 32.Rd7+ Re7
33.Rxe7+ Kxe7 34.Qd6+ Kf7 35.Qc6 Qe8 36.Rd7+ Kg6 37.Qd6 Rc8 38.Re7 Qg8 39.Rxe6
(39.Qd3+!? f5 40.Qxa6 Kf6 41.Qd6©) 39...Rxc7 40.Qd3+ Kf7 41.Qd5 Qc8!!=) 27...Qb7 28.f3 Ra7
29.Rxe5+ Kd8 30.Re7 Re8 31.Rxd7+ Qxd7 32.Qb8+ Ke7 33.Re5+ Kf8 34.Rxe8+ Qxe8 35.Qxa7
Qe2+=
23...Qd7 24.Qe4 h6 25.Bxf6+! gxf6 26.Rfb1
26.c5!? d5 27.Qf3 Rhc8 28.Ra5©
26...Rhb8 27.Rxb8 Rxb8 28.Rxa6 Qb7 29.Qxb7+ Rxb7= 30.c5! dxc5 31.Rc6 Rb5 32.g4 Ra5 33.h3
Kf8
33...f5!? 34.gxf5 h5 35.c4 Ra3! 36.f6+ (36.Rxc5 Kf6=) 36...Kd7 37.Rxc5 Ke6 38.Rc6+ Kf5=
34.Rxf6 Ra3 35.Rxh6 Kg7?
35...Rxc3=
36.Rh5! f6 37.f4! exf4?
37...Rxc3! 38.fxe5 c4 39.exf6+ Kxf6 40.Rc5 Ke6 41.g5 Kf7 42.Rc6

42...Rd3!! (42...Rb3? 43.h4 c3 44.Kg3!+- (44.h5? c2! 45.Rc7+ Kf8 46.g6 (46.h6 Rb5=) 46...Rb5=))
43.h4 (43.Rxc4 Kg6 44.h4 (44.Rg4 Rc3=) 44...Kh5=) 43...c3 44.h5 (44.Kf2 Rh3=) 44...c2! 45.g6+
Kg7 46.Rxc2 Rd5 47.Rc7+ Kg8!=
38.Rxc5+- Ra2+ 39.Kf3 Rh2 40.Kxf4?
40.h4! Rxh4 41.Rh5!+-

260
40...Rxh3= 41.c4 Rc3 42.Ke4 Rg3 43.Kf5 Rf3+! 44.Ke6 Rg3?
44...Re3+! 45.Kd6 Re4 46.g5 f5!=
45.Rd5+- Rxg4 46.c5 Rc4 47.Kd7 Kg6 48.c6 f5 49.c7 Kg5 50.Kd6! Rxc7 51.Kxc7 Kg4 52.Kd6 f4
53.Ke5 f3 54.Ke4 1-0

2. A13
Deac, Bogdan Daniel (2626) - Idani, Pouya (2577)
Moscow 145/2, 2020

1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4+ Bd7 6.Qxc4 c5

6...Bc6 7.O-O Be7 (7...Nbd7 - 51/14) 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nc3 b6 10.d4 Nbd7 11.e4 Bb7 12.Rd1²
7.Ne5 Qc8 8.Qd3 Nc6 9.Nxd7 Nxd7
9...Qxd7 10.Qxd7+ Kxd7 (10...Nxd7 11.Bxc6 bxc6 12.d3² … Na3) 11.d3 Be7 12.Nc3 Rac8 13.b3
Nd4 14.Kd2²
10.Nc3
10.Qb3 Be7 11.Nc3 O-O 12.O-O Nb6 (12...Nde5!? 13.d3 Rd8 14.Bf4 Rd7!? 15.Qa4 Qd8„) 13.d3
Nd4 14.Qd1 Qd7 15.b3 Rad8 (15...Nd5 16.Nxd5 exd5 17.Bb2 Nc6 18.e4²; 15...Rfd8 16.Bb2 Rac8
17.Rc1 f5 18.Qd2 c4 19.e3 Nc6 20.d4 Nb4 21.Qe2 Nd3 22.Ra1!? Nxb2 23.Qxb2 cxb3 24.axb3²)
16.Bb2 f5!? 17.e3!? (17.Qd2 e5) 17...Nc6 18.Ne2 Qxd3 (18...Rfe8 19.d4²) 19.Qxd3 Rxd3 20.Bxc6
bxc6 21.Nf4 Rd2 22.Bc3 Rc2 23.Rfc1 Rxc1+ 24.Rxc1 Kf7 25.Bxg7 Kxg7 26.Nxe6+ Kf6 27.Nxf8
Bxf8 28.Kg2 Ke5 29.Kf3 h5∞; 10.Qb5 Nd4 (10...Nb6 11.O-O Be7 12.d3 … Be3²) 11.Qa4 Be7
12.Nc3 O-O 13.O-O (13.Qd1 Ne5!? 14.O-O Qd7 15.b3 Rad8 16.Bb2 Ndc6 17.d3 f5!?„) 13...b5
14.Qd1 b4 15.Na4 Qa6„; 10.b3 - 137/4
10...Be7 11.Qb5!?
11.O-O O-O 12.b3 Rd8 13.Bb2 Nb6 14.Qc2 (14.Qe3 Nd5 15.Nxd5 exd5 16.Qf3 a5„) 14...c4
15.Ne4 f5„ - 137/(4)
11...a6
11...O-O 12.O-O (12.Bxc6 bxc6 13.Qd3 Nb6 14.b3 c4 15.bxc4 Qa6„; 12.d3 Nb6 13.Bxc6 bxc6
14.Qb3 c4 15.dxc4 Qa6„) 12...a6 (12...Nb6!? 13.Bxc6 bxc6 14.Qa5 c4∞ - 137/(4)) 13.Qa4 (13.Qb3
b5 14.d3 Rd8∞) 13...b5 (13...Nd4 - 13.0-0) 14.Qe4 Nde5 15.f4 f5 16.Qe3 Nc4 (16...Nf7!? 17.Qf3
Nfd8 18.g4!? Ra7 19.e3 g6 20.b3 Bf6 21.Bb2 Rd7∞) 17.Qf2 Ra7 18.d3 Nb6 19.Be3 Nd7 20.Rfc1
Rc7 21.h3 Rd8∞
12.Qa4 Nd4
12...b5!? 13.Qe4

261
13...Nde5! 14.f4 f5 15.Qc2 (15.Qe3 Nd4! 16.O-O (16.Qxe5 Bf6 17.Qd6 Ra7 … Rd7³) 16...Ng4
17.Qd3 c4 18.Qb1 b4 19.e3 Bf6!ƒ) 15...Ng4 16.d3 h5!? 17.h3 Nf6 18.Be3 Qc7 19.Rc1 (19.O-O-O
Rb8 20.Kb1 Kf7 21.Rc1 Na5ƒ … c4) 19...h4„ 20.g4 fxg4 21.Ne4 Nd5 22.Bxc5 Ncb4 23.Qd2 Nxa2
24.Rc2 g3 25.O-O O-O 26.Bd4 Qd7 27.Nc5 Qc6 28.e3 Rac8∞
13.e3N
13.O-O O-O 14.d3 (14.e3 Nb6 15.Qd1 Nc6 16.Qe2 Rd8 17.Rd1 Rd7 18.b3 Nb4 19.d3 Qd8 20.Bf1
Bf6„) 14...Nb6 (14...b5 15.Qd1 Ra7 16.Bd2 Ne5 17.Rc1 Qd7 18.Ne4 Rc8 19.f4 Ng6 20.e3 Nf5
21.Qe2²) 15.Qd1 Rd8 16.Bd2 Qd7 17.Rc1 Rac8 18.b3 h6 19.Kh1!? Na8!? (19...Nd5 20.Nxd5 exd5
21.e3 Nc6 22.Qh5ƒ) 20.g4!? b5 21.Ne4 b4 22.f4 Nb6 23.Nf2 Nd5 24.g5 hxg5 25.fxg5 Nc3 26.Bxc3
bxc3 27.Ne4 (27.g6 fxg6 28.Rxc3 Kh7!? 29.Ne4 Rh8 30.Rc4 Kg8∞) 27...Nf5 28.Qe1 c2∞
13...Nf5
13...Nc6 14.Bxc6 bxc6 15.O-O O-O 16.b3ƒ
14.O-O O-O 15.d3
15.Qc2 Ne5 16.Be4!? … b3, Bb2ƒ
15...Rd8 16.Rd1 Qc7 17.Qc2 Ne5 18.Ne4
18.Ne2 Rd7 (18...Nc6 19.Bd2²) 19.e4 Nd4 20.Nxd4 cxd4 21.Qb3 (21.Qe2 Qb6„) 21...Qa5 22.f4
(22.Bd2 Qb5=) 22...Ng4 23.Bf3 Ne3 24.Bd2 Qd8„
18...Rd7 19.f4
19.d4 cxd4 20.Qxc7 Rxc7 21.exd4 Rd7 22.Bg5 Rad8=
19...Nc6 20.a3 Qb6 21.Rb1 c4

262
21...Rad8 22.Nf2 (22.b3 c4ƒ) 22...c4 23.d4 Na5 24.g4 Nh4 25.Be4 f5!? 26.gxf5 exf5 27.Bxf5 Nxf5
28.Qxf5 Nb3 29.Bd2 Rd6©
22.d4 Na5 23.Bd2
23.Qe2 Nb3!? (23...Rad8 24.Bd2 Nb3 25.Bc3²) 24.Qxc4 Rc7 25.Qe2 Rac8 26.Bd2 Nxd2 27.Nxd2
(27.Qxd2 Rc2 28.Qd3 Rxb2 29.Nc5 Rd8 30.Nxb7 Rb8 31.Rxb2 Qxb2„) 27...Rc2 28.Be4 Rxb2
29.Qd3 Qb5! 30.Bxf5 exf5 31.Qxb5 Rxb5 32.Rxb5 axb5 33.Rb1 Bxa3 34.Rxb5 Bc1 35.Nf1 g6
36.Kf2 Rc2+ 37.Kf3 Rb2=
23...Nb3 24.g4!?

24.Re1 Nxd2 25.Qxd2 (25.Nxd2 Nxd4 26.Nxc4 Nxc2 27.Nxb6 Nxe1 28.Rxe1 Rad8=) 25...Rc8
26.Qe2 Qc7 … b5=
24...Nfxd4!?
24...Nxd2 25.Qxd2 Nh4 26.Bh1 Rc8 27.Nc5!? (27.Qe1 Qd8∞) 27...Rdc7 28.Qf2 Rd8 29.Rf1!?;
24...Nh4 25.Bb4!? (25.Bh1 f5 26.Be1 fxe4 27.Bxe4 Kh8 28.Qxc4 Rad8 29.Kh1 Na5 30.Qf1 Ng6
31.b4 Nc6∞; 25.Bc3 Nxg2 26.Qxg2 (… g5) 26...f6 27.h4 Qc6 28.h5 h6 29.Rf1 Qd5∞) 25...Bxb4
(25...Nxg2 26.Kxg2 Qc6 27.Bxe7 Rxe7 28.Kf2 … Ng5∞) 26.axb4 Qxb4 27.Ng5 g6 28.Bf1 b5
29.Qf2 h6 30.Ne4 (30.Nxf7!? Rxf7 31.Qxh4 Nd2 32.Qxh6 Rg7 33.Bg2 Nxb1 34.Bxa8 c3 35.bxc3
Nxc3 36.Rf1 Qd6∞) 30...Qe7 31.g5 hxg5 32.fxg5 Nf5 33.h4 (33.Nf6+ Kg7 34.Bg2 Rad8 35.Nxd7
Rxd7 36.Qf4 Qd6∞) 33...Kg7 34.h5 gxh5 35.Bh3 h4∞
25.exd4 Qxd4+ 26.Kf1
26.Kh1 Rad8 27.Bf3 Nxd2 28.Rxd2 Qe3 29.Rf2™ Bh4! (29...Qxf4 30.Qxc4±; 29...b5 30.Rbf1 f5
(30...Qxf4 31.Bg2 Qxg4 32.Rxf7 Qh5 33.Qf2 Qe5 34.Qf3±) 31.gxf5 exf5 32.Nc3 Bh4 33.Re2±)

263
30.Rff1 (30.Ng3 Bxg3 31.hxg3 Rd2 32.Rxd2 Rxd2 33.Qe4 Qf2 34.Bg2 Qxg3=) 30...b5 31.Qc1 Rd3
32.Qxe3 Rxe3 33.Nc3 Rd2„ 34.g5 h6 35.gxh6 f5!? 36.Bb7 Rh3 37.Bg2 Rhd3 38.Rfd1 Rc2 39.Rxd3
(39.hxg7 Bf6) 39...cxd3 40.Bb7 Bf6 41.Rg1 b4 42.axb4 Rxb2 43.Nd1 Rxb4 44.Bxa6 d2²
26...Rad8 27.g5!?
27.Bc3 Qxd1+ 28.Rxd1 Rxd1+ 29.Kf2 Rc1 30.Qe2 Bh4+ 31.Ng3 Rxc3 32.bxc3 Rd2 33.Bxb7 Rxe2+
34.Kxe2 Nc5 35.Bc6 Nd3³; 27.Bh1 Bc5 28.Ke2 Qf2+ 29.Nxf2 Nd4+ 30.Kf1 Nxc2 31.Bc3 Ne3+
32.Ke2 Nxd1 33.Rxd1 b5∞
27...Bc5 28.Ke2 Bb6!?
28...Qf2+ 29.Nxf2 Nd4+ 30.Kf1 Nxc2 31.Ne4!²; 28...f5 29.gxf6 Qd5! 30.f7+ Rxf7 31.Be3 Qh5+
32.Bf3 Qxh2+ 33.Nf2 Rdf8 34.Rh1 Bxe3 35.Rxh2 Nd4+ 36.Kxe3 Nxc2+ 37.Kd2 Rxf4 38.Kxc2
Rxf3 39.Ne4 Re3 40.Nc3 h5!? 41.Rd1 (41.Rxh5 Rf2+ 42.Kd1 b5=) 41...Re5 42.Rd4 b5 43.Rd6 Rf1
44.Rxa6 g5! 45.Rxh5 Rf2+ 46.Kd1 (46.Kb1? Re1+ 47.Ka2 Rff1-+) 46...Rf1+ 47.Kd2 Rf2+=
29.Qc3

29...Ba5!
29...Rd5 30.Qg3²
30.Qxd4 Nxd4+ 31.Ke1 Nc2+ 32.Ke2 Nd4+ 33.Ke1
33.Kf2 Nb3 (33...Bb6 34.Bf3! Nxf3+ 35.Kxf3 Rd3+ 36.Ke2 Rh3 37.Rh1 Rdd3 38.Ng3 Bd4 39.b3²)
34.Bxa5 Rxd1 35.Rxd1 Rxd1 36.Bf3 Rb1 37.Bc3 b5 38.Ke3 Nc1! 39.Nc5 Na2 40.Be5 a5 41.Be4
Rc1 42.Nb7 c3 43.bxc3 f6! 44.gxf6 gxf6 45.Bd4 (45.Bxf6 Nxc3=) 45...b4! (45...Nxc3? 46.Kd2+-)
46.cxb4 axb4 47.axb4 f5! 48.Bf3 Nxb4 49.Nd8 Nc2+ 50.Kd3 Nb4+=
33...Nc2+ 1/2-1/2

264
 3. A14
Czebe, Attila (2367) - Mendonca, Leon Luke (2452)
Balatonlelle 145/3, 2020

1.Nf3 Nf6 2.g3 d5 3.Bg2 e6 4.O-O Be7 5.b3 O-O 6.Bb2 b6 7.c4 Bb7 8.e3 dxc4 9.bxc4 c5 10.Nc3
Nc6
10...Ne4!?
11.Qe2 Qc7 12.d3 a6 13.Rab1! Rab8 14.Ba1 Na7
14...Rfd8!? 15.Rfd1
15.Rfc1!? Rfd8N
15...Rfc8 - 30/34
16.Na4 Nd7
16...b5?! 17.cxb5 Nxb5± ×a6, c5; 16...Ba8!?
17.e4
17.Nxb6?? Bxf3 (17...Nxb6?? 18.Qb2) 18.Bxf3 Rxb6-+
17...Bc6 18.Nc3 b5 19.cxb5 Nxb5

19...axb5 20.Nd5!? exd5 21.exd5 Bxd5 22.Qxe7 Qb7 23.Ne5 Nxe5 24.Qxb7 Nf3+ 25.Bxf3 Rxb7=
20.Nd1!
20.Nxb5 Bxb5!?„

265
20...Bd6 21.Ne3
21.a4 Nd4 22.Nxd4 Rxb1 23.Rxb1 cxd4 24.Bxd4 Bxa4=; 21.Qd2 h6!? (21...Ne5? 22.Bxe5 Bxe5
23.Rxc5±)
21...Ne5 22.Ne1?!
22.Nc4 Nxc4 23.dxc4 (23.Rxc4?? Nc3!) 23...Na7=
22...Nd4 23.Qd1?
23.Qd2 Rxb1 24.Rxb1 Bb5 25.f4 Nec6³
23...Rxb1 24.Rxb1 Qa5! 25.f4 Ba4! 26.Qh5??
26.N1c2 Nxc2 27.Nxc2 Nc6µ (27...c4!?µ)
26...Qd2??
26...Nxd3?? 27.Bxd4 (27.Nxd3 Qd2µ) 27...Nxe1 28.Qg5 Bf8 29.Nc4+-; 26...g6!? 27.Qh4 Rb8!
(27...Qxe1+ 28.Rxe1 Nef3+ 29.Bxf3 Nxf3+ 30.Kf2 Nxh4 31.Bf6! Rd7 32.Bxh4∞) 28.Rxb8+ Bxb8-
+; 26...Rb8! 27.Rxb8+ Bxb8 28.Nf1 Nec6-+
27.Bxd4 cxd4 28.Nf1 Qxa2 29.Rb6
29.Rb7 Nd7
29...Ng6?
29...Nc6! 30.Rxa6 g6 31.Qd1 Bxd1 32.Rxa2 e5ƒ
30.Rxa6 Qb1! 31.Qa5 Be7 32.Ra8
32.f5 Nf8 33.Qxa4 Qxe1 34.Ra7 Qb4=

32...Rxa8 33.Qxa8+ Nf8 34.Qxa4 Qxe1 35.Qxd4 Qc1! 36.Qc4 Qxc4 37.dxc4 Bc5+ 38.Kh1 Nd7?!
RR38...e5!= Czebe, Attila
39.Nd2 Be3 40.Nb3 e5 41.Bh3 Nf6
¹41...Nc5 42.Nxc5 Bxc5 43.fxe5 Kf8 44.e6 fxe6 45.Bxe6 Ke7=
42.Kg2?
42.fxe5 Nxe4 43.e6 Kf8 44.exf7 Kxf7 45.Kg2 Nc5 46.Kf3 Bg1 47.Nc1²
42...exf4 43.Kf3 g5 44.e5 Ne8 45.Ke4 Nc7
45...f6!? 46.e6 h5 47.g4 (47.Na5 Kf8 48.Nc6 Ng7=) 47...h4 … Kf8-e7=
46.Bg4 Na6 47.Nd4 Kf8 48.Nf5 Nc5+ 49.Kd5 Bg1 50.gxf4 gxf4 51.h4 Nb3 52.h5 Nd2! 53.Nh4
53.c5 f3 54.Bh3!? (54.c6 Bb6 55.Kd6 f2 56.Be2 f1=Q 57.Bxf1 Nxf1 58.c7 Bxc7+ 59.Kxc7=)

266
54...Ke8! (54...f2?? 55.c6-+) 55.h6 Bf2=
53...Bf2 54.Nf3 Nxf3 55.Bxf3 h6= 56.Kd6 Ba7 57.c5 Bb8+ 58.Kd5 Ke7 59.Be2 Bc7 60.Bg4 Bb8
61.Ke4 Bc7 62.Kf5 Kf8 63.Bf3 Kg7 1/2-1/2

4. A16
Donchenko, Alexander (2646) - Stefansson, Hannes (2542)
Ceske Budejovice 145/4, 2020

1.Nf3 Nf6 2.g3 g6 3.c4 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.Nc3 c6 6.e4!?

6.O-O d6 (6...d5 - D 79) 7.d3 - 40/24
6...d5 7.e5 Ne4 8.Qe2 Nxc3 9.dxc3 Bg4 10.h3N
10.cxd5 Qxd5 11.Bf4 Nd7 12.h3 Bxf3 13.Bxf3 Qe6 14.Bg4 Qd5 15.Bf3=
10...Bxf3 11.Bxf3 e6
11...Nd7!? 12.cxd5 Nxe5 13.dxc6 Nxf3+ 14.Qxf3 bxc6 15.O-O (15.Qxc6? Qd3ƒ) 15...Qd5=
12.Bg2 Nd7 13.f4 Qa5
13...f6!? 14.exf6 Qxf6 15.Be3 Nb6 16.cxd5 exd5 17.O-O Nc4 18.Bc5 Rfe8 19.Qf2 b6 20.Bd4 Qf7
21.Rae1=
14.O-O
14.h4!?
14...Qc5+
14...Qa6 15.Bf3 dxc4 16.h4 Rfd8 17.h5©
15.Be3 Qxc4 16.Qxc4 dxc4 17.Rfd1 Nb6 18.Bf1 Nd5?!
¹18...Na4 19.Rab1 b5 20.Bg2 Rfc8 21.Rd6 Bf8 22.Rxc6 a6!=
19.Bc5 Rfd8 20.Bxc4 b6 21.Bf2 h5 22.h4
22.Kg2!?² ∆h4?! 23.Bxd5 Rxd5 24.Rxd5 cxd5 25.g4± ×h4
22...Bf8 23.Be2 Bc5 24.Bxc5 bxc5 25.Kf2 Kf8 26.Rd3
26.Bf3 a5 27.Rd2 Rdb8 (27...Ke7 28.Rad1 … c4²) 28.Rad1 (28.c4 Ne7∞) 28...Rb7 29.Be4 a4„
26...Rab8 27.b3

267
27...c4?!
27...a5 28.Rad1 Rdc8 29.Bf3 a4 30.c4 Nb4 (30...Ne7 31.bxa4!? Rb4 32.Ra3 Ra8 33.a5 Rb7 34.Rd6
Rba7 35.Bd1 Rxa5 36.Rxa5 Rxa5 37.Rd8+ Kg7 38.a4²) 31.Rd6 axb3 32.axb3 Ra8 33.g4 hxg4
34.Bxg4 Ra3 35.h5 gxh5 36.Bxh5 Re8 37.f5 exf5 38.Rd7 Re7 39.Rd8+ Kg7 40.Rg1+ Kh7 41.Kf3
Nc2! 42.Kf4 Nd4 43.Rb8 (43.Bxf7 Rxf7 44.Rh1+ Kg7 45.Rg1+ Kh7=) 43...Ne6+ (43...Rxb3
44.Rxb3 Nxb3 45.Kxf5 Re6! 46.Bxf7 Nd4+ 47.Ke4 Re7=) 44.Kxf5 Ng7+ 45.Kg4™ Nxh5 46.Kxh5
Rxe5+ 47.Rg5=
28.bxc4 Nb6 29.a4
29.Rxd8+ Rxd8 30.Ke3 Na4 31.Rd1!±
29...Ke7
29...Rxd3 30.Bxd3 Rd8 31.Ke3±
30.Rxd8 Rxd8 31.a5 Nd7 32.Bf3 Nc5 33.Bxc6 Rd2+ 34.Kf1
34.Ke1 Rd3 35.Rb1 Rxc3 36.Rb8 f6 37.Re8+ Kf7 38.Rc8 Rxc4 (38...fxe5 39.Rc7+ Kf6 (39...Kf8
40.Bb5 Ne4 41.Rxa7+-) 40.Be8!+-) 39.Rc7+ Kf8 40.exf6+-
34...Rb2

268
¹34...Nb3 35.Ra3 Rb2 36.a6 (36.Ra4 Rc2 37.a6 Kd8 38.Rb4 Nc5 39.Rb5 Nxa6±) 36...Nd2+ 37.Ke1
Nxc4 38.Ra4 Ne3 39.Re4 Rb1+ 40.Ke2 Nf5 41.Rc4 Ra1 42.Ba4 Nxg3+ 43.Kd2 Nf5 44.Rc7+ Kd8
(44...Kf8 45.Bb5+-) 45.Rd7+ Kc8 46.Bb5 Rxa6 47.Rxf7±
35.a6!+- f6
35...Rb6 36.Bb5 Ne4 37.Rd1 Nc5 38.Ke2+-
36.Ra5 Nd3 37.Rb5 fxe5 38.fxe5 Rf2+ 39.Kg1 Ra2 40.Rb7+ 1-0

5. A18
Wojtaszek, Radoslaw (2719) - Keymer, Vincent (2558)
Biel (rapid) 145/5, 2020

1.c4 e6 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.e4 d5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.e5 Ne4 6.Nf3 Bf5 7.d3 Nxc3 8.bxc3 c5 9.d4 c4 10.a4
Nc6 11.Be2 Be7 12.O-O O-O 13.Ne1 f6 14.exf6 Bxf6
14...Rxf6 - 136/(9)
15.Nc2 Qd7N
15...Na5 16.Ne3 (16.Ba3 Be7 17.Ne3 Bxa3 18.Rxa3 Be6 19.Ra2²) 16...Be4 17.Ra2 Bg5 (17...Kh8
18.Re1 Nb3 (18...Re8 19.Ba3ƒ) 19.Ba3ƒ) 18.Ng4 Bxc1 19.Qxc1²
16.Ne3 Be6 17.Ba3 Rfe8 18.Ng4!?
18.Ra2!?; 18.Rb1!?
18...Be7 19.Bxe7 Qxe7 20.Bf3 Bxg4
20...Rad8 21.Re1 Qd7 22.Ne3ƒ ×d5

269
21.Bxg4 Qd6 22.Rb1 Rab8 23.Bf3
23.Re1 b6 24.g3±
23...a6 24.Rb6 Re7 25.Qb1
25.Re1 Kh8 26.Rxe7 Qxe7 27.Qb1± (27.Bxd5? Qd8=)
25...Qd7 26.Qc1 Qd8 27.Qb2 Qd7 28.Qa3

28.h4!? Rf8 29.Qc1 Rxf3 (29...Rff7 30.Re1±) 30.gxf3 Re4 31.Re1 Rg4+ 32.Kf1! (32.fxg4 Qxg4+
33.Kf1 Qh3+ 34.Kg1 Qg4+=) 32...Rxh4 33.Qe3+-
28...Rd8?
28...Rf8! 29.Bd1² (29.Bxd5+?? Qxd5 30.Rxc6 Qf7! 31.Rxc4 Qxf2+!-+)
29.h3
29.Bxd5+ Qxd5 30.Rxc6 Qxc6 31.Qxe7±
29...Kf8
29...Qe6 30.Qc1 h6 31.Qf4±
30.Rfb1 Na5 31.Re1 Nc6
31...Re8 32.Rbe6 Nc6 33.R1e3 Kg8 34.Rd6+-
32.Bxd5! 1-0

6. A21
Ivanisevic, Ivan (2604) - Saric, Ivan (2646)

270
 chess.com (ol-rapid) 145/6, 2020

1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Bb4 3.Nd5 Bc5 4.e3 Nf6 5.b4!? Be7

5...Nxd5 6.bxc5 Nf6 7.Nf3 Nc6∞ - 132/11
6.Bb2 d6
6...Nxd5 7.cxd5 d6 8.Bc4!? O-O 9.Ne2∞
7.Ne2
7.Nxe7 Qxe7 8.Ne2 Bf5 (8...O-O 9.Ng3 a5 10.b5 Nbd7 11.Be2²) 9.Ng3 Bg6 10.Be2²
7...Nxd5 8.cxd5 O-O 9.g3 a5 10.bxa5N
10.b5
10...Rxa5 11.Bg2 Nd7 12.Bc3 Ra6 13.O-O Nb6
¹13...Nf6
14.a4² f5 15.a5 Nd7 16.f4 Bf6?!
16...e4 17.Nd4 Nc5 18.Qc2 Bf6 19.Rfb1 Bd7 20.g4ƒ
17.Qc2
17.fxe5 Nxe5 (17...Bxe5 18.d4 Bf6 19.Rxf5 Qe7 20.e4+-; 17...dxe5 18.Rxf5 Nb6 19.Rxe5 Bxe5
20.Bxe5 Nc4 21.Bc3±) 18.Nf4±
17...e4 18.Bxf6
18.Nd4 Nc5 19.Rfb1 Bd7 20.g4ƒ

18...Rxf6 19.Nd4 Nc5 20.Rfc1 Bd7 21.Bf1 Ra8 22.Qc3 Rf8 23.Nb3 Nxb3 24.Qxb3 Qb8 25.Qc3
Rc8 26.a6
26.Rcb1 Ra7 27.a6 b6 28.d3±
26...b5?!
26...bxa6 27.Bxa6 Rf8 28.Rab1 Qd8 29.Bb7 Ra2²
27.Qa5 Qb6

271
28.Qxb6
28.a7!+-
28...cxb6 29.Rxc8+ Rxc8 30.a7
30.d3 b4 31.dxe4 fxe4 32.Bg2 Bf5 33.g4 Bxg4 34.Bxe4 Ra8 35.Bd3+-
30...Ra8 31.Ra6 b4 32.Bc4
32.Rxb6 Rxa7 33.Rxb4 Ra2 34.Rb7 (34.Rd4²) 34...Ba4 35.Bh3 g6 36.g4 fxg4 37.Bxg4 Rxd2 38.Be6+
Kf8 (38...Kh8 39.f5 gxf5 40.Bxf5 Rxd5 41.Rxh7+ Kg8 42.Bxe4²) 39.Rxh7 Re2 40.Rf7+ Ke8 41.Rg7
Rxe3=
32...b5 33.Rxd6??
33.Bb3 Kf8 34.Kf2 Ke7 35.Ke2²
33...Rxa7 34.Bb3 Kf8 35.Kf2 Ke7 36.Rb6 Ra3 37.d6+ Kf6 38.Rb7 Rxb3 39.Rxd7 Rd3 40.Ke1 b3
41.Rb7 Rd5 42.d7 Ke7 43.Kd1 b2
43...Rc5-+
44.Kc2 Rxd2+ 45.Kb1 Rxd7 46.Rxb5 g6
46...Kf6 47.Rb6+ Kf7 48.Rb5 Kg6µ
47.Rxb2³ Rd3 48.Rb7+ Ke6 49.Rxh7 Rxe3 50.Kc2 Rd3 51.Rh8
51.Rg7 Kf6 52.Rc7 Rf3 (52...Rd6 53.Rc8 Kg7 54.h3 Rd3 55.Rc3=) 53.Kd1=
51...Rd7

272
51...Kd5 52.Rg8 Kd4 53.Rxg6 Ke3-+
52.Re8+ Kf7 53.Re5 Kf6 54.Rc5 Kg7 55.Re5 Rd8 56.g4 fxg4 57.Rxe4 Kf6 58.Re2?
58.Re5 Rd4

59.Ra5! Rxf4 60.Kd3 Rf5 (60...Rf2 61.Ke3=) 61.Ra6+ Kg5 62.Ke2 Rf3 63.Ke1=
58...Kf5 59.Rf2 Ke4-+ 60.Kc3 Ke3 61.Rf1 Rc8+ 62.Kb4 Rh8 63.Rg1 Kf3 64.Rg3+ Kxf4 65.Rg2
Kf3 66.Rg3+ Kf4 67.Rg2 Rc8 68.Rf2+ Kg5 69.Rd2 Rc6 70.Rd7 Rc2 71.Rh7 Kf4 72.Kb3 Rc8
73.Rh6 g5 74.Rf6+ Ke4 75.Rg6 Kf5 76.Rh6 Rc1 77.Rh8 g3 78.hxg3 Kg4 79.Rg8 Rc5 80.Kb4 Rf5
81.Kc4 Kxg3 82.Kd3 g4 83.Ke2 Rf2+ 84.Ke1 Rf4 85.Rb8 Kh3 86.Ke2 g3 87.Ke3 Rf7 88.Rh8+
Kg2 89.Rb8 Kh2 90.Rh8+ Kg1 91.Ke2 g2 92.Rh4 Re7+ 0-1

7. A21
Ivanisevic, Ivan (2604) - Hansen, Sune Berg (2552)
chess.com (ol-rapid) 145/7, 2020

1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Bb4 3.Nd5 Bc5 4.e3 Ne7 5.b4 Nxd5 6.bxc5 Nf6 7.Nf3 Qe7 8.Bb2!?
8.Be2 - 132/(11)
8...Nc6 9.d4 exd4 10.Nxd4 Nxd4
10...Qxc5 11.Nb5 O-O 12.Bxf6 gxf6 13.Qd5²
11.Qxd4 b6!? 12.cxb6
12.Qe5 Qxe5 13.Bxe5 Kd8 14.Bd4²
12...axb6 13.Bd3 Bb7 14.O-O∞ Ra5

273
14...O-O!?
15.a4N
15.e4!? d6 16.f4ƒ
15...O-O 16.Qh4
16.e4
16...h6 17.e4 Re8 18.Rae1 Nh5!? 19.Qxe7 Rxe7 20.Bc2 Nf4 21.Re3 d6 22.Rfe1 Rc5
22...f6
23.Bb3 Ba6 24.e5 Re6?
24...Bxc4 25.Ba3 Rexe5 26.Rxe5 (26.Bxc5 Rxc5 27.Bxc4 Rxc4 28.Re4 Rxe4 29.Rxe4 Ne6∞)
26...Rxe5 27.Rxe5 Bxb3 28.Re8+ Kh7 29.Ra8∞
25.exd6 cxd6 26.Ba3 Rc6

27.c5! dxc5
27...d5 28.g3 Ne2+ 29.Kg2 Rxe3 30.fxe3 bxc5 31.Bxd5 Rd6 32.Rd1²
28.Bxe6 Nxe6 29.Rd1± c4 30.Bb4 Nf4 31.Bc3
31.Re8+ Kh7 32.Rd6 Rxd6 33.Bxd6±
31...Bc8 32.Rd8+ Kh7 33.h4 Be6 34.Bd4?†
34.Re5±
34...c3-+ 35.Re1 Nd3 36.Rf1 c2 37.Be3 c1=Q 38.Bxc1 Nxc1 39.Rfd1 Ne2+ 40.Kh2 Rc4 41.g3

274
Rxa4 42.R1d6 b5 43.Rb6 Nc3 44.f3 h5 45.Rbb8 Ra2+ 46.Kg1 Rb2 47.Rh8+ Kg6 48.Rbd8 b4
49.Rd6 b3 50.g4 Rc2 51.gxh5+ Kf6 52.Rb8 b2 53.Rdb6 Rc1+ 54.Kf2 b1=Q 0-1

8. A22
Carlsen, Magnus (2863) - Caruana, Fabiano (2835)
lichess.org (Int.-m/12-rapid) 145/8, 2020

1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.g3 Bb4 4.e4 Bxc3 5.bxc3

5.dxc3 - 140/9
5...O-O 6.f3!?N
6.Bg2
6...b5 7.d4
7.cxb5 d5©
7...exd4?!
¹7...Re8
8.cxd4 bxc4 9.e5
9.Bxc4? d5ƒ
9...Nd5 10.Bxc4 Bb7 11.Nh3!? d6
11...c5 12.O-O cxd4 13.Ng5 h6 14.Nxf7 Rxf7 15.Qb3 Qb6 16.Bxd5 Bxd5 17.Qxd5 Nc6 (17...d3+
18.Kg2±) 18.Ba3±; 11...Nb6 12.Qd3! Nxc4 (12...h6? 13.Bxh6 Nxc4 (13...gxh6 14.Qg6++-)
14.Ng5+-) 13.Ng5! g6 14.Qxc4 d5 15.Qc3ƒ
12.O-O
12.Qd3!? h6 13.Rb1 Bc6 14.O-Oƒ
12...Nd7
12...Nb6 13.Bb3 dxe5 14.dxe5 Qxd1 15.Bxd1²
13.Re1 dxe5 14.dxe5 N7b6 15.Bb3 Qe7?

275
15...c5!? 16.e6!? (16.Ba3 c4 17.Bc2 (17.Bxf8 Qxf8 18.Bc2 Qc5+ 19.Nf2 Ne3 20.Qd2 Nxc2
21.Qxc2 Bxf3©) 17...Nc3 18.Qc1 Qd4+ 19.Kg2 Rfd8 20.Bd6 Bc6∞) 16...c4 17.Bc2 Qf6 18.exf7+
(18.Bg5 Qb2 19.Qe2 Qd4+ 20.Nf2 Nc3 21.Qd2 Nb5∞) 18...Rxf7 19.Ng5 Qxa1 20.Bxh7+ Kh8
21.Nxf7+ Kxh7 22.Qc2+ Kg8 23.Qg6 Qd4+ 24.Kg2 Qf6 (24...Qd3?? 25.Nh6+ Kh8 26.Nf5!
Qxf3+ 27.Kh3 Qg2+ 28.Kh4 Qxh2+ 29.Kg5 Rg8 (29...Qh7 30.Rh1+-) 30.Re4!+-) 25.Nh6+ Kh8
26.Nf7+ Kg8=
16.e6!!
16.Bg5 Qd7! (16...Qc5+?! 17.Nf2± ∆Nc3? 18.Qd3+-) 17.Nf2 c5„; 16.f4 Qc5+ 17.Nf2 Nc3
18.Qd3 Rad8 19.Be3 Qc6 20.Qf1 Qf3 21.e6 Ne4 22.Nh3 Nd2 23.exf7+ Kh8 24.Qxf3 Nxf3+
25.Kf2 Nxe1 26.Rxe1 Nd5 27.Ng5 Nxe3 28.Rxe3 Bc8 29.Re7 g6 30.Rxc7 Rd7 31.Rc2 Rd6²
16...fxe6 17.Ng5 Rf6 18.Qc2! Rg6
18...g6 19.Bb2+- (19.Qf2!? c5 20.Ba3 Nd7 21.Rad1+-)
19.Rxe6! Qxe6
19...Rxe6? 20.Qxh7+ Kf8 21.Qh8#
20.Nxe6 Rxe6 21.Bb2+- Rae8 22.Bd4 Kh8 23.Qf5 Bc8 24.Qh5 c5 25.Bxc5 Re5 26.Qf7 Bh3

276
27.Bf8! Re1+ 28.Rxe1 Rxe1+ 29.Kf2 Rf1+ 30.Ke2 Nc3+ 31.Kd3 1-0

9. ** A22
Svidler, Peter (2723) - Carlsen, Magnus (2863)
chess24.com (Int.-m1/1-rapid) 145/9, 2020

1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.g3 Bb4 4.e4 Bxc3 5.bxc3 O-O 6.f3 Re8

6...b5 - 145/9
7.d4N
7.Nh3 - 145/(9) 7...c6 8.Nf2 d5 9.cxd5 cxd5 10.Bg2 b6 11.O-O Ba6 12.Re1 Nc6 13.d3 h6?!

277
(13...dxe4 14.fxe4 h6∞) 14.exd5 Nxd5 15.f4 (15.c4 Nde7 16.Bb2²) 15...Rc8 (15...Nxc3!? 16.Qc2
Nd4 17.Qxc3 Rc8 18.Qb2 Rc2 19.Qb4 Ne2+ 20.Rxe2 Rxe2 21.fxe5 R8xe5 22.Bb2 Rc5 23.Qd4
Qxd4 24.Bxd4 Rc7 25.Bf1 Rec2 26.Be3²) 16.c4 Nf6 17.fxe5 Rxe5 18.Rxe5 Nxe5 19.Bb2 Ned7
20.Qa4 Nc5 21.Qa3ƒ Carlsen,M (2863) -Aronian,L (2773) lichess.org (Int.-m/3-rapid) 145/(9) 2020;
7.Kf2 - 145/(9) 7...c6 8.d4 d5 9.cxd5 cxd5 10.dxe5 Rxe5 11.c4 d4 (11...Qb6+!? 12.Be3 Qb2+
13.Ne2 (13.Be2 Rxe4! 14.Rb1 (14.fxe4? Ng4+-+) 14...Qxa2 15.Ra1 Qb2=) 13...dxe4 14.Bd4 Qa3
15.Bxe5 Qxf3+ 16.Kg1= Qe3+ 17.Kg2 Qf3+ 18.Kg1=) 12.Ne2 Nc6 (12...Rxe4!? 13.fxe4 Nxe4+
14.Kg2!? (14.Kg1 d3 15.Be3 Bg4 16.Kg2 Qd6 17.c5! Qd7 18.h3 dxe2 19.Bxe2 Bxe2 20.Qxe2 Qc6
21.Qf3²) 14...Bh3+ 15.Kg1 d3 16.Be3 Bg4 17.Kg2² - 14.Kg1) 13.Nf4² Carlsen,M (2863)-
Caruana,F (2835) lichess.org (Int.-m/1-rapid) 145/(9) 2020
7...d6 8.Bd3 Nc6 9.Ne2 b6 10.g4 Nd7 11.O-O Ba6 12.Ng3
12.Rf2 Na5 13.Ng3 Bxc4 14.Bc2©
12...exd4 13.cxd4
13.Bb2 dxc3 14.Bxc3 Nc5³
13...Nxd4 14.Bb2 Ne6 15.f4 g5?
15...Ndc5 16.g5 Rb8 17.a4 Qd7 18.Rf2 Nxd3 (18...Qc6 19.Bc2! ∆Bxc4 20.Qh5​→) 19.Qxd3 Qc6
20.Rc1©
16.fxg5 Qxg5

17.Rf5?
17.h4! Qc5+ (17...Qxh4?? 18.Nf5 Qg5 19.Bc1 Qg6 20.Nh6+ Kh8 21.e5+-) 18.Kh2 Ne5 19.Rc1
(19.Nh5!?) 19...Nd4 20.g5±

278
17...Qe3+ 18.Kh1 Ne5 19.Be2 Bb7!
19...Bxc4 20.Bxc4 Nxc4 21.Bf6©
20.Qc2
20.Bxe5 dxe5 21.Qd7 f6! 22.Rxf6 Nc5 23.Qf7+ Kh8 24.Rf3 Qg5µ
20...Nc5 21.Bc1 Bxe4+
21...Qxg3! 22.hxg3 Bxe4+ 23.Qxe4 Nxe4 24.Kg2 Re6-+
22.Nxe4 Qxe4+ 23.Qxe4 Nxe4-+ 24.Bb2 Re6
24...Rad8
25.Raf1
25.Bxe5 Rxe5 26.Rxe5 dxe5 27.Bf3 Nf2+ 28.Kg2 e4 29.Kxf2 exf3 30.Re1 Kf8µ
25...Rae8 26.g5 Nd2 27.R1f2 Nexc4 0-1

279
A25-A74

10. A26
Mareco, Sandro (2634) - Anton Guijarro, David (2674)
Douglas 145/10, 2019

1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 d6 6.Nf3 f5 7.Rb1 a5 8.O-O Nf6 9.a3 O-O 10.b4 axb4
11.axb4 Qe8!?
11...h6 12.b5 Ne7 13.Bb2 g5 14.Ra1 Rxa1 (14...Rb8 - 46/24) 15.Qxa1 Be6∞
12.b5 Nd8 13.Bb2
13.Nd5 Nxd5 14.cxd5 Bd7 15.Qb3 b6 16.Qc4 Rc8 17.Bd2 Nb7 18.Rfc1 Nc5∞
13...Ne6 14.Ra1N
14.e3
14...Rb8!?
14...Rxa1 15.Qxa1 Nd7 16.e3 g5„
15.b6?!
15.Nd2!? g5 16.e3 Qg6 (16...h5!? 17.d4! exd4 18.exd4 Nxd4 19.Nd5 Ne6 20.Nf3²) 17.Ra7 g4
18.f4! gxf3 19.Nxf3 f4!∞
15...c6! 16.Nd2 Nd7! 17.Ba3 Qe7
17...e4!?
18.Qb3 Nec5 19.Qb4 g5!
19...Ra8!? (… Ra6 ×b6) 20.Bb2 Na6 21.Qb3 Ndc5 22.Qd1 Be6 23.Na4!
20.Nb3! Nxb3?!
20...Ra8! 21.Nxc5 Nxc5 22.Bb2 Rxa1 23.Rxa1 e4!ƒ
21.Qxb3 Nc5 22.Bxc5! dxc5 23.Ra7?!

280
23.Ra5!
23...e4! 24.Na4?
24.e3! exd3 (24...Qe5 25.Ne2 exd3 26.Qxd3) 25.Bxc6 f4 26.Bd5+ Kh8 27.Ne4! Bh3 (27...fxe3
28.fxe3 Rxf1+ 29.Kxf1 Bh3+ 30.Kg1 Bf5 31.Qxd3 h5©) 28.Re1!
24...e3!?
24...f4! 25.dxe4! (25.Bxe4? Bh3 26.Bg2 (26.Re1 Bd4 27.e3 fxe3 28.fxe3 Bxe3+!-+) 26...Bxg2
27.Kxg2 fxg3 28.hxg3 Qxe2 29.Nc3 Qf3+ 30.Kg1 Qxd3 31.Ra3 Rf3µ) 25...Bg4 26.Qc2 (26.Re1
Bd4 27.e3 fxe3 28.fxe3 Qf6 29.Rf1 Qd6 30.exd4 Qxd4+ 31.Kh1 Rxf1+ 32.Bxf1 Qf2-+) 26...h5
27.Nb2 fxg3 28.hxg3 h4 29.Ra3 Rbd8ƒ
25.f4
25.f3! f4 26.Qa3 Bd4 27.Ra5

281
27...g4! (27...Rf5 28.g4 Re5 29.Nc3 Be6 30.Ne4 Qf8 31.Kh1 h5 32.Bh3!„; 27...fxg3 28.hxg3 Rf5
29.Nc3 h5 30.Ne4 Be6 31.Ra8 Rxa8 32.Qxa8+ Rf8 33.Qa5 Bf5µ) 28.Nxc5 gxf3 29.Bxf3 fxg3
30.hxg3 Bh3 31.Ne4!! Qxa3 32.Rxa3 Bxf1 33.Kxf1 Bxb6 34.c5 Bc7 35.Kg2µ
25...gxf4 26.Bxc6
26.gxf4!? Bd4 27.Rf3 Kh8 28.Kh1 Rg8 29.Qd1 Be6 30.Rg3 Qd6 31.Qf1 Rg4!µ
26...fxg3 27.Bd5+ Kh8 28.hxg3 f4 29.Nc3 fxg3 30.Rxf8+ Bxf8 0-1

11. ** A28
Carlsen, Magnus (2876) - Caruana, Fabiano (2812)
Douglas 145/11, 2019

1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.e4 Bc5 5.Nxe5 Nxe5 6.d4 Bb4 7.dxe5 Nxe4 8.Qf3 Nxc3 9.bxc3
Ba5
9...Be7?! - 139/11
10.Bf4
10.Ba3 d6 11.exd6 (11.Be2 O-O 12.O-O Bd7 13.exd6 Bc6 14.Qd3 cxd6∞) 11...O-O 12.Be2N
(12.Rd1 - 49/(42)) 12...Bg4! 13.dxc7 Qxc7 14.Qxg4 Bxc3+ 15.Kf1 Bxa1 16.Bxf8 Rxf8 17.g3 Bf6
18.Kg2 Rd8 19.Rd1= Oparin,G (2657)-Sarana,A (2664) Saint Louis 145/(11) 2019
10...O-O 11.O-O-O!?
11.Be2 d6 12.Rd1 Bd7 13.O-O dxe5 14.Bxe5 Qe7∞
11...Qe7 12.Kb2 Rb8 13.Bd3N

282
13.Qe3 - 145/(12)
13...b5! 14.cxb5 Bb7 15.Qh3 g6„ 16.Qe3 Rfe8 17.Rhe1 Bc6 - 145/11
17...a6N 18.Bg5 (18.Bc4 Bc6 19.Bg5 Qf8 20.Bh6 Qe7=) 18...Qf8 19.Bh6 Qe7 20.Bg5 Qf8 21.Bh6
Qe7 1/2 (21) Batsiashvili,N (2422) -Dzagnidze,N (2502) Batumi 145/(11) 2019
18.a4 a6 19.Bg5 Bxc3+!?
19...Qf8=
20.Kxc3 Qa3+ 21.Kd2 Qb4+ 22.Ke2 Qg4+ 23.Kd2
23.f3?? Qxg2+ 24.Qf2 Bxf3+-+
23...Qb4+ 24.Ke2 Qg4+ 25.Kd2 Qb4+ 1/2-1/2

12. *** A28

Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2773) - Aronian, Levon (2772)
Kolkata (blitz) 145/12, 2019

1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.e4 Bc5 5.Nxe5 Nxe5 6.d4 Bb4 7.dxe5 Nxe4 8.Qf3 Nxc3 9.bxc3
Ba5 10.Bf4
10.Qg3
10...O-O 11.O-O-O!? Rb8!?
11...Qe7 - 145/11
12.Qe3 Qe7 13.Kb2 b5!? 14.c5

283
14.Qxa7?

14...Ba6!! 15.Qxa6 Qc5! (15...Ra8 16.Qb7 bxc4 17.Kc2 Qa3 18.Qb2 Qa4+ 19.Kd2 Rab8 20.Qc2
Qa3 21.Rb1 Rxb1 22.Qxb1 Qxc3+ 23.Ke2 d5©) 16.Bc1 (16.f3 Ra8 17.Qb7 bxc4 18.Kc2 (18.Qd5?
Qa3+!!-+) 18...Bb6 19.Ra1 c6-+) 16...b4 17.Kc2 bxc3 18.Be2 Qb4-+
14...b4
14...Bb7?! - 145/(12) 15.h4!? Qe6 (15...b4 16.c4 Bc6 17.Rh3 Rfe8 18.Rg3ƒ) 16.Qd4 Bc6 17.Rh3
Rfe8 18.Re3 (18.a3!?) 18...b4 19.c4 Ba4 20.Rdd3ƒ Esipenko,A (2682)-Petrosyan,M (2607) chess.com
(Int.-blitz) 145/(12) 2020
15.c4 b3 16.a3 f6N
16...Bb7 - 145/(12) 17.Qd4 (17.h4!?) 17...Bc6 18.h4 f6 19.exf6 Qxf6 20.Qxf6 Rxf6 21.Be3²
Esipenko,A (2682)-Sarana,A (2654) lichess.org (Int.-blitz) 145/(12) 2020
17.f3N
17.Bd3!? - 145/(12) 17...fxe5 18.Bxe5 Re8 19.Bd4 Qxe3 20.Bxe3² Esipenko,A (2682)-Sonis,F
(2490) chess.com (Int.-blitz) 145/ (12) 2020
17...Re8 18.Bd3 Bb7 19.Bf5 Bc6 20.Qd3 fxe5 21.Bxh7+ Kh8 22.Bd2 Bxd2 23.Rxd2 Qxc5 24.Re1
Re6 25.Be4 Rd6
¹25...d6 26.Bxc6 Qxc6 27.Qd5 Qe8 28.Re3=
26.Bd5! Bxd5 27.cxd5 Re8 28.Re4 Kg8 29.Rh4 Rf6 30.Qh7+

284
30...Kf7?
30...Kf8 31.Qh8+ Kf7 32.Qh5+ Kf8 33.Qg5 Qe7 34.Rh8+ Kf7 35.Qh5+ Rg6 36.Qf5+ Rf6=
31.Rg4 Rg8 32.Qh5+ g6 33.Qxe5± Re8 34.Qd4 Qxd4+ 35.Rgxd4 Rb6 36.R4d3
36.Rf4+ Kg7 37.Rc4 Rb7 38.Rc3±
36...Reb8
¹36...d6 37.Rxb3 Re3!„
37.Rc3 R8b7 38.h4! a5 39.Rd4 Kf6 40.Re3 Rb5 41.Rf4+ Kg7 42.Re7+ Kg8 43.Re8+
43.Rxd7 Rc5 44.d6 Rc2+ 45.Kb1 b2 46.Rxc7+-
43...Kg7 44.Ref8 g5
44...Rb8 45.R4f7+ Kh6 46.Rxb8 Rxb8 47.Rxd7 a4 48.Rxc7 Re8 49.Rc4+-
45.R4f7+ Kg6 46.Rf6+ Kh7 47.R8f7+ Kg8 48.h5 Rb8 49.Rxd7 Re8 50.h6 Re2+ 51.Kc3 Re8
52.Rg7+ Kh8 53.Rff7 1-0

13. * A28
Tasic, Vladimir - Antonov, Vladimir
corr 145/13, 2019

1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.e4 Bc5

4...Bb4
5.Nxe5 Nxe5 6.d4 Bb4 7.dxe5 Nxe4 8.Qf3

285
8.Qg4? Nxc3 9.a3 Bf8! 10.bxc3 d6µ; 8.Qd4 Nxc3 9.bxc3 Be7 10.Bd3 d6 11.Bf4 dxe5 12.Bxe5 O-O
13.O-O (13.Bxg7?? c5! 14.Qe5 Re8-+) 13...Re8 14.Rfe1 Qxd4 15.cxd4 c6 16.Rab1 b6 17.Be4 Bd7
18.a4 Rac8 19.c5 bxc5=
8...Nxc3
8...Qh4?! 9.g3 Ng5 10.Qe2±; 8...Ng5 9.Qg3 (9.Qd3 b6 10.Be3 Bb7²; 9.Qe3 Ne6 10.Bd2 d6²)
9...Ne6 10.Bd2²; 8...f5 9.Bd3 (9.Be2 Bxc3+ 10.bxc3 O-O=; 9.Bd2 Nxd2 10.Kxd2 d6=) 9...d5
10.exd6 Bxc3+∞; 8...d5 9.Be2 d4 10.Qxe4=; 8...Bxc3+ 9.bxc3 Nc5 10.Be3 Qe7=
9.bxc3 Ba5
9...Be7 10.Qg3 (10.Bf4 d6 11.Rd1 O-O=; 10.Be2 O-O 11.O-O Rb8∞) 10...Kf8 (10...g6 11.Bh6 Bf8
12.Bg5±) 11.Be3 d6 12.Rd1²; 9...Bc5 10.Qg3 (10.Bd3 O-O 11.O-O d6=) 10...Kf8 11.Bd3 d6∞
10.Be2 d6
10...O-O 11.O-O d6 12.Rd1 Re8 13.exd6 (13.Qg3 Qe7 14.Rd5 Bb6 15.Bh6=) 13...cxd6 14.Be3
Qe7=
11.Qg3 O-O 12.Bh6 Bxc3+ 13.Qxc3 gxh6 14.Rd1!?
14.exd6 Re8 15.dxc7 Qxc7 16.Qg3+ Qxg3 17.hxg3 Bf5 18.Kf1 Rad8 19.Rxh6 Rd2 20.Bf3 Be4
21.Bxe4 Rxe4=; 14.O-O Qe7 15.f4 dxe5 16.fxe5 Be6 17.Rab1 b6 18.Rf4 Kh8 19.Rbf1 Qg5∞
14...Qe7
14...Qg5 15.exd6 Re8 16.O-O (16.dxc7 Qxg2 17.Qg3+ (17.Kd2 Qg5+ 18.Kc2 Rxe2+ 19.Kb3 Bg4
20.Rhg1 h5 21.h3 Qc5 22.Rd8+ Re8 23.hxg4 Qxf2=) 17...Qxg3 18.hxg3=) 16...Rxe2 17.d7 Bxd7
18.Rxd7 Rae8 19.Qf3 R8e7 20.Rxc7 (20.Rd4 Qe5=) 20...Rxc7 21.Qxe2=
15.exd6
15.Qg3+ Qg5 16.exd6 cxd6 (16...Qxg3 17.hxg3 Be6 18.Rxh6²) 17.Rd5 Qxg3 18.hxg3= - 145/(13)
18...Be6 19.Rxd6 Rac8N (19...Rfc8) 20.Rd4 Rc5 21.Rxh6 Ra5 22.Rd2 Rc8 23.Rh4 Kg7 24.Rhd4 1/2
(24) Matyukhin,S-Panitevsky,I corr 145/(13) 2018; 15.f4 dxe5 16.O-O Bf5 17.Qg3+ Kh8=
15...cxd6

286
16.Rd2!?N
16.Qg3+ - 145/(13)
16...Bf5
16...Qe5 17.Qf3 Bf5 18.O-O Be4 19.Qh3 Rae8=
17.O-O Rac8 18.Rfd1 Rfd8 19.Bf1
19.Qg3+ Bg6=; 19.h3 Rc5 20.Bf1 b6=
19...Bg6 20.Re2 Qf8
20...Qg5 21.Rd4 h5 22.Qf3 b6 23.Red2 (23.h4 Qf5 24.Qg3=) 23...Kg7=
21.h4
21.Qf3 b6 22.Rd4 Rc5=; 21.Qa5 Rxc4 22.Rb2 Rc5=
21...h5 22.Red2 Qe7 23.Qa3
23.g3 b6 24.Qd4 Rc5 25.Re2 Qf8 26.Bg2 Re8 27.Rxe8 Qxe8 28.Qxd6 Qe5=
23...b6
23...Qxh4 24.Qxa7∞
24.Rxd6 Rxd6 25.Rxd6 f6 26.Qg3 Kg7 1/2-1/2

14. * A28
Carlsen, Magnus (2863) - Nakamura, Hikaru (2736)
chess24.com (Int.-m7/6-blitz) 145/14, 2020

287
1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.e3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Qc2
6.Bb5 - 118/14
6...Ndb4 7.Qb1 f5 8.a3 Nd5N
8...e4? 9.Nxe4 fxe4 10.Qxe4+ Qe7 11.Qxe7+ Bxe7 12.axb4 Nxb4 13.Ra5±
9.d3N
9.Bb5 - 145/(14) 9...Nxc3 10.bxc3 Bd6 11.d4 e4 12.Nd2 O-O 13.Be2 b6 14.O-O Na5 15.Nb3 Nxb3
16.Qxb3+ Kh8 17.c4 c5∞ Konstantinov,M-Ottesen,S corr 145/(14) 2020
9...Be6 10.Be2 Be7 11.O-O O-O 12.Nxd5 Bxd5 13.b4 a6 14.Bb2 Bd6 15.e4 Be6 16.Bc3 fxe4
17.dxe4 Bg4
17...Qf6 18.Qb2 Rae8 19.a4 (19.Rad1 Kh8∞) 19...Bg4 20.Ne1 Bxe2 21.Qxe2 Nd4 22.Qa2+ Kh8
23.f3²
18.Qa2+ Kh8 19.Ne1 Bd7 20.Rd1 Qf6 21.Nd3 Qh4 22.f3 Rae8 23.g3 Qe7 24.Rf2 Be6 25.Qd2 Bb3
26.Rc1 Rd8 27.Qe3 a5 28.Nc5

28...axb4?!
28...Bxc5 29.Qxc5 Qxc5 30.bxc5 a4∞
29.axb4 Bxc5 30.Qxc5 Qxc5 31.bxc5 Nd4 32.Kg2?!
32.Bxd4 exd4 (32...Rxd4 33.Rb1 Be6 34.Rxb7 Bh3 35.Rxc7±) 33.Bd3² (33.Bd1 Bxd1 (33...Be6
34.Rb2±) 34.Rxd1²)
32...Nxe2 33.Rxe2 Rd3 34.Bxe5 Rdxf3?!

288
34...Rfxf3!?; 34...Bd1 35.Rxd1 Rxd1 36.Rb2²
35.Rb2 Ba4?
35...Rd3 36.Bxc7 h6 37.Rcb1 Ba4 38.Rxb7 Bc6²
36.Rxb7 R3f7 37.c6 h5 38.Bxc7 Kh7 39.Bd6 Rf2+ 40.Kg1 R8f6 41.c7 Bd7 42.Bf4 Bc8 43.Rb8 1-0

15. * A29
So, Wesley (2763) - Karjakin, Sergey (2748)
Riga (m/7-blitz) 145/15, 2019

1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.Nd5 Bc5 7.O-O d6 8.e3 Re8 9.d4 Bg4
9...Bb6 - 52/41
10.dxc5 e4 11.Nc3?N
11.cxd6 - 145/(15) 11...Qxd6 12.h3N (12.Nc3) 12...exf3 13.hxg4 fxg2 14.Kxg2∞ Inarkiev,E (2663)-
Popov,I (2636) Moscow 145/(15) 2019; 11.h3
11...Ne5!

12.Nxe5!
12.Nxe4? Nxe4 13.h3 Nxf3+ 14.Bxf3 Bxh3 15.Bg2 Bxg2 16.Kxg2 Qg5 17.cxd6 Rad8-+
12...Bxd1 13.Nxf7 Qe7
13...Kxf7 14.Rxd1 Re6 15.b3µ
14.Nxd6

289
14.Rxd1?! Qxf7 15.cxd6 Rad8-+
14...cxd6
¹14...Bf3 15.Nxe8 Rxe8 16.b3 Qxc5-+
15.cxd6 Qxd6 16.Rxd1 Qe5
¹16...Qb4 17.Bd2 (17.Nd5 Qxc4 18.Nxf6+ gxf6µ) 17...Qxc4 18.Rac1 Qf7 19.Be1 Rac8 20.Rd4µ
17.Bd2 Rad8 18.Be1 b6 19.b3 Rd3
19...h5!? 20.h3 h4 21.g4µ
20.Rxd3 exd3 21.Rd1 Rd8 22.Bf1 Qf5
¹22...Ne4 23.Nd5 d2! 24.Rxd2 (24.Bxd2 Qh5-+) 24...Nxd2 25.Bxd2-+
23.Nd5 Nxd5 24.Rxd3 Kf8?
24...Kh8 25.cxd5 Rxd5 26.Rxd5 Qxd5 27.Bc4 Qd1! 28.Kf1 g6 29.f4 Kg7 30.a4 Kf6 31.Kf2 Kf5-+
25.cxd5 a5
25...Rxd5?? 26.Bb4+ Rc5 (26...Ke8? 27.e4 Qxe4 28.Re3+-; 26...Kf7 27.Rxd5 Qxd5 28.Bc4+-)
27.Rd4±
26.Rd4 Qb1 27.Bc3 Qxa2 28.Bc4 Qc2?
28...g5! 29.h4 Qc2 30.Bd2 gxh4 31.gxh4 Rd6µ
29.Rf4+ Ke7 30.Bxg7 Rd6??
30...Rxd5

290
31.e4!! (31.Bxd5? Qd1+ 32.Kg2 Qxd5+ 33.Kh3 Qxb3-+) 31...Rd1+ 32.Kg2©
31.Bf8+ Kd7 32.Bb5+ Kc7 33.Rc4+ 1-0

16. A29
Gustafsson, Jan (2633) - Lalith, Babu MR (2577)
Bangkok 145/16, 2019

1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.g3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Bg2 Nb6 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O
8...g5 9.d3 g4 10.Nd2 (10.Nh4!? Bxh4 (10...Be6 11.Bxc6+ bxc6 12.Bh6 Rg8 13.Ng2 Qd7 14.Rc1²)
11.gxh4 Nd4 (11...Qxh4 12.a4 Nd4 13.Nb5! Nxb5 14.axb5 O-O 15.Qb3 Rd8 16.Qc3 Qe7 17.f4²)
12.Ne4 Ne6 13.a4 Nd5 14.Qb3 c6=) 10...h5 11.b4 (11.Nc4 Nxc4 12.dxc4 Qxd1 13.Rxd1 Nd4
14.Be3 c5 15.b4 Nc2 16.Nd5!? Nxa1 17.Rxa1 Bd8 18.bxc5=) 11...h4 12.Nb3 Nd4 (12...hxg3
13.hxg3 Be6 14.Na5 Nxa5 15.bxa5 Nd5 16.Nxd5 Bxd5 17.Qa4+ c6 18.Qxg4 (18.a6 - 106/(9))
18...Be6 19.Qa4²) 13.Nxd4 (13.Bb2 Nxb3 14.Qxb3 c6 15.b5 Be6 16.Qd1 Rc8 17.bxc6 bxc6 18.Ne4
Nd7 19.Qc2²) 13...exd4 14.Ne4 c6 15.e3! dxe3 16.Bxe3 Nd5 17.Bd2²
9.b4 Be6 10.Rb1 f6 11.b5 Nd4 12.e3 Nxf3+ 13.Bxf3 Nd5
13...Rb8 - 144/9
14.Ne2 Qd7

291
15.Re1!?N
15.d4 Rad8 16.Qc2 (16.e4 Nb6 17.d5 Bh3 18.Re1 f5³) 16...Kh8 (16...c6 17.bxc6 Qxc6 (17...bxc6
18.Rd1²) 18.Qb3²) 17.Bb2∞
15...Rad8 16.Qc2
16.d4!?
16...Bg4 17.Bg2 Bh5 18.d4
18.d3 Nb6 19.Rb3 Bf7 20.Bxb7!? Bxb3 21.Qxb3+ Kh8 22.Rd1©
18...Bg6 19.e4 Nb6 20.Be3 Bf7 21.d5 Bxa3 22.Ra1 Bd6 23.Rxa7 Ra8 24.Rxa8
24.Rea1 Rxa7 25.Rxa7 Rb8 26.Ra5 Qc8 27.Nc1 Ra8 28.Nb3 Rxa5 29.Nxa5 Qa8=
24...Rxa8 25.Rb1 Ra5 26.Qd3 Ra3 1/2-1/2

17. * A29
Dubov, Daniil (2699) - Nakamura, Hikaru (2736)
chess24.com (Int.-m2/2-rapid) 145/17, 2020

1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.b4 Be6
10.Rb1 f6 11.b5 Nd4 12.e3 Nxf3+ 13.Bxf3 Qc8 14.a4 a5 15.bxa6
15.d4?! Bb4 16.Bb2 Rd8 17.Ne2 f5³
15...Rxa6 16.d4
16.Qc2 Bf5 17.e4 (17.d3 Rd8 18.Rd1 Kh8 19.Be2 Bg4 20.f3 Be6 21.d4 Ra5 22.dxe5 Rxd1+ 23.Nxd1
Rxe5 24.Rb5 (24.e4 Rc5 25.Qd2 Nc4„) 24...Rxb5 25.axb5 c5=) 17...Bd7 18.Be2 Ra5∞

292
16...Rd8 17.Qc2 - 145/17
17.Be4!?N f5 18.Bd3 Ra5 19.Qc2 e4 20.Be2 Nd5 21.Nxd5 Bxd5 22.Bd2 Ra7 Dubov,D (2699) -
Nakamura,H (2736) chess24.com (Int.-m2/2-rapid) 145/(17) 2020 (22...Ra7 23.Bb4²)
17...Bf5 18.Qb3+ Be6?! 19.Qc2N
19.d5 Bf7 20.Rd1 Bd6 21.Ba3 Bxa3 22.Qxa3 Nc4 23.Qc5 Nd6 24.Be2 (24.Nb5 - 144/(9)) 24...Ra8
25.Qb4²
19...Bf5

20.Be4!?
20.Qb3+ Be6 21.d5 - 19.d5
20...Bxe4 21.Qxe4 exd4 22.exd4 Bf8 23.Bf4
23.Be3 c6 24.Qc2 Nd5 25.Nxd5 Rxd5 26.Qb3 Ra7 27.Bd2!? Kh8 28.a5∞
23...c6 24.Qc2 Nd5 25.Nxd5 Rxd5 26.Qb3 Qa8
26...Qd7 27.Qxb7 Qxb7 28.Rxb7 Rxd4 29.Rb8 Kf7 30.Rfb1 Rd7=
27.Rfc1 Rxa4 28.Qxb7 Qxb7 29.Rxb7 Raxd4 30.Rxc6 Rd7 31.Rxd7 Rxd7= 32.Kg2 Kf7 33.h4 h5
34.Ra6 Be7 35.Rc6 Bf8 36.Ra6 Be7 37.Rc6 Bf8 1/2-1/2

18. A30
Svidler, Peter (2742) - Leko, Peter (2710)
chess24.com (Int.-m/3-rapid) 145/18, 2020

1.Nf3 Nf6 2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nc6 4.O-O e5 5.c4 d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Nc3 Be6

293
7...Nc7 - A
8.Ng5 Qxg5 9.Nxd5 Qd8 10.Ne3 Rc8 11.b3 Bd6 12.Bb2 O-O 13.Rc1

13.Qe1 - 25/62
13...b5!?N
13...Qd7
14.Nd5 a6 15.e3
15.a3 Ne7
15...Bxd5 16.Bxd5 Nb4 17.Be4
17.Bb7?! Rb8 18.Be4 Nxa2 19.Ra1 Nb4 20.Bc3 f5³
17...Nxa2 18.Ra1 Nb4 19.Bc3 a5?!
19...f5!? 20.Bg2 (20.Bxb4?! fxe4 21.Bc3 b4 22.Bb2 Be7 23.Rxa6 Qd3³; 20.Bb7 Rb8³) 20...a5
21.Qe2 (21.f4 exf4 22.gxf4 Be7 … Bf6³) 21...Qb6³
20.Qe2 Qb6 21.f4 Rfe8?
21...f5? 22.fxe5! fxe4 23.exd6 Qxd6 24.Qxb5±; 21...Rce8 22.Qg4 Bc7 23.h4²
22.Bxh7+! Kxh7 23.Qh5+ Kg8 24.fxe5 g6
24...Rc7 25.exd6 Qxd6 26.Rf5!+-
25.Qf3?

294
25.Qh3! Bxe5

26.Rxf7! Kxf7 27.Qh7+ Kf8 28.Rf1++-

25...f5
25...Bxe5 26.Qxf7+ Kh8 27.Rf4!+-
26.exd6 Re4
¹26...Qxd6 27.Qb7 Qc7 28.Qxb5 Nd5 29.Qc4 Qf7 30.Bb2 Re4 31.Qd3 Ra8 32.Rfc1+-
27.Qg2
27.d3 Nxd3 28.d7 Rb8 29.Bxa5+-; 27.Rxa5! Qxa5 28.d3+-
27...Nd5 28.d3
28.d7+-
28...Nxc3
28...Nxe3 29.Qh3 Rd4 30.Rfe1 Ng4 (30...Nd5 31.d7 Rf8 32.Bxd4 cxd4 33.Re8+-) 31.Re7+-
29.dxe4 Nxe4 30.g4 c4
30...Nxd6 31.gxf5+-
31.gxf5 Qxe3+ 32.Kh1 1-0

19. ** A33
Giri, Anish (2764) - Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784)
chess24.com (Int.-m2/2-rapid) 145/19, 2020

295
1.Nf3 c5 2.c4 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6 6.a3 Be7 7.e4 O-O 8.Nf3 Qa5 9.Bd2 Qh5
10.Rg1N
10.Be2 - 145/(19) 10...d5 11.exd5 exd5 12.cxd5 Nxd5= 13.Nd4 (13.O-O Nxc3 (13...Nf6 - 137/19)
14.Bxc3 Qg6 15.Bd3 Bf5 16.Bxf5 Qxf5 17.Qb3 b6N (17...Bf6) 18.Rad1 Rad8 19.Qa4 Rxd1 20.Rxd1
Rc8 21.h3 h6 22.Qg4 Qxg4 23.hxg4= Svidler,P (2723)-Nepomniachtchi,I (2784) chess24.com (Int.-
m/2-rapid) 145/(19) 2020) 13...Qh4 (13...Qe5 - 137/(19)) 14.Nxc6 (14.Nf3 Qh5=) 14...bxc6 15.O-O
Be6 16.Bf3 Rab8N (16...Nxc3 17.Bxc3 Rad8 18.Qc2 Bd5 19.g3 Qh3 20.Bxd5 Rxd5 21.Qe4 Bc5
22.Rfe1 Rf5 23.Re2 Rh5 24.Qg2 Qd7 25.Rae1 Rd8=) 17.g3 Qc4 18.Rc1 Qb3 19.Nxd5 cxd5= So,W
(2760) -Nepomniachtchi,I (2767) Jerusalem (m/3-rapid) 145/ (19) 2019
10...a6
10...d5!? 11.g4 Nxg4 12.cxd5 exd5 13.Nxd5 Bc5 14.Qe2! (… Nf4) 14...f5 (14...Bxf2+?? 15.Qxf2
Nxf2 16.Nf6++-) 15.Nf4 Qf7 16.Ng5 Qe7 17.O-O-O Kh8!∞
11.h3 Ne5 12.g4 Nxf3+ 13.Qxf3 Qc5 14.g5 Ne8 15.h4
15.Nd5! exd5 16.Bb4 Qb6 17.Bxe7 Qxb2 18.Rd1 dxe4 19.Qe3±
15...b5 16.cxb5 axb5 17.Bxb5 Bb7 18.Bd3 Nd6 19.Qe2 Rfc8 20.Rc1 Qb6 21.Be3 Qa5 22.Bd2 Qb6
23.Be3 Qa5 24.Bd2 Ba6 25.Bxa6 Rxa6 26.Kf1
26.Nd1! Qa4 27.Rxc8+ Nxc8 28.h5±
26...Rac6 27.Be1 Qc7 28.Rg3 Nc4 29.Rc2
29.Rd1 Rb6 30.b4 Ra6 (30...Nxa3? 31.Na4+-) 31.Rd4!? Raa8 (31...Rxa3?? 32.Nb5) 32.Nb5 Qc6
33.Rc3 d5 34.exd5 exd5 35.Qxe7 Qxb5 36.Qe2 Re8 37.Qd3²
29...Qf4 30.Rh3 Bf8
30...f6!?
31.Nd1 d5© 32.exd5 exd5 33.Qf3 Qd6 34.Re2 d4 35.Bb4
35.b3 Nxa3 36.Nb2 Rc2ƒ
35...Qd7 36.Bxf8 Rxf8 37.Kg2 f6 38.Qe4
38.Re7! Qd6 39.gxf6 Rxf6 40.Qe4 Nd2 41.Qe5 Rg6+ (41...Rc1 42.Qxd6 Rxd6 43.Rg3 Kf8 (43...Rg6
44.Rd7!?∞) 44.Re1 d3 45.Rge3 h5©) 42.Rg3 Qxe5 43.Rxe5 Rc1 44.Rxg6 hxg6 45.Re1 Nc4 46.Rf1
d3©
38...f5 39.Qf3 f4 40.b4 Ne3+
40...Re6 41.Qg4 Qd5+ 42.Qf3 Qf5 43.Rxe6 Qxe6ƒ
41.fxe3 fxe3 42.Qe4 Re6 43.Qd3 Qc6+
43...Qb7+! 44.Kg1 Qf7 45.Kh2 Qf1 46.Rexe3 (46.Nxe3? dxe3 47.Rhxe3 Rf2+-+) 46...dxe3 47.Qxf1

296
Rxf1 48.Nxe3 (48.Rxe3 Rxe3 49.Nxe3 Rf3-+) 48...Ra1-+
44.Kg1 Re4! 45.Nxe3
45.Rg3 Ref4!? 46.Reg2 Qc1 47.Kh2 Rxh4+ 48.Kg1 Rhf4 49.Kh2 Qc7µ
45...dxe3 46.Rexe3?
46.Rhxe3 Rxh4 47.Rh3 Rg4+ 48.Rg3 Rgf4ƒ
46...Qc1+ 47.Kg2

47...Rd4! 48.Qb3+ Kh8 49.Rhf3 Rd2+ 50.Kh3 Qh1+ 51.Kg4 Rg2+ 52.Rg3 Rh2 53.Rh3 Qg2+
54.Reg3 Qe4+
54...Qe4+ 55.Kh5 Qg6+ 56.Kg4 h5#; 54...Rxh3-+
0-1

20. A34
Giri, Anish (2764) - Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784)
chess24.com (Int.-m2/6-blitz) 145/20, 2020

1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.Nc3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 g6 7.Qb3 e6

297
8.Ne4!?N
8.O-O - 32/82
8...b6
8...f5 9.Nc3 Bg7 10.d4!? cxd4 11.Nxd5 Qxd5 12.Qxd5 exd5 13.O-O O-O 14.Rd1 Re8 15.Kf1©
9.d4! cxd4 10.O-O
10.Bg5 Bb4+!? 11.Qxb4 (11.Kf1 Be7 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.Nxd4 Nxd4 14.Qa4+ Bd7 (14...Nb5
15.Qxb5+ Bd7 16.Qb3 O-O 17.Bf3∞) 15.Qxd4 O-O 16.Nc3 Bc6 17.Bxd5 (17.Nxd5?! Bxd5
18.Bxd5 Rad8 19.Kg2 Rxd5 20.Qe3 Qb4 21.b3 Rfd8³) 17...Bxd5 18.Nxd5 (18.f3∞) 18...exd5
19.Rd1 Rfd8 20.Rd2=) 11...Ndxb4 12.Bxd8 Kxd8 13.Rd1 Ke7 14.a3 Nd5 15.Nxd4 Bb7 16.O-O=
10...Bb7 11.Rd1
11.Bg5 Be7 12.Bh6 Bf8 13.Bxf8 Kxf8 14.Rac1² Qd7 15.Rfd1 Kg7 16.Nxd4 Nxd4 17.Rxd4 Rac8
18.Rxc8 Rxc8 19.Nc3 Qe8! (19...Qe7 20.Bxd5 Bxd5 21.Nxd5 exd5 22.e3² ∆Rc1+ 23.Kg2 Rc5
24.Qd3 … b4±) 20.Bxd5 (20.Kf1 Nxc3 21.Bxb7 Nb5 22.Rd1 Rc5 23.Qd3 e5∞) 20...Bxd5 21.Nxd5
(21.Qa3∞) 21...exd5 22.e3 (22.Qd1 Qe5=) 22...Rc1+ 23.Kg2 Rc5= 24.Qd3 Qc6 25.b4 Rc3 26.Qd1
Rc1 27.Qb3 Rc4=
11...Bg7 12.Bg5 f6 13.Bf4 e5? 14.Nxd4! Nxd4 15.Rxd4

298
15...f5?
15...exd4 16.Nd6+ Kf8 17.Nxb7+-; 15...exf4 16.Rad1+-; 15...O-O 16.Rad1 (16.Nxf6+ Qxf6
17.Bxd5+ Kh8 (17...Bxd5 18.Rxd5 Qf7 19.Be3+-) 18.Bxb7 exf4 19.Rxf4 Qxb2 20.Rxf8+ Rxf8
21.Qxb2 Bxb2 22.Rd1±) 16...exd4 17.Nd6µ
16.Nd6+! Qxd6 17.Bxd5 Bxd5 18.Rxd5 Qe7 19.Bxe5
19.Bd2 a5 20.Qa4+ Kf8 21.Rd7 Qe6 22.Rc1+-
19...Bxe5 20.Qb5+ Kf8 21.Rxe5 Qf6 22.Rd1+- Kg7 23.Rd7+ Kh6 24.Ree7 Rae8 25.Qb4
25.Rf7 Qe5 26.Qc4
25...Rxe7 26.Rxe7 Rd8 27.Qf4+ g5 28.Qc7 Rd1+ 29.Kg2 Kg6 30.Rxh7 Rc1 31.Qxc1 Kxh7 32.b3
Kg6 33.Qc4 Qe7 34.a4 Qd7 35.Qd3 Qc6+ 36.f3 g4 37.h3 gxf3+ 38.Qxf3 Qe6 39.g4 f4 40.Qd3+
Kg7 41.Kf3 Qe5 42.Qd7+ Kh8 43.Qc8+ Kg7 44.Qd7+ Kh8 45.Qd3 Kg7 46.h4 Qe7 47.g5 Qe6
48.Qd4+ 1-0

21. * A37
Kramnik, Vladimir (2756) - Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2778)
chess24.com (Int.-m/3-rapid) 145/21, 2020

1.Nf3 c5 2.b3 d6 3.c4 g6 4.Bb2 e5 5.g3 Bg7 6.Bg2 Ne7 7.O-O O-O 8.Nc3 Nbc6 9.d3 h6 10.Nd2
f5!?
10...Be6 11.a3 Qd7 12.Nd5 (12.b4 cxb4 13.axb4 Nxb4 14.Ba3 a5 15.Rb1 e4 16.Na4 Ra6 17.Nxe4²)
12...Bh3 13.Bxh3 Qxh3 14.b4² - 139/17; 10...Rb8 11.a3 Kh7N (11...a6) 12.Nd5 Be6 13.b4 b5
14.Bc3 Qd7 15.bxc5 dxc5 16.Nxe7 Nxe7 17.Rc1 (17.cxb5 Nd5 18.Bb2 Rxb5 19.Rb1∞) 17...a6=
Coope,D-Pirs,M corr 145/(21) 2019

299
11.a3

11...a5!?N
11...f4 12.Nd5 Be6 13.b4 Qd7 14.Nxe7+ Nxe7 15.bxc5 dxc5 16.Ne4 Rac8 17.Qb3 Rc7 18.Qb5
Qxb5 19.cxb5 b6 20.a4 Rd7=
12.e3 g5 13.Nd5 Nxd5 14.cxd5 Ne7 15.f4 exf4 16.Bxg7 Kxg7 17.gxf4
17.exf4 b6 18.b4!?∞
17...Ng6 18.Kh1
18.b4 gxf4 19.exf4 cxb4 20.axb4 b5³
18...b6
18...b5!?
19.b4 Ra7
19...cxb4 20.axb4 gxf4 21.exf4 Kh7∞
20.bxa5 bxa5 21.d4 Ba6 22.Rg1 c4 23.fxg5 hxg5 24.Bf1
24.e4 c3 25.exf5 cxd2 26.fxg6 Rf2 27.Ra2 g4! 28.Rxd2 Qh4 29.Rxf2 g3! 30.Rf7+ Rxf7 31.h3 Rf2
32.Re1 Bc8 33.Re4 Qg5µ
24...c3?
24...Qe7 25.Rg3 c3 26.Bxa6 Rxa6µ
25.Bxa6 Rxa6 26.Nf1?!

300
26.Nb1! Qe7 27.Qd3 g4!? (27...Rb6 28.Nxc3 Rb2©) 28.Nxc3 (28.Qxa6? Qe4+ 29.Rg2 Nh4 30.Qe2
Rc8-+) 28...Rb6©
26...Rb6
26...Rb6 27.Qd3 Qe7ƒ
27.Ng3?

27.Qd3 Qe7ƒ
27...Qa8! 28.e4
28.Qf3 Nh4-+
28...fxe4 29.Nf1?!
29.Ne2 Rf2 30.Rxg5 Qf8 31.Nxc3 Rbb2 32.Rxg6+ Kxg6 33.Qg4+ Kh7 34.Qxe4+ Kh8 35.Qh4+
Kg8 36.Rg1+ Kf7-+
29...Rf3 30.Rxg5 Rb2 31.Ne3 Qf8
31...Rxe3? 32.Qh5+-; 31...Qh8 32.Qg1; ¹31...Qd8 32.Rg4 (32.Nf5+ Rxf5 33.Rxf5 Qh4 34.Qg1 e3
35.Rf3 e2 36.Re1 c2!-+) 32...Qh8! 33.Qg1 Qh5 34.Rg2 Rxg2 35.Nxg2 Rd3 36.Rc1 e3-+
32.Qa4
32.Qg1 Qf6 33.Rc1 Rxh2+ 34.Kxh2 Qf4+-+
32...Rxh2+! 33.Kg1
33.Kxh2 Qf4+-+

301
33...Rg3+! 34.Kxh2
34.Rxg3 Qf2#
34...Qf2+ 35.Kh1 Rh3# 0-1

302
A75-A99

22. ** A77
Wojtaszek, Radoslaw (2717) - Fier, Alexandr (2560)
chess.com (ol-rapid) 145/22, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.Nf3 g6 7.Nd2 Bg7 8.e4 O-O 9.Be2 Re8 10.O-O
Nbd7 11.a4 Ne5 12.h3
12.Qc2 a6 13.a5 (13.Ra3 - 139/31) 13...Rb8 14.b3 Bg4N (14...g5) 15.Bb2 Bxe2 (15...Nh5!? 16.Bxg4
Nxg4 17.g3 (17.h3 Nf4!„) 17...Rf8²) 16.Nxe2² So,W (2770) -Caruana,F (2835) lichess.org (Int.-m/
3-rapid) 145/(22) 2020
12...g5 13.f4
13.Nf3 - 47/129
13...gxf4 14.Rxf4 Kh8N
14...a6
15.Qf1N
15.Nc4 Nxc4 16.Bxc4 Nd7 17.Nb5 Nf6 18.Qf3 a6 19.Na3 Nd7 20.Be2 b5 21.axb5 axb5 22.Bxb5
Bd4+ 23.Kh1 Ne5 24.Qh5 Rg8 25.Rh4 Rg7∞ Willmann,B-Bubnov, V corr 145/(22) 2019
15...Rg8 16.Kh1 a6 17.Nc4?
17.Rf2 Rb8 18.Ra3 (18.Nd1 c4!) 18...Bd7 19.Nd1 (19.a5 Qe7∞) 19...b5 20.axb5 axb5 21.Ne3 c4∞
17...Nxc4 18.Bxc4 Nh5 19.Rf3 Be5 20.Ne2 Qh4 21.Qf2
21.Rxf7 Bg4 22.Ra3 (22.Qf2 Qxf2 23.Rxf2 Bxe2 24.Bxe2 Ng3+ 25.Kg1 Bd4-+) 22...b5! 23.axb5
Bxe2 24.Bxe2 Ng3+ 25.Rxg3 Qxg3 26.Bf4 Bxf4 27.Rxf4 axb5-+; 21.Bd2 Qxe4 22.Nf4

303
22...Bxh3! (22...Bxf4 23.Rxf4 Ng3+ 24.Kg1 Nxf1 25.Bc3+ Qe5 26.Kxf1©) 23.Re1 Bxg2+ 24.Nxg2
Qg4 25.Rxe5 dxe5 26.Be1 Rg6µ
21...Ng3+?
21...Qxe4 22.Bd3 Qxd5 23.Qh4 (23.Nc3 Qd4-+) 23...Bf6! 24.Qf2 Bd7-+
22.Nxg3 Bxg3 23.Qf1

23...Bg4??
23...Bd7 24.Raa3 Be5 25.Rxf7 Rg7 26.Raf3±; 23...Rg7 24.Bf4±

304
24.Rxf7?
24.Rxg3! Qxg3 25.Qf6+ Rg7 26.Bf4 Qf2 27.hxg4+-
24...Bh5 25.Rf5
25.Qf6+ Qxf6 26.Rxf6 Rae8 27.Bf4 Kg7 28.Bxg3 (28.Rf5 Bxf4 29.Rxf4 Rgf8 30.Raf1 Rxf4 31.Rxf4
Bg6 32.Bd3 b5©) 28...Kxf6 29.Bxd6 Rxe4∞
25...Bg4 26.Rf7 Bh5 27.Rf5 Bg4 28.Rf7 1/2-1/2

23. A79
Sevian, Samuel (2660) - Indjic, Aleksandar (2618)
chess.com (Int.-blitz) 145/23, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.Nf3 g6 7.Nd2 Bg7 8.e4 O-O 9.Be2 Na6 10.O-O
Re8 11.f3 Nc7 12.a4 b6 13.Nc4 Ba6 14.Bg5 h6 15.Bh4 Qd7 16.Qd2
16.Bf2 - 46/127
16...Bxc4 17.Bxc4 a6 18.Bd3 b5 19.b3 Nh5

20.Rac1N
20.Rae1 g5 21.Bf2 Nf4 22.Bc2∞
20...bxa4 21.bxa4 Rab8
21...g5 22.Bf2 Nf4 23.Kh1 Nxd3 24.Qxd3 Rab8∞
22.Kh1
22.g4

305
22...Rb4 23.f4 Reb8 24.Be1 Nf6 25.Qd1 Ng4 26.Qf3 Rb3 27.h3 Nf6 28.Bc4 R3b4 29.Qd3 Nfe8
30.e5 dxe5 31.fxe5
31.Ne4 Rxc4 32.Qxc4 exf4 33.Nxc5 Qxd5 34.Qxf4±
31...Bxe5 32.Ne4 Nd6 33.Nxc5 Qe7 34.Bxb4 Rxb4 35.Ne4 Nce8 36.Nxd6 Nxd6 37.Bxa6 Ne4
38.Rf3 Qd6?! 39.Bc4
39.Rc6 Qe7 (39...Rxa4 40.Rxd6 Ra1+ 41.Qf1 Rxf1+ 42.Rxf1 Nxd6 43.g4+-) 40.d6! Bxd6 41.Bc4
Rxa4

42.Qf1! (42.Rxf7 Ra1+ 43.Rf1+ Kh7 44.Qd4 (44.Rxa1 Nf2+ 45.Kg1 Nxd3 46.Bxd3 Qe3+ 47.Kh1
Qxd3 48.Ra7+ Kg8 49.Rc8+ Bf8 50.Raa8=) 44...Ng3+ 45.Kg1 Nxf1 46.Qxa1 Qe3+ 47.Kxf1 Qf4+
48.Ke2 Qe4+=) 42...Ng5 43.Rf6 Rxc4 44.Rxc4 Qe5 45.Rxd6 Qxd6 46.Rc8+ Kg7 47.Qa1+ f6±
39...f5
39...Ng3+ 40.Rxg3 Bxg3 41.a5 Be5©
40.a5 Ra4 41.a6 h5 42.Bb3?!
42.Qb3 Rb4 (42...Ra5 43.Bd3+-) 43.Qa2 Rb2 44.Qa4 Rb8 45.a7 Ra8 46.Bd3+-
42...Ra3?!
42...Rxa6 43.g3 Kg7 44.Kg2 Ra3 45.Rc6 Qb4∞
43.Qc4
43.g3±
43...Kg7 44.Qb5?!

306
44.Qc6 Rxa6 45.Qxd6 Bxd6∞
44...Kh6
44...Rxa6³
45.Bc2 Ng3+ 46.Rxg3 Bxg3 47.Qb2?!
47.Bd3∞
47...Be5 48.Qb7 Bd4
48...Qc5!-+
49.Qc6
49.Rd1 Qg3 50.Qb4 Be5 51.Qf8+ Bg7 52.Qb4 Rxa6³
49...Qf4-+ 50.Rg1 Rxh3+! 51.gxh3 Qf3+ 52.Rg2 Qxh3+ 53.Rh2 Qf1# 0-1

24. * A80
Indjic, Aleksandar (2618) - Agdestein, Simen (2552)
chess.com (ol-rapid) 145/24, 2020

1.d4 e6 2.Nf3 f5 3.Bg5 Be7 4.h4

4.Bxe7 - 103/55
4...Nf6 5.Nbd2 O-O 6.Bxf6 Bxf6 7.e4 d5 8.e5 Be7 9.c4N
9.Bd3
9...b6N
9...c5 - 145/(24) 10.cxd5 exd5 11.Bd3 Nc6 12.dxc5 Bxc5 13.O-O∞ Ghasi,A (2485) -Williams,S
(2464) chess.com (Int.-m/ 1-blitz) 145/(24) 2020
10.cxd5 exd5 11.Rc1
11.Ng5 h6 (11...Bxg5 12.hxg5 Qxg5 13.Rc1 Qe7 14.f4±) 12.Qh5 hxg5 13.hxg5
11...c5 12.Ng5 h6 13.Qh5

307
13...Bxg5
13...hxg5?? 14.hxg5 Bxg5 15.Rc3! Bf4 (15...f4 16.Bd3+-) 16.Nc4!+-; 13...Qe8! 14.Qxe8 (14.Qf3
Qd7 15.Nh3 Nc6 16.Nf4 Rd8 17.Nb3 c4 18.Rxc4 dxc4 19.Bxc4+ Kh7 (19...Kh8 20.O-O Qe8
21.h5µ) 20.Ne6 Kh8 21.Nxd8 Bxd8 22.Bb5 Bb7 23.d5 Nxe5 24.Bxd7 Nxf3+ 25.gxf3 Bxd5µ)
14...Rxe8 15.Nh3 Bxh4 (15...Nc6 16.Bb5 Bd7 17.Bxc6 Bxc6 18.Nf4²) 16.Nf4 Bd8 17.g3 Bb7
18.Bg2²
14.hxg5 Qxg5 15.Qxg5 hxg5 16.dxc5 Nd7 17.Nf3 g4
17...bxc5 18.Bb5 Rb8 19.Bc6±; 17...Nxc5 18.Nxg5 Ne4 19.Nf3±
18.c6 gxf3 19.cxd7 Bxd7 20.gxf3 f4
20...Rac8 21.Rxc8 Rxc8 22.Kd2±
21.Kd2 Bf5
21...Rae8 22.Rc7 Bf5 23.Rxa7 Rxe5 24.Rh5±
22.Bd3 Rae8 23.Rhe1 Re7 24.Rc6 Rc8 25.Rxc8+ Bxc8 26.Kc3

308
26...Be6
26...d4+! 27.Kxd4 Rd7+ 28.Kc3 Rc7+ 29.Kd2 Kf7±
27.Kd4 Rc7 28.Rh1 a5 29.a3 g5??
29...Kf7 30.Rb1 Rc8 31.b4 a4 (31...axb4 32.axb4 Ra8 33.Rc1±) 32.b5 Ke7 33.Rb4 Ra8±
30.Rh6+- Re7 31.Rf6 Kg7 32.b4 axb4 33.axb4 Re8 34.Rg6+ Kf7 35.Rxg5 Ra8 36.Bf5 Ra3
37.Bxe6+ Kxe6 38.Rg6+ Kf5
38...Ke7 39.Kxd5 Rxf3 40.Rg2
39.Rf6+ Kg5 40.Rf8 1-0

25. A85
Bluebaum, Matthias (2647) - Nisipeanu, Liviu Dieter (2655)
Magdeburg 145/25, 2020

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 c6 5.e3 Ne4!? 6.Bd3

6.Ne5 - 47/520, D
6...f5 7.Ne5 g6 8.O-O Nd7 9.f4
9.Nxd7 Bxd7 10.f3 Nxc3 11.bxc3²
9...Nxe5 10.fxe5 Be7N
10...a6 11.Qf3 Be7 12.Qd1 O-O=
11.Nxe4

309
11.Bxe4 dxe4 12.b3 O-O 13.a4 b6 14.Ba3²
11...dxe4 12.Be2 c5?!
12...O-O 13.b3 b6 14.Bb2 Bb7∞
13.b4!?
13.d5 O-O 14.d6 Bg5 15.g3±
13...cxb4 14.a3 bxa3?!
14...O-O 15.d5 Bc5 16.axb4 Bxb4 17.Qd4 b6 18.Ba3 Bxa3 19.Rxa3 Rf7 20.d6²
15.Bxa3 O-O 16.d5 Bxa3 17.Rxa3 b6 18.Qd4 Bd7 19.Rfa1 Qc7
19...Qb8
20.d6 Qb7 21.c5?!
21.Ra6!±
21...bxc5 22.Qxc5

22...Rfc8?!
22...a5! 23.h3! (23.Rxa5 Rxa5 24.Qxa5 f4! 25.exf4 Qb2 26.Re1 (26.Qa7 Rf7 27.Qa2 Qd4+ 28.Kh1
Rxf4„) 26...Qd4+ 27.Kh1 Qf2 28.Bc4 Rxf4„) 23...g5 (23...a4 24.Bd1 Qa7 25.Qd4 Qxd4 26.exd4
Ra7 27.Bxa4 Rfa8 28.Bxd7 Rxa3 29.Rxa3 Rxa3 30.Bxe6+ Kf8 31.Bd7 Ra6 32.g3+-) 24.Rxa5 Rxa5
25.Qxa5 Qb2 26.Ra2 Qc1+ 27.Kh2 Qxe3 28.Qa7±
23.Qd4 a5! 24.h3 a4

310
24...Ra7 25.Bc4±
25.Bd1 Ra5 26.Bxa4 Bxa4 27.Rxa4 Rd5
27...Rxa4 28.Rxa4 Qb5 29.Kh2+-
28.Qa7 Qg7
28...Qxa7 29.Rxa7 Rd8 30.R1a5+-
29.Qa8
29.Qb6 Qxe5 30.Qb7 Rd8 31.Ra7+-
29...Rc5
29...Rxa8 30.Rxa8+ Qf8! 31.Rxf8+ Kxf8 32.Ra8+ Kf7 33.h4 h6 34.Kf2 g5 35.h5 Rd2+ 36.Ke1 Rd5
37.Rh8+-; 29...Rf8 30.Ra7 Qh6 31.Qb7+-
30.Ra7 Qh6 31.Rc7! Qxe3+
31...Qf8 32.Rxc8 Rxc8 33.Qb7 Rb8 34.Qc7+-
32.Kh1 Rc1+
32...Qc1+ 33.Rxc1 Rxc1+ 34.Rxc1 Rxa8 35.d7+-
33.Rcxc1 Rxa8 34.Rxa8+ Kg7 35.Rd1
35.Rac8 Qd2 36.d7+-
35...f4 36.Ra7+!
36.d7? f3 37.d8=Q fxg2+ 38.Kh2 Qf4+ 39.Kxg2 Qf3+=
36...Kh6
36...Qxa7 37.d7+-
37.d7 Qxa7
37...f3 38.Ra2 fxg2+ 39.Rxg2+-
38.d8=Q Qf2 39.h4 1-0

311
B00-B24

26. !N B03
Nakamura, Hikaru (2736) - Carlsen, Magnus (2863)
chess24.com (Int.-m5/5-blitz) 145/26, 2020

1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.f4 dxe5 6.fxe5 Bf5 7.Nc3 e6 8.Nf3 Bb4 9.Be2
9.Bd3 - 74/99
9...c5 10.a3
10.Bg5 - 11/107
10...Bxc3+ 11.bxc3 Nc6 12.O-O O-O 13.Be3 Na5!?
13...Rc8!?
14.Nd2 Bg6 15.Qe1

15...Na4!N
15...Rc8 16.Rc1 Qe7 17.h4 cxd4 18.cxd4 Qxa3=
16.Nf3 Nb2! 17.Bg5
17.Nd2 Rc8 18.dxc5 Na4µ
17...Qd7 18.Qh4 cxd4 19.cxd4 Nbxc4 20.Qg4 Qd5

312
20...h6 21.Bf4 Rac8µ
21.Rae1 Rac8 22.h4
22.Nh4 Nb3 (22...Nc6 23.Rd1 Nxa3 24.Bf3 Qb3 25.Nxg6 hxg6 26.Be4©) 23.Rd1 h5! 24.Nxg6
(24.Qf4 Nb2µ) 24...fxg6µ
22...h5 23.Qg3 Nxa3 24.Bf6?! Nc2
24...gxf6 25.exf6 Rc3-+
25.Bd3 Nxe1 26.Rxe1 Qd7-+ 27.d5 Rc3 28.Re3 Rxd3 29.Rxd3 exd5 30.e6 Qxe6 31.Bd4 Nc6
32.Rd2 Qg4 33.Qf2 Be4 34.Ne5 Nxe5 35.Bxe5 Rc8 36.Kh2 f6 37.Bd4 b6 38.Ra2 Rc2 39.Rxc2
Bxc2 40.Bxf6 gxf6 41.Qxc2 Qxh4+ 42.Kg1 Qe1+ 43.Kh2 Qe5+ 44.Kh1 Kg7 45.Qc6 d4 46.Qb7+
Kh6 47.Qxa7 d3 48.Qd7 Qe1+ 49.Kh2 d2 50.Qd8 Qh4+ 51.Kg1 Qf4 52.Qh8+ Kg5 53.Qg8+ Kh4
54.Qd5 Qe3+ 55.Kh2 Qe5+ 56.g3+ Qxg3+ 57.Kh1 Qe1+ 58.Kg2 Qe2+ 0-1

27. B13
Sindarov, Javokhir (2557) - Saydaliev, Saidakbar (2384)
Uzbekistan (ch) 145/27, 2020

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Ne5

5.Bd3 - 88/(72)
5...g6 6.Bb5+ Nbd7
6...Bd7 7.Bd3!? (7.Nxd7 Nbxd7 8.O-O Bg7 9.c3 (9.Re1 O-O 10.c3 Re8 11.Bf4 a6 12.Bf1 e5!?
13.dxe5 Nh5 14.Be3 Nxe5 15.Nd2 Nf6 16.g3 Ne4„) 9...O-O 10.Nd2 e5!? (10...e6 11.Re1 Qc7
12.Nf3 a6 13.Bf1 … g3²; 10...a6 11.Bd3 e5 12.dxe5 Nxe5 13.Nf3 Nc4 14.a4 Qc7„) 11.dxe5 Nxe5
12.Re1 a6!? 13.Rxe5 (13.Bf1 Re8 14.a4 Nfg4„) 13...axb5 14.Nf3 b4 15.cxb4 Qb6 16.Qb3 Ng4
17.Be3 Qf6 18.Bg5 Qb6 19.Re2 Rfe8 20.Rd2 Re4 21.b5 Rae8©) 7...Nc6 8.c3 Bg7 9.Nd2 Nxe5
10.dxe5

313
10...Ne4!? (10...Ng4 11.f4 Qb6 12.Qe2 O-O 13.Nb3 f6 14.h3 Nh6 15.Be3 Qc7 16.exf6 Bxf6 17.O-
O-O Nf5 18.Nc5! Nxe3 (18...Ng3?! 19.Qf3±) 19.Qxe3 Rfd8 20.Bc2 d4 21.cxd4 Bf5 22.Rd2²)
11.Nxe4 (11.f4 Nxd2 12.Qxd2 f6! (12...Qb6 13.Qe2²) 13.exf6 Bxf6 14.Qe2 Qb6 15.Be3 d4 16.Bf2
Qc7„) 11...dxe4 12.Bxe4 Bxe5 13.Bh6 (13.Bxb7 Rb8 14.Bf3 Qc7©) 13...Qc7 14.Qb3 O-O-O∞
7.c4 Bg7 8.O-ON
8.cxd5
8...O-O 9.Nc3 a6
9...Nxe5 10.dxe5 Ng4 11.Nxd5 Nxe5 12.Bg5 f6 13.Bf4 e6 14.Nc3 Nd3 15.Be3 a6 16.Ba4 Nxb2
17.Qb3 Nxa4 18.Nxa4 Qc7 19.Nb6 Rb8 20.Rfd1©
10.Bxd7 Nxd7 11.cxd5 Nxe5 12.dxe5 Bxe5 13.Bh6 Re8 14.Re1 Bh8
14...Qd6 15.h3 Bf5 16.g4 Bd7 17.Ne4 Qb6 18.Qf3 Rac8 19.Ng5 Bf6∞
15.Bg5 Bxc3!?
15...Bf5?! 16.g4 Bd7 17.d6 Bxc3 18.bxc3 f6 19.Bh6ƒ
16.bxc3 f6 17.Bh4
17.Bh6!? Qd6 (17...Bf5 18.c4²) 18.Qb3 Bd7 19.Rad1²
17...Bf5 18.c4 Rc8 19.Rc1 Qa5
19...Qb6 20.Qd2 Qc5 21.h3 g5 22.Bg3 e5 23.Kh2²
20.Qd4

314
20.f3 Qb4 21.Qb3²
20...Qb4!
20...Qxa2? 21.d6!±
21.g4
21.f3 b5 22.a3 Rxc4 (22...Qxa3 23.c5©) 23.axb4 Rxd4 24.Bxf6 Rxd5 25.Bxe7 Kf7=
21...Bd7 22.g5 b5 23.Qa7 Bh3 24.Qe3 Bd7= 25.Qa7 Bh3 26.Qe3 Bd7 27.a3 Qa4 28.gxf6 1/2-1/2

28. * B13
Gavrilescu, David (2455) - Burmakin, Vladimir (2514)
Graz 145/28, 2020

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.Nf3

4.Bd3 - 141/38
4...Nf6
4...Nc6 5.Ne5 e6 6.Bb5 Bd7 7.Nxd7 Qxd7 8.c3 Bd6 9.Nd2 Nge7 10.O-O O-O 11.Nf3 f6!? - 141/30,
5.Ne5 g6
5...Bf5!? 6.g4 Be6 (6...Bc8 7.g5 Nfd7 (7...Ne4 8.Qf3ƒ) 8.Bb5 e6 9.Qh5 Qe7 10.g6ƒ) 7.f4 Nc6
8.Bb5 (8.f5 Bd7 9.Bg2 g6 10.O-O gxf5 11.Nxd7 Qxd7 12.gxf5 h5 … 0-0-0∞) 8...Bd7 9.Nc3 e6 10.O-
O Qb6 11.g5 Nxe5 12.fxe5 Bxb5 13.Nxb5 Ne4 (13...Nd7 14.a4 Rc8 (14...Nxe5? 15.Bf4+-) 15.Kh1
a6 16.Nc3 Be7 17.Ne2 … Nf4²) 14.Nc3 Nxc3 15.bxc3 Be7 16.Qf3 O-O 17.h4 Rac8 18.Bd2 (18.h5
Qd8 19.Qg3 b5 (… b4) 20.a3 Kh8 21.Bd2 h6 22.g6 Qe8∞) 18...Qb2 19.Qd3 Qa3 20.h5 Bxg5!

315
21.Bxg5 Rxc3 22.Qd2 Rg3+ 23.Kh1 Rh3+=
6.Bb5+
6.Bd3 Bg7 7.O-O O-O 8.Nd2 Nfd7! 9.Nef3 Nc6 … e5=
6...Nbd7 7.O-O Bg7 8.Re1
8.Nd2 O-O 9.Ndf3 Nxe5 10.dxe5 Ne4 11.h3 Bf5 12.Bd3 Rc8 13.Be3 Qc7 14.Bd4 f6 15.exf6 Bxf6
16.Bxf6 Rxf6 17.c3 Rcf8 18.Bxe4 dxe4 19.Nd2 Qf4„; 8.c3 O-O 9.Nf3 Ne4 10.h3 (10.Re1 Ndf6
11.Bd3) 10...Qc7 11.Re1 f5!?∞
8...O-O 9.Nf3!?
9.Nxd7 Bxd7 10.Bd3 e5!? 11.dxe5 Ng4 12.Bf4 Qb6„; 9.Nc3 e6 10.Bg5 Qa5 (10...Qb6 11.a4²)
11.Bxd7 (11.a4 Nxe5 12.dxe5 Nd7 13.Bf4 Qc7 14.Qd4 a6 15.Bf1 Nb8„) 11...Nxd7 12.Nf3 f6
13.Bf4 Nb6 14.Nd2 Na4„
9...Ne4
9...Nb8 10.Bd3 Nc6 11.c3 Bf5 12.Bxf5 gxf5 13.Nbd2 e6 14.Nf1 Ne7 15.Ng3 Ng6 16.Bg5 h6
17.Bxf6 Bxf6 18.Nh5²; 9...a6 10.Bd3 Nb6N (10...Nb8) 11.c3 Bf5 12.Bxf5 gxf5 13.Nbd2 e6 14.Nf1
(14.Ne5 Ne4 15.Re3!?ƒ) 14...Kh8 15.Ng3 Nc4 16.b3!? (16.Qe2 Rc8 17.Bf4²) 16...Nd6 17.Ne5
Nfe4 18.Qh5! Nxc3 19.Re3ƒ Rc8

20.Nf1 (20.Nh1!? Nce4 (20...Nde4? 21.Rh3 Nf6 22.Qxf7!+-) 21.Rh3 Rxc1+ (21...Nf6 22.Qh4
Rxc1+ 23.Rxc1 Kg8 24.Ng3±) 22.Rxc1 h6 23.a4²; 20.Bd2 f4 21.Rxc3 Rxc3 22.Bxc3 fxg3 23.hxg3
a5 (23...Kg8 24.Bb4!) 24.Bd2 Kg8 25.Bh6 Qf6 26.Bxg7 Qxg7 27.Rc1²) 20...Nce4?! (20...Nde4
21.Rh3 Nf6 22.Qxf7 Rxf7 23.Nxf7+ Kg8 24.Nxd8 Ne2+ 25.Kh1 Ng4 26.Be3 Rxd8 27.Re1 (27.Rd1
f4 28.Rh4 h5∞) 27...Nxd4 28.Kg1 Rc8∞) 21.Rh3 Nf6 22.Qh4 Nde4? (22...Rxc1 23.Rxc1±) 23.f3

316
(23.Bf4! … f3) 23...Nd6 (23...Rxc1 24.Rxc1 Nd6 25.Ng3 … Nh5±) 24.Bg5 Nde8 25.Ng3 [… Nh5+-]
Banzea,A (2368)-Praczukowski,S (2088) Graz 145/ (28) 2020
10.Bd3 Ndf6N
10...Nd6
11.c3 Qc7
11...Bf5 12.h3 (12.Nh4 Ng4! 13.Bxe4 dxe4 14.Nxf5 gxf5 15.f3 exf3 16.Qxf3 e6„) 12...Nd6 13.Bf1
Nfe4 14.Bf4 (14.Qb3 h6! 15.Nbd2 g5 16.Nxe4 dxe4 17.Nd2 Be6 18.d5 Bf5„ … Bg6, f5) 14...h6
15.Nbd2 g5 16.Bh2 Nxd2 (16...h5 17.Nxe4 Nxe4 18.Ne5 h4 19.Bd3±) 17.Qxd2 e6 18.Ne5²
12.Nbd2 Bf5 13.Ne5!?
13.Nf1 Ng4!? 14.Bxe4 (14.Re2 Nd6 15.Ne1 Bxd3 16.Nxd3 Nf6 17.Bf4 a5 18.Ne3 e6 19.h3 a4„)
14...dxe4 15.Nh4 (15.N3d2 e5 16.h3 Nxf2!? 17.Kxf2 exd4 18.Nxe4 Rae8©) 15...Rac8 16.Nxf5 gxf5
17.Ng3 e6 18.f3 exf3 19.Qxf3 Rfd8 20.Bf4 Qc6 21.Nh5! Qxf3 22.gxf3 Nf6 23.Nxg7 Kxg7 24.Kf2²
13...Nd6 14.Nf1
14.Be2 Nd7 15.g4!? f6!? 16.gxf5 fxe5 17.fxg6

17...Rf6! 18.gxh7+ Kh8 19.Bg4 e4 20.Nf1 Raf8 21.Ng3 Rxf2 22.Re2 Rxe2 23.Nxe2 e5 24.Kh1 Qd8
25.Qg1 Nf5 26.Qg2 Qh4 27.Bd2 Rf7 28.Rg1 Qxh7∞
14...Bxd3 15.Nxd3 Rfe8
15...e6 16.Bf4 Qd8 17.Ne3 a5!? … a4
16.Bf4 Nh5

317
16...a5 17.Ne3 e6 18.h3 a4 19.a3 Qb6 20.Qe2 Rac8 21.Ng4 Nc4 (21...Nxg4 22.hxg4 Nc4 23.g5 …
g3, Kg2²) 22.Nh6+ Bxh6 (22...Kf8 23.Qf3ƒ) 23.Bxh6 Ne4 24.h4!? (24.f3 Ned6 25.Qf2 f6 26.Bf4
Rc7 … Rce7∞) 24...e5 (24...Qd8 25.Qg4ƒ) 25.dxe5 Nxe5 26.Be3 (26.Nb4 f5!? 27.Nxd5 Qd8„)
26...Qd8 27.Nxe5 Rxe5 28.Bd4 Re6 29.Qg4ƒ
17.Be5 Bxe5
17...e6 18.h4!? Qe7 19.g4 Nf6 20.g5 Nh5 21.Ng3 Nxg3 22.fxg3 Ne4 23.Bf4ƒ
18.Rxe5!?
18.dxe5 Nc4 19.Qg4 (19.b3 Rad8 20.Qg4 Na5 21.e6 f5∞) 19...Ng7 20.b3 Na5 21.Ne3!? Qxc3!
22.Nf4 Rad8 (22...Qxe5!? 23.Nc4 Nxc4 24.Rxe5 Nxe5 25.Qe2 Nc6 26.Nxd5 Rad8 27.Rd1 Rd7
28.Ne3 Nd4 29.Qb2 Red8∞) 23.Nexd5 Qc8 24.Qg5 Nc6=
18...Nf6 19.Ne3 e6 20.Ng4 Qd8 21.Nxf6+ Qxf6 22.Qg4 Nc4
22...Kg7 23.h4ƒ
23.Re2
23.Rh5 Kg7 24.Rh3 h6 … Qg5∞
23...Qf5
¹23...h5 24.Qg3 h4 25.Qc7 (25.Qg4 Qf5 26.Qxf5 gxf5 27.f3 Kg7=) 25...Rec8 26.Qxb7 h3„
24.Qg3 Red8
24...h5 25.h4 … Rae1ƒ
25.Rae1 Rac8 26.h4² Kg7 27.Nf4 Kh8 28.Nh3!?
28.h5 gxh5 29.Qh2 Rg8 30.f3 b5 31.Kf2 b4 32.Nxh5 bxc3 33.bxc3 Rg4 34.Ng3 Qf4 35.Rh1 Rg7
36.Nh5 Qxh2 37.Rxh2 Rg6 38.g4 Nd6 39.Rc2 Rc6 40.Rh1 Rb6„
28...h6
28...a5!? 29.Ng5!? (29.Nf4 a4 30.h5 g5 31.Nd3 a3 32.b3 Nd6 33.Re3 h6 34.Rf3 Qh7∞) 29...h6
30.Nh3 b5 31.Nf4 b4 32.b3 Nd6 33.cxb4 axb4 34.Re5 Qc2! 35.Nxe6 fxe6 36.Rxe6 Nf7! 37.Rxg6
Rg8 38.Rxg8+ Rxg8 39.Qf3 Kg7 40.Re6 Qc1+ 41.Kh2 Qc7+ 42.g3 Rd8 43.Qf6+ Kf8 44.f4 Qc2+
45.Kh3 Qd3 46.Re7 Qf1+ 47.Kg4 Qd1+=
29.Nf4 Rg8?!
¹29...Rc6 30.h5 g5 31.Nd3 Rdc8 32.Rf1² … f4
30.b3 Nb6
30...Nd6 31.Nxe6!+-; 30...Na5 31.Re3 Nc6 32.Rf3 Qc2 33.h5±
31.Re3± Rg7

318
31...Qf6 32.Nd3! Rxc3 33.Ne5 Rxe3 34.Rxe3±
32.Nd3! Rxc3?
32...Qf6 33.Rf3 Qe7 34.Ne5±
33.Rf3 Qh5 34.Qb8+ Rc8 35.Qxa7+- Na8
35...Nd7 36.Qxb7 Rd8 37.Qc7 Qxh4 38.a4+-
36.Qxb7 Rf8 37.Nf4 1-0

29. B13
Carlsen, Magnus (2863) - Leko, Peter (2663)
chess24.com (Int.-m/4-rapid) 145/29, 2020

1.c4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.e3 Nf6 4.d4 cxd4 5.exd4 d5 6.Nf3 Bg4 7.Bg5
7.cxd5 - 143/41
7...e6 8.cxd5 exd5 9.Be2
9.Qe2+ Be6 10.Bxf6 gxf6 11.Qc2 (11.Qe3!?) 11...Qb6 12.a3 O-O-O 13.Be2 Kb8∞
9...Be7 10.O-O O-O 11.h3 Bh5
11...Bf5 12.Re1 h6 13.Bh4 Re8 14.Bb5 Ne4 15.Bxe7 Rxe7 16.Bxc6 Nxc3 17.bxc3 bxc6 18.Rxe7
Qxe7 19.Qa4 Rc8=
12.Re1 h6 13.Bh4 Rc8N
13...Ne4!? 14.Bxe7 Nxe7 15.Qd3!? (15.Qb3 Bxf3 16.Bxf3 Nd2 17.Qd1 Nxf3+ 18.Qxf3 Qd7

319
19.Re2 Rad8 20.Rae1 Nc6=) 15...Bg6 (15...Nf6 16.Ne5²) 16.Qb5 Nxc3 17.bxc3²
14.Ne5 Bxe2 15.Rxe2 g5 16.Bg3 Bb4 17.Rc1 Bxc3 18.Rxc3 Ne4 19.Rcc2 Re8?!
19...Nxg3!? 20.fxg3 Nxe5 21.Rxe5 Re8=
20.Nxc6 Rxc6 21.Rxc6 bxc6 22.Bh2 Re6?!
22...Qd7 23.f3 Nd6 24.Rxe8+ Nxe8 25.Qa4²
23.f3! Nd6 24.Rxe6 fxe6 25.Qa4 Qd7 26.Qb4 Nc8 27.Qb8 Kf7 28.Be5 Kg8

29.b4! Kf7 30.a4 Ke7 31.a5! Kd8 32.a6 Ke8 33.Kh2 Kf7 34.Qb7! Ke8 35.g4! Ne7 36.Qb8+ Nc8
37.Kg3 Kd8 38.Qb7 Nd6 39.Qxd7+ Kxd7 40.Bxd6!+- Kxd6 41.f4 Ke7 42.h4 Kf6 43.hxg5+
43.fxg5+ hxg5 44.h5
43...hxg5 44.fxg5+ Kxg5 45.Kf3 Kg6 46.Kf4 Kf6 47.g5+ Kg6 48.Ke5 Kxg5 49.Kxe6 Kf4 50.Kd6
Ke4 51.Kxc6 Kxd4 52.b5 1-0

30. * B21
Modestino, Marco - Massimini Gerbino, Massimiliano
corr 145/30, 2019

1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Nxc3 Nc6 5.Nf3 e6 6.Bc4 a6 7.O-O Nge7 8.Bg5 h6 9.Be3 b5
10.Bb3 Bb7 11.Re1
11.Qe2 Na5 12.Nd4 (12.Nd5? exd5 13.exd5 Nxb3! (13...Nxd5?! - 124/43) 14.axb3 Nxd5 15.Bb6+
(15.Bg5+ Be7-+) 15...Qe7-+; 12.Ne5 Nec6 13.Nxc6 Bxc6 14.Bd5 Qc7 15.Bxc6 dxc6 16.b3 Bb4
17.Rac1 O-O 18.Qg4 Kh8∞) 12...Ng6 13.f4 Nxb3 14.Nxb3 Be7 15.f5 Ne5 16.Bd4 Bd6 (16...Bf6
17.fxe6 dxe6 18.Rad1 Qc7 19.Rc1 Qb8 20.Qh5©) 17.fxe6 dxe6 18.Nxb5 axb5 19.Bxe5 O-O 20.Rfd1

320
Qb6+ 21.Bd4 Qa6∞
11...Na5 12.Ne5 Nxb3 - 145/30
12...Qc7?!N 13.Bf4 d6

14.Nxf7! Kxf7 15.Qh5+ g6 16.Qf3 Qc8 (16...Kg7 17.Bxe6 Kh7 18.Rad1 Ng8 19.Qh3 Nf6 20.e5
Nh5 21.exd6 Nxf4 22.dxc7 Nxh3+ 23.Bxh3 h5 24.Nd5ƒ) 17.Be5+ Kg8 18.Qf6 Nxb3 19.Qxh8+
Kf7 20.Qh7+ Ke8 21.Rad1 dxe5 22.axb3± Lobley,J-Elwood,D corr 145/(30) 2019; 12...d6; 12...Ng6
13.Bb6 Qc8

14.Qf3!?

321
14.Qxb3 Qb8 15.Nxd7!? Kxd7 16.Red1+ Ke8 17.Rd8+ Qxd8 18.Bxd8 Rxd8 19.a4 Nc8 (19...b4
20.Qxb4 Rd7 21.Rd1 Nc6 22.Qb6 Rxd1+ 23.Nxd1 Nd8 24.Ne3 h5 25.b4 h4 26.e5 Rh5 27.f4 f6
28.Nc4 Bc6 29.b5 axb5 30.axb5 Bd7∞) 20.axb5 a5 21.Rxa5 (21.b6 Bb4 22.Na2 Be7 23.Nc3 Rd6
(23...Bb4=) 24.Na4 f6 25.e5 Rc6 26.Qg3 Rf8 27.Qxg7 Nxb6 28.Nc3 fxe5 29.Rxa5∞) 21...Nb6
22.Ra1 Bc5 23.Qc2 Bd6 24.Ne2 Bb8 25.Qc5 Nd7 26.Qe3 Ke7 27.Nd4 Rc8 28.Nb3 Ne5 29.Nc5
Ng4 30.Qc1 Nf6 31.Qe3 Ng4=
14...Nf5
14...f6 15.Qh5+
15.axb3
15.Qh5 g6 16.Nxg6 Ng7 17.Qg4 Nxa1! (17...fxg6 18.Qxg6+ Ke7 19.e5 Nh5 20.axb3 Qe8 21.Bc5+
d6 22.Bxd6+ Kd7 23.Qg4 (23.Qc2 Bxd6 24.Rad1©) 23...Bxd6 24.Qd4 Qg6 25.g3 Rhd8 26.exd6
Ke8∞) 18.Nxh8 d6 19.Qf3 Qd7 20.Rxa1 Rc8 21.Re1 e5³
15...Bd6 16.Qg4 h5 17.Qh3 Bxe5 18.exf5 Bc7 19.Be3 Kf8 20.Rac1 Qd8N
20...Kg8
21.fxe6 fxe6 22.Ne2 Rc8 23.Rc5 Ba5 24.Bg5
24.Rec1 Rxc5 25.Rxc5 Bb4 26.Rxh5 Rxh5 27.Qxh5 Kg8 28.Nf4∞
24...Qe8
24...Bxe1 25.Bxd8 Rxc5 26.Qg3∞
25.Rxc8 Qxc8 26.Rc1 Qe8 27.Nf4 Kg8 28.Qd3 h4 29.h3 e5 30.Ng6 Rh5 31.Ne7+! Kh8 32.Bxh4
Bb4 33.Qg6 Qxg6 34.Nxg6+ Kh7 35.Be7! Kxg6 1/2-1/2

31. B22
Marchisotti, Mauro - Ilyin, Pavel
corr 145/31, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.Bc4 Nb6 5.Bb3 c4 6.Bc2 Nc6 7.Nf3 Qc7 8.Qe2 g5 9.Na3 g4 10.Nb5
Qb8 11.Nh4
11.Ng5?! Nxe5 12.O-O a6 13.Nd4 h6 14.f4 (14.Ne4 d5 15.Ng3 h5 16.f4 gxf3 17.Nxf3 Nbd7 18.Re1
Nxf3+ 19.Qxf3 Ne5 20.Qxd5 Bg7³) 14...hxg5 15.fxe5 Bg7 16.Re1 d6!³ - 81/108; 11.Nfd4?! Nxe5
12.O-O a6 13.Na3 Bg7 (13...d5 14.Re1 Bg7 15.d3 cxd3 16.Bxd3 e6 17.Bc2 Bd7 18.Be3²) 14.Re1
Qc7 15.Nf5 Bf6©
11...Nxe5 12.O-O a6 13.Nd4 Nd5
13...d6 14.b3 Qc7 15.f4 gxf3 16.Nhxf3 Bg4 (16...Rg8 17.Bxh7 Rg7 18.Be4²; 16...Bg7 17.Rb1²)
17.Qf2 O-O-O∞
14.d3

322
14.f4 Nd3 15.Bxd3 cxd3 16.Qxg4 (16.Qxd3 e6 17.Qe4 Nf6 (17...b5? 18.f5 Bd6 19.fxe6 Bxh2+
20.Kh1 dxe6 21.d3±) 18.Qe2 Qc7 19.f5 e5 20.Nb3 d6 21.d4 Bd7 22.c4 O-O-O∞) 16...e6 17.b3 b5∞
14...cxd3 15.Bxd3 e6?!N
15...Qc7 16.Bc2 d6 17.Bb3 Qc5 18.Rd1 Rg8 19.Nhf5 Nf6 20.Ng3 Bd7 21.Bf4 e6 22.Ne4 Nxe4
23.Qxe4 O-O-O 24.Qxh7∞
16.Be4 Nf6

17.f4! Nxe4
17...Ng6 18.f5! Nxe4 (18...Nxh4 19.fxe6 dxe6 20.Rxf6 Be7 21.Bf4 Qa7 22.Be5+-) 19.fxg6 hxg6
20.Bf4 (20.Qxe4? Rxh4 21.g3 Rh7 22.Qxg4 b5µ) 20...Bd6 21.Nxg6! Bxf4 22.Rxf4 (22.Nxf4? f5µ)
22...d5 23.Nxh8 Qxf4 24.Rf1 Qd2 25.Nxf7±
18.fxe5
18.Qxe4 Ng6 19.f5 Nxh4 20.Bg5 Ng6 21.Rae1©
18...Qxe5 19.Bf4 Qd5
19...Qh5 20.Qxe4 Qxh4 21.Nf5 Qd8 22.Qd4 Rg8 23.Nd6+ Bxd6 24.Bxd6+-
20.Rae1 Be7 21.Qd3! Qh5
21...Nc5 22.Qd1 Bxh4 23.c4 (23.Re5 Qxa2 24.Nf5+-) 23...Qh5 24.Re5 Qg6 25.Nf5! Be7 (25...Qxf5
26.Rxf5 exf5 27.Qd4+-) 26.Nxe7 Kxe7 27.Bg5+ Kf8 28.Rxc5+-
22.Rxe4 Qxh4 23.Bg3 Qg5?!

323
23...Qh6 24.Qe2 Qf8 25.Rxg4±
24.Nf5! d5 25.Qd4 Rg8 26.Bd6! exf5 27.Rxe7+ Qxe7 28.Bxe7 Kxe7 29.Qe5+ Kf8 30.Qxd5+-
Kg7 31.h4!? Be6
31...gxh3 32.Rf3+-
32.Qxb7 h6 33.Re1 Bxa2 34.Qe7 Kh7 35.b4 Rab8 36.Qc7 1-0

32. * B22
Sanal, Vahap (2581) - Maze, Sebastien (2557)
chess.com (Int.-blitz) 145/32, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.c3 Nf6 4.e5 Nd5 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 c4 7.Bc2 Qc7 8.O-O Nxe5 9.Nxe5 Qxe5
10.Re1 Qf6
10...Qc7 11.a4 e6 - 145/32 (11...d5 12.Na3 (12.a5 Nd7 13.d3 cxd3 14.Qxd3 e6?!N (14...Nf6 15.Bg5
e6 16.Bxf6 gxf6 17.Qxd5 Be7 18.Qh5²) 15.Qxd5ƒ Mamedov,R (2659)-Vorobjov,P (2269) Tallinn
(blitz) 145/(32) 2019) 12...a6 13.a5 Nd7 14.d3ƒ - 130/47) 12.d3 cxd3 (12...Nd5?! 13.Na3!? (13.dxc4
Nf6 14.Na3 a6 15.a5! d6 16.b4 Be7 17.Qd3ƒ) 13...Bxa3 14.Rxa3ƒ - 130/(46); 12...Be7 13.Qg4!
(13.a5 cxd3 14.Bb3 Nc4 15.Qg4 Nxa5 16.Qxg7 Rf8 17.Bd1 b6 18.Bh6 Bb7! 19.Qxh7 Nc4 20.Bxf8
Bxf8©) 13...O-O 14.Bh6 Bf6 15.a5 Nd5 16.dxc4 Ne7 17.Na3²)
11.a4
11.d3 cxd3 12.Bxd3 e6 13.Be3²
11...e6 12.Qh5N

324
12.d3 cxd3 13.Qxd3 Be7 14.Na3²
12...g6?!
12...d5! 13.d3 (13.a5 Bc5! 14.Qe2 Nd7∞) 13...cxd3 14.Bxd3©
13.Qb5 Be7 14.a5 Nd5 15.Qxc4² O-O 16.d4 Bd6 17.Nd2 b5 18.axb6 Nxb6 19.Qe2 Bb7 20.Be4
20.Ne4 Qe7 21.Bg5 (21.Bh6 Bxh2+) 21...f6 22.Nxd6 Qxd6 23.Bh6 Rf7 24.Ra5±
20...Bd5
20...Bc6 21.Bxc6 dxc6 22.Ne4 Qd8 23.Ra6±
21.c4 Rae8?
21...Bxe4 22.Nxe4 Qxd4 23.Rd1 Qe5 24.Rxd6 (24.f4 Bc5+ 25.Kh1 Qc7) 24...f5 25.Nf6+ Qxf6
26.c5 Nd5 27.Rxd7±
22.c5+- Qxd4 23.cxb6 Qxb6 24.Nf3 Bxe4 25.Qxe4 Be7 26.Bh6 f5 27.Qa4 Rf7 28.Ne5 Bc5 29.Be3
Bxe3 30.Rxe3 Rfe7 31.Nxd7 Qc7 32.Nf6+ 1-0

33. B22
Lugovskoy, Maxim (2453) - Pantsulaia, Levan (2598)
New Delhi 145/33, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.c3 Nf6 4.e5 Nd5 5.d4 cxd4 6.cxd4 Qc7 7.Bd2 b6 8.Nc3 Nxc3 9.bxc3 Be7
9...Bb7 10.Bd3 d6 11.O-O Nd7 (11...dxe5 12.Nxe5 Nc6 13.f4 Bd6 14.Qh5 g6 15.Qh3 O-O
16.Rae1²) 12.Re1 dxe5 13.dxe5 (13.Nxe5 Nxe5 14.Rxe5 Bd6 15.Bb5+ Bc6 (15...Kf8 16.Rh5 g6
17.Bh6+! (17.Rh3 h5) 17...Kg8 (17...Ke7 18.Rh4!?² (18.Rh3 Bf4)) 18.Qd2 Bf8 19.Rh3²) 16.Qf3

325
Rc8 (16...O-O-O?! 17.Bxc6 Bxe5 18.a4!ƒ - 53/(144)) 17.Qxc6+ Qxc6 18.Bxc6+ Rxc6 19.Rb5=)
13...g6 14.Bf4 Bg7∞
10.Bd3 Ba6?!
10...Bb7 11.O-O d6 12.Re1 Nd7 13.Bf4
11.c4! Bxc4 12.Rc1 b5 13.O-O! O-O?

13...h6 14.Bxc4 (14.d5!? exd5 15.Nd4 Nc6 16.Nxb5 Qb6 17.Bxc4 dxc4 18.Nd6+ Bxd6 19.exd6 O-
O 20.Rxc4∞) 14...bxc4 15.Qe2 O-O 16.Rxc4 Nc6 17.Qe4 … d5²
14.Ng5!​→ Bxg5 15.Bxg5 Qb7N
15...Nc6 16.Bxh7+! Kxh7 17.Bf6! gxf6 18.Qh5+ Kg7 19.Qg4+ Kh7 20.Rc3+-; 15...f5 16.exf6 gxf6
17.Bxh7+! Kf7 (17...Kxh7 18.Qh5+ Kg7 19.Qg6+ Kh8 20.Rc3+-) 18.Qf3 Ke7 19.Bf4! Qb6
(19...d6 20.Be4+-) 20.Rxc4 bxc4 21.Qxa8 Nc6 22.Bd6++-
16.Rxc4! bxc4

326
17.Bf6!! gxf6 18.exf6 Kh8 19.Bxh7! Rg8 20.Bxg8 Qe4 21.Bxf7 Qf5 22.d5 Qxf6 23.dxe6 dxe6
24.Bxe6! Qxe6 25.Re1 Qf6 26.Qh5+ Kg7 27.Qg4+ 1-0

327
B25-B49

34. ** B30
Naiditsch, Arkadij (2626) - Anton Guijarro, David (2703)
Biel 145/34, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 e6 4.O-O Nge7 5.Re1 a6 6.Bf1 b6

6...d5 - 134/43
7.d4!?N
7.b3 - 145/(134) 7...d5N (7...Qc7) 8.exd5 Nxd5 9.Bb2 Nf6 10.Na3 Be7 11.Nc4 O-O 12.g3 Bb7
13.Bg2∞ Alekseev,E (2623) -Haldorsen,B (2463) Lisboa 145/(34) 2020; 7.c4N Nd4 8.Nxd4 cxd4
9.d3 Nc6 10.f4 Be7 11.Nd2 O-O 12.Nf3 b5 13.b3 d6 14.Bb2 e5 15.f5 Bd7 16.Qd2 bxc4 17.dxc4 a5=
Maze,S (2557)-Anton Guijarro,D (2688) chess.com (Int. -blitz) 145/(34) 2020; 7.c3
7...cxd4 8.Nxd4 Nxd4 9.Qxd4 Nc6 10.Qd2
10.Qc3!?
10...Qc7 11.c4 Bd6 12.h3 Bb7 13.Nc3 Rd8 14.Qd1 O-O 15.Be3 Bc5 16.Rc1 Ne5 17.Na4 Bxe3
18.Rxe3 f5 19.Qd4
19.exf5 Rxf5 20.Qd4 b5 21.Qb6 Rc8 22.Qxc7 Rxc7 23.Nb6 bxc4 24.b3 Rc6 25.Nxc4 Nxc4 26.Rxc4
Rxc4 27.Bxc4 Kf7³
19...fxe4 20.Qxb6 Qxb6 21.Nxb6 d5 22.cxd5 exd5 23.Rb3 Rf7

328
23...d4 24.Nc4 Nxc4 25.Bxc4+ Bd5 26.Bxd5+ Rxd5 27.Rb7 d3 28.Re7 (28.Rcc7 Rg5ƒ) 28...Rdf5
29.Rxe4 Rxf2 30.Rd4 Rxb2 31.Rxd3 Rxa2 32.Rd7=
24.Rc5?!
24.Rd1 d4 25.Nc4 Nc6 26.f3 exf3 (26...e3?! 27.Nxe3! dxe3 28.Rxd8+ Nxd8 29.Bc4 Kf8 30.Bxf7
Kxf7 31.Rxe3±) 27.Rxf3 Rxf3 28.gxf3 g5∞
24...Re7 25.Rb4 d4 26.Nc4 Nxc4 27.Bxc4+ Kf8?!
27...Kh8!
28.Rf5+ Ke8 29.Bb3 Bc6
29...Rc7 30.Re5+ Re7 31.Rf5=
30.Rb6 Bd7
30...e3 31.fxe3 dxe3 32.Rf1 e2 33.Re1 Bb5 34.Be6∞
31.Rd5 e3
31...Bb5 32.Rxd8+ Kxd8 33.Rd6+ Rd7 34.Re6 Re7 35.Rd6+=
32.fxe3 dxe3 33.Rd1 a5 34.Bc4 Re5
34...Bxh3 35.Rxd8+ Kxd8 36.gxh3 e2 37.Bxe2 Rxe2=
35.Rb7

35...Rc8??
35...h5 36.b3 (36.Kf1 Rc8! 37.Rdxd7 (37.Rd4 Rxc4 38.Rxc4 Bb5 39.Rxb5 Rxb5=) 37...Rxc4

329
38.Rdc7=) 36...g6 37.Kf1 (37.Kh2 h4=) 37...e2+! 38.Bxe2 Bc6 39.Rxd8+ Kxd8 40.Rg7 Bxg2+
41.Kxg2 Rxe2+=
36.Rdxd7 Rxc4 37.Rxg7 Rc1+ 38.Kh2 Kf8 39.Rxh7 Kg8 40.Rbg7+ Kf8 41.Rb7 Kg8 42.Rhe7 1-0

35. * B33
Ter Sahakyan, Samvel (2640) - Reimanis, Ritvars (2421)
chess.com (Int.-rapid) 145/35, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e5 6.Ndb5 d6 7.Nd5 Nxd5 8.exd5 Ne7 9.c4 Ng6
10.Qa4 Bd7 11.Qb4 Qb8 12.h4
12.Be3 Be7? (12...a6 13.Nc3 Be7 (13...a5 14.Qa3 Be7 15.O-O-O O-O 16.Kb1 Qc7 17.f3 a4 18.g3 f5
19.Be2 Rfc8∞) 14.Na4 (14.g3 O-O 15.h4 e4!? 16.Nxe4 Re8 17.Be2 b5 18.cxb5 Bxb5 19.Bxb5 axb5
20.Nc3 Qc8 21.Nxb5 Bf6©) 14...Qc7 15.Nb6 Rb8 16.O-O-O O-O 17.f3 Nh4 18.Nxd7 Qxd7 19.Kb1
Rfe8∞; 12...b6 - 26/373) 13.c5 dxc5N (13...a5) 14.Bxc5 Bxc5 15.Qxc5± Ter Sahakyan,S (2640) -
Yakimova,M (2269) chess.com (Int.-blitz) 145/(35) 2020
12...a6?!
12...h5 - 139/50
13.h5 axb5 14.hxg6 fxg6 15.cxb5 Be7 16.Be2
16.a4²
16...O-O 17.Be3

17...Qe8N
17...Qd8! 18.O-O (18.a4!?) 18...Bg5 19.Qxd6 Bxe3 20.fxe3 Qg5 21.Qxd7 Qxe3+ 22.Kh2 Qxe2

330
23.Rae1 Qc4 24.Qe6+ Kh8©
18.a4 Qf7 19.O-O± Rfc8
19...Kh8 20.Qd2±
20.Rac1 Qf6 21.a5 Rcb8 22.b6+- e4
22...Bd8 23.a6+-
23.Rc7 Bf5 24.Rfc1
24.a6
24...Bd8
24...Bf8 25.a6
25.Bd4 Qg5 26.Rxg7+ 1-0

36. ** B33
Vachier Lagrave, Maxime (2780) - Carlsen, Magnus (2872)
Moscow (rapid) 145/36, 2019

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e5 6.Ndb5 d6 7.Nd5 Nxd5 8.exd5 Ne7 9.c4 Ng6
10.Qa4 Bd7 11.Qb4 Qb8 12.h4 h5 13.Bd3
13.Be3 - 145/37
13...a6N
13...f5 - 145/(36) 14.Bg5 a6 15.Nc3 Be7 16.Na4? (16.O-O-O Bxg5+ 17.hxg5 Qc7=) 16...Bxg5
17.hxg5 Nf4 18.Bf1 b5 19.Nc3 bxc4 20.Qxb8+ Rxb8µ Rodriguez Vila,A (2482)-Torres,E (1839)
Niteroi 145/(36) 2019
14.Nc3 f5N
14...Be7 - 145/(36) 15.Bxg6 fxg6 16.Bg5 a5 17.Qa3 b5 18.cxb5 Bxb5 19.Ne4 Ba6 20.Bxe7 Kxe7=
Maksimovic,B (2378)-Duran Vega, S (2372) Paracin 145/(36) 2019
15.Be3 Be7 16.Na4

331
16...Qc7?!
16...Nxh4! 17.Rxh4 a5 18.Qb3 (18.Qa3 Bxh4 19.Nb6 f4 20.Bd2 Bg4 21.Nxa8 O-O!ƒ 22.Nb6 Qd8
23.Na4 Bxf2+! 24.Kxf2 Qh4+ 25.Kg1 f3-+ Milanovic, Danilo) 18...Bxh4 19.Nb6 f4!? (19...Qd8)
20.Bd2 (20.Bg6+ Ke7 21.Nxd7 Qc7 (21...Kxd7? 22.Bb6+- … Qh3) 22.Bxf4 Qxd7 23.Be3 Kf6µ)
20...Bg4 21.Nxa8 O-O 22.Nb6 e4 23.Bxe4 Qe8 24.Qd3 Bf5 25.Kf1 Bxe4 26.Qh3 Qg6ƒ
17.Nb6 Rd8 18.g3
18.O-O-O!? e4 19.Be2 Ne5 20.g3 - 18.g3
18...e4 19.Be2 Ne5 20.O-O-O O-O 21.Kb1² Be8 22.Rc1 Bg6 23.Ka1
23.Bf4 Ng4 24.c5 dxc5! (24...Nxf2? 25.Qe1! Nxh1 26.cxd6 Qxb6 27.dxe7+-) 25.Bxc7 cxb4
26.Bxd8 Bxd8 27.Nd7 Re8 28.Bxg4 fxg4 29.Ka1 e3! 30.fxe3 Re7 31.Nc5 Bc7©
23...Kh7 24.Rhd1?!
24.a4?! f4! 25.Bxf4

332
25...a5! (25...Rxf4 26.gxf4 Nd3 27.Bxd3 a5 28.Qxa5 exd3©) 26.Qxa5? (26.Qb3 Rxf4 27.gxf4 Nd3
28.Bxd3 exd3 29.Rhg1 Bf5 30.Rc3 Kh8! 31.c5 dxc5 32.Nc4 Qxf4 33.Rxd3 Bxd3 34.Qxd3 Qxf2
35.Qg6 Bf6 36.Qxh5+ Kg8∞) 26...Ra8 27.Qb4 Qxb6!! 28.Qxb6 Rxa4+ 29.Kb1 e3+ 30.Rc2 Rfa8-+;
24.Bf4 Bf6 25.Rhd1²
24...Rfe8
24...f4! 25.Bxf4 Rxf4 (25...Nd3 26.Bxd3 Rxf4! (26...exd3?! 27.c5!±)) 26.gxf4 Nd3 27.Bxd3 exd3©
25.Na4 Rc8
¹25...Nd7 26.Qd2 b6∞
26.Qb6 Qb8 27.Qb3 Bf6 28.c5 Bf7 29.Nb6 Rcd8 30.Rd2
30.cxd6 Qxd6 31.Bf4²
30...dxc5 31.Bxc5 Nd7 32.Be3 Nxb6 33.Bxb6 Rd7 34.Qd1 Qe5 35.Bc4
35.Bxh5 g6 36.f4 Qe7 37.Be2 Qa3!³
35...f4
¹35...Rc8
36.Bd4
36.gxf4 Qxf4 37.d6∞
36...Qf5 37.Bxf6 Qxf6 38.gxf4 Qxf4 39.d6 Bg6 40.Be2 Red8 41.Bxh5 Bf5 42.Qe1 Rxd6 43.Rxd6
Rxd6µ 44.Be2
44.Qe3 Qxe3 45.fxe3 Rh6µ

333
44...Qd2
44...Rd2! 45.Rc3 Qd6 46.Bh5 Qd4 47.Qe3 Qxe3 48.fxe3 Kh6-+
45.a3 Qxe1 46.Rxe1 Rd2?
46...Kh6µ
47.Ka2! Be6+ 48.Kb1 Bb3 49.Kc1 Rc2+ 50.Kb1 Rc6 51.Bd1 Bxd1 52.Rxd1 Rh6 53.Rd7 b5
54.Kc2 Rxh4 55.Kd2 Rf4 56.Ke2 Kh6 57.Ra7 Rf6 58.Re7 Rc6 1/2-1/2

37. * B33
Carlsen, Magnus (2863) - Gelfand, Boris (2676)
chess24.com (Int.-m/1-rapid) 145/37, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e5 6.Ndb5 d6 7.Nd5 Nxd5 8.exd5 Ne7 9.c4 Ng6
10.Qa4 Bd7 11.Qb4 Qb8 12.h4 h5
12...a6 - 145/35
13.Be3 b6!?
13...a6 14.Nc3 Be7 (14...f5!? 15.O-O-O?! Be7 16.g3 O-O 17.Be2 e4! 18.Bxh5 (18.Bd4?! Bf6
19.Bxf6 Rxf6 20.Qb6 Ne5ƒ - 139/50) 18...Ne5 19.Be2 b5 20.cxb5 Bd8!© Ivanisevic,Ivan; 14...a5
15.Qb3 a4 16.Qd1 Be7 17.g3 Qc8 18.Be2 Bg4 19.Rc1 Bxe2 20.Qxe2 Qf5 21.Kf1!? (21.c5?! O-O!∞
- 138/65) 21...O-O 22.Kg2²) 15.g3 a5 16.Qb3 a4 17.Qc2N (17.Qd1) 17...f5 18.c5 (18.Be2²) 18...O-
O 19.Bb5 Qe8∞ Frolyanov,D (2556)-Kardashevskiy,E (2437) Moscow 145/(37) 2020
14.Be2N
14.g3
14...Be7 15.g3 a6 16.Nc3 b5 17.cxb5 axb5 18.O-O

334
18...O-O
18...f5! 19.Bd2 (19.Bxb5 O-O 20.a3 Bxb5 21.Qxb5 Qc8 (21...f4 22.Qxb8 Rfxb8 23.Bc1 Bd8©)
22.Qc6 (22.Qd3?! Nxh4! 23.gxh4 f4µ) 22...Qb8 23.Qb5 Qc8=; 19.Nxb5 f4 20.Bd2 (20.a4!? O-O)
20...O-O 21.a4 Rf6 22.Ra3 Qf8©) 19...O-O 20.Bxh5 (20.Nxb5 f4©) 20...Be8 21.Be2 (21.Bf3 Bd8©)
21...Bd8 22.h5 Nh8 23.Kg2 Ba5 24.Qb3 Nf7©
19.Bxh5 Bd8! 20.Ne4
20.Bxg6 Ba5 21.Qb3 fxg6©
20...Bf5?
20...Ra6 21.Bxg6 fxg6 22.f3 Bf5 23.Kg2 Be7©
21.Nxd6 Be7 22.Bc5 Bh3?
22...Ra4 23.Nxf5 Rxb4 24.Nxe7+ Nxe7 25.Bxb4 Re8 26.Rad1±
23.Bxg6
23.Rfc1+-
23...fxg6

335
23...Ra4 24.Qxb5 (24.Nf5 Bxf5 (24...Rxb4 25.Nxe7+ Kh8 26.Bxb4 Bxf1 27.Rxf1+-) 25.Qb3 Bxc5
26.Bxf5±) 24...Qxb5 25.Nxb5 Bxc5 26.Bd3 Bxf1 27.Kxf1±
24.Ne4! Bxc5
24...Ra4 25.Qb3 Rxe4 26.d6+ Rc4 27.dxe7 Re8 28.Rfc1+-
25.Qxc5 Bxf1 26.Rxf1+- Qc8
26...Rxa2 27.d6 Rxb2 28.d7+-
27.Qxb5 Qg4 28.Qc4 Rf4 29.d6+ Kh8 30.Qd5 Raf8 31.d7 Rxe4 32.d8=Q Rxd8 33.Qxd8+ Kh7
34.Qd1 Qf5 35.Qd3 Qg4 36.h5 Kh6 37.Qd2+ g5 38.Qd6+ Kxh5 39.Kg2 Qf5 40.Rh1+ Rh4
41.Qd1+ 1-0

38. B33
Gerhards, Guntis - Galliano, Giovanni
corr 145/38, 2019

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e5 6.Ndb5 d6 7.Bg5 a6 8.Na3 b5 9.Bxf6 gxf6
10.Nd5 f5 11.Bd3 Be6 12.c3 Bg7 13.Qh5 O-O 14.O-O f4 15.Rfd1 Rb8
15...Kh8 16.Nc2 (16.g3?! Rg8 17.Kh1 Bh6! 18.Be2 (18.Qxh6? Rg6 19.Qh4 Qxh4 20.gxh4 Bg4-+)
18...Rg6³) 16...f5 17.a4 (17.exf5 Bxd5 18.f6 Bh6 19.Qxh6 Ra7 20.f7 Rfxf7 21.Ne1 Rf6 22.Qh5
Rg7∞) 17...Bf7 18.Qe2 bxa4 19.Rxa4 a5 20.Rda1 Rb8∞
16.Nc2 Kh8

336
16...Qd7 - 89/118
17.Ncb4N
17.Be2
17...Nxb4 18.Nxb4 Ra8 19.Nd5 Rb8 20.Kh1 Rg8 21.Be2 Bf6 22.b4 Rg7 23.a4 bxa4 24.Rxa4 Bh4!
25.Rxa6
25.g3?! fxg3 26.fxg3 Bxg3 27.hxg3 Rxg3 28.Rd3 Rg6ƒ
25...Bxf2 26.h3 Bc8 27.Ra2 Be6 28.Ra6 f6 29.Rc6 Bf7 30.Qf3 Ba7 31.Ra6 Bxd5 32.Rxd5 f5
33.exf5 Qh4 34.f6 Rxg2 1/2-1/2

39. B34
Fedorov, Alexei (2536) - Biolek, Richard Jr (2451)
Praha (open) 145/39, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Nge2 g6 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nxd4 Bg7 6.Nde2!?

6.Nb3 Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 Nf6 8.Bd3 d5 - 74/182
6...d6 7.g3 h5!?
7...Nf6 - 70; 7...b5 - 72/163; 7...Bg4 - 87/133
8.h3 Bd7 9.Bg2 Qc8
9...Nf6 10.Bg5 b5!?
10.a4 Na5N

337
10...b6 11.Be3 Nh6 (11...Nf6 12.Qd2 Rb8 13.b3!? O-O 14.Rc1 Re8 15.Kf1 Nb4 16.Kg1²) 12.Qd2
(12.Nf4 Na5„) 12...Kf8 13.O-O-O Rb8 14.f4²; 10...Nf6 11.Be3 (11.Nd5 - 138/90, 70) 11...Ne5
(11...O-O 12.Rc1 Nb4 13.Qd2 a5 14.b3 Re8 15.f3 Nh7 16.g4²; 11...Be6 12.Nd5 O-O 13.Rc1² … c4)
12.f4 Nc4 13.Bc1 O-O 14.b3 Na5 15.Be3 ∆Nxe4

16.Nd5! Nc3 17.Nexc3 Bxc3+ 18.Bd2 Bxd2+ 19.Qxd2 Qd8 20.O-O Kh7 21.f5ƒ
11.Nd5
11.Qd3 Nf6 12.f4 O-O 13.Be3 Nc4 14.b3 (14.O-O-O b5„) 14...Nxe3 15.Qxe3 Be6 16.O-O-O a6„
11...Nc4
11...Nf6 12.Ra2!? (12.Ne3 b6 13.Bd2 Nc4 14.Nxc4 Qxc4 15.b3 Qc6!? 16.Nd4 Qc8 17.Qf3 O-O
18.c4 Ng4 19.Bc3 Ne5 20.Qe3 a6∞; 12.Nec3 Nxd5 13.Nxd5 Nc4 14.c3 b5!? 15.axb5 e6 16.Ne3
Nxe3 17.Bxe3 Bxb5„) 12...Nxd5 13.exd5 O-O 14.b3 e5 15.dxe6 (15.Ba3 Qc7 16.O-O b6 17.c4
Nb7∞) 15...Bxe6 16.Nf4 Qc3+ 17.Bd2 Qe5+ 18.Ne2 h4!? 19.g4 f5 20.Bf4 Qc5 21.Qd2 (21.Bxd6?
Bc3+ 22.Nxc3 Qxc3+ 23.Kf1 Rad8-+) 21...Rad8 22.Be3 Qc7 23.gxf5 Bxf5 24.O-O Nc6 25.a5²
12.Ra2 Nf6
12...Nb6 13.b3 Nxd5 14.exd5 Nh6 15.c4 a6 16.a5 O-O 17.Bb2 Bxb2 (17...Rb8 18.Bxg7 Kxg7
19.Qd4+ Kh7 20.g4!ƒ) 18.Rxb2 Kh7 19.Qd2 Rb8 20.Nd4 e5 21.dxe6 fxe6 22.g4 ∆Qc5 23.Nf3 Kg7
24.Rc2!? hxg4 25.b4 Qc6 26.Nh4 Qa4 27.O-O gxh3 28.Qc3+ Rf6 29.Ra1 Qxc2 30.Qxc2 hxg2
31.Ra3!ƒ
13.b3 Ne5 14.c4 h4

338
14...Nxd5 15.cxd5 ∆f5 16.O-O O-O 17.Nf4±
15.f4
15.g4! g5!? (15...Nxd5 16.cxd5 g5 17.Rc2 Qd8 18.Bxg5 b5 19.axb5 Qa5+ 20.Bd2 Nd3+ 21.Kf1
Qxb5 22.Bc3 Be5 23.Nd4 Qa6 24.Kg1 Nf4 25.Bf1 Qb6 26.Nf3±) 16.Bxg5 Nxd5 17.cxd5 Bxg4!?
18.Rc2 (18.hxg4 Qxg4 19.Rg1 Qxg5 20.f4 Qh5 21.fxe5 h3„) 18...Qd7 19.Be3 Nf3+ 20.Kf1 Bh5
21.Qc1 (… Nf4) 21...Be5 22.Ng1! Nd4 23.Bxd4! Bxd4 24.Bf3 Bb6 25.Bxh5 Rxh5 26.Ne2 ∆e5
(26...Rh8 27.a5! Bd8 28.b4 Rg8 29.Nd4±) 27.dxe6 fxe6 28.Rg1 Qf7 29.Rg2 Kd7 30.Nf4 Rc5
31.Rxc5 Bxc5 32.Qc4!±
15...Nc6 16.Nxf6+
16.g4 Nxd5 17.exd5 Nb4 18.Bb2 Bxb2 19.Rxb2 Qc5 20.Nd4 e5! 21.dxe6 fxe6 22.Rf2 O-O-O 23.O-
O e5∞
16...Bxf6 17.g4 Nb4 18.Rd2 Qc5 19.e5
19.Ba3 O-O-O 20.Rd5 Nc2+ 21.Qxc2 Qxa3 22.O-O Bc6∞
19...Bc6
¹19...Bg7 20.Bb2 O-O 21.Bd4 Qa5 22.O-O dxe5 23.fxe5 Bc6 (23...e6 24.Bf2²) 24.e6 fxe6 25.Bxg7
Kxg7 26.Nd4 Rxf1+ 27.Qxf1 Qe5! 28.Qe2 Qxe2 29.Rxe2 Rc8!? (29...e5 30.Rxe5 Kf6 31.Re6+ Kf7
32.Be4 Bxe4 33.Rxe4 Nd3 34.g5²) 30.Rxe6 Kf7 (30...Bxg2 31.Kxg2 Kf7 32.Re3²) 31.Re3 Rd8!
32.Nxc6 bxc6 33.g5 Rd1+ 34.Kf2 Rd2+ 35.Kf1 Nc2 36.Re5 Nd4 37.b4 Rc2 38.Rc5 Rc1+ 39.Kf2
Rc2+=
20.exf6 Bxg2 21.Rh2² Be4 22.fxe7 Qe3?

339
22...Kxe7 23.Ba3 Kd7 24.Kf1 Rae8 25.Nc3 a5 26.Bb2²
23.Rxd6 Nd3+
23...Nc2+ 24.Kf1 Qf3+ 25.Kg1 Kxe7 26.Bb2+-
24.Rxd3 Qxd3 25.Qxd3 Bxd3

26.Bb2
26.Nc3! Kxe7 27.Ba3+ Ke6 28.Rd2 Rhd8 29.Nd5 Bb1 30.Re2+ Kd7 31.Re7+ Kc8 32.Rc7+ Kb8
33.Rxf7+-
26...Kxe7 27.Bxh8 Rxh8 28.Nc3 Re8 29.Rd2 Kf8+ 30.Kf2 Be4 31.Nxe4
31.a5 Bc6 32.b4 Rc8 33.Rd4 a6 (33...Ke7 34.b5+-) 34.Nb1 … Nd2±
31...Rxe4 32.Rd7?!
32.Kf3 Re1 33.Rd7 b6 34.f5! (34.Rxa7 Rb1) 34...gxf5 35.gxf5 Rb1 36.Kg4 Rxb3 37.Rxa7 Rb4
(37...Kg7 38.Rc7±) 38.Kxh4 Rxc4+ 39.Kg5±
32...Rxf4+ 33.Kg2
33.Ke3 Rf1 34.Rxb7 Rh1 35.Kf4 Rxh3 36.Kg5 (36.a5 Rc3=) 36...a5 37.c5 Rc3=
33...b6?
33...a5! 34.Rxb7 Rd4! 35.c5 Rd2+ 36.Kf3 Rd3+ 37.Kf4 Rxh3=
34.Rxa7± Rd4 35.Rb7 Rd2+ 36.Kf1 Rd1+ 37.Ke2 Rh1 38.Rxb6 Rxh3 39.a5 Rh2+ 40.Kf1 Ra2
41.a6

340
41.b4 h3 42.Kg1 g5

43.b5! f5 (43...Rxa5 44.Ra6+-) 44.gxf5 g4 45.Rh6+-

41...g5 42.c5 Ke7 43.Rb7+?
43.b4! f5 44.gxf5 g4 45.b5 g3 46.Rg6+-
43...Ke6 44.a7 Kd5! 45.Rxf7
45.b4 Ra1+ 46.Ke2 (46.Kg2 Ra2+ 47.Kf3 Ra3+) 46...Ra2+ 47.Kd3 Ra3+ 48.Kc2 h3! 49.Rxf7 h2
50.Rf1 (50.Rh7? Rxa7-+) 50...Rxa7 51.Kb3 Rh7 52.Rh1 Rh4=
45...Kxc5 46.Rg7 Kb6= 47.Rxg5 Kxa7 48.Rh5 Rh2 49.Kg1 Rh3 50.Kf2 Kb6 51.b4 Kc6 52.Rh8
Kd7 53.b5 Rb3 54.Rxh4 Rxb5 55.Rh3 Rb2+ 56.Kg3 Ke7 1/2-1/2

40. * B35
Nakamura, Hikaru (2736) - Dubov, Daniil (2699)
chess24.com (Int.-m3/2-rapid) 145/40, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 g6 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nxd4 Bg7 6.Be3 Nf6 7.Bc4 O-O 8.Bb3 Re8 9.Nxc6
9.O-O - 143/40
9...dxc6 10.h3 Qc7 11.f4N
11.a4 b6 12.Qf3 e5 13.O-O Be6 14.Rfd1 Nd7 15.Bxe6 Rxe6 16.Nb1 Rd6 17.Rxd6 Qxd6 18.Nd2
Nc5 19.c3 Rd8 20.Nc4 Qe6 21.Bxc5 Qxc4=
11...b5!? - 145/40
11...Rd8N 12.Qf3 c5 13.e5 c4 14.exf6 Bxf6 15.Ba4 Qa5 16.O-O Bxc3 17.bxc3 Qxa4 18.Bd4 Qc6=

341
Nakamura,H (2736)-Dubov,D (2699) chess24.com (Int.-m3/ 4-rapid) 145/(40) 2020
12.e5 b4! 13.Na4
13.exf6? exf6
13...Nd5 14.Qf3 Nxe3 15.Qxe3 a5?
15...Rd8
16.O-O-O!ƒ Qa7 17.Qe4 Bf5 18.Qc4 Qe3+ 19.Kb1 Be6 20.Qd4 Qxd4 21.Rxd4 Rad8 22.Rhd1?!
22.Rxd8! Rxd8 23.Bxe6 fxe6

24.h4! Rd2 25.Rg1 h6 26.Nc5 g5 27.hxg5 hxg5 28.g3 gxf4 29.gxf4 Kf7 30.Ne4 Rh2 31.Ng5+ Ke8
32.Nxe6 Bh6 33.Rf1±
22...Rxd4 23.Rxd4 Bc8! 24.Nb6 c5
24...g5 25.Ba4 gxf4 26.Bxc6 Rf8 27.Nc4²
25.Rd2
25.Rd5?! Bb7 26.Rxc5 Bxg2; 25.Rc4! Bb7 (25...Rd8 26.a4 bxa3 27.Rxc5 Bf5 28.g4 Be4 29.Bd5±)
26.g3 Rd8 27.a4±
25...g5 26.Rd5 gxf4 27.Rxc5 f3! 28.gxf3 Bxh3 29.Rxa5 Rd8 30.a4 bxa3

342
31.bxa3?!
31.Rxa3 Bxe5 32.Ra5 Rd1+ 33.Ka2 Re1µ; 31.Nd5 e6 32.Nf6+ Bxf6 33.exf6 Bf5 … h5³
31...e6µ 32.Ka2 h5 33.Ra4 Bxe5 34.Re4 Bf6
¹34...Bg3-+
35.Re1 h4 36.Rg1+ Kf8 37.Nc4 Bf5 38.Rh1 Rd4 39.Ne3 Bg6 40.a4 Bh5 41.a5 Bxf3 42.Rf1 Rf4
43.a6 Bd4 44.Re1 Re4 0-1

41. B35
Leko, Peter (2666) - Sadikhov, Ulvi (2502)
Ulcinj 145/41, 2019

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 g6 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nxd4 Bg7 6.Be3 Nf6 7.Bc4 O-O 8.Bb3 Ng4 9.Qxg4
Nxd4 10.Qd1 Nxb3 11.axb3 a5
11...b6 12.Bd4 Bb7 13.h4​→; 11...d6 12.Bd4 ∆Bxd4 13.Qxd4 b6 14.h4​→; 11...Bxc3+ 12.bxc3² -
9/301; 11...a6 - 96/(109)
12.Bd4! d6
12...Ra6 13.h4 (13.Bxg7 Kxg7 14.O-O²) 13...Rd6 14.Nd5 h5 15.Qd2ƒ
13.Bxg7 Kxg7 14.Qd4+ e5?!
14...f6
15.Qd3 f5?!N
15...Be6 16.O-O± ×d6

343
16.O-O fxe4 17.Qxe4 Rf4 18.Qe2± Bd7 19.Nd5 Rf7
19...Rd4 20.Rad1 Bg4 21.f3 Rxd1 22.Rxd1 Be6 23.Qb5ƒ
20.Rad1 Bc6 21.c4
21.Qe3 b5 22.Rd2 … Rfd1ƒ
21...Qg5 22.f3 Raf8 23.Kh1 Qh4 24.Rfe1

24...Rf5
24...g5! 25.Qd3 g4 26.Re4 h5∞
25.Qe4 Qh6 26.Qe3 Qh4 27.Qg1 Rh5 28.Re4 Qg5 29.Rg4 Qd8
¹29...Qh6 30.Ne3 Rxh2+ 31.Qxh2 Qxe3 32.Qh4 (32.Rxd6 Qc1+ 33.Qg1 Qh6+=) 32...Rxf3!
33.Kh2 Qf2∞
30.b4 Bd7
30...axb4 31.Nxb4 Ba4 32.Rd5²
31.Re4 Bf5 32.Re2 Be6 33.bxa5 Qh4?
33...Qxa5 34.b3±
34.Re4 Qg3 35.Ne3 Bf5 36.Nf1 Qg5 37.Re2 Be6
37...e4 38.Qd4+ Kg8 39.Re3+-
38.b3+- Bd7 39.Rxd6 Bc6 40.Nd2 Rf4 41.a6 Qe7 42.a7! Rf8 43.Rd3
43.Qc5

344
43...Ra8 44.Ne4 Qa3 45.Ng3 Rh4 46.Rxe5
46.Qe3
46...Rxa7 47.h3 Ra8 48.Qe3 Qb2 49.Rd2 Qa3 50.Kh2 1-0

42. * B40
Kawulok, Marek (2226) - Laznicka, Viktor (2638)
Cesko (ch) 145/42, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.g3 d5 4.exd5 exd5 5.d4 Nc6 6.Bg2 Bg4 7.h3!?
7.O-O - 142/(42)
7...Bxf3
7...Qe7+ 8.Kf1 Be6 (8...Bh5 9.Nc3 O-O-O 10.Ne2 Nf6∞) 9.Nc3 Nf6 10.Kg1 Ne4 (10...Qd8!?)
11.Be3 Nxc3 12.bxc3 c4 13.Ng5 Qd7 14.Nxe6 fxe6∞
8.Qxf3 Qe7+
8...Nxd4 9.Qd3 Nf6 10.Nc3 Be7 11.O-O O-O 12.Bg5 Rc8N (12...Nc6) 13.Rad1² Janzelj,T (2448)-
Tadic,B (2505) Nova Gorica 145/(42) 2020
9.Kf1 Nxd4?!N
9...cxd4 10.Qxd5 Nf6 11.Qb5 Qd7 12.Bg5 Be7=
10.Qd3 O-O-O 11.Nc3 Qe6
11...Nf6 12.Bg5 Qe5 (12...Ne6 13.Re1 d4 14.Nd5 Qd6 15.Bxf6 gxf6 16.Qf3 Qa6+ 17.Kg1±) 13.h4
c4 14.Qd2 Ne6 15.Re1 Qf5 16.Bh3 Qf3 17.Rg1±
12.Bg5
12.h4!ƒ
12...f6 13.Be3 Ne7 14.Bxd4 cxd4 15.Nb5
15.Ne2 Nc6 16.Nxd4 Nxd4 17.Qxd4²
15...Qb6 16.Rd1 Nc6 17.Nxd4 Nxd4 18.Qxd4 Bc5

345
18...Qxd4 19.Rxd4 Bc5 20.Rxd5 Rxd5 21.Bxd5 Rd8 22.c4²
19.Qc3?!
19.Qg4+ Kb8 (19...f5?! 20.Qxf5+ Kb8 21.Rxd5 Rhf8 22.Qe5+ Bd6 23.Qd4±) 20.Bxd5 Rhe8
(20...Qxb2 21.Kg2±) 21.Qf4+ Re5 22.c4 (22.Kg2 Bxf2=) 22...Qxb2 23.Kg2 Be3! 24.Qf3 Bxf2
25.Rb1 Qxa2 26.Ra1 (26.Rxb7+?! Kc8³) 26...Qc2 27.Rhc1 Qd2 28.Rd1 Qc2=; 19.Qf4! Qxb2
(19...Qb5+ 20.Rd3 Qc4 21.Qf5+ Kb8 22.Bxd5 Qxc2 23.Qf4+ Bd6 24.Qf3²) 20.Bxd5 Qe5 21.Qf3
Qc7 22.Kg2²
19...Kb8 20.Qb3
20.Qd2 Qxb2 21.Bxd5 Rd6 22.Kg2 Rhd8 23.c4 Qxd2 24.Rxd2=
20...Qa6+
20...Bxf2 21.Qxb6 Bxb6 22.Rxd5=
21.Qd3
21.Rd3 Rd6 22.Bxd5 Rb6 23.Qc3 Rc8 24.Bc4 Bb4 25.Bxa6 Bxc3 26.Bxb7 Kxb7 27.bxc3 Rb2=
21...Qxa2 22.b3
22.Bxd5 Qxb2 23.Kg2 Qe5 24.Qf3 Qc7∞
22...Rhe8
22...d4!? 23.Bf3 Qa5 24.Kg2 Bb4ƒ
23.Bf3= g6 24.Kg2 Re5 25.Rhe1 Rxe1 26.Rxe1 Qa5 27.Re6 f5 28.Re5 Qb6 29.Rxd5 Rxd5 30.Qxd5
a5 31.Qg8+ 1/2-1/2

346
 43. B45
Huschenbeth, Niclas (2605) - Nisipeanu, Liviu Dieter (2655)
Magdeburg 145/43, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Nxc6 bxc6 7.e5 Nd5 8.Ne4 Qc7 9.f4 Rb8!?
10.c4 Bb4+ 11.Ke2 O-O 12.cxd5 cxd5 13.Nf2

13.Nd6 f6! 14.Nxc8 fxe5 15.a3 Bc5 16.b4 Bd4 17.Ne7+ Kf7 18.Rb1 (18.Nxd5 Qc4+ 19.Qd3 Qxd5
20.Rb1 Rbc8©) 18...Kxe7©; 13.Ng5 d6 (13...f6!?) 14.a3 Ba5 15.b4 dxe5! 16.bxa5 (16.Nf3 e4
17.bxa5 exf3+ 18.gxf3 e5©) 16...exf4 17.Nf3 e5 18.Ke1 (18.Kf2 Qc5+ 19.Nd4 (19.Ke1 Re8©)
19...Bf5©) 18...Re8 19.Be2 e4©
13...d6?!N
13...f6! 14.exf6 (14.a3 Be7 15.exf6 Bxf6 16.Qd2 e5³) 14...Rxf6 15.Nd3 (15.Be3? Rxf4!! 16.Bxf4
Qxf4-+; 15.g3 e5!µ - 85/157) 15...e5! 16.Qb3 (16.Nxe5? Ba6+ 17.Kf2 Qxe5 18.Bxa6 Rxf4+
19.Bxf4 Qxf4+ 20.Qf3 Qd4+ 21.Kg3 (21.Kf1 Rf8-+) 21...Rb6-+; 16.fxe5 Qc4! 17.h3 Rf8-+)
16...Bd6 17.Qxd5+ Re6 18.f5 (18.Bd2 Bb7 19.Qa5 exf4+ 20.Kd1 f3 21.Qxc7 Bxc7 22.Nc5 fxg2
23.Bxg2 Bxg2 24.Nxe6 dxe6³) 18...Bb7 19.Qb3 Bf3+ 20.gxf3 Rxb3 21.axb3 Qc2+ 22.Ke1 (22.Bd2
e4! 23.fxe6 Qxd3+ 24.Ke1 Qxf3 25.exd7 Be7-+) 22...Re8³ (22...Be7!?)
14.exd6?
14.a3! Bc5 15.b4 Bxf2 (15...Bb6 16.Bb2 d4 17.Rc1 Qe7 18.Nd3±) 16.Kxf2 dxe5 17.Bb2 Qb6+
(17...exf4 18.Qd4 f6 19.Rc1+-) 18.Ke1 f6 19.Be2±
14...Bxd6 15.Kf3 e5 16.fxe5 Bxe5 17.Bd3 Rb6
17...Bb7! 18.g3 (18.Ke2 Rbe8 19.Kf1 Bd4​→) 18...f5 19.Kg2 d4+ 20.Kf1 f4​→

347
18.g3
18.Qc2? Rf6+ 19.Ke2 Re8!-+
18...Bb7 19.Kg2 f5! 20.Qc2?
20.Re1 d4+ 21.Kf1 f4 22.Rxe5 (22.g4 f3∞) 22...fxg3!? 23.Bf4 (23.hxg3 Qxe5 24.Bf4 Qd5 25.Be4
Qb5+ 26.Bd3 Qd5=) 23...gxf2 24.Rf5 Qc6 25.Rxf8+ Kxf8 26.Qg4 Qh1+ 27.Ke2 Rxb2+ 28.Bd2
Qxa1 29.Qf5+=
20...Rc6
20...d4+ 21.Kf1 Qb8 22.Rg1 f4ƒ
21.Qb3 f4 22.gxf4?
22.Rf1 fxg3 (22...Rb6 23.Qc2 Rc6=) 23.hxg3 Bxg3 24.Be3 Bf4 25.Ng4 h5 (25...Rc4!?) 26.Bxf4 Rxf4
27.Rxf4 Qxf4 28.Qxd5+ Re6 29.Qxb7 Qxg4+ 30.Kh2 Qh4+=
22...Bxf4 23.Rf1

23.Bxf4 Qxf4 24.Rhf1 Rb6 25.Qc2 d4+ 26.Be4 Rg6+ 27.Kh1 Qf3+!-+
23...Bxc1
23...Bxh2! 24.Be3 (24.Kh1 Rb6 25.Qd1 Bf4-+) 24...Re6 25.Rae1 Kh8 26.Kh1 Bd6-+
24.Raxc1 Rxc1 25.Rxc1 Qxc1 26.Qxb7 Qg5+ 27.Kf1?
27.Kh1 Rxf2 28.Qb8+ Rf8 (28...Kf7?? 29.Qxa7++-) 29.Bxh7+ Kxh7 30.Qxf8 Qc1+ 31.Kg2
Qxb2+µ

348
27...Qe3! 28.Qxd5+ Kh8 29.Bf5 Qf4 0-1

44. B45
Warakomski, Tomasz (2515) - Barski, Radoslaw (2444)
Polska 145/44, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Nxc6 bxc6 7.e5 Nd5 8.Ne4 Qc7 9.f4 Rb8
10.Bd3 Qb6 11.a3 f5N
11...Be7 12.Qe2 (12.c4 f5 13.Ng5 (13.Nf2 Bc5N (13...Nc7) 14.Qh5+ g6 15.Qe2 Ba6 16.O-O
(16.cxd5 Bxf2+ 17.Qxf2 Bxd3=) 16...Qb3∞; 13.Nd6+ Bxd6 14.exd6 Nf6∞) 13...Bxg5 14.fxg5 Ne7
15.Qe2 Qd4 16.Rb1 Ng6 17.Be3 Qxe5 18.O-O (18.Bxa7?? Qa5+-+) 18...O-O 19.Bxa7 Ra8∞)
12...f5 13.Nd6+ (13.Nf2 Bc5∞ - 88/ (144)) 13...Bxd6 14.exd6 O-O∞
12.exf6 Nxf6
12...gxf6 13.c4 f5 14.Ng5 Nf6 15.b4 c5 16.b5 Bg7 17.O-O±
13.Nxf6+ gxf6 14.Qh5+
14.b4 a5 15.Qh5+ Kd8 16.Ke2 axb4 17.Be3 c5 18.axb4 Qc6 19.bxc5 Qxg2+ 20.Bf2 Rb4∞
14...Kd8 15.Bd2 d5 16.Qe2
16.Bc3 Qe3+ 17.Kd1 Be7 18.g3 Qb6 19.Re1 Bd7 20.Qh6 Rf8 21.Qxh7 a5©
16...a5?!
16...Bd6 17.b4 (17.Bc3 Rf8 18.Qd2 Kd7∞) 17...c5 18.Qf2 (18.Be3 Qc7∞) 18...Rg8 19.O-O Rb7∞
17.Bc3 Be7 18.Qd2?!
18.O-O-O Bd7 (18...Kc7

349
19.Bf5! Bd6 (19...c5 20.Rxd5! Bf8 21.Qd2±) 20.Bxe6 Bxf4+ 21.Kb1 Re8 22.Qg4 Be5 23.Bxc8
Rbxc8 24.Rd3²) 19.Rhe1 Kc7 20.Bf5 Rhe8 21.Bh3 Bd6 22.g3²
18...Ra8 19.O-O-O Bd7?!
19...Kc7 20.Be2 (20.Qe2 d4 21.Be1 Rb8 22.c4 h5∞) 20...c5 21.b3 d4 22.Bb2 e5∞
20.Rhe1 Ra7

21.Bf5??
21.Bf1 Kc8 22.g3 c5 23.Qf2 Rb7 24.Bg2²

350
21...exf5 22.Rxe7 Kxe7 23.Bd4
23.Qe2+ Be6 24.Bxf6+ (24.Re1 c5-+) 24...Kxf6 25.Qe5+ Ke7 26.Qxh8 Qe3+ 27.Kb1 Rd7-+
23...c5 24.Qe3+ Kd6 25.Bxf6 Re8 26.Be5+ Kc6 27.c4 Be6 28.Rd3 d4 29.Qf3+ Kd7 30.Rb3 Qc6
31.Qh3 Rb7 32.Rxb7+ Qxb7 33.Qxh7+ Re7 0-1

45. ** !N B45
Saric, Ivan (2646) - Blohberger, Felix (2467)
Skalica 145/45, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Nxc6 bxc6 7.e5 Nd5 8.Ne4 Qc7 9.f4 Qb6
10.c4 Bb4+ 11.Ke2 f5 12.Nf2 Ba6 13.Kf3 Ne7 14.Be3 Bc5 15.Bxc5 Qxc5 16.Qd6 Qa5
16...Qb6 17.b3 c5 18.Be2 (18.Rd1 Bb7+ 19.Kg3 (19.Ke3 - 86/159) 19...Qxd6 20.Rxd6?!

(20.exd6 Ng8!? (20...Ng6) 21.Nd3 Rc8 22.Be2 Nf6∞) 20...g5! 21.fxg5 h6N (21...Rg8? 22.h4²)
22.Rd1 (22.gxh6 Rg8+ 23.Kh3 O-O-O-+; 22.Nh3 O-O-O 23.Kf2 Ng6µ) 22...hxg5µ Sanchez Aller,F
(2380)-Medarde Santiago,L (2320) Portugal 145/(45) 2020) 18...Bb7+ (18...Nc6 - 85/(158)) 19.Kg3
Qxd6 (19...Nc8 20.Qxb6 (20.Qd2 d5 21.Bh5+ g6 22.Bf3 Ne7 23.Nd3 O-O∞) 20...axb6 21.a4 Kd8!
22.a5 Kc7 23.Nd3 Ne7=) 20.exd6 Ng8

351
21.a3!N (21.Bf3 Bxf3 22.Kxf3 Nf6=) 21...Nf6 22.b4² Saric,I (2655)-Ibarra Jerez,J (2548) Gibraltar
145/(45) 2020
17.h4
17.Be2 g5
17...c5 18.Kg3 Rd8 19.Rh3
19.Nd3 Bxc4!? (19...Rc8) 20.Qxc5 Qxc5 21.Nxc5 Bxf1 22.Rhxf1 Nd5∞
19...Nc8 20.Qd1 d5N
20...d6
21.exd6
21.Qh5+ g6 22.Qg5 Ne7 23.cxd5 (23.Qf6? Rf8 24.Qxe6 Bc8-+; 23.h5? h6 24.Qf6 (24.Qh4 g5-+)
24...Rf8 25.Qg7 Rg8 26.Qxh6 dxc4-+) 23...Nxd5 24.h5 Bxf1 25.Rxf1 (25.hxg6?! Rg8 26.Rxh7 Be2-
+) 25...Qd2 26.hxg6 Qe3+ 27.Kh2 Qxf4+ 28.Qxf4 Nxf4 29.g7 Rg8 30.Rxh7 Kf7∞; 21.Kh2 Bxc4
22.Bxc4 dxc4 23.Qh5+ g6 24.Qg5 Qb6 25.b3 Ne7 26.bxc4 Qb2 27.Rd1 Qxf2 28.Rxd8+ Kxd8
29.Rd3+ Ke8 30.Rb3 h6 31.Rb8+ Kd7 32.Rb7+ Kc6 33.Qxe7 Qxf4+=
21...Nxd6 22.Qe1 Qxe1 23.Rxe1 Bxc4 24.Bxc4 Nxc4 25.b3
25.Rxe6+ Kf7 26.Ra6 Nxb2 27.Rxa7+ Kf6 28.Ra6+ Kf7=
25...Nb6
25...Nd6 26.Rxe6+ Kf7 27.Re2 c4 28.Kh2 Rhe8=
26.Rxe6+ Kf7 27.Re5

352
27.Rc6 Rc8 28.Nd3 (28.Rxc8 Rxc8 29.Kh2=) 28...Rxc6 29.Ne5+ Kf6 30.Nxc6 Rc8 31.Nxa7 Ra8
32.Nb5 Rxa2=
27...Rd5 28.Rxd5 Nxd5 29.Nd3

29...Nb4
29...Rd8 30.Kf2 (30.Nxc5 Nf6 31.Rh1 Rd5 32.b4 Nh5+ 33.Kf3 Rd4 34.g3 Rxb4ƒ) 30...Kf6 31.Rh1
Nc3 32.Ke3 Nd5+ 33.Kf3 Nc3=
30.Ne5+
30.Nxb4 cxb4 31.Rh1 Rc8=
30...Ke6 31.Rh1 Nxa2 32.Ra1 Nc3 33.Ra6+ Kd5 34.Rxa7 Rb8
34...Ne2+ 35.Kf3 Nd4+ 36.Ke3 Rb8 37.Rd7+ Ke6 38.Rxg7 Rxb3+ 39.Kd2=
35.Rd7+ Ke6 36.Rxg7 Rxb3 37.Kh2 Ne2 38.Rxh7 Nxf4 39.Nd7 Kd6 40.Nxc5 Kxc5 41.Rf7 1/2-
1/2

46. B48
Naiditsch, Arkadij (2626) - Harikrishna, Penteala (2719)
Biel 145/46, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be3 a6 7.a3 b5 8.Nxc6 Qxc6 9.Qd4
9.Be2 - 139/(59)
9...Bb7 10.O-O-O Rc8 11.Bd3 Qc5N
11...Nf6 12.e5 (12.Rhe1 Ng4!; 12.f3 Bc5 13.Qxc5 Qxc5 14.Bxc5 Rxc5=) 12...Nd5 13.Be4 (13.Nxd5

353
Qxd5 14.Be4 (14.Qxd5 Bxd5 15.f3 h5∞) 14...Qxd4 15.Rxd4 Bxe4 16.Rxe4 d5=) 13...Qc7
(13...Bxa3?! 14.Nxd5 exd5 15.e6! dxe6 16.Qxg7 Rf8 17.Bxh7 Be7 18.h4±) 14.Nxd5 Bxd5 15.Rd2
Bc5 16.Qd3 Bxe4 (16...Qxe5 17.Bxd5 Bxe3 18.Qxe3 Qxe3 19.fxe3 exd5 20.Rxd5 Ke7=) 17.Qxe4
Bxe3 18.Qxe3 Qc6 19.f4 a5∞
12.Rhe1 Qxd4 13.Bxd4 Ne7 14.f4

14...b4!?
14...Nc6 15.Bb6 h5 (15...g5!? 16.fxg5 Ne5 17.Bd4 d6 18.Kb1 h6 19.gxh6 Rxh6 20.h3 Rg6
(20...Bg7©) 21.Bf1 Be7©) 16.e5 (16.Kb1 h4 17.Bf1 g5!? 18.fxg5 Ne5©) 16...Ne7! 17.Be4 (17.Ne4
Nd5 18.Be3 Be7 19.Bd2 f5 20.exf6 gxf6∞) 17...Bc6∞
15.axb4 Nc6 16.Bf1 Nxb4 17.Kb1 Rg8
17...h5 18.Re2 (18.h4 Be7 19.g3 f6²) 18...h4 19.Red2 Nc6 20.Bf2 Nb8²
18.h4 h6 19.h5

354
19...Be7
19...g6! 20.hxg6 (20.Be2 gxh5 21.Bf3 h4 22.Rh1 Be7 23.Bf2 d5 24.Bxh4 dxe4 (24...Rxc3!? 25.bxc3
dxe4 26.Bxe7 Kxe7 27.Bxe4 (27.cxb4 exf3 28.gxf3 Bxf3 29.Rhg1 Rb8 30.Rd4 h5©) 27...Bxe4
28.cxb4 Rxg2 29.Rc1 Rg4©) 25.Nxe4 Bxe4 26.Bxe4 Rg4„) 20...Rxg6 21.Rd2 (21.f5 Rg4„) 21...Rg4
22.Rf2 Bd6„; 19...Bc5
20.Re3 Bh4!?
20...Bc5 21.Rg3 Bxd4 22.Rxd4 Nc6 23.Rd2 Ke7∞
21.Rh3 Bf6 22.Rg3 Bxd4 23.Rxd4 Nc6 24.Ra4 Ke7 25.Bxa6 Bxa6 26.Rxa6 g6 27.hxg6 Rxg6
28.Rxg6 fxg6 29.Kc1 Rf8 30.Ne2 e5 31.g3 exf4 32.Nxf4 Kf7 33.b4
33.Kd2 g5 34.Nd3 h5 35.Ke3 (35.b4 Rb8 36.c3 h4 37.gxh4 gxh4 38.Ra1 Rh8 39.Rh1 Kf6²) 35...h4
36.Ra1²
33...Nxb4 34.Rxg6 Rc8 35.Rxh6 Rxc2+ 36.Kd1 Rc4 37.e5 Rd4+ 38.Ke2 Re4+ 39.Kf3 Rxe5
40.Rh7+ Ke8 41.Rh8+ Kf7 42.Rh7+ Ke8 43.Rh8+ Kf7 44.Rh7+ 1/2-1/2

47. * B48
Huschenbeth, Niclas (2605) - Moranda, Wojciech (2605)
Polska 145/47, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be3 a6 7.Qf3 Nf6 8.Nxc6!?
8.O-O-O - 142/48
8...bxc6 9.Qg3
9.Bd3 Bd6N

355
(9...Rb8) 10.g3?! (10.g4!? h5 11.gxh5 Nxh5 12.O-O-O Rb8 13.Rhg1 Be5∞) 10...Rb8 11.Rb1 h5³
Szalanczy,E (2114)-Horvath,A (2488) Magyarorszag (ch-rapid) 145/(47) 2020
9...Qxg3 10.hxg3 Rb8 11.b3 d5 12.Bd3 Bb4
12...e5 13.Bd2²
13.Bd2 h6 14.f3 Nd7N
14...Ke7
15.Na4 Bd6
15...Bxd2+ 16.Kxd2 Ke7 17.Ke3²
16.g4 f6 17.g5 fxg5 18.Bxg5 Kf7 19.Be3 Bb7 20.f4 c5 21.e5 Be7 22.O-O
22.f5 d4 (22...g6!?) 23.Bc4 dxe3 24.fxe6+ Ke8 25.exd7+ Kxd7 26.O-O Rhf8∞
22...g6! 23.c4 d4 24.Bd2 h5 25.Kh2 Rbf8 26.g3?!

356
26.Nb2 Rhg8 27.Rae1 Ke8 28.a3 Kd8 29.b4∞
26...Rhg8
26...h4! 27.g4 g5 28.Kh3 (28.fxg5+ Kg7 29.Bf4 (29.Rae1 Rxf1 30.Bxf1 Rf8 31.Kg1 Rf3µ) 29...h3
30.Bg3 Bxg5µ) 28...Kg7³
27.Rae1 Ke8 28.Nb2 Kd8 29.Bc2 Kc8 30.a3 Bd8 31.b4
31.Be4 Bxe4 32.Rxe4 g5 33.Nd3 Rf7 34.b4 gxf4 35.Rfxf4 (35.Rexf4?! Rfg7 36.Be1 Bc7) 35...Rfg7
36.Rf3 h4 37.Be1 hxg3+ 38.Rxg3=
31...h4 32.g4 g5 33.Kh3?!
33.f5 Bc7 34.Nd3 exf5 35.Rxf5 (35.gxf5?? g4 36.Bf4 g3+ 37.Kh3 g2 38.Rg1 Rxf5-+) 35...Rxf5
36.gxf5 Bf3 (36...Nf6 37.Nxc5 Ng4+ 38.Kh3 Nf2+ 39.Kh2 Ng4+=; 36...g4 37.Bf4 g3+ 38.Kh3 g2
39.Bh2∞) 37.Kg1 (37.bxc5 g4µ) 37...h3ƒ
33...gxf4 34.Bxf4
34.Rxf4

357
34...Rxg4!! 35.Kxg4 (35.Rxf8 Rg3+ 36.Kh2 Nxf8-+; 35.Rxg4 Rf3+ 36.Kh2 Rf2+ 37.Kh3 Rxd2
38.Rc1 Nxe5 39.Rg8 d3-+) 35...Rg8+ 36.Kh5 Rg5+ 37.Kh6 Rg2 38.Be4 (38.Ba4 Bg5+ 39.Kh5 Bxf4
40.Bxf4 Rxb2-+) 38...Rxd2 39.Na4 cxb4 40.axb4 h3 41.Rh1 h2-+; 34.Be4 f3 35.Nd3 Be7³
34...cxb4 35.axb4 Bg2+! 36.Kxg2 Rxg4+ 37.Kh2
37.Kh1 Rgxf4 38.Rxf4 Rxf4 39.Nd3 Rf3 (39...Rg4 40.Ra1©) 40.Re4 Re3 41.Rxd4 Nxe5 42.Nxe5
Re1+ (42...Rxe5³) 43.Kg2 Re2+ 44.Kf3 Rxc2³
37...Rgxf4 38.Rxf4 Rxf4 39.Nd3 Rf3 40.Re4

40...Re3

358
40...Nxe5! 41.Rxe5 (41.Nxe5 Rf2+ 42.Kg1 Rxc2 43.Rxd4 Bb6 44.c5 Rxc5! 45.bxc5 Bxc5 46.Nf3-+)
41...Bc7 42.Kg2 Rg3+ 43.Kf2 Bxe5 44.Nxe5 Re3 45.Nf3 h3-+
41.Rxe3
41.Nf4 Nxe5 42.Nxe6 Rxe4 43.Bxe4 d3-+
41...dxe3 42.Bd1 Nxe5! 43.Nxe5 Bc7 44.Kg2 Bxe5 45.Bg4
45.Kf3 h3 46.Kxe3 h2 47.Bf3 Bc3 48.b5 a5 49.c5 a4-+
45...Bc3! 46.Bxe6+ Kc7 47.Kf3 Bxb4 48.Kxe3 Bc5+ 49.Kf3 a5 50.Bf5 a4 51.Kg4 a3 52.Bb1 Kd6
53.Kxh4 Ke5 0-1

48. B49
Pavlidis, Antonios (2543) - Shankland, Samuel L (2691)
chess.com (ol-rapid) 145/48, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be3 a6 7.Nxc6 Qxc6 8.Be2 b5 9.Bf3 Bb7
10.O-O Qc7 11.Re1
11.e5 - 126/52
11...Bd6 12.g3 Nf6 13.Bd4 e5 14.Be3 h6N
14...O-O 15.Bg5 b4 16.Na4 Be7 17.c3 a5∞
15.a4 b4 16.Nd5 Nxd5 17.exd5 O-O

17...a5!?
18.Qd2?!

359
18.a5! Rac8 19.c3 bxc3 20.bxc3 f5 (20...Qxc3? 21.Qb1! Qc7 (21...Qb4 22.Qf5±) 22.Rc1 Qb8
23.Qf5 Rxc1+ 24.Rxc1±) 21.Rb1 Ba8 22.Rb6 e4 23.Be2 f4„
18...f5 19.a5 Rac8 20.Rec1 e4 21.Bb6 Qb8 22.Bg2 Rce8
22...Be5! 23.Qxb4 Bxd5³
23.Re1?!
23.c4 bxc3 24.bxc3 f4 25.c4 (25.Re1 e3 26.Qd3 exf2+ 27.Bxf2 fxg3 28.Bxg3 Bxg3 29.hxg3 Qc7∞)
25...e3 26.Qd3 exf2+ 27.Bxf2 fxg3 28.Bxg3 Qa7+ 29.Kh1 Re3∞
23...Re5 24.Rad1 Rxd5 25.Qe2 Rxd1
25...Re5µ
26.Rxd1 Rf6
26...Kh7µ
27.Bd4 Rf7 28.Qc4 Bf8 29.Be5! d6?!
29...Qd8
30.Bf1! Qc7
30...dxe5? 31.Rd7 Qe8 32.Rxb7+-; 30...e3!? 31.Be2 exf2+ 32.Kxf2 Qc7 33.Qxc7 Rxc7 34.Bxd6
Rxc2 35.Ke3∞
31.Bf4

31...g5?

360
31...Qd7! 32.Qxb4 e3! (32...d5 33.Qb6∞) 33.Qb6! (33.fxe3 Qc6 34.e4 d5 35.Qc3 Bc5+ 36.Be3
Bxe3+ 37.Qxe3 Qxc2µ) 33...Qa4 (33...exf2+ 34.Kxf2 Be4∞) 34.fxe3 Qe4 35.Rd2 Qh1+ 36.Kf2
Be4ƒ
32.Bxd6! Bxd6 33.Qe6 Bc8™
33...Bf8 34.Bc4 Bc8 35.Qg6+ Bg7 36.Bxf7+ Qxf7 37.Rd8++-
34.Qxd6 Kh7?
34...Qxd6 35.Rxd6 Rc7! 36.Rxh6 (36.Bxa6 Bxa6 37.Rxa6 Rxc2=) 36...Rxc2 37.Rb6 (37.Bxa6 Kg7
38.Rb6 Bxa6 39.Rxa6 Rxb2=) 37...f4! 38.Rxb4 Bg4 39.h3 (39.Rxe4?! Rc1µ) 39...Bf3 40.gxf4 Rc1
41.fxg5 Be2 42.Rxe4 Bxf1=
35.Bxa6
35.Qxb4+-
35...Bxa6
35...Qxd6 36.Rxd6 Bxa6 37.Rxa6 Rc7 38.Rb6 Rxc2 39.Rxb4+-
36.Qxa6 e3!

36...Qxc2 37.Rd6 Qc1+ 38.Kg2 g4 39.Qb6 Qg5 (39...h5 40.a6 h4 41.gxh4 Qf4 42.a7 Qf3+
43.Kg1+-) 40.a6 f4 41.gxf4 Qxf4 42.a7 e3 43.Rxh6+! Qxh6 44.Qxh6+ Kxh6 45.a8=Q+-
37.fxe3?
37.Rd6! exf2+ 38.Kf1 Qe7 39.Rxh6+ Kg8 40.Qa8+ Qf8 41.Qxf8+ Rxf8 42.a6+-
37...Qxc2= 38.Rd6 Qc1+ 39.Kf2 Qxb2+ 40.Kg1 Qc1+ 41.Kf2 Qc2+ 42.Kg1 Qb1+ 43.Kf2 f4

361
43...Qc2+
44.exf4 gxf4 45.Qd3+ Qxd3 46.Rxd3 fxg3+ 47.Kxg3 Ra7 48.Rb3 Rxa5 49.Rxb4 1/2-1/2

362
B50-B74

49. *** B51

Edouard, Romain (2649) - Keymer, Vincent (2558)
Biel 145/49, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Nd7 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O e6

5...Nxe4 6.Re1 Nf6 7.d4 cxd4 8.Nxd4 d5?N (8...e6 9.Nb5²) 9.Bf4 a6 10.Nc3 e6

11.Rxe6+! fxe6 12.Nxe6 Qb6 13.Nc7+ Kf7 14.N3xd5+- Adams, M (2701)-Edouard, R (2649) Biel
(blitz) 145/(49) 2020
6.Re1 a6 7.c4
7.c3 - 142/(50)
7...Be7 8.d4 cxd4 9.Nxd4 O-O 10.Nc3 Qc7 11.Qe2 Ne5 - 145/49
11...b6; 11...Nb6N 12.Bb3 Bd7 13.Bg5 Rac8 14.Rac1 Rfe8∞ Hamdouchi,H (2561) -Bellahcene,B
(2501) chess24.com (Int.-blitz) 145/(49) 2020
12.Bb3 Bd7 - 145/49
12...Ng6N 13.Be3 b6 14.f3 Bb7 15.Rac1 Rac8 16.Nd1 h6 17.Nf2 Nd7 1/2 (17) Sciupokas,A-
Cuccumini,V corr 145/(49) 2020
13.f4 Ng6N

363
13...Qb6!? 14.Be3 (14.c5 dxc5 15.fxe5 cxd4 16.exf6 dxc3+ 17.Be3 Bc5³) 14...Neg4 15.Nf5 Bd8!
16.Bxb6 Bxb6+ 17.Ne3 (17.Kh1 Nf2+ 18.Kg1 N2g4+=) 17...Bxe3+ 18.Qxe3 Nxe3 19.Rxe3 Bc6
20.Rd1 Rfd8∞; 13...Nc6
14.Kh1 e5!?
14...Rac8
15.Nf5 Bd8 16.fxe5 Nxe5 17.Bf4
17.Bg5 Be6 18.Rf1!? Nxc4 (18...Bxc4 19.Bxc4 Qxc4

20.Qe1! Qe6 21.Rd1 (21.Bxf6 Bxf6 22.Nd5ƒ) 21...Ne8 22.Be3 Ba5 23.Bd4ƒ) 19.Rad1 Re8 20.Rd3ƒ
17...Re8 18.Rad1 Bxf5 19.exf5 Qc8?!
19...Rc8 20.Qf1²
20.Qc2?!
20.Rxd6 Be7 (20...Bc7 21.Rxf6! gxf6 22.Nd5 Nd7 23.Be3± (23.Ne7+ Rxe7 24.Qg4+ Kh8 25.Rxe7
Bxf4 26.Rxf7 Bg5 27.Qh5 Nf8 28.h4±); 20...Qxf5 21.Bxe5 Bc7 22.c5 Bxd6 23.cxd6 Nd7 24.Nd5
Qxe5 25.Ne7+ Rxe7 26.dxe7 Qxe2 27.Rxe2 Re8 28.Bd5+-) 21.Rd2! (21.Rdd1 Bc5 22.Bg3
(22.Bxe5?! Rxe5! 23.Qxe5 Ng4³ 24.Rd8+? Qxd8 25.Qxc5 Qh4) 22...Neg4 23.Qf3 Re3 24.Rxe3
Nxe3 25.Re1 Nxf5 26.Be5²) 21...Neg4 22.Qf1 Bc5 23.Rxe8+ Qxe8 24.Re2±
20...Ba5 21.Ba4?!
21.Rf1 Bxc3 22.Qxc3 Qxf5 23.Bc2 Ne4 (23...Qh5 24.Rxd6 Rac8 25.b3 b5∞) 24.Bxe4 Qxe4 25.c5
Ng6 26.Bxd6 Nh4∞
21...Qxc4 22.Bg5 Bxc3 23.bxc3 b5

364
23...Ned7!µ
24.Bb3 Qg4 25.Bxf6 gxf6 26.Qf2
26.Re3 Kh8 27.Rd4 Qg5µ
26...Kh8?!
26...Qg5µ
27.Rxd6

27...Rad8??
27...Qg5 28.h3 Red8 29.Rd4 (29.Red1 Rxd6 30.Rxd6 Rc8³) 29...Nd3 30.Rxd8+ Rxd8 31.Qb6 Rg8
32.Re2 Ne5³
28.Rxd8 Rxd8 29.Qb6+- Re8 30.Bxf7 Qh4
30...Rf8 31.Qxf6+ Qg7 32.Qxe5 Qxe5 33.Rxe5 Rxf7 34.g4
31.g3 Qh6 32.Bxe8 Ng4 33.Bh5 Qxh5 34.Qb8+ Kg7 35.Re7+ Kh6 36.Qf8+ Kg5 37.Rg7+ Kxf5
38.Qc8+ 1-0

50. *** B51

Nasuta, Grzegorz (2553) - Navara, David (2719)
Polska 145/50, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Nd7 4.d4 cxd4 5.Qxd4 a6 6.Be2 Ngf6 7.O-O g6
7...e5 8.Qe3 Nc5 9.Nfd2 (9.Nc3 Be7 10.b3= Ng4 11.Qd2 Nf6 12.Qe3=) 9...Be7 10.c4 O-O 11.Nc3
Ne6N (11...Bd7) 12.Nb3 Nf4 13.Bf3?! (13.Rd1 Nxe2+ 14.Qxe2 Be6ƒ) 13...Be6 14.Nd5 N6xd5

365
15.cxd5 Bd7³ Hou,Y (2658)-Munkhzul,T (2278) chess.com (Int.-m/1-blitz) 145/(50) 2020
8.Nc3 Bg7 9.Rd1 O-O 10.e5 Nh5
10...dxe5 11.Nxe5 Ne8N - 145/(50) (11...Qc7 - 132/70; 11...Nh5; 11...Qa5?!N 12.Nc4 Qf5 13.Ne3
Qa5 14.Bd2² Fedoseev,V (2678)-Rathanvel,V (2445) chess.com (Int. -blitz) 145/(50) 2020) 12.Bf4
Nd6 13.Qd5 (13.Qe3!?) 13...Nxe5 14.Bxe5 Be6 15.Qd4 Nf5 16.Qf4 Bxe5 17.Qxe5 Qb8=
Zherebukh,Y (2620)-Li,E chess.com (Int.-blitz) 145/(50) 2020
11.Qh4 dxe5
11...Nxe5 12.Nxe5 Bf6 13.Bg5 Bxg5 14.Qxg5 f6 15.Qh6 fxe5 16.Ne4 Nf6 (16...Qc7!?) 17.Bc4+
Kh8 18.Ng5 e6 (18...Qe8 19.Bb3±) 19.Bxe6 Qe7 20.Bb3²
12.Bg5 f6
12...Nf4?! 13.Bxe7 Qb6 14.Bf1±; 12...Nhf6 13.Nxe5 (13.Bh6!?) 13...Qc7 14.Nc4 b5 15.Ne3²;
12...Re8 13.Nd5 Nhf6 14.Bc4 Nxd5 15.Bxd5²
13.Be3 Kh8N

13...e6 14.Rd6 Nf4 (14...Qc7 15.Rad1 Nf4 16.Bxf4 exf4 17.Qxf4²) 15.Bxf4 exf4 16.Bc4 Qc7
17.Bxe6+ Kh8 18.Rad1²
14.Nd5
14.g3! e6 (14...f5 15.Ng5 f4 16.gxf4 exf4 17.Ne6 Qe8 18.Bd4±; 14...b6 15.Nd5 (15.Rd2±) 15...Rb8
16.g4 Nf4 17.Bxf4 exf4 18.Nxf4±) 15.Rd6 Qe8 16.Rad1±
14...e6 15.Nb6 Nf4!

366
15...Rb8 16.Nxe5! fxe5 17.Qxd8 Rxd8 18.Bxh5 gxh5 19.Bg5 Rg8 20.Nxd7 Bxd7 21.Rxd7±
16.Bf1
16.Nxa8? g5-+; 16.Bc4 g5 17.Qg4 Qc7! 18.Nxa8 Qxc4 19.Bxf4 exf4∞
16...Rb8 17.Rd6?!
17.Bxf4 Qxb6 (17...exf4 18.Nxc8 Qxc8 19.Qxf4 e5 20.Qc4∞) 18.Be3 Qc7 19.a4 b6 20.Qc4 Qxc4
21.Bxc4©
17...Qc7 18.Rad1 g5 19.Qg3

19...Nd5!
19...Nxb6 20.Bxb6 Qxc2 21.h4 gxh4 22.Nxh4©; 19...Rf7 20.h4 Bf8 21.Nxd7 Bxd7 22.Rxd7! Rxd7
23.Rxd7 Qxd7 24.hxg5©
20.Nxc8?
20.Nxd7 Bxd7 (20...Qxd6 21.Nxf8 Qxf8 22.Bd2©) 21.Rxd7 Qxd7 22.c4∞
20...Rbxc8 21.Rxd7
21.Rxe6? Nxe3 22.fxe3 Nc5-+
21...Qxd7 22.c4 e4 23.Ne1
23.cxd5 exf3 24.Qxf3 exd5 25.Rxd5 Qe6 26.g3µ
23...Qa4 24.b3 Qxa2 25.cxd5 Qxb3 26.Be2 exd5 27.h4 Qc3
27...f5! 28.Qxg5 Qb2 29.Kf1 d4 30.Qxg7+ Kxg7 31.Bxd4+ Qxd4 32.Rxd4 b5µ

367
28.hxg5 d4! 29.Bxd4 Qxg3 30.fxg3 fxg5 31.Be3 h6 32.Rd7 b5 33.Re7 b4 34.Bxa6
34.Rxe4 b3 35.Rb4 Rb8-+
34...Ra8 35.Bc4 Ra1 36.Bf2 Rb1 37.Rxe4
37.Bd5 b3 38.Bxe4 Rd1 39.Rb7 b2 40.g4 Bc3-+
37...b3 38.Bxb3 Rxb3 39.Nf3 Rb1+ 40.Kh2 Rb2 41.Kg1 Ra8 42.Ne1 Raa2 43.Bc5 Re2 44.Rxe2
Rxe2 45.Nd3 Kh7 46.Kf1 Rc2 47.Ba7 Kg6 48.g4 Rd2 49.Nf2 Be5 50.Be3 Rc2 51.Bb6 Kf7 52.Be3
Ke6 53.Bb6 Kd5 54.Nd3 Rc4 55.Nf2 Bg3 56.Nd1 Ke6 57.Ke2 Rxg4 58.Kf3 Rb4 59.Bc5 Rb3+
60.Kg4 Bf4 0-1

51. * B51
Xiong, Jeffery (2709) - Shevchenko, Kirill (2592)
chess.com (ol-rapid) 145/51, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Nd7 4.d4 cxd4 5.Qxd4 a6 6.Bxd7+ Bxd7 7.Nc3 Rc8 8.e5!?

8...f6?N
8...Bc6 - 145/(51) 9.exd6 Bxf3 10.gxf3 Qxd6 11.Qxd6 exd6 12.Bf4 Nf6 13.O-O-O Kd7 14.Rhg1N
(14.Rd3) 14...Rc5 15.Rd3 Rf5 16.Bg3² Predojevic,B (2601)-Martinez Alcantara,J (2620) lichess.org
(Int.-blitz) 145/(51) 2020; 8...dxe5 9.Nxe5 f6 - 140/62 (9...Nf6 10.Bf4 Bc6 11.Qxd8+ Rxd8 12.Nxc6
bxc6 13.Ke2²; 9...Bc6 10.Qxd8+ Rxd8 11.Nxc6 bxc6 12.Be3²)
9.exd6 e5 10.Qd5 Qb6 11.O-O?
11.Nxe5! fxe5 12.Qxe5+ Kf7 13.Qh5+ g6 14.Qf3+ Bf5 (14...Kg7 15.Be3 Qxd6 16.Ne4 Qe5 17.O-
O-O+-; 14...Nf6 15.Qxf6+ Kxf6 16.Nd5+ Ke6 17.Nxb6 Rxc2 18.O-O Bc6 19.Bf4+-) 15.g4 Qc6
16.Qxc6 Rxc6 17.gxf5 gxf5 18.d7 Rd6 19.Bd2 Rxd7 20.O-O-O±

368
11...Qc6! 12.Rd1
12.Qd3 Bxd6 13.Rd1 Bb8 14.Be3 Ne7³
12...Qxd5 13.Rxd5
13.Nxd5 Rc6 (13...Rxc2?! 14.Nc3 Bg4 15.d7+ Bxd7 16.Ne1±) 14.Be3 Bxd6 15.Rd2 Be6 16.Rad1
Bf8!³
13...Bc6 14.Rd1

14...Rd8
14...Kf7! 15.Be3 Ke6 16.Bc5 (16.Nd2 Bxd6 17.Nde4 Be7 18.Nc5+ Kf7³) 16...Nh6 17.Nd2 Nf7³
15.Be3 Bxd6 16.Nd2 Ne7 17.Nc4
17.Bb6 Rd7 18.Nde4 Bb4 19.a3 Bxc3 20.Nxc3 Kf7ƒ
17...Bb4 18.Bb6 Rxd1+ 19.Rxd1 Kf7 20.Ba5 Bc5 21.Bb6 Bb4
21...Bxb6 22.Nxb6 Nf5ƒ
22.Ba5 Bc5 23.Bb6 Bb4 1/2-1/2

52. * B53
Anton Guijarro, David (2688) - Korobov, Anton (2688)
chess.com (ol-rapid) 145/52, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Qxd4 Nf6 5.Bg5 a6!?

5...Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd7 7.Qd3 Ng4 8.Nc3 (8.h3 - 125/56) 8...h6 9.Bf4 g5 10.Bxc6 Bxc6 11.Bd2N
(11.Bg3) 11...Bg7 12.h3 Ne5 13.Nxe5 Bxe5 14.O-O-O Qb6∞ Anton Guijarro, D (2703)-

369
Wojtaszek,R (2719) Biel 145/(52) 2020
6.Bxf6 gxf6 7.Be2N
7.Nc3 Nc6 8.Qe3 Bg7 9.Bd3 O-O 10.O-O Kh8∞
7...Nc6
7...Bh6! 8.Nc3 Nc6 9.Qd3 Nb4 10.Qd1 f5 11.O-O O-O 12.a3 Nc6∞
8.Qe3 f5 9.Nc3 Bg7 10.O-O O-O 11.Rad1 fxe4?!
11...e5!? 12.exf5 Bxf5 13.Bd3 Bg6 14.Bxg6 hxg6 15.Nd5∞
12.Nxe4 Qa5 13.Bd3 Nb4
13...Kh8 14.Neg5 h6 15.Qe4 f5 16.Qh4 Qxa2 17.b3 Qb2 18.Qh5 Qf6 19.Bc4©
14.Ng3 Nxd3 15.Rxd3 Be6 16.b3 Rac8
16...Rae8
17.c4 b5 18.cxb5 Qxb5 19.Nd4 Bxd4 20.Rxd4
20.Qxd4 Qe5 21.Qh4 Rc7 22.Nh5 Kh8 23.Re3 Qf5 24.h3±
20...Rc2 21.Rh4 Rfc8 22.Qe4 Qe5 23.Qxh7+ Kf8 24.Ra4 d5 25.Rxa6 d4 26.h4 Bd5 27.Ra5 e6
28.Ra7 Qg7 29.Qxg7+ Kxg7 30.Ra4
30.Nh5+ Kf8 31.Nf4 Ra8 32.Rxa8+ Bxa8 33.Rd1 Rxa2 34.Nd3 Bd5 35.Nb4 Bxb3 36.Rxd4±
30...e5

31.Re1?

370
31.Ra5 R8c5 (31...Rd8 32.Re1 f6±) 32.Rxc5 Rxc5 33.b4 Rc2 34.a4 Rb2 35.b5 Ra2 36.b6 Rxa4 37.Rb1
d3 38.f3± (38.b7 Bxb7 39.Rxb7 Ra1+ 40.Kh2 d2 41.Nf5+ Kg6 42.Ne3 d1=Q 43.Nxd1 Rxd1±)
31...f6?
31...Rc1! 32.Rxc1 Rxc1+ 33.Kh2 d3 34.Nf5+ (34.Ra5 Bc6 35.Nf5+ Kf8 36.Ne3 d2-+) 34...Kh7
35.Ne3 d2 36.Ra7 d1=Q 37.Nxd1 Rxd1µ
32.Nf5+ Kf8
32...Kh8! 33.Ne7 (33.Ra6 Rc1 34.Rxc1 Rxc1+ 35.Kh2 d3 36.Rxf6 d2 37.Ne3 d1=Q 38.Nxd1
Rxd1∞) 33...Rc1 34.Rxc1 Rxc1+ 35.Kh2 Bb7 36.Rc4 (36.Ra7 d3 37.Rxb7 d2 38.Rd7 d1=Q 39.Rxd1
Rxd1=) 36...Rxc4 37.bxc4 d3 38.Nf5 d2 39.Ne3 f5 40.Kg1 f4 41.Nd1 Be4=
33.Nxd4
33.Ra6 R8c6 34.Rxc6 Bxc6 35.Ra1 Bd5±
33...exd4 34.Rxd4 Bf7= 35.Rf4 R8c6 36.Ra1 Kg7 37.Kh2 Rd6 38.Kg3 Rd3+ 39.Rf3 Rxf3+
40.Kxf3 Bd5+ 41.Kg3 Rb2 42.f3 Kg6 43.Rd1 Bf7 44.Ra1 Bd5 45.Rd1 Bf7 46.Ra1 Bd5 1/2-1/2

53. *** !N B62

Lagarde, Maxime (2655) - Nevednichy, Vladislav (2531)
Paleochora 145/53, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Bg5 e6 7.Bb5 Bd7 8.Qd3 h6
8...Be7 9.O-O-O O-O 10.Bxc6 bxc6 11.Nb3 Ne8N (11...a5; 11...d5) 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.e5 Qg5+?!
14.Qe3 Qxe3+ 15.fxe3 d5 16.Ne4± Swiercz,D (2649)-Luo,T (2124) chess.com (Int.-blitz) 145/(53)
2020
9.Bh4 Be7 10.O-O-O O-O
10...Ne5 - 143/54
11.Bxc6 bxc6
11...Bxc6 - 140/(67)
12.Nb3 d5N
12...a5 - 145/(53) 13.Bxf6 (13.e5 Nd5 14.Bxe7 Qxe7 15.exd6 Qxd6 16.Qc4 a4!? (16...Qb4
17.Qd4²) 17.Nxa4 c5 18.Nc3 Bc6 19.a3 Rfc8 20.Nxc5 Qb8 21.Qd4 Nxc3 22.Qxc3 Bxg2 23.Rhg1
Qxh2 24.b4∞) 13...gxf6 14.Qg3+ (14.a4!? Kh8 (14...f5 15.g4!​→; 14...e5 15.f4²; 14...Rb8 15.Qg3+
Kh7 16.Rxd6 Rg8 17.Qd3 Bxd6 18.Qxd6 Be8 (18...e5 19.Rd1 Be6 20.Qxd8 Rgxd8 21.Rxd8 Rxd8
22.Nxa5±) 19.Qxd8 Rxd8 20.g3 Ra8 21.Rd1²) 15.f4 Rg8 16.Qh3 Kh7 17.g4ƒ) 14...Kh7 (14...Kh8?!
15.Rxd6 Bxd6 (15...Rg8 16.Qe3±) 16.Qxd6±) 15.Rxd6

371
15...Rg8!N (15...Bxd6 16.Qxd6 Bc8 17.Rd1 Qxd6 18.Rxd6²) 16.Qd3 Bxd6 17.Qxd6 Ra7? (17...Bc8!
18.Qxd8 (18.Qxc6?! Ra6 19.Qc5 a4 (19...Rxg2 20.Rd1 Qg8 21.Qc7©) 20.Rd1 Qe8 21.Na5!? Rg5
22.e5! Rxe5 23.Qc7 Rexa5 24.Ne4 Kg7 25.Rd8 Qc6 26.Qg3+ Rg5 27.Nxg5 fxg5 28.Qa3 Qc7
29.Qf8+ Kg6 30.Rxc8 Qf4+ 31.Kb1 Qxf2³) 18...Rxd8 19.Nc5 e5 20.Re1©) 18.Rd1ƒ Tanenbaum,Z
(2137)-Sinha, S (2324) chess.com (Internet) 145/(53) 2020
13.e5 Nh7N
13...Ne8 - 145/(53) 14.Bxe7 Qxe7 15.Qd4² Yoo,C (2455)-Sadhwani,R (2545) chess.com (Int.-blitz)
145/ (53) 2020
14.Bxe7 Qxe7 15.Qe3 f6 16.f4 fxe5 17.fxe5 Rf5 18.h4 h5 19.Na4
19.Ne2!? a5 (19...Be8 20.Ned4 Rf8 21.Qh3 Bd7 22.Qc3±) 20.Ng3 Rff8 21.Nxh5 a4 22.Nc5 Be8
23.g4 Bg6 24.a3± Cabrilo,Goran
19...Be8 20.Nac5 Nf8 21.Rdg1 Nd7 22.Nd3
22.Nxd7 Bxd7 23.Kb1 (23.g4 hxg4 24.Rxg4 Raf8„) 23...Qb4 24.a3 Qc4 25.g3²
22...c5 23.Nbxc5 Nxc5 24.Qxc5

372
24...Qd7
24...Qxc5! 25.Nxc5 Bg6! (25...Rxe5 26.Re1±) 26.Nxe6 (26.Nd3 Rc8 27.b3 Rf7 28.Kd2 Bxd3
29.Kxd3 Rf2=) 26...Rf2 27.Nd4 Bxc2! 28.Rh3 Be4 29.g4 Rc8+ 30.Rc3 Rb8©
25.g4 hxg4 26.Rxg4 Bh5 27.Rf4
27.Rg3 Rf3 28.Rhg1 Rxg3 29.Rxg3²
27...Bg6 28.Rh2 Rc8 29.Qe3 Qb5 30.b3 Qa5 31.Kb1 Rc3 32.Kb2
32.h5! Bh7 33.Rxf5 Bxf5 34.h6 Rc7 35.hxg7 Rxg7 36.Kb2±
32...Rxf4 33.Qxf4 Bxd3 34.cxd3 Rxd3 35.Rc2 Qb6 36.Rc8+ Kh7 37.Qg5 Qf2+ 38.Ka3 Qf7
39.Qd8 a6?

373
39...Rh3∞
40.h5!+- Kh6 41.Rc7 Qf5 42.Qh8+ Qh7 43.Qe8 Re3
43...Qf5 44.Rf7
44.Qxe6+ Kxh5 45.Rc1 Qe4 46.Rg1 a5 47.Qe8+ 1-0

54. * B67
Rodchenkov, Sergey (2346) - Karthikeyan, Murali (2606)
chess.com (Int.-blitz) 145/54, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 d6 6.Bg5 Bd7 7.Qd2 a6 8.O-O-O e6 9.f3 Nxd4
10.Qxd4 Bc6 11.Kb1
11.h4 h6 12.Be3 d5 (12...Qc7!?) 13.e5 Nd7 14.f4 Bc5 15.Qd2 O-O 16.Bxc5 Nxc5 17.Qe3 Qa5∞
11...h6 12.Be3
12.Bh4 Be7 13.Bc4 (13.Bg3 d5 14.Bd3 dxe4 15.Bxe4 Qc8 16.Bd6 Bxd6 17.Qxd6 Nxe4 18.Nxe4
Bxe4 19.fxe4 Qd8∞) 13...b5 14.Bb3 O-O 15.Bxf6 Bxf6 16.Qxd6 Qe8©
12...d5

374
13.exd5
13.e5 Nd7 14.Qf4?!N (14.f4 - 143/(55)) 14...Qg5!³ Sjugirov,S (2675)-Jacobson,B (2487) chessclub.
com (Internet) 145/(54) 2020
13...Nxd5 14.Nxd5 Qxd5 15.Be2N
15.Qxd5 Bxd5=
15...Qxd4 16.Bxd4 O-O-O 17.Bb6 Rxd1+ 18.Rxd1 Be7 19.a3 g5 20.c4 h5 21.h3 g4 22.Bd4 Rg8
23.fxg4 hxg4 24.hxg4
24.Bxg4 Rd8 25.Kc2 Bxg2³
24...Bxg2 25.Kc2 Be4+ 26.Kc3 f5 27.gxf5 Rg3+

375
28.Kd2?
28.Bd3 exf5 29.Be5 Rh3 30.Kd4 Bxd3 31.Rxd3 Bc5+ (31...Rxd3+ 32.Kxd3=) 32.Kc3 Rxd3+
33.Kxd3 Kd7 34.a4 Ke6 35.Bc3=
28...Bg5+ 29.Ke1 exf5 30.Be5 Rg1+
¹30...Rh3µ
31.Kf2 Rg2+ 32.Kf1 Be3†
32...Be3 33.Bd3 Rf2+ (33...Bf3?? 34.Bxf5#) 34.Ke1 Bc6ƒ
0-1

55. !N B67
Nakamura, Hikaru (2736) - Dubov, Daniil (2699)
chess24.com (Int.-m3/2-rapid) 145/55, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 d6 6.Bg5 Bd7 7.Qd2 a6 8.O-O-O e6 9.Kb1 Be7
10.f3 Nxd4 11.Qxd4 Qc7 12.h4 b5 13.Qd2 b4 14.Ne2 a5 15.Nd4
15.g4 - 134/59
15...Rb8 16.g4 h5?!

376
16...a4 17.Be3 (17.Bxf6 Bxf6 18.g5 Be7 19.f4 O-O 20.f5 b3„) 17...O-O 18.h5 (18.g5 Nh5 19.Bh3
g6 20.Bg4 Rfc8∞) 18...e5!? 19.Nf5 Bxf5 20.gxf5 (20.exf5 d5) 20...d5!∞
17.Bxf6!N
17.gxh5 Nxh5 18.Rg1 (18.Bxe7 Kxe7∞) 18...Nf6∞
17...Bxf6
17...gxf6!?
18.g5 Be7 19.b3
19.Bh3! g6 20.f4 e5 (20...O-O 21.f5 e5 22.Ne2 Bc6 23.Ng3±) 21.Bxd7+ Qxd7 22.Ne2±
19...g6 20.Bc4 e5
20...O-O 21.f4 Qc5! 22.f5 (22.Rhe1 Rfd8 23.f5 d5 24.exd5 exf5∞) 22...d5 23.fxe6 fxe6 24.exd5 exd5
25.Bf1 (25.Ne2 dxc4 26.Qxd7 Rb6∞) 25...Rbe8 26.Bh3 Bxh3 27.Rxh3 Bd6∞
21.Ne2 Be6
21...O-O 22.f4
22.Bxe6 fxe6 23.f4 O-O 24.Rhf1
24.fxe5 dxe5 25.Qd7 Qxd7 26.Rxd7 Bc5∞
24...Qc6 25.Qd3 Rbc8

377
26.Rd2
26.f5! gxf5 27.exf5 exf5 (27...e4 28.Qd2 exf5 29.Nd4 Qd7 30.Qe2±) 28.Ng3! e4 29.Qe2±
26...d5 27.exd5 exd5 28.Qxd5+
28.f5 gxf5 29.Ng3 e4 30.Qxd5+ Qxd5 31.Rxd5 Rcd8! 32.Rdxf5 Rxf5 33.Nxf5 Bc5©
28...Qxd5 29.Rxd5 exf4 30.Rxf4 Rfd8 31.Rxd8+
31.Rxa5 Rd2 32.Nd4 Bc5 33.Kc1 Rh2=; 31.Rfd4 Rxd5 32.Rxd5 Rd8! 33.Rxa5 (33.Rxd8+ Bxd8
34.c4 bxc3 35.Kc2 (35.Nxc3 Kf7 36.Kc2 Ke6ƒ) 35...Kf7 36.Kxc3 Ke6 37.Nd4+ Kd5 38.Kd3
Bc7=) 33...Rd1+ 34.Kb2 Bf8 35.Ra8 Kf7 36.Ra7+ Kg8 37.Ra8=; 31.Rd3 Re8©
31...Rxd8 32.Kc1
32.Re4 Rd1+ 33.Kb2 Kf7©
32...Bc5 33.Re4 Kf7© 1/2-1/2

56. B70
Maghsoodloo, Parham (2676) - Sjugirov, Sanan (2675)
chess.com (Int.-blitz) 145/56, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6 6.Be2 Bg7 7.g4 Nc6 8.Nb3 h5
8...Be6 - 23/427
9.g5 Nd7 10.h4N
10.f4; 10.Be3
10...Nb6 11.Be3 Ne5

378
11...Bxc3+!? 12.bxc3 Be6∞
12.Bd4 O-O 13.a4 Be6 14.f4 Ng4
¹14...Bxb3 15.cxb3 Nc6 16.Bxg7 Kxg7 17.a5 Nd7 18.O-Oƒ
15.a5?!
15.Bxg7 Kxg7 16.a5 Nd7 - 15.a5
15...Nd7?!
15...Nc4 16.Bxc4 Bxc4 17.Bxg7 Bxb3 18.Bxf8 Ne3 19.Qd3 Nxc2+ 20.Kd2 Nxa1 21.Bxe7 Qxe7
22.Rxa1 d5 23.exd5 Rd8=
16.Bxg7 Kxg7 17.Nd4± Nc5

17...Rc8 18.Nxe6+ fxe6 19.Bxg4 hxg4 20.Qxg4 Rxc3 21.bxc3 Qc7 22.Qg3±
18.Qd2
18.f5! gxf5 (18...Bd7 19.Bxg4 hxg4 20.h5+-) 19.Nxf5+ Bxf5 20.exf5 Ne5 21.Qd4+-
18...Rc8?!
18...Bd7; 18...Qc8
19.O-O
19.f5!
19...Bd7 20.f5 e6?!

379
20...Ne5; 20...e5
21.fxg6 fxg6 22.Rxf8
22.b4! Na6 23.Ncb5 e5 24.Nxd6!+-
22...Qxf8 23.Rf1 Qe7 24.Ndb5 Bxb5 25.Nxb5 Rd8 26.b4 Nd7 27.Qd4+
27.Qxd6+-
27...Nde5 28.Qxa7 Rd7
28...Kh7!?
29.Nd4 Kh7 30.b5?

30.Bb5!+-
30...Qe8?!
30...d5! (… Qd6) 31.Qb6 Qb4 32.Bxg4 hxg4 (32...Nxg4 33.Nxe6 Qc3 34.Nf8+ Kh8 35.Rf3™ Qxf3
36.Nxd7=) 33.Nxe6 Nf3+ 34.Kg2 Rf7 35.h5! Ne1+ 36.Kg1 Nf3+=
31.a6 bxa6 32.Qxa6 Rf7?
32...Ne3±
33.Bxg4 Nxg4 34.Qxd6+- Rxf1+ 35.Kxf1 Qf7+?!
35...e5
36.Ke2 Qf2+ 37.Kd3 Qf1+ 38.Kc3 Qa1+ 39.Kb4 Qb2+ 40.Nb3

380
40.Ka5!?
40...Qxc2 41.Qxe6 Ne3 42.Qf7+ Kh8 43.Qf8+ Kh7 44.Qh6+ Kg8 45.Qxg6+ Kh8 46.Qxh5+ Kg8
47.Qg6+ Kh8 48.Qf6+ Kg8 49.Qd4
49.Qe6+ Kg7 50.b6
49...Qe2 50.Qd8+ Kg7 51.Qf6+ Kg8 52.Nd4 Qb2+ 53.Kc5 Qc3+ 54.Kd6 Nc4+ 55.Ke6 Qb4
56.Qd8+ Kh7 57.Nf5 Qxb5 58.Qe7+ Kg6 59.Qf7# 1-0

57. B70
Bartel, Mateusz (2648) - Sjugirov, Sanan (2675)
chess.com (Int.-rapid) 145/57, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6 6.g3 Nc6 7.Nde2 Bd7 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.h3 h5
10.Be3
10.a4 - 138/90
10...Qc8 11.f4N
11.b3; 11.Nd5; 11.Qd2
11...b5 12.Qd2
12.Nxb5 Rb8 13.c4 a6 14.Nbc3 Rxb2 15.Na4 Rb4 16.Rb1 O-O∞
12...b4 13.Nd5
13.Nd1!?
13...Nxd5
¹13...Na5 14.Qxb4 (14.Nxb4 Nc4 15.Qc3 O-O³) 14...Nc4 15.Qc3 Nxd5 16.Qxg7 Rf8 17.Bd4
Nde3 18.Kf2 Nxg2 19.Kxg2 Nd2 20.Nc3 Bc6 21.Rhe1 Qf5 22.Bf2 Nxe4 23.Nxe4 Bxe4+ 24.Kh2
h4 25.Qd4 hxg3+ 26.Kxg3 Bd5 27.Qa4+ Qd7 28.Qxd7+ Kxd7 29.b3=
14.exd5 Na5 15.Qxb4 Nc4 16.Bd4 Bxd4 17.Nxd4 Ne3 18.Be4² f5
¹18...Rb8 19.Qd2 Nc4 20.Qc3 Nxb2 21.Nc6 Rg8 22.O-O²
19.Qb3! fxe4 20.Qxe3 Qc4 21.Qxe4 Bf5 22.Qe3 Qxd5

381
23.O-O-O!±
23.Rh2!?
23...Qxa2 24.Rde1 O-O
24...e6 25.Nxf5 gxf5 26.Qxe6+ Qxe6 27.Rxe6+ Kd7 28.Rg6±
25.g4 Qa1+?!
25...e5 26.Nxf5 Qa1+ 27.Kd2 Qa5+ 28.c3 Rab8 29.Ne7+ (29.b4 Qa2+ 30.Kd1 gxf5=) 29...Kh7
30.Kc2 Qa2 31.Rb1 Rf7 32.gxh5 Rxe7 33.Qd3! Qb3+ 34.Kd2±
26.Kd2 Qa5+ 27.c3 Rab8
27...Bd7 28.Qe4!+-
28.gxf5 Rxb2+ 29.Nc2?
29.Kd3 Qa6+ 30.c4+-
29...Qxf5
¹29...Rxf5 30.Qe6+ (30.Qe4 Rd5+ 31.Ke2 Rf5©) 30...Kg7 31.Ra1 (31.Qxe7+ Kh6 32.Ra1 Qd5+
33.Kc1 Rxc2+ 34.Kxc2 Qg2+ 35.Kb3 Qd5+ 36.Ka3 Qc5+=) 31...Qc5 32.Rhf1 Rd5+ 33.Kc1 Rb7
34.Re1²
30.Qe6+ Qxe6 31.Rxe6 Rxf4 32.Kd3?!
32.Kc1±
32...Kf7 33.Re2

382
33.Rhe1!?
33...Rf3+ 34.Ne3 Rb5 35.Rf1 Rxf1 36.Nxf1 a5 37.Ne3 g5
37...a4!?=
38.Ra2 Kg6 39.c4 Rb3+
¹39...Re5
40.Ke4 Rb1 41.Rxa5 Rh1 42.Ra7 Rxh3?
42...Kf7
43.Rxe7 Rh4+ 44.Kd5 Rf4 45.Re6+ Kg7 46.Kxd6+- h4 47.c5
47.Ke5! h3 48.Nf5+ Kf7 49.Rf6+ Ke8 50.Rh6
47...h3 48.Nd5 Rf1 49.Re2 g4 50.c6 g3 51.c7 Rc1 52.Re3??
52.Nf4 h2 53.Nh5+ Kf7 54.Nxg3 Rd1+ 55.Ke5 Rc1 56.Rxh2
52...g2= 53.Rg3+ Kf7 54.Rf3+ Kg7 55.Rg3+ Kf7 56.Rf3+ Kg7 57.Rg3+ 1/2-1/2

58. * B70
Onischuk, Vladimir (2633) - Jones, Gawain C B (2670)
chess.com (Int.-rapid) 145/58, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6 6.g3 Nc6 7.Bg2 Nxd4 8.Qxd4 Bg7 9.e5
9.O-O O-O 10.Qd3 Nd7 11.Qe3!?N (11.Rb1 Ne5 12.Qe2 Bg4 13.Qb5 Rb8 14.h3 (14.Be3?! a6
15.Qb3 b5³) 14...Bd7 15.Qe2 Bc6 16.f4 Nd7=; 11.Re1 Ne5 12.Qe2 Bg4 13.f3 (13.Qd2?! Rc8
14.Nd5 e6 15.Ne3 Bf3 16.Qb4 Qf6 17.Bh3 a5 18.Qxa5 Bxe4 19.Kf1 Nf3 20.Re2 Nxh2+-+)
13...Bd7 14.f4 Ng4 15.h3 Bxc3 16.bxc3 Qb6+ 17.Kh1 Nf6=) 11...Re8 12.a4 a6 13.b3 Rb8 14.Ra2 b6
15.Rd1 Bb7 16.Qe1 Rc8 17.Nd5 e6 18.Ne3 Qc7 19.Bb2 Bxb2 20.Rxb2 Nc5 21.Rd4 Red8 22.c4
(22.Ra2 Bc6 23.Qd2 e5 24.Nd5 Bxd5 25.Rxd5 Kg7=) 22...Qe7 23.Nd1 e5 24.Rdd2 Bc6 (24...Qc7!?)
25.Qe3 Rb8 26.Nc3 Kg7 27.Rd1 Re8 28.h3 Rbd8 (28...h5 29.h4 Red8 30.Bh3 Qb7=) 29.Kh2 1/2
(29) Alfaro de Hombre,J-Schoch,T corr 145/(58) 2020
9...Ng4
9...Nd7 - 123/66
10.f4 Nh6 11.h3N
11.O-O; 11.Bd2
11...Nf5 12.Qf2 dxe5 13.g4 Nd6
13...Nd4 14.fxe5 Be6 (14...Bxe5 15.O-O O-O 16.Rd1©) 15.O-O Nc6 16.Ne4 O-O∞
14.O-O Be6

383
14...h5!?
15.fxe5 Bxe5 16.Re1?!
16.Nd5©
16...Bg7?!
16...Bxc3 17.bxc3 h5 18.c4!©; 16...Nc4 17.Ne2 (17.Rxe5 Nxe5 18.Bh6 Qa5µ) 17...h5 18.g5 O-Oµ
17.Bf4
17.Nd5!?; 17.Bg5!?
17...O-O 18.Rad1 Qb6
¹18...Bxc3 19.bxc3 Qa5
19.Nd5!
19.Qxb6 axb6 20.Nd5 Bxd5 21.Bxd5©
19...Bxd5 20.Bxd5 Qxf2+ 21.Kxf2ƒ Rfe8 22.c4 Rac8

¹22...e6
23.b3
23.c5! Nb5 24.Be3 Bxb2 25.Bxb7 Rc7 26.Rb1 Rxb7 27.Rxb2 Nd6 28.Rxb7 Nxb7 29.c6 Nd6
30.Bxa7²
23...b6 24.Re2 Bf6

384
24...Bc3!?
25.Kg2 e5
¹25...Kg7
26.Bc1 e4
26...Rc7!?
27.Ba3 Be5 28.Bxd6
28.Ree1!?
28...Bxd6 29.Bxf7+ Kxf7 30.Rxd6 Re7
30...Rcd8!?
31.Kf2 b5?!
31...Rf8=
32.cxb5 Rc3 33.Kg2 h5 34.gxh5
34.Rc6 Rd3 35.Rf2+ Kg7 36.Rff6 Rd2+ 37.Kg3±
34...gxh5 35.Rd4 e3
35...Kf6!?
36.Kf3 Re5?!
36...Rc5
37.Ra4 Kf6 38.Rxa7
38.Ra6+! Kg5 39.h4+! Kf5 (39...Kxh4?? 40.Kf4+-) 40.Rxa7 Rxb5 41.Rxe3+-
38...Rf5+ 39.Ke4 Rxb5 40.Ra6+ Kg5 41.Kf3?
41.Kd4
41...Kh4
41...Rf5+! 42.Kg2 (42.Ke4 Rf4+ 43.Ke5 Rf2 44.Re1 e2=) 42...Re5 43.Ra4 Rc1 44.Rd4 Ra1=
42.Kg2 Rg5+ 43.Kh2 Rf5
43...Re5!?
44.Ra4+ Kg5 45.Kg2
45.h4+!?
45...Rf4 46.Ra5+ Kh4 47.Re5 Rf2+

385
¹47...Rd4
48.Rxf2 exf2 49.Kxf2
49.Re4+ Kg5 50.h4+ Kf6 51.Kxf2 Rc2+ 52.Re2 Rc3 53.Kg2+-
49...Rc2+ 50.Re2 Rc1 51.Kg2 Ra1 52.Re4+
52.Rb2!+-
52...Kg5 53.Ra4
53.a4+-
53...h4 54.Kf3
54.a3+-
54...Rf1+ 55.Ke2?
55.Kg2
55...Rh1= 56.b4 Rxh3 57.Ra8 Kf4 58.Rf8+ Ke4 59.Re8+ Kd4 60.Ra8 Kc4 61.a3 Rb3 62.Kf2 h3
63.Ra5 h2 64.Kg2 Rb2+ 65.Kh1 Ra2 66.b5 Rb2 67.a4 Kd5 68.Ra6 Kc5 69.Rc6+ Kd5 70.Rc8 Rb4
71.Ra8 Rb2 72.Ra6 Kc5 73.Rh6 Ra2 74.Rh4 Kb6 75.Rh6+ Kc5 76.Rc6+ Kd5 77.Ra6 Kc5 78.b6
Kc6 79.a5 Kb7 80.Ra7+ Kb8 81.a6 Rb2 82.Rb7+ Ka8 83.Ra7+ Kb8 84.Rb7+ Ka8 85.Ra7+ Kb8
1/2-1/2

386
B75-B99

59. B76
Papp, Gabor (2602) - Can, Emre (2569)
chess.com (Int.-rapid) 145/59, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6 6.Be3 Bg7 7.f3 Nc6 8.Qd2 O-O 9.O-O-O Nxd4
10.Bxd4 Be6 11.Kb1 Qc7 12.h4 Rfc8 13.h5 Qa5 14.hxg6 hxg6 15.a3 Rab8 16.Bd3 Bc4 17.Bxc4
Rxc4 18.Bxf6 Bxf6 19.Nd5 Qxd2 20.Nxf6+
20.Rxd2 - 39/(264)
20...Kg7 21.Nh5+ gxh5 22.Rxd2 Rc5 23.c3N
23.b4; 23.Kc1; 23.Rd5
23...Rh8 24.Kc2 h4 25.Kd3 Rg5 26.Ke3 Kf6 27.Rh2
27.g4 hxg3 (27...Rg7!?) 28.Rxh8 g2 29.Rd1 g1=Q+ 30.Rxg1 Rxg1 31.Rb8 b6 32.Rb7 Rb1 33.b4 Rb3
34.Rxa7 Rxc3+ 35.Kd4 Rxf3 36.Kd5 Re3 37.a4 e6+ 38.Kc6 Rxe4 39.b5 d5 40.Kxb6 e5 (40...d4?
41.Rd7 e5 42.a5+-) 41.a5 (41.Ra6 d4 42.Kc5+ Kf5 43.Rd6 d3! 44.Rxd3 Rxa4 45.b6 Ra8=) 41...Ra4
42.Rd7 d4 (42...Ke6 43.Rd8 d4 44.a6 Ke7 45.Rd5 Ke6 46.Kc5 Ra1 47.Rd6+ Ke7 48.b6 Ra5+
49.Kc6 Rxa6 50.Rd7+ Ke6 51.Ra7 Rxb6+ 52.Kxb6 Kd5 53.Kb5 f5=) 43.a6 Ke6 44.Kc7 e4 45.b6
Rxa6 46.Rxd4 f5=
27...Rg3 28.Kf4 Rhg8 29.a4 R8g4+
29...Ke6=; 29...b6=
30.Ke3 e6?

387
30...Rg8=
31.Kf2! Rg8 32.Rxd6 h3?!
32...Ke7±
33.gxh3+- Ke5 34.Rd7
34.Rd3 Kf4 35.h4
34...Rg1 35.Rxf7 b6 36.Rxa7 Rd1 37.Ke3™
37.Ke2?? Rgd8! 38.Rf2™ R8d2+ 39.Ke3 Rd3+ 40.Ke2=
37...Rgd8 38.f4+ Kf6 39.e5+ Kg6 40.Rg2+ Kh6 41.Re7 1-0

60. B76
Pichot, Alan (2606) - Jones, Gawain C B (2679)
ProChessLeague (Int.-rapid) 145/60, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6 6.Be3 Bg7 7.f3 Nc6 8.Qd2 O-O 9.O-O-O d5
10.exd5 Nxd5 11.Nxc6 bxc6 12.Bd4 Nxc3 13.Qxc3 Bh6+ 14.Be3 Bxe3+ 15.Qxe3 Qb6 16.Qxb6
axb6 17.a3 Be6 18.Bd3 Ra4N
18...Kg7 - 102/ (168)
19.Rhe1 b5
19...Kg7=
20.Re5 Rb8

388
¹20...Rd8 21.Rc5 Rd6 22.Be4 b4 23.Rxd6 exd6 24.Rxc6 bxa3 25.bxa3 d5 26.Bd3 Rxa3=
21.Rc5 Bd5?

21...b4 22.Rxc6 bxa3 23.b3 Ra7 24.Ra6 Rxa6 25.Bxa6 Ra8 26.Bd3²; 21...Rb6 22.Be4 Rc4 23.Rxc4
bxc4 24.f4²
22.Bxb5! Ra5 23.Bxc6
23.a4 cxb5 (23...e6 24.b4 Ra7 25.Bd3 Rxb4 (25...e5? 26.b5 Rxa4 27.c4 Be6 28.Rxc6+-) 26.c4 Raxa4
27.cxd5 cxd5 28.Kd2±) 24.Rdxd5 Rxa4 25.Rxb5 Rxb5 26.Rxb5 Ra1+ 27.Kd2 Rh1 28.Re5±
23...Rxc5 24.Bxd5² Kg7?!
24...Rbc8; 24...e6
25.b4 Rc7 26.Bb3± f5 27.c4 Kf6
¹27...e5
28.Kc2 g5?!
28...e5
29.Kc3 h5 30.a4 g4 31.b5+- gxf3 32.gxf3 Ke5 33.Kb4 Kf4 34.c5
34.a5
34...Kxf3 35.b6 f4 36.Be6!?
36.a5
36...Ke2 37.Rd8! Rcb7 38.Rxb8 Rxb8 39.a5 f3 40.a6 f2 41.Bc4+ Ke1 42.a7 Rf8 43.b7 Rf4 44.a8=Q

389
Rxc4+ 45.Kxc4
45.Kb3
45...f1=Q+ 46.Kb4 Qf4+ 47.Kb5 Qf1+ 48.Ka5! Qc4 49.b8=Q Qxc5+ 50.Ka6
50.Ka4
50...Qa3+ 51.Kb7 Qb4+ 52.Kc8 Qg4+ 53.Kd8 Qd4+ 54.Ke8 Qh8+ 55.Kd7 Qd4+ 56.Ke6 Qf6+
57.Kd5 Qf3+ 58.Kc5 Qc3+ 59.Kb6 Qb4+ 60.Kc7 Qf4+ 61.Kd8 Qd4+ 62.Kxe7 Qg7+ 63.Ke6
Qg6+ 64.Ke5 Qg7+ 65.Ke4 Qg6+ 66.Ke3 Qg1+ 67.Kd3 Qf1+ 68.Kc3 Qf6+ 69.Kc4 Qf1+ 70.Kc5
Qf2+ 71.Kd5 Qf5+ 72.Qe5+ Qe4+ 73.Qxe4+ 1-0

61. B80
Priasmoro, Novendra (2502) - Mchedlishvili, Mikheil (2570)
chess.com (Int.-blitz) 145/61, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 d6 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.Nb3 Be7 8.O-O a6
8...O-O - 39/274
9.Qe2 b5 10.Bd2 Ne5N
10...O-O
11.f4 Nxd3 12.cxd3 O-O 13.Kh1 b4 14.Nd1 a5 15.Ne3?!
15.Rc1!?; 15.a3!?
15...Ba6! 16.Nc4 d5
16...Nxe4!? 17.Nbxa5 Nxd2 (17...Bxc4 18.Nc6 Qc7 19.Nxe7+ Qxe7 20.dxc4 d5) 18.Nc6 Qd7
19.Nxe7+ Qxe7 20.Qxd2 d5ƒ
17.exd5 a4
17...Bxc4 18.dxc4 exd5ƒ
18.Nd4
18.d6 Bxd6 19.Nd4 Nd5 20.Nc6 Qc7 21.Nxd6 Qxd6 (21...Qxc6 22.Nc4 Rac8 23.Rac1 Rfd8ƒ)
22.Ne5 Rac8 23.Rac1 Rfd8ƒ
18...Nxd5?!
18...Qxd5³
19.Nc6 Qc7 20.Nxe7+ Qxe7 21.f5∞ Rfe8
21...exf5 22.Qxe7 Nxe7 23.Bxb4 Rfe8 24.Bxe7 Rxe7 25.Rxf5 Re2=
22.Rae1 Qd7?!

390
22...exf5
23.Ne5 Qc7?
23...Qe7 24.f6 gxf6 25.Ng4±
24.f6! gxf6

25.Bh6?
25.Ng4!? Qe7 26.Rxf6! Nxf6 27.Bg5 Bxd3 28.Qf3! (28.Qxd3?? Nxg4-+) 28...Nxg4 29.Bxe7 Bg6
30.Bxb4+-; 25.Qg4+! Kh8 (25...Kf8 26.Rxf6! Nxf6 27.Bxb4+ Qe7 (27...Re7 28.Qf4+-) 28.Bxe7+
Rxe7 29.Qh4+-) 26.Rxf6! Nxf6 27.Qf4! Qe7 (27...Nd5 28.Nxf7+ Qxf7 (28...Kg7 29.Qg5+ Kxf7
30.Rf1+ Nf6 31.Rxf6+ Ke7 32.Bxb4+ Kd7 33.Rf7++-) 29.Qxf7 Re7 30.Qf2+-) 28.Bxb4 Nd5
29.Nxf7+ Qxf7 30.Qxf7 Nxb4 31.Qf6+ Kg8 32.Re4 Bxd3 33.Qg5+ Kh8 34.Rxb4+-
25...Kh8?
25...f5∞
26.Qh5?!
26.Rxf6! Nxf6 27.Qf3! Ng4 (27...Qe7 28.Bg5 Kg7 29.Rf1+-; 27...Ng8 28.Qxf7!+-) 28.Nxf7+ Qxf7
29.Qxf7 Nxh6 30.Qf6+ Kg8 31.Qxh6+-
26...Ra7?!
26...Re7?! 27.Rxf6! Nxf6 28.Bg7+ Kxg7 29.Qg5+ Kf8 30.Qxf6 Rd7 31.Qh8+ Ke7 32.Qxa8+-;
26...Rf8! 27.Rxf6 (27.Bxf8?! Rxf8 28.Ng4 Bxd3±) 27...Nxf6 28.Bg7+ Kxg7 29.Qg5+ Kh8
30.Qxf6+ Kg8 31.Ng4 Rfd8 32.Rf1 Bxd3±
27.Rxf6! Nxf6 28.Qg5 Nh5 29.Qxh5 Rg8 30.Rc1?

391
30.Bg5! Rg6 31.Qh4 Kg8 32.Nxg6 fxg6 33.Bh6+-
30...Qb7?
30...Qd6 31.Nxf7+ Rxf7 32.Qxf7 e5²
31.Nc6??
31.Nxf7+ Qxf7 32.Qe5++-
31...Raa8?
31...Rg6µ
32.Qe5+ 1-0

62. B80
Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784) - Shankland, Samuel L (2691)
chess.com (ol-rapid) 145/62, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.Nc3 a6 4.a4 Nc6 5.g3 Nf6 6.Bg2 Be7 7.O-O d6 8.d4 cxd4 9.Nxd4 Nxd4
9...Bd7 - 101/(154)
10.Qxd4 e5 11.Qd3 Be6 12.Bg5N
12.Rd1
12...Nd7
12...O-O 13.Rfd1 Rc8 14.Bxf6 (14.a5) 14...Bxf6 15.Qxd6 Qxd6 16.Rxd6 Bd8©
13.Bxe7 Kxe7 14.Rfd1 Nf6 15.a5 b5 16.axb6 Qxb6 17.b3 Rhc8 18.Rd2 Rc6 19.Nd1 Rac8 20.Ne3
a5 21.c4 g6 22.Ra3 Rb8 23.Rda2 Nd7 24.Qd1 Nc5 25.h4 h5 26.Kh2
26.Rxa5 Nxb3 (26...Qxb3 27.Ra7+ Kf8 28.Qf3 Kg8 29.Qf6 (29.Bh3 Rf8∞) 29...Rc7 30.Rxc7 Qxa2
31.Nd5 Qb1+ 32.Kh2 Bxd5 33.cxd5 Rf8=) 27.Rb5 Qxb5 28.cxb5 Rc1 29.Ra7+ Kf8 30.Qxc1 Nxc1
31.Bf1 Nb3=
26...Kf8
26...Nxb3 27.Rb2 a4 28.Rxa4 Qd4 29.Qxd4 (29.Qb1 Rcb6) 29...exd4 30.e5 Rcc8 31.Nd5+ Kd8
32.exd6 d3∞
27.Qf3
27.Rxa5 Qxb3 28.Ra8 Kg7 29.Nf5+ gxf5 30.Qxh5 Nxe4 31.Bxe4 fxe4 32.Qg5+ Kh7 (32...Kf8??
33.h5+-) 33.Qh5+=; 27.Bh3
27...Qd8 28.Nf1

392
28...a4! 29.bxa4 Bxc4 30.Rc2 Be6 31.Qe3 Ra6 32.Rd2 Qf6 33.a5 Rb3 34.Rxb3 Nxb3 35.Rb2
Nxa5??
35...Rxa5 36.Qb6 (36.Rxb3? Bxb3 37.Qxb3 Qxf2µ) 36...Ra1 37.Qxd6+ Kg7 38.Ne3 Nd4ƒ
36.Qh6+! Ke7 37.Rb8 Kd7 38.Qf8 Kc7 39.Ne3 Nc6 40.Nd5+ 1-0

63. B84
Ivanchuk, Vassily (2678) - Artemiev, Vladislav (2716)
chess.com (Int.-blitz) 145/63, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be2 e6 7.Be3 Be7 8.g4 O-O
8...d5 - 118/69
9.g5 Nfd7 10.h4 b5 11.a3N
11.Qd2
11...Bb7 12.Rg1 Nc6
12...Nc5!?
13.h5 Rc8 14.f3?!
14.Nxc6 Rxc6 15.h6 (15.g6?! fxg6 16.hxg6 h6 17.Bg4 Rf6³) 15...g6 16.a4ƒ
14...Nce5 15.Qd2 Nb6 16.b3
16.O-O-O Nbc4 17.Bxc4 Nxc4 18.Qd3 Qa5ƒ
16...b4

393
16...Qc7!?
17.axb4 d5 18.Na4 Nxa4 19.Rxa4 dxe4 20.f4 Nf3+ 21.Nxf3 exf3 22.Bxa6
22.Qxd8 Rfxd8 23.Bc4∞
22...Bxa6 23.Rxa6 Qc7
23...Bxb4!? 24.Qxb4 Rxc2 25.Rd6 Re2+ 26.Kf1 Qa8 27.Qa4 Rxe3 28.Qxa8 Rxa8 29.Kf2 Rxb3³
24.Ra7?
24.c4=
24...Qxc2µ 25.Rxe7?

25.Qxc2 Rxc2 26.Kd1 Re2 27.Rxe7 Rd8+ 28.Kc1 Rc8+ 29.Kd1 Rxe3 30.Kd2µ
25...Qe4
25...Rfd8!-+
26.g6
26.Qd4 Qc2 27.Bd2 Rcd8 28.Rd7 Rxd7 29.Qxd7 Qe4+ 30.Kf2 (30.Kd1 Ra8-+) 30...Qe2+ 31.Kg3
f2 32.Ra1 f1=Q 33.Rxf1 Qxf1µ
26...f2+
¹26...fxg6 27.Kf1 f2 28.Rg2 (28.Kxf2 Rc2-+) 28...Rc2 29.Rxe6 Qf5µ
27.Kxf2 Rc2 28.gxf7+ Rxf7 29.Re8+ Rf8 30.Rxf8+ Kxf8 31.Qxc2

394
31.Rg5
31...Qxc2+ 32.Kf3 Qxb3?!
32...e5! 33.fxe5 Qf5+ 34.Ke2 Qxh5+ 35.Kd3 Qxe5µ
33.Rg5 Qd1+
33...g6!?
34.Kf2 Qc2+ 35.Kf3 Kf7 36.b5= Qd1+ 37.Kf2 Qc2+ 38.Kf3 h6 39.Re5 Qd1+ 40.Kf2 Qc2+
41.Kf3 Qb1 42.Kf2 Qb2+ 43.Kf3 Qb3 44.Kf2 g6† 0-1

64. * B84
Kollars, Dmitrij (2586) - Donchenko, Alexander (2646)
Magdeburg 145/64, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be3 e6 7.Be2

7.f3 b5 - 80
7...Qc7 8.Qd2
8.a4
8...b5 9.a3
9.f3 - 138/93
9...Nbd7
9...Bb7 10.f3 Nbd7 11.O-O-O d5 12.exd5 Bxd5? (12...Nxd5 - 85/220) 13.Bf4 Qb6 (13...Qb7
14.Nf5ƒ) 14.Nf5 (14.Rhe1ƒ) 14...O-O-ON (14...g6) 15.Bg5 Ne5 16.Nxd5 Rxd5 17.Qe3 Qxe3+
18.Nxe3 Nd3+ (18...Rxd1+ 19.Rxd1²) 19.Rxd3 Rxg5 20.b4ƒ Bacrot,E (2669)-Andersen,M (2601)
Deutschland 145/(64) 2019
10.g4!?
10.f3
10...Ne5?!
10...Bb7∞
11.g5! Nfg4

395
12.f4?!N
12.O-O-O Nxe3 13.Qxe3 Be7 14.h4 Nc6 15.Qg3 Nxd4 16.Rxd4 O-O∞; 12.Bf4! h6 (12...Nc4
13.Bxc4 Qxc4 14.Nf3 Qc5 15.O-O-O Qxf2 16.Bxd6 Qxd2+ 17.Rxd2 Bxd6 (17...f5 18.gxf6 Nxf6
19.Rg1 Bxd6 20.Rxd6 O-O 21.Nd4 Ra7 22.Nxe6 Bxe6 23.Rxe6±) 18.Rxd6 Bb7 19.Rg1 Nf2 20.Re1
Nh3 21.Ne5 Nxg5 22.h4 f6 23.Red1 fxe5 24.hxg5 O-O 25.Rxe6±) 13.gxh6 Nxh6 14.O-O-O Bd7
15.h4 Nhg4 16.Bg3 Rc8 17.h5 Nc4 18.Bxc4 Qxc4 19.f3²
12...Nxe3 13.Qxe3 Nc4 14.Bxc4 Qxc4?!
14...bxc4 15.O-O-O Rb8 16.f5 Qb6 17.fxe6 fxe6 18.Rhf1 Qxb2+ 19.Kd2 Qb6 20.Rb1 Qa7 21.Rxb8
Qxb8 22.Qh3 Bd7=
15.O-O-O?!
15.f5! Rb8 16.h4 b4 17.axb4 Rxb4 18.O-O-O Qc5 19.Rhe1 e5 20.Nb3 Qxe3+ 21.Rxe3 Bb7 22.Na5
Ba8 23.b3±
15...Be7?!
15...Bd7 16.Rd3 b4 17.b3 Qc5 18.axb4 Qxb4 19.f5 Rc8 20.Kb2 Be7 21.Rf1 Qc5 22.fxe6 fxe6
23.Qf3 Kd8±
16.h4
16.f5 b4 17.axb4 Rb8 18.Nb3 Qxb4 19.h4 Bd7 20.Rd4 Qb6 21.Qg3!±
16...Bd7

396
17.f5?!
17.h5! Rc8 18.Nb3 Qc7 19.Qd4 e5 20.Qd2 Be6 21.f5 Bc4 22.Kb1 a5 23.g6 h6 24.gxf7+ Kf8 25.Rh2
a4 26.Nc1 Bg5 27.Qxd6+ Qxd6 28.Rxd6 Ke7 29.Ra6 Ra8 30.Rg6 Bxf7 31.Rxg7 Kf6 32.Rg6+ Bxg6
33.hxg6+-
17...a5
17...b4 18.axb4 Qxb4 19.e5 dxe5 20.Qxe5 O-O 21.fxe6 fxe6 22.Nxe6 Bxe6 23.Qxe6+ Kh8 24.Nd5
Qa4 25.Kb1 Bc5 26.Nb6 Bxb6 27.Qxb6+-
18.e5 d5!? 19.f6?
19.h5! O-O-O 20.g6 hxg6 21.hxg6 Rxh1 22.Rxh1 b4 23.axb4 axb4 24.Nce2 fxg6 25.fxe6 Bb5
26.Kd2 Kb8 27.Rf1+-
19...Bc5?
19...gxf6! 20.Nf5 (20.exf6? Bc5 21.b3 Bxa3+ 22.Kb1 Qc5 23.Qd3 a4=; 20.gxf6 Bf8 (20...Bc5
21.Nce2±) 21.Rhg1 b4 22.axb4 axb4 23.Nce2 Ra2²) 20...Qc5 21.Qf3 exf5 22.exf6 Be6 23.fxe7 Rc8
24.Qd3 b4 25.axb4 axb4 26.Nxd5 Bxd5 27.Qxf5 b3 28.Rd2 Qc6 29.Qxd5 Qxd5 30.Rxd5 Rxc2+
31.Kb1 Kxe7 32.Rd3 Rf2 33.Rxb3±
20.fxg7+- Rg8 21.b3?
21.Nce2! Rxg7 22.Kb1 b4 23.b3 Qa6 24.a4 O-O-O 25.Rhf1 Be8 26.Rf6 Rg6 27.Qf3+-
21...Bxa3+ 22.Kb1 Qc5 23.Qd3?
23.Nce2 a4 24.Nf4 axb3 25.cxb3 Qa7 26.Kc2 Rxg7 27.Nh5 Rg6 28.Nf6+ Rxf6 29.gxf6 O-O-O
30.Ra1 b4 31.Kb1 Kb7 32.Ra2 Rc8 33.Rc2+-

397
23...a4?
23...Rxg7 24.h5 Bb4 25.Ncxb5 Qb6 26.g6 hxg6 27.hxg6 O-O-O 28.Rh7 Rxg6 29.Rxf7 Rg4 30.Qf3
Rgg8∞
24.Ncxb5?
24.h5 Rxg7 25.g6 axb3 26.cxb3 Bb4 27.Na2 Rxa2 28.Kxa2 hxg6 29.hxg6 Rxg6 30.Rc1+-
24...Ke7?!
24...Rxg7 25.bxa4 Rxa4 26.Nxa3 Qxa3 27.Qxa3 Rxa3 28.Rd3 Rxd3 29.cxd3 h6=
25.Nxa3
25.Qf1 Bxb5 26.Nxb5 Rxg7=; 25.bxa4 Qb4+ 26.Qb3 Qxa4 27.Qxa3+ Qxa3 28.Nxa3 Rxa3 29.Kb2²
25...Qxa3 26.Qc3 axb3 27.Nxb3= Rxg7 28.Rd4 Rgg8 29.Qb4+ Qxb4 30.Rxb4 Rgb8 31.Rf4?!
31.Rxb8 Rxb8 32.Kb2 Rb4 33.Ra1=
31...Ra4! 32.Rhf1
32.Rf6³
32...Be8 33.Kb2 Rbb4 34.Rxb4 Rxb4 35.Ra1 Rxh4 36.Ra7+ Kf8 37.Nc5?
37.Ra8 Ra4 38.Rb8 Rg4 39.Nc5 Rxg5 40.Kc3 Rf5 41.Ra8 Rf4 42.Nd7+ Ke7 43.Nf6 Bc6 44.Ng8+
Kd7 45.Nf6+ Kc7 46.Rf8 Ba4 47.Rxf7+=
37...Rb4+-+ 38.Kc1 Rc4! 39.Rc7?!
39.Ra5 Bc6 40.Nd3 Kg7 41.Kd2 Kg6 42.c3 Rg4 43.Nb4 Bd7 44.Nc2 Ra4 45.Rc5 Ra2 46.Kc1
Kxg5-+

39...Ba4 40.Kd2 Rxc2+ 41.Kd3 Rc4 42.Ke3 Kg8 43.Kf2 Bd1 44.Ke3 Bg4 0-1

65. B84
Shevchenko, Kirill (2592) - Mchedlishvili, Mikheil (2570)
chess.com (Int.-rapid) 145/65, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 d6 6.Be3 Be7 7.Be2 O-O 8.Qd2 a6 9.O-O-O Nfd7
10.f4 b5N
10...Nc6 - 125/64
11.Bf3 Nb6
11...Bb7!?
12.b3 Bb7
12...b4 13.Nce2 a5 14.Nb5 d5 15.exd5 Nxd5 16.Bxd5 exd5 17.Qxd5 Qxd5 18.Rxd5 Bb7 19.Rd2±;

398
¹12...Qc7
13.Qf2?!
13.f5! b4 14.Nce2 e5 15.f6 Bxf6 16.Nf5±
13...N8d7 14.e5 d5
¹14...Bxf3 15.Nxf3 Qc7³ ƒ
15.f5?!
15.Kb1
15...Qc8! 16.Nde2
16.Nce2 Nxe5³
16...b4?!
16...Qc7
17.Nb1?
17.Bxb6 Nxb6 18.Qxb6 Bc5 19.Qa5 bxc3 20.Kb1ƒ
17...Qc7 18.Bd4
18.Rhe1!?
18...Rac8
18...exf5!?
19.Ng3?!

399
19.Nf4
19...Bc5! 20.Bxc5 Qxc5?
20...Nxc5 21.Rhe1 Nbd7-+
21.Qxc5 Nxc5 22.Kb2 Rc7
22...Nbd7 23.Rhe1 a5³
23.c3
23.a3
23...a5 24.Rd4
24.Rhe1
24...Nbd7
24...Ba6! 25.Be2 Bxe2 26.Nxe2 Nbd7µ
25.Re1 Ba6 26.Re3 Rb8
26...g6!?
27.Be2 Bxe2 28.Nxe2 Ne4?!
28...Nb6; 28...Rcb7
29.cxb4
29.fxe6 fxe6 30.c4 Nxe5 31.cxd5 exd5 32.Rxd5 Rc5™ 33.Rd4 Nf6ƒ

400
29...axb4 30.Nd2 Ndc5
¹30...Nf2
31.Nf4?!
31.Nxe4 Nxe4 32.Nf4=
31...Rbc8?!
31...Nc3!µ
32.Nb1?!
32.Nxe4 Nxe4 (32...dxe4 33.Rxb4 exf5 34.Rc4=) 33.Re2 Ra7 34.Re1 Rac7 35.Re2=
32...Nd7
32...Na6!? 33.Re2 Rc1µ
33.Re2 Ndc5 34.Re3
34.Rxb4 g5 35.fxg6 hxg6 36.Rd4 f6³
34...g5 35.Nh5
35.fxg6 hxg6 36.Rxb4 g5 37.Nxd5 exd5 38.Rd4 Rd8µ
35...Kf8 36.fxe6
36.Rxb4 exf5-+
36...fxe6?
36...Nxe6 37.Rxb4 Rc2+ 38.Ka1 (38.Ka3 N6c5!-+) 38...Rc1-+
37.Rxb4 Nd7 38.Rf3+?
38.Na3
38...Ke7 39.Na3 Nxe5 40.Re3

401
40...Nc6
40...Rf8!-+
41.Rb6
41.Rbxe4 dxe4 42.Rxe4µ
41...Nd4
41...Nf2! 42.Re2 Ne5-+
42.Ng3?! Nxg3?
42...Nf2-+
43.hxg3?!
43.Rxg3
43...Rc1?
43...Rf8-+
44.Nb5?!
44.Rd3! e5 45.Rd2=
44...R8c2+
44...R1c2+ 45.Kb1 Nxb5 46.Rxb5 d4 47.Rd3 Rxg2 48.Rxd4 Kf6µ
45.Ka3 Nxb5+ 46.Rxb5 Kd6 47.Kb4 Rxa2?!

402
47...g4³
48.Rb6+= Rc6 49.Rxc6+ Kxc6 50.Rxe6+ Kd7 51.Re5 Kd6 52.Rxg5 Rxg2 53.Kc3 h6 54.Rg6+ Ke5
55.Kd3 Rb2 56.Rb6 h5 57.Rb8 Rg2 58.Re8+ Kd6 59.Rd8+ Kc5 60.Rc8+ Kd6 61.Rd8+ Ke6
62.Re8+ Kf5 63.Rf8+ Ke5 64.Re8+ Kd6 65.Rd8+ 1/2-1/2

66. B86
Lagarde, Maxime (2657) - Bosiocic, Marin (2606)
Trieste 145/66, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bg5 Nbd7 7.Bc4 Qb6 8.Bb3 e6 9.Qd2 Be7
10.O-O-O Nc5 11.Rhe1 h6 12.Bh4 O-O 13.g3 Qc7 14.f4 Re8
14...b5
15.e5 dxe5 16.fxe5 Nfd7 17.Nf5!
17.Bxe7 - 144/57
17...Nxb3+
17...Bxh4 18.Nxh6+! gxh6 19.gxh4 Kh7 20.Qf4 Rf8 21.Rd6 b5 (21...Nxb3+ 22.axb3 Nc5 (22...b5
23.Ne4+-) 23.b4+-) 22.Bd5! Bb7 (22...Rb8 23.Rc6 Qd8 24.b4+-) 23.Bxb7 Qxb7 24.b4+-
18.axb3 exf5
18...Bxh4 19.Nxh6+! gxh6 20.gxh4 Kh7 21.Qd3+ Kh8 22.Qe3 Kh7 23.Ne4+-
19.Nd5 Qd8
19...Qc5? 20.Bxe7 Rxe7 21.b4+-
20.Nxe7+ Rxe7

403
21.g4!
21.e6 f6 22.Qd5 Kh8∞
21...a5??N
21...fxg4! 22.e6 (22.Qd6? g5 23.Qxh6 Re6!-+ (23...gxh4?? 24.Re4+-)) 22...f6 23.Qd5 Kh8 24.Bg3
a5 25.Qd4 (25.Bd6? Nb6 26.Qf5 Rxe6 27.Rxe6 Bxe6 28.Qxe6 Qd7µ) 25...Ra6 26.Qxg4∞
22.gxf5+- a4
22...Qf8 23.Bxe7 Qxe7 24.e6 fxe6 25.fxe6 Nf6 26.Qd8+ Qe8 27.Rg1+-
23.Qb4 axb3 24.Bxe7 Qc7 25.Qc3! Qxc3 26.bxc3 b2+ 27.Kxb2 Nb6 28.e6 fxe6 29.fxe6 Nc4+
30.Kb1 1-0

67. B88
Borocz, Istvan (2337) - Kobalia, Mihail (2609)
Gibraltar 145/67, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Bc4 e6 7.O-O Be7 8.Bb3 O-O 9.f4 Na5
9...Nxd4 - 59/(287)
10.f5 e5 11.Nde2 Nxb3 12.axb3 b5 13.Bg5 Bb7 14.Bxf6 Bxf6 15.Nd5 b4N
15...Bxd5
16.Kh1
16.c4 Bxd5 (16...bxc3 17.Nexc3²; 16...Bg5 17.Kh1 Bxd5 18.Qxd5 Qb6 19.Rfd1 Qf2„) 17.Qxd5
Qb6+ 18.Kh1 a5=

404
16...a5 17.Ng3
17.c4=
17...Bxd5 18.Qxd5
18.exd5 e4 19.Nxe4 Bxb2=
18...Qc7
18...Rc8!?
19.Nh5?!
19.Qd2; 19.Qd1
19...Bg5³ 20.Qd3 Rfc8 21.Qg3 f6 22.h4

22...Qf7!
22...Bf4 23.Qf3 Ra6=
23.Qg4
23.hxg5 Qxh5+ 24.Kg1 Qxg5 25.Qd3 Qh5³
23...Bh6 24.Rad1
24.Rfd1
24...Ra6 25.Rf2 Rc5
25...Kf8!?

405
26.Rd3 Rac6
26...d5 27.Rxd5 Rxd5 28.exd5 Qxd5 29.Ng3 Rc6³
27.Qd1?!
27.Kh2
27...Qc7
¹27...d5
28.Rg3?!
28.Kh2
28...Kf8 29.Qg4?!
29.Rd2
29...d5 30.exd5 Rxd5-+ 31.Rd3?
31.Qf3
31...Rxd3 32.cxd3 Rc1+ 33.Kh2 e4+ 34.Ng3 e3 35.Re2 Bf4 36.Kh3 Bxg3 37.Qxg3 Rh1+ 38.Kg4
h5+ 0-1

68. ** B90
Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784) - Carlsen, Magnus (2863)
chess24.com (Int.-m1/3-rapid) 145/68, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Rg1 b5 7.g4

7.a4 b4 8.Nd5 e6 9.Nxf6+ Qxf6 10.Be3 Bb7 11.Qd2 Bxe4 12.f3 Bb7N (12...Bd5 - 141/70) 13.Qxb4
Qe7 14.Qb6 Qd7 15.O-O-O Qc8 16.Nb3 Nc6 17.Bd4 e5 18.Bc3 Be7 19.Bd3 O-O 20.Be4 Rb8∞
Nepomniachtchi,I (2784)-Giri,A (2764) chess24.com (Int.-m2/5-blitz) 145/(68) 2020
7...Bb7 8.g5
8.Bg2 - 75/232
8...Nxe4
8...Nfd7 9.a3 g6 10.h4 Bg7 11.h5N (11.Be3) 11...Nc6 12.Be3 Nc5 13.f3 (13.h6 Bxd4! 14.Bxd4
Nxd4 15.Qxd4 e5 16.Qe3 Ne6 17.O-O-O O-O 18.Kb1 Qe7∞) 13...O-O 14.hxg6?! (14.Qd2 Nxd4
15.Bxd4 Bxd4 16.Qxd4 e5 17.Qe3 Ne6 (17...Rb8!?) 18.O-O-O Qe7 19.Kb1 Rfd8∞) 14...fxg6
15.Nxc6 Bxc6 16.Bh3 Bxc3+ 17.bxc3 Nepomniachtchi,I (2784)-Carlsen,M (2863) chess24.com
(Int.-m1/1-rapid) 145/(68) 2020 (17.bxc3 Qa5! 18.Bd2 (18.Bd4 e5-+) 18...Qa4 19.Bg4 Bd7µ)
9.Nxe4 Bxe4 10.a4N
10.Qg4 Bb7 (10...Bd5 11.Be3 Nd7 12.Bg2 Bxg2 13.Rxg2 e5 14.Nc6 Qc7 15.Qf3 Rc8 16.Na7 Rb8

406
17.Nc6 Rc8= (17...Qb7∞)) 11.Bg2 Bxg2 12.Qxg2 Ra7 (12...Nd7?! 13.g6! hxg6 14.Ne6 Rxh2
(14...Qc8 15.Qxa8!+-) 15.Qxa8 fxe6 16.Qxa6±) 13.Be3 Rc7 14.O-O-O g6 15.Kb1 Bg7 16.h4∞
10...e5 11.axb5 Be7
11...exd4 12.Qxd4 d5 (12...Qe7 13.Be3 d5 14.bxa6 Qb4+ 15.Qxb4 Bxb4+ 16.c3 Bd6 17.Bb5+ Ke7
18.Ke2©) 13.Rg3 Nd7 14.Re3 Be7 15.Qxg7 Rf8 16.bxa6©
12.Rg4 axb5 13.Bxb5+ Nd7
¹13...Kf8 14.Rxa8 (14.Bd2 Rxa1 15.Qxa1 d5∞) 14...Bxa8 15.Nb3 Nd7∞
14.Bd2! Bb7 15.Nf5 O-O?!
15...g6 16.Rxa8 Bxa8 17.Nh6 Kf8 18.Ra4 Nb6 19.Ra6²
16.Rxa8?!
16.Rga4! Rxa4 (16...Nb6 17.Rxa8 Bxa8 18.Bb4±) 17.Rxa4±
16...Bxa8 17.Rh4 g6 18.Qg4 Nc5 19.Qh3

19.Rxh7 Kxh7 20.Qh4+ Kg8 21.Nh6+ Kg7 22.Nf5+ gxf5 23.Qh6+ Kg8 24.g6 fxg6 25.Qxg6+ Kh8
26.Qh6+=
19...h5?
19...Bxg5! 20.Rxh7 Bxd2+ 21.Kxd2 (21.Ke2 gxf5 22.Rh8+ Kg7 23.Qh7+ Kf6-+) 21...Qg5+ 22.Kc3
(22.Ne3 Qf6 23.Ng4 Qf4+ 24.Ne3 Qxf2+ 25.Be2 Ne4+ 26.Kd3 Qe1 27.Rh8+ Kg7 28.Qh6+ Kf6
29.Rxf8 Bc6 (29...Qd2+ 30.Kc4 Qxe2+ 31.Kb3 Qb5+ 32.Ka2 Qa5+=) 30.Rxf7+ Kxf7 31.Qh7+
Kf6 32.Qh8+ Ke7 33.Qg7+ Kd8³) 22...Ne4+ 23.Kb4 Qd2+ 24.Ka3 Qa5+ 25.Ba4 Qc5+ 26.Ka2

407
Qc4+ 27.Ka3 (27.Bb3? Qa6+ 28.Kb1 Nd2+ 29.Kc1 Nxb3+ 30.cxb3 Rc8+ 31.Kd2 Qa5+-+)
27...Qc5+=
20.Rxh5! gxh5 21.Qxh5 Ne6
21...Ne6 22.g6 fxg6 (22...Ng5 23.Bxg5 (23.Bc4+-) 23...Qa5+ 24.Kf1 Qa1+ 25.Ke2+-) 23.Qxg6+
Kh8 24.Qh6+ Kg8 25.Qxe6+ Rf7 26.Nh6++-
1-0

69. * B90
Lagarde, Maxime (2657) - Brunello, Sabino (2532)
Trieste 145/69, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Rg1 b5 7.g4 Bb7 8.g5 Nxe4 9.Nxe4 Bxe4
10.a4 b4N
10...e5 - 145/68
11.Qe2!?N
11.Rg4?! - 145/(69) 11...d5 12.f3 Bg6 13.Bf4 e6 14.Qd2 Be7 15.Bxb8 Qxb8³ Sezdbekov,A (2052)-
Kuybokarov,T (2530) chess.com (ol-rapid) 145/(69) 2020
11...d5
11...Bb7 12.b3!? e5 13.Bb2 g6 14.O-O-O Bg7 15.f4 O-O 16.fxe5 Bxe5 17.Bg2©
12.f3 Bg6 13.f4 e6
13...Be4 14.Bg2 (14.Be3 g6 15.O-O-O Bg7 16.Bg2 Bxg2 17.Qxg2©) 14...Nc6! 15.Nxc6 Qb6 16.Be3
Qxc6 17.Bxe4 dxe4 18.O-O-O©; 13...Qd7 14.Rg3 Nc6 15.Bh3

408
15...Nxd4! 16.Bxd7+ Kxd7 17.Qf2 Nxc2+ 18.Kf1 e6©
14.Be3
14.f5 Bc5 15.fxg6 (15.Be3?! Bxd4 16.Bxd4 Bxf5 17.Bxg7 Rg8 18.Bf6 Qb6 19.Rg3 Nd7µ) 15...Bxd4
16.gxf7+ Kxf7 17.Rg3 Nc6 18.Rf3+ Ke7 19.Bh3 Ne5 20.Rf4 Qb6 21.Bd2©
14...Bd6 15.h4
15.f5 exf5 16.Bf4+ Kf8 17.Qf3 Nc6 18.O-O-O Nxd4 19.Rxd4 Bxf4+ 20.Qxf4©
15...O-O 16.O-O-O Nd7
16...b3! 17.f5 (17.Nxb3 Nc6 18.h5 Bf5³) 17...bxc2 18.Kxc2 Bxf5+ 19.Nxf5 exf5 20.Bg2 Nc6
21.Kb1 Nb4 22.Bxd5 Nxd5 23.Rxd5 Qe7ƒ
17.h5
17.f5 Bxf5 18.Nxf5 exf5 19.Rxd5 Nb6 20.Rxf5 g6 (20...Nxa4 21.h5ƒ) 21.Qf2! gxf5 22.Bd3 Qd7
23.Bxb6ƒ
17...Be4 18.Bg2 Nc5 19.Bxe4 dxe4?
19...Nxe4 20.g6 fxg6 21.hxg6 (21.Nxe6? Qe8 22.Nxf8 Qxa4 23.Kb1 Nc3+! 24.bxc3 bxc3-+)
21...h6 22.Qg4 (22.f5 exf5 23.Qh5 Qf6 24.Rdf1 Rae8³) 22...Rf6 23.f5 Qd7 24.fxe6 Qxa4 25.Kb1
Be5³
20.Kb1

409
20...Nxa4?
20...Qc7! 21.f5 (21.Qg4 Rae8 22.f5 Be5∞) 21...Be5 22.f6 (22.g6 exf5 23.Nxf5 Nxa4„) 22...Nxa4
23.fxg7 Bxg7 24.g6​→
21.f5 exf5?
21...Be5 22.h6±
22.Nxf5 Nc3+ 23.bxc3 bxc3 24.Rxd6 Rb8+
24...Qa5 25.Ne7+ Kh8 26.Rb6 Rfb8 27.Rb3+-
25.Kc1 Qa5 26.Nh6+! gxh6
26...Kh8 27.Qxa6 Qb4 (27...Rb1+ 28.Kxb1 Qb4+ 29.Kc1 Qb2+ 30.Kd1 Qb1+ 31.Bc1+-) 28.Rb6+-
27.gxh6+ Kh8 28.Qxa6 Qb4 29.Rb6 1-0

70. B90
Henriquez Villagra, Cristobal (2600) - Saric, Ivan (2646)
chess.com (ol-rapid) 145/70, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Rg1 e5 7.Nb3 h5 8.h3
8.Bg5 - 75/(232)
8...Be6 9.Qf3N
9.Be3; 9.g4
9...d5 10.exd5 Nxd5 11.Bc4 Bb4 12.Bd2 Bxc3

410
12...Nxc3? 13.Bxe6 fxe6 14.Qxb7±
13.Bxc3 Nxc3 14.Bxe6
14.Qxc3 Bxc4 15.Qxc4 Nc6 16.Nd2 Nd4 (16...O-O 17.O-O-O Qg5∞) 17.Qd3 Rc8 18.c3 Ne6
19.Qxd8+ Kxd8 20.O-O-O Ke7=
14...fxe6 15.Qxc3
15.Qxb7 Nd7 16.bxc3 Qc8! 17.Qxc8+ (17.Qf3 Nf6 18.O-O-O O-O∞) 17...Rxc8 18.O-O-O Rxc3=
15...Nc6 16.Rd1
16.Qd2 Qxd2+ 17.Nxd2 (17.Kxd2 O-O 18.Ke2 Nd4+ 19.Nxd4 exd4=) 17...Nb4 18.O-O-O Nxa2+
19.Kb1 Nb4 20.Nc4 O-O∞
16...Qe7 17.Qc5 Rd8
17...Qf6 18.Rd2 Ne7 19.Kd1 O-O 20.Kc1 Nd5 21.Re1²; 17...Rc8 18.Qxe7+ (18.Rd2) 18...Nxe7
19.c3 Nd5 20.g3 Ke7 21.Nd2 b5∞
18.Rxd8+
18.Qxe7+ Kxe7 19.Rxd8 Rxd8 20.c3 Rd5 21.Ke2²
18...Qxd8 19.Ke2 Rf8
19...Qd5 20.Qxd5 exd5 21.Rd1 Ne7 (21...d4 22.f4!²) 22.c4! dxc4 23.Nc5 b5 24.Nxa6²
20.c3
20.Rd1! Qf6 21.Kf1 Kf7 (21...Nd4 22.Rd2±) 22.Kg1 Kg8 23.Qe3²
20...Qh4 21.Qe3

21.Re1 Qe4+ 22.Kf1 Qc2 23.Qe3 Qxb2 24.Nc5 Qb5+ 25.Kg1²

21...Qc4+ 22.Kd2 Kf7 23.Kc1 Rd8 24.Re1

411
24.Kb1 Qf4 25.Re1 Qf5+ 26.Ka1²
24...Nb4! 25.Kb1 Qd3+ 26.Qxd3 Nxd3 27.Re2
27.Rd1 Rd5 28.f3 Nf4³; 27.Re3 Nf4 28.g4 Rd1+ 29.Kc2 Rf1³
27...Nf4 28.Rxe5 Rd1+
28...Rd5! 29.Re4 Nxg2³
29.Kc2 Rf1 30.Nc5?
30.Nd2 Rxf2 31.g3! Nxh3 (31...Ne2 32.Ne4 Rg2 33.Rg5 Nxg3+ 34.Kb3 h4 35.Nd6+ Ke7 36.Ne4=)
32.Rxh5 Ng1 33.Kd3 Nf3 34.Nc4 Rg2 (34...b5 35.Ke3 Rf1 36.Nd6+ Kg6 37.Rc5∞) 35.Ke3! Nh2
36.a4=
30...Rxf2+ 31.Kb3 Rxg2 32.Re4
32.Nxb7 g5 33.Ra5 Nxh3-+
32...Nxh3
32...g5! 33.h4 Kg6 34.hxg5 (34.Nxe6 Kf5 35.Nxf4 gxf4-+) 34...Kf5 35.Re1 h4-+
33.Rh4 Rg5 34.Nxb7 Rb5+ 35.Ka3 Rxb7 36.Rxh3 Kg6-+ 37.b4 Kg5
37...Kh6 38.c4 g5 39.Ka4 g4 40.Rh1 g3
38.c4 Kg4
38...h4 39.c5 Kh5 40.Ka4 g5 41.Re3 g4 42.Re5+ Kg6 43.Rxe6+ Kf5
39.Rh1 h4 40.Ka4 h3 41.c5 g5 42.c6 Rc7 43.b5 axb5+ 44.Kxb5 Kh4 45.a4 g4 46.Kb6 Rxc6+

412
47.Kxc6 g3 0-1

71. B90
Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2778) - Giri, Anish (2731)
chess24.com (Int.-m/2-rapid) 145/71, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.h3 e5 7.Nb3 Be7 8.f4
8.g4 - 143/(66)
8...O-O 9.g4N
9.Be3
9...exf4 10.Bxf4

10...d5! 11.e5?!
11.exd5 Re8! 12.Kf2 Bd6 13.Bxd6 Qxd6 14.Bg2 Nbd7 (14...h5 15.g5 Qf4+ 16.Qf3 Qxg5 17.Rhe1
Bf5∞) 15.Re1 Ne5©; 11.Bg2 Nxe4 12.Nxe4 dxe4 13.Qxd8 Rxd8 14.Bxe4 a5 15.Rd1 Bh4+ 16.Ke2
Re8 17.Kf3 Nd7∞
11...Nfd7! 12.Qxd5
12.Nxd5? Bh4+ 13.Ke2 Nc6 14.Bg2 Ndxe5µ
12...Bh4+ 13.Ke2
13.Kd1 Nc6 14.Kc1 Bg5 15.Bxg5 (15.Bd2 Bxd2+ 16.Nxd2 Ndxe5 17.Qxd8 Rxd8 18.Nc4 b5
19.Nxe5 Nxe5 20.Bg2 Ra7³) 15...Qxg5+ 16.Qd2 Qxe5 17.Bg2 Re8³
13...Nc6 14.Bg2 Ncxe5 15.Raf1 Ng6

413
15...Ra7!? 16.Be4 b6 17.Bxe5 Bb7 18.Qd4 Nxe5 19.Qxd8 (19.Qxe5 Bxe4 20.Nxe4 Re8-+)
19...Rxd8 20.Nd2 Ng6µ
16.Bd2
16.Be3 a5! 17.Nd4 Ra6³
16...Rb8 17.Kd1 b5µ 18.Qh5
18.Qd4 Bf6 19.Qa7 b4 20.Na4 Nde5 21.Kc1 Bd7 22.Nac5 Bb5µ
18...Nde5 19.Kc1 Nc4
19...b4! 20.Nd5 (20.Ne4 Rb5-+) 20...Be6 21.Nf4 Bxb3 22.axb3 Nxf4 23.Bxf4 Nd3+! 24.cxd3
(24.Kb1 Rb5 25.g5 Qd4-+) 24...Rb5 25.g5 Qxd3-+
20.Be4?
20.Rd1 Nxd2 21.Nxd2 Bg5 22.Ne4 Be3µ
20...Be6
20...Nxd2! 21.Nxd2 b4 22.Nd5 Bg5 23.Rh2 Re8-+
21.Rd1 Nxd2
21...b4! 22.Na4 Nxd2 23.Nxd2 Rb5-+
22.Nxd2 Bg5-+ 23.h4

23...Bf6?!
23...Be3! 24.Rhe1 Qd4 25.Nd5 Qxe4 26.Nxe3 Qa4-+

414
24.Nf3 Qa5?
24...Qc8 25.Ng5 h6 26.Nxe6 (26.Bxg6 Bxg4 27.Bxf7+ Kh8 28.Qg6 Bf5 29.Qh5 b4³) 26...Qxe6
27.Bxg6 (27.Qxg6 fxg6) 27...fxg6 28.Qd5 Rbe8 29.g5 hxg5 30.hxg5 Qxd5 31.Rxd5 Be7 32.Rg1
Rf5³
25.Ng5+- Rfc8
25...h6 26.Nxe6 Bxc3 27.Nxf8 Bxb2+ 28.Kxb2 Qb4+ 29.Kc1 Qa3+ 30.Kd2+-
26.Qxh7+ Kf8 27.Nxe6+ fxe6 28.Bxg6 1-0

72. * B90
Geher, Koppany (2295) - Mendonca, Leon Luke (2452)
Balatonlelle 145/72, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.h3 Nc6

6...e5 7.Nde2 h5 8.Bg5
7.g4 Qb6
7...g6 - 138/97
8.Nb3 e6 9.Bg2
9.Be3 Qc7 10.g5 Nd7 11.h4 b5 12.a3 Nb6N (12...Bb7) 13.h5 Rb8 14.Nd2 Be7 15.Rg1 (15.f4 O-O∞)
15...O-O! 16.g6 fxg6 17.hxg6 h6 18.Qh5 Bf6µ Baklan,V (2587)-Korobov,A (2688) chess.com (Int.-
blitz) 145/(72) 2020
9...Be7 10.g5 Nd7 11.h4 Qc7 12.h5?!
12.f4 b5 13.Be3 Nb6 14.Qe2∞
12...b5 13.Rh3N
13.g6? hxg6 14.hxg6 Rxh1+ 15.Bxh1 fxg6µ; 13.f4 Nb6 14.a4 b4 15.Ne2∞
13...Nde5?!
13...h6!
14.Qe2?
14.f4 b4! (14...Nc4 15.Qe2) 15.Ne2 Nc4∞
14...b4 15.Na4
15.Nd1? a5
15...a5 16.f4 Ba6 17.Qf2 Nc4?!
17...Bb5!

415
18.Bf1 Rb8 19.Bd3?
19.Nd4 Nxd4 20.Qxd4 e5 21.Qd5 exf4 22.Bxf4 Bc8 23.Rg3 Be6 24.Qc5! Qxc5 25.Nxc5 Rc8
26.Bxc4 Rxc5 27.Bxe6 fxe6=
19...Bb5 20.Nd4
20.Qe2 d5!-+
20...Nxd4 21.Qxd4

21...O-O?
21...e5 22.Qd5 Na3!? 23.bxa3 Bxa4µ
22.b3 e5 23.Qd5??
23.Qf2 exf4! 24.bxc4 Bxa4 25.Bxf4 Bd7 26.Rg3 Be6³
23...Nb6?
23...Na3 24.Bxa3 Bxa4 25.Bb2 Bd7 26.f5 Bc6 27.Qc4 Bxg5-+
24.Qxb5
24.Nxb6 Qc3+ (24...Bxd3 25.Rxd3 Rxb6 26.Be3 Rc6∞) 25.Kd1 Qxa1 26.Qxb5 Bd8µ
24...Nxa4 25.Qxa4 Qc3+ 26.Kd1 Qxa1?
26...d5! 27.Qxa5 Qd4! 28.Rh1 (28.Qxd5 Qg1+ 29.Kd2 Qg2+-+) 28...Rfd8µ
27.Qd7 Rbe8??
27...d5!? 28.h6! Rbd8 29.Qxe7 Rfe8 30.Qb7 exf4∞; 27...Bd8! 28.Qxd6 (28.g6 Bf6!) 28...Rc8

416
29.Qxe5 Qxe5 30.fxe5 Bc7 31.Bc4 Bxe5=
28.g6 fxg6
28...Bf6?? 29.gxf7++-
29.hxg6 h6

30.Bc4+??
30.Rh5! exf4 (30...Qd4 31.Qe6+ Kh8 32.Qh3 Qg1+ 33.Ke2 Qxg6 34.f5 Qh7 35.Bxh6 gxh6 36.Rxh6
Rf7 37.Bc4 Rg7 38.Rxh7+ Rxh7 39.Qe3+-) 31.Qe6+ Kh8 32.Qh3! Bg5 33.Rxg5 Qd4 34.Qh1
(34.Rh5 Qg1+) 34...Rf6 35.Qg1 Qxg1+ 36.Rxg1+-
30...Kh8
30...d5!? 31.Qxd5+ Kh8 32.Qxe5 Qxe5 33.fxe5 Rf2 34.Bf7 Rd8+ 35.Ke1 Rxc2 36.Bxh6 gxh6
37.Rxh6+ Kg7 38.Rh7+ Kf8 39.Rh8+ Kg7 40.Rh7+=
31.Bf7??
31.c3! exf4 32.Qg4! bxc3 33.Rxh6+ gxh6 34.g7+ Kh7 35.gxf8=N+!? Rxf8 36.e5! dxe5 37.Qd7 Rd8
38.Bd3+ Kh8 39.Qxe7 Rxd3+ 40.Ke2 Rg3 41.Qxe5+ Kh7 42.Qe4+=
31...Qd4+ 32.Bd2 Rd8
32...Qg1+ 33.Be1 Rc8-+
33.Rxh6+ gxh6 34.Qxe7 exf4 35.Be8 Qg7 36.Qxd8 f3 37.Be3 Qa1+ 38.Kd2 Qc3+ 39.Kd1 Qa1+
40.Kd2 f2 0-1

73. B90
Anand, Viswanathan (2753) - Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784)

417
 chess24.com (Int.-m/3-rapid) 145/73, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.h3 e5 7.Nb3 Be7 8.g4 h6 9.Qf3
9.Be3 - 142/(73)
9...b5 10.Be3 b4 11.Nd5 Nxd5 12.exd5 O-O 13.O-O-O Nd7 14.Nd2N
14.Bd3
14...a5 15.Ne4 a4 16.h4 b3! 17.a3
17.cxb3?! axb3 18.axb3 (18.a3? Qc7+ 19.Nc3 Rxa3-+) 18...Qa5³
17...bxc2 18.Rd2 Rb8 19.Rg1 Nf6
19...Bxh4?! 20.Bd3 (20.Nxd6 Nf6 21.Ne4 Nxg4! 22.Rxg4 Bxg4 23.Qxg4 f5 24.Qg6 fxe4 25.Qxe4
Bg5³) 20...Nf6 21.g5 hxg5 22.Nxg5 Qe7 23.Bxc2 (23.Qh1 Rxb2! 24.Qxh4 (24.Kxb2 Qb7+
25.Kxc2 Qb3+ 26.Kc1 Bg4 27.Qxh4 Rc8+ 28.Rc2 Qxa3+ 29.Kd2 Qb4+ 30.Kc1 Qa3+=) 24...Rb1+
25.Kxc2 Rxg1 26.Bh7+ Kh8 27.Bg6+ Kg8=) 23...g6 24.Qh1 Qb7 25.Bd3 Bxg5 26.Bxg5 Nh5
27.Bh6 Ng7 28.Kb1±
20.g5 Nxe4 21.Qxe4 g6
21...h5!? 22.Bd3 (22.g6?! Qe8! 23.Bd3 fxg6 24.Qxg6 Qxg6 25.Rxg6 Bf5µ) 22...g6 23.Qxa4 Bd7
24.Qa7 (24.Qe4? Qa5-+) 24...Ra8 25.Qb7 Rb8=
22.Bd3
22.gxh6 Kh7 23.h5 Bf5 24.hxg6+ fxg6 25.Qxa4 Ra8 26.Qc4 Bf6∞
22...Bf5
22...h5 - 21...h5
23.Qxa4 Ra8 24.Qc4 Rc8 25.Qa6 Ra8 26.Qb6
26.Qc4=
26...Qxb6 27.Bxb6 hxg5 28.hxg5 Rfb8 29.Be3

418
29...Rxa3! 30.bxa3 Rb1+ 31.Kxc2 Rxg1 32.a4
32.Bxf5 gxf5 33.Bb6 Kf8 34.a4 Ke8 35.a5 (35.f4 Ra1 36.a5 Bd8 37.Rd3 Kd7 38.Kb2 Bxb6!
39.Kxa1 (39.axb6 Ra5=) 39...Bxa5 40.Kb2 e4 41.Rh3 Bd2 42.Rh4 Ke7 43.Kc2 Be3=) 35...Bd8
36.f4 Bxb6 37.axb6 Kd7 38.fxe5 (38.Rh2 exf4 39.Rh8 Rg2+ 40.Kc3 Rg3+ 41.Kb4 (41.Kc4 f3
42.Kd3 f2+ 43.Ke2 Rb3 44.Rb8 Rb2+ 45.Kf1 f4=) 41...Rg1=) 38...Rxg5 39.exd6 Kxd6 40.Kc3 f4
41.Rb2 Rg8 42.Kd4 f3=
32...Bd8 33.Bxf5 gxf5 34.Rd1 Rg4= 35.Rb1
35.Ra1 Ba5 36.Bd2 Bb6=
35...Kg7 36.Rb8 Ba5 37.Kb3 f4 38.Ba7 e4
38...Be1 39.Rc8 f3 40.Rc1 Ba5 41.Rc6 Rb4+ 42.Ka3 Rb7 43.Be3 Bb4+ 44.Ka2 Kg6 45.Rb6 Rxb6
46.Bxb6 e4 47.Kb3 Bc5 48.Bxc5 dxc5 49.d6 e3 50.fxe3 f2 51.d7 f1=Q 52.d8=Q Qb1+ 53.Kc4 Qb4+
54.Kd3 Qxa4
39.Bd4+ Kg6 40.Ra8 Bd2 41.Kc2 e3 42.Kd3 Be1
42...exf2! 43.Bxf2 Be3 44.Bxe3 fxe3 45.Kxe3 f6 46.gxf6 Kxf6
43.fxe3
43.Rg8+ Kf5 44.fxe3 fxe3 45.g6 Rxg6 46.Rxg6 fxg6 47.Bxe3 Kf6 48.Bb6 Ke7 49.a5 Kd7 50.a6
Kc8
43...f3 44.Rg8+ Kh5! 45.Rf8 Kg6 46.Rg8+ Kh5 47.Rf8 Kg6 48.Rg8+ 1/2-1/2

74. B90
Shirov, Alexei (2647) - Van Foreest, Jorden (2682)
chess.com (ol-rapid) 145/74, 2020

419
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.h3 e5 7.Nb3 Be7 8.g4 h6 9.Be3 b5 10.Nd5N
10.a4 - 142/(73)
10...Bb7! 11.Bb6

11.a4 Nxd5 (11...Nbd7 12.Nxe7 (12.Bg2 h5! 13.gxh5 Nxd5 14.exd5 Bg5∞) 12...Qxe7 13.f3 d5
14.axb5 axb5 15.Na5ƒ) 12.exd5 Nd7 13.Bg2 O-O 14.O-O b4∞; 11.Nxe7 Qxe7 12.Bg2 a5∞
11...Qc8!
11...Qd7 12.Nc7+ Kf8 13.Bg2± (13.Nxa8 Bxe4 14.Rg1 Bxa8©)
12.Nxe7
12.Nc7+ Kf8 13.Nxa8 Bxe4 14.Rg1 Nbd7 (14...Bxa8©) 15.Be3 Qxa8©
12...Kxe7 13.f3

420
13...Nbd7?!
13...Bxe4?! 14.fxe4 Qc6 15.Bg1 Qxe4+ 16.Kf2 Qxh1 17.Bg2 Ne4+ 18.Kf1 Ng3+ 19.Kf2 Ne4+=;
13...Nxe4! 14.Bg2 (14.fxe4?! Qc6 15.Qf3 Qxb6 16.O-O-O Nd7 17.Kb1 a5µ) 14...Nd7 15.Ba5 Ng5
16.Rf1 Ne6©
14.Ba5! Nc5?!
14...d5 15.Bb4+ Ke8 16.Na5 dxe4 (16...Qc7 17.Qd2 dxe4 18.O-O-O±) 17.Qd6 Nd5 18.O-O-O
Nxb4 19.Qxb4±; 14...Qc6 15.Qe2 Nb6 16.O-O-O Nc4 17.Kb1²
15.Qd2 Qe6 16.O-O-O Rhc8 17.Kb1
17.Nxc5 Rxc5 18.Kb1 Ne8 19.h4±
17...Nxb3
17...Ncxe4 18.fxe4 Bxe4 19.Bd3 Bxh1 20.Rxh1±
18.axb3 d5 19.g5+- hxg5 20.Qxg5 Kf8 21.Rg1 Ne8 22.exd5 Bxd5 23.Bd3 e4
23...Bxf3 24.Bh7! Bxd1 25.Bb4+ Nd6 26.Rxd1 Rd8 27.Bf5 Qe7 28.Qh5
24.fxe4 Bxe4 25.Qh4 f5 26.Bxe4 Qxe4 27.Qh8+ Kf7 28.Bc3
28.Rd7+ Ke6 29.Rgxg7 Qxc2+ 30.Ka2 Nxg7 31.Qxg7 Qc5 32.Rf7
28...Rxc3 29.bxc3 Qe6 30.Rxg7+ 1-0

75. B90
Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784) - Carlsen, Magnus (2863)
chess24.com (Int.-m2/2-rapid) 145/75, 2020

421
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.h3 e5 7.Nb3 Be7 8.g4 h6 9.Be3 Nbd7 10.a4
Nf8
10...b6 - 142/73
11.Bc4
11.Qd2 Ng6 12.O-O-O Be6 13.f3 Nd7 14.Nd5 Bxd5 15.Qxd5 Qc7„
11...Ng6N
11...Qc7
12.Qe2 Bd7 13.f3 Rc8 14.h4 Nh7
14...d5!? 15.exd5?! (15.Bxd5 Nxd5 16.Nxd5 Bxh4+ 17.Bf2 (17.Kf1 O-O∞) 17...Bxf2+ 18.Qxf2
Ne7 19.O-O-O Nxd5 20.Rxd5 Qg5+ 21.Kb1 Be6=) 15...e4µ
15.h5 Bh4+ 16.Rxh4
16.Kf1 Ngf8 (16...Nf4 17.Bxf4 exf4 18.Bd5 Bf6 19.Bxb7 Rc7 20.Bxa6 Bxc3 21.bxc3 Rxc3 22.Bd3
O-O 23.a5 Ng5©) 17.Nd5 Be6 18.Nb6 Rc6∞
16...Nxh4
16...Qxh4+? 17.Bf2 Qh1+ 18.Kd2+-
17.O-O-O

17.Bd5 Ng5 (17...O-O 18.Bxb7 Rb8 19.Bxa6 Ng5 20.O-O-O Nhxf3 21.Rxd6 Qc7 22.Rd3 Be6∞)
18.O-O-O b5! 19.axb5 axb5 20.Nxb5 Bxb5 21.Qxb5+ Qd7 22.Qe2 O-O 23.Rf1 Qa4∞

422
17...Nxf3! 18.Rxd6
18.Qxf3 Rxc4 19.Rxd6 Qc7 20.Rd3 Be6-+
18...Qe7! 19.Rb6 Bxg4 20.Bd5 O-O 21.Qg2
21.Bxb7 Rcd8 22.Qxa6 Qh4³
21...Qh4 22.Rg6?
22.Kb1 Nf6 23.Bxb7 Rb8-+
22...Nhg5-+
22...Nfg5 23.Kb1 Qe1+ 24.Bc1 Be6 25.Bxe6 Nxe6 26.Rxh6 (26.Rg3 Nhg5-+) 26...Nhg5-+
23.Kb1 Be6 24.Rxe6 fxe6 25.Bxb7 Qe1+ 26.Bc1 Rxc3! 27.bxc3 Nxe4
27...Rb8 28.Bxa6 Nxe4-+
28.Bxe4 Qxe4 29.Bxh6 Rf7 30.Bc1 Qf5
30...Rc7 31.h6 g6
31.Qe2 Rc7 32.Kb2 Qxh5 33.Qxa6 Qe8 34.Qb5
34.Be3 Qc6
34...Qc6 35.c4 Kf7 36.c5 Nd4 37.Qf1+ Kg8 38.Be3 Qxa4 39.Bxd4 exd4 40.Qf4 Qd7 41.Qe5 Rb7
42.Qe4 Rb8
42...Qd5
43.Qe5 Rb4 44.Qe4 Qd5 45.Qg4 Rc4 46.Qf4 Rb4 47.Qg4 Qf5 48.Qh4 Rc4 49.Qd8+ Kh7 50.Qh4+
Kg6! 51.Nxd4 Qe5?!
51...Qxc2+! 52.Nxc2 Rxh4
52.Qg4+ Kh7 53.Qh4+ Kg8 54.Qd8+ Kf7 55.Qd7+ Kf6! 56.c3 Rxc5 57.Qd8+ Kg6 58.Qe8+ Kh7
59.Qd8 Rd5
59...Qe1 60.Nb3 Qxc3+ 61.Ka2 Rh5
60.Qh4+ Kg8 61.Qg4 Rd6 62.Qh4 Qf6 63.Qe4 Rb6+ 64.Kc2 Kf7 65.Qa8 Qg6+ 66.Kd2 Rb2+
67.Ke3 Qg1+ 68.Kd3 Qf1+ 69.Ke3 Qf2+ 70.Kd3 Qg2 71.Nf3 Qe2+ 72.Kd4 Qd1+
72...Rb5
73.Ke3 Re2+ 74.Kf4 Qd6+ 75.Kg4 Rg2+ 76.Kh5 g6+ 0-1

76. B90
Anand, Viswanathan (2753) - Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784)
chess24.com (Int.-m/1-rapid) 145/76, 2020

423
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.h3 e5 7.Nb3 Be7 8.Be3 Be6 9.Qf3 Nbd7
9...O-O - 135/79
10.g4 Nb6 11.Bxb6N
11.g5; 11.O-O-O
11...Qxb6 12.g5 Nd7 13.h4

13...h6! 14.Bh3
14.Rg1 hxg5 15.hxg5 g6 16.O-O-O Rh2µ; 14.gxh6 Rxh6µ
14...hxg5 15.hxg5 O-O-O 16.g6
16.Qg3 Kb8 17.O-O-O Qc7 18.Bxe6 fxe6 19.Kb1 Nb6∞
16...Rdf8 17.Qg2?
17.O-O-O fxg6 18.Qg2 Bxh3 19.Rxh3 Rxh3 20.Qxh3 Qxf2 21.Kb1 Bd8 22.Nd2 (22.Rxd6? Qf1+
23.Qxf1 Rxf1+ 24.Rd1 Rxd1+ 25.Nxd1 Nf6 26.Nd2 g5-+) 22...Qf7³; 17.gxf7 Rxf7 18.Qxf7!
(18.Bxe6 Rxf3 19.Rxh8+ Rf8 20.Rxf8+ Bxf8 21.Nd5 Qd8³) 18...Bxf7 19.Bxd7+ Kxd7 20.Rxh8 Bg5
21.Rd1 Bc4∞
17...Bh4 18.O-O-O Qxf2 19.Qxf2 Bxf2 20.Bxe6 fxe6µ 21.Rxh8 Be3+ 22.Kb1 Rxh8 23.Rxd6 Kc7
23...Rh6! 24.Rd3 Bf4 25.a4 Rxg6µ
24.Rd1 Rh6 25.Na5 Nb6
25...Rxg6 26.Nxb7 Kxb7 27.Rxd7+ Kc6 28.Rd1 Rh6µ

424
26.Rf1 Bf4!
26...Rxg6 27.Rf7+ Nd7 28.a4 Rg4³
27.Rg1 Nc8
27...Bd2 28.Rf1 Rxg6 29.Rf7+ Nd7 30.a4 Bxc3 31.bxc3 b6 32.Nc4 Kc6µ
28.a4 Nd6 29.Nb3 Be3
29...Nc4µ
30.Rg2 Nc4 31.Ka2 Rh4
31...Kc6 32.Nd1 Bd4 33.Nxd4+ exd4 34.Nf2 Ne3 35.Rg1 Rh4µ
32.Re2 Bd4
¹32...Rg4 33.Na5 Nxa5 34.Rxe3 Rxg6 35.Rf3 Kd6 36.Rf7 Rg2 37.Kb1 Kc5µ
33.Nc1?!
33.Nb1 Rg4 34.N1d2 Nxd2 35.Nxd2 b5 36.axb5 axb5³
33...Rg4
33...Bxc3 34.bxc3 Nd6µ
34.Nd3 Rxg6 35.Nb1 Rg4?
35...Rg3 36.Nd2 Nxd2 37.Rxd2 g5µ
36.c3 Rg3 37.Nd2?
37.cxd4 Rxd3 38.Rc2 b5 39.b3 exd4 40.bxc4 (40.axb5 axb5 41.bxc4 bxc4 42.Rxc4+ Kd6=) 40...bxa4
41.c5 Kc6=
37...Nxd2 38.Rxd2 Be3 39.Rd1 Rg4 40.Rf1
40.b4 Ba7³
40...Bf4
40...g5 41.Rf7+ Kd6 42.Rxb7 (42.Rd7+ Kxd7 43.Nxe5+ Ke7 44.Nxg4 Bf4 45.Kb1 Kf7 46.Kc2
Kg6µ) 42...Rxe4µ
41.Nc5
41.b4 Rh4 42.Kb3 g5³
41...Rg6 42.a5
42.b4 Rh6³

425
42...Kc6?

42...Rh6! 43.Rd1 g5 44.b4 Be3µ

43.b4!= Rg3 44.Kb3 g5 45.Rd1 Rg2
45...Be3 46.Nxe6 g4 47.Nd8+ Kc7 48.Ne6+ Kc6 49.Nd8+
46.Rd8 g4 47.Rc8+ Kd6 48.Re8 g3 49.Rxe6+ Kc7 50.Re7+ Kc6?
50...Kd8 51.Rxb7 Rd2 52.Ne6+ Kc8 53.Rc7+ Kb8 54.Rg7 g2 55.Rg8+ Kb7 56.Nc5+ Ka7 57.Rg7+
Ka8 58.Rg8+=
51.Re6+?
51.Rxb7! Bc1 (51...Be3 52.Rb6+ Kc7 53.Nxa6+ Kd7 54.Rg6+-) 52.Rg7 Rb2+ 53.Kc4+-
51...Kc7 52.Re7+ Kc6?
52...Kd8= - 50...Kd8
53.Re6+
53.Rxb7+- - 51.Rb7
53...Kc7 1/2-1/2

77. B90
Adams, Michael (2701) - Keymer, Vincent (2558)
Biel 145/77, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.a4 e5 7.Nf3 Be7 8.Bc4 Be6

426
8...O-O - 144/64
9.Qe2 Qc8 10.Bb3 Nbd7N
10...O-O
11.Bg5 Bd8
11...h6 12.Bxf6 Nxf6 13.O-O Qc5∞
12.a5 Bxb3 13.cxb3 Qc5 14.Be3 Qc6 15.Qc4 Rc8
15...Ng4 16.Nd2 Nxe3 17.fxe3 O-O 18.O-O Rc8 19.Qd3²
16.Nd2 Ng4 17.Qe2
17.Ba7!? Ra8 18.h3 Rxa7 19.hxg4 Ra8 20.Nd5 O-O 21.O-O Bg5 22.Rfd1²
17...Nxe3 18.Qxe3 b5
18...Qc5 19.Nc4 Qxe3+ 20.Nxe3 (20.fxe3 Rc6∞) 20...Nc5 21.Ra3 O-O 22.O-O Nd3 23.Ncd5 Nf4∞
19.axb6 Bxb6 20.Qe2 a5
¹20...f5 21.Nc4 (21.O-O fxe4 22.Nc4 (22.Qxe4 Nf6 23.Qe2 O-O 24.Rxa6 Qb7 25.Ra4 Bc5©)
22...O-O 23.Nxb6 Nxb6 24.Rxa6 d5 25.Nxd5 Qxd5 26.Rxb6 Qd3=) 21...Bd4 22.O-O O-O 23.exf5
Rxf5 24.Ne3 Bxe3 25.Qxe3 Nf6∞
21.O-O Nf6 22.Nc4 O-O 23.Nxa5 Bxa5
23...Qd7 24.b4²
24.Rxa5 Rb8 25.Ra6 Rb6?!

427
25...Qc5 26.Rd1 Rfd8 (26...Rb6 27.Rxb6 (27.Na4 Qb5 28.Qxb5 Rxb5 29.Raxd6 Nxe4 30.Rb6 Rxb6
31.Nxb6²) 27...Qxb6 28.Rd3±) 27.Qd3 Rxb3 28.Rxd6 Rxd6 29.Qxd6 Qxd6 30.Rxd6 Kf8 31.Rd2±
26.Rfa1
26.b4! Rxa6 (26...Qc7 27.b5+-) 27.b5+-
26...Qb7 27.Rxb6 Qxb6 28.Ra6 Qb8 29.g3± h5 30.h4 Qb4 31.Qc4 Rb8

31...Qxc4 32.bxc4 Rb8 33.Rxd6 Rxb2 34.c5 Rc2 35.Rd3+-

32.Ra8! Qb7 33.Rxb8+ Qxb8 34.b4+- Qa7 35.Kg2 g6 36.b5
36.Nd5 Ng4 37.Qe2 Qa4 38.b5
36...Ng4 37.Qe2 Nf6 38.Qd3 Ng4 39.Qd2 Kg7 40.Nd5 Qc5 41.b6 Qc4 42.f3 Nf6 43.Nxf6 Kxf6
44.Qxd6+ Kg7 45.Qxe5+ Kh7 46.Qc3 Qb5 47.Qd4 Qe2+ 48.Qf2 Qd3 49.e5 Qb5 50.f4 Kg8
51.Kg1 Qb3 52.Kf1 Qd3+ 53.Kg2 Qb5 54.g4! hxg4 55.Kg3 Qb3+ 56.Kxg4 Qd1+ 57.Kg3 Qb3+
58.Kh2 Qb4 59.Kg2
59.h5 gxh5 60.b7 Kf8 61.Qf3 Qxb2+ 62.Kh3
59...Kf8 60.Kf3 Ke8 61.Kg4 Kf8 62.h5 gxh5+ 63.Kxh5 Qb3 64.Kg5 Kg7 65.f5 Qb4 66.f6+ Kf8
67.Qg2 Qa4 68.b7 Qb5 69.Kh6 1-0

78. B90
Grigoriants, Sergey (2542) - Parligras, Mircea Emilian (2591)
chess.com (Int.-blitz) 145/78, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.a4 e5 7.Nf3 Be7 8.Bc4 Be6 9.Bb3

428
9.Qe2 Qc7 10.Bb3 (10.Ba2 Nc6 11.Bg5 Nb4 12.Bb3 Rc8 13.Rd1 h6 14.Bxf6 Bxf6 15.O-O O-O
16.Ne1 (16.Rd2 Qb6 17.Rfd1 Be7=) 16...Rfd8 17.g3 Qe7 18.Ng2 Bxb3 19.cxb3 Qe6„ 20.Nd5 Rc2
21.Qf3 Nxd5 22.Rxd5 Rxb2 23.Qd1 Rc8 24.Rxd6 Qxb3 25.Qg4 Rc6=) 10...Nc6 11.O-O Rc8 12.Rd1
O-O 13.Bg5 Na5 (13...Nb4 14.a5 Nc6 15.Bxf6 Bxf6 16.Nd5 Bxd5 17.Rxd5 Nd4 18.Nxd4 exd4
19.f4²) 14.Bxf6 (14.Ba2 Nc4 15.Bxf6 Bxf6 16.Nd5 Bxd5 17.Rxd5 Nxb2 18.Bb3 Nc4 19.a5 Rfd8
20.g3 g6 21.Nd2 Nxd2 22.Rxd2 Kg7 23.h4 Qd7 24.Kg2 h5∞) 14...Bxf6 15.Nd5 Bxd5 16.Bxd5
Qxc2 17.Qxc2 Rxc2 18.b4 Nc6 19.b5© Na5 20.bxa6 bxa6 21.Rac1 Rcc8! (21...Rc5 22.Rxc5 dxc5
23.g4 h6 24.h4ƒ) 22.Rb1 Bd8 23.Ne1 h5 24.Nd3 Rc3 25.Nb4 Ra3 26.Ra1 Rc3! 27.Rdc1 (27.Nxa6
Bb6„) 27...Rxc1+ 28.Rxc1 Bg5! 29.Rc7 Rb8 30.h4 Bf4 31.Rxf7 Kh7 32.g3 Rxb4 33.gxf4 exf4
34.Rxf4 Nb3! (34...Rxa4 35.Rf5 g6 36.Rf7+ Kh6 37.Rc7!²) 35.Bxb3 Rxb3 36.Rf5 g6 37.Ra5 Rb4
38.f3 d5!=
9...O-O 10.O-O Bxb3
10...h6 11.Qe2 (11.Nh4 Nc6 12.Nf5 Bxf5 13.exf5 Nd4 14.Nd5 Nxb3 15.cxb3 Rc8 16.Be3 Rc6
17.b4 Nxd5 18.Qxd5 Qd7∞; 11.Re1 Bxb3 12.cxb3 Nc6 13.Be3 Qd7 14.Nd2 b5!? 15.axb5 axb5
16.Rxa8 Rxa8 17.Nxb5 d5 18.exd5 Nxd5 19.Nc4 Qe6 20.Nc3 Rd8„) 11...Bxb3 12.cxb3 Nc6
13.Be3 Qd7 14.Rfd1 Rac8 (14...Rfd8!? 15.Ne1 Qe6 16.Bb6 Rd7 17.Nd5 Bd8 18.Rac1 Qe8∞)
15.b4!? Qe6 (15...Nxb4 16.Nxe5 Qe6 17.Nd3 Nxd3 18.Qxd3 Rc4 19.f3²) 16.Nd5 Nxe4 17.b5 axb5
18.axb5 Nd4!? 19.Nxe7+ Qxe7 20.Nxd4 exd4 21.Bxd4 Rfe8 22.b6 Rc6 23.Ra3 d5 24.Re3 Re6∞;
10...Nc6 11.Bg5 Nd7 (11...Na5!? 12.Bxf6 Bxf6 13.Ba2 (13.Bd5 - 114/71) 13...Rc8 14.Nd5 Nc4
15.b4!? Nb6!? 16.Nxf6+ Qxf6 17.Qxd6 Bxa2 18.Qxf6 gxf6 19.Rxa2 Rc4 20.a5 Nc8 21.Rb2 Rd8
22.Re1 Na7©) 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.Nd5 Qd8 14.c3 Rc8 15.Ne3 (15.Re1 Ne7 16.Ba2 Nxd5 17.Bxd5
Bxd5 18.Qxd5 Qb6„) 15...Nf6 16.Bxe6 fxe6 17.Qb3 Qe7 18.Ng5 Rfe8 19.Rad1 Na5 20.Qa2 Qc7!
21.Nxe6 (21.b4 Nc4 22.Nxc4 Qxc4 23.Qxc4 Rxc4 24.Rxd6 h6 25.Nxe6 Nxe4=) 21...Qf7 22.Rxd6
Nxe4 23.Rb6 Nc5 24.b4 Rxe6=
11.cxb3 Nc6 12.Bg5 Nd7N
12...Nb4 13.Bxf6 Bxf6 14.Nd5 Nxd5 15.Qxd5 Qb6 16.Rfd1 Rfd8 17.Nd2² ∆Bg5 18.a5 Qb4
19.Nc4! Qxb3 20.Ra3±; 12...Ng4 13.Bxe7 Nxe7 14.Nd2 Nf6 15.a5 (15.Nc4 Nxe4 16.Nxe4 d5
17.Nxe5 dxe4 18.Nd7 Re8 19.Re1 Ng6 20.Nc5 Qb6 21.Nxe4 Re5„) 15...Nc6 16.Nc4 Nd4 17.Nb6
Rb8 18.b4 Nc6 19.Qb3²
13.Bxe7 Qxe7 14.Nd5 Qd8 15.b4

429
15...Nf6!
15...Ne7 16.Nc3! Qb6 17.Qb3 Nc5 (17...a5 18.Nb5 Nc6 19.bxa5 Rxa5 20.Qc2 Nc5 21.b3²) 18.Qc4
Ne6 19.Rfd1 Rac8 20.Qb3 Rfd8 21.Rd2 Qc7 (21...Qc6 22.Nd5²) 22.h3! (22.Rad1 Qc4 23.Qxc4
Rxc4 24.Nxe5 Rxb4 25.f3 h5 26.Nd3 Rc4„) 22...Qc4 23.Qa3 Nc6 24.Nd5² ∆Qxe4? 25.Re1 Qg6
26.b5+-
16.b5
16.Nxf6+ Qxf6 17.Qb3 Qe6=
16...axb5 17.axb5 Rxa1 18.Qxa1 Nd4!?
18...Nxd5 19.bxc6 Nf6 20.cxb7 Qc7 21.Qa8 Rb8 22.Ra1 Nd7=
19.Nxf6+ Qxf6 20.Nxd4 exd4 21.Qa7 Qe7
21...d3! 22.Qxb7 Qxb2 23.Qd5 (23.Qc6 h5 24.b6 d2 … Rb8=) 23...Qe2! 24.b6 Rc8 25.g3 h5! 26.b7
Rb8 27.Ra1 d2 28.Kg2 Kh7 29.Qf5+ Kh6=
22.Qxd4 Rc8 23.Rd1 Qe5?!
23...Rc2 24.e5! dxe5 25.Qxe5²; 23...h5 24.h3 (24.f3 h4©) 24...Rc2„ 25.Qxd6 Qxe4 26.Qd8+ Kh7
27.Qg5 Qg6! (27...g6?! 28.Qf6±) 28.Qxg6+ (28.Qe5 f6 29.Qd4 Qf5 30.Re1 Rc5 31.b6 Rd5 32.Qc3
Rd6 33.Qc7 Rd2©) 28...Kxg6 29.Rd7 Rc1+ 30.Kh2 h4! 31.g3 (31.Rxb7 Rc2=) 31...Rc2 32.Kg2 hxg3
33.Kxg3 Rxb2 34.Rxb7 Rb4 35.Kf3 Kf6 36.Ke3 Ke6=
24.Qxe5 dxe5 25.h4 Kf8
25...h5 26.Rd7 b6 (26...Rb8 27.Re7 f6 28.b6+-) 27.Rb7 Rc1+ 28.Kh2 Rc2 29.f3 Rxb2 30.Rxb6±
26.Rd7 Rc2 27.Rxb7 Rxb2 28.b6

430
28.h5±
28...h5 29.g3 g6 30.Rb8+ Kg7
30...Ke7 31.b7 Rb1+ 32.Kg2 Rb3 33.Kf1 Rb4 34.f3 Rb2 35.g4±
31.b7 Kf6 32.Kf1 Kg7 33.Ke1 Kf6 34.Kd1 Kg7 35.Kc1 Rb6 36.Kc2 Rb5 37.Kc3 Rb6 38.Kc4
Rb1 39.Kc5 Kf6 40.Kc6 Rc1+ 41.Kd7 Rb1 42.Ke8+- Kg7 43.Ke7 Rb2 44.Kd6 Kf6 45.f4?!
45.f3! … g4+-
45...exf4 46.gxf4 Rd2+ 47.Kc5 Rc2+ 48.Kd4 Rb2² 49.e5+ Kg7 50.Kc5 Rb1 51.Kd5 Rb2 52.Kc4
Rb1 53.Kd3 Rb3+ 54.Ke4 Rb1 55.Kd5 Rd1+ 56.Kc6 Rc1+ 57.Kd7 Rb1 58.Ke7 Rb2 59.e6 fxe6
60.Kxe6 Rb1= 61.Kd6 Rd1+ 62.Ke5 Re1+ 63.Kd5 Rd1+ 64.Kc5 Rc1+ 65.Kd6 Rd1+ 66.Kc6 Rc1+
67.Kd5 Rd1+ 68.Ke5 Re1+ 69.Kd6 Rd1+ 1/2-1/2

79. B90
Anand, Viswanathan (2753) - Ding, Liren (2791)
chess24.com (Int.-m/3-rapid) 145/79, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be3 e5 7.Nb3 Be6 8.h3 Be7 9.Qf3 O-O 10.O-
O-O b5 11.g4 b4 12.Nd5 a5 13.Nd2 Nxd5 14.exd5 Bc8 15.Bd3 Ba6
15...Bg5 - 117/75
16.Bf5N
16.Ne4 a4 17.Kb1 Nd7 18.Bxa6 Rxa6 19.g5 Qc7∞; 16.Qe4
16...a4
16...g6?! 17.Bh6 Re8 (17...gxf5? 18.gxf5 Kh8 19.f6+-) 18.h4 a4 (18...gxf5 19.gxf5 Kh8 20.Rhg1
Bf8 21.Be3 Bg7 22.Ne4 Nd7 23.f6 Bxf6 24.Bg5! Bxg5+ 25.Nxg5+-) 19.h5±
17.h4 b3 18.axb3
18.cxb3 axb3 19.Nxb3 (19.a3 Nd7∞) 19...Bc8 20.Kb1 Bxf5+ 21.Qxf5 Qe8 22.Nc1 Qa4©
18...axb3 19.Nxb3 Nd7 20.g5 Nb6© 21.Na5

431
21...Be2!
21...Nc4 22.Nxc4 Bxc4 23.Bxh7+ Kxh7 24.Qe4+ Kg8 25.Qxc4 Qd7©
22.Qxe2 Rxa5 23.b4
23.c3 Nxd5 24.Qd3 Nxe3 25.Qxe3 Qc7ƒ; 23.Qd3 Qc7 (23...g6 24.Be4 Qc7 25.b3 Nd7 26.b4 (26.h5
Nc5 27.Qc4 Rc8©) 26...Ra2 27.h5 Rfa8 28.hxg6 R8a3 29.gxf7+ Kf8 30.g6! Ra1+ 31.Kb2 R1a2+=)
24.Bxb6 Qxb6 25.Bxh7+ (25.Qe3 Ra1+ 26.Kd2 Qb4+ 27.Ke2 Rxd1 28.Rxd1 Qxh4³) 25...Kh8
26.Be4 Ra1+ 27.Kd2 Qxf2+ 28.Qe2 Qd4+ 29.Bd3 Qf4+ 30.Ke1 Qg3+ 31.Kd2 Qf4+=
23...Ra3 24.Rh3?!
24.Qb5 Qc7 25.Kd2 (25.Bxb6? Qc3-+) 25...Nc4+ 26.Ke2 Nxe3 27.fxe3 g6 28.Bd3 Rc3³
24...Na4µ 25.Kd2
25.Qg4 Nc3 26.Re1 Qc7µ
25...Nc3 26.Qc4 Nxd1 27.Kxd1 g6 28.Bg4

432
28.Bd3 Ra1+ 29.Ke2 Rb1 30.Bd2 Qd7 31.Rg3 Ra8
28...h5! 29.Bc1
29.gxh6 f5 30.Be2 f4-+
29...Ra1-+ 30.Be2 Bxg5! 31.hxg5 Qxg5 32.Re3 Qg1+ 33.Bf1 Qxf2 34.Qe2 Qf4 35.b5 Rfa8 36.Qf3
Qd4+
36...Qb4 37.Rc3 (37.Rb3 Rxc1+ 38.Kxc1 Qe1+ 39.Qd1 Ra1+) 37...Qb2 38.Qe3 Rxc1+
37.Rd3 Qb2 38.Qe3 Rxc1+ 39.Qxc1 Ra1 40.Qxa1 Qxa1+ 0-1

80. B90
Doderer, Harald - Jean, Pierre
corr 145/80, 2019

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be3 e5 7.Nb3 Be6 8.h3 Be7
8...Nbd7 9.g4 (9.g3²) 9...h6 10.Qf3 (10.f4 - 120/92) 10...Rc8 11.O-O-O Be7 12.Bd3 Nb6 13.Bxb6
Qxb6 14.Nd5 Nxd5 15.exd5 Bg5+ 16.Kb1 Bd7 17.Nd2 Bxd2 18.Rxd2 O-O 19.Rg1 Qb4=
9.f4 Nc6 10.f5² Bxb3 11.axb3
11.cxb3?! Qa5 12.Qd2 Rd8=
11...Nb4 12.g3 Qc8
12...d5 13.exd5 e4 14.Bg2²
13.Rh2 O-O

433
13...d5 14.Nxd5 (14.exd5?! O-O=) 14...Nbxd5 15.exd5²
14.Rd2 d5 15.Nxd5
15.exd5?! Bc5 16.Bg5 Qxf5 17.Bxf6 Qxf6= (17...gxf6? 18.Qe2±)
15...Nbxd5 16.exd5 Ne4 17.d6 Bxd6 18.Rxd6 Nxd6 19.Qxd6 Qxc2 20.Rd1
20.Qxe5?? Rfe8 21.Qf4 Re4-+
20...Rac8
20...Qxf5 21.Bg2±
21.Qd5
21.Qxe5 Rfe8 22.Qf4 Qxb3 23.Ke2 h5³
21...Qxb2 22.Be2
22.Qxb7?! Rc3 23.Qe4 Qxb3 24.Bf2 a5 25.Qxe5 Qb4 26.Ke2 Qc4+ 27.Ke1 Qb4=
22...b5 23.f6 Rfe8
23...Rc2 24.Bd3 Rh2 25.Kf1 Rxh3 26.Be4 gxf6 27.Bc5²
24.h4
24.Kf1 gxf6 25.Qf3 Rcd8 26.Rxd8 Rxd8 27.Qxf6 Qb1+ 28.Kg2 Qe4+ 29.Kf2 Re8 30.b4²
24...Qc2 25.Bh5
25.Rc1 Qf5 26.Rxc8 Qxc8 27.fxg7 Qa8 28.Qxa8 Rxa8²
25...g6N
25...Qc7
26.Bg4 Rc7 27.Kf1 Qc6 28.Qxc6 Rxc6 29.Ke2 Rxf6 30.Bd7± Ra8
30...Rb8 31.Rd5 h5 32.Bc5±
31.g4 e4 32.h5 Rf3 33.h6 Rh3 34.Rd6 Kf8
34...Rd8 35.b4 Kf8 36.Bc5±
35.Bc5 Kg8 36.Bc6 Rc8

434
36...Rf8 37.Bd5 Rxh6 38.Rd7+-
37.Bb7! Re8 38.Be3 Rh2+ 39.Kf1 Rh3
39...a5 40.Rd7+-
40.Kf2 Rf3+
40...Rh2+ 41.Kg3 Rc2 42.b4+-
41.Ke2 Rg3?
41...a5±
42.Bxa6 Rg2+
42...Rxg4 43.Bxb5 Ra8 44.Bc6 Ra2+ 45.Kd1 Ra1+ 46.Kd2 Rg2+ 47.Kc3+-
43.Kf1 Rb2
43...Rxg4 44.Bxb5 Ra8 45.b4+-
44.Bxb5 Ra8 45.Ba4 f5
45...Rc8 46.Bc5 Rh2 47.g5+-
46.Bd4 Rb1+
46...Rh2 47.g5 Rc8 48.Bc6 Rh1+ 49.Ke2+-
47.Kg2 Kf7
47...Rd1 48.Rd7 Rxd4 49.Rxd4 fxg4 50.Rd7+-

435
48.Rd7+ Ke6 49.Rxh7 Rd1
49...f4 50.Rc7 e3 51.Rc2 Rd1 52.Bc3+-
50.Ra7 Rb8
50...Rxa7 51.Bxa7 Rd2+ 52.Kg3 Ke5 53.Bb8+ Ke6 54.Bb5+-
51.Ra6+ Kd5 52.Bg7 Rc8
52...e3 53.b4 Rd2+ 54.Kf3+-
53.Ra5+ 1-0

81. * B90
Nakamura, Hikaru (2736) - Carlsen, Magnus (2863)
chess24.com (Int.-m1/1-rapid) 145/81, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.f3 e5 7.Nb3 Be6 8.Be3 Be7 9.Qd2 h5 10.Nd5
Nxd5 11.exd5 Bf5 12.Be2 Bh4+
12...Qc7 - 77/(239)
13.g3 Be7 14.c4
14.Na5 Nd7 15.a4 O-O 16.Nxb7 Qb8 17.Na5 Qxb2 18.Rc1 Rfc8N (18...Rfe8 19.O-O Nf6 20.Rfd1²)
19.Nc6 Bf6 20.c4 (20.O-O Qa2 (20...e4?! 21.fxe4 Bxe4 22.Rxf6! Nxf6 (22...Qxf6? 23.Rf1 Qb2
24.Bd4 Qxc2 25.Qxc2 Bxc2 26.Rc1+-) 23.Ne7+ Kf8 24.Nxc8 Rxc8 25.Bxa6 Rxc2 26.Rxc2 Bxc2
27.a5±) 21.c4 (21.Bd3 Bxd3 22.Qxd3 Qxa4 23.c4 e4! 24.fxe4 Ne5 25.Nxe5 Bxe5 26.c5 dxc5 27.d6
Bd4∞) 21...Qxd2 22.Bxd2 Nb8 23.Na5 Nd7 24.Bb4 Nc5 25.Nc6²) 20...Qb7 21.O-O Re8 22.g4 Bg6
23.g5 (23.gxh5 Bxh5 24.Bd3²) 23...Bd8 24.a5² Nakamura,H (2736)-Carlsen,M (2863) chess24.com
(Int.-m1/3-rapid) 145/(81) 2020
14...a5N
14...Nd7
15.Bd3 Bh3
15...Bxd3 16.Qxd3 Nd7 17.O-O O-O 18.Rae1 Bg5„
16.O-O-O Nd7 17.Kb1 a4 18.Nc1 Qa5! 19.Qxa5 Rxa5 20.Rhg1 f5
20...g6 21.Ne2 Kf8 22.Nc3 Kg7 23.Ne4 (23.Kc2 Bf5!∞) 23...Bf5∞
21.Ne2 O-O 22.Nc3

436
22...e4!
22...Rc8!?
23.fxe4
23.Be2 exf3 24.Bxf3 Ne5! 25.Bxh5 Nxc4 26.Bd4 Bg5∞
23...Ne5
23...Bg4! 24.Be2 Bxe2 25.Nxe2 Ne5 26.Bd2 (26.Bb6 Ra6 27.Bd4 Nf3 28.Rg2 fxe4∞) 26...Ra6 27.c5
Nf3 28.Rg2 (28.cxd6 Bxd6 29.Rg2 Nxd2+ 30.Rxd2 fxe4 31.Nc3 e3 32.Rd1 Be5=) 28...Nxd2+
29.Rxd2 fxe4 30.Nc3 e3 31.Rd1 dxc5 32.Re2 Bf6∞
24.Bb6
24.Be2 Bg4 25.Bxg4 Nxc4 (25...fxg4 26.c5 dxc5 27.d6±) 26.Bb6 Nxb6 27.Bxf5 (27.Bxh5 Bf6©)
27...Nc4 28.Rgf1²
24...Ra6 25.Bd4
25.c5?! Nxd3 26.Rxd3 fxe4 27.Nxe4 Bf5³
25...Nf3 26.c5 dxc5
26...Raa8! 27.Bc4 (27.Be3 Nxg1 28.Bxg1 (28.cxd6 Bxd6 29.Bxg1 Bg4µ) 28...fxe4 29.Nxe4 Bg4
30.Re1 Bf5µ; 27.cxd6 Bxd6 28.Nb5 fxe4 29.Bxe4 Nxg1 30.Nxd6 Nf3³) 27...fxe4 28.c6 Nxg1
29.Rxg1 Rac8 30.Nxa4 Bg5³
27.Be3 Raf6
27...Nxg1 28.Bxa6 bxa6 29.Bxg1 fxe4 30.Nxa4∞

437
28.Rh1
28.e5!? Nxe5 29.Be2 Bg4 30.Bg5 R6f7 (30...Bxe2!? 31.Bxf6 (31.Nxe2 R6f7 32.Bxe7 Rxe7 33.Nf4
Rd7∞) 31...Rxf6 32.Nxe2 Rb6 33.d6 Bf6©) 31.Bxe7 Rxe7 32.d6 Re6 33.d7 Rd8∞
28...Bg2 29.exf5
29.Rhg1 Bh3 (29...Nxg1 30.e5 Nf3 31.exf6 Rxf6 32.Nxa4 b6 33.b4!²) 30.e5 Nxe5 31.Be2 Bg4
32.Bg5 R6f7∞
29...Bxh1 30.Rxh1 a3
30...Ne5 31.Bc2 Nc4 32.Bf4 Rb6 33.Nxa4 Rb4 34.Re1 Na3+ 35.Kc1 Nxc2 36.Rxe7 Rxa4 37.Kxc2
Rxf5 38.d6 Rd4 39.Be5 Rf2+ 40.Kc3 Rf3+=
31.b3 Nd4 32.Rf1 Nxf5 33.Bg5

33...Nd6! 34.Bxf6 Rxf6 35.Rxf6 Bxf6 36.Ne4 Nxe4 37.Bxe4 Be5= 38.Bg6 h4 39.gxh4 Bxh2
40.Kc2 Kf8 41.Kd3 b5 42.Kc2 Ke7 43.Bd3 b4 44.h5 Kd6 45.Bg6 Be5 46.Kb1 Bf6 47.Kc2 Be5
48.Kb1 Bf6 49.Kc2 Be5 1/2-1/2

82. * B90
Dominguez Perez, Leinier (2758) - Grischuk, Alexander (2777)
ProChessLeague (Int.-rapid) 145/82, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be3 e5 7.Nb3 Be6 8.f3 h5 9.Nd5 Bxd5
10.exd5 Nbd7 11.Qd2 g6 12.O-O-O Nb6 13.c4
13.Kb1 Nfxd5 14.Bf2 Nf6 15.Bd3 (15.Qe1 - 140/80) 15...Nbd7 16.Rhe1 Qc7 17.Bf1 Be7N
(17...Rc8 18.Bh4 Be7 19.f4 O-O 20.f5 Kg7 21.c3 d5∞) 18.Bg1 Kf8 19.f4 Re8 20.c4 b6 21.g3 h4
22.Qc3 Kg7 23.Bg2 hxg3 24.hxg3 Ng4 25.Bf3 Ndf6∞ Bosiocic,M (2625)-Palac,M (2529) Hrvatska

438
(ch) 145/(82) 2020
13...Rc8 14.Na5 Nbxd5
14...Nfxd5 15.Bg5 (15.Bxb6 Nxb6 16.Nxb7 Nxc4 17.Bxc4 Rxc4+ 18.Kb1 Qc7 19.Qd5 Qc6³)
15...Qxg5 16.Qxg5 Bh6 17.Qxh6 Rxh6 18.Nxb7 Rc7 19.Nxd6+ Ke7 20.Kb1 Kxd6 21.cxd5 a5∞
15.Bg5

15...b6!
15...Qb6 16.Kb1 Nh7 17.Bh4 Ne3 (17...Nf4 18.Bf2 Qc7 19.Qb4²) 18.Bf2 Bh6 (18...Nxf1 19.Rhxf1
Qc7 20.Qb4±) 19.Qe1 Qc7 20.Bxe3 Bxe3 21.Qxe3 Qxa5 22.Rxd6±
16.Nb7
16.Kb1 bxa5 17.cxd5 Bg7 18.Bxa6 Rb8 19.a4 O-O∞
16...Qc7 17.Bxf6 Nxf6
17...Bh6! 18.Bg5 Bxg5 19.Qxg5 Qxb7 20.Qd2 (20.Kb1 Qe7 21.Qxe7+ Nxe7 22.Rxd6 Rc6=)
20...Ne7 (20...Nf4!?) 21.Qxd6 Qc7 22.Qxc7 Rxc7=
18.Nxd6+ Bxd6 19.Qxd6 Qxd6N
19...Nd7
20.Rxd6 Nd7 21.Be2 Ke7 22.Rhd1 Rc7 23.Kb1 a5 24.b3 Rb8 25.R6d5 f6 26.Bd3 Rg8
¹26...Nf8 27.Be4 (27.g3 Rc5=) 27...f5 (27...Ne6 28.g3 g5=) 28.Bc2 (28.Rxe5+? Kf6-+) 28...Rc5
29.Rd6 Rc7 30.Kb2 Rd7=
27.Be4 Nc5 28.Kb2 h4

439
28...Rd7 29.Rxd7+ Nxd7 30.Kc3 Nc5=
29.Rd6 Rd7 30.Rxd7+ Nxd7= 31.a3 f5 32.Bc6 Nf6 33.b4 axb4 34.axb4 Rd8 35.Rxd8 Kxd8
36.Kc3 Kc7 37.Ba4 Kd6 38.Kd2 g5 39.Bc2 Ke6 40.Bb3 Kd6 41.Bc2 Ke6 42.Bb3 Kd6 1/2-1/2

83. B91
Rogic, Davor (2492) - Kozul, Zdenko (2597)
Hrvatska (ch) 145/83, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.g3 Nc6 7.Bg2 Nxd4
7...Bd7 - 133/80
8.Qxd4 e5 9.Qd3 h6 10.O-O Be7 11.b3N
11.a4
11...O-O 12.Bb2 b5 13.Nd1 Be6 14.Ne3 Qb8 15.Rfd1
15.Nf5 Ra7!? (15...Bxf5 16.exf5 d5 17.Qe2 e4 18.Rad1 Qb7 19.c4 dxc4 20.bxc4 Rac8 21.Bxf6 Bxf6
22.Bxe4 Qe7 23.cxb5 axb5 24.Rd5 b4 25.Rfd1²) 16.a4 (16.Nxe7+ Rxe7 17.a4 Rc8=; 16.Rfd1 Bxf5
17.exf5 Rc8 18.a4 b4„) 16...Rc8 17.axb5 axb5 18.Rxa7 Qxa7 19.Ra1 Qc7 20.Nxe7+ Qxe7=
15...Rc8„ 16.Rac1
16.a4 b4 17.Rd2 Qb6 18.Nf5 Bf8 19.Rad1 Rc6=; 16.Nf5 Bf8 17.Rd2 a5=
16...a5 17.a3 Ra7 18.h3 b4 19.Kh2

19.Ra1 Rac7 (19...a4 20.axb4 Qxb4 21.Bc1 Bf8 22.Nd5 Nxd5 23.exd5 Bd7∞) 20.axb4 axb4 21.Rdc1
Rc5=

440
19...a4! 20.bxa4
20.axb4 Qxb4 21.Ra1 Qb8 22.Rdb1 axb3 23.cxb3 Rb7 24.Ra3 g6³
20...Rxa4 21.Rb1 Qc7 22.axb4 Rxb4 23.Ba1
23.Ba3 Rd4 24.Qa6 Bf8 25.Rb7 Qd8³
23...Ra4 24.c3
24.Bb2 h5 25.Ra1 Rxa1 26.Rxa1 h4³
24...Nd7
24...h5!? 25.Bb2 (25.h4 Ng4+ 26.Nxg4 hxg4µ) 25...h4 26.Ra1 (26.g4?! Ra2 27.Kg1 Nd7µ)
26...hxg3+ 27.fxg3 Rxa1 28.Rxa1 Qc5³
25.Rb4 Ra2 26.Nf5?
26.Bb2 Qa7 27.Nd5 Bd8 28.Rd2 Nc5 29.Qb1 Ra8³
26...Bxf5 27.exf5 Rxf2 28.Kh1
28.Qe3 Qc5 (28...Ra2 29.Bb2 Rb8-+) 29.Qxc5 Nxc5-+
28...Nc5-+
28...d5 29.Rb2 e4-+
29.Qb1

29...e4! 30.g4
30.Bxe4 d5 31.Bg2 (31.Bxd5 Qxg3) 31...Ne4! 32.Bxe4 (32.Rxe4 dxe4) 32...Qxg3

441
30...d5 31.Rxd5 Qg3 32.Qg1 Ra8 33.Bb2 Ra2 34.f6 gxf6 0-1

84. * B91
Wei, Yi (2732) - Duda, Jan Krzysztof (2753)
chess24.com (Int.-rapid) 145/84, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.g3 e5 7.Nde2 Be7 8.Bg2 O-O 9.O-O b5
10.Nd5 Nbd7 11.Nec3 Nb6
11...Bb7 12.a4 Nxd5 13.Nxd5 Bxd5 14.exd5 bxa4 15.Rxa4 a5N (15...Bg5 - 130/(83)) 16.Rc4
(16.Bd2 Nc5 17.Rc4 f5 18.Be3 Nd7 19.b3 Bg5 20.f4 Bf6∞) 16...f5 (16...Bg5!? 17.Rc6 (17.b3 Bxc1
18.Qxc1 f5 19.Qd2 e4 20.Ra1 Nc5∞) 17...Bxc1 18.Qxc1 Qe7 19.b3 f5„) 17.f4 e4 18.Be3 a4∞
Korley,K (2416)-Paragua,M (2506) Charlotte 145/(84) 2020
12.Nxf6+ Bxf6 13.b3 Qc7 14.Qd3 Be6 15.Ba3 Rfc8 16.Bb4 Qd7N
16...a5 - 138/(103)
17.Rfd1 a5 18.Bxd6 b4! 19.Nb5

19.Ne2 Rd8 20.Rac1 (20.Bc5 Qc6 21.Qe3 Nd7 22.Bd6 Rac8³) 20...Qc6 21.c4 Nc8 22.c5 Nxd6
23.cxd6 Qb6 24.Rc2 Ra7 25.Nc1 Rad7³
19...Nc4! 20.bxc4 Bxc4 21.Qe3 Qxb5 22.a3 bxa3 23.Bxa3 Be6³ 24.Bf1 Qc6 25.Rd2
25.Bd3 a4 26.Rdb1 Bd8³
25...h6 26.h4 Bd8
26...a4 27.c4 Rcb8 28.Rd6 Qc7³

442
27.c4 a4 28.c5 Rab8
¹28...Be7 29.Rc1 Rab8³
29.Rd6 Qe8 30.Qd2
30.Qc1 Be7 31.Ra6=
30...Be7 31.Rb6 Qf8
31...Rxb6 32.cxb6 Bxa3 33.Rxa3 Qc6 34.Qa5 Rb8 35.Rxa4 Rxb6 36.Qa8+ Qxa8 37.Rxa8+ Kh7
38.Kg2=
32.Rxb8 Rxb8 33.Qc2= Bb3 34.Qc3 Qc8 35.Bc4 Qc7
35...Bxc4 36.Qxc4 Bxh4 37.c6 (37.gxh4? Qg4+ 38.Kf1 (38.Kh2 Qxh4+ 39.Kg1 Rb3 40.Qf1
Qxe4µ) 38...Qf3 39.Kg1 Rb3 40.Qf1 Rxa3µ) 37...Bxg3 38.fxg3 Qh3 39.c7 Qxg3+ 40.Kf1 Qf3+
41.Ke1 Qe3+ 42.Kd1 Qg1+ 43.Kd2 Qg5+=
36.Bd5 Bf6
36...Bxd5! 37.exd5 e4 38.Qe3 Qe5 39.Re1 f5 40.d6 Rb3 41.Qc1 Rxg3+ 42.fxg3 Qxg3+=
37.Rb1 Be7 38.Bxb3?!
38.Rc1 Rb5 39.Qd3 Rb8 40.Rc3²
38...Rxb3 39.Rxb3 axb3 40.Qxb3 Bxc5 41.Qc2 Bd6 42.Qxc7 Bxc7 43.h5 Bb6 44.Kg2 Bd4 1/2-1/2

85. B91
Rogic, Davor (2492) - Bosiocic, Marin (2625)
Hrvatska (ch) 145/85, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.g3 e5 7.Nde2 Be7 8.Bg2 O-O 9.O-O b5
10.Nd5 Nxd5 11.Qxd5 Ra7 12.Be3 Rb7 13.Qd2 Nd7 14.Rac1N
14.Nc3 - 130/(84)
14...h6
¹14...Nf6 15.c4 (15.Bg5 Be6 16.Rfd1 b4∞) 15...Be6 16.cxb5 axb5 17.Nc3 b4 18.Nd5 Bxd5 19.exd5
Ng4 20.Rc4 Nxe3 21.Qxe3 Bg5 (21...f5∞) 22.Qb3 Qb8∞
15.c4 b4
15...Nf6 16.cxb5 axb5 17.Nc3 b4 18.Nd5 Nxd5 19.exd5 Bd7 20.Rc4 Bg5 21.Bxg5 Qxg5 22.f4 exf4
23.Qxf4 Qxf4 24.Rfxf4 Rfb8∞
16.Bh3
16.b3 Nc5 17.Rcd1 a5 18.Nc1 Qc7 19.Qc2 a4„

443
16...a5
¹16...Bg5 17.Bxg5 (17.Qxd6?! Bxe3 18.fxe3 Qg5 19.Kh1 (19.Qd2? Nc5 20.Bxc8 Rxc8-+)
19...Qxe3 20.Ng1 Rb6 21.Qe7 Qc5µ) 17...Qxg5 18.Qxg5 (18.Qxd6 Qh5 19.c5™ Qxh3 20.c6 Rb5
21.cxd7 Qxd7 22.Qxd7 Bxd7³) 18...hxg5 19.Rfd1 Nc5 20.Bxc8 Rxc8 21.Rxd6 Nxe4 22.Rd5 f6∞
17.Rfd1 Qc7
17...Nc5 18.Bxc8 Qxc8 19.Bxc5 Qxc5 20.Qc2 Ra8 21.Rd5 Qc8 22.b3²
18.f3 Rd8 19.Qe1 Rb8 20.Qf2 Ba6 21.Bf1 Nc5
21...Bg5!? 22.b3 (22.f4?! Be7 23.Bg2 Bb7 24.b3 Bc6³) 22...Nc5 23.Bh3 Bxe3 24.Qxe3 a4∞
22.b3 Bg5
22...Bc8 23.Bg2 a4 24.Rb1 Rf8 25.Nc1 f5ƒ
23.Bxg5 hxg5 24.Qe3 Qb6
24...a4 25.Bh3 Bc8 26.Bxc8 Qxc8 27.g4 (27.Rb1 axb3 28.axb3 g4³) 27...Ra8 28.Rb1 Ne6³
25.Bh3 a4 26.Rb1 axb3 27.axb3 g6
27...Bc8 28.Bxc8 Rdxc8 (28...Rbxc8 29.Kg2 f6=) 29.Nc1 Ne6 30.Qxb6 Rxb6=
28.Nc1 Bb7
28...Bc8 29.Bxc8 Rdxc8 30.Rd5 Ne6 31.Qxb6 Rxb6 32.Nd3 (32.Ra1 g4 33.fxg4 Nc5 34.Ra7 Nxe4
35.Rda5 Rf8∞) 32...Ra8=
29.Kg2 Ra8 30.Rb2 Ra1
30...f6 31.Nd3 Qa5 32.Nxc5 Qxc5 33.Be6+ Kg7 34.Qxc5 dxc5 35.Rxd8 Rxd8 36.Bd5 Bxd5
37.cxd5²

31.Qxg5 Kg7 32.Bg4 Rda8

32...Bc8 33.Bxc8 Rxc8 34.Qe3 Qa6 35.Rbd2 Rc6 36.Rf2²
33.h4 Bxe4?!

444
33...Qd8 34.Qd2 f5! 35.exf5 gxf5 36.Bxf5 Qf6 37.Qg5+ Qxg5 38.hxg5 e4 39.fxe4 Nxe4 40.Bxe4
Bxe4+ 41.Kf2²
34.h5!
34.fxe4? Nxe4 35.Qe7 R8a7 36.Qe8 Rxc1 37.Rxc1 Qe3-+
34...Nd3?!
34...f6 35.h6+ Kf7 36.Qe3 Bf5 37.Bxf5 gxf5 38.Rbd2 f4 (38...Rd8? 39.h7 Kg7 40.Rxd6! Rxd6
41.Qh6+! Kxh6 42.h8=Q+ Kg6 43.Qg8+ Kh6 44.Rh1#) 39.gxf4 exf4 40.Qxf4 Ne6 41.Qe4 Rg8+
42.Kh1±
35.h6++- Kf8 36.Qf6 Qd8 37.Qg7+ Ke7 38.fxe4 Nxb2 39.Rf1 Qg8 40.Qf6+ Ke8 41.Qxd6 1-0

86. B94
Ottesen, Soren - Jean, Pierre
corr 145/86, 2019

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bg5 Nbd7 7.Bc4 Qb6 8.Bb3 e6 9.f3
9.Bxf6 Nxf6 10.f4 Qc5 (10...e5 - 109/151) 11.Qd3 b5 12.O-O-O Be7 13.Rhe1 O-O 14.e5 dxe5
15.fxe5 Ne8 16.Qg3 Bb7 17.Ne4 Bxe4 18.Rxe4 a5 19.a4 Nc7 20.Rg4 g6 21.h4 Kh8=; 9.Qd2 Nc5
(9...Be7 - 144/58) 10.Bxf6 gxf6 11.O-O-O Bd7 12.f4 h5 13.Kb1 Qc7 14.f5 O-O-O 15.Rhf1 Be7
16.fxe6 fxe6 17.Nf5 Bc6 18.Nxe7+ Qxe7 19.Qd4 Rhf8=
9...h6
9...Be7 10.Qd2 Nc5 11.O-O-O Qc7 12.Kb1 b5 13.a3 Bd7 14.h4 Qb7 (14...O-O 15.g4 Qb7 16.h5 a5
17.h6 g6 18.Nf5! gxf5 19.Bh4 Rfb8 20.Qg5+ Kf8 21.Qg7+ Ke8 22.Bxf6 Bf8 23.Qxh7 Nxb3

445
24.Qg8+-) 15.Rhe1 O-O 16.e5 dxe5 17.Rxe5 Nxb3 18.Nxb3 Rfd8 19.Nc5 Qc7 20.Qe3 Bc6
21.Rxd8+ Bxd8 22.h5 a5 23.h6 b4³
10.Be3
10.Bxf6 Nxf6 11.Qd2 Nd7³
10...Nc5 11.a3

11.O-O Be7=
11...Bd7N
11...Be7 12.Qe2 Qa5 (12...Qc7 13.g4²) 13.Ba2 Na4 14.Nb3 Nxc3 15.Nxa5 Nxe2 16.Kxe2 d5
17.exd5 Nxd5 18.Bxd5 exd5 19.Rad1 Bd8 20.Nb3 Be6 21.Rhe1 O-O 22.g3 Bc7 23.Nc5 b5 24.c3 a5
25.Nxe6 fxe6=
12.O-O
12.g4 Nxb3 13.cxb3 Rc8=
12...Be7
12...Rc8!?
13.f4 h5
13...Qc7 14.Qf3 O-O 15.Kh1 b5 16.Rad1 Rac8∞
14.Kh1 Ncxe4 15.Nxe4 Nxe4 16.f5
16.Qf3 Nc5 17.f5 e5= (17...Nxb3?? 18.fxe6 Nxd4 19.Qxf7+ Kd8 20.Qxg7+-)

446
16...e5

17.f6!? Bxf6
17...Nxf6?! 18.Nf5+-; 17...gxf6?! 18.Nf5+-
18.Nf5 Qc7 19.Bd5 Bxf5 20.Rxf5 Nc5 21.c4
21.Rxh5 O-O-O=
21...Ne6 22.Rxh5 Rxh5 23.Qxh5 O-O-O 24.g3 Qd7
24...Kb8 25.Rf1²
25.Rf1
25.Rd1 Kb8=
25...Kb8
25...Nc7 26.Be4 (26.Bxf7 Kb8 27.Kg1 Ne6∞) 26...Kb8 27.Qf3 Ne6∞
26.Bg1

447
26.Bb6 Rf8=
26...Nc7!= 27.Bg2
27.Bxf7?! Rf8 28.Bg6 Qc6+ 29.Qf3 Qxc4³; 27.Qxf7 Nxd5 28.Qxd5 Qc6=
27...Ne6 28.b3 Nd4
28...Rf8 29.Qg4=
29.a4
29.Bd5 Rf8= (29...Nxb3?! 30.Rb1 Na5 31.Bb6±)
29...Nc6
29...Rf8∞
30.b4² Nxb4 31.Rb1 Nc6 32.Be4 Rc8 33.Bf5
33.Qf3 Nd8 34.Qe3 Nc6²
33...Qe8 34.Bxc8 Kxc8 35.Qd1
35.Bb6 Qe6 36.Qh8+ Bd8©
35...Qd7
35...Qe6 36.Qd5 Qxd5+ 37.cxd5 Ne7∞
36.Qd5 Ne7 37.Qf3 Nc6 38.Qd5
38.Be3 Qe6 39.Qe4 Bd8©

448
38...Ne7 39.Qf3 Nc6
39...Qc6 40.Qxc6+ Nxc6©
40.Rd1 Ne7
40...Qe6!?©
41.Bc5² Nf5 42.g4 Nd4 43.Bxd4 exd4 44.Qf5 Qxf5
44...Kc7?! 45.Qxd7+ Kxd7 46.Kg2±
45.gxf5 Kd7 46.Kg2 Kc6 47.Kf2 d5 48.cxd5+ Kxd5 49.a5 Ke4 50.Rb1 Bh4+ 51.Kf1 Bd8
52.Rxb7 Bxa5 53.Rxf7 Bc3 54.Rxg7 Kxf5= 55.Rd7 1/2-1/2

87. B96
Kosakowski, Jakub (2413) - Istratescu, Andrei (2552)
Graz 145/87, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bg5 e6 7.f4 h6 8.Bh4 Qb6 9.a3 Be7 10.Bf2
Qc7 11.g3
11.g4!? Nc6 (11...b5!? 12.Bg2 Bb7 13.g5 (13.h4 h5 14.g5 Ng4 15.Bg1 Nc6 16.Qe2 Nxd4 17.Bxd4
e5„) 13...hxg5 14.fxg5 Nfd7 15.g6 Ne5 16.gxf7+ Kxf7 17.h4 Nbc6∞ 18.Nxe6!? Kxe6 19.Nd5 Qd8
20.Rf1 (20.Bh3+ Kf7 21.Rf1 Bf6 22.Nxf6 gxf6 23.Qd5+ Ke8 24.O-O-O Qe7µ) 20...Kd7 21.Bh3+
Ke8 22.Bb6 Bxh4+ 23.Ke2 Bc8!? (23...Qg5 24.Nc7+ Ke7 25.Nd5+=) 24.Bxd8 Bxh3 25.Bxh4
Bg4+ 26.Kd2 Bxd1 27.Raxd1 Ra7=) 12.Nb3 b5 13.Bg2 Bb7 14.Qe2 Nd7 15.O-O-O b4! (15...Rc8
16.h4 b4 17.axb4 Nxb4 18.Kb1 a5 19.Qb5! Bd8 20.g5ƒ) 16.axb4 Nxb4 17.Kb1 a5 18.Nb5 (18.Qb5?
O-Oµ) 18...Qb8 19.N3d4 Ba6„; 11.Qf3 - 143/(84)
11...b5
11...Nbd7 12.Bg2 Rb8 (12...g5?! 13.Qe2 Rg8 14.Bf3 Rb8 15.O-O-O±) 13.a4 (13.Qe2 b5 14.O-O-O
b4„) 13...b6 14.Qe2 Bb7 15.g4 (15.O-O O-O 16.g4 g6 17.Be3 Rfe8∞) 15...Rc8 16.h4 g6 17.Bf3 e5
18.O-O-O!? exd4 19.Bxd4 Rh7!? 20.Rhe1 Kf8 21.e5 Bxf3 22.Qxf3 dxe5 23.fxe5 Ng8 24.e6 Ndf6∞
12.Bg2 Bb7 13.Qe2 Nbd7 14.O-O-O Rc8 15.Kb1N
15.Rhg1 Nb6 (15...O-O 16.g4 d5 (16...g6 17.Kb1²) 17.e5 Nh7 (17...Bxa3 18.bxa3 Qxc3 19.Rd3±)
18.h4 Bxa3 19.Rd3! Be7 20.g5ƒ) 16.e5 (16.Kb1 Nc4„) 16...Nfd5 17.Nxd5 Nxd5 18.Nxe6 (18.exd6
Qxd6 19.f5 e5 20.Rge1 O-O∞) 18...fxe6 19.exd6 Qxd6 20.Bh3 Rc6 21.Qh5+ Kf8 22.Rge1 Bc8 23.f5
g6! 24.Qxg6 exf5 25.Qh5 Qc7 26.Bd4 Nf6∞
15...Nb6
15...O-O 16.g4 Qc4 17.Rd3ƒ
16.Rhe1

449
16.e5 Bxg2 17.exf6 Bxf6 18.Rhg1 (18.Nxe6 Qc4! 19.Nxg7+ Kf8 20.Bxb6 Bxh1 21.Qxc4 bxc4
22.Nf5 Bxc3 23.Rxh1 Rb8∞) 18...Bb7 19.Nxe6 fxe6 20.Qxe6+ Kf8 21.Rxd6 Bd5! 22.Bxb6 Qxc3
23.bxc3 Bxe6 24.Rxe6 Kf7 25.Re3 Rxc3 26.Rxc3 Bxc3 27.Rd1 Re8 … Re2=; 16.g4 Nc4 17.Rd3 Nd7
18.Rh3 g6 19.g5 h5 20.Re1 e5 21.Nd5 Qd8 22.Nf5!? Bxg5! 23.fxg5 Bxd5 24.exd5 gxf5 25.Rxh5
Ke7 26.Rh6 (26.Bh4 Rxh5 27.Qxh5 Qh8!µ) 26...Qa5! 27.Qd3 Rxh6 28.gxh6 Qd2 29.Qxf5 Qxh6
30.Bh3 Rc7∞
16...Nc4„

17.Rd3! [… g4] 17...O-O

17...h5 18.h3 (18.Bh3 Ng4 19.Bg1 O-O!? 20.Bxg4 hxg4 21.Qxg4 Bf6 22.Qe2 Rfe8 23.g4 e5 24.fxe5
Rxe5©) 18...O-O 19.g4 Nd7 20.gxh5 Bf6 21.h4 (21.h6 g6 22.h4 Nc5∞) 21...Kh8 22.h6 g6 23.e5!
∆dxe5 24.Bxb7 Qxb7 25.fxe5 Ndxe5 26.Ne4 Be7 27.Nf3! Nxf3 (27...Nxd3 28.cxd3 Nxa3+ 29.bxa3
f6 30.Bd4±) 28.Qxf3 e5 29.h5 Qc6 30.Rg1ƒ
18.g4 e5
18...b4?! 19.axb4 d5 20.exd5 Bxb4 21.g5! Nxb2 22.Rg3 Nxd5 23.Nxd5 Bxd5 24.gxh6 Bxe1
25.Bxd5 Bxf2 26.Nxe6!+-; 18...Nd7!? 19.Rh3 Rfe8 20.g5 g6! 21.Rxh6 Bf8 22.Rh3 Bg7©
19.Nf5 exf4 20.h4ƒ Ne5 21.g5
21.Bd4 g6 (21...Nxd3? 22.cxd3 g6 23.g5!+-; 21...Nh7 22.Bxe5 dxe5 23.Nd5 Bxd5 24.exd5 Bf6
25.Be4±) 22.Nxh6+ Kh7 23.g5 Nh5 24.Bh3 Rce8 25.Bg4ƒ Nxg4 (25...Ng3?! 26.Qd2 Nxd3 27.cxd3
d5 28.e5+-) 26.Nxg4 Bd8 27.Nf2! (27.Qf2?! a5!„) 27...Bc6 28.Rf3 Qd7 (28...Qb7 29.Nh3!±)
29.Qd2 (29.Nh3?! Bxe4!) 29...a5 30.Ne2! Bxe4 31.Nxe4 Rxe4 32.Nxf4 Qg4 33.Ref1!±
21...Nfg4 22.Bh3

450
22.Bb6 Qxb6 (22...Qd7? 23.Bh3 h5 24.Bd4+-) 23.Nxe7+ Kh8 (23...Kh7 24.gxh6 g6 25.Nxc8 Rxc8
26.Bh3 Nxd3 27.cxd3 Rxc3 28.bxc3 Ne5 29.h5²) 24.gxh6 Nxh6 25.Ncd5 Qa5 26.Rdd1 Rce8
27.Qh5 Ng6 28.Nf5 Re5∞
22...h5
22...Nxd3 23.cxd3 Nxf2 24.Qxf2 hxg5 25.hxg5 Bxg5 26.Rg1 Qd8! 27.Qg2 g6 28.Qxg5 Qxg5
29.Rxg5 Rcd8 30.Nd4 Rfe8 31.Bg2 (31.Nce2 Re5³) 31...Re5 32.Rg4 g5 33.Nf3 f6! 34.Nxe5 dxe5
35.Bf1 Kf7 36.Rg1 Rh8„
23.Bd4 g6 24.Nh6+?
24.Bxg4 Nxg4 (24...hxg4? 25.Nh6+ … Ng4+-) 25.Nxe7+ Qxe7 26.Rf3 Rfe8 27.Rxf4 Qe6 28.Qd2²
24...Nxh6 25.Bxe5 dxe5 26.Bxc8 Qxc8µ 27.gxh6 Bxh4 28.Rh1 Bg3 29.Nd5
29.Rxh5 gxh5 30.Qxh5 Qe6 31.Qg5+ Qg6 32.h7+ Kxh7 33.Qe7 Kg7 34.Qxb7 Bh4 35.Qc7 Re8-+
29...Bxd5 30.exd5
30.Rxd5 Kh7 31.Qd3 Qc4-+
30...Qf5 31.d6 e4 32.Rd4 e3 33.d7 Rd8 34.Rhd1 Kh7-+ 35.Qf3 Kxh6 36.a4 Qg4 37.Qxg4 hxg4
38.Re4 Bf2 39.Re8 Rxd7 40.Rxd7 g3 41.Rd1 g2 42.c3 f3 0-1

88. B97
Karjakin, Sergey (2752) - Duda, Jan Krzysztof (2753)
chess24.com (Int.-rapid) 145/88, 2020

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bg5 e6 7.f4 Qb6 8.Qd2 Qxb2 9.Rb1 Qa3 10.f5
Nc6 11.fxe6 fxe6 12.Nxc6 bxc6 13.Be2 Be7 14.e5
14.O-O - 108/(76)
14...dxe5 15.Bxf6 Bxf6 16.Bh5+ g6 17.Ne4 O-O 18.O-O Bg7 19.Rxf8+ Qxf8 20.Bf3
20.Bg4 Qe7 21.Qd6 Qxd6 22.Nxd6 h5 23.Nxc8 hxg4 24.Ne7+ Kf7 25.Nxc6 Rc8 26.Rb6 a5∞
20...Ra7N
20...Qe7 21.c4 (21.Qa5 Qa7+ 22.Kh1 Bd7∞) 21...a5 22.c5 Ba6 23.Qxa5 Qf8∞
21.Rb8 Rd7 22.Qa5 Qd8?
22...Bh6!? 23.Kf2 Qd8 24.Qxd8+ Rxd8 25.Ra8²; 22...h5 23.Qb6 Qd8 24.Qxc6 (24.Qxd8+ Rxd8
25.Rb6 c5 26.Rc6 Bb7 27.Rxe6 Rd4 28.Nxc5 Bxf3 29.gxf3 Rd1+ 30.Kg2 Rd2+ 31.Kh3 Rxc2 32.Ne4
Rxa2 33.Rxg6 Kf7 34.Rb6 a5 35.Ng5+ Ke7 36.Rb7+ Kf6 37.Ne4+ Kg6 38.Rb6+=) 24...Rc7 25.Qb6
Bf8 26.c3 Qe7∞
23.Qxd8+ Rxd8

451
24.Bg4! Kf7 25.Rxc8! Rxc8 26.Nd6+ Kf6 27.Nxc8 Bf8 28.Bf3 Kf5 29.Bxc6 e4 30.Kf2 Bc5+
31.Ke2 Kf4 32.a4 a5 33.Kd2 Bb4+
33...h5 34.Kc3 h4 35.Kc4-+
34.c3 Bc5 35.Ke2 Kf5 36.g3 Ke5 37.Kd2 Bg1 38.h3 Bf2 39.Bb7 Bc5
39...Bxg3 40.Na7 Kf5 41.Nc6 Bc7 42.Ke3 Bb6+ 43.Nd4++-
40.Kc2 h5 41.Kb3 g5 42.Kc4 Bf2 43.g4 h4 44.Ne7 Kf4 45.Nc6
45.Ng6+ Kg3 46.Bxe4 Kxh3 47.Kb5 Kxg4 48.c4 Kh5 49.c5 g4 50.Nf4+ Kg5 51.Ne2+-
45...Kg3 46.Nxa5 Kxh3 47.Nb3
47.Bxe4 Kxg4 48.Kd3 Kf4 49.Nc6±; 47.Nc6! Kxg4 48.a5 Kf4 49.Nd4+-
47...Kxg4 48.a5 Ba7 49.Nd4?

452
49.Bxe4 Kf4 50.Kd3 h3 51.Nd4 g4 52.Ne2++-
49...h3?
49...e5! 50.Ne6 (50.Nc6 Kf4 51.Ne7 Kf3 52.Nf5 Kf4 53.Ne7=) 50...e3! 51.Kd3 Kf5 52.Nc7 g4
53.Ke2 h3 54.Nd5 Kg5 55.Nxe3 g3 56.Kd3 Kf4=
50.Bxe4+- e5
50...Kf4 51.Nxe6+ Kxe4 52.Nxg5+ Ke5 53.Nxh3 Be3 54.Kd3 Ba7 55.Ng5+-
51.Ne2 Kh4 52.Kd5 g4 53.c4 g3 54.Nxg3! Kxg3 55.c5 1-0

453
C00-C24

89. C00
Fedorov, Alexei (2562) - Das, Sayantan (2424)
New Delhi 145/89, 2020

1.e4 e6 2.Qe2 c5 3.f4 Nc6 4.Nf3 d5

4...g6 5.g3 (5.Na3 - 31/193) 5...Bg7 6.c3 Nge7 7.Bg2 d6 8.O-O O-O 9.Na3 (9.d3 - 69/264; 9.a4 Rb8
10.Na3 a6„) 9...h6 (9...a6 10.Nc2 b5 11.d4 cxd4 12.Nfxd4!? Bd7 13.Be3²; 9...e5 10.d3 h6 11.f5!?
gxf5 12.Nh4ƒ; 9...Rb8 10.Kh1 a6 11.Nc2 b5 12.d4 cxd4 13.cxd4 b4∞ - 71/270) 10.d3 (10.Rd1 e5
11.fxe5 dxe5 12.d3 b6∞) 10...Rb8 11.Nh4!? d5 (11...b5 12.f5ƒ) 12.Be3 d4!? 13.Bd2 b5 14.f5 exf5
15.exf5 Bxf5 16.Nxf5 gxf5 17.c4 b4 18.Nc2 Rb6∞; 4...Be7 5.Nc3 (5.g3 - 7/186) 5...d5 - 51/257;
4...Nf6 - 30/301
5.exd5 Qxd5 6.Nc3 Qd8 7.b3

7.g3 Nf6 (7...Nh6!?) 8.Bg2 Be7 9.O-O O-O 10.d3 Bd7 (10...Rb8!? 11.Ne5 Nd4 12.Qf2 b6 … Bb7)
11.Ne5 Nd4 12.Qf2 Qc7 13.Ne4 Nxe4 14.Bxe4 Be8 15.c3 Nf5 16.b3 f6∞
7...Nh6N
7...g6 8.Bb2 Bg7 9.O-O-O Nf6 10.Qb5²; 7...Be7 8.Bb2 Nh6 (8...Nf6 9.O-O-O Bd7 10.g4! ∆Nxg4
11.Rg1 h5 12.h3 Nh6 13.Rxg7 Nf5 14.Rg5!?ƒ; 8...Bf6 9.O-O-O Nge7 (9...Qc7 10.Kb1 Nge7
11.Nb5! Qxf4 12.Bxf6 gxf6 13.g3 Qb8 14.Qe3 ƒ) 10.d4! Qc7 11.Qd2 cxd4 12.Ne4ƒ ∆e5 13.Re1 O-
O 14.Nxf6+ gxf6 15.fxe5 fxe5 16.Ba3 Bf5 17.g4 Bg6 18.h4±) 9.g4!? Nxg4 (9...Bh4+ 10.Kd1 O-O

454
11.Ne4 Nxg4 12.Rg1 Bf6 13.Nxf6+ Nxf6 14.Qf2©) 10.Rg1 Nh6 11.Rxg7 Nf5 12.Rg1 Nfd4
13.Nxd4 cxd4 (13...Bh4+ 14.Kd1 cxd4 (14...Nxd4 15.Qh5±) 15.Ne4 Be7 16.Qg4±; 13...Nxd4
14.Qd3 Bh4+ 15.Kd1 Bd7 16.Ne2 Nxe2 17.Bxe2 Bf6 18.Kc1 Bxb2+ 19.Kxb2 Qf6+ 20.Qc3 Qxc3+
21.Kxc3 Ke7 22.Bf3 Rab8 23.a4²) 14.Ne4 Qc7 15.Qf2 Bd7 16.Rg7 Rf8 17.Bc4 O-O-O 18.O-O-O²
8.Bb2 Nf5
8...a6 9.Ne5 Nd4 10.Qe4 Rb8 11.Ne2 (11.O-O-O b5 … Bb7∞) 11...Nhf5 (11...Ndf5 12.Rg1! Nd6
13.Qd3 f6 14.Nf3 b5 15.g4²) 12.Nxd4 Nxd4 13.Bd3!? (13.Nf3 Nf5 14.O-O-O b5 15.Re1! Be7
16.Qe5²) 13...Be7 (13...Qd5 14.Qe3 f6 15.Nf3 Nxf3+ 16.gxf3ƒ) 14.O-O-O b5 15.h4!? Rb6 16.h5 f6
17.Nf3 Nf5 18.h6 g6 (18...Nxh6 19.Qe2 Qc7 20.Rdf1ƒ) 19.Qe1 Qc7 20.g4 c4 21.Bxf5 exf5 22.g5 ƒ
9.O-O-O Be7 10.Ne4!?
10.g4 Nfd4 11.Qe4 Bd7 (11...O-O 12.h4 Nxf3 13.Bd3 f5 14.Qxf3²) 12.Kb1 Qa5 13.Bg2 O-O-O
(13...Rd8 14.a3 O-O 15.h4²) 14.Ne5 f5 15.gxf5 exf5 16.Qe3 Nxe5 17.Nd5! Ng6 18.Bc3 Qb5
19.Nxe7+ Nxe7 20.Qxe7 Rde8 (20...Rhe8 21.Qf7²) 21.Qg5 Qb6 22.Bd5 g6 23.h4²
10...O-O 11.Kb1 Bd7
11...b6 12.g4 Nfd4 13.Qe3 Bb7 14.Rg1 b5 15.f5!? Rc8 16.Bxb5! (16.Bg2 Nb4„) 16...Nxb5 17.f6
Nbd4 (17...Bxf6 18.Bxf6 Na3+ 19.Kb2 Nc4+ 20.bxc4 Qb6+ 21.Kc1! Nb4 22.Nc3 gxf6 23.g5 f5
24.Ne5+-) 18.fxe7 Qxe7 19.g5ƒ
12.Qf2
12.g4 Nfd4 13.Qe3 a5„
12...Qb6

455
12...Qc7 13.Nxc5 Ncd4 14.g4! Bxc5 15.gxf5 Nxf5 16.d4 Bd6 17.Ne5±; 12...Nfd4 13.h4²
13.Ne5
13.g4 Nfd4 14.Rg1 Kh8 15.f5ƒ
13...Nxe5 14.fxe5 Bc6 15.Bd3 Bxe4
15...c4! 16.Qxb6 axb6 17.bxc4 Nh4 18.Rdf1 (18.Rhg1 Bb4©) 18...Ra4 19.Nc3 Ra5 20.Be4 Rd8©
16.Bxe4² Nd4 17.Rhe1!?
17.Qe3 a5 18.a4 Rad8 19.g4 Qc7 20.Rdg1 Kh8 21.g5!? Qxe5 22.Rg4! f5 23.gxf6 gxf6 24.Rg3!? f5
25.Bd3 Qf6 26.Rhg1! (… Rg6) 26...Rg8 27.Re1ƒ
17...a5 18.a4 Rad8 19.Qf1!
19.Qe3 Qc7 (19...c4? 20.c3! Qxb3 21.cxd4 Qxa4 22.Rf1 … Rf3+-) 20.Bd3 Rd7 (20...Qc6 21.g3 b5
22.c3 Nf5 23.Qe4 Qxe4 24.Bxe4 ∆b4 25.cxb4 cxb4 26.Bxf5 exf5 27.d4 Rd5 28.Rc1±) 21.Rf1 Rfd8
22.Bc4 Bf8 23.Rf4 g6 24.Re4 Qc6 (24...b5 25.Bxb5 Nxb5 26.axb5 Qb7 27.Bc3 Qxb5 28.Ra4 Rc7
29.Qe4! (29.Rxa5 Qb8∞) 29...Ra7 30.Kb2±) 25.Bc3 Bh6 26.Qe1 b5 27.Bxb5 Nxb5 28.axb5 Qxb5
29.Ra4²
19...Rd7
19...Qc7 20.Bd3 Rd7 (20...Qc6 21.c3! Nxb3 22.Bb5 Qc7 23.Kc2 c4 24.Qxc4 Qxc4 25.Bxc4 Nc5
26.Ba3 Rc8 27.Ra1 … d4±; 20...Rd5 21.Qf4 Rfd8 22.Bc4 R5d7 23.Re4 Bf8 24.Rf1 g6 25.g4 Bg7
26.h4±) 21.Bc4 Rb8 22.g3 b5 23.Bxb5! Nxb5 24.axb5 Qa7 25.Re4 Qb7 26.Ra4 Qxb5 27.Qxb5 Rxb5
28.Bc3 Bd8 29.g4±
20.Qd3!± g6

456
20...h6 21.c3! c4 22.Qxc4 Nxb3 23.d4 Rc7 24.Qb5 Qxb5 25.axb5 a4 26.d5±
21.c3! c4 22.Qxc4
22.Qe3! cxb3 23.Rc1 Rfd8 24.Rf1! Bc5 25.cxd4 Bxd4 26.Bxd4 Rxd4 27.Qf2 Rf8 28.Rc4+-
22...Nxb3 23.d4 Rc7 24.Qb5 Qxb5 25.axb5 a4 26.b6?!
26.d5! exd5 27.Bxd5 Nc5 (27...b6 28.e6 f5 29.Bxb3 axb3 30.Rd7+-) 28.c4±
26...Rc4„ 27.Ka2
27.Kc2 Rfc8„
27...Na5
27...Rb8! 28.d5 Nc5 29.Bf3 Bd8 30.d6 Nd7 31.Be2 Rc5 32.c4 Bxb6 33.Bd4 Rc6 34.c5 Nxc5 35.Bb5
Rcc8 36.Ka3 Rd8 37.Rf1 Ra8 38.Rf4 Ra5∞
28.Rd3 Rcc8 29.Rb1 Nc4
29...Rfd8 30.Ba3 Bxa3 31.Kxa3 Nc4+ 32.Kxa4 Ra8+ 33.Kb4 Nxb6 34.c4 Rac8 35.c5 Nd5+
36.Bxd5 Rxd5 37.Kc4 Rd7 38.Rb6±; ¹29...f6 30.exf6 Rxf6 31.Bf3 Bf8 32.Bg4 Rc6 33.d5 exd5
34.Bf3 Rxb6 35.Bxd5+ Kg7 36.c4 Rxb2+ 37.Rxb2 b6 38.Re2²
30.Bxb7 Rb8 31.Ba6 Nxb6 32.c4 Ra8 33.Bb5 Rfc8 34.c5 Nd5 35.Bc1± Rcb8 36.Bd2 f6 37.exf6
Bxf6 38.g4
38.Bd7 Kf7 39.Re1 Ra6 40.c6 Kg7 41.g4+-
38...Kf7 39.g5 Bg7 40.Rf1+ Ke7 41.Bc6 Ra6 42.Bxd5
42.Rdf3 Rxc6 43.Rf7+ Ke8 44.Rxg7 Rb3 45.Rff7 Ra6 46.Rxh7 e5 47.dxe5 Rh3 48.Rxh3 Kxf7
49.Ka3 Ke6 50.Bc3 Rc6 51.Bd4+-
42...exd5 43.Bf4
43.Rdf3! Rf8 (43...Bxd4 44.Rf7+ Ke6 45.R1f6++-) 44.Rxf8 Bxf8 45.Rb1 (… Rb7) 45...Re6 46.Bf4+-
43...Rb3! 44.Bd6+ Ke6 45.Re1+ Kf5 46.Rd2
46.Rxb3 axb3+ 47.Kxb3 Bxd4 48.Kb4 Ra2 (48...Kxg5 49.Rd1±) 49.Kb5 Rc2! 50.h4 Bf2 51.Re5+
Kg4 52.c6 Kxh4 53.Rxd5 Rb2+ 54.Bb4²
46...Kxg5†
¹46...Rb4 47.Be5 (47.Rc2 a3) 47...Bxe5 48.Rxe5+ Kf4 49.Rxd5 Rc4 50.Rd7 Ke3²
47.Re7 Bf6

457
¹47...Kh6 48.Bf4+ g5 49.Bxg5+ Kxg5 50.Rxg7+ Kf5 51.Rxh7 Re6 52.Rh5+ Kf4 53.Rxd5 Ke3
54.Rb2±
48.Rxh7†
48.Rg2+! Kh6 49.Rf7! Rxd6 (49...Bxd4 50.Bf8++-) 50.cxd6 Bxd4 51.d7 Bb6 52.Rb2+-
48...Rf3 49.Rb7?!
49.Rf7 Kg4 50.Be7 Bxe7 51.Rxe7 Rc3 52.Rg2+ Kf4 53.Re5±
49...a3?
49...a3 50.Rb6! Ra8 51.c6 Rc8 52.c7 Rc3 53.Rb5+-; 49...Kf5²
1/2-1/2

90. C00
Carlsen, Magnus (2863) - Xiong, Jeffery (2709)
lichess.org (Int.-m/8-rapid) 145/90, 2020

1.e4 e6 2.Qe2 c5 3.g3 Nc6 4.Bg2 g6 5.Nf3 Bg7 6.O-O

6.d3 Nge7 7.c3 e5 - 68/235
6...Nge7 7.c3 e5
7...O-O - 133/100
8.a3 O-O 9.b4 d6 10.d3 a6 11.Be3

458
11...cxb4N
11...b6
12.axb4 Be6 13.Ng5 Bd7 14.Nd2 h6 15.Ngf3 Be6 16.Rfb1?!
16.d4 exd4 17.Nxd4 Nxd4 18.Bxd4 Bxd4 19.cxd4 d5∞
16...f5 17.Nf1
17.exf5 Nxf5 18.Ne4 Nxe3 19.Qxe3∞
17...f4ƒ 18.Bd2 g5 19.h3 Qd7 20.g4 Rfc8 21.Qd1 b5 22.N1h2 d5 23.Ne1 d4 24.Nhf3 dxc3
25.Bxc3 Nd4?!
25...Rd8!? 26.Qc2 Nc8 27.Rc1 Nb6³
26.Bxd4 exd4

459
27.h4!„ gxh4
27...Bxg4 28.hxg5 hxg5 29.Qb3+ Kf8 (29...Be6? 30.Bh3! Bxb3 31.Bxd7 Rd8 32.Bg4±) 30.Nxg5
Ng6 31.Qd5 Ne5 32.Qxd7 Bxd7 33.Bh3 Rc6 34.Bxd7 Rg6 35.Bxb5 Rxg5+ 36.Kf1 f3 37.Rxa6
(37.Ba4 Rh5 38.Kg1 Ke7!? 39.Bd1 Rh3 40.Nxf3 Nxf3+ 41.Kg2 Rh2+ (41...Ng5? 42.Ra5±) 42.Kxf3
Rf8+ 43.Kg4 Rhxf2 44.Rxa6™ Be5 45.Ra7+ Kd6 46.Ra6+ Kc7 47.Rc1+ Kb8 (47...Kb7 48.Rcc6=)
48.Rb6+ Ka7 49.Rcc6 Bc7!? 50.Ra6+ Kb7 51.Bb3 Rg2+ 52.Kh3 Rh2+ 53.Kg4=) 37...Rc8 38.Bc4
Rh5 39.Kg1 Rg5+ 40.Kf1=
28.Nxh4 Bxg4 29.Qb3+ Kh8?!
29...Kf8 30.Nef3 Rc6³
30.Qf7 Re8 31.e5
31.Qxf4 Rf8 32.Qh2 … f4²
31...Be6 32.Qxf4 Rg8 33.Qh2 Bd5 34.f4 Qg4 35.Rb2 h5 36.Kh1 Bh6 37.Bxd5 Nxd5 38.Rg2 Qxf4
39.Ng6+ Rxg6 40.Rxg6 Qxh2+ 41.Kxh2 Bf4+ 42.Kh1 Nxb4 43.e6 Kh7 44.Rf6 Be3 45.Rf7+ Kg6
46.Ng2! Nxd3

460
47.Nxe3
47.Nh4+! Kg5 48.e7 Kxh4 (48...Re8 49.Nf5 Nf2+ (49...Ne5 50.Rf8+-) 50.Kg2 Ne4 51.Rf8 Nf6
52.Rxa6+-) 49.Rf8 Bg5 50.Rxa8 Bxe7 51.Re8 Bb4 (51...Bf6 52.Rxa6 Kg5 53.Rg8+ Kf5 54.Rf8 Nf2+
55.Kg2 Ng4 (55...Ne4 56.Ra1! d3 57.Kf3 h4 58.Rd1 d2 59.Ke3+-) 56.Rd6 Ke5 57.Rb6+-) 52.Re4+
Kg3 53.Rxd4 Nf2+ 54.Kg1 a5 55.Rd5 Nh3+ 56.Kf1 h4 57.Rxb5 Nf4 58.Rg5+ Kf3 59.Rb1 h3
60.Rb3+ Ke4 61.Rg4 Kf5 62.Rg8+- … Kg1-h2
47...dxe3 48.Rg1+ Kh6 49.Rf6+ Kh7 50.e7 Re8 51.Rf7+ Kh6 52.Rf6+ Kh7 53.Re6 Nf2+ 54.Kg2
Ng4 55.Rf1 Kg7 56.Rf5
56.Kg3? Nh6 57.Rxe3 Ng8!=; 56.Kh3! Nh6 57.Rxe3 Ng8 58.Rg3+ Kh6 (58...Kh8 59.Rf8+-;
58...Kh7 59.Rf7+ Kh8 60.Rf8+-) 59.Rxg8 Rxg8 60.Rf8+-
56...b4!„ 57.Kf3 b3 58.Rxh5 Kf7 59.Rb6 e2 60.Kxe2 Rxe7+ 61.Kd2 Nf6 62.Rh1 Ne4+ 63.Kc1
Nc5 64.Rh7+ Ke8 65.Rh5 b2+ 66.Kd2 Rb7 67.Rxb7 Nxb7 68.Kc2= Kd7 69.Kxb2 Kc6 70.Kb3
Kb6 71.Kb4 a5+ 72.Kc4 Nd6+ 73.Kd5 Nb7 74.Rh8 Kb5 75.Ra8 Kb6 76.Rb8 Kc7 77.Rh8 Kb6
78.Kd4 Kc6 79.Rh5 Kb6 80.Kd5 Kb5 81.Rh1 Kb6 82.Rb1+ Kc7 83.Rb5 a4 84.Rb4 Nd6 85.Rxa4
Nb7 86.Ra6 Nd8 87.Rh6 Nb7 88.Rh7+ Kb6 89.Rg7 Na5 90.Rg1 Nb7 91.Rc1 Na5 92.Rb1+ Kc7
93.Ke6 Nb7 94.Rc1+ Kb6 95.Rc2 Nc5+ 96.Kd6 Nb7+ 97.Kd5 Na5 98.Rb2+ Kc7 99.Kc5 Nb7+
100.Kb5 Nd6+ 101.Ka6 Kc6 102.Rc2+ Kd5 103.Rc1 Nc4 104.Rxc4 Kxc4 1/2-1/2

91. C07
Lagunow, Raphael (2389) - Gavrilescu, David (2473)
Hamburg 145/91, 2020

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 Qxd5 5.Ngf3 cxd4 6.Bc4 Qd7

6...Qd6 - 142/91; 6...Qd8 - 135/(102)

461
7.O-O

7.Nb3 - 135/102
7...Nc6
7...Nf6 8.Qe2 (8.Nb3 - 135/103) 8...Nc6 9.Rd1 a6 10.a4 Qc7 (10...Bd6!? 11.Ne4 Nxe4 12.Qxe4
Qc7 13.b3 Ne5 14.Nxe5 Bxe5 15.f4 Bf6 16.Bb2 Bd7 17.Bxd4 Bc6„) 11.Nb3 Bd6 12.Nbxd4 Nxd4
13.Rxd4

13...Bd7 (13...h6?! 14.b3 Bd7 15.Rh4! (15.Rxd6 Qxd6 16.Ba3ƒ) 15...Bc6 (15...O-O-O 16.Bb5!±)
16.Nd4 Bd5 17.Bd3 O-O-O 18.Bb2 g5 19.Rh3 g4 20.Rh4 Rhg8 21.Nb5! axb5 22.Bxf6±) 14.Bg5ƒ

462
(14.b3 Bc6! 15.Rh4 Rd8 16.Bg5 h6 17.Bd3 Ke7∞) 14...Bc6 (14...Bc5 15.Rh4! Rd8 (15...O-O-O
16.b4! Bxb4 17.Bxa6+-; 15...h6 16.Bf4 Bd6 17.Ne5±; 15...Bc6 16.Nd4 O-O-O 17.Nxc6 Qxc6
18.b4! Bxb4 19.Bb5!±) 16.Re1 Bd6 17.Bd3±; 14...O-O-O 15.Bd3! (15.Bxa6 Bc6! 16.Rxd6
(16.Rad1?! bxa6 17.R1d3 (17.Qxa6+ Bb7µ) 17...e5! 18.Rc4 e4 19.Rxc6 Qxc6 20.Rc3 Qxc3
21.Qxa6+ Kd7 22.bxc3 exf3 23.Qb7+ Ke6 24.Qxf3 Rhe8³) 16...Qxd6 17.Bb5 (17.Bd3 Ng4!„)
17...Bxf3 18.gxf3!? (18.Qxf3 Qe5) 18...Kb8 19.c3 h6 20.Bh4 Nh5 21.Bxd8 Rxd8 22.Qe3 Nf4„;
15.Bb5!? Kb8 16.Rc4 Qb6 17.Be3 Qa5 18.b4!? Bxb4 19.Bf4+! Ka8 20.Bxd7 Rxd7 21.Ne5 Rc7
22.Rxc7 Qxc7 23.Ng6 e5 24.Nxh8 exf4 25.Rb1 Bc5 26.Re1²) 15...Bc6 (15...Kb8 16.Rxd6! Qxd6
17.Ne5 Rhf8 18.Bf4±) 16.Rc4! Kb8 17.Bxf6 gxf6 18.Be4 Qb6 19.Bxc6 bxc6 20.b4! Rd7 21.Rb1
Rhd8 22.g3±) 15.Bxe6!? O-O (15...Bxf3 16.gxf3! Bxh2+ 17.Kg2 O-O 18.Bxf6 fxe6 19.Qxe6+ Qf7
20.Re1 Qxe6 21.Rxe6±) 16.Bf5 Bxf3 17.Qxf3 Bxh2+ 18.Kh1 Be5 19.Rh4 g6 20.Bd3²
8.Nb3 a6 9.a4
9.Nbxd4 Nxd4 10.Nxd4 Qc7 (10...Nf6 - 142/(90)) 11.Qe2 Bd6 12.Re1 (12.h3 - 135/(102)) 12...Ne7
- 142/(90)
9...Nf6 10.Qe2 Bd6 11.Rd1 O-O
11...e5 - 131/94; 11...Qc7 12.Nbxd4 Nxd4 13.Rxd4 Bd7 14.Bg5ƒ - 7...Nf6
12.Nbxd4 e5!
12...Nxd4 13.Rxd4 Qc7 14.Bd3 (14.Bg5 e5! 15.Rh4 Bf5 16.Bxf6 gxf6 17.Bd3 (17.Nd2 Bg6 18.Ne4
Kg7∞) 17...Bg6 18.Rg4 (18.Rc4 Qd7 19.Rd1 Rfe8 20.Be4 Rad8 21.Nh4 f5„) 18...Kh8 (18...Rfe8
19.Be4! (19.Nh4 e4!∞) 19...Kh8 20.Nh4²) 19.Nh4 e4!? 20.Rxe4 Bxh2+ 21.Kf1 Be5∞) 14...e5
15.Rh4ƒ g6 (15...e4!? 16.Bxe4 h6 17.Bd3 Re8 18.Be3 Ng4 19.Bb6! Qc6 20.Nd4²) 16.Bg5! Nd5
17.Qd2 Nf4 18.Bf6 Re8 19.Ng5±
13.Nxc6 Qxc6 14.Bg5 Bc7

463
15.h3
15.Ra3 e4 16.Nd4 Qd6 17.Rg3 Bg4!? 18.f3 exf3 19.gxf3 Rae8 20.Be3 Bh5!? (20...Bc8 21.Ne6
Qxd1+ 22.Qxd1 Bxe6 23.Bd3 Bxg3 24.hxg3 Rd8∞) 21.Rxg7+ Kh8 22.Rg2 Rg8 23.Rxg8+ Rxg8+
24.Kf1 Bb6©; 15.Bb5 Qe6 16.Bc4 Qf5 17.Bxf6 (17.Ra3 e4 18.Bxf6 gxf6 19.Nd2 Qe5 20.Nf1 f5„)
17...Qxf6 18.Bd5 Rb8 19.Ra3 g6 20.Re3 Bf5 21.Nd2 Kg7 22.Ne4 Qe7∞; 15.Bxf6 Qxf6 16.Bd5 Rb8
(16...Bf5!? 17.Bxb7 Rab8 18.Qxa6 Qxa6 19.Bxa6 Rxb2 20.Rac1 g6 21.Bc4 e4 22.Nd4 Bg4 23.Rb1
Rd8 24.Rxb2 Bxd1 25.Rb4 Ba5 26.Nc6 Bxb4 27.Nxd8 Bxc2 28.Bxf7+ Kf8=) 17.Ra3 (17.Qc4 Qe7
18.Re1 Kh8 … f5„) 17...Bf5 18.Rc3 Bd6 (18...Bb6 19.Qxe5 Qxe5 20.Nxe5 Rbd8 21.Nc4! Bc5
22.Na5 Bb4 23.Nxb7 Bxc3 24.Bxf7+! Kxf7 25.Nxd8+ Rxd8 26.Rxd8 Bxb2 27.Rd6 a5 28.Rd5 Ke6
29.Rxa5 Bxc2 30.Ra8²) 19.h3 (19.Be4 Rbd8 20.Rcd3 Bc8 21.Nd2 Bc7=; 19.Nd2 Bb4!? 20.Rc4 Qe7
21.Ne4 Rbd8=) 19...Rfd8! 20.Re3 h6 21.Nxe5 Bxe5 22.Rxe5 Bxc2=
15...e4!?
15...h6 16.Bxf6 Qxf6 17.Bd5 Rb8 18.Ra3 Bf5 19.Rc3 (19.Nd2 e4! 20.Nxe4 Qxb2„) 19...Bd6
20.Nd2! Qe7 (20...Bb4?! 21.Rf3! Bxd2 22.Rxd2±) 21.Nc4²
16.Nd2

464
16.Nd4 Qd6 (16...Qc5!? 17.Bxf6 gxf6 18.Ra3 Qe5 19.Rg3+ Kh8„ 20.Kf1 Bd7 21.Qe3 Qh5 22.Be2
Qh4 23.Bg4 Bxa4 24.Rf3!? exf3 25.Nxf3 Bb6! 26.Qxb6 Qh6 27.Nd4 Bc6 28.Nxc6 bxc6 29.Qxc6
Rfd8³) 17.g3 Bb6 18.Kg2 (18.Bf4 Qe7 19.Kh2 Rd8 20.Be3 Bc7=) 18...Bxd4 19.Be3 Qd7 20.g4
Nd5 21.Bxd5 Qxd5 22.Rxd4 Qe5 23.Qd2 Be6 24.Bf4 Qf6 25.Re1 (25.Rxe4 Rfd8„) 25...h5„
16...h6N
16...Bf5!? 17.Nf1 Bg6 18.Ne3 h6 (18...Bh5 19.g4 Bg6 20.Bb3 Rac8 21.Rd2 h6 22.Bh4 Be5 23.c3
Rfd8 24.Rxd8+ Rxd8 25.Qc4²) 19.Nd5 (19.Bh4 Kh7 20.c3 Nh5„ … f5) 19...Nxd5 20.Bxd5 Qe8
21.Bh4 Rb8 22.Qe3 Kh8∞
17.Bxf6
17.Be3 Re8 … Be6=; 17.Bh4 g5 18.Bg3 Bf4 19.Nf1 Be6„
17...Qxf6 18.Qxe4 Qxb2 19.Bd5 Qe5 20.Qxe5 Bxe5 21.Rab1 Rb8= 22.Nc4 Bc7 23.Bf3 b5
24.axb5 axb5 25.Ne3 Be6 26.Nd5 Bxd5 27.Rxd5 Rfd8 28.Rdxb5 Rxb5 29.Rxb5 Rd2 30.c4 Rc2
31.g3 Rxc4 1/2-1/2

92. * C10
Kollars, Dmitrij (2586) - Fridman, Daniel (2615)
Magdeburg 145/92, 2020

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Nbd7 6.Nxf6+ Nxf6 7.Nf3 h6 8.Be3! Bd6 9.Bd3
O-O 10.Qe2 b6 11.O-O-O Bb7 12.Rhg1
12.Kb1

465
12...Qe7N (12...Nd5) 13.Rhg1 c5?! 14.g4 cxd4 15.Bxd4 Nd5 16.g5± Ter Sahakyan,S (2640)-
Romanchuk,V (2258) chess.com (Int.-blitz) 145/(92) 2020; 12.Ne5 - 142/(92)
12...Nd5 13.g4 Nf4 14.Bxf4 Bxf4+
14...Bxf3?! 15.Qxf3 Qf6 16.Bf5! Bxf4+ 17.Qxf4±; 14...Qf6?! 15.Bxd6 Bxf3 16.g5! (16.Qe3 cxd6
17.Rde1±) 16...hxg5 17.Be5 Bxe2 18.Bxf6 Bxd3 19.Rxg5 Bg6 20.Be5±
15.Kb1 Qd5 16.Ne5

16...Bxh2?N
16...Rad8 17.g5 Bxe5 18.dxe5 Qf3 19.gxh6 g6 20.Qe3² (20.Qe1 Rd4!³)16...g6!?

466
17.c4
17.g5! Bxe5 (17...Bxg1 18.Rxg1 Qxd4 19.gxh6 g6 20.h7+! Kh8 21.Bxg6+-) 18.dxe5 Qf3 19.Qd2 g6
20.Rg3 Qd5 21.Qe2±
17...Qd8
17...Qd6! 18.g5 Bxe5 19.gxh6 g6 20.dxe5 Qe7 21.Qg4 Rad8 22.Ka1 Kh8²
18.g5! Bxg1
18...hxg5 19.Qh5+-; 18...Bxe5 19.gxh6+-
19.Rxg1 hxg5
19...Qxd4 20.gxh6 g6 21.Nxg6 (21.Rg4 Bf3! 22.Rxd4 Bxe2 23.Bxe2±) 21...fxg6 22.Qxe6+ Kh8
23.Qxg6 Qd7 24.Qg7+ Qxg7 25.hxg7+ Kg8 26.gxf8=Q+ Kxf8±
20.Qh5 f5

21.f4! Qxd4
21...gxf4 22.Ng6 Qd6 23.Qh8+ Kf7 24.Ne5+ Ke8 25.Qxg7 Kd8 (25...Be4 26.Bxe4 fxe4 27.Qg6+
Kd8 28.Qxe4+-) 26.c5 bxc5 27.dxc5 Qe7 28.Qh6+-
22.Qxg5 Rf7 23.Rg3 Rd8?
23...Be4 24.Qg6 Re7 25.Rh3 Bxd3+ 26.Ka1 Qxe5 27.fxe5 Be4±
24.Qg6+- Rdd7 25.Rh3 Qxe5 26.fxe5 Rxd3 27.Qh7+ Kf8 28.Rxd3 1-0

93. * C11
Caruana, Fabiano (2828) - Nyzhnyk, Illya (2638)

467
 ProChessLeague (Int.-rapid) 145/93, 2019

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5!? Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 Be7
7...cxd4!? - 140/110; 7...a6!? - 143/92
8.Qd2 O-O 9.dxc5 Nxc5
9...Bxc5 10.O-O-O Qa5 - 128/97
10.O-O-O a6 11.h4!
11.Qf2!? - 131/98
11...b5 12.Bd3 b4?
12...Nxd3+!? 13.Qxd3 Nb4 14.Qd2²
13.Bxc5! Bxc5

14.Na4?!N
14.Bxh7+! - 145/(93) 14...Kxh7 15.Ng5+ Kg8

468
16.Qe2N (16.Qd3 g6 (16...f5 17.exf6 Rxf6 18.Qh7+ Kf8 19.Qh8+ Ke7 20.Qxg7+ Ke8 21.Nxd5!
exd5 22.Rhe1+ Be7 23.Qxf6+-) 17.h5 Nxe5 18.Qh3 Kg7 19.Nce4 Be7 20.Qg3!​→ (20.hxg6? Rh8-
+)) 16...g6? Venkataraman,K (2479) -Saravanan,V (2325) Chennai 145/(93) 2020 (16...g6

17.Nce4! Nd4 (17...Be7 18.h5+-) 18.Rxd4 Bxd4 19.Nf6+ Kg7 20.h5 Rh8 21.Ngh7!+-; 16...f6
17.Qh5 fxg5 18.hxg5 Be3+ 19.Kb1 Bxf4 20.Ne4 dxe4™ 21.Qh7+ Kf7 22.Rxd8 Nxd8 23.Qxe4±)
14...Ba7 15.Qe2?!
15.Bxh7+!? Kxh7 16.Ng5+ Kg8 17.Qd3 f5! (17...g6? 18.h5​→) 18.exf6 Rxf6 19.Qh7+ Kf8 20.Qh8+
Ke7 21.Qxg7+ Ke8 22.f5! Qe7 (22...Rxf5 23.g4 Rf6 24.Rhf1 Bd4 25.Qg8+ Kd7 26.Qh7+ Ke8=)
23.Qg8+ Rf8 24.Qg6+ Kd8 25.Nxe6+ Bxe6 26.fxe6 Bd4!∞

469
15...f5!? 16.g4!?
16.exf6 Qxf6 17.Kb1 Bd7 (17...Qxf4? 18.Ng5 g6 19.Rdf1+-) 18.b3 h6 19.f5! Rae8 20.Bxa6 Qxf5∞
16...Ne7
16...fxg4 17.Ng5 h6 18.Qxg4 hxg5 19.Qh5 (19.hxg5 Kf7!) 19...Rxf4 20.hxg5 Kf8 21.Qh8+ Ke7
22.Qxg7+ Rf7 23.Qf6+! Rxf6 24.gxf6+ Kd7 25.Rh7+ Ne7 26.Bg6! (26.Rxe7+? Kc6-+) 26...Rb8
27.Kd2! Rb7 28.Rxe7+ Qxe7 (28...Kc6 29.Re8 Qc7 30.Re1 Qb8 31.f7 Rxf7 32.Bxf7∞) 29.fxe7
Kxe7 30.Rh1 Bd4 31.Rh5 Bd7³
17.Ng5

17.Qg2 Qc7 18.Kb1 Bd7 19.b3 Ng6! 20.Qg3 fxg4 21.Ng5 Nxf4! 22.Bxh7+ Kh8 23.Qxg4 Qxe5µ
17...Qe8! 18.b3 h6 19.Kb1 hxg5
19...Bd7! 20.Nb2 hxg5 21.hxg5 Bb5! 22.Qh2 Qg6-+
20.hxg5 Ng6!? 21.Qf3 Bd7?
21...Qf7! 22.Qh3 Rd8 23.Qh7+ Kf8µ
22.Qh3
22.gxf5! exf5 23.Qxd5+ Be6 24.Qf3 Rd8µ
22...Kf7! 23.gxf5 exf5 24.Bxf5 Bxf5 25.Qxf5+ Ke7!
25...Kg8?! 26.Qh3 Rxf4 27.Qh7+ Kf7 28.Rxd5©
26.Qd3 Nxf4 27.Qxa6 Qd7?!

470
27...Kf7! 28.Rdf1 Kg8-+
28.e6?
28.Nb6 Bxb6 29.Qxb6 Rab8 30.Qc5+ Ke8 31.Rhf1 Rb5 32.Qe3 Ne6µ
28...Nxe6 29.Qd3 Bf2!? 30.Rh7 Qa7
30...Rf4 31.Qe2 Rg8 32.Rf1 Qa7!-+
31.g6

31.c4 Qd4! 32.Qxd4 Bxd4 33.cxd5 Nxg5 34.d6+ Kd7-+; 31.c3 Rad8 32.cxb4 Qe3 33.Nc5 Qxd3+
34.Nxd3 Bd4-+
31...Qd4! 32.Qe2 Qe4 33.Qd2 Be3 34.Qe1 Rac8 35.Rd3 Bh6 36.Qd1 Rf2 37.Nb6 Rcxc2! 38.Rxh6
38.Nxd5+ Qxd5! 39.Qxc2 (39.Rxd5 Rb2+ 40.Ka1 Rxa2+ 41.Kb1 Rfb2#) 39...Rf1+ 40.Kb2 Qe5+-+
38...Rb2+ 39.Ka1 Rxa2+ 40.Kb1 Rfb2+ 41.Kc1 Qf4+ 42.Qd2 Qc7+
42...Rxd2 43.Nxd5+ Kd6 44.Nxf4+ Rxd3 45.Nxd3 gxh6-+
43.Qc3 Qxc3+ 44.Rxc3 bxc3 45.Nxd5+ Kd6 0-1

94. * C18
Nisipeanu, Liviu Dieter (2655) - Meier, Georg (2621)
Magdeburg 145/94, 2020

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 Qa5 7.Bd2 Qa4 8.h4 Ne7
8...Nc6 - 118/84; 8...b6 9.h5

471
9...Nc6N (9...h6) 10.Qg4 Kf8 11.h6 gxh6 12.Nf3 Qxc2 13.Rc1 Qe4+ 14.Qxe4 dxe4 15.Nh2²
Matinian,N (2475) -Kryakvin,D (2594) lichess.org (Int.-blitz) 145/(94) 2020
9.h5 h6 10.Nf3 b6 11.Rh4! c4 12.Rf4

12...Nd7N
12...Nbc6 13.Nh4 Bd7 14.g3 Rf8 15.Bh3²
13.g3 Nf8 14.Nh2 Nh7 15.Ng4 Bd7 16.Ne3 O-O 17.Rh4 f6 18.f4
18.Ng4 Nf5 19.Rh1 Ng5!? 20.exf6 gxf6 21.Bg2 Rae8∞

472
18...fxe5 19.dxe5 Nc6 20.Rh2 Rad8 21.Rf2 Rf7 22.Bg2 Be8 23.Kf1 Nf8 24.Qg4 Qa5 25.Qh4 b5

26.g4?!
26.f5 d4 27.cxd4 c3 28.Be1 Rxd4 29.Rf4 Rxf4+ 30.Qxf4 Nh7 31.g4 Ng5 32.Rd1 Qxa3 33.Bh4©;
26.Re1! Ne7 (26...d4 27.cxd4 c3 28.Bxc3 Qxc3 29.Bxc6 Qxd4 30.Be4±; 26...Qxa3 27.f5 Nh7 28.g4
Ng5 29.fxe6 Rxf2+ 30.Qxf2 Qf8 31.Nxd5 Qxf2+ 32.Kxf2 Nxe6 33.Bc1±) 27.f5! exf5 (27...Nxf5
28.Nxf5 Rxf5 29.Rxf5 exf5 30.e6 Nh7 31.Re5+-) 28.g4 Bd7 29.Nxd5 Nxd5 30.Bxd5 Be6 31.Bxe6
Nxe6 32.gxf5 Rxd2 33.Rxd2 Rxf5+ 34.Rf2 Rxf2+ 35.Kxf2 Qxc3 36.Qg4±
26...d4! 27.cxd4 c3 28.Be1 Rxd4 29.Qg3 b4 30.Kg1 bxa3 31.Nd1 Qc5 32.Kh2 Nb4
32...g5! 33.Qxc3 (33.hxg6 Nxg6µ; 33.fxg5?! Nxe5 34.Rxf7 Nxg4+ 35.Kh1 Bxf7µ) 33...Rc4
(33...Qxc3 34.Bxc3 Rdxf4 35.Rxf4 Rxf4 36.Rxa3 Rxg4 37.Nf2 Rh4+ 38.Kg1©) 34.Qxa3 gxf4
35.Qxc5 Rxc5ƒ
33.Nxc3
33.Bxc3± Rd8 34.Qe3
33...Bc6 34.Ne2

473
34...Rc4! 35.Bxb4
35.Rxa3? Nxc2 36.Ra5 Qb6 37.Bc3 Bxg2 38.Rxg2 Ne3 39.Rg1 g5!µ; 35.Qxa3 Bxg2 36.Rxg2 Nd5
37.Qxc5 Rxc5=
35...Rxb4
35...Qxb4 36.Rxa3 Bxg2 37.Kxg2 Rxc2=
36.Rxa3 Bxg2 37.Rc3 Rc4 38.Kxg2 Rc7 39.Rxc4 Qxc4 40.f5 Qxc2
40...Qe4+ 41.Qf3 Qxe5 42.Nf4 exf5 43.Ng6 Nxg6 44.hxg6 Rc8 45.gxf5∞
41.Qf3 Qc5 1/2-1/2

95. C19
Salgado Lopez, Ivan (2584) - Moreno Ruiz, Javier (2437)
Espana (ch) 145/95, 2020

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 f5 9.exf6 Rxf6
10.Bg5 Rf7 11.Qh5 g6 12.Qd1 Qa5 13.Bd2 Nbc6 14.Nf3 c4 15.Be2 Nf5 16.Ng5
16.O-O - 83/274
16...Re7 17.f4 Bd7 18.O-O Nd8!? 19.Qe1

474
19...h6N
19...Nf7 20.Bf3 Rae8 21.g4 N5d6 22.Qh4 Nxg5 23.Qxg5²
20.Nf3 Nf7 21.Ne5 Kg7 22.Bf3 Rae8 23.g4 N5d6 24.h4 Ba4 25.Ra2 Qd8 26.Qg3 Kh7 27.Qh2
Rg8 28.h5 Nxe5 29.fxe5 Ne4?
29...Nf7 30.Raa1 g5 31.Rf2 Rg7 32.Raf1​→
30.Bxe4 dxe4

31.Rf6?

475
31.Bxh6! g5 (31...Kxh6? 32.hxg6+ Kxg6 33.Rf6+ Kg7 34.Qh6#; 31...gxh5 32.Qxh5 Qe8 33.Qh4+-;
31...Qe8 32.Bg5 gxh5 33.Bxe7 Rxg4+ 34.Kf2+-) 32.Rf6 Qb6 33.Ra1 Qb2 34.Raf1 Qxc3 35.Rf7+
Rxf7 36.Rxf7+ Kxh6 37.Qf2+-
31...g5 32.Qf2 Rgg7 33.Be3
33.Ra1!? Qd7 (33...Bxc2 34.Be3 Bd3 35.Ra2! Qa5 36.Kh2±) 34.Rf1 Bxc2 35.Qe1 Bd3 36.R1f2ƒ
33...Qb6?
33...Qa5! 34.Rxe6 Rxe6 (34...Qxc3 35.Rxe7 Rxe7 36.e6 (36.Kg2 Kg8∞) 36...Rxe6 37.Qf7+ Kh8
38.Qxe6 Qxe3+=) 35.Qf5+ Reg6 36.hxg6+ Rxg6 37.Rb2 (37.e6 Qb6 38.Qf7+ Rg7 39.Qf5+ Rg6=)
37...Bc6 38.Qf7+ Rg7 39.Qxc4 Qxa3∞
34.Ra1 Qb2 35.Rf1 Qxc2
35...Qxc3 36.d5! Qxc2 (36...Qxe5 37.dxe6 Rxe6 38.Rf5 Qd6 39.Rf8 Re5 40.Rf7 Be8 41.Rxg7+
Kxg7 42.Bd4+-) 37.Qxc2 Bxc2 38.d6 Re8 39.Bxa7±
36.Qxc2 Bxc2

37.d5!+- exd5
37...b6 38.d6 Re8 39.Bd4 Ba4 40.Kf2+-
38.e6 Ba4
38...b6 39.Bd4 Bd3 40.R1f2 e3 41.Bxe3 Re8 42.Bd4
39.Bxa7 b6 40.Bxb6 Be8 41.Bd4 Rg8 42.a4 e3 43.Bxe3 Bxa4 44.Rf7+ Rxf7 45.Rxf7+ Rg7 46.Bd4
1-0

476
C25-C49

96. C34
Ivanchuk, Vassily (2678) - Leko, Peter (2663)
chess24.com (Int.-m/4-rapid) 145/96, 2020

1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Nf3 h6 4.d4 g5 5.g3 fxg3 6.hxg3 Bg7 7.Nc3 d6 8.Be3
8.Bc4 - 77/296
8...Nf6 9.Qd2 Ng4 10.Bg1

10...Nc6N
10...c6
11.O-O-O O-O 12.Nh2 Nxh2 13.Rxh2 Bg4 14.Re1
14.Be2 Bxe2 15.Qxe2 Ne7 16.Be3 f5 17.Rdh1 Rf6
14...Ne7 15.Bg2
15.Nd1
15...Qd7 16.Be3 Ng6 17.Reh1 c6 18.Rxh6!? Bxh6 19.Rxh6 Kg7 20.Bxg5 f6 21.Be3 Rh8 22.b3
Rxh6 23.Bxh6+ Kh7 24.Bf1 Bh3 25.Be2
25.Bd3 Re8 26.Kb2
25...Re8 26.Kb2 b5 27.Bd3 Qg4 28.Be3 b4 29.Nd1 Qxg3?

477
29...Qf3 30.Nf2 Bd7 31.e5 f5 (31...d5 32.g4∞) 32.g4! dxe5 (32...fxg4? 33.Ne4+-) 33.gxf5 Bxf5
34.Bxf5 Qxf5 35.Qxb4 exd4 36.Qxd4∞
30.Qxb4! Bg4

31.e5!! f5
31...Bxd1 32.Qb7+ Kh8 (32...Kg8 33.exf6 Ne7 34.Qd7 Kf7 35.fxe7 Rxe7 (35...Qxe3 36.Bg6++-)
36.Qf5+ Ke8 37.Bg5+-) 33.Qxc6 Rg8 (33...Rd8 34.Qh1+ Kg8 35.Qh6 Nf8 36.exd6+-) 34.Qh1+
Qh4 (34...Kg7? 35.Bh6++-; 34...Nh4 35.Qxd1 Qxe3 36.Qh5+ Kg7 37.Qg4+ Kf8 38.Qc8+ Kg7
39.Qd7++-) 35.Qxd1+-
32.Qxd6 Bxd1 33.Bxf5+- Rg8 34.Bd2 Bg4
34...Qh2 35.Qe7+ (35.Bb4) 35...Rg7 36.Qg5 Qh5 37.Qf6 Bg4 38.Bd3
35.Qe7+ Rg7 36.Qg5 Qh2 37.Bxg4 Ne7 38.Qh5+ Qxh5 39.Bxh5 Rg2 40.Bb4 Nd5 41.Bf3 Rf2
42.Bxd5 cxd5 43.Bc5 a6 44.b4 Kg6 45.a4 Kf5 46.b5 axb5 47.axb5 Ke6 48.b6 Kd7 49.Kb3 Kc6
50.c4 dxc4+ 51.Kxc4 Rf4 52.e6 Re4 53.e7 Kd7 54.b7 Kc7 55.Bd6+ Kxb7 56.Be5 1-0

97. C45
Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784) - Giri, Anish (2764)
chess24.com (Int.-m3/6-blitz) 145/97, 2020

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nxc6 bxc6 6.e5 Qe7 7.Qe2 Nd5 8.h4 a5 9.c4 Ba6
9...Nb6 - 83/298
10.Nd2 Nb6 11.h5N
11.b3

478
11...Qe6

11...O-O-O 12.b3 d5! (12...f6 13.Bb2 fxe5 14.O-O-O d6 15.f4²) 13.Bb2 dxc4∞
12.h6! gxh6 13.b3 O-O-O 14.Bb2 Bg7 15.O-O-O Rhe8
15...d6 16.g3 Bxe5 (16...Kb7 17.Bh3 Qe7 18.f4±) 17.Bh3 f5 18.Bxe5 dxe5 19.Rhe1 Rhe8 20.Ne4±
16.f4 f6
16...d6 17.Qf2 c5 (17...dxe5 18.c5 Bxf1 19.cxb6 Bd3 20.bxc7 Kxc7 21.Qa7+ Kc8 22.Qa8+ Kc7
23.Qxa5+ Kb7 24.Nc4+-) 18.f5 Qd7 19.f6 Bf8 20.Bd3+-
17.Ne4 fxe5
17...Qf5 18.Qd2! fxe5 (18...Qxe4 19.Bd3+-; 18...d5 19.Nd6+! cxd6 20.Qxa5 Qxf4+ 21.Kb1 Bb7
22.Qxb6 fxe5 23.cxd5+-) 19.Bd3 Qf8 20.Qxa5 Bb7 21.fxe5 Qf4+ 22.Kb1+-; 17...d6 18.Qf2! fxe5
19.f5 Qf7 20.c5 Bxf1 21.Qxf1+-
18.Nc5 Qf5 19.Nxa6 exf4

479
20.Qd3
20.Qd2! Bxb2+ 21.Kxb2 d6 22.Bd3 Qg5 23.c5+-
20...Bxb2+ 21.Kxb2 Qe5+
21...Qxd3 22.Bxd3 Re5 23.b4+-
22.Qc3
22.Qd4+-
22...Kb7
22...c5
23.Qxe5 Rxe5 24.Rxh6
24.b4! Kxa6 (24...axb4 25.Nxb4+-) 25.c5+ Kb7 26.cxb6 axb4 27.bxc7 Kxc7 28.Rxh6+-
24...c5 25.Nxc5+ Rxc5 26.Rxh7

480
26...Rf8
26...Rg5! 27.Rf7 d6 28.Rxf4 Nd7 29.g4±
27.Be2! d6?
27...c6 28.Bf3 Kc7±
28.Bf3+
28.Rxd6+-
28...Kb8 29.Re1 Nc8 30.Re6 Rg5 31.Kc3 Rfg8 32.Rf7 Re5 33.Rh6 a4
33...Re7 34.Rxf4+-
34.Rhh7 axb3 35.Rxc7 Re3+ 36.Kb2 Rxf3 37.gxf3 bxa2 38.Kxa2 Rg3 39.Rb7+ Ka8 40.Rb3 Rg2+
41.Ka3 Rc2 42.Rb4 Rc3+ 43.Kb2 Rxf3 44.Rh8 Rf2+ 45.Kc3 1-0

98. !N C45
Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784) - Ding, Liren (2791)
chess24.com (Int.-m/1-rapid) 145/98, 2020

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nxc6 bxc6 6.e5 Qe7 7.Qe2 Nd5 8.c4 Ba6 9.h4 f6
9...O-O-O 10.Nc3 Nxc3 11.bxc3
10.Rh3 fxe5 11.Bg5 Nf6 12.Re3 d6

481
12...O-O-O - 137/105
13.Qf3!N
13.g3
13...e4
13...Bb7 14.Rb3 O-O-O 15.c5 dxc5 (15...d5 16.Nd2±; 15...e4 16.Qc3 dxc5 17.Nd2 h6 18.Bxf6 gxf6
(18...Qxf6? 19.Qh3+ Kb8 20.Ba6+-) 19.Nc4± (19.Qa5; 19.g3)) 16.Rxb7! Kxb7 17.Ba6+ Kb6
(17...Kxa6 18.Qxc6+ Ka5 19.Nd2+-) 18.Nd2 Rxd2 19.Bxd2 Nd5 20.Bc4±; 13...O-O-O 14.Qxc6
Bb7 15.Qa4 d5 16.Rb3±
14.Qd1 d5?
14...Bb7 15.Nd2
15.Nc3
15.cxd5! Bxf1 16.Kxf1 cxd5 17.Nc3 c6 (17...O-O-O 18.Nb5 Qc5 19.Rb3+-) 18.Bxf6 Qxf6
(18...gxf6 19.Nxd5 cxd5 20.Qxd5 Rd8 21.Qh5+ Qf7 22.Rxe4+ Be7 23.Rxe7+ Kxe7 24.Qc5+ Rd6
25.Re1++-) 19.Nxd5 cxd5 20.Qxd5 Rd8 21.Rxe4+ Be7 22.Qb5+ Kf8 (22...Rd7 23.Rxe7+ Qxe7
24.Re1+-) 23.Rae1 Rd2 24.f3+-
15...Bb7 16.cxd5

482
16...cxd5?
16...O-O-O 17.Rc1
17.Bxf6 Qxf6 18.Nxd5 Bxd5 19.Bb5+!
19.Qxd5?? Bb4+-+
19...Bc6
19...c6 20.Qxd5+-
20.Rxe4+ Be7 21.Qd5 Rd8
21...Bxb5 22.Qxa8+ Kf7 23.Qd5++-
22.Bxc6+ Kf8 23.Qc4 Bd6
23...Qxb2 24.Rd1 Rxd1+ 25.Kxd1+-
24.Rd1
24.O-O-O+-
24...g6 25.Rd3 Kg7 26.Rf3 Qxb2 27.Rf7+ Kh6 28.g4?
28.Kf1!+-
28...Qb1+?
28...Qa1+ 29.Ke2

483
29...Bb4!! 30.g5+ (30.Bd7 Qe1+ 31.Kf3 Qh1+) 30...Kh5 31.Bd7 Rxd7 32.Rxd7 Qe1+ 33.Kf3 Qh1+
34.Kg3 Qg1+=
29.Ke2 Bb4 30.Rd4 Rhe8+
30...Qe1+ 31.Kf3 Qh1+ 32.Kg3 Qg1+ 33.Kh3+-; 30...Qb2+ 31.Kf1 Rxd4 32.g5+ Kh5 33.Rf4!! Rd3
34.Qe4 Qc1+ 35.Kg2 Qxf4 (35...Qd1 36.Qxb4+-) 36.Qxf4+-
31.Kf3 Qh1+ 32.Kg3 Qg1+ 33.Kh3 Re3+ 34.fxe3 Qxe3+ 35.Bf3 1-0

99. * C47
Naiditsch, Arkadij (2626) - Studer, Noel (2580)
Biel 145/99, 2020

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.exd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nxc3 7.bxc3 Bc5
7...Bd6 8.O-O O-O 9.Re1 (9.d3 - 89/294) 9...Bg4 10.h3 Bh5 11.Rb1 Rb8 (11...f5!?) 12.d4 exd4
(12...Re8) 13.cxd4 Re8

484
14.Be3N (14.Rxe8+) 14...b6 (14...Bb4!?) 15.Rb5 Bg6 16.Nh4ƒ Howell,D (2663)-Navara,D (2719)
chess24.com (Int.-m/11-blitz) 145/(99) 2020
8.O-O O-O 9.d3 Bb6
9...Bg4 - 123/110
10.a4 Re8 11.Nd2 Be6

12.Rb1N
12.Qh5

485
12...Qd7 13.Nb3 Bg4
13...Bh3
14.Qe1 e4!? 15.d4 Re6 16.Be3 Rae8 17.Qd2 Qd5??
17...Rd8
18.c4 Qh5 19.c5 Ne7 20.cxb6 Nf5 21.bxc7 Bf3 22.Nc5
22.d5 Rd6 (22...Bxg2 23.dxe6 Bf3 24.Qd8+-) 23.Nd4+-
22...Bxg2! 23.Nxe6 fxe6

24.Bg5??
24.Kxg2?? Qf3+ 25.Kg1 Nh4 26.gxh4 Qg4+=; 24.Qc3! Rc8 (24...Nh4 25.Rfc1 Rc8 26.Qc5 Qf3
27.gxh4 Bh3 28.Qg5+-) 25.Qc4 Kf7 26.Bf4 Bf3 27.Rfe1 Nxd4 28.h4 Ne2+ 29.Rxe2 Bxe2
30.Qb4+-
24...Bf3 25.h4 Qg4 26.Kh2 e3 27.Qc3

486
27.Bxe3 Bg2! (27...Nxh4 28.Bg5 Ng6 29.Rb5 h6 30.Bd8 e5 31.Rxe5 Nxe5 32.dxe5 Rxe5 33.Bh4²)
28.Kxg2 (28.Kg1? Bd5!-+) 28...Nxh4+ 29.Kh2 Nf3+ 30.Kg2 Nxd2 (30...Nh4+=) 31.Bxd2 e5∞
27...exf2??
27...Rc8! 28.Rb5 (28.Bxe3? Nxh4-+; 28.Qc5? h6 29.Bf4 e2 30.Rfe1 Nxh4-+) 28...Be2 29.Rbb1 h6
(29...Bf3=) 30.Bd8 (30.Bxe3 Nxh4µ) 30...Qf3ƒ
28.Bf4+- Bc6 29.d5 exd5 30.Rxf2 d4 31.Qc4+ Kh8 32.Qxc6 bxc6 33.Rb8 Nd6 34.Bxd6 1-0

487
C50-C74

100. * C54
Gavrilescu, David (2473) - Ovsejevitsch, Sergei (2602)
Hamburg 145/100, 2020

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d4 exd4 6.e5 d5 7.Bb5 Ne4 8.cxd4 Bb6 9.Nc3 O-O
10.Be3 Bg4 11.h3 Bh5 12.Qc2 Bg6
12...Nxc3 - 144/91; 12...Ba5 - 140/122
13.Qb3 Ne7 14.O-O c6 15.Bd3 Nd2
15...Nf5 - 144/92
16.Nxd2 Bxd3 17.Rfe1 Bg6 18.Na4

18...Ba5N

488
18...Nf5 - 138/(139)
19.Nc5N
19.Qxb7 - 145/(100) 19...Bc2 (19...Nf5 20.Nb3 (20.Nc3 Rb8 21.Qxc6

21...Rb6! 22.Qxd5 Rxb2 23.Qxd8 Rxd8 24.Nde4 Nxe3 25.Rxe3 Rxd4 26.Nd1 Rc2 27.Nd6 h5©)
20...Rb8 21.Qxc6 Bxe1 22.Rxe1 Nxe3 23.Rxe3 Rc8 24.Qb7 Rc2 25.Rc3 Qh4 26.Rxc2 Bxc2 27.Qxa7
Qe4©) 20.Nc5 Nf5 21.e6! fxe6 22.Nxe6 Qc8 23.Qxc8 Rfxc8 24.g4 Nxe3 25.Rxe3 Bxd2 26.Re2±
19...Bxd2

489
19...Rb8 20.e6 Nf5 21.Bf4 Bxd2 22.Bxd2 b6 23.Nd7 Nxd4 24.Qa4 Nxe6 25.Nxf8 Kxf8 26.Qxa7²
20.Bxd2 b6
20...Nf5 21.Qc3 b6 22.Nd3 Rc8 23.b4² … f4
21.Nb7
21.Nd3!? Bxd3 (21...c5 22.Nf4 ∆c4 23.Qa4 a5 24.b3²; 21...Rc8 22.Nf4 Nf5 (22...Bf5 23.g4²)
23.Qa4 a5 24.Rad1 Re8 25.Bc1²) 22.Qxd3 c5 23.Bg5 Re8 24.f4 Rc8 (24...h6 25.Bh4 Qd7 26.Rad1
Nf5 27.Bf2²) 25.f5 h6 26.Bd2 Nc6 (26...Qd7 27.Rf1ƒ ∆Nc6 28.e6! fxe6 29.f6±) 27.f6! Nxd4
28.Bxh6 Qd7 29.Qg3 g6 30.Be3 Ne6 31.Rad1 Qa4 32.h4ƒ
21...Qd7 22.Nd6 Nf5

23.Nxf5
23.Qb4!? ∆a5 (23...Rfb8 24.Bf4 a5 25.Qc3²; 23...Nxd6 24.Qxd6 Qxd6 25.exd6 Rfe8 26.g4²)
24.Qxb6 Nxd6 25.exd6 Qxd6 26.Bxa5 Rfb8 27.Bb4 Rxb6 (27...Qxb4? 28.Re8+) 28.Bxd6 Rxb2
29.a4 Bd3 30.Re7 h5 31.a5 Rb1+ 32.Rxb1 Bxb1 33.Bc7 Bd3 34.g4²
23...Bxf5 24.Rac1 Rfc8
24...Rac8 25.Bb4 Rfe8 26.Bd6 Re6 27.Qe3 … Qf4ƒ
25.Bb4
25.Qa3!? ∆Qe6 26.g4 Bg6 27.f4 Be4 28.f5 Qe8 29.f6ƒ
25...c5! 26.dxc5 a5„ 27.c6
27.Ba3 b5ƒ

490
27...Rxc6 28.Rxc6 Qxc6 29.Bd2 d4 30.Rc1 Qe6 31.Qxe6
31.Rc4 Rd8 32.Bg5 Rd5 33.Rc8+ Qxc8 34.Qxd5 d3=
31...Bxe6 32.Rc6 Bxa2 33.Rxb6 h6 34.Rd6 Rb8= 35.Rxd4 Rxb2 36.Bxa5 Be6 37.Bc3 Rc2 38.Rd3
Kh7 39.Bd2 Bf5 40.Rd4 Be6 41.g4 h5 42.gxh5 Bxh3 43.Kh2 Be6 44.Kg3 Rc4 45.Rxc4 Bxc4 1/2-
1/2

101. * C54
Stevic, Hrvoje (2575) - Plenca, Jadranko (2483)
Hrvatska (ch) 145/101, 2020

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d3 O-O 6.O-O d5 7.exd5 Nxd5 8.Re1 Bg4 9.h3 Bh5
10.Nbd2 Nb6 11.Bb3 a5
11...Qxd3 12.Nxe5 Bxd1 13.Nxd3 Bxb3 14.axb3

14...Bd6N (14...Be7 - 142/(113)) 15.Ne4 Be7 16.Bf4 Nd5 17.Bh2² Eljanov,P (2672)-Zhukova,N
(2328) lichess.org (Int.-blitz) 145/ (101) 2020
12.Ne4 a4 13.Bc2

491
13.Nxc5 axb3 14.Nxb3 Qd5©
13...Be7N
13...Ra5 14.Bd2 h6 15.b4 axb3 16.axb3 Rxa1 17.Qxa1 Bd6 18.Bd1 Be7 19.Qb1 f5 20.Ng3 Bxf3
21.Bxf3 e4 22.Be2 Bh4 23.Nh5 Ne5=
14.Ng3 Bxf3 15.Qxf3 Bg5 16.d4 Bxc1 17.Raxc1 exd4 18.Be4 dxc3
¹18...Re8 19.Bxc6 bxc6 20.cxd4 Qxd4 (20...Rxe1+ 21.Rxe1 Nd5 22.Rc1²) 21.Rxe8+ Rxe8 22.Qxc6
Rf8 23.Qxc7 Qxb2 24.Rd1²
19.Rxc3 Qd2
19...Nd4 20.Qg4 Ne6 21.Bxb7 Ra5 22.Nf5 Qf6 23.Rf3 Rc5²
20.Rd1

492
20...Qxb2??
20...Qg5 21.Bxc6 bxc6 22.Qxc6 Rad8 (22...Rac8 23.Rc5 Qg6 24.Qf3±) 23.Rxd8 Qxd8 (23...Rxd8
24.Qxc7±) 24.Qxc7 g6 25.Nf1±
21.Qf5 g6 22.Qf6+- Ra5
22...Qb5 23.Nf5+-
23.Rxc6 Qxf6 24.Rxf6 c6 25.Rb1 Nd7 26.Rd6 Nc5 27.Bf3 Re8 28.Rd4 Re7 29.Ne4 Ne6 30.Rdb4 1-
0

102. C54
Leko, Peter (2710) - Anand, Viswanathan (2751)
chess24.com (Int.-m/2-rapid) 145/102, 2020

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.O-O Nf6 5.d3 d6 6.c3 a6 7.a4 h6 8.Re1 a5
8...O-O 9.Nbd2 Ne7 - 144/(95)
9.Nbd2 O-O 10.Nf1 Be6 11.Bb5 Na7 12.d4

493
12...exd4N
12...Nxb5 13.axb5 Bb6 14.dxe5 Ng4 15.Be3 Nxe3 16.Nxe3 dxe5 17.Nxe5 Qg5 18.N5c4 Bxe3
19.Nxe3 Qxb5∞
13.Nxd4 Nxb5 14.axb5 Re8 15.Ng3 Bd7 16.h3 Re5
16...Bxd4 17.cxd4 Bxb5 18.Bd2 a4 19.Ra3©
17.c4 c6 18.bxc6 Bxc6 19.Nxc6 bxc6 20.Bd2 Qb6 21.Qf3 Bb4
21...Qxb2? 22.Bc3 Bxf2+ 23.Kf1+-; 21...a4!?„
22.Be3

494
22...Qa6?!
22...Bc5 23.Bf4 (23.Bd2 Bb4=) 23...Re6 24.Re2 Rae8 25.Rae1 a4∞
23.Rec1 Rae8 24.Bd4 R5e6 25.Nf5 Kh7 26.Rc2 Qb7 27.Rd1 Qc7 28.Re2 Bc5 29.Bc3±
29.Nxg7!? Kxg7 30.Qg3+ Kh7 31.Bxc5 Nxe4 32.Rxe4 Rxe4 33.Rxd6 Re1+ 34.Kh2 R1e6∞
29...Bb4 30.Bxb4 axb4 31.Qg3
31.Qd3!
31...g6?
31...Nh5 32.Qf3 g6 (32...Nf6? 33.Qd3 d5 34.cxd5 cxd5 35.exd5 Rxe2 36.Ne3+ Kg8 (36...Ne4
37.Qxe2±) 37.Qxe2±) 33.Red2 (33.Nd4 R6e7∞) 33...d5! 34.cxd5 cxd5 35.Rxd5 Rxe4 36.Ne3∞
32.Nxd6 Nxe4?
32...Nh5 33.Qh2±
33.Rxe4?

495
33.Nxe8 Nxg3 34.Rxe6 Qa7 35.Ree1+-
33...Rxd6! 34.Rxd6
34.Qxd6 Qxd6 35.Rxd6 Rxe4 36.Rxc6 Re1+ 37.Kh2 Rb1=
34...Rxe4 35.c5
35.Rxg6 Qxg3 36.Rxg3 Rxc4=
35...Re2!?
35...Qa7 36.Rxc6 (36.Qf3 Re5 37.Rxc6 Rf5 38.Qd1 Rxc5=) 36...Qa1+ 37.Kh2 Qxb2=; 35...Qe7=
36.b3 Rc2?

496
36...Qa5 37.Qf4 (37.Rxc6 Qa1+ 38.Kh2 Re1 39.Qf4 Rh1+ 40.Kg3 Qc3+ 41.Qf3 Qe5+=) 37...Qa1+
38.Kh2 Kg7 39.Rxc6 g5 40.Qd6 (40.Qf5 Qb2 41.Rc7 Qxb3 42.Rb7 Qc4=) 40...Re6 41.Qd5 Rxc6
42.Qxc6 Qe5+ 43.g3 h5„
37.Rxg6?
37.Qe5! Rc3 38.g4! Rxb3 39.Qf6 Rxh3 40.Kg2 Rc3 41.Rd8+-
37...Qxg3 38.Rxg3 Rxc5 39.Rg4 Rc1+ 40.Kh2 c5 41.Rf4 Kg6 42.Re4?!
42.g4 c4 43.Kg2!=
42...Kf5 43.f3 Rc3 44.g4+ Kf6 45.Rf4+ Ke6 46.Rf5 Kd6 47.Rxf7 Rxb3 48.h4 c4 49.g5 hxg5
50.hxg5 Ra3 51.g6 Ra8 52.Rb7

497
52...Rg8?!
52...b3! 53.f4 Rc8 54.g7 (54.f5 c3-+) 54...Rg8 55.Rb4 (55.f5 Ke5 56.Rb4 Rxg7 57.Rxc4 Rb7-+)
55...Kd5 56.Rb7 Rxg7! 57.Rxg7 b2 58.Rb7 c3-+
53.f4
53.Rxb4 Kc5 54.Rb1 Rxg6 55.f4 c3 56.Kh3=
53...Kc5 54.f5 c3 55.g7 Kc6
55...Rxg7 56.Rxg7 Kd6 57.Rg6+ Kd7 58.Rg7+ Kd6=
56.Rxb4
56.f6 c2 57.f7 c1=Q 58.fxg8=Q Qf4+=
56...Rxg7 57.Rc4+ Kd5 58.Rxc3 Rf7 59.Rf3 Ke4 60.Kg3 Rxf5 61.Rxf5 Kxf5 1/2-1/2

103. C54
Leko, Peter (2663) - Anand, Viswanathan (2753)
chess24.com (Int.-m/4-rapid) 145/103, 2020

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.O-O Nf6 5.d3 d6 6.c3 a6 7.a4 h6 8.Re1 O-O 9.Nbd2 a5 10.Nf1
Be6 11.Bb5 Na7 12.d4 exd4 13.Nxd4 Nxb5 14.axb5 Re8 15.Ng3 Bd7 16.h3 Re5

498
17.f4N
17.c4 - 145/102
17...Bxd4+
17...Re7 18.Qf3 Qe8 19.Kh2 h5! 20.Nxh5 Nxh5 21.Qxh5 Rxe4 22.Bd2 c6!=; 17...Re8! 18.Kh1
(18.e5 dxe5 19.fxe5 Bxd4+ 20.cxd4 Nd5∞) 18...Bxd4 19.cxd4 Bxb5 20.Ra3©
18.cxd4 Rxb5 19.Ra3 d5?
19...Qe7 20.e5 dxe5 (20...Re8 21.Kh2 a4 22.Re2 Nh7 23.Rxa4 Rd5 24.Ra3 dxe5 25.Rxe5 Rxe5
26.dxe5 Nf8 27.Qc2ƒ) 21.dxe5

499
(21.fxe5?! Nd5 22.Nh5 Ra6!) 21...Rd5! 22.Qc2 a4 23.Rae3 Ne8 24.Kh2 Qb4 25.Qe2©
20.e5 Ne4

21.f5! Nxg3
21...Qh4 22.Nxe4 dxe4 23.Rf1
22.Rxg3 Bc8
22...Bc8 23.Bxh6+-; 22...Bxf5 23.Bxh6 Bg6 (23...g6 24.Bg5 Qf8 25.Bf6+-) 24.e6 Qe8 (24...Ra6
25.exf7+ Kxf7 26.Bg5 Qd6 27.Qf3+ Kg8 28.Be7+-; 24...gxh6 25.Qd3 Kh7 (25...Rxb2 26.exf7++-)
26.Qxb5+-) 25.Qg4 Rb6 (25...gxh6 26.exf7+ Qxf7 27.Re7!+-) 26.Bf4 Raa6 27.exf7+ Qxf7

500
28.Be5+-
1-0

104. * C54
Antipov, Mikhail Al (2562) - Deac, Bogdan Daniel (2626)
Moscow 145/104, 2020

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 Bc5 5.c3 d6 6.Nbd2 a5 7.O-O O-O 8.h3 h6
8...Be6 - 143/106
9.Re1 a4!?
9...Be6 10.Bb5 Qb8 11.Bxc6 (11.Nf1 Qa7 12.Qe2 (12.Be3 Bxe3 13.Nxe3 Ne7 14.Ba4 Ng6 15.Bc2
a4„; 12.Re2 a4 - 137/110; 12.d4 - 142/115) 12...a4 13.Bxc6 bxc6 14.Ng3 Qb6 15.Nh4 d5„; 11.Nh2
Ne7 12.Ndf3 c6 13.Ba4 b5 14.Bc2 a4 15.d4 Bb6∞; 11.Nh4 a4 - 141/105) 11...bxc6 12.d4 exd4
13.cxd4 Bb6 (13...Bb4!? - 139/120) 14.Nf1 a4 15.Ng3 Ba5 16.Re3 Qb4!?∞
10.Nf1

10.Bb5 Bd7! 11.Bxa4 (11.Nf1 Ne7 - 143/105) 11...Rxa4 12.Qxa4 Nb4 13.Qd1 Nxd3© 14.Rf1 Ba7
(14...Qa8 15.Ne1! (15.Nb3 Nxf2!) 15...Nxc1 (15...Nxf2 16.Rxf2 Bxf2+ 17.Kxf2 Qa7+ 18.Kg3
Qe3+ 19.Kh2 Nxe4 20.Nxe4 Qxe4 21.Bd2 f5 22.Qf3²) 16.Rxc1 b5 (16...Qxa2 17.Nd3 Bb6 18.c4²)
17.Nd3 Bb6 18.Nb4!? Nxe4 19.Nxe4 Qxe4 20.Nd5 Ba7 21.b3! (21.Nxc7 Qb7 22.Qxd6 Bc6„)
21...f5 22.c4²) 15.Qc2 Nf4!? (15...Nxc1 16.Raxc1 Nh5 17.Kh2 (17.Nc4?! f5µ) 17...Nf4 18.c4 Qf6
19.Qb3∞) 16.Nc4 N6h5© 17.Bxf4 (17.Be3 f5! 18.Bxa7 fxe4µ 19.Nh2 Bxh3! 20.Ne3 Qg5-+)
17...Nxf4 18.Ne3 Bc6 19.c4 (19.Ne1 f5µ; 19.Nd5 Nxd5 20.exd5 Bxd5 21.Qe2 Qf6³) 19...f5 20.Nd5
fxe4 21.Qxe4 Rf6!? 22.Kh2 Qf8 23.Ng1 Qf7 24.Rad1 Nxd5 25.cxd5 Bb5 26.Ne2 c6!ƒ

501
10...Ra5!?
10...Bd7 11.d4 Bb6 12.Ng3 Re8 13.Bf1 a3!? (13...Qb8 14.d5 (14.Qd3!?) 14...Ne7 15.Nh4 Qd8
16.Qf3 Nh7 17.Nh5 g5!? 18.Nf5 Nxf5 19.exf5 e4 20.Rxe4 Rxe4 21.Qxe4 Nf6 22.Nxf6+ Qxf6
23.g4 a3©) 14.b3 d5 15.exd5 Nxd5 16.dxe5 Nxc3 17.Qd2!? (17.Qd3 Nxa2! 18.Rxa2 Nb4„)
17...Ba5 18.Qc2 Nxa2 19.Qxa2 Bxe1 20.Nxe1 b5! 21.Bxb5 Rxe5 22.Be2™ Nd4 23.Bf4 Re8 24.Be3
Be6„
11.Bd2
11.a3 Be6 12.Bxe6 fxe6 13.d4 Bb6 14.Ng3 Qe8 15.Be3 Nh5„; 11.d4 Bb6 12.b4 (12.Ng3 exd4
13.cxd4 d5=; 12.d5 Ne7 13.Bd3 c6 14.c4 Ng6„) 12...axb3 13.Bxb3 exd4 (13...Ra8 14.Ng3 Re8
15.a4!? Na5 16.Bc2 c6 17.Nh4²) 14.cxd4 d5 15.e5 Ne4 16.Ne3 Be6 17.Bb2 Qd7 18.Qe2 f5„
11...b5 12.Bd5
12.b4!? axb3 13.Bxb3

13...Ra8 (RR13...b4 14.cxb4 Bxb4 15.Rc1 (15.d4 exd4 16.Nxd4 Nxd4 17.Bxb4 Nxb3 18.Qxb3 Re5
19.Ng3 h5!?„) 15...Bxd2 16.Qxd2 Ra6 17.Ng3 Be6 18.d4 exd4 19.Bxe6 fxe6 20.Rxc6 Rxc6
21.Nxd4 Qe8 22.Nxc6 Qxc6 23.e5 dxe5 24.Rxe5 Rb8„ Stoica,Valentin) 14.a4 b4

502
15.cxb4N (15.Ng3) 15...Nxb4 16.Bc4 Be6 17.Qb3 Qd7 18.Reb1 Nc6 19.a5 Ra7 20.Ne3 Rb8
21.Bxe6 Rxb3 22.Bxd7 Rxb1+ 23.Rxb1 Nxd7 24.Nc4 Kf8= Kireev, S-Szabo,V corr 145/(104) 2020
12...Ne7

12...Nxd5 13.exd5 Ne7 14.d4 exd4 15.cxd4 Bb6 16.Bxa5 Bxa5 17.Qe2 (17.Re2 Nxd5ƒ) 17...Bxe1
18.Rxe1 Nxd5 19.Qxb5 Nb6 20.Ne3 Bb7„
13.d4N
13.b4 axb3 14.Bxb3 Ng6 15.d4 Bb6 16.dxe5 Nxe5 17.Nxe5 dxe5 18.c4 bxc4 19.Bxa5 Bxa5 20.Bxc4
Bxe1 21.Qxe1 Qd4 22.Ne3 Nxe4 23.Rd1 Qa7 24.Nd5 Nd6 25.Bb3 e4 26.Rc1 Be6 27.Rxc7 Qd4

503
28.Rc2 Bxd5 29.Rd2 Qc3 30.Bxd5 Re8=
13...exd4!?
13...Bb6 14.dxe5 dxe5 15.Nxe5 Nfxd5 16.exd5 Ra6! 17.c4 bxc4 18.Nxc4 Bc5 19.Be3 Bb4=
14.b4
14.cxd4? Bb6 15.Bxa5 Bxa5 16.Re2 c6µ
14...axb3 15.cxd4 b2 16.Bxa5 bxa1=Q 17.Qxa1 Nfxd5
17...Bb6!? 18.Bxb6 Nfxd5 19.Ba5 Nf4 20.Qc3 (20.Bd2 Neg6 21.Ng3 f5! 22.exf5 Qf6„) 20...Bxh3!
21.gxh3 Qd7 22.N3h2 Nxh3+ 23.Kh1 Nc6 (23...Nxf2+? 24.Kg2±) 24.Bxc7 Rc8 25.Bxd6 Nxf2+
26.Kg2 Ne5 27.Bc5 Ned3 28.Re3 b4„
18.dxc5 Nf4

19.Rd1!²
19.Bc3 f6 20.cxd6 Neg6 21.dxc7 Qxc7© 22.Bd2 (22.Ng3 Bxh3! 23.gxh3 Nxh3+ 24.Kh2 Nxf2„)
22...f5 (22...Nd3 23.Rb1 f5 24.exf5 Rxf5 25.Qc3²) 23.exf5 Bxf5 24.Bxf4 Nxf4 25.Qe5 Qxe5
26.Rxe5 b4 (26...Bd3 27.Nd4²) 27.Nd4 Bh7 28.Nc6 Nd3 29.Ra5 (29.Rd5 Nf4 30.Rd7 Nxg2=)
29...Rxf2 30.Nxb4 Be4=
19...d5
19...Bxh3 20.cxd6! Nc6 21.Bxc7 Qd7 22.Ne1 Bxg2 23.Nxg2 Nh3+ 24.Kh2 Nxf2 25.Nfe3 Nxd1
26.Nf5 f6 27.Qxd1²
20.Ne3

504
20.Ng3 Bxh3!? 21.gxh3 Qc8 22.Qe5 Nxh3+ 23.Kf1 Nc6 24.Qxc7 Qg4 (24...Nxa5 25.Qxa5 Qg4
26.Rd3 Nf4 27.Qxb5²) 25.Qxc6 Qxf3 26.Rd2 h5 27.Qxd5 Nf4 (27...h4? 28.e5+-) 28.Qb3 Qg2+
29.Ke1 h4 30.Nf1 Qxe4+ 31.Kd1 Qe5 (31...Rc8 32.f3 Qe5 33.Qc3²) 32.Kc2 Qxc5+ 33.Qc3 Qg5
34.Kb2 b4 35.Bxb4 Rb8 36.Qc4²
20...Bb7

20...Be6 21.Qe5 Qa8 22.Nf5²

21.Qe5!ƒ
21.Rd2 f6! 22.Nd4 Qd7 (22...dxe4 23.c6!) 23.Qd1 dxe4 24.Qb3+ Kh7 25.Nxb5 Nd3 26.Nxc7 Bc8
27.Nb5 Qc6 28.Nd6 f5∞
21...Neg6 22.Qxc7
22.Qb2! Qd7 23.a4 Ra8 24.Bc3±
22...Qxc7
22...Qa8!? 23.Nd4 Rc8
23.Bxc7 Ne2+ 24.Kf1 dxe4 25.Ne5! Nc3 26.Nxg6
26.Rd7 Bc8 27.Rd2 Nb1 (27...Be6 28.Nxg6 fxg6 29.c6 Rc8 30.Ba5!±) 28.Rb2 Nxe5 29.Bxe5 Re8
(29...Na3 30.c6!) 30.Bd6 Nc3 31.c6 Rd8 32.Rd2 ∆f6 33.c7 Rd7 34.Nf5! Kf7 35.Ne7 Rxe7 36.Bxe7
Kxe7 37.Rd8±
26...fxg6 27.Rd6 Rc8!² 28.Rd7 Bc6 29.Re7 Re8 30.Rxe8+ Bxe8 31.a3 Kf7 32.Be5 Nb1 33.Nc2
Nd2+ 34.Ke2 Nc4 35.Bd4

505
35.Bc3 g5 36.Nd4 Nxa3 37.Ke3 b4! 38.Bxb4 Nb5 39.Kxe4 Nxd4 40.Kxd4 Bc6 41.f3 Ke6=
35...h5 36.Nb4 g5!
36...Nxa3 37.Ke3²
37.c6 Ke6 38.Bxg7 Kd6
¹38...g4 39.hxg4 hxg4 40.Bf8 Nxa3 41.c7 Bd7 (41...Kd7? 42.Nd5+-) 42.Ke3 Bc8 43.Nc6 Nc4+
44.Kxe4 Kd7=
39.Bh6
39.Bf8+ Kc7

40.f3! exf3+ 41.Kxf3 Ne5+ (41...Bxc6+ 42.Nxc6 Kxc6 43.Ke4²) 42.Ke4 Nxc6 43.Nd5+ Kb7
44.Kf5 Nd4+ 45.Kf6 Kc6 46.Ne3 Bd7 47.Bb4 g4 48.h4²
39...Bxc6 40.Bxg5 Nxa3= 41.Ke3 Nc4+ 42.Kd4 Bb7 43.Nc2 Nb2 44.Bf4+ Ke6 45.Be3 Nd3 46.f3
1/2-1/2

105. C56
Gavrilescu, David (2473) - Ernst, Sipke (2554)
Hamburg 145/105, 2020

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d4 exd4 5.e5 d5 6.Bb5 Nd7!?
6...Ne4
7.O-O Be7 8.Bxc6 bxc6 9.Nxd4

506
9...Nb8
9...Nxe5 10.Bf4 Ng6 (10...c5 11.Bxe5 cxd4 12.Bxg7 Rg8 13.Be5! c5 14.Re1 Qb6 (14...Rg6 15.c3ƒ)
15.Bg3 Rg6 16.Nd2²) 11.Nxc6 Qd7 12.Nxe7 Nxe7 13.Re1 O-O 14.Nd2 Nf5 15.Nb3²
10.c4

10.Nc3 O-O 11.Qh5 (11.Qf3 - 30/253) 11...Qd7 12.Re1 Re8∞; 10.Qf3 O-O 11.c4 (11.Nc3 Qd7
12.h3 Re8 13.Bf4 Na6„) 11...c5 (11...f6!? 12.e6 Bc5 13.Nb3 Na6 14.Rd1 Bxe6 15.Nc3∞) 12.Nf5
Bxf5 13.Qxf5 Nc6 14.Nc3 dxc4 15.Qe4 Nd4„; 10.f4 c5 (10...O-O!? 11.f5 c5 12.Nb5 Nc6 13.f6
gxf6 14.N1c3 Be6 15.exf6 Bxf6 16.Bh6 Be5!? 17.Bxf8 Qxf8 18.Nxd5 Rd8 19.c4 Qh6„) 11.Nb3

507
(11.Ne2 f6∞) 11...O-O 12.Nc3 c6 13.f5 Nd7 14.Bf4 Re8∞
10...c5
10...O-O 11.Nc3 (11.Nd2 c5 12.N4f3 c6³; 11.Qf3 c5 12.Nb5 (12.Nf5 - 10.Qf3) 12...Ba6 13.Bf4 c6
14.Nd6 Bxd6 15.exd6 Bxc4 16.Re1 Qf6 17.Nd2 Bd3 18.Re7 Bf5 19.Be5 Qg6 20.Re1 Nd7 21.Bg3
a5∞) 11...c5 (11...Ba6 12.Qg4 Kh8 13.Nf5 Rg8 14.Re1 Bxc4 15.Re3 Nd7 16.Bd2 … Rae1ƒ;
11...dxc4 12.Be3 c5 13.Ndb5 Na6!? 14.Qf3 Be6 15.Rad1 Qb8 16.Qe2 Nb4 17.f4 Bf5 18.Qxc4 a6
19.Na3 Rd8∞) 12.Nb3 (12.Ndb5 d4 13.Nd5 c6 14.Nxe7+ Qxe7 15.Qf3 Bg4!? 16.Qxg4 cxb5
17.cxb5 Qxe5 18.Bh6 Qf6 19.Bg5 Qg6 20.Qf3 Nd7∞) 12...dxc4 (12...d4 13.Qf3 c6 14.Ne4 Nd7
15.Bf4 a5 16.Rfe1 a4 17.Nc1 f5 18.Nd6 Nxe5 19.Bxe5 Bxd6 20.Nd3©) 13.Na5 c6 14.Qa4 Qb6
15.Nxc4 Qb4 16.Nd6 Be6 17.f4 Bxd6 18.exd6 Qd4+ 19.Qxd4 cxd4 20.f5 Bd7 21.Ne4 Na6 22.Bd2
Rab8 23.b4 Rb5 24.f6 Re8 25.Rae1 Rbe5„; 10...dxc4!? 11.Be3 c5 12.Nb5 (12.Qf3 cxd4 13.Qxa8
dxe3 14.Qxb8 exf2+ 15.Kh1 O-O 16.Qxa7 Bh4∞) 12...Nc6 13.Qf3 Bb7 14.N1c3 a6 15.Na3 Qc8
16.Nd5 Nxe5 17.Qe4 Bd6 18.Bxc5 f5 19.Qd4 Qe6 20.Bxd6 Qxd6 21.Rfe1 O-O-O 22.Rxe5 Bxd5
23.h4 (23.Rc1 Qc6„) 23...Bxg2 24.Qxd6 cxd6 25.Rxf5 Bh3 26.Ra5 Be6=
11.Nb5
11.Nc2 d4 12.Qf3 c6 13.Qg3 Kf8 14.Nd2 Bf5 15.Ne1 h5∞
11...c6
11...d4 12.Qf3 c6 13.Nd6+ Bxd6 14.exd6 O-O 15.Bf4² … Nd2-e4
12.cxd5!?
12.Nd6+ Bxd6 13.exd6 Qxd6 14.Nc3 (14.Re1+ Be6 15.Bf4 Qd7 16.Nc3 O-O 17.Qa4 Qc8 18.Bd6
Rd8 19.Be7 Rd7 20.Bxc5 dxc4 21.Ne4 Rd3 … Nd7=) 14...Be6 15.Qf3 O-O 16.Bf4 Qd7 17.Qg3 Na6
18.Rad1 Kh8 19.Ne4 Bf5 20.Nd6 d4 21.Rfe1 Bg6 22.h4 Nb4„
12...cxb5 13.d6 Nc6N
13...Bb7 14.dxe7

508
14...Qxe7! (14...Qxd1 15.Rxd1 Nd7 16.Nc3 Bc6 17.Rd6 Rc8 18.f4 Kxe7 19.Be3²) 15.Nc3 O-O
16.Qd6 (16.Nxb5 Bxg2! 17.Kxg2 Qb7+=; 16.Re1 b4 17.Nd5 Qd7 18.Nf4 Re8=) 16...Qxd6 17.exd6
Bc6 18.Be3 (18.a4 bxa4 19.Nxa4 Nd7 20.Be3 Bxa4 21.Rxa4 Rfb8=) 18...Nd7 19.Rfd1 a5 20.Nd5
Bxd5 21.Rxd5 Rfc8 22.Rc1 Ra6=
14.dxe7 Qxe7 15.Nc3 O-O 16.Re1
16.Nxb5 Ba6 17.a4 Rad8„; 16.Qd6 Qxd6 17.exd6 Rd8 18.Rd1 Nd4 19.Be3 Rxd6 20.Bxd4 Rxd4
21.Nxb5 Rxd1+ 22.Rxd1 Be6 23.Nc7 Rb8 24.Nxe6 (24.b3 c4=) 24...fxe6 25.Rd2 Kf7=
16...Nd4

509
16...Rd8!? 17.Qh5 h6 18.Bxh6!? gxh6 19.Ne4 Nxe5 (19...Qxe5? 20.Qxh6+-; 19...Kg7 20.Re3 Nxe5
21.Ng3 Rd5 22.Rae1 Bg4 23.Qxg4+ Nxg4 24.Rxe7 Nf6 25.Rb7²) 20.Ng3 (20.Qxh6 Ng6) 20...Rd5!
21.f4 Bg4 22.Qxg4+ Nxg4 23.Rxe7 Rad8 24.Rae1 Rd1=
17.Be3
17.Ne4!? Bf5 (17...Qxe5 18.Bg5 Qc7 19.Rc1 Ne6 20.Bf6! Bb7 21.Nxc5 Nxc5 22.Qg4 g6 23.Qg5
Qd6 24.Rxc5²) 18.Bg5 Qe8! 19.Nd6 Qe6 20.b4 Nc2 21.bxc5 Nxe1 22.Qxe1 a5 23.h4 b4 24.c6 h6
25.Bf4 Qg6 26.Rc1 Be6 27.c7 Qg4! 28.Qd2 (28.Bg3 Bxa2) 28...Qxh4 29.Rc5 Qh5 30.Be3 a4
31.Qxb4 Qd1+ 32.Kh2 Qh5+=
17...Qxe5 18.Bxd4 Qxd4 19.Nxb5 Qxd1 20.Raxd1
20.Rexd1 Rb8 21.Nxa7 Rxb2 22.a4 Ba6 23.Rd6 Bb7 24.a5 g6= 25.a6?! Ra8³
20...Rb8 21.Nxa7 Rxb2 22.Rc1 Rxa2 23.Nxc8 Rxc8 24.Rxc5 Raa8= 25.Rxc8+ Rxc8 26.h4 h5 27.g3
g6 28.Kg2 Kg7 29.Kf3 Kf6 30.Ra1 Re8 1/2-1/2

106. C58
Heimann, Andreas (2622) - Kollars, Dmitrij (2586)
Magdeburg 145/106, 2020

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Na5 6.Bb5+ c6 7.dxc6 bxc6 8.Bd3 Nd5 9.Nf3 Bd6
10.O-O Nf4 11.Re1 Nxd3 12.cxd3 O-O 13.Nc3 c5
13...f6 - 116/107
14.b3 Bb7

14...Nc6 - 143/(109)

510
15.Ne4N
15.Ba3
15...Re8?!
15...Nc6 16.Ba3 Nb4 17.Bxb4 cxb4 18.Nxd6 Qxd6 19.Nxe5²
16.Bb2 Nc6?

16...f6
17.Nfg5! f6
17...h6 18.Nxd6 Qxd6 19.Ne4 Qd5 (19...Qxd3 20.Nxc5 Qb5 21.Rc1±) 20.Rc1±
18.Qh5! fxg5 19.Nxg5 Qd7
19...h6 20.Qf7+ Kh8 21.Qxb7+-; 19...Qf6 20.Qxh7+ Kf8 21.Ne4 Qe6 22.f4 Bc7 (22...Nd4 23.Bxd4
Bxe4 24.Rxe4 cxd4 25.fxe5 Bxe5 26.Rf1+ Ke7 27.Rf5+-) 23.Qh8+ Qg8 24.Qh4+-
20.Qxh7+ Kf8 21.f4! Ke7 22.fxe5 Bc7 23.e6 Qd5 24.Qxg7+ Kd8 25.Ne4 Nd4
25...Rxe6 26.Nf6 Rxf6 27.Bxf6+ Kc8 28.Re8+ Nd8 29.Re7
26.Nxc5! Nf3+ 27.Kh1
27.gxf3 Qxc5+ 28.Bd4 Qd5 29.Rac1 Bc6 30.Re3+-
27...Bc6
27...Nxe1 28.Bf6+ Kc8 29.Qd7++-

511
28.e7+ Kc8 29.Qg4+ Kb8 30.Na6+ Kb7 31.Nxc7 Qd6
31...Kxc7 32.Qxf3 (32.Re6+-) 32...Qxf3 33.gxf3 Bxf3+ 34.Kg1+-
32.Be5
32.gxf3+-
32...Nxe5 33.Nxe8 Rxe8 34.Qg3 Rxe7 35.Re2 Qf6 36.Rae1
36.Rg1!+-
36...Rf7 37.h3 Nd7 38.Re6 Rg7
38...Qf2 39.Qxf2 Rxf2 40.R1e2 Bxg2+ 41.Kh2 Rxe2 42.Rxe2+-; 38...Qd4 39.Rg6+-
39.Rxf6
39.Qd6 Bxg2+ 40.Kh2 Qf2 41.R1e2 Qf3 42.Qa6+ Ka8 43.Re8+ Nb8 44.Rxb8+ Kxb8 45.Re8+ Kc7
46.Qxa7+ Qb7 47.Qd4+-
39...Rxg3

40.Rxc6?!
40.Rh6 Rxd3 41.Re2+-
40...Kxc6 41.Re3 Rg7 42.g4 Kd5! 43.Kg2 Ne5 44.Kg3 Rf7 45.h4 Rf1

512
46.g5?
46.h5! Rg1+ (46...Ra1 47.Kf4+-) 47.Kf4 Nxg4 (47...Rxg4+ 48.Kf5+-) 48.Rg3 Rxg3 49.Kxg3 Nf6
(49...Nh6 50.Kf4 Kd4 51.Kg5 Ng8 52.Kf5 Kxd3 53.Ke5 Kxd2 54.Kd4+-) 50.h6 Ke5 51.b4 Kf5
52.b5 Kg5 53.a4 Kxh6 54.Kf4+-
46...Rg1+ 47.Kh2 Ra1
47...Rf1! 48.Rg3 (48.Kg2 Rd1 49.h5 Rxd2+ 50.Kg3 Rd1=) 48...Rf4 49.Kh3 Ng6 50.Rg4 Rf3+
51.Kg2 Rxd3 52.h5 Rxd2+ 53.Kf1 Ne5 54.Rg3 Ke4=
48.Rg3! Rxa2 49.g6 Rxd2+ 50.Kh3 Nxg6
50...Nxd3 51.Kg4 (51.g7 Nf2+ 52.Kg2 Ne4+ 53.Kg1 Rd1+ 54.Kh2 Rd2+ 55.Rg2 Rxg2+ 56.Kxg2
Nf6=) 51...Ke6 52.Kg5±
51.Rxg6 Rxd3+ 52.Rg3 Rd1 53.Re3 Kd4! 54.Rf3 Ke4?
54...Ke5! 55.Kg4 Ke6 56.h5 Rg1+=
55.Kg4 Rd8 56.Rf4+?
56.Rf5 Rg8+ (56...Rd1 57.Kg5+-) 57.Rg5 Rf8 58.h5 Rf4+ 59.Kg3 Rf1 60.Rb5+-
56...Ke5 57.Rf5+
57.h5 Rg8+ 58.Kf3 Rh8 59.Rh4±
57...Ke6 58.h5

513
58...Rg8+!= 59.Rg5 Rb8! 60.h6 Kf7 61.h7 Rb4+! 62.Kh5 Rxb3 63.h8=N+ Kf6 64.Ng6 a6 65.Nf4
Rb1 66.Nd5+ Ke6 67.Kg6 Kd6 68.Ne3 Rb5 69.Rg1 a5 70.Kf6 a4 71.Rd1+ Kc6 72.Ke6 a3 73.Ra1
Rb3 74.Nc4 Kc5 75.Nxa3 Re3+ 76.Kf5 Rc3 77.Ke4 Kb4 78.Nb1 Rh3 79.Nd2 Kc5 80.Ra5+ Kc6
81.Nf3 Rh1 82.Nd4+ Kd6 83.Ra6+ Kc5 84.Rc6+ Kb4 85.Nf3 Rd1 86.Ne5 Kb5 87.Rc3 Kb4
88.Rc8 Kb5 89.Nd3 Rh1 90.Kd5 Rh5+ 91.Ne5 Kb4 92.Rc4+ Kb5 93.Rg4 Rh1 94.Nd3 Rd1
95.Rb4+ Ka5 96.Rb3 Rh1 97.Ne5 Rh5 98.Rb8 Ka4 99.Kd4 Rh4+ 100.Kc3 Rh3+ 101.Nd3 Ka5
102.Rb2 Ka4 103.Kc4 Rh4+ 104.Kd5 Rh5+ 105.Ne5 Ka5 106.Kd4 Ka6 107.Rb1 Ka5 108.Kd5
Ka4 109.Kc4 Rh4+ 110.Kc3 Rh3+ 111.Nd3 Ka5 112.Rb8 Ka4 113.Kc4 Rh4+ 114.Kd5 Rh5+
115.Ne5 Ka5 116.Kd4 Ka4 117.Nc6 Rh4+ 118.Kc3 Rh3+ 119.Kc4 Rh4+ 120.Nd4 Ka5 121.Rb3
Ka6 1/2-1/2

107. * C65
Nakamura, Hikaru (2736) - Carlsen, Magnus (2863)
chess24.com (Int.-m3/5-blitz) 145/107, 2020

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.d3 Bc5 5.Bxc6 dxc6 6.Nbd2 O-O 7.Qe2 Re8 8.Nc4 Nd7 9.Bd2 b5
9...Nb6 - 129/116
10.Ne3 Nf8 11.h4

514
11...Ne6??N
11...a5 - 129/114
12.Nxe5

12...a5N
12...Qd6 - 145/(107) 13.Nxf7 Kxf7 14.Qh5+ Kf8 15.Qxh7 Bxe3 16.Bxe3 Nf4 17.Bd2 Kf7 18.h5²
Binas, J-Brodt,A corr 145/(107) 2018; 12...Nf4 13.Qf3±; 12...Nd4

515
13.Nxf7! Nxe2 (13...Kxf7 14.Qh5+ Kg8 15.Qxc5+-) 14.Nxd8 Nd4 15.b4!?± (15.c3±)
13.Qh5 g6 14.Qf3 f6 15.Nxc6! Qd7 16.Qxf6 Qxc6 17.Bc3 Rf8 18.Qh8+ Kf7 19.Qxh7+ Ke8
20.Qxg6+ Kd7 21.d4! b4 22.dxc5 1-0

108. * C65
Huschenbeth, Niclas (2605) - Kryvoruchko, Yuriy (2682)
Polska 145/108, 2020

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.d3 Bc5 5.c3 d5 6.exd5 Qxd5 7.Bc4 Qd6 8.b4
8.O-O Bb6 9.b4 e4!

516
(9...O-O - 130/(117)) 10.Ng5?!N (10.Qe2 O-O 11.dxe4 Bg4 12.Nbd2 Ne5 13.h3 Bh5 14.a4 c6=;
10.dxe4 Qxd1 11.Rxd1 Nxe4 12.a4 O-O 13.Rf1 Nd6 14.Nbd2 a6 15.Re1 Nxc4 16.Nxc4 Ba7 17.Be3
Be6=) 10...O-O (10...Ng4!? 11.Bxf7+ Ke7 12.g3 Qxd3 13.Qxd3 exd3³) 11.Nxe4 Nxe4 12.dxe4
Qg6 13.Nd2 Ne5³ Vokhidov,S (2512)-Nakamura,H (2736) chess.com (Int.-blitz) 145/(108) 2020
8...Bb6 9.a4 O-O
9...e4 - 132/127
10.Nbd2 Bf5 11.Ba3 e4 12.dxe4 Nxe4 13.Nxe4 Bxe4 14.Qxd6
14.O-O Qg6 15.Bd5 (15.a5?! Ne5³) 15...Bxd5 16.Qxd5 a6=
14...cxd6 15.O-O-O Rac8
15...Bxf2 16.Rxd6²
16.Bd5 Bxd5 17.Rxd5 Ne5 18.Nxe5 dxe5 19.Kb2 Rfd8
19...Bxf2 20.Rxe5 Bh4 21.Rd1 Bf6 22.Re3²
20.Rxe5

20...Rxc3!
20...Rd2+? 21.Kb3 Rxf2 22.Rhe1 f6 23.Re8+ Rxe8 24.Rxe8+ Kf7 25.Rb8 Rxg2 26.Rxb7+ Ke6 27.a5
Bg1 28.b5+-
21.Rd1
21.Kxc3 Bd4+ 22.Kc2 Bxe5=
21...Rcc8 22.Rxd8+ Rxd8 23.Re7

517
23...h5N
23...Bd4+! 24.Kb3 b5! 25.axb5 (25.f3 bxa4+ 26.Kxa4 Bb6=) 25...Bxf2=
24.Rxb7 Bxf2 25.b5 Rd5! 26.Bb4
26.a5 a6! 27.Bb4 axb5 (27...Rxb5? 28.Rxb5 axb5 29.Bd6 f6 30.Bc7+-) 28.a6 h4! 29.Be1 (29.Be7
f6=) 29...Bxe1 30.a7 Rd2+ 31.Kc1 Ra2 32.Rb8+ Kh7 33.a8=Q Rxa8 34.Rxa8 Bc3=
26...h4 27.a5
27.Kc3 Rg5 (27...h3 28.gxh3 Rh5 29.Bd6 Rxh3+ 30.Bg3ƒ) 28.Bd6 Rxg2 29.Bb8 g5 30.Rxa7
(30.Bxa7 Rxh2 31.Bxf2 Rxf2∞) 30...g4 31.Ra8 Kh7∞
27...Rg5 28.a6
28.b6 axb6 29.a6 b5=; 28.Kb3 Rxg2 29.Bd6 Rg1 30.Bb8 Rb1+ 31.Kc4 Rc1+ 32.Kd5 Rb1=
28...Rxg2 29.Kb3
29.Bd6 Bc5+ 30.Kb3 Bxd6 31.b6 Bc5 32.bxa7 Bxa7 33.Rxa7 Rg6=
29...Rxh2 30.b6 Bxb6 31.Rxb6 h3 32.Rb5 Re2 33.Rh5 Re6 34.Rxh3 1/2-1/2

109. C67
Lobanov, Sergei (2507) - Deac, Bogdan Daniel (2626)
Moscow 145/109, 2020

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.O-O Nxe4 5.Re1 Nd6 6.Nxe5
6.a4!? - 141/ 112
6...Be7 7.Bf1 Nxe5

518
7...Nf5 - 142/118
8.Rxe5 O-O 9.d4 Bf6
9...Ne8 - 143/110
10.Re1 Re8
10...Nf5 - 144/100
11.Rxe8+
11.Bf4 - 144/ 101
11...Nxe8 12.d5 d6 13.Bd3
13.c4 Bf5 14.Qb3 Bd4 15.Be3 Bxe3 16.Qxe3 Bxb1 17.Rxb1 Nf6 18.Re1 Qd7=; 13.Nd2

13...c6 (13...Bg5 14.c4 Nf6 15.Qc2!? (15.h3 Bf5 16.Nf3 Bxc1 17.Rxc1 a5 18.Nd4 Bd7 19.Bd3 a4=)
15...Qe7 16.b3 Qe5 17.Bb2 Bf5 18.Bxe5 Bxc2 19.Bc3 Re8 20.h4!? Bh6 21.g3 Bf5 22.b4 b5 23.Nb3
bxc4 24.Bxc4 Bg4 25.a4 Bf3 26.Bb5 Rc8 27.Bxf6 gxf6 28.Bc6 f5 29.Nd4 Bg7 30.Ra3²; 13...Bf5
14.Nc4 c6 (14...Qd7 15.c3 c6 16.Bf4 cxd5 17.Ne3 d4 18.cxd4 Be4 19.Qd2²) 15.c3 Rc8 (15...Be4 -
139/ (127)) 16.Bf4 cxd5 17.Ne3 Be6 18.Nxd5 Be5 19.Be3²) 14.Nc4 cxd5 15.Qxd5 Qc7 16.Qd3
Be6 17.Ne3 Rd8 18.c3 d5 19.Nc2 Nd6 20.Nd4 Qb6 21.Nxe6 fxe6 22.a4 (22.Qe3 - 139/127) 22...a6
23.a5 Qb3 (23...Qc7 24.Qh3 Re8 (24...Qd7 25.Be3 Nc4 26.Bd3 h6 27.Bxc4 dxc4 28.Qg4²) 25.Qg4
Nf5 26.Bd2²) 24.Qe2 (24.g3 Nc4 25.Qe2 Re8 26.h4 h6∞) 24...d4!? 25.Ra3 Qc4 26.Qxc4 Nxc4
27.Bxc4 dxc3 28.Bxe6+ Kf8 29.g3 Rd1+ 30.Kg2 Rxc1 31.bxc3 Rxc3=
13...c6!?

519
13...g6 14.Nd2 Bg7 15.Nf3 Nf6 16.c4 c6 17.dxc6 bxc6 18.Bg5 h6 19.Bd2 c5„ … Bb7
14.dxc6N
14.Be4 Be5 15.dxc6 Bxh2+ 16.Kxh2 Qh4+ 17.Kg1 Qxe4 18.cxb7 Bxb7 19.f3 Qe5=; 14.Nc3 Be5
(14...Bxc3 15.bxc3 cxd5 16.Be3 Be6 17.Bd4∞) 15.dxc6 bxc6 16.Qf3 Qb6 17.Na4 Qb4 18.Qxc6 Bb7
19.Qb5 (19.Qc4 Qe1+ 20.Bf1 Rc8 21.Qe2 Qxe2 22.Bxe2 Rxc2 23.Bd3 Rc7 24.Be3 Bd5=)
19...Bxh2+ 20.Kxh2 Qh4+ 21.Kg1 Bxg2! 22.Kxg2 Qg4+ 23.Kf1 Qd1+=
14...bxc6 15.Nd2
15.Nc3 Rb8„
15...d5 16.Nb3
16.c3 c5 17.Nf3 Qd6 18.Be3 Bg4 19.h3 Bh5„
16...Qd6
16...a5!? 17.a4 (17.Nc5 Qd6 18.Na4 c5 19.c3 Bd7„) 17...Nc7 18.c3 Ne6 19.Be3 Rb8 20.Rb1 g6„
17.Qf3 Be5 18.h3 Nc7„ 19.c3
19.c4 g6 20.cxd5 cxd5 21.Be3 Bxb2 22.Rd1 Bg7 23.Nc5 Qf6 24.Qxf6 Bxf6 25.Bc2 … Bb3=
19...c5 20.Bf1
20.c4 Be6 (20...Bb7 21.Na5 dxc4 22.Nxb7 Qxd3 23.Qxd3 cxd3 24.Nxc5 Rd8 25.Be3 Bxb2
26.Rd1=) 21.Na5 Re8 22.Be3 Qb6 23.cxd5 Bxd5 24.Nc4 Bxf3 25.Nxb6 axb6 26.gxf3 Rd8 27.Bc2
Bxb2 28.Rb1 Bd4 29.Rxb6 Nd5 30.Rb3 c4 31.Ra3 Bxe3 32.fxe3 g6 33.Kf1 Kg7 34.Ke1 Rc8 35.e4
Nf4 36.Rc3 g5 37.Bb3=

520
20...Rb8ƒ 21.Be3

21...c4! 22.Bxa7 Rb7 23.Bc5 Qf6 24.Nd4 Rxb2 25.Qe3

25.Qxf6 Bxf6 26.a4 h5 27.Ba3 Rd2 28.Bc1 (28.Bb4 Na6³) 28...Rd1 29.Bb2 Rxa1 30.Bxa1 Kf8³
25...Qf4
¹25...Ne6 26.Nxe6 fxe6 27.Bd4 Bxd4 28.cxd4 Qh6!³
26.Qxf4 Bxf4 27.Ba3
27.a4!? g6 (27...Bd2 28.Ba3 Rb7 29.Bb4 Na6 30.Rd1! Bg5 31.Bd6 Bf6 32.g4! Be6 33.f4²; 27...Be5
28.Nc6 Bf6 29.Ne7+ Bxe7 30.Bxe7²) 28.Ba3 Rb7 29.g3 (29.Bb4 Be5 30.Rd1 Be6 31.Nc6 Bf6 32.a5
Na6 33.f4 Kg7 34.g4!? Rc7 35.g5 Rxc6 36.gxf6+ Kxf6 37.Kf2∞) 29...Be5 30.Bg2 Bxd4 31.cxd4
Bf5 32.g4 Bd3 33.Bc1 Kf8 34.Bg5 f6!? 35.Bxf6 c3 36.Bg5 c2∞
27...Rb7 28.Bb4 Bd7

521
29.g3
29.a4 Be5 30.Nc2 Bf5 31.Ra2 Na6³; 29.a3!? Na6 30.g3 Be5 31.Rd1 Ba4 32.Rd2= ∆Rc7?! 33.Nb5!
Bxb5 34.Rxd5 f6 35.Rxb5 Nxb4 36.Rxb4²
29...Be5 30.Nf3
30.Nc2 Bf5 31.Rc1 Na6 32.Bg2 Bxc2 33.Rxc2 Nxb4 34.cxb4 Rxb4 35.Bxd5=
30...Bf6 31.Rc1
31.Rd1 Ba4 32.Rc1 Na6 33.a3 Rc7 … Nc5; 31.a3 Nb5 32.Rd1 Be6

522
33.a4! Na7 (33...Nxc3 34.Bxc3 Bxc3 35.Bxc4!=) 34.Ne1 Nc6 35.Nc2 Nxb4 36.Nxb4 Rd7 37.Rc1
Kf8 38.a5 Ke7 39.Bg2 Kd6 40.Rd1 Kc5 41.Nxd5! Bxd5 42.a6 Bxg2 43.Rxd7 Bf3 44.Rxf7 Kb6
45.a7 Bb7 46.h4 Bxc3 47.Rf4=
31...Ra7 32.a3 Nb5³ 33.Bc5
33.Ne1 Nxa3 34.Ng2 Be6 35.h4 Nb5 36.Nf4 Nc7 37.Bg2 Be5³
33...Ra5 34.Bb4 Ra4 35.Bg2 Be6 36.Nd2
36.Kf1 g5! 37.h4 gxh4 38.Nxh4 Nxa3 39.Rd1 d4 40.Bxa3 Rxa3 41.cxd4 Bg4 42.Rc1 Bg5! 43.f4
Bf6µ
36...Nxa3µ 37.f4

37.Ra1 Rxb4 38.Rxa3 Rb8-+; 37.Nf1 Nb5 38.Ne3 d4-+

37...d4!?
37...Rxb4 38.cxb4 Bb2 39.Rd1 c3 40.Nb3 c2 41.Re1 Bc3µ
38.Be4
38.Bc6 Ra6 39.Bb7 Rb6 40.Bg2 Nb5 41.Ne4 Nxc3 42.Bxc3 dxc3 43.Nxf6+ gxf6 44.Rxc3 Rb3
38...dxc3 39.Bxc3 Bxc3 40.Rxc3 Nb5 41.Re3 g6 42.Kf2
42.g4 c3-+
42...Bxh3 43.Bc6 Ra2
43...Ra2 44.Bxb5 Rxd2+ 45.Ke1 Rc2 46.Ba4 Rb2 47.Rc3 Be6-+

523
0-1

524
C75-C99

110. ** C78
Bosiocic, Marin (2606) - Moroni, Luca Jr (2530)
Trieste 145/110, 2020

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O b5 6.Bb3 Bc5 7.c3 d6 8.d4 Bb6 9.a4 Rb8 10.a5 Ba7
11.h3 O-O 12.Be3 exd4 13.cxd4 Nb4 14.Nc3 Bb7 15.Re1

15.Ng5 - 144/106
15...Nxe4?N
15...c5

525
- 145/ (110) 16.Bg5 - 145/(110) (16.dxc5N dxc5 17.e5 Nfd5 18.Bg5 Qd7 19.Nxd5 Nxd5 20.Bc2²
Venkataraman,K (2479)-Mulyar,M (2380) Charlotte 145/(110) 2020) 16...h6 17.Bh4 c4 (17...Re8!?)
18.Bc2

18...g5? (18...Nxc2 19.Qxc2 Re8 20.Rad1²) 19.Nxg5 hxg5 20.Bxg5 Nxc2 21.Qxc2 b4 22.Nd5 Bxd5
23.exd5 Bxd4 24.Qxc4 Bxb2 25.Rab1 Bc3 26.Qh4! Re8 27.Rxe8+ Qxe8 28.Bxf6 Bxf6 29.Qxf6 Qe5
30.Qxe5 dxe5 31.h4± Jakovenko,D (2681)-Jones,G (2688) Khanty-Mansiysk (m/3-rapid) 145/(110)
2019; 15...Bxe4 16.Bg5 (16.Nxe4 Nxe4) 16...Bg6 17.Ne4 (17.Nh4 c5∞) 17...Bxe4 18.Rxe4 h6
19.Bxf6 (19.Bh4 g5 20.Nxg5 Nxe4 21.Qh5 hxg5 22.Re1 d5 23.Rxe4 dxe4 24.Qg6+= Kh8 25.Qh6+
Kg8 26.Qg6+=) 19...Qxf6 20.Qd2 d5 21.Rg4 Nc6 22.Bxd5 Rbd8∞

526
16.Nxe4 Bxe4 17.Bd2! Bxf3 18.Qxf3 c5 19.Qg3?!
19.Rad1! c4 (19...Nd3 20.Qxd3 c4 21.Qg3 cxb3 22.Bg5 f6 23.Bf4±) 20.Bxb4 cxb3 21.Qg3 Rc8
(21...Re8 22.Rxe8+ Qxe8 23.Bxd6 Rc8 24.Be5 g6 25.Qxb3±) 22.Bxd6 Bb8 23.Bxb8 Rxb8 24.d5
Qxa5 (24...Rb7 25.Qxb3 Rd7 26.Qd3 Qxa5 27.d6±) 25.d6 Rbd8 26.Re7±
19...Kh8?!
19...Nc6? 20.Bg5 Qc8 21.Bf6 g6 22.Re4+-; 19...Qf6! 20.Re4 Nc6 21.Rf4 (21.Bd5 Nxd4 22.Rae1
Qf5 23.Qxd6 Qg6 24.Qxg6 hxg6 25.Bg5!²) 21...Nxd4 22.Re1 Nf5 23.Qg4 Nh6 (23...Qxb2 24.Qxf5
Qxd2 (24...Qxb3 25.Rh4 g6 26.Qf6+-) 25.Bxf7+ Kh8 26.Re2! Qc1+ 27.Kh2+-) 24.Rxf6 Nxg4
25.Rxd6 c4 26.hxg4 cxb3 27.Rxa6 Bd4 28.Be3²
20.Bc3 f6

21.Re6
21.dxc5! Nc6 (21...dxc5 22.Rad1+-; 21...Bxc5 22.Re4 Nc6 23.Rh4+-) 22.Qxd6+-
21...Nc6 22.Rxd6 Qc7 23.d5?!
23.Bd5 b4 (23...Nxd4 24.Bxd4 cxd4 25.Rxa6±; 23...cxd4 24.Bd2 Ne5 25.Rxa6±) 24.Rxc6 Qxg3
25.fxg3 bxc3 26.bxc3 cxd4 27.Rc7 Rbd8 28.Rxa7 Rxd5 29.cxd4±
23...c4! 24.dxc6 Bc5 25.Rad1
25.Rd3 Qxc6 (25...Qxg3 26.Rxg3 cxb3 27.Rc1 Rbc8 28.Bd2 Bd6 29.Rxb3±) 26.Bxc4 bxc4 27.Rd2
Bb4²
25...Bxd6 26.Rxd6
26.Qxd6! Qxd6 27.Rxd6 cxb3 28.c7 Rbc8 29.Rd7 Kg8 30.Bb4 Rfe8 31.f4²

527
26...cxb3 27.Be5 fxe5 28.Rd7= 1/2-1/2

111. C82
Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784) - Ivanchuk, Vassily (2678)
chess24.com (Int.-m/3-rapid) 145/111, 2020

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6 9.c3 Bc5
10.Nbd2 O-O 11.Bc2 Bf5 12.Nb3 Bg6 13.Nfd4
13.Bxe4 dxe4 14.Nxc5 Qxd1 15.Rxd1 exf3 16.Bf4 fxg2=; 13.Nxc5 Nxc5 14.Bxg6 fxg6! 15.Be3
Ne6∞
13...Bxd4 14.cxd4
14.Nxd4! Qd7 (14...Nxe5? 15.f4 c5 16.Nb3 c4 17.Nd4 f6 18.fxe5 fxe5 19.Rxf8+ Qxf8 20.Bxe4
Bxe4 21.Ne6 Qd6 22.Ng5±; 14...Ne7 15.f3 Nc5 16.b4 Bxc2 17.Qxc2 Ne6 18.f4±) 15.f4 Nxd4
16.cxd4 f6 17.Be3 (17.g4!?) 17...fxe5 (17...Rad8 18.Qe2± - 33/(450)) 18.dxe5! Bf5 (18...Rad8?!
19.g4±) 19.h3±
14...a5

15.Be3
15.a4 Nb4! 16.Bxe4 (16.Bb1 bxa4 17.Rxa4 Nxf2! 18.Rxf2 Bxb1∞) 16...dxe4 17.axb5 Qd7 18.Nc5
Qxb5 19.h4 h5∞; 15.f3 a4! 16.fxe4 axb3 17.Bxb3 Bxe4∞; 15.f4 a4 16.f5 axb3 17.Bxb3 Bxf5 18.Rxf5
Qd7∞
15...a4 16.Nd2
16.Nc1 a3! - 67/434

528
16...f6! 17.Rc1
17.Nxe4 dxe4 18.exf6 Qxf6∞; 17.f4 fxe5 18.fxe5 (18.dxe5 d4! 19.Bxe4 (19.Nxe4 dxe3∞) 19...Bxe4
20.Nxe4 dxe3∞) 18...Rxf1+ 19.Nxf1 Qd7∞
17...fxe5 18.Nxe4
18.Bxe4? dxe4 19.dxe5 (19.Rxc6 exd4µ) 19...Nxe5³
18...dxe4 19.d5 Ne7 20.Bc5

20.Bg5 - 47/(419)
20...Rf6N
20...Rf7 21.Qe2
21.Qe2 Rb8
21...Nxd5!? 22.Qxb5 Nf4∞
22.Bxe7
22.Rcd1 Nxd5 23.Bxe4 Bxe4 24.Qxe4 c6 25.Qxe5 Qe8 26.Rfe1 Qxe5 27.Rxe5=
22...Qxe7 23.Bxe4 Bxe4 24.Qxe4 Rf4 25.Qe2 Rd4= 26.Rfd1 Qd6 27.Rxd4 exd4 28.g3 h6 29.Qg4
Rd8 30.Qxd4 Qxd5 31.Qxd5+ Rxd5 32.Rxc7 Rd2 33.b4 axb3 34.axb3 Rd3 35.Rb7 Rxb3 36.Kg2
g5 37.Kh3 Rf3 38.Kg2 Rb3 39.f3 b4 40.h4 gxh4 41.gxh4 Rb1 42.Kg3 b3 43.Kg4 b2 44.Kh5 Rf1
45.Rxb2 Rxf3 1/2-1/2

112. ** C90
Huschenbeth, Niclas (2605) - Donchenko, Alexander (2657)

529
 Magdeburg 145/112, 2020

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 O-O 8.a4 b4 9.a5 d6 10.c3 Rb8

11.h3!?
11.Bc4

11...d5!? 12.exd5 Nxd5 13.d4 (13.Nxe5 Nxe5 14.Rxe5 Bb7 15.d4 Bf6 16.Re1 c5 17.dxc5 bxc3
18.bxc3 Nxc3 19.Qxd8 Rfxd8ƒ Perunovic,Milos) 13...bxc3 14.Nxc3 Be6 15.Bxd5 Bxd5 16.Nxe5
Nxe5 17.dxe5 (17.Nxd5 Qxd5 18.Rxe5 (18.dxe5 Rfd8©) 18...Qd7© Perunovic,Milos) 17...Ba8

530
18.h3N (18.Qe2 Qc8©) 18...Rb4 19.Rb1 Qc8 20.Nd5 Bxd5 21.Qxd5 Rb5 22.Qe4 Bb4 23.Re2

23...Qd7 - 145/(112) (23...Bxa5N 24.e6 Qxe6 25.Qxe6 fxe6 26.Rxe6 Bb6 27.Be3 Bxe3 28.Rxe3
Rfb8 29.Rc1 Rxb2 30.Rxc7 R2b7 31.Rxb7 Rxb7 32.Re8+ Kf7 33.Ra8 Rb1+ 34.Kh2 Ra1 35.h4 1/2
(35) Maghsoodloo,P (2676)-Tabatabaei,M (2629) chess.com (Internet) 145/(112) 2020) 24.Bf4 Bxa5
25.Rc1 h6 26.Rc4

531
26...Re8 (26...Qd5!?) 27.Kh2 Qd5 28.Bg3 Qxe4 29.Rcxe4 f5 30.Ra4 Kf7 31.h4 1/2 (31) Tarrio
Ocana,F-Keuter,K corr 145/(112) 2019
11...h6
11...Be6 - 58/ (369)
12.d3 Be6 13.Bxe6 fxe6 14.Nbd2

14...bxc3N
14...Qe8 15.d4 Rb5 16.dxe5 dxe5 17.Nc4 Bc5 18.Qe2 Qg6 19.Be3 bxc3 20.bxc3 Bxe3 21.Qxe3
Rfb8∞; 14...Rb5 15.Nc4 (15.d4 bxc3 16.bxc3 exd4 17.cxd4 Nb4) 15...Nd7 16.d4 bxc3 17.bxc3

532
Qe8∞
15.bxc3 Qe8 16.d4 exd4 17.cxd4 d5
¹17...Qg6 18.Qc2 (18.Qa4 Na7!?∞) 18...Nb4! 19.Qxc7 Qf7 20.Rf1 Rfc8 21.Qa7 Ra8 22.Qb7
Rab8=; 17...Rb5
18.exd5
18.Ba3 Bxa3 19.Rxa3 Rb4 20.Ra4 Rxa4 21.Qxa4 Nxe4 22.Nxe4 dxe4 23.Rxe4²
18...Nxd5 19.Qe2 Nf4 20.Qe4 Bb4 21.Ba3 Bxd2 22.Nxd2 Rf5?!
22...Rf6!∞
23.Rac1?!

23.Nf3! Qd7 (23...Qg6 24.Nh4 Nxh3+ 25.Kh2 Nxf2 26.Nxg6 Nxe4 27.Rxe4 Rxa5 28.Rc1 Nxd4
29.Rxd4 Rxa3 30.Rxc7±) 24.Bc1 Rbf8 25.Bxf4 Rxf4 26.Qxe6+ Qxe6 27.Rxe6±
23...Nxa5?
23...Nxd4! 24.Qxd4 (24.Rxc7 Qg6³; 24.Rc4 Nb5 25.Qxf5 exf5 26.Rxe8+ Rxe8 27.Rxf4 Nxa3
28.Rxf5=) 24...Rd8 25.Qe4 (25.Qc3 Rd3 26.Qb2 Qg6-+; 25.Qb2 Qg6-+) 25...Qg6 26.Re3 (26.Nf1
Nxh3+ 27.Kh2 Ng5 28.Qe3 Nf3+ 29.Qxf3 Rxf3 30.gxf3 Rd3 31.Bc5 Rxf3µ) 26...Rxd2 27.Rxc7 Rg5
28.Qxg6 Rxg6 29.g4∞
24.Rxc7 Qg6?
24...Qd8 25.Rc5 (25.Ra7) 25...Rxc5 26.Bxc5 Nxh3+ 27.gxh3 Qg5+ 28.Qg4 Qxd2 29.Rxe6²
(29.Qxe6+²)

533
25.Re3! Nd5 26.Rg3 Rg5 27.Rxg5
27.Qxg6 Rxg6 28.Rxg6 Nxc7 29.Bd6 Rc8 30.Be5 Ne8 31.Rxe6±
27...Qxg5 28.Qxe6+ Kh7
28...Kh8 29.Rc8+ Rxc8 30.Qxc8+ Kh7 31.Nf3 Qf6 32.Ne5+-
29.Qe4+ Kh8

30.Nf3
30.Rf7! Nf6 31.Qc2+-
30...Qf4 31.Qxf4 Nxf4 32.Bd6 Nd3
32...Nd5 33.Ra7 Rb6 34.Be5 Nb7 35.Nh4+-
33.Ne5 Rb1+ 34.Kh2 Nxf2 35.Bf8 Rb7 36.Rc8 Kh7 37.d5 Rb5
37...Ne4+- 38.d6 Nxd6 39.Bxd6 Rb5
38.Rc7 Kg8
38...Rb7 39.d6+-
39.Ng6 Rb7 40.d6 Kh7 41.d7 Rxc7 42.d8=Q Rf7 43.Ne5 1-0

113. C95
Janik, Igor (2471) - Sadzikowski, Daniel (2522)
Polska 145/113, 2020

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.h3 Nb8 10.d4

534
Nbd7 11.Nh4!? Nb6
11...Nxe4 12.Nf5 Ndf6 (12...Nef6 13.Qf3 Nb6 14.dxe5 dxe5 15.Rxe5ƒ) 13.Qf3 Bb7 (13...Bxf5
14.Qxf5 d5! (14...exd4 15.Rxe4 Nxe4 16.Qxe4 Bg5 17.Bd2!² - 2/304) 15.dxe5 Bc5 16.Be3 Bxe3
17.Rxe3 g6 18.Qf3 Nh5∞) 14.Bc2 Nc5 15.Qg3 Ne6 16.dxe5 (16.Nd2!?©) 16...dxe5 17.Nxe7+
(17.Bb3 - 4/356) 17...Qxe7 18.Qxe5∞; 11...Re8 12.Nf5 Bf8 13.Nd2²
12.dxe5

12...Nxe4?!N
12...dxe5 13.Nf5²
13.Rxe4 d5
13...Bxh4 14.Qh5 Be7 15.exd6 Bxd6 (15...Qxd6 16.Bf4 Qd7 17.Nd2±) 16.Bg5 Qd7 17.Bc2 g6

535
18.Qxh7+! Kxh7 19.Bf6 Qg4 20.hxg4²
14.Rg4
14.Re1 Bxh4 15.Nd2 Be7 16.Nf3 c5 17.Bc2 Be6 18.Qd3 g6 19.Bh6 Re8 20.Qe3 Nc4 21.Qf4!?
(21.Qc1) 21...Nxb2 22.Ng5​→
14...Bxg4 15.Qxg4 Bxh4 16.Bh6 g6 17.Bxf8 Kxf8 18.Nd2 Be7 19.Nf3 Qc8
19...Nc4 20.Re1 c5 21.Bc2±
20.Qf4 c5 21.Re1 Qe6 22.Bd1!?
22.Bc2
22...Kg7 23.b4 h6
23...Rc8 24.Bc2 Nd7 25.h4 h6 26.g4±
24.bxc5 Bxc5 25.Nd4 Bxd4 26.Qxd4 Kh7 27.Bg4
27.f4 Re8 28.g4 Qc6 29.Bf3±
27...f5 28.Be2 Rc8 29.g4 Na4 30.gxf5 gxf5

536
31.Bd3
31.Kh1! Nxc3 (31...Re8 32.Bd3) 32.Rg1 Rc7 (32...Qe7 33.Bh5 Ne4 34.Bg6+ Kh8 35.Bxf5 Qc5
36.Qxc5 Rxc5 37.f4+-) 33.Bh5 Ne4 34.Rg6 Qe7 35.Qb6 Qxe5 36.Rxh6+ Kg7 37.Re6 Qc3
38.Kg2+-
31...Nc5
31...Nxc3 32.Kh1 Ne4 33.f3 Ng3+ 34.Kh2 Rg8∞
32.Kh2 Nxd3 33.Qxd3 Rc4= 34.Qe3
34.f3 Ra4 35.Re2 Rh4∞
34...Re4 35.Qa7+ Kg6 36.Rg1+ Kh5 37.f4 Rxf4 38.Qe3 Re4 39.Qf3+ Kh4 40.Qg3+ Kh5 41.Qf3+
Kh4 42.Qg3+ Kh5 43.Kh1 b4 44.cxb4 d4 45.Qf3+ Kh4 46.Qg3+ Kh5 47.Qf3+ 1/2-1/2

537
D00-D24

114. ** D00
Matuszewski, Michal (2508) - Wojtaszek, Radoslaw (2717)
Polska 145/114, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.dxc5

4.Bxf6 gxf6 5.dxc5 e6 6.e4

(6.Ngf3 Bxc5 7.e3 Nc6 8.a3 O-O 9.c4 dxc4 10.Bxc4

538
10...a6N (10...f5) 11.Rc1 Qe7∞ Martirosyan, H (2622)-Theodorou,N (2554) chess.com (ol-rapid)
145/ (114) 2020) 6...Nc6!?N (6...Bxc5) 7.Ne2 f5!? 8.exf5 Bxc5 9.Nb3 Bb6

10.Nf4?! (10.Qd3 Bd7 11.O-O-O Qc7∞) 10...Qf6!³ Matuszewski,M (2508) -Harikrishna,P (2732)
Polska 145/(114) 2020
4...e6 5.Nb3
5.e4 - 131/133
5...Nbd7 6.e3 Nxc5 7.Nxc5 Bxc5 8.Bb5+

539
8...Kf8!
8...Bd7 9.Bxd7+ Qxd7 10.Bxf6 gxf6 11.c3∞
9.c3N
9.Bd3
9...Qb6 10.Bd3 e5 11.Ne2 Be7 12.O-O Be6 13.Ng3?!
13.Qb3 Qc7 14.Rac1 Rc8∞
13...h6 14.Bxf6 Bxf6 15.Kh1?!
15.e4 d4 16.Qf3 dxc3 17.bxc3 Rc8∞
15...Rd8 16.Rb1

540
16...g6
16...h5! 17.Nxh5 Bh4 18.f4 (18.Kg1 Bd7µ) 18...Qxe3 19.Rf3 (19.f5 Bd7µ) 19...Qb6 20.f5 Rxh5
21.fxe6 Qxe6 22.Rh3 Rh6µ
17.f4 e4 18.Be2
18.f5 Bxf5 19.Nxf5 exd3 20.Nd4 Qa6 21.Qf3 (21.b4 Kg7 22.b5 Qa3 23.Qxd3 Rhe8µ) 21...Kg7
22.Rbd1 Rhe8µ
18...h5 19.f5 h4 20.Nh5
20.fxe6 hxg3 21.h3 Qxe6-+
20...Bxf5 21.Nxf6 Qxf6 22.Bg4 Bxg4 23.Qxg4 Qd6 24.Rbd1 Rh5
24...Kg7 25.Rf5 (25.c4 f5! 26.Rxf5 (26.Qh3 Qe5 27.Rxd5 Rxd5 28.cxd5 Qxd5-+) 26...Qe6 27.Rg5
Qxg4 28.Rxg4 dxc4 29.Rc1 Rd2 30.Rxe4 b5-+) 25...Qe6 26.Rdf1 f6 27.h3 Rdf8µ
25.c4 Kg8 26.Rxd5 Rxd5 27.cxd5

541
27...Qxd5?!
27...Qe7! 28.h3 (28.Rd1 Qe5 29.Qxh4 Rxd5 30.Rxd5 (30.Rf1 Qxb2 31.Qxe4 Rf5 32.Rg1 Re5 33.Qf4
Ra5µ) 30...Qxd5 31.h3 Qxa2 32.Qd8+ Kh7 33.Qd7 Qb3µ) 28...Rxd5 29.Rf4 Re5 (29...Rd2 30.Qc8+
Kh7 (30...Rd8 31.Rxe4 Qxe4 32.Qxd8+ Kg7 33.b3=) 31.Qc4=) 30.Qxh4 Qxh4 31.Rxh4 f5³
28.Qxh4= Rc8 29.a3 Rc2 30.Qf6 Qc4
30...Re2 31.Qc3
31.h3 Rc1 32.Kg1 b5 33.Qd8+ Kg7 34.Qf6+ Kg8 35.Qd8+ 1/2-1/2

115. D12
Dvirnyy, Danyyil (2485) - Shirov, Alexei (2647)
chess.com (ol-rapid) 145/115, 2020

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 Bf5 5.Nc3 e6 6.Nh4 Be4 7.f3 Bg6 8.Qb3 Qc7 9.Bd2 Be7 10.Nxg6
hxg6 11.O-O-O Nbd7?!
11...dxc4
12.cxd5 cxd5
12...Nxd5 - 86/381
13.Kb1 a6 14.Rc1

542
14...Qb8N
14...Qb6
15.h4
15.e4! dxe4 16.fxe4 e5 17.Bc4 O-O 18.Nd5 Nxd5 19.Bxd5 Nf6 20.Bxb7 Ra7 21.Bc6 Qxb3 22.axb3
exd4²
15...b5 16.a4 O-O 17.a5
17.axb5?! axb5 18.Bxb5 (18.Nxb5 Ra6µ) 18...Nb6 19.e4 Qa7µ
17...Rc8 18.Bd3?!
18.g4 Qg3 19.Be2 Rab8 20.Na2 Rxc1+ 21.Nxc1²
18...Qg3! 19.Rcg1 Rc4!?
19...Nb8!? 20.Ne2 Qc7 21.h5 g5∞
20.f4?!

543
20.Bxc4 dxc4 21.Ne2 (21.Qc2 b4 22.Ne2 Qc7 23.Rc1 Rc8© (23...c3 24.Nxc3 bxc3 25.Bxc3∞))
21...Qc7 22.Rc1 Rc8 23.Qd1 b4©
20...Rac8?!
20...Rxd4! 21.Ne2 (21.exd4 Qxd3+ 22.Qc2 Qxd4µ) 21...Rxd3 22.Qxd3 Qg4 23.Nd4 Ne4³
21.Qd1
21.Bxc4 dxc4 22.Qd1 b4 23.Rh3 Qg4 24.Qxg4 Nxg4 25.Ne4±
21...b4 22.Ne2 Qg4 23.Nc1 Ne4!! 24.Be2?
24.Qxg4 Nxd2+ 25.Ka1 b3 26.Bb1 Ra4+ 27.Na2 bxa2 28.Bxa2

544
28...Nc5!! 29.dxc5 (29.b4 Ncb3+ 30.Kb2 Rxa2+ 31.Kxa2 Rc2+ 32.Ka3 Nc4+ 33.Kxb3 Rb2+
34.Kc3 Bxb4+ 35.Kd3 Rd2#) 29...Rxa2+! (29...Rxc5-+) 30.Kxa2 Rxc5 31.b4 Rc2+ 32.Ka3 Nc4+
33.Kb3 Rb2+ 34.Kc3 Bf6+ 35.Kd3 Rd2#; 24.Bxe4 Qxd1 25.Rxd1 dxe4 26.g4 Nf6 27.g5 Nd5∞
24...Qf5 25.Bd3 Ndf6 26.g4?
26.Nb3 Ng4 27.Rf1 Rb8µ
26...Nxg4! 27.Rxg4

27...Qxg4!! 28.Qxg4 Nxd2+ 29.Ka1

29.Ka2 b3+ 30.Nxb3 Ra4#

545
29...Rxc1+ 0-1

116. * D12
Wojtaszek, Radoslaw (2719) - Harikrishna, Penteala (2719)
Biel 145/116, 2020

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 Bf5 5.Nc3 e6 6.Nh4 Be4 7.f3 Bg6 8.Qb3 Qc7 9.Bd2 Be7 10.O-O-
O dxc4 11.Bxc4 b5 12.Be2 a6
12...a5 - 108/(244)
13.Nxg6 hxg6 14.Ne4 Nxe4 15.fxe4 c5 16.Kb1 Nc6

17.Bc3!?
17.e5!?N cxd4 (17...O-O!?) 18.Bf3 Rc8 19.Rc1 Qd7? (19...Qb6 20.Qc2 O-O 21.exd4 (21.Bxc6??
dxe3 22.Be1 Rc7-+) 21...Nxe5 22.Qxc8 Nxf3 23.Qc3 Nxd2+ 24.Qxd2 Rd8 25.Rhd1²) 20.Qc2 Na7
21.Qxc8+

546
21...Nxc8 (21...Qxc8 22.Rxc8+ Nxc8 23.exd4±) 22.Bc6± Carlsen,M (2863) -Vachier Lagrave,M
(2778) chess24.com (Int.-m/3-rapid) 145/(116) 2020
17...O-ON
RR17...Rd8 18.Qc2 Qb7 19.d5 exd5 20.exd5 Nb4 21.Bxb4 cxb4 22.h4 Qb6 23.Qe4 f5=; 17...c4!?
18.Qc2 Nb4 19.Qd2 a5 20.d5!±
18.h4!
18.d5 exd5 19.exd5 Nb4=
18...c4?!
18...Rac8 19.h5 cxd4 20.Bxd4 (20.exd4? b4 21.Be1? (21.Bxb4 Nxb4 22.hxg6 Qc2+ 23.Qxc2 Rxc2
24.gxf7+ Kxf7³) 21...Nxd4!) 20...Nxd4 21.exd4 gxh5 22.Rxh5 g6 23.Rhh1 Kg7 24.Qe3 Rh8²
19.Qc2 b4 20.Be1 c3?!
RR20...Na5 21.h5 g5 22.h6 g6 23.e5 (23.d5 e5∞) 23...Rac8∞; 20...b3!? 21.Qxc4 bxa2+ 22.Ka1 Rab8
23.h5 Qb6 24.Qxa2 g5 25.Rc1 (25.h6 Nb4 26.Bxb4 Qxb4 27.hxg7 Rfc8!=) 25...Nb4 26.Bxb4
Qxb4=
21.h5 g5 22.e5

547
22.h6 g6 23.h7+ Kh8 24.bxc3 Rab8 25.c4 (25.cxb4 Bxb4 26.Bxb4 Qd6!„) 25...b3! 26.axb3 a5„
22...b3!?
22...Rfc8∞
23.Qxc3
23.Qxb3 cxb2 24.h6 Rfc8!ƒ; 23.axb3 Nb4 24.Qxc3 Qa5 25.Bc4 Rfc8ƒ
23...bxa2+ 24.Ka1 Bb4 25.Qc2 Bxe1

26.h6?

548
26.Rdxe1! Rfc8 27.Rc1±
26...Rfc8!
26...Bh4 27.g3 Rfc8 (27...Qb6! 28.gxh4 Na5 29.Rd3 Rab8 30.Bd1 Rfc8 31.Rc3 Qd8=) 28.gxh4²
∆Qb6?! 29.Rc1 Na5?? 30.h7++-
27.Rdxe1
27.hxg7 Bh4 28.g3 Qb6! 29.Qe4 (29.Bh5 Rc7! (29...Nb4? 30.Bxf7+ Kxf7 31.g8=Q+ Kxg8 32.Qg6+
Kh8 33.Qh6+ Kg8 34.Qg6+=) 30.Rc1 Rb8 31.Qf2 Rbb7!-+) 29...Rab8 30.Rd2 Na5-+
27...Nb4 28.Qxc7 Rxc7 29.hxg7!?
29.Rd1 gxh6 (RR29...Nc2+ 30.Kxa2 Nxe3 31.Rd3 Nd5 32.Rb3 g6³) 30.Rxh6 Rac8 (RR30...Kg7
31.Rhh1 (31.Rdh1? Rac8 32.Rh7+ Kg6 33.R7h6+ Kf5 34.Rf6+ Ke4-+) 31...Rac8³) 31.Rhh1 Kg7µ
29...Nc2+ 30.Kxa2 Nxe1 31.Rh8+ Kxg7 32.Rxa8 Nxg2µ 33.Rxa6
33.e4 Nf4 34.Bf3 (34.Bxa6 g4 35.d5 exd5 36.exd5 Nxd5 37.Be2 g3 38.Bf3 Ne3 39.Re8 (39.Ra3 Nc4
40.Rc3 Nxe5 41.Rxc7 Nxf3 42.Rc2 f5-+) 39...Ra7+ 40.Kb3 Ra6-+) 34...Rd7 35.d5 Nd3 36.Bg4
Re7µ
33...Nxe3 34.Ra3 Nf5
34...Nc2! 35.Rg3 (35.Ra4 Rd7) 35...f6 36.exf6+ Kxf6 37.Rf3+ Ke7µ
35.Rd3 Rd7

36.d5?†
36.b4! Rxd4 37.b5 Re4 38.Bh5! (38.Rd2 Nd4 39.Bd3 Rxe5 (39...Nxb5 40.Bxb5 Rxe5³) 40.b6 Nc6µ)

549
38...Rxe5 (38...Nd4 39.b6 Nc6 40.Rb3! Rxe5 41.b7 Nb8 42.Bf3! f5 43.Ra3 g4 44.Bg2! Re2+ 45.Kb1
Rd2 46.Rc3! Rd8 47.Rc8 Rf8 48.Kc2 f4 49.Be4 f3 50.Kd2 f2 51.Bg2=) 39.b6 Rb5 40.Rb3 Ra5+
41.Ra3 Rxa3+ 42.Kxa3 Nd6 43.Kb4 Kf6 44.Kc5 Ke7 45.Bf3 f5 46.b7 Nxb7+ 47.Bxb7=
36...Rxd5 37.Rxd5 exd5 38.b4 Nd4 39.Bg4 Nc6 40.b5
40.e6 fxe6 41.Bxe6 Kf6!-+
40...Nxe5 41.b6 Kf6!
41...Nc6? 42.Bf3! Nb8 43.Bxd5 f5 44.Kb3 Kf6 45.b7 Ke5 46.Kc4 g4 47.Kc5 f4 48.Bc6 f3
49.Kb6=
42.b7 Nc6 43.Ka3 Ke5 44.Ka4 Kd6
RR44...f5 45.Kb5 Nb8 46.Be2 g4 47.Kb6 Kd6-+
45.Kb5 Kc7 46.Kc5 Ne7! 47.b8=Q+ Kxb8 48.Kd6 f5 49.Bd1 g4 50.Ke5 0-1

117. D20
Wojtaszek, Radoslaw (2719) - Anton Guijarro, David (2703)
Biel (rapid) 145/117, 2020

1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.e4 Nf6 4.e5 Nd5 5.Bxc4 Bf5 6.Nf3
6.Ne2 - 140/149
6...e6 7.Nc3 Nxc3N
7...Nb6
8.bxc3 Be7 9.Bd3
9.Qb3!?
9...Bxd3 10.Qxd3 c5 11.Rb1 b6 12.O-O Nc6 13.Qe4 Qd5 14.Qg4
14.Qxd5 exd5 15.Rd1 (15.dxc5 Bxc5=) 15...cxd4 16.cxd4 Kd7 17.Rb5 Ke6=
14...Kf8
¹14...cxd4 15.cxd4 h5! 16.Qxg7 O-O-Oƒ
15.Bg5
15.dxc5!?
15...cxd4?!
15...Bxg5
16.Bxe7+ Nxe7 17.cxd4

550
17.Rfd1²
17...h6=
17...Qxa2?! 18.Ng5 Nf5 19.Rbc1© ƒ
18.Rb3?! Rc8 19.Ra3 Rc7 20.h4 Kg8 21.Qf4 Nc6?!
21...a5; 21...Qc4
22.Rd1?!
22.Rc1 Nxd4 23.Nxd4 Rxc1+ 24.Qxc1 Qxd4 25.Qc7=
22...Kh7 23.Nh2 Rd8
¹23...Rd7
24.Rad3?!
24.Ng4; 24.Rg3
24...Rcd7 25.Kh1
25.Ng4
25...Kh8
¹25...Qc4
26.Ng4 Kh7
26...Qxa2!? 27.Nxh6 Rxd4 28.Rxd4 Rxd4 29.Rxd4 Qa1+ 30.Kh2 Qxd4 31.Qxf7 Qxh4+ 32.Kg1
Qxh6 33.Qe8+ Kh7 34.Qxc6 Qf4³
27.Ne3 Qb5 28.Qe4+
28.d5!?
28...Kg8?

551
28...Kh8
29.d5! exd5?
29...Qb4 30.dxc6 Qxe4 31.Rxd7 Rf8 32.c7±; 29...Ne7!?
30.Nxd5+- Nb8?!
30...Nxe5 31.Qxe5 Kh8 32.Rd4+-
31.a4
31.e6!
31...Qc5
¹31...Qb2
32.f4?!
32.e6!
32...Kh8 33.f5 Qc6 34.e6 fxe6 35.fxe6 Rd6 36.e7 Re8 37.Rf1 Nd7 38.Rdf3 Nf6 39.Nxf6 gxf6
40.Qg6 Rxe7 41.Qxh6+ Kg8 42.Rg3+ Kf7 43.Qh8
43.Qh5+ Ke6 44.Qg4+
43...Ke6 44.Rxf6+?!
44.Re1+
44...Kd7 45.Rf8 Qc1+?!

552
45...Qc7
46.Kh2 Rd1 47.Rd8+ Ke6 48.Qg8+ Rf7 49.Qg4+ 1-0

118. D20
Ding, Liren (2801) - Harikrishna, Penteala (2731)
Kolkata (blitz) 145/118, 2019

1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.e4 Nf6 4.e5 Nd5 5.Bxc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Nc6 7.Be3 Bf5 8.Nc3 e6 9.Nf3
9.Nge2 - 54/373
9...Be7 10.O-O O-O 11.h3?!

11.a3 Bg4 (11...Na5 12.Bc2 Qd7 13.Bxf5 exf5 14.d5 Nac4 15.Bxb6 Nxb6 16.Qb3±) 12.Qd3!
Bxf3?! 13.Bc2! (13.gxf3?? Nxe5-+) 13...f5 14.exf6 Rxf6 15.Qxh7+ Kf7 16.gxf3 Qh8 (16...Nxd4??
17.Qh5+ Kf8 18.Bxd4 Qxd4 19.Bg6! Rxg6+ 20.Qxg6+-) 17.Qxh8 Rxh8 18.Kg2²
11...Qd7?!N
11...Nb4 12.a3 N4d5=
12.a3! Rad8 13.Qe2 Kh8?
13...Na5 14.Ba2 c5! 15.Rfd1 c4∞
14.Rfd1! Bg6
14...f6? 15.Nh4 fxe5 16.Nxf5 exf5 17.dxe5 Qc8 18.f4+-; 14...Nd5 15.Nxd5 exd5 16.Ba4±
15.Rac1

553
15.d5 exd5 16.Nxd5±
15...Bh5 16.g4 Bg6 17.d5 Nxd5 18.Nxd5 exd5 19.Bxd5 Qxd5
19...Qc8 20.Bxc6 bxc6 (20...Rxd1+ 21.Qxd1 bxc6 22.Nd4+-) 21.Nd4+-; 19...Qe8 20.Bxc6 Rxd1+
21.Qxd1 bxc6 22.Qa4+-
20.Rxd5 Rxd5 21.Bf4?!
21.b4 a6 (21...Nxe5 22.Nxe5 Rxe5 23.Rxc7+-) 22.Bc5!+-
21...Rd3 22.h4 h6 23.h5 Bh7 24.Rd1
24.Rc3 Rd5 25.Bg3±
24...Rxd1+
24...Rfd8 25.Rxd3 Rxd3!? (25...Bxd3 26.Qe3 Bc4 27.g5 hxg5 28.Bxg5 Rd3 29.Qe4 Rd1+ 30.Kh2
Bd5+- 31.Qe2 Ra1 32.Bxe7 Nxe7 33.Kg3+-)
25.Qxd1 Be4! 26.Nd2?!
26.Qb3 Rd8 27.Nd2 Bd5 28.Qxb7 Bc5 29.Be3!+-
26...Bd5! 27.Nf1?! Rd8 28.Ne3 Be6 29.Qc2?

29.Qf1 Nd4 30.Kg2 Kg8©

29...Rd4! 30.Bg3 Bg5! 31.Qc3 Bxe3 32.Qxe3 Rxg4³
32...Bxg4 33.e6 Bxe6 34.Bxc7©
33.Qc5

554
33.f4 Ne7 34.Qf3 c6 35.Kf2 Kh7 36.Qd1©
33...a6?
33...Rc4 34.Qf8+ Kh7µ
34.b4?
34.Qf8+ Kh7 35.Qa8!©
34...Kg8 35.Qc3 Rc4 36.Qd3 Rd4
¹36...Nd4µ
37.Qc2 Rd7 38.Kh2 Nd4 39.Qe4

39...c6?!
39...Rd5!? 40.Bf4 Nc6³
40.a4 Rd5 41.Qf4 Nf5 42.Qe4 Rd1 43.Qe2 Rd4
43...Ra1 44.Qd2 Rxa4-+
44.b5 axb5
44...Rxa4 45.bxc6 bxc6 46.Qd1 Rd4 47.Qc1 Bd5µ
45.axb5 Bd5
¹45...c5 46.b6 Rb4 47.Qd2 Kh7 48.Qc3 Rxb6 49.Qxc5 Rb3-+
46.b6?

555
46.bxc6 bxc6 47.Qa6 Kh7 48.Qe2 Be6µ
46...Rc4
¹46...Re4 47.Qd1 Nd4-+
47.Qd3 Nd4 48.Qa3 c5 49.Qa8+ Kh7 50.Qd8 Nf3+ 51.Kh3 Rd4 52.Qc7
52.Bf4?? Be6+-+
52...Ng5+ 53.Kh2 Rd1 54.Bh4

54...Nf3+
54...Rh1+! 55.Kg3 Rh3+ 56.Kf4 Rf3+ 57.Kg4 Be6#
55.Kg3 Rg1+ 56.Kf4 Nxh4 57.Qxc5 Ng2+ 58.Kg3 Ne3+
¹58...Ne1+ 59.Kf4 Nd3+-+
59.Kf4 Ng2+ 60.Kf5 Be6+ 61.Ke4 Re1+ 62.Kf3 Nh4+ 63.Kf4 g5+ 64.hxg6+ Nxg6+ 65.Kg3 Rxe5
66.Qc7 Rg5+ 67.Kh2 Bd5-+ 68.f4 Rf5 69.Qd7 Be4 70.Kg3 Rxf4 71.Qc7 h5 72.Qd7 h4+ 73.Kh2
Kg7 74.Qd4+ Kh6 75.Qe3 f5 76.Qd2 Bc6 77.Qe3 Kh5 78.Qd2 Rg4 79.Qe2 Kg5 80.Qd2+ Kf6
81.Qd8+ Kg7 82.Qc7+ Kh6 83.Qd6 f4 84.Qf6 f3 85.Qd6 Rg2+ 86.Kh3 Rg3+ 87.Kh2 Rg5 88.Qf6
Rg2+ 89.Kh3 Rg3+ 90.Kh2 Rg5 91.Kh3 f2 92.Kh2 Rg2+ 93.Kh3 Rg3+ 94.Kh2 Rf3 95.Qd6 Rf7
96.Qf4+ Rxf4 0-1

119. D20
Kozul, Zdenko (2597) - Stevic, Hrvoje (2575)
Hrvatska (ch) 145/119, 2020

1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.e4 e5 4.Nf3 exd4 5.Bxc4 Nc6 6.O-O Be6 7.Bxe6 fxe6 8.Qb3 Qd7 9.Qxb7 Rb8

556
10.Qa6 Nge7

11.Bf4N
11.a3; 11.Nbd2
11...Ng6 12.Bg3 Rxb2 13.Rc1
13.Nbd2!?
13...Rb6 14.Qa4 Bd6
14...h5!?
15.Bxd6 cxd6 16.Nxd4
16.Nbd2!?
16...Rb4
16...Nxd4 17.Qxd4 O-O 18.Nc3 Rb2ƒ
17.Qxc6 Rxd4 18.Qc2 O-O 19.Nd2 d5 20.f3
20.Nb3!? Rc4 21.Qd2 Qf7∞
20...Nf4 21.Nb3 Rc4 22.Qd2 Qc6 23.g3 Ng6 24.exd5 exd5 25.f4 Ne7 26.Re1 Rc2

557
27.Qd3
27.Rac1!?
27...d4 28.Re2 Rxe2 29.Qxe2 Nf5 30.Rc1 Re8 31.Qd3 Qe6 32.Nxd4
32.Nxd4 Nxd4 33.Qxd4 Qxa2 34.Ra1 Qc2 35.Qxa7 h6=
1/2-1/2

120. D24
Kozul, Zdenko (2597) - Zelcic, Robert (2527)
Hrvatska (ch) 145/120, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.e4 b5 6.Nxb5 Nxe4 7.Qa4 c6 8.Nc3

558
8...Nd6N
8...Nxc3
9.g3! Be7 10.Bg2 O-O 11.O-O Nd7 12.Ne5 Nb6?!
12...Bb7 13.Nxc6 Bxc6 14.Qxc6 Rc8 15.Qa4²; 12...Nxe5 13.dxe5 Nf5 14.Bxc6 Rb8 15.Qxa7 Bb7!
16.Bxb7 Qc7 17.Nb5 Rxb7! 18.Nxc7 Rxa7 19.Nb5 Ra5 20.a4 Rfa8 21.Bd2 Rxa4 22.Rxa4 Rxa4=
13.Nxc6!± Qc7?!
13...Nxa4 14.Nxd8 Rxd8 15.Bxa8 Bd7 16.Bf3±; 13...Bd7 14.Nxd8 (14.Nxe7+!? Qxe7 15.Qa3±)
14...Nxa4 15.Bxa8 Rxd8 16.Bf3±
14.Nxe7+
14.Qa3
14...Qxe7 15.Qa3 Qd7
15...Rb8? 16.Bf4 Rd8 17.Ne4+-; 15...Nd5 16.Bf4 Nxf4 17.Bxa8+-
16.Bxa8 Nxa8

559
17.d5!+- Nb6
¹17...Bb7 18.dxe6 (18.Bf4 Nb5 19.Qa4 (19.Nxb5 Qxd5 20.f3 Qxb5 21.Qxa7 Bd5±) 19...a6
20.Qxc4 Nxc3 21.bxc3+-; 18.Qxa7 exd5 19.Nxd5+-) 18...fxe6 19.f3+-
18.Be3
18.dxe6!? Qxe6 19.Be3 Bb7 20.Bxb6 axb6 21.Rad1 Bf3 22.Ne2! Qxe2 23.Rfe1
18...Nf5
18...Nxd5 19.Nxd5 exd5 20.Bc5 Rd8 21.Qxa7
19.Rad1?!
19.Bxb6 axb6 20.Qa4
19...Nxd5 20.Nxd5
20.Bc5!?
20...exd5 21.Qxa7 Bb7 22.Bd4 h5± 23.f3 Ra8 24.Qc5 Ra6!?
24...Rxa2 25.Ra1 Rxa1 26.Rxa1 Nxd4 27.Qxd4 Qf5±
25.Rfe1 Rg6 26.Qa7 Qc8 27.a3
27.Re5
27...Nh4 28.Re3?

560
28.Rf1±
28...Qf5! 29.Qb8+
29.Qxb7?? Qc2-+
29...Kh7™ 30.Re8?
30.Kh1 Re6 (30...Qc2? 31.Rg1+-) 31.Qf4 Qxf4 32.gxf4 Rxe3 33.Bxe3 Nxf3²
30...Nxf3+µ 31.Kh1
31.Kg2 Qc2+ 32.Kxf3 Qxd1+ 33.Kg2 Qc2+ 34.Kg1 Rg4µ
31...Rf6?
31...Re6! 32.Rh8+ Kg6 33.Bxg7 Re2 34.Rh6+ Kg5 35.g4 Qxg4 36.Qd8+ Kf4 37.Qf6+ Qf5
38.Qxf5+ Kxf5 39.Rf6+ Ke4 40.Rxf3 Kxf3 41.Rf1+ Rf2 42.Kg1 Rxf1+ 43.Kxf1 f5-+
32.Rh8+?
32.g4! hxg4 33.Bxf6

561
33...Nd2! 34.Rh8+ (34.Ree1 Qf3+ 35.Kg1 Ne4 36.Bh4 g3! 37.Bxg3 (37.hxg3 Qf2+ 38.Kh1 d4
39.Qxb7 Qf3+ 40.Kh2 Qf2+ 41.Kh3 Qf5+=)) 34...Kg6 35.Kg1 Nf3+ 36.Kg2 Qc2+ 37.Kg3 Qxd1
38.Bxg7!=
32...Kg6 33.Qg8?
33.g4 hxg4 34.Bxf6 Qe4! 35.Qg3 d4! 36.Qg2 Kxf6-+
33...Ng5! 0-1

562
D25-D49

121. D27
Edouard, Romain (2649) - Harikrishna, Penteala (2719)
Biel (rapid) 145/121, 2020

1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.e3 Nf6 4.Bxc4 e6 5.Nf3 a6 6.O-O c5 7.dxc5 Qxd1 8.Rxd1 Bxc5 9.Be2 O-O
10.Nbd2 Rd8 11.b3 Bd7
11...b6 - 85/(345)
12.Nc4 Nc6 13.Bb2 Be8

14.Kf1N
14.Nfe5
14...Nd5
14...Ne4!?
15.Rac1 Be7 16.g3
16.Nfe5 Nxe5 17.Nxe5 Rac8=
16...Rac8= 17.Nd4
17.a3!?; 17.e4!?
17...Ncb4!?

563
17...Nxd4 18.Bxd4 (18.Rxd4? b5 19.Na5 Rxc1+ 20.Bxc1 Rc8 21.Bd2 Nc3µ) 18...b5 19.Ne5=
18.a3 Na2 19.Rc2
19.Ra1 Nac3 20.Rdc1 Nxe2 21.Kxe2 Bf6=
19...b5

20.Ra1?!
20.Na5 Rxc2 21.Nxc2 Nac3 22.Rc1=
20...bxc4 21.Bxc4 Nb6
21...e5!?
22.Rxa2
22.Bd3 e5 23.Nf5 Rxc2 24.Nxe7+ Kf8 25.Bxc2 Rd2 26.Rxa2 Rxc2µ
22...Nxc4

564
23.bxc4?!
23.Rxc4 e5 (23...Rxc4 24.bxc4 Rc8³) 24.Rxc8 Rxc8 25.Nf5 Bf8 26.Ra1 (26.Bxe5? Rc5-+) 26...f6
27.Rc1 Rb8³
23...Ba4 24.Rc3?!

24.Rc1 e5 25.Nf3 (25.Nf5 Bf8 26.Raa1 f6µ) 25...f6µ

24...e5µ 25.Nf5
25.Nf3

565
25...Bf8
25...Bc5!?
26.Bc1?
26.Rc1
26...g6-+ 27.Nh4 e4 0-1

122. * D32
Fernandez, Jorge Luis - Firsching, Guenter
corr 145/122, 2019

1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.e3 e6 4.d4 d5 5.Nc3 a6 6.cxd5 exd5 7.g3 c4!?
7...Nc6 - 144/127
8.Bg2 Bb4 9.Ne5 Nc6 10.O-O O-O 11.Bd2 Re8 12.Nxc6 bxc6 13.b3 Bxc3
13...a5 14.Qc2

14...cxb3N (14...Ba6) 15.axb3 g6 16.Rfc1 Bf5 17.Qd1 Qd6∞ Carlsen,M (2845)-Mamedyarov,S

(2790) Shamkir 145/(122) 2019
14.Bxc3 Ne4

566
15.Qe1N
15.Bb4 a5 16.Ba3 cxb3 17.axb3 Ng5 18.Bc1 Bh3 19.Bxh3 Nxh3+ 20.Kg2 Ng5 21.h4=
15...a5 16.bxc4

16...Ba6! 17.Bxa5 Qg5 18.Bxe4 Rxe4 19.Qd2 Bxc4 20.Rfe1 Qf5 21.a4 h5!© 22.Bc7 Re7
22...h4!? 23.a5 h3 24.Qd1 Re6 25.g4 Qf6 26.Bg3 c5!„
23.Bf4 Rb7 24.a5
24.h4 Rb3 25.a5 f6 26.Kh2 Ra7 27.e4!? dxe4 28.Qc2 Bd5 29.Re3 Rb5 30.a6 Rb6 31.Rea3 Qg4∞

567
24...Raa7 25.f3 Rb3 26.e4 dxe4 27.fxe4 Qb5 28.Be5 f6 29.Bf4 Be6 30.Be3 Ra6 31.Bf2 Rb2 32.Qc3
Bh3 33.Rec1 Kh7 34.Qe1

34...Kg6!?
34...Kg8=
35.Rc5 Qd3
35...Qd3 36.Rc3 Qb5 37.Rc5=
1/2-1/2

123. D34
Anton Guijarro, David (2703) - Edouard, Romain (2649)
Biel (rapid) 145/123, 2020

1.Nf3 c5 2.c4 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.g3 e6 5.Bg2 d5 6.cxd5 exd5 7.d4 Be7 8.O-O O-O 9.dxc5 Bxc5
10.Na4 Be7 11.Be3 Re8 12.Rc1 Bg4 13.h3 Bh5
13...Be6 - 99/(274)
14.Nd4 Nxd4 15.Bxd4

568
15...Bb4N
15...Ne4; 15...Bf8
16.Bf3
16.Qb3 Bd6 (16...Bd2 17.Rc2 Ba5 18.Bxf6 Qxf6 19.Qxb7 Rad8 20.Qb5 Bb6 21.e3±) 17.Rfe1 b6
18.e3 Bg6 19.Nc3±
16...Bxf3 17.exf3 b6
17...Bd6!?
18.Kg2 Nd7 19.Qb3± Bc5
19...Bf8 20.Rfd1±
20.Bxc5 Nxc5 21.Nxc5 bxc5 22.Rxc5 Rb8

569
23.Rxd5?!
23.Rb5±
23...Rxb3 24.Rxd8 Rxd8 25.axb3 Rd2?!
25...Rb8²
26.Ra1 Rxb2?!
26...Rd7
27.Rxa7 g5 28.Rb7+- Kg7 29.Rb6 h5 30.f4
30.g4!?
30...gxf4 31.gxf4

570
31...h4?!
31...Rd2
32.f5 Kh7 33.Kf3 Kg7 34.b4 Kh7 35.b5
35.Kf4!?
35...Kg7
¹35...Rb4
36.Kg4 Rxf2 37.Rc6 Rb2 38.b6 Rb4+ 39.Kg5 Rb5 40.Rd6
40.Kxh4
40...Rb4 41.f6+?
41.Kh5
41...Kh7= 42.Kf5 Rb5+ 43.Ke4 Rb3 44.Kd5 Rxh3 45.Kc6 Rc3+ 46.Kd7 Rb3 47.Kc7 h3 48.b7 h2
49.Rd1 Rc3+ 50.Kd8 Rb3 51.Kc8 Rc3+ 52.Kd8 Rb3 53.Kc8 Rc3+ 1/2-1/2

124. D37
Wojtaszek, Radoslaw (2719) - Adams, Michael (2701)
Biel 145/124, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 Nbd7 7.Be2 dxc4 8.O-O c5 9.dxc5 Nxc5
10.Bxc4 Qxd1 11.Rfxd1 b6 12.Ne5 Bb7 13.f3 Rfd8 14.e4

571
14...Kf8N
14...a6 - 142/142
15.Be2 Ncd7

16.Nc4
16.Nxd7+!? Rxd7 17.Rxd7 Nxd7 18.Rd1 Bc6 19.Nb5 (19.Bb5!?) 19...Bc5+ 20.Kf1ƒ
16...Bc6 17.Rac1
17.a4 Nc5 18.Ne5 Be8 (18...Rxd1+ 19.Rxd1 Bxa4 20.Nxa4 Nxa4 21.Ra1 Nc5 22.Nc6ƒ) 19.Be3

572
Nb3=; 17.Kf2!?
17...Ne8 18.Kf1
18.g4!?
18...h6
18...f6!?
19.a3
19.Be3!?
19...Bg5 20.Be3
20.Bxg5 hxg5 21.b4
20...Bxe3 21.Nxe3 Nc5 22.b4

22...Nb3= 23.Rxd8 Rxd8 24.Rd1 Rxd1+ 25.Bxd1 Nd4 26.e5 Ke7 27.Kf2 Nc7 28.f4 f6 29.Ne2 fxe5
30.fxe5 Nxe2 31.Bxe2 Nd5 32.g3 Nxe3
32...Nc3 33.Bd3
33.Kxe3 g5 34.h4 gxh4 35.gxh4 Be8 36.Kd4 Bc6 37.Bd1 Kd7 38.a4 Ke7 39.a5 Kd7 40.axb6 axb6
41.Be2 1/2-1/2

125. D38
Carlsen, Magnus (2863) - Anand, Viswanathan (2753)
chess24.com (Int.-m/3-rapid) 145/125, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Bb4 5.Qa4+ Nc6 6.e3!? O-O 7.Qc2 Re8 8.Bd2 Bf8 9.a3

573
9.Be2; 9.Rd1
9...e5!? 10.dxe5
10.cxd5?? Nxd4 11.exd4 exd4+ 12.Ne2 Qxd5 13.Qd3 c5 14.O-O-O Ne4 15.Nc3 Nxc3 16.bxc3 c4
17.Qxc4 Bf5!-+
10...Nxe5 11.cxd5
11.Nxe5 Rxe5 12.cxd5 Nxd5 13.e4 Nxc3 14.Bxc3 Re8 15.Bd3 Qg5 16.O-O Bd6 17.e5! (17.Rae1
Bf4 18.e5 Qh5 19.g3 Bh3 20.Be2 Qg5 21.Kh1 Rad8 22.Bd3 Qh5 23.Be2 Qg5 24.Bd3=) 17...Bxe5
18.Rae1 Bh3 19.Bxh7+ Kf8 20.f4! Bxf4 21.Rxe8+ Rxe8 22.Rxf4! Qxf4 23.Bb4+ Re7 24.Qc5 Qd6
25.gxh3±
11...Nxf3+ 12.gxf3 Nxd5

13.h4!?N
13.Bd3 Nxc3 14.Bxc3 Qh4 15.O-O-O g6!? - 142/144 (15...Be6 16.Rhg1 (16.f4 Rad8 17.Rhg1 f6
18.Rg3 Kh8 19.Qe2 (19.Rdg1 Qh5 20.Qe2 Qxe2 21.Bxe2 a6 22.Bf3 Rb8 23.Bh5 Re7 (23...Red8?
24.e4 b5 25.f5 Bc4 26.e5±) 24.Bg4 Bxg4 25.Rxg4 Rd7 26.R4g2 (26.Bxf6? h5) 26...h6=) 19...a6
20.Rdg1 b5 21.Be4 c5​→) 16...Rad8 17.Rg3 g6!? 18.f4 Bg7 19.f5 Rxd3! 20.Qxd3 Bxf5 21.Qxf5 gxf5
22.Rxg7+ Kf8 23.Rd7 Qc4 24.Rxh7 Qf1+ 25.Kc2 Qe2+ 26.Kb1 Qf1+=)
13...Nxc3 14.Bxc3 Qd5 15.Be2 Bf5 16.Qa4
16.e4?? Rxe4-+
16...Bd7 17.Rd1

574
17.Qf4 Bd6 18.Bc4 Qf5 19.Qg5 Be5
17...Qxf3!?
17...Bxa4 18.Rxd5 Bc6
18.Bxf3 Bxa4 19.Bxb7 Bxd1 20.Bxa8 Bg4 21.Bc6 Rd8 22.f3 Be6 23.Bd4 a6 24.Kf2 g6 25.Rc1
Bg7 26.Bxg7 Kxg7 27.Ke2 a5 28.a4 Kh6 29.Rc5 Rb8 30.Kf2 Rxb2+ 31.Kg3 Rb6 32.Bd5 Bxd5
33.Rxd5 Rb4 34.Rxa5 c5 35.Rxc5 Rxa4 36.e4 Kg7 37.Rc7 Ra5 38.Rd7 Rb5 39.Rc7 Ra5 40.Rd7 Rb5
41.Rc7 Ra5 1/2-1/2

126. ******* D38

Gelfand, Boris (2676) - Leko, Peter (2663)
chess24.com (Int.-m/2-rapid) 145/126, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Bb4 5.Qa4+!? Nc6 6.e3 O-O 7.Bd2!? dxc4 8.Bxc4 Bd6 9.Qc2
e5 10.dxe5 Nxe5 11.Nxe5 Bxe5 12.O-O!?
12.f4 Bxc3 13.Bxc3

575
13...Ng4! (13...Qe7 14.O-O

14...Qe4!?N - 145/(126) (14...Qxe3+ - 145/(126) 15.Kh1 Qb6 16.Rf3 Bd7

576
(16...Re8) 17.a4N Kh8 18.b4 Be6 19.Bd3 Nd5 20.f5 Nxc3 21.fxe6 Nd5 22.Bxh7 fxe6 23.Rh3 Nf4
24.Rh4 Qe3 25.Be4+ Kg8 26.g3 Nd5 27.Bxd5 exd5 28.Qh7+ Kf7 29.Qf5+ Ke7 30.Qxd5 Qf3+
31.Qxf3 Rxf3 32.Re1+ Kf7 33.Kg2 Rc3 34.Rd4 Rf8 35.h4 Kg8 36.Re5 Rff3 1/2 (36) Tarrio Ocana,F-
Schaub,J corr 145/(126) 2019; 14...Be6?N 15.Bd3 Bd5 16.Bxf6 Qxe3+ 17.Kh1 gxf6 18.Rae1 Qb6

(18...Qh3 19.Kg1 Qh6 20.Re3±) 19.Bxh7+ (19.Qd1!+-) 19...Kg7 20.Be4 Bxe4 21.Qxe4 Rfe8
22.Qf3 Rxe1 23.Rxe1 Qxb2 24.Qg4+ Kf8 25.Qh4 Kg7 26.Qg4+ Kf8= Alonso Rosell,A (2559)-
Hammer,J (2652) ProChessLeague (Int.-rapid) 145/(126) 2019) 15.Bd3 Qxe3+ 16.Kh1 Qb6

577
17.h3

(17.Be5!? Qc6 18.Qxc6 bxc6 19.Bxc7 a5 20.Rac1 Nd5 21.Be5 Rd8 22.Be2 Ba6∞) 17...h6 -
145/(126) (17...Bd7N 18.Rad1 Rad8 19.Kh2 Rfe8 20.Rf3 1/2 (20) Tauber,H-Biedermann,T corr 145/
(126) 2019) 18.Be5 Nd5 19.Rf3 f6 20.Qc4 fxe5 21.Qxd5+ Kh8 22.Qxe5 Bd7 23.Rg3 Qf6 24.Qe4
Bf5 25.Qxb7 Bxd3 26.Rxd3 Rab8 27.Qxa7 Rxb2= Rodriguez Fraga,Y-Biedermann,T corr 145/(126)
2018) 14.Bd4 c5 15.Bxc5 Re8 16.O-O Nxe3 17.Bxe3 Rxe3 18.Qf2N

578
(18.f5) 18...Re4! - 145/(126) (18...Qb6N - 145/(126) 19.Rfe1 Rxe1+ 20.Rxe1 Qxf2+

21.Kxf2 (21.Kh1?? Qxe1+-+) 21...Kf8 22.Rc1 Bf5 23.Bb3 Rc8 24.Rxc8+ Bxc8 25.Ke3 Ke7
26.Kd4 b6 27.Bd5 f6 28.g3 Kd6 29.a3 h6 30.b4 Bd7 1/2 (30) Abasov,N (2632)-Anand,V (2765)
Douglas 145/(126) 2019; 18...Re8?!N 19.Rad1 (19.f5 Re5 20.Rad1 Qc7 21.f6 Bf5 22.b3 Bg6 23.fxg7
b5=) 19...Qc7 20.Rc1 Qd6 21.f5 Qf6? (21...Re5! 22.f6 Be6=) 22.Bb3! Bd7 23.Rc7 Re7 24.Rxb7±
Andreikin,D (2724)-Carlsen,M (2872) Moscow (blitz) 145/(126) 2019) 19.Rad1 1/2 (19) Straka, Z-
Sasikiran,K corr 145/(126) 2018 (19.Rad1 Qf6 20.Bd5 Re7 21.f5 Bd7 22.Qd4 Rae8 23.Qxf6 gxf6
24.Rf4 Re1+ 25.Rxe1 Rxe1+ 26.Kf2 Rd1=)
12...b6N

579
12...Qe7 - 145/(126); 12...c6
13.f4 Bxc3
13...Bd6 14.Be2 (14.e4? Ng4 15.Na4 Be7µ) 14...Bc5 15.Bf3 Rb8 16.Rfe1 Bb7 17.Bxb7 Rxb7
18.Rad1 Qe7 19.h3 Re8 20.Kh2 Rbb8=
14.Bxc3 Bb7 15.Bd3 Re8 16.Rae1 Be4 17.Bxe4 Nxe4 18.Be5

18...Nd6?!
¹18...Nc5 19.Rd1 Qe7∞
19.e4 Qe7 20.Rd1 f6 21.Bxd6 cxd6 22.Rd4
22.Rfe1²
22...Rac8 23.Qd3 Rc6
23...d5! 24.exd5 Qe2 25.d6 Rc2 26.Qb3+ Kf8 27.Qh3 Rxb2 28.d7 Rd8∞
24.h3² h6 25.Kh2 Kh8 26.Rd1 Qc7 27.Rd2 Re6 28.a3 Qe7 29.Rc2 Rc5 30.b4 Rxc2 31.Qxc2 b5
32.Qc6 Qe8 33.Qxe8+ Rxe8 34.Kg3± Kh7 35.Rxd6 Rxe4 36.Kf3 Re7 37.Rd5 Rb7
37...Rc7 38.Rc5!±
38.Ke4 Rb6 39.Kd4 Ra6 40.Rxb5 Rxa3 41.Ra5 Rg3 42.Rxa7 Rxg2 43.b5 Rb2 44.Kc5 Rc2+ 45.Kd5
Rd2+ 46.Kc6 Rc2+ 47.Kb7 Rc4
47...Rc3 48.b6 Rxh3 49.Ra5 Kg6 50.Kc6 Rc3+ 51.Rc5 Rb3 52.b7+-
48.f5 Rc5 49.b6 Rxf5 50.Kc6 Rf3 51.Ra5! Rc3+ 52.Rc5 Re3 53.b7 Re8 54.Kd7 Rb8 55.Kc7 Rf8
56.b8=Q Rxb8 57.Kxb8 g5 58.Kc7 Kg6 59.Kd6 f5 60.Ke5 f4 61.Ke4 Kh5 62.Rc6 1-0

580
 127. *** D38
Xiong, Jeffery (2691) - Burke, John M (2562)
Philadelphia 145/127, 2019

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nf3 d5 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bf4 Ne4 7.Rc1 Nc6 8.Nd2 g5 9.Be3 Nxc3
10.bxc3 Bd6
10...Ba3!? - 144/133
11.h4! Bf4!

11...gxh4!?

581
12.Nf3 (12.Qb3!? Be7 13.Bf4 Na5 14.Qc2 Be6 15.e4 (15.e3 c6 (15...h3? 16.Qa4+ c6 17.g3±)
16.Be2 h5 17.Nf3∞) 15...c6 16.Nf3 h3 17.g3 dxe4 18.Qxe4 Qd5 19.Qxd5 Bxd5 20.Be2 Be6 21.O-O
O-O 22.Rce1©) 12...Be7 13.Rb1 (13.Bf4 Bf5 14.e3 h3! 15.Rb1 Bd6!? (15...hxg2 16.Bxg2 Bxb1
17.Qxb1 Bd6 18.Bg5 (18.Qxb7 Ne7µ) 18...Be7 19.Bf4 Bd6) 16.g3 (16.Rxb7 Bxf4 17.exf4 hxg2
18.Bxg2 Rg8∞) 16...Bxf4 17.gxf4 Bxb1 18.Qxb1 Qd6 19.Bxh3 Rb8 20.Ke2 b5 21.Ne5©) 13...Na5
14.Bf4 Bf5 15.Rb2 c6 16.e3 Rg8 17.Ne5 Bf6 '=' 18.Qh5 Bg6 19.Qd1 Bf5=
12.Bxf4N
12.c4!?N

- 145/(127) 12...Bxe3 13.fxe3

582
13...dxc4 - 145/(127) (13...Qd6?!N 14.Qb3 Be6 15.Qxb7? (15.cxd5! Bxd5 16.Qxb7 Nxd4 17.Qxc7
Qxc7 18.Rxc7 Ne6 19.Rc2 O-O©) 15...Rb8 16.Qa6

16...Rb6 (16...Qg3+ 17.Kd1 Nb4 18.Qa4+ Bd7 19.Qb3 dxc4 20.Qxc4 (20.Nxc4 O-O 21.e4 Qf4ƒ)
20...Ba4+ 21.Nb3 g4 22.a3 Nd5! 23.Qxa4+ Kf8 24.Rc5 Nxe3+ 25.Kc1 Rg8 26.Kb2 (26.Rb5 Kg7
27.Rg5+ Kh8-+) 26...Rg6 27.Rb5 Rgb6-+) 17.Qa4 Qg3+ 18.Kd1 Qxe3 19.cxd5 Bxd5 20.Rh3 Qf4
21.e3 Qf2= Schoppen,C (2493)-Horvath,D (2424) Pardubice 145/(127) 2019) 14.Rxc4 gxh4 15.Qb1
h5 16.Nf3 Rh6 17.Rxh4 Bg4 18.Qe4+ Kf8 19.g3 Qd6 20.Qf4 Re8 21.Nh2 Qxf4 22.gxf4 Bf5=
Mesko,J-Vaillant,F corr 145/(127) 2019; 12.Qc2
12...gxf4 13.e3 fxe3

583
14.Qe2 O-O - 145/127
14...Qe7!N 15.Qxe3 Qxe3+ 16.fxe3 Ne7

(16...Rg8 17.c4 dxc4 18.Bxc4 (18.Ne4 Kd8 19.Bxc4 Rxg2 20.Bxf7 Nb4 21.Nf2 Bf5 22.Kf1 Rg7
23.Rg1 Rxg1+ 24.Kxg1 Kd7=; 18.Nxc4 Be6 19.Rg1 O-O-O 20.a3 f5 21.Kf2 Ne7 22.Be2 Nd5
23.Bf3 Nf6=) 18...Rxg2 19.Bd5 Rg6 20.Rf1 f5 21.Bf3 Rh6 22.Rg1 Kf8 23.h5 Bd7 24.Kf2 Re8
25.Rg5 Rf6 26.Rcg1 Ne7=) 17.Bd3 (17.c4!? c6 18.Bd3 Be6 19.O-O dxc4 20.Nxc4 Rd8=) 17...Bf5
18.e4 dxe4 19.Nxe4 O-O-O 20.O-O Rhg8 21.Rf3 Be6 22.Nf6 Rg7 23.Be4 Ng8 24.Nh5 Rg4 25.Rf4
h6 26.Rcf1 Rxf4 27.Nxf4 Bxa2∞ Erenburg,A (2442)-Gavrilescu,D (2473) Pardubice 145/(127) 2019
15.fxe3 Ne7?!

584
15...Kh8!? 16.Qf3 Rg8∞
16.Qf3 Nf5 17.e4 dxe4 18.Nxe4 Qe7 19.Bd3
19.Kd2!?
19...Nd6 20.O-O Nxe4 21.Bxe4 Qxh4 22.Rce1 c6 23.Bc2 Be6?

23...Bd7 24.Bb3 (24.d5 f5 25.d6 Qf6∞) 24...Kh8 25.Re4 Qg5 26.Bxf7 Be8∞
24.Re4! Qh6
24...Qg5 25.Re5 Qg7 26.Qe3 h6 27.Rf3 Bg4 28.Rg3 f5 29.Re7 Qf6 (29...Qg5 30.Rxg4! fxg4
31.Qe6++-) 30.Re6 Qg5 31.Rxg4! Qxg4 32.Qxh6+-
25.Qg3+ Qg7 26.Qh4 Rae8 27.Re3!+- Bg4 28.Rg3 f5
28...h5 29.Rf5! Re1+ 30.Kh2
29.Bxf5 Bxf5 30.Rxg7+ Kxg7 31.Qg3+ Kh8 32.Qc7 Bc8 33.Rf7 Rxf7 34.Qxf7 Rg8 35.Kh2 Rg7
36.Qf8+ Rg8 37.Qf6+ Rg7 38.c4 Bg4 39.Qd8+ Rg8 40.Qc7 b5 41.d5 bxc4 42.d6 Rg7 43.Qd8+ Rg8
44.Qf6+ Rg7 45.d7 1-0

128. * D38
Carlsen, Magnus (2863) - Giri, Anish (2764)
chess24.com (Int.-m/2-rapid) 145/128, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Bb4 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bd2!? O-O

585
6...c5 7.a3 (7.e3 cxd4 8.Qa4+ Nc6 9.Nxd4 Bd7 10.Nxc6 Bxc3 11.Bxc3 Bxc6 12.Qa5 O-O 13.Qxd8
Rfxd8 14.f3 dxc4 15.Bxc4 Rac8 16.Be2 Nd5 17.Bd2 Be8=; 7.cxd5 exd5 8.e3 Nc6 9.Be2 cxd4
10.Nxd4 Nxd4 11.exd4 O-O 12.O-O Re8 13.Bf3 Bxc3 14.Bxc3 Ne4 15.Qb3 b6 16.Rfe1 Bf5 17.a4
Rc8 18.a5 Re6 19.axb6 axb6 20.Bxe4 Rxe4 21.Rxe4 Bxe4 22.f3 Bd3 23.Re1 Bf5=) 7...Bxc3 8.Bxc3
Ne4 9.e3 Nxc3 10.bxc3 O-O 11.cxd5 Qxd5 12.Bd3 b6 (12...Nc6!?) 13.Qb1 Bb7 14.O-O Nc6
15.Bh7+ Kh8 16.Be4 Qd6 17.Rd1 Rfd8 18.Ne5 Kg8 19.Bh7+ Kf8=; 6...Be7!? 7.g3!?; 6...dxc4 7.e3

7...c5N (7...Nc6) 8.Bxc4 cxd4 9.Qa4+ Nc6 10.Nxd4

586
10...Bxc3? (10...Qb6 11.Nxc6 bxc6 12.O-O O-O 13.Rfd1²) 11.Bxc3 Bd7 12.Qa3 Qe7 13.Qxe7+
Nxe7± Grischuk,A (2777)-Girish,A (2498) chess.com (Int.-blitz) 145/ (128) 2020
7.g4!?N
7.e3
7...Bxc3?!
7...c5 8.g5 hxg5 9.Bxg5 dxc4 10.Rg1 cxd4 11.Nxd4 Qa5!? (11...Be7?! 12.e3 e5 13.Ndb5 a6 14.Bxf6
Bxf6 15.Nd6 Be7 16.Nxc4 Qxd1+ 17.Rxd1 Nc6 18.Nd5²; 11...g6 12.e3 e5 13.Nb5 Qb6 14.Bxc4
Bf5 15.a3 Bxc3+ 16.Nxc3 Rc8 17.Qb3 Qxb3 18.Bxb3 Nbd7 19.Rd1 Kg7 20.e4 Rxc3! 21.bxc3
Bxe4©; 11...e5 12.Nc6 (12.Nb5 Qb6 13.Bxf6 Qxf6 14.Nc7 Rd8 15.Qc1 Nc6 16.Nxa8 Nd4 17.Rg3
Bc5 18.Nd5 Bb4+ 19.Nc3=) 12...Qxd1+ 13.Rxd1 Nxc6 14.Bxf6 g6 15.Bg2 Be7 16.Bxe7 Nxe7
17.h4 Be6 18.h5 Kg7 19.hxg6 Nxg6 20.Bxb7 Rab8 21.Bd5=) 12.Qc2 Ne8 13.Rg3 Nd7 14.O-O-O
Ndf6 15.Bd2©; 7...dxc4

587
8.Rg1 (8.a3?! Bxc3 9.Bxc3 Nd5 10.Rg1 Nc6 11.g5 (11.Qc2 b5!? (11...Qe8 12.g5 h5 13.g6 e5
14.dxe5 fxg6 15.O-O-O Nxc3 16.Qxc3 Be6 17.Ng5 Kh8∞)) 11...Nxc3 12.bxc3 h5 13.g6 fxg6
14.Qc2 Rf6 15.Ne5 Nxe5 16.dxe5 Rf5 17.Bh3 Rxe5 18.Qxg6 Qe7 19.f4 Rd5 20.Rb1 Rb8 21.Bg2
Qh4+ 22.Qg3 Qxg3+ 23.hxg3 Rd6; 8.e3?! b5!? 9.g5 hxg5 10.Nxg5 Bb7 11.Rg1 c5 12.a3 Ba5
13.Nxb5 a6 14.Bxa5 Qxa5+ 15.Nc3 Rd8 16.Bxc4 cxd4 17.exd4 Nc6 18.Qf3 Rxd4 19.Be2 Qe5³;
8.g5 hxg5 9.Bxg5 c5 (9...e5!? 10.Nxe5 Nc6 11.Nxc6 bxc6 12.Qd2 Rb8 13.Rg1 Re8 14.Qf4 Nd5
15.Bxd8 Bxc3+ 16.bxc3 Nxf4 17.Bxc7 Nd3+ 18.Kd1 Nxf2+ 19.Ke1 Nd3+=) 10.Rg1 cxd4 11.Nxd4
e5 12.Nb5 (12.Nc6 Nxc6 13.Qxd8 Rxd8 14.Bxf6 Be7 15.Rxg7+ Kf8 16.Bxe7+ Kxe7 17.Bg2 Be6=)
12...Qb6!? 13.Bxf6 Qxf6 14.Nc7 Rd8 15.Qc1 Nc6 16.Nxa8 Nd4 17.Rg3™ (17.Nc7 Bf5 18.Bg2
Qh4! 19.Nd5 Bc5 20.e3 Nc2+ 21.Kf1 Bd3+ 22.Ne2 Rd6 23.b3 Rf6!! 24.Nxf6+ Qxf6-+) 17...Bc5
18.e3 (18.Ne4 Bb4+ 19.Nc3=) 18...Nf3+) 8...c5 (8...Bxc3?! 9.bxc3 Ne4 10.g5 h5 11.g6 fxg6
(11...f5?

588
12.Bg5! Qd5 13.e3 (13.Rc1 f4 14.e3 Nxg5 (14...fxe3 15.Bxe3 Nc6 16.Ng5 Nf6 17.Nf7 Bd7 18.Qe2
Ne7 19.Rg5 Qe4 20.f3 Qh4+ 21.Kd2 b5 (21...Nxg6 22.Rxg6 Kxf7 23.Rg3 Nh7 24.Qg2 Rg8
25.Bxc4+-) 22.Rg3! Nxg6 23.Bg5 Qxg3 24.hxg3 Rxf7 25.Bg2±) 15.Nxg5 f3 16.Nf7+-) 13...Nxc3
14.Qc2 Qa5 15.Bxc4 Nc6 16.Rc1 Nxa2+ 17.Nd2 Nxc1 18.Qd1 Ne2 19.Kxe2 f4 20.exf4 Nxd4+
21.Kf1 (21.Ke1?? Qc3-+) 21...Nf5 22.Qxh5 Nh6 23.Qe2 Qb6 24.Nf3 Bd7 25.Ne5 Ba4 26.Bxh6
gxh6 27.Ng4+-; 11...Qf6?! 12.Qb1! Nxd2 13.Kxd2 Nd7 14.gxf7+ Rxf7 15.Ng5! (15.Qe4?! e5
(15...Qf4+ 16.Qxf4 Rxf4 17.Bh3 Nf6 18.Ne5! Rxf2 19.Rg6! Rxh2 20.Rag1 Ne8 21.Bg2 h4 22.Ke3
h3 23.Be4+-) 16.Ng5 Qf4+ 17.Qxf4 Rxf4 18.e4! b5 19.Ke3 Rg4 20.Rxg4 hxg4 21.a4 c6 22.d5! bxa4
23.dxc6 Nb6 24.Rb1! a3 25.Rb5 Kf8 (25...a5?? 26.Rxb6) 26.Ra5 a6 27.f4! exf4+ 28.Kxf4 Ke7 29.e5
Rb8 30.Rxa3 Nd5+ 31.Ke4 Nc7 32.Bxc4±) 15...Qh6 (15...Qf4+ 16.Kd1! Nf6 17.Nxf7 Ne4
18.Nh6+ Kh8 19.e3 Qxf2 20.Qxe4 Qxg1 21.Kd2 gxh6 22.Bd3 Qf2+ 23.Be2 Qf5 24.Qg2 Bd7
25.Rg1 Qf6 26.Qxb7+-) 16.f3 Nb6 17.e3 Rf5 18.f4 c5 19.Bh3 (19.Qe4) 19...cxd4 20.Bxf5 exf5
21.Qb4 dxe3+ (21...d3 22.Qe7 Qf6 23.Qe8+ Qf8 24.Qxh5+-; 21...Qc6 22.Qe7 Qd7 23.Qe5 dxc3+
24.Ke2 Qd2+ 25.Kf1 Qd3+ (25...Bd7 26.Ne4+-) 26.Kf2 Qd2+ 27.Kg3 Bd7 28.Rad1 Qe2 29.Qe7
c2 30.Rc1 Nd5 31.Qf7+ Kh8 32.Qxd5+-) 22.Ke1 Bd7 23.Rd1 Bc6 24.Rd6 Nd5 25.Qc5+-; 11...f6?!
12.Qc2 Qd5 13.Bf4 Nc6 (13...e5?? 14.dxe5 Nxf2 15.Kxf2 fxe5 16.e4 Qb5 17.Rb1 Qa6 18.Be3+-)
14.Bxc7 Ne7 15.Nd2! Nxd2 16.Bg2 Qd7 17.Bf4±) 12.Qc2 Nxd2 (12...Qd5?? 13.Ne5! Rxf2 14.Be3
Rf6 (14...Rxf1+ 15.Rxf1 Bd7 16.O-O-O! Be8 (16...b5 17.Rf4+-; 16...Nc6 17.Nxd7) 17.Rf4 Nd6
18.Nxg6+-) 15.Bg2+-) 13.Kxd2! Rf6 14.Rxg6 Nc6 15.Rxf6 Qxf6 16.Qe4!²) 9.g5 hxg5 10.Bxg5
cxd4 11.Nxd4 e5 12.Nb5
8.Bxc3 Ne4 9.Qc2 c5
9...Nd7 10.h4 b6 11.g5 h5 12.Bg2 Bb7 13.O-O Re8 14.Rac1 Nf8∞
10.dxc5 b6?! 11.g5

589
11.Bg2 bxc5 12.Rd1
11...hxg5??
11...h5 12.g6 Nc6
12.h4! g4 13.Ng5 f5 14.Bg2?
14.O-O-O!! Nxf2 (14...Nc6 15.e3 bxc5 16.cxd5 exd5 17.Bc4+-) 15.Bg2 Nxh1 16.Bxh1+-
14...bxc5 15.O-O-O Nxg5
15...Nc6
16.hxg5 Qxg5+ 17.Kb1 Nd7 18.cxd5 Nb6 19.dxe6 Bxe6 20.Bxa8 Rxa8 21.Qd2 Qg6 22.Qd6 f4+
23.Ka1 Rf8 24.Qe5
24.Rh8+ Kxh8 25.Qxf8+ Kh7 26.Rh1+ Qh6 27.Qxg7#
24...g3 25.fxg3 Nc4 26.Qh5 Qxh5 27.Rxh5 Ne3 28.Rg1 Bf5 29.b3 fxg3 30.Rxg3 Bg4 31.Rxc5 Rf1+
32.Kb2 Nd1+ 33.Ka3 Nxc3 34.Rxg4 1-0

129. * D38
Kozul, Zdenko (2597) - Bosiocic, Marin (2625)
Hrvatska (ch) 145/129, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Bb4 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bxf6 Qxf6 7.e3 O-O 8.Rc1 dxc4 9.Bxc4 c5
10.dxc5 Nd7
10...Bxc5 - 62/(458)
11.O-O Nxc5 12.Nb5

590
12...Ba5N
12...a6; 12...Rd8

- 145/(129) 13.Qe2N (13.Qc2) 13...Ba5 14.a3 Ne4 15.Bd3

591
15...Nd6?! (15...Ng5 16.Nxg5 Qxg5=) 16.Nxd6 Rxd6 17.Rfd1 Rd8 18.Be4² Radjabov,T (2765)-
Anand, V (2753) chess.com (Int.-m/ 1-rapid) 145/(129) 2020
13.Be2! Qe7?!
13...Rd8 14.Qc2 Bb6 15.b4 Na6 16.a3 (16.Qe4!?) 16...Bd7 17.Nd6 Bc6 18.Nc4ƒ
14.Qd6! Qxd6 15.Nxd6 Na4

15...Bc7 16.Nxf7 Kxf7 17.Rxc5 Bb6 18.Rc4±

16.Ne5! Bb4

592
¹16...Nb6 17.a3 Nd5 18.Bf3±
17.Ndxf7! Nxb2
17...Rxf7 18.Nxf7 Kxf7 19.Rc4 a5 20.a3 Nxb2 21.Rf4++-
18.Bh5

18...a5?
18...b5
19.Rc7+- Na4 20.Bg6 1-0

130. * D39
Jean, Pierre - Harvey, Donald J
corr 145/130, 2019

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Bb4 5.Bg5 dxc4 6.e4 c5 7.Bxc4 cxd4 8.Nxd4 Qa5 9.Bd2 Qc5
10.Bb5+ Bd7 11.Nb3 Qe7 12.Bd3 Nc6 13.O-O O-O
13...Bxc3 14.Bxc3 e5 15.Qe2 O-O 16.f4 Be6 17.Kh1 Rad8 18.Na5 Nd4 19.Qe1 Rfe8=
14.a3 Bd6
14...Bxc3 15.Bxc3 (15.bxc3 Ne5 16.Bg5 Ba4µ) 15...b6 16.Nd4=
15.Kh1
15.f4 e5 16.f5 Nd4= - 73/475; 15.Bg5 - 72/(382)
15...Be5

593
15...Ne5 16.Be2 Ng6 17.f4=
16.f4
16.Qe2 Rac8=
16...Bxc3 17.Bxc3
17.bxc3 e5 18.f5 Rfd8²
17...e5 18.Qf3 Rfe8 19.Rae1
19.f5²
19...Be6
19...Rac8 20.Nd2±
20.Nd2

20...Rad8N
20...exf4 21.Qxf4 Rad8 22.Bc2 (22.Bxf6?! Qxf6 23.Qxf6 gxf6µ; 22.Bb1±) 22...b5 23.Bb1 Nd7
24.e5²
21.f5 Bc8 22.g4 Nxg4 23.Bb5

594
23.Qxg4 Rxd3 24.Re2 Kh8µ
23...Nf6?
23...Nh6 24.Re2 Kh8 25.Rg2²
24.Rg1 Kh8?
24...a6 25.Bxc6 bxc6 26.Nc4±
25.Qg3 Nh5
25...Rg8 26.Nf3 Bd7 27.Qh4±
26.Qg4 g6 27.Nf3 f6

595
27...Qf6 28.Ref1 h6 29.Bc4±
28.Qh4

28...Qg7 - 145/130
28...Qf7N 29.Bc4 Qg7 30.Ref1 Bd7 31.fxg6 hxg6 32.Be2 Re6 33.b4 a6 34.a4 Rde8 35.b5 axb5
36.axb5 Nd8 37.Rd1 Qh7 38.Bxe5 Qg7 39.Rd5 fxe5 40.Ng5 R6e7 41.Bxh5 Qh6 42.Nf7+ Rxf7
43.Rxg6 Qf4 44.Qxf4 exf4 45.Rgd6 f3 46.Bxf7 Rxe4 47.Rg6 Re1+ 48.Rg1 f2 49.Rh5#

596
1-0 (49) Rivas Maceda,J-Harvey,D corr 145/(130) 2019
29.Ref1 Re7
29...Rg8 30.Bc4±
30.Be2 Nf4 31.Bc4 Nh5 32.Be2 Nf4 33.Bc4

33...Rf8??
33...Nh5 34.Ng5 fxg5 35.Rxg5 b5±
34.Bd2+- g5

597
34...Nh5 35.Rxg6 hxg6+-
35.Nxg5! fxg5 36.Rxg5 1-0

131. D41
Wojtaszek, Radoslaw (2719) - Edouard, Romain (2649)
Biel 145/131, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 c5 5.cxd5 cxd4 6.Qxd4 exd5 7.e4 dxe4 8.Qxd8+ Kxd8 9.Ng5
Be6 10.Nxe6+ fxe6 11.Bg5 h6 12.O-O-O+ Ke7

13.Bh4N
13.Bxf6+
13...Kf7
13...g5 14.Bg3 Bg7 (14...Nc6!?) 15.Bb5 a6 16.Ba4 Nbd7 17.Kb1©
14.Rd8 [… Bg3]
14.Bxf6!? gxf6

598
15.Be2!? (15.Nxe4 f5 16.Ng3 Be7 (16...Bg7?! 17.Be2²) 17.Be2 Nc6=) 15...f5 16.g4© ƒ
14...g5
14...Rg8? 15.Bxf6 gxf6 16.Bc4! Rxg2 17.Bxe6+ Kxe6 18.Rxf8 … Rd1+-; 14...Ke7?! 15.Rc8 Kd7
16.Rc4 Nc6 17.Be2²
15.Bg3 Bg7 16.Rxh8 Bxh8 17.Bb5
17.h4 g4=
17...a6 18.Ba4 b5 19.Bc2 Nc6 20.Nxe4 Nd4= 21.Re1
21.Nd6+ Ke7 22.Re1 Nxc2 23.Kxc2 h5=
21...Nxe4
21...Nxc2 22.Kxc2 (22.Nd6+ Ke7 - 21.Nd6) 22...Rc8+ 23.Kb1 Nxe4 24.Rxe4=
22.Bxe4 Rc8+ 23.Kb1 Nf5 24.Rc1 Rxc1+ 25.Kxc1 Nxg3 26.fxg3 b4 27.Kc2 a5 28.h3 g4 29.hxg4
Be5 30.a3 bxa3 31.bxa3 Bxg3 32.Kd3 Kf6 33.Bc6 Kg5 34.Bd7 Kxg4 35.Bxe6+ Kg5 36.a4 Bd6
37.g4 h5 38.gxh5 Kxh5 39.Kc4 Bb4 40.Kb5 Kg5 1/2-1/2

132. !N D41
Carlsen, Magnus (2863) - Ding, Liren (2791)
chess24.com (Int.-m2/1-rapid) 145/132, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5 3.c4 e6 4.Nc3 c5 5.cxd5 cxd4 6.Qxd4 exd5 7.e4 Nc6 8.Bb5 dxe4 9.Qxd8+
Kxd8 10.Ng5 Be6 11.Bf4
11.O-O - 125/130

599
11...Bb4 12.O-O-O+ Ke7 13.a3! Bxc3 14.Bd6+ Ke8 15.bxc3

15...h6!N
15...Rc8 16.Rhe1 a6 17.Ba4 b5 18.Bc2 Ne7
16.Nxe6 fxe6 17.Bxc6+ bxc6 18.Rd4© Kf7 19.Rhd1
19.Kc2!?
19...Rhd8 20.c4 a5 21.Bc5 Rdb8
21...Rxd4 22.Rxd4 e3!? 23.fxe3 e5 24.Rd6 Rc8 25.Bb6 Ke7 26.Bc5 Kf7=
22.Kc2 Rb7 23.Rb1
23.Rd6 Rab8 24.Bd4 c5 25.Bc3 (25.Be5 Ng4 26.Rd7+ Ke8 27.Bxb8 Rxd7 28.Rxd7 Kxd7 29.Bg3 e3
30.f3 Nf2 31.a4 Kc6 32.Be5 g6 33.Bf6 Kb6=) 25...a4 26.Ra6 Kg8 27.h3 Rf8 28.Rxe6 Rb3=; 23.Rd8
Rxd8 24.Rxd8 Nd7 25.Be3 Ne5 26.Kc3 Ng4=
23...Rab8?
23...Rxb1 24.Kxb1 e3!? 25.fxe3 e5 26.Rd1 Ne4 27.Rd7+ Ke6 28.Rc7 Rd8 29.Rxc6+ Kd7 30.Bb6
Rb8 31.Rg6 Nd2+ 32.Kc1 Nxc4 33.Ba7 Rb3 34.a4 Ra3 35.Kc2=
24.Rxb7+ Rxb7 25.Rd6² Nd7
25...Rc7 26.Bb6 Rc8 27.Bxa5²
26.Rxc6 Ne5
¹26...Nxc5 27.Rxc5 a4 28.Ra5 Kf6 29.Rxa4 Ke5²

600
27.Ra6 Nxc4 28.Kc3 Nb2 29.Rxa5± Nd3 30.Bd4 Rc7+
30...e5!?
31.Kd2 Rc4 32.Ra7+ Kg6?!
32...Kg8 33.Bxg7 (33.Rxg7+ Kf8 34.Bf6 Ra4 35.Rb7 Nxf2²) 33...Nxf2 34.a4±
33.Rxg7+ Kf5 34.Be3
34.g4+!? Kf4 35.Be3+ Ke5 36.h4+-
34...Nc5?!
34...Ne5
35.g4+ Ke5 36.Ra7+-
36.Bxh6+-
36...Nb3+ 37.Kd1 Rc3 38.Bxh6 Rd3+ 39.Kc2 Nd4+ 40.Kb2 Kd5
¹40...Nf3
41.Be3 e5 42.h4 Rb3+ 43.Ka2 Rc3 44.h5 Rc2+ 45.Kb1 Re2 46.Rc7 1-0

133. ** D45
Anton Guijarro, David (2703) - Harikrishna, Penteala (2719)
Biel 145/133, 2020

1.c4 c6 2.Nf3 d5 3.e3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.d4 Nbd7 6.Qc2 Bd6 7.b3 O-O 8.Be2 b6 9.Bb2 Bb7 10.O-O
Qe7 11.Rfe1 Rfe8 12.Rad1 Rad8 13.Bf1 c5 14.cxd5 exd5 15.Nb5
15.g3 a6 16.Bg2 Rc8 17.dxc5 (17.Qb1 - 136/141) 17...Nxc5

601
18.Nd4N (18.Nh4 Qe6 19.Nf5 Be5 20.Nd4 Qe7) 18...Be5 19.Qb1∞ Moroni,L (2536)-Korobov,A
(2685) ProChessLeague (Int.-rapid) 145/(133) 2020; 15.dxc5

15...Nxc5!? (15...bxc5 16.g3 Bc7! 17.Bg2 Ba5∞) 16.Qf5N (16.Nb5) 16...Nce4 17.Nxe4 Nxe4
18.Bb5 Rf8 19.Bd3 g6 20.Qh3∞ Giri,A (2764)-Carlsen,M (2863) chess24.com (Int.-m1/5-blitz) 145/
(133) 2020
15...Bb8 16.dxc5

602
16...bxc5N
16...Nxc5?!
17.g3 Ng4 18.Bg2 Ndf6 19.Nc3
19.h3 Nxf2! 20.Kxf2 Ne4+ 21.Kg1 Bxg3 22.Rf1 f6 23.Nc3 Nxc3 24.Qxc3 Ba6 25.Ba3 Bxf1
26.Rxf1 Bd6ƒ
19...h5 20.Ba3
20.h3 Ne5 21.Nxe5 Bxe5 22.Na4 Bxb2 23.Nxb2 h4 24.g4 d4∞
20...Qc7 21.h3

603
21.Nb5? Qa5 22.Qxc5 Nxf2! 23.Rd4 N2e4 24.Qb4 Qa6µ; 21.Re2!?
21...d4! 22.hxg4?!
22.exd4 cxd4 23.hxg4 Bxf3 24.Rxe8+ Rxe8 25.Bxf3 hxg4 26.Be2 (26.Bg2 Qxc3 27.Qd2©) 26...dxc3
27.Bb5 Re4 28.Bd3 Re8=
22...hxg4
¹22...dxc3 23.Qxc3 (23.gxh5 Qa5 24.Rxd8 (24.Bc1 Be4 25.Qe2 c2 26.Rd2 Qc3µ) 24...Rxd8 25.Rd1
Rxd1+ 26.Qxd1 Bxf3 27.Bxf3 Qxa3 28.Qd8+ Kh7 29.Qd3+ Kh6µ) 23...hxg4 (23...Rxd1 24.Rxd1
hxg4 25.Nh4 Bxg2 26.Nxg2 Ne4 27.Qc2 Qc6³ 28.Bb2 g5!) 24.Rxd8 Rxd8 25.Nd2 (25.Nh4?! Bxg2
26.Nxg2 Ne4 27.Qc2 Nxg3 (27...Ng5!?) 28.Rd1 (28.Nf4 Qa5µ) 28...Rxd1+ 29.Qxd1 Nf5³)
25...Bxg2 26.Kxg2 Qd6 27.Bc1™ Nd5ƒ
23.Nb5?
23.Nxd4! Bxg2 24.Kxg2 cxd4 (24...Qb7+ 25.Kg1 cxd4 26.exd4 Qf3 27.Qd2 Bxg3 28.fxg3 Qxg3+
29.Kf1 (29.Kh1? Nh5µ) 29...Qf3+ 30.Kg1 Qg3+=) 25.exd4 Rxe1 26.Rxe1 Rxd4 27.Kg1 Qc6∞
23...Qa5µ 24.Nfxd4
24.Nh4

604
24...dxe3! (24...Bxg2 25.Nxg2 Qxb5 26.Qxc5=) 25.Rxe3 (25.Bxb7? Rxd1 26.Rxd1 e2-+) 25...Rxd1+
26.Qxd1 Rxe3 27.fxe3 Bxg2 28.Nxg2 Qxb5µ
24...Bxg2!
24...cxd4?! 25.Bxb7 dxe3 26.Rxe3 Rxd1+ 27.Qxd1 Rxe3 28.fxe3 Qxb5 29.Qd8+ Qe8 30.Qxe8+
Nxe8²
25.Qxc5
25.Bxc5 Be4 26.Qd2 Qxd2 27.Rxd2 Rd5!-+
25...Bb7?!
25...Ba8! 26.Nc3 (26.Nc6?! Bxc6 27.Qxc6 Rc8 28.Qb7 a6 29.Nd6 Bxd6 30.Bxd6 Ne4-+) 26...Qa6
27.Nf5 Rxd1 28.Rxd1 (28.Nxd1 Kh7-+) 28...Be5! 29.Ne7+ Kh8 30.Qxe5 Qxa3 31.b4 Qb2!-+
26.Nf5?

605
26.Nc3 Qxc5 (26...Qa6 27.Nf5 Rxd1 28.Rxd1∞) 27.Bxc5 Re5 28.b4 Rde8³
26...Rd5!-+ 27.Ne7+ Rxe7 28.Qxe7 Qxb5!
28...Rxb5?! 29.e4 (29.Bb2? Bf3! 30.Bxf6 gxf6 31.Rd8+ Qxd8 32.Qxd8+ Kg7-+) 29...Qc3µ
29.e4 Rxd1
29...Nxe4!
30.Rxd1 Bxe4 31.Re1 Ba8?!
31...Ba8 32.Qb4 Qc6 33.Qxb8+ Kh7 34.Kf1 Qg2+ 35.Ke2 Qf3+ 36.Kf1 Ne4 37.Qf4 Qd3+ 38.Kg1
Nd2 39.f3™ Nxf3+ 40.Kf2 Nxe1 41.Kxe1µ; 31...Bb7! 32.Qf8+ Kh7 33.Re7 Qc6 34.Rxb7 Qxb7
0-1

134. * D47
Harikrishna, Penteala (2719) - Keymer, Vincent (2558)
Biel 145/134, 2020

1.c4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Nf3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 b5 8.Bb3
8.Be2 Bb7 9.e4 b4 10.e5 bxc3 11.exf6 Nxf6 12.bxc3 Bd6 13.Rb1

606
13...Qc8!?N (13...Qc7) 14.Bg5 Ne4 15.Qc2 c5 16.Bb5+ Kf8= Heberla,B (2571) -Nasuta,G (2558)
Polska (ch-m/1) 145/(134) 2020
8...b4 9.Ne2 Be7
9...Bd6 10.O-O Bb7 11.Nf4 O-O 12.Ng5 Bxf4 13.exf4 h6 14.Nf3 c5=; RR9...Bb7 10.O-O Bd6 -
46/568
10.O-O Bb7
10...O-O - 37/484
11.Nf4 c5

607
12.Ng5!
12.Bxe6?! fxe6 13.Nxe6 Qb6 14.Nxg7+ Kd8! 15.Nf5 Rg8³
12...O-ON
12...Qb6 13.Nxf7! Kxf7 14.Nxe6 c4 (14...Qxe6 15.Bxe6+ Kxe6 16.e4! Bxe4 17.Re1+-; 14...Bd5
15.Ng5+ Ke8 16.e4!) 15.Bxc4 Rhc8 16.Bb3 Kg8 17.Nc7+ Kh8 18.Nxa8 Bxa8±
13.Ngxe6! fxe6 14.Nxe6 Qc8 15.Nxc5+ Kh8 16.Nxb7! Qxb7

17.f3! a5?
17...Bd6! 18.Bd2 (18.Qe2²; 18.Bd2 Qc7 19.Kh1!²; 18.e4?! Nxe4 19.fxe4 Qxe4=) 18...Qc7 19.Kh1!
² ∆Bxh2? 20.f4!±; 17...Rad8 18.Qe2²
18.e4 Nb6?!
18...Bd6!? 19.e5 Nxe5 20.dxe5 Bxe5 21.Kh1²
19.Qe2 a4 20.Bc2 Rfc8 21.Bd3 a3 22.b3± Qd7 23.Be3 Rc3
23...Nbd5 24.exd5 Nxd5 25.Bf2 Nc3 26.Qe5 Bf6 27.Qh5 g6 28.Bxg6 Bxd4 29.Rae1+-
24.Rad1 Rd8 25.Kh1! Qe8 26.Bg1 Bf8 27.Qe1 Nbd7 28.Bb1! Nh5?

608
28...Qh5 29.Qe2±
29.e5!
29.f4? Ng3+! 30.hxg3 Qh5+ 31.Bh2 Nf6! 32.Qf2 Ng4 33.Qg1 Rd6!-+
29...Qe6 30.Qh4 Qh6

31.g4!
31.Qxd8?? Ng3#
31...Nf4 32.Qxd8 Qh3 33.Rf2 Rxf3 34.Qa8 Rxf2 35.Bxf2 Qxg4 36.Rg1 Qh5 37.Re1 1-0

609
D50-D74

135. * D52
Giri, Anish (2764) - Carlsen, Magnus (2863)
chess24.com (Int.-m2/4-rapid) 145/135, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 c6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5 7.Nd2 dxc4 8.Bxf6 Nxf6 9.Nxc4 Qc7
10.Rc1 Be7 11.g3 O-O 12.Bg2 Rd8 13.O-O Bd7 14.e4

14...b5
14...Be8 - 121/147
15.Ne3 - 145/135
15.Nd2N b4 16.Na4 e5 17.dxe5 Ng4 18.Qe2 Nxe5 19.Nb3 Bg4 20.f3 Bc8 (20...Be6 21.Nbc5 Qd6
22.Rfd1

610
22...Bc4! 23.Rxd6 Bxe2 24.Rxd8+ Rxd8 25.f4 Nd3 26.Nxd3 Rxd3∞) 21.Nbc5 Qa5 22.b3 Nd7
23.Qf2 Nb6 24.Rfe1 Ba6 25.Bf1 Nxa4 26.Nxa4 Bb5 27.Nc5 Qb6∞ Basso,P (2600)-Krishna,C
(2443) Moscow 145/ (135) 2020
15...Qb6
15...Qa5 16.a3 Rab8 17.e5 Nd5 18.Ne4²
16.e5 Nd5 17.Ne4 Be8 18.a3

18...a5N
18...Rab8; 18...Rac8

611
19.Qd3 Ra7 20.Nc5 a4
20...Bxc5 21.Nxd5! cxd5 22.Rxc5 Rc7 23.Rfc1 Rxc5 24.dxc5 Qb7 25.b3²
21.Be4 h6 22.Rfd1 Qb8 23.Qe2 b4 24.Ng4
24.Nc4 Qb5 25.Bd3 bxa3 26.Nxa3 Qb8 27.Nc4²; 24.h4²
24...bxa3 25.bxa3 Bxc5
¹25...Ra5 26.Ne3 Bxc5 27.dxc5 Rb5 28.Nc4! Rxc5 29.Qd2ƒ
26.Rxc5 Rb7 27.Bc2± Ne7

27...h5 28.Ne3 g6 29.Qd3 Nxe3 30.Qxe3±

28.Nf6+! Kf8
28...gxf6 29.exf6 Ng6 30.Qe3 Qd6 31.h4 Qf8 32.h5 Rbd7 33.hxg6 fxg6 34.Rxc6+-
29.Qg4
29.Nxe8 Rxe8 30.Qe4 g6 31.h4±
29...Rb5 30.Nh5 g6 31.Qf4 Nf5
31...Ng8 32.Nf6 Rxc5 33.dxc5 g5 34.Rxd8 Qxd8 35.Nh7+ Kg7 36.Qe3 Qd5 37.Qc3±
32.Rxb5 Qxb5 33.Bxf5 g5 34.Qf3+-
34.Qc1 exf5 35.h4 f4 (35...Qe2 36.Qc5+ Kg8 37.Nf6+ Kg7 38.Rf1 gxh4 39.Qe7+-) 36.gxf4 f5
37.Nf6 gxh4 38.d5 cxd5 39.Qc7+-

612
34...exf5 35.Qxf5?
35.Nf6 Qb3 36.Rd3 Qb1+ 37.Kg2 c5 38.d5 Bb5 39.Rd1 Qc2 40.Re1+-
35...Qe2= 36.Rc1 Qxh5 37.Qf6 Rxd4 38.Qh8+ Ke7 39.Qf6+ Kf8 40.Qh8+ Ke7 41.Qf6+ Kf8 1/2-
1/2

136. * D52
Grischuk, Alexander (2777) - Artemiev, Vladislav (2716)
chess24.com (Int.-m/1-rapid) 145/136, 2020

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5 7.Nd2 Bb4 8.Rc1 O-O
8...Ne4 9.Ndxe4 dxe4 10.Bh4 Qxa2 11.Qc2

11...Qa5N (11...Nb6 - 138/173) 12.Qxe4 Qf5 13.Qxf5 exf5 14.Bd3 Nb6 15.O-O Be6 16.d5 Bxc3
17.dxe6 Bxb2 Matlakov,M (2699)-Carlsen,M (2872) Moscow (blitz) 145/(136) 2019 (17...Bxb2

613
18.Rc2! Be5 (18...Ba3 19.c5 Nd5 20.Bxf5±) 19.Bxf5 (19.f4 Bf6 20.Bxf6 gxf6 21.exf7+ Kxf7
22.Bxf5²) 19...fxe6 20.Bxe6 Nd7 21.c5 Nf8 (21...Bf6 22.Bg3±) 22.Ba2 Ng6 23.f4! Nxh4 24.fxe5 O-
O-O 25.Rb2ƒ)
9.Be2
9.Bh4 - 135/143
9...Bxc3 10.bxc3

10...dxc4N
10...b6

614
11.Bxf6 Nxf6 12.Nxc4 Qc7 13.O-O b6 14.Bf3 Rd8 15.Qb3 Ba6 16.Rfd1 Rac8 17.Ne5 Bb7 18.c4

18...c5! 19.Bxb7 Qxb7 20.a4

20.dxc5 Rxd1+ 21.Rxd1 Qc7 22.f4 Qxc5 23.Rd4 Qa5= (23...Ne8!?)
20...Qc7 21.h3 h6 22.a5
22.Qd3 cxd4 23.exd4 Nd7 24.Nf3 Nf8 (24...Nf6=) 25.Qe3 Ng6∞
22...bxa5 23.Qa3 Ne4 24.Qd3 Nf6 25.Qa3 cxd4
25...Ne4=
26.exd4 Nd7 27.Nf3 Nb6
27...Rb8 28.Qe3 a4 29.Qa3 a5 30.Qxa4 Rb4 31.Qa3 Rxc4 32.Rxc4 Qxc4 33.Qxa5 Qc8=
28.c5
28.Ne5 Nd7 29.Nf3=; 28.Qa2=
28...Nd5 29.Ra1 Nb4 30.Qxa5 Qxa5 31.Rxa5 Nc6 32.Ra6

615
32...Rc7
32...e5 33.d5 e4 34.Ne1 Nb4 35.Rxa7 Rxd5 36.Rxd5 Nxd5 37.Ra4 f5 38.Rc4 Kf7 39.f3 e3 40.f4 Ke6
41.Kf1=
33.Rd2 Rd5 34.Kf1 g5 35.Ke2 e5 36.dxe5 Rxc5 37.g3 Kg7 38.Kf1 Rb7
38...Nxe5 39.Nxe5 Rxe5 40.Rda2 Ree7 41.Kg2=
39.Kg2 Rb6 40.Raa2 a5 41.Rd6 Rb7 42.e6 Re7 43.exf7 Rxf7 44.Nd4 Nxd4 45.Rxd4 Ra7 46.h4 1/2-
1/2

137. D52
Dubov, Daniil (2699) - Artemiev, Vladislav (2716)
chess24.com (Int.-m/2-rapid) 145/137, 2020

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5 7.Nd2 Bb4 8.Rc1 O-O 9.Be2
9.Bh4 - 135/143
9...Bxc3 10.Rxc3 Qxa2 11.Qc1 Qa5 12.Ra3 Qd8 13.e4N
13.O-O e5 14.cxd5 cxd5 15.Nb3 Qb6 16.Bxf6 Qxf6 17.Qc7 exd4 18.Nxd4 Ne5∞
13...h6

616
14.h4!
14.Bh4 e5 15.dxe5 (15.cxd5 cxd5 16.exd5 exd4 17.O-O Re8 18.Bf3 Nb6∞) 15...Nxe5 16.cxd5
(16.f4? Ng6µ) 16...Ng6 (16...cxd5 17.O-O d4∞) 17.Bxf6 Qxf6 18.dxc6 Nf4!? (18...bxc6=) 19.Bf3
bxc6 20.O-O Be6∞
14...Qe8
14...hxg5? 15.hxg5 Ng4 (15...Nh7 16.Rah3+-) 16.Bxg4 Qxg5 17.Rg3+-; 14...dxe4 15.Nxe4 c5
16.Rg3 Nxe4 17.Bxd8 Nxg3 18.fxg3 Rxd8 19.dxc5 Nxc5 20.O-O+-; 14...e5 15.Rg3 Kh7 (15...Kh8
16.Nf3 Qe8 17.Bxh6 Rg8 18.Be3 Nxe4 19.Rg5!±) 16.Qc2! Kh8 17.dxe5 Nxe5 18.f4 Nxc4 19.e5
Qa5 20.exf6 Re8 21.fxg7+ Kg8 22.Bf6 Bg4 23.Rxg4 Ne3 24.Qc3 Qxc3 25.Bxc3 Nxg4 26.Nb3²
15.e5± Nh7

617
16.Rg3!
16.Bf4 Qe7 17.c5 a5 18.Qc2 Re8 19.Rg3 Kh8 20.Bd3 Ndf8 21.h5ƒ
16...Kh8
16...hxg5 17.hxg5 g6 18.Rgh3 Nxg5 19.Rh6 Qd8 20.f4+-
17.Nf3 f5 18.exf6
18.cxd5 cxd5 (18...exd5 19.Be3 Rf7 20.h5 c5 21.Nh4+-) 19.Bf4 Rf7 20.h5 Nb8 21.Nh4+-
18...Ndxf6 19.Bxf6 Nxf6 20.Ne5± Ne4 21.Re3
21.Rg6 Rf6 (21...Rxf2 22.Bf3+-; 21...Nxf2 22.O-O+-) 22.Rxf6 Nxf6 23.Bd3±; 21.Rg4! Rf5 (21...Nf6
22.Rg6 Qd8 23.Rh3! Qa5+ 24.Kf1 Ne4 25.Bd3 Rxf2+ 26.Kg1 Qd2 27.Qxd2 Rxd2 28.Bxe4 dxe4
29.Rhg3+-) 22.O-O±
21...c5 22.dxc5 Rf5

618
23.Rxe4!
23.Nf3 b6 (23...Nxc5 24.cxd5 Rxd5 25.O-O Bd7 26.Bc4 Rf5 27.Ne5±; 23...Bd7 24.O-O a5 25.Nd4
Rf4 26.cxd5 exd5 27.f3 Qe5 28.Qd1 Rxh4 29.fxe4 Qh2+ 30.Kf2 dxe4 31.Qb3 Rf4+ 32.Ke1±)
24.cxb6 axb6 25.O-O Bb7 26.cxd5 Rc8 27.Qd1 Rxd5 28.Qb3²
23...dxe4 24.Qc3 b6
24...Kg8 25.g4 Rxe5 (25...Rf8 26.g5 h5 27.Qd4±) 26.Qxe5 Bd7 27.b4±; 24...Bd7 25.g4 Rf8 26.g5 h5
27.O-O a5 28.Rd1ƒ
25.g4 Rxe5
25...Rf8 26.c6+-
26.Qxe5 Qc6
26...Bb7 27.g5 e3 28.Rf1 exf2+ (28...Qa4 29.fxe3 Qa5+ 30.Kf2 Qxc5 31.Qxc5 bxc5 32.Kg3±)
29.Rxf2 Qg6 30.Kd2! Rd8+ 31.Kc3 Qe4 32.Qxe4 Bxe4 33.Rf4±
27.g5 h5
¹27...e3 28.Rf1 Qxc5 29.Qxc5 bxc5 30.fxe3 Kg8 31.Kd2 hxg5 32.hxg5 Bb7 33.Bg4 Rd8+ 34.Kc3±
28.O-O
28.b4 e3 29.f3 Qa4 30.O-O+-
28...Qxc5
28...Bb7 29.b4 e3 30.f3+-
29.Qxe4+- Rb8 30.Qg6 Qf5 31.Qe8+ Kh7 32.Rd1 Bb7 33.Qxb8 Qe4 34.Bd3 1-0

619
 138. * D53
Duda, Jan Krzysztof (2734) - Moussard, Jules (2608)
chess24.com (Int.-m/6-blitz) 145/138, 2020

1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 e6 4.Nc3 Be7 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bh4 dxc4 7.e3 c5 8.Bxc4 cxd4 9.Nxd4 Bd7
10.O-O Nc6
10...O-O 11.Qe2 Nc6 12.Rfd1 Qb6

13.Bg3N (13.Nf3 - 143/(144)) 13...Nxd4 14.Rxd4 Rfd8 15.Rad1 Bc6 16.h3 Rxd4 17.Rxd4 Rd8
18.Rxd8+ Qxd8 19.Bb5 Qd7 20.Bxc6 Qxc6= Cori Tello,J (2652) -So,W (2770) chess.com (Int.-
rapid) 145/(138) 2020
11.Rc1
11.Nf3!? O-O 12.Rc1 Rc8 13.a3 Nh5 (13...Qb6?! 14.Na4 Qc7 15.b4² - 143/(144); 13...Nd5 14.Bg3
Nxc3 15.Rxc3²) 14.Bxe7 Qxe7 15.Qe2 Rfd8 16.h3 Nf6∞
11...O-O

620
12.Bg3N
12.Nb3 Rc8 13.Be2 Nd5!? 14.Bg3 Nxc3 15.Rxc3 Nb4 16.Rxc8 Qxc8 17.Bd6 Nd5 18.Bxe7 Nxe7
19.Qd6 Nf5 20.Qa3 Qb8= - 143/ 144
12...Nxd4 13.Qxd4 Bc6 14.Qe5?!
14.Qxd8 Rfxd8 15.Rfd1=
14...Qb6! 15.Bb3 Nd7 16.Qc7 Qxc7 17.Bxc7 Nc5 18.Bc2 Rac8³ 19.Bf4 Rfd8 20.Rfd1 Bf6
20...Rxd1+ 21.Nxd1 (21.Rxd1 Bf6 22.Bd6 Bxc3 23.bxc3 Ba4 24.Bxc5 Bxc2 25.Rc1 Rxc5 26.Rxc2
Kf8µ) 21...Rd8³
21.Rxd8+ Rxd8 22.Rd1 Rxd1+ 23.Nxd1 e5 24.Bg3 e4 25.Bd6 b6 26.Bxc5
26.Kf1!?
26...bxc5 27.Kf1 Be5 28.h4 f5 29.g3 Kf7 30.Ke1 g5
30...Bd5 31.a3 Bc4 32.Nc3
31.hxg5 hxg5 32.Kd2 Ke6 33.Bb3+ Bd5 34.Bxd5+ Kxd5= 35.Nc3+ Kc6 36.Kc2 g4 37.Kb3 a6
38.Kc4 Bxc3
38...a5 39.Nd5 Kd6 40.b3 Bg7 41.Nb6 Bb2=
39.Kxc3 Kd5 40.Kb3 Kc6 41.Kc4 Kd6 42.Kb3
42.b4 cxb4 43.Kxb4 Kd5 (43...Kc6? 44.Kc4+-) 44.a3 (44.Ka5? Kc4 45.Kxa6 Kd3) 44...Kc6
45.Ka5 Kb7 46.a4 Ka7 47.Kb4 Kb6 48.a5+ Kc6 49.Kc4 Kd6 50.Kd4 Kc6 51.Ke5 Kb5 52.Kxf5
Kxa5 53.Kxg4 Kb4 54.Kf5 a5 55.g4 a4 56.g5 a3 57.g6 a2 58.g7 a1=Q 59.g8=Q

621
59...Qh1! 60.Qg4 Kc3 61.Qxe4 Qh7+ 62.Ke5 (62.Kf4 Qh4+ 63.Kf3 Qh1+=) 62...Qe7+ 63.Kd5
Qb7+=
42...Kc6 43.Ka4 Kb6 44.Kb3 Kb5 45.Kc3 c4 46.a3 Kc5 47.a4 a5 48.b3 cxb3 49.Kxb3 Kd5
50.Kc3 Kc5 51.Kb3 Kd5 52.Kc3 Kc5 53.Kb3 1/2-1/2

139. * !N D66
Giri, Anish (2764) - Carlsen, Magnus (2863)
chess24.com (Int.-m/1-rapid) 145/139, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 c6 5.Bg5 Be7 6.e3 Nbd7 7.Bd3 h6 8.Bh4 dxc4 9.Bxc4 b5 10.Bd3
O-O 11.O-O Bb7 12.Rc1 Rc8 13.Qe2 b4 14.Bxf6
14.Ne4

622
14...c5!N (14...Nxe4 15.Bxe7 Qxe7 16.Bxe4 Nf6 17.Nd2 (17.Bb1 c5=) 17...e5∞) 15.Nxf6+ Bxf6
(15...Nxf6 16.dxc5 Nd7 17.Bxe7 Qxe7 18.Ba6 Nxc5 19.Bxb7 Qxb7=) 16.Bxf6 Nxf6 17.Ba6
(17.dxc5 - 145/139) 17...Bxa6 18.Qxa6 Qb6 19.Qc4

19...Nd7 (19...cxd4 20.Qxc8 Rxc8 21.Rxc8+ Kh7 22.Nxd4 e5 23.Nf3 Qe6 24.Rc2 Qxa2 25.Nxe5
Ne4∞) 20.d5 exd5 21.Qxd5 Qc6 22.Rfd1 Qxd5 23.Rxd5 Rc7 24.Nd2 Rfc8 25.Nc4 Nb6 26.Rd2
Nxc4 27.Rxc4² Saric,A (2541)-Plenca,J (2483) Hrvatska (ch) 145/(139) 2020; 14.Na4 - 121/ (148)
14...Nxf6 15.Ne4 c5 16.Nxf6+
16.Nxc5 Bxc5 17.dxc5 - 145/139 17...Bxf3 (17...Qe7!? 18.Ba6 Bxf3 19.Qxf3 Rxc5=) 18.gxf3 Qd5=

623
16...Bxf6 17.dxc5 Qa5
17...Bxf3!? 18.gxf3 Qd5=
18.Nd4 Bd5

19.Bb5N
19.Nb5?! a6 (19...Qxa2) 20.Nd4 Rxc5³
19...a6! 20.Bxa6 Rxc5 21.Nb3
21.Bc4 Qc7 22.Nb5 Qb6 23.b3 Bc6 24.Nd4 Bxd4 25.exd4 Rg5 26.g3 Bb7 27.Rfd1 Rd8 28.Qe3
Ra5©
21...Bxb3 22.Rxc5 Qxc5 23.axb3

624
23...Rd8= 24.Rd1 Rxd1+ 25.Qxd1 Bxb2 26.g3 g6 27.Bc4 Bf6 28.Qf3 Kg7 29.h4 h5 30.Kg2 Qc7
31.Qe4 Qe5 32.Qxe5 Bxe5 33.Bd3 Bc3 34.Bc4 Bb2 35.Bd3 Bc3 36.Bc4 Bb2 37.Bd3 Bc3 1/2-1/2

140. D71
Ju, Wenjun (2560) - Muzychuk, Mariya (2544)
chess.com (Int.-m/1-rapid) 145/140, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.g3 c6 4.Bg2 d5 5.Qa4 Bg7 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Nf3 Bg4 8.e3 O-O 9.Nc3
9.O-O - 103/327
9...Nb6 10.Qc2

625
10...N8d7N
10...Bxf3
11.O-O e5 12.Nxe5 Nxe5 13.dxe5 Bxe5 14.Qe4 Bxc3 15.bxc3 Bf5
15...Qd7 16.Qd4 (16.Qf4 Bh3=) 16...Qe6 17.f3 Bh3 18.Bxh3 Qxh3 19.Rd1 Qc8 20.Ba3 Rd8∞
16.Qb4 a5 17.Qd4 Re8 18.Ba3
18.Re1 Bd3 19.e4 Qxd4 20.cxd4 Rad8 21.Be3 Nc4 22.Rad1 Nxe3 23.Rxe3 (23.Rxd3 Nxg2 24.Kxg2
f5 25.f3 Kf7=) 23...Bc4∞
18...Qxd4 19.cxd4 Nc4 20.Bc5 Nb2
¹20...Be4 21.Rfc1 Bxg2 22.Kxg2 b5 23.a4 Rab8∞
21.Rfc1 Nd3 22.Rc3 Nxc5 23.Rxc5 a4 24.d5 cxd5 25.Bxd5 Be4?!
25...Rab8 26.a3 Re7 27.Rb5 Rc7 28.e4 Bg4∞
26.Bxe4 Rxe4 27.Rb1 Re7 28.Kf1 h5 29.h4
29.a3 Rd7 30.Ke2 Kg7 31.Rb4±
29...Kg7 30.Ke2 Ra6 31.Rb4 Rd7 32.Rcc4
32.a3 f6 33.Rcc4±
32...a3 33.Ra4 Rb6

34.Rc2! Rb1 35.Rxa3 Rdd1 36.Rac3 Re1+ 37.Kf3 Rb6 38.Rc7 Ra1 39.Rd7 Ra6 40.Rdd2 Ra4
41.Rb2 b5 42.e4

626
42.Rxb5 R4xa2 43.Rxa2 Rxa2²
42...Re1 43.Re2 Rxe2 44.Rxe2 Ra3+
44...f6 45.Kf4 b4 46.Rb2±
45.Kf4 Kf6 46.Rc2 Ke6
46...Ra4 47.f3 Ke6 48.g4±
47.f3?!
47.Kg5! Rf3 48.Re2 Ke5 49.Kh6+-
47...Kf6 48.e5+ Ke6 49.Rc6+ Ke7 50.Rb6 Rxa2 51.Rxb5 Kf8
51...Ra4+ 52.Ke3 (52.Kg5 Ra3 53.Rb7+ Kf8² (53...Ke6? 54.Rb6+ Kxe5 55.Rf6 Ra7 56.Rf4 Ke6
57.Re4+ Kd6 58.Kf6+-) 54.Rb8+ Ke7²) 52...Ke6²
52.e6 Ra6
52...fxe6? 53.Kg5 Ra3 54.Kxg6 Rxf3 55.Rg5+-
53.Rb8+
53.exf7 Kxf7 54.Kg5 Ra3 55.Rb7+ Ke8! 56.Kf4 Kf8²
53...Ke7 54.exf7 Kxf7 55.Kg5 Ra5+?

55...Ra3 56.Rb7+² - 53.ef7

56.Kh6!+- Ra3 57.Rb7+ Kf8 58.Rg7 Rxf3 59.Rxg6 Rf5 60.Rg5! Rf6+ 61.Kxh5 Kf7 62.Kg4 Ra6
63.Rf5+ Kg6 64.h5+ Kh6 65.Kh4 Ra1 66.Rf6+ Kg7 67.Rb6 Ra5 68.g4 Rc5 69.Rb7+ Kf6 70.g5+!

627
1-0

628
D75-D99

141. D77
Banusz, Tamas (2628) - Howell, David (2663)
chess.com (ol-rapid) 145/141, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 d5 5.c4 dxc4 6.Na3 c3 7.bxc3 O-O 8.O-O c5 9.Bb2 Nc6 10.e3
Bf5 11.Nd2 Qb6

11...Rc8; 11...cxd4 - 101/(366)

12.Qb3N
12.Nb3 Rfd8 13.Qe2 cxd4 14.cxd4 Be4∞
12...Be6
12...Bd3 13.Rfc1 Na5 14.Qxb6 axb6∞
13.Qb5 Rfd8 14.Rfc1 Na5
14...Qxb5 15.Nxb5 Rac8 16.Nb3 a6 17.Na3 b6 18.dxc5 Nd7! 19.cxb6 Nxb6 20.Nd4 Nxd4 21.cxd4
Na4©
15.c4
15.e4 Qxb5 16.Nxb5 Ne8 17.d5 Bd7 18.Na3 e6ƒ
15...Ne8! 16.Bc3?!

629
16.Nb3 Nxb3 (16...Nxc4? 17.Qxb6 Nxb6 18.Nxc5±; 16...Qxb5 17.Nxb5 Nxc4 18.Nxc5 Nxb2
19.Rab1 a6! 20.Na3 Nd3 21.Nxd3 Bf5 22.Rb3 Nd6=) 17.axb3 Nd6 18.Qxb6 axb6∞
16...Nxc4! 17.Qxb6
17.Ndxc4 Qxb5 18.Nxb5 Bxc4 19.a4 (19.Na3 cxd4 20.Ba5 Bd3! 21.Bxd8 Rxd8µ) 19...cxd4
20.Bxd4 Bxd4 21.Nxd4 Bd5³
17...Nxb6 18.dxc5?!
18.Bxb7 cxd4 19.Bxd4 Bxd4 20.exd4 Rab8 21.Bc6 Nd6µ
18...Bxc3 19.Rxc3 Rxd2 20.cxb6 axb6
20...Nd6!? 21.bxa7 Rxa7 22.e4 f6µ
21.Bxb7 Ra7
21...Ra5 22.Bf3 Nd6µ
22.Bc6 Nd6 23.e4 Ra5 24.Kg2 Kg7 25.Nc2 Bxa2
25...Rxa2 26.Rxa2 Bxa2 27.Kf3 Be6µ; 25...Re5 26.Kf3 Bc4 27.Ne3 Be2+ 28.Kg2 Nxe4-+
26.e5

630
26.Kf3 Be6 27.Rxa5 bxa5 28.Ke3 Rd1µ
26...Nf5
26...Nc4 27.Nb4 Nxe5-+; 26...Rxe5! 27.Rxa2 Ree2 28.Kg1 Rxf2-+
27.Re1 Be6 28.Bf3 Ra2-+ 29.Be4 g5
29...h5-+
30.h3 Rb2 31.g4 Nh4+ 32.Kg3 b5 33.f4 b4 34.Rc7 Rb3+ 35.Ne3 gxf4+
35...Rd4 36.Bb7 Rxe3+! 37.Rxe3 gxf4+-+
36.Kxf4 Rd4 37.Kg5 Rxe4 0-1

142. D78
Svidler, Peter (2723) - Ding, Liren (2791)
chess24.com (Int.-m/1-rapid) 145/142, 2020

1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 g6 3.Bg2 Bg7 4.d4 Nf6 5.O-O O-O 6.c4 c6 7.Qb3 a5 8.cxd5 a4 9.Qd1 cxd5 10.Nc3
Ne4 11.Nd2 Nxc3 12.bxc3 Nc6

631
12...Qa5 - 128/161
13.Ba3N
13.e4 Be6 (13...dxe4 14.Nxe4² - 141/143) 14.Ba3 Qa5 15.exd5 Bxd5 16.Bxd5 Qxd5 17.Qf3 Qxf3
(17...Qa5 18.Rfd1²) 18.Nxf3 Rfd8 19.Rfe1 e6 20.Rab1 Rd7 21.Rb5²
13...Bf5 14.e4 dxe4 15.Nxe4 Qc7 16.Re1 Rfd8 17.Rb1²
17.Qe2 Rac8 (17...e5 18.d5! Na5 19.Bb4²) 18.Rac1 Na5 19.Nc5²
17...b6 18.Qf3
18.Qe2!? Na5 19.Bc1!? Rac8 (19...e5?! 20.Bg5 Re8 21.Nf6+ Bxf6 22.Bxf6 Bxb1 23.Bxa8 Bxa2
24.Qxa2 Rxa8 25.Qxa4 Qxc3 26.Rxe5±) 20.Bf4 Qa7 21.Rb4 Nc6 22.Rb5²
18...Rac8 19.Rb5 e6

632
19...e5 20.d5 Na5 21.d6 (21.Bb4 Nc4 22.d6 Qd7 23.Rd5 h6∞) 21...Qd7 22.Rd5 h6 23.Nd2 Nb7
24.Ne4 Na5 25.Bb4 Nc6 26.Ba3 Na5=
20.Nd6!? Rxd6?!
20...Nxd4! 21.cxd4 Rxd6 22.Bxd6 Qxd6 23.g4 Bc2 24.d5 (24.Qb7 Rb8 25.Qc6 Qxc6 26.Bxc6 Bd3
27.Rb4 b5©) 24...Bd4 25.dxe6 fxe6©
21.Bxd6 Qxd6
21...Nxd4 22.Bxc7 Nxf3+ 23.Bxf3 Rxc7 24.Rxb6 Rxc3 25.Be4±
22.Rxb6 Nxd4 23.Rxd6 Nxf3+ 24.Bxf3 Rxc3 25.Rd8+
25.Be4 Bh3 (25...a3 26.Rd8+ Bf8 27.Bxf5 gxf5 28.Rb1 Kg7 29.Rbb8 Rc1+ 30.Kg2 Be7 31.Rd7±)
26.Rc6±
25...Bf8 26.Kg2 Kg7 27.Be4
27.g4 Bc2 28.Rd7 Kg8 29.Rd2 Bh6 30.Rd8+ Kg7 31.Rd7±
27...Bxe4+ 28.Rxe4 Rc2 29.Rd7± g5 30.Rxe6 Bc5
30...Rxa2 31.Rc6 a3 32.Rcc7+-
31.Re5 Kf6
31...Bxf2 32.Kf1 Rxa2 33.Rf5 Be3 34.Rdxf7+ Kg8 35.Re7+-; 31...Rxf2+ 32.Kh3 Bb6 33.Rxg5+ Kf6
34.Rb5+-
32.Rdd5

633
32...Bxf2
32...Rxf2+ 33.Kh3 Be7 34.Rxg5
33.Kf3
33.Rf5+ Ke6 34.Rde5+ Kd6 35.Kf1 Bd4 36.Re4+-
33...Rxa2 34.Rxg5 a3 35.Rdf5+ Ke6 36.Ra5 Bg1 37.Ra6+ Ke7 38.h4 Bd4 39.Kg4 Ra1 40.Rb5+-
40.Rga5 Bb2 41.Ra7+ Kf6 42.Rf5+ Ke6 43.Rfxf7+-
40...Bb2 41.Kh5 Re1 42.g4 Re6 43.Rb7+ Kf8 44.Rxe6 fxe6 45.Ra7 Ke8 46.g5 Kd8 47.Kh6 e5
48.Kxh7 e4 49.g6 e3 50.Rxa3 1-0

143. D80
Anand, Viswanathan (2753) - Svidler, Peter (2723)
chess24.com (Int.-m/1-rapid) 145/143, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Bg5 Bg7 5.Bxf6 Bxf6 6.cxd5 c6 7.e4 Bg7

634
7...O-O - 120/162
8.Qd2N
8.Nf3
8...cxd5 9.exd5 O-O 10.Bc4 a6 11.a4

11...e6! 12.dxe6
12.Nge2 exd5 13.Bxd5 (13.Nxd5 Nc6 14.Ne3 Nxd4 15.Rd1 Nc6³) 13...Nc6 14.O-O (14.Bxc6?!
bxc6 15.O-O Re8 16.Rac1 a5³) 14...Bf5 15.Rad1 Qb6 16.Bc4 Rad8 17.d5 Qc5 18.Ba2 Rfe8 19.Ng3

635
Nd4 20.Nxf5 Nxf5 21.Rfe1 Nd6©
12...Bxe6 13.Bxe6
13.d5 Bf5 14.Nge2 Qh4 15.Bd3 (15.Bb3 Nd7 16.O-O Qb4 17.Bc2 Bxc2 18.Qxc2 Rac8©) 15...Bxd3
16.Qxd3 Nd7 17.O-O Rfe8©
13...fxe6 14.Nge2 Nc6 15.Rd1 Qb6
15...Qd6!? 16.Ne4 Qd5 17.Qe3 Rad8 18.O-O Nxd4 19.Rfe1 Qa5 20.Nxd4 Bxd4 21.Qb3 Qf5
22.Rd2 Rd7=
16.O-O
16.Qe3 Rfe8 17.Rd2 Rad8 18.O-O Nxd4 19.Rfd1 Nxe2+ (19...e5∞) 20.Qxe2 Rxd2 21.Rxd2 Bxc3
22.bxc3 Qb3=
16...Rad8 17.Qc2
17.d5 exd5 18.Nxd5 Qxb2 19.Qxb2 Bxb2 20.Nec3 Bxc3 21.Nxc3 Rf4=
17...Nxd4 18.Nxd4 Bxd4 19.Rd2 Qc6
19...Kg7 20.Ne4 e5 21.Rc1 Rf7=
20.Ne4 Qxc2 21.Rxc2 Bb6 22.Rc4
22.b3 Rd4 23.Re2 e5=
22...Rd4 23.Rxd4 Bxd4 24.b3 Rc8 25.Rd1 e5 26.Kf1 Rc2 27.Rd2 Rc1+ 28.Ke2 Rb1

29.Rc2! Rxb3 30.Rc7 h5

636
30...Rb4 31.Nf6+ Kf8 32.f3 h5 33.Rd7 Rb2+ 34.Kd3 Rxg2 35.Nh7+ Ke8 36.Nf6+=
31.Rd7 Kf8 32.f3 b5 33.Nf6 bxa4 34.Nh7+ Ke8 35.Nf6+ Kf8 36.Nh7+ Ke8 37.Nf6+ Kf8 1/2-1/2

144. ** D85
Michalik, Peter (2585) - Navara, David (2719)
Pardubice 145/144, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Nf3 c5 8.Bb5+ Nc6 9.Rb1 O-O
10.d5 Ne5
10...Bxc3+ 11.Bd2 Bxd2+ 12.Qxd2 Nd4 13.Nxd4 cxd4 14.Qxd4

14...Qa5+N (14...e6) 15.Qd2 Qxd2+ 16.Kxd2 Rd8 17.Ke3² Mamedyarov,S (2770)-Aryan,C (2562)
Gibraltar 145/(144) 2020
11.O-O

637
11.Nxe5 - 142/(156)
11...e6N
11...Nxf3+ - 145/(144) 12.Qxf3 f5 13.e5 Bxe5 14.Re1 Qd6 15.Bh6

15...Rd8?N Vishnu, P (2476)-Sychev,K (2572) chess.com (Int.-blitz) 145/(144) 2020 (15...Rd8

16.Qe3! Bf6 17.Rbd1±; 15...a6 16.Bf1 (16.Bxf8 Kxf8 17.Bf1 Bxh2+ 18.Kh1 Be5∞) 16...Bxh2+
17.Kh1 Be5∞)11...a6; 11...Qc7
12.Bf4

638
12.Nxe5 Bxe5 13.Be3 exd5 14.Qxd5 Qxd5 15.exd5 Bf5∞
12...Nxf3+ 13.Qxf3 a6 14.Bd3 Bxc3 15.Bxa6 Bd4
15...Qf6 16.Bc4 (16.Bxb7 Bxb7 17.Rxb7 exd5 18.exd5 Rxa2 19.Qg3 Rfa8∞) 16...exd5 17.Bxd5 Bd4
18.Qg3 Be6∞
16.Bxb7 Rxa2 17.Bh6

17.Qb3 Ra7 18.Bc6 exd5 19.Bxd5 Re8∞

17...Bxb7! 18.Bxf8
18.Rxb7 Qa8! 19.Rd7 Rxf2 20.Qxf2 Bxf2+ 21.Rxf2 Qa1+ 22.Rf1 Qd4+ 23.Kh1 Qd3 24.Kg1
Qd4+=
18...Ba6 19.Qb3
19.Bxc5 Bxc5 20.dxe6 Qe8 21.Rb8 (21.exf7+ Qxf7 22.Rb8+ Bf8 23.Rc1 Qxf3 24.gxf3∞) 21...Qxb8
22.Qxf7+ Kh8 23.Qf6+=; 19.Bh6 Bxf1 20.Rxf1∞
19...Bxf1 20.Qxa2 Bd3 21.Bh6
21.Rd1 Bxe4 22.Bxc5 Bxc5 23.Qc4 Bxf2+ 24.Kxf2 Bxd5=
21...Bxb1 22.Qxb1 Bg7
22...Bxf2+ 23.Kxf2 Qh4+ 24.Kf3 Qxh6 25.Qb8+ Qf8 26.Qc7 exd5 27.exd5 Qh6=
23.Bxg7 Kxg7 24.Qa1+

639
24...Qf6
24...Kg8 25.Qe5 exd5 26.exd5 c4 27.d6 c3=
25.e5 Qf5 26.d6 c4 27.h3 Qd3 28.Qc1 c3 29.d7 c2 30.d8=Q Qxd8 31.Qxc2 Qd4 32.Qe2 h5 33.g3
h4 34.gxh4 Qxh4 35.Qg4 Qh6 36.h4 Qd2 37.Qg5 Qd5 38.Qf6+ Kf8 39.Qh8+ Ke7 40.Qf6+ Ke8
41.Qh8+ Kd7 42.Qf6 Qd1+ 43.Kh2 Ke8 1/2-1/2

145. **** D85

Bjerre, Jonas Buhl (2549) - Ivic, Velimir (2548)
chess.com (ol-rapid) 145/145, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Be3 c5 8.Nf3 Qa5 9.Qd2 O-O
10.Rc1 Nd7 11.Bd3 e5 12.d5 f5

640
13.Qe2

13...f4N
13...fxe4 - 145/(145) 14.Bxe4 Nf6

641
15.d6 - 145/(145) (15.Nd2N Qxa2 16.Bxc5 Re8 (16...Rf7!?) 17.Bd3? Reimanis,R (2421)-
Obodchuk,A (2299) chess.com (ol-rapid) 145/(145) 2020 (17.Bd3 Bg4! 18.f3

18...e4! 19.Bxe4 (19.Nxe4 Qxe2+ 20.Kxe2 Nxe4 21.Bxe4 Rxe4+ 22.Kd3 Re5 23.fxg4 Rxd5+
24.Kc4 Rd2µ) 19...Bh6-+; 17.Qd3 Bf5 18.O-O Rec8 19.Be3 Nxe4 20.Nxe4 Bxe4 21.Qxe4 Qc4=))
15...Kh8

642
(15...Nxe4 - 137/156) 16.Ng5N (16.Qc4 b5 17.Qd3 Rb8 18.O-O Qa4 19.Nd2 c4 20.Qb1 Qa6
21.Rcd1 Bg4 22.Nf3 Rbd8 23.h3 Nxe4 24.Qxe4 Bxf3 25.gxf3 Rxd6 26.Bc5 Rxd1 27.Rxd1 Rg8=)
16...h6 17.h4 Nxe4 18.Nxe4 b6 19.f3 Qa4 20.Qc2 Qxc2 21.Rxc2 Bd7 22.Ke2 Bc6 23.Rd2 Rad8
24.c4 Rf7 25.Ra1 Ba4 26.Rc1 Bc6 27.g4 Kg8 28.Rd3 Rb7 1/2 (28) Szerlak,A-Rawlings,A corr
145/(145) 2020; 13...Nf6N 14.Nxe5 Nxe4 15.f4 Nd6 16.O-O

16...Qc7 - 145/(145) (16...Re8N 17.c4 Nf7 (17...Qc7 18.Rfe1 Nf7 19.Nf3 Bd7 20.Qf2² Esipenko,A
(2682) -He,A (2337) chess. com (Int.-blitz) 145/(145) 2020) 18.Bd2 (18.Nxf7

643
18...Rxe3! (18...Kxf7 19.Rf3 Bd7∞) 19.Qxe3 Bd4 20.Qxd4 cxd4 21.Ne5 b6³; 18.Nf3 Qa3 19.Qd2
b6 20.h3 Bd7∞) 18...Qc7 19.Bc3 Nxe5 20.Rce1 Nf3+ 21.Qxf3 Rxe1 22.Bxe1 Bd7 23.Bf2 Re8∞)
17.h4 Nf7 18.Bc4 Qd6 19.Rce1 b6 20.Bf2 Bb7 21.h5² Vishnu,P (2474)-Mchedlishvili,M (2578)
New Delhi 145/(145) 2020
14.Bd2 h6 15.O-O Qc7 16.c4 g5 17.Bc3 Qd6 18.Qb2± g4 19.Nh4 Nb6 20.Qe2
20.Qc2 f3 21.Nf5
20...f3 21.Qe3
21.Qc2 fxg2 22.Kxg2 Rf4 23.Bd2 Qf6 24.Bxf4 exf4 25.Nf5 f3+ 26.Kh1±
21...fxg2 22.Kxg2 Rf4 23.f3 Bd7
23...gxf3+ 24.Nxf3 Bd7 25.Be1 Raf8 26.Bg3
24.Kh1 Raf8 25.fxg4 Bxg4 26.Rxf4
26.Qg3! Qf6 27.Rxf4 Qxf4 28.Rg1 Bf3+ 29.Nxf3 Qxf3+ 30.Qxf3 Rxf3 31.Bxe5 Rxd3 32.Rxg7+
Kf8 33.Rxb7 Nxc4 34.Bg7+ Ke8 35.Bxh6+-
26...Rxf4 27.Rg1 Qf6 28.Be1 Bh5 29.Ng2 Rf3 30.Qd2 Rh3
¹30...Kh7 31.Bh4 Qf7 32.Bg3 Bf6 33.Qc2 Bg5 34.Re1²
31.Bg3 Qg6 32.Qf2 Qg4 33.Ne1 Bg6 34.Qg2?
34.Qc2 Nd7 35.Qg2!± (35.Bxe5? Nxe5 36.Rxg4 Nxg4 37.Qg2 Rxh2+ 38.Qxh2 Nxh2 39.Kxh2
Be5+ 40.Kg2 Kf7³)
34...Nxc4! 35.Be2

644
35.Qf3 Qxf3+ 36.Nxf3 Nd6 37.Bxe5 (37.Kg2 Rh5 38.Nd2 b5³) 37...Rxf3 38.Rxg6 Rxd3 39.Rxg7+
Kf8 40.Rd7 Nxe4 41.Rxb7 Rxd5 42.Bf4 h5 43.Rxa7=
35...Qxe4?
35...Qxg3! 36.Qxg3 Bxe4+ 37.Bf3 Rxg3 38.Rxg3 Bb1 39.Nd3 (39.Be2 Nd6µ) 39...b6 (39...Bxd3
40.d6 Nxd6 41.Bd5+ Kf8 42.Rxd3 e4³) 40.Nf2 Nd6³
36.Bf3 Qf5 37.Bf2 Rxf3?
37...Nd2! 38.Bg4 (38.Qxg6 Qxg6 (38...Rxh2+ 39.Kxh2 Nf1+ 40.Kg2 Qxg6+ 41.Kxf1 Qa6+ 42.Be2
Qxa2³) 39.Rxg6 Nxf3 40.Bg3 Nh4 41.Re6 Kf7³) 38...Qf4 39.Qxh3 Be4+ 40.Ng2 Qxf2 41.d6 Bf6
42.d7 Kg7 43.Qg3 Qxg3 44.hxg3 Bd8∞ (44...c4∞)
38.Nxf3+- Qe4 39.Qxg6 Qxf3+ 40.Rg2 Qf8 41.Bxc5 Qf1+ 42.Bg1 Qf7 43.Qxf7+
43.d6 Na5 44.Qxh6
43...Kxf7 44.Bxa7 Bf6 45.Rc2 b5 46.a4 Na3 47.Rc7+ Kg6 48.Bc5 Nc4 49.axb5 1-0

146. D85
Esipenko, Andrey (2682) - Matinian, Nikita (2475)
chess.com (Internet) 145/146, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Nf3 c5 8.Be3 Qa5 9.Qd2 O-O
10.Rc1 Rd8 11.d5 e6 12.Bg5 f6 13.Bf4 Nc6 14.Bd3
14.Bc4 - 109/(292)
14...exd5 15.exd5 Ne7

645
16.c4N
16.d6 Nf5 17.O-Oƒ
16...Qxd2+ 17.Kxd2 b5

17...g5 18.Be3 b6 19.h4! g4 20.Nh2 (20.Ng1 b5 21.Ne2 bxc4 22.Bxc4 Nxd5 23.Nf4 Bb7 24.Ke2
Kh8 25.Bxd5 Bxd5 26.Nxd5 Rxd5 27.Rxc5 Rxc5 28.Bxc5 Rc8 29.Rc1 f5 30.Kd3 Kg8 31.Rc4²)
20...b5 21.Rhd1 bxc4 22.Bxc4 Nxd5 23.Ke1! Be6 24.Nxg4²
18.Bc7! Rd7 19.d6! Bh6+ 20.Kc2 Bxc1 21.Rxc1 Bb7 22.cxb5 Nd5

646
22...Kg7! 23.Bc4 (23.Nd2 Rc8 (23...Bxg2 24.Nb3 Nd5 25.Nxc5 Rf7 26.Bc4²) 24.Be4 Bxe4+
25.Nxe4 Nd5 26.Nxc5 Nxc7 27.Nxd7 Nxb5+ 28.Kb2 Rxc1 29.Kxc1 Nxd6=) 23...Bxf3 24.gxf3
Nf5! 25.Bd5 (25.Rd1?! Nxd6! 26.Rxd6 Rxc7µ) 25...Rc8 26.Bc6 Nd4+ 27.Kb2 Rdxc7 28.dxc7 Rxc7
29.Rxc5 Kf8=
23.Bc4 Kf8 24.Bxd5 Bxd5 25.a4
25.Kd3 Bxa2 26.Rxc5²
25...Re8
25...Rc8 26.Kc3 Rdxc7 27.dxc7 Rxc7 28.Rd1 Rd7 29.g3²
26.Kd2
26.Kd3!? Ba8 (26...Kf7 27.Rxc5 Bxf3 28.gxf3 Re1 29.Rc6 Ke6 30.Ra6±; 26...c4+ 27.Kd4±)
27.Rxc5±
26...c4
26...Re4 27.Rxc5 Ba8 28.a5±
27.Nd4± Re4
27...Bxg2 28.Kc3 Bd5 29.Nc6+-
28.Kc3 Rh4 29.Nc6+-
29.Re1 Rxh2 30.Re7!+-
29...Bxg2 30.Nxa7 Rh3+ 31.Kb4! Rxh2 32.a5 Bf3 33.a6 Rxf2 34.b6 h5 35.Kc5 Rb2 36.Nb5 c3
37.b7 1-0

147. * !N D85
Giri, Anish (2764) - Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784)
chess24.com (Int.-m1/3-rapid) 145/147, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Be3 c5 8.Rc1 Qa5 9.Qd2 O-O
10.Nf3 Bg4 11.d5 b5 12.Bxc5 Rc8

647
13.Bb4
13.Bd4 - 144/153
13...Qc7 - 145/147
13...Qb6?!N 14.Be2 e6 15.O-O Na6 16.Be7 Nc5 17.Qf4 Bxf3 18.Qxf3 exd5 19.exd5 Re8 20.d6 Bf8
21.Rb1 (21.Bxf8 Rxf8 22.c4 b4 23.Qf4±) 21...Bxe7 22.dxe7 a6

23.Bc4 (23.a4 Ra7 (23...Nxa4? 24.Bc4+-) 24.axb5 Rexe7 25.Bc4± (25.bxa6 Qe6 26.Rb2±; 25.c4±))
23...Ne6 24.a4² Giri,A (2764) -Nepomniachtchi,I (2784) chess24.com (Int.-m1/1-rapid) 145/(147)
2020

648
14.Nd4 a5 15.Ba3 b4 16.Bb2
16.cxb4 Qe5 17.Rxc8+ Bxc8 18.Qc2 Qxd4 19.Qxc8+ Bf8 20.b5 (20.Qc4 Qa1+ 21.Qc1 Qd4 22.Qc4
(22.f3 axb4 23.Bb2 Qb6∞) 22...Qa1+=) 20...Qxe4+ 21.Be2 Qxg2 22.Rf1 Qxd5 23.Bxe7 Nd7
24.Qc6 Qxc6 25.bxc6 Bxe7 26.cxd7=
16...Qb6 17.c4

17...Na6!N
17...a4
18.f4?!
18.h3 Bd7 19.Qe3 e5 20.dxe6 Bxe6 21.Be2 Nc5©
18...e5! 19.h3
19.Be2 Bxe2 20.Nxe2 Nc5 21.fxe5 b3!ƒ; 19.dxe6 Bxe6 20.e5 Rd8 21.Be2 Bf8³
19...Nc5! 20.fxe5
20.hxg4? Nxe4-+; 20.Bd3 a4 21.hxg4 a3 22.Ba1 exd4∞
20...Bxe5 21.hxg4
21.Qe3 Bd7 22.Be2 Qf6µ
21...Nxe4 22.Qe3
22.Qh6 Bxd4 23.Qxh7+ Kf8 24.Bxd4 Qxd4 25.Qh8+ Qxh8 26.Rxh8+ Ke7 27.Rxc8 Rxc8 28.Bd3
Nc5 (28...Nc3 29.Ra1 Rh8 30.Kd2 Rh4©) 29.Kd2 Kd6©

649
22...Re8!

23.Kd1!?
23.c5 Nxc5 (23...Qf6?! 24.g5! Bg3+ 25.Kd1 Qe5 26.Kc2 Rac8 27.c6 Bf4 28.Qh3 Nxg5 29.Nf3+-)
24.Be2 Bf4 (24...Bg7 25.Qh3 h6∞) 25.Qh3 h6 26.O-O Bxc1 27.Rxc1 Na4 28.Rc6™ Qa7 29.Ra6
Qb7 (29...Qc5 30.Rc6 Qa7=) 30.Qxh6 Nxb2 31.Nf5 gxf5 32.Qg5+ Kf8 33.Qh6+=
23...Bg7 24.Qg1

24.c5 Nxc5 25.Ne6 (25.Qh3 h5 26.gxh5 Na4 27.Ba1 Nc3+ 28.Bxc3 bxc3 29.Qd3 Bxd4 30.hxg6
fxg6-+) 25...Rad8 26.Bxg7 Rxd5+ 27.Kc2 Rxe6 28.Qh3 h5 29.Bc4 Rd2+! 30.Kb1 (30.Kxd2 Ne4+

650
31.Kc2 Qf2+ 32.Kb1 Nd2+ 33.Ka1 (33.Kb2 Nxc4+ 34.Ka1 (34.Kb3 Nb6-+) 34...Kxg7 35.Rxc4
Re3-+) 33...Kxg7-+) 30...Kxg7-+; 24.Qf4 Rac8! (24...Bxd4? 25.c5! Qf6 (25...Bxc5? 26.Rxh7+-;
25...Qd8 26.Bxd4 Qxd5 27.Rc4 Nc3+ 28.Rxc3 Re4 29.Qd6 Rxd4+ 30.Rd3+-) 26.Qxf6 Bxf6 27.Bxf6
Nxf6 28.d6²) 25.c5 Rxc5 26.Rxc5 Qxc5 27.Bb5 Re5µ
24...Nc3+?
24...a4! 25.Rc2 (25.Rh3 Qc5 26.Bd3 b3 27.a3 Re7³; 25.Bd3 b3 26.Bxe4 (26.a3? Qf6-+) 26...bxa2!
(26...Rxe4 27.Nxb3! Qxg1+ 28.Rxg1 Bxb2 (28...axb3 29.Bxg7 Kxg7 30.axb3 Ra2 31.c5 Rd4+
32.Ke1 Re4+=) 29.Nd2! Rxg4 30.Rc2 Ba3∞) 27.Ba1 Rxe4 28.Nb5 Qb8 29.Qh2 Qxh2 30.Rxh2
Rxc4! 31.Nc3 (31.Rxc4 Bxa1 32.Rh1 Bb2 33.Kc2 a1=Q 34.Rxa1 Bxa1³) 31...Rd4+ 32.Kc2 Rc8
33.Re1 Rxd5³) 25...b3

26.Nxb3! Qb4 (26...Qxg1 27.Rxg1 axb3 28.axb3 Reb8 29.Bxg7 Kxg7 30.Rb2 Ra1+ 31.Kc2 Kf6
(31...f5©) 32.b4 Ke5©) 27.Nd4 a3 28.Bc1 Nc5©
25.Bxc3 bxc3 26.Nc2?
26.Nb5 Qf6 (26...Re3 27.Kc2 Bd4 (27...Rae8 28.Re1!+-) 28.Rd1 Re2+ 29.Bxe2 Bxg1 30.Rhxg1+-)
27.Rc2 (27.Rxc3 Qf4 28.Rhh3! (28.Rf3? Qe5„) 28...Qxg4+ 29.Rhf3+-) 27...Re7 28.Qf2+-
26...Qf6µ 27.Rh2?!

651
27.Qd4 Re5! (27...Qxd4+ 28.Nxd4 Bxd4³) 28.Bd3 Qg5 29.Qf2 Qxg4+ 30.Qf3 Qg5 31.Qf2 Rae8-+;
27.Rh3 Qf4 28.Rd3 Bh6 29.Ra1 Rab8-+
27...Rad8!
27...Bh6! 28.Ra1 (28.Rxh6 Qf4-+) 28...Rab8-+ 29.g3 Be3 30.Qh1 Rb2 31.Bd3 (31.Rxh7 Bh6!-+)
31...Qb6-+
28.Rb1
28.Ra1 Qe5 29.Bd3 Qg3 30.Rh3 Qf4 31.Re3 Bd4-+; 28.g3 Qf3+ 29.Be2 (29.Re2 Qd3+ 30.Ke1
Qd2+-+) 29...Rxd5+! 30.cxd5 Qxd5+ 31.Ke1 Qd2+-+
28...Rb8-+ 29.Rc1
29.Rb3 a4 30.Rxb8 Rxb8 31.Rh1 Rb1+ 32.Ke2 Rc1-+
29...Bh6 30.Ra1 Rb2 31.g3 Qf3+ 32.Be2 Rxe2
32...Qe4
33.Rxe2 Rxc2 0-1

148. D85
Giri, Anish (2764) - Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784)
chess24.com (Int.-m2/4-rapid) 145/148, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Be3 c5 8.Nf3 Qa5 9.Qd2 O-O
10.Rc1 Bg4 11.d5 b5 12.Bxc5 Rc8 13.Bb4
13.Bd4 - 144/153

652
13...Qc7 14.Nd4 a5 15.Ba3 b4 16.Bb2 Qb6 17.c4 Na6!

18.Nc6N
18.f4?! - 145/147
18...Bxb2 19.Qxb2

19.Nxe7+? Kf8 20.Nxc8 (20.Qxb2 Kxe7 21.h3 Bd7 22.Qe5+ Kd8µ) 20...Qf6µ
19...Rxc6! 20.dxc6 Qxc6 21.Bd3
21.f3 Nc5©

653
21...Nc5
21...Rd8! 22.Bb1 (22.h3 Rxd3 23.hxg4 Nc5! (23...Qxe4+ 24.Qe2 Qxg2 25.Qxd3 Qxh1+ 26.Kd2
Qh6+ 27.Qe3 Qh4 28.c5ƒ) 24.O-O (24.f3? Rxf3-+) 24...Nxe4 25.Qe5 (25.Rfd1 Rxd1+ 26.Rxd1 Nc3
27.Rd8+ Kg7 28.a3 Qxc4 29.axb4 axb4 30.Rb8 Qxg4 31.Rxb4 Qd1+ 32.Kh2 Qh5+=) 25...Nc3
26.g5 Qxc4 27.Qb8+ Kg7 28.Qe5+ Kg8=) 22...Nc5 23.O-O Qc7 24.h3 (24.f3 Be6 25.Rfd1 Na4
26.Rxd8+ Qxd8 27.Qf2 Nc3©) 24...Be6©
22.Bc2 Nxe4
22...Qb6 23.O-O a4 24.Bb1 Rc8©
23.Qd4 Bf5 24.Bxe4 Bxe4 25.f3 Bf5 26.O-O
26.Qd5 Qa6 27.O-O Rc8 28.c5 a4©
26...a4 27.Rfe1

27.Qe3 Qc7 28.Rf2²

27...b3! 28.axb3
28.g4 Be6 29.axb3 Qxf3 30.bxa4 (30.b4 a3 31.Qe4 Qxe4 32.Rxe4 Ra4 33.Ra1 Rxb4 34.Rxa3 Rxc4=)
30...Rxa4 31.Rb1 Qxg4+ 32.Qxg4 Bxg4 33.c5 Ra7 34.Rec1 Rc7 35.c6 Bf3=
28...axb3 29.Re2 Qc7
29...Qd6 30.Qxd6 (30.Qc3 Qc5+ 31.Kh1 Ra2 32.Rb2 Rxb2 33.Qxb2 Bc2=) 30...exd6 31.g4 Bc2
32.Rcxc2 bxc2 33.Rxc2 Kf8=
30.c5 Rd8 31.Qc3 Bc2= 32.Rexc2 bxc2 33.Qxc2 Qc6 34.Qc3 h5 35.Qe3 Rd7 36.h3 Kh7 37.Qe5

654
Rc7 38.Qf4 Kg7 39.Qe5+ Kh7 40.Qf4 Kg7 41.Qe5+ Kh7 1/2-1/2

149. D85
Vidit, Santosh Gujrathi (2726) - Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784)
chess.com (ol-rapid) 145/149, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Be3 c5 8.Qd2 Qa5 9.Nf3 O-O
10.Rc1 Bg4 11.d5 b5 12.Bxc5 Rc8 13.Bb4
13.Bd4 - 144/153
13...Qc7 14.Nd4 a5 15.Ba3 b4 16.Bb2 Qb6

17.Bb5N
17.c4
17...e5! 18.dxe6
18.Nc6? Qxb5 19.Ne7+ Kh8 20.Nxc8 Bxc8 21.cxb4 Na6µ
18...Bxe6 19.Nxe6
19.O-O Rd8 20.Rfd1 Bg4 (20...Bxa2 21.cxb4 h6 (21...axb4? 22.Ne6! Nc6 (22...Rxd2 23.Rc8++-)
23.Nxd8 Rxd8 24.Qe2+-) 22.Qc3 axb4 23.Qxb4 Kh7 24.Bc3 (24.Ba1 Na6 25.Qb2 Nb8©) 24...Na6
25.Qb2 Nc5 26.Qe2 Ne6 27.Nxe6 Rxd1+ 28.Qxd1 Bxc3 29.Rxc3 Qxb5 30.Nc5 (30.Nc7 Rd8!)
30...Rd8 31.Qf1 Qb2 32.Rc1 Rd2©) 21.f3 Bd7 22.c4 (22.Bxd7 Rxd7 23.Qf2 Na6©) 22...Na6 23.Qf2
Nc5©
19...fxe6 20.c4 Bxb2 21.Qxb2

655
21...Nc6?!
21...Na6! 22.Bxa6 (22.Rd1 Nc5 23.Qe5 Rf8 24.f3 (24.O-O Rad8©; 24.Rd6 Qc7 25.Qd4 Rad8 26.e5
Nb7 27.Qb6 Qxb6 28.Rxb6 Nc5©) 24...Rad8 25.Ke2 a4©) 22...Qxa6 23.Qd4 (23.c5 Rc6 24.Qd4 -
23.Qd4) 23...Qa7 24.c5 Rc6 25.O-O Rac8 26.Qf6 Qf7 27.Qg5 Qf8=
22.Qf6
22.O-O!? Rd8 (22...Qd4 23.Qe2 Qc5 24.Qg4²) 23.Bxc6 Qxc6 24.Qe5 Rd2 25.Rfd1 Qxc4 (25...Rxa2
26.Rd3 Rf8 27.f3 Ra3 28.Rd2²) 26.h3 Rxd1+ 27.Rxd1²
22...Nd4 23.Bd7 Rf8
23...b3 24.O-O Rf8! 25.Qe5 Rf7 26.c5 Ne2+ 27.Kh1 Qb8 28.Qxb8+ Rxb8 29.Bxe6 Nxc1 30.Rxc1
b2 31.Rb1 a4 32.a3 Rb5 33.g3±
24.Qe5?!
24.c5! Rxf6 25.cxb6 e5 26.b7 Rb8 27.Bc8±
24...Rxf2! 25.Kxf2
25.c5 Qa6 26.Bxe6+ Nxe6 27.Kxf2 Rf8+ 28.Ke3 (28.Kg1 Nf4 29.h3 Qe2 30.Qg5 h6 (30...Qxe4
31.Kh2±) 31.Qg4 Qxg4 32.hxg4 Ne2+ 33.Kh2 Nxc1 34.Rxc1 Kf7=) 28...Nf4 29.Qxf4 Rxf4
30.Kxf4 Qf6+ 31.Ke3 Qg5+ 32.Kd3 Qd8+ 33.Kc4 (33.Ke2 Qd4 34.Rhd1 Qxe4+ 35.Kf2 Qc6
36.Kg1 (36.Rd6 Qe4=) 36...a4 37.Kh1 b3 38.axb3 axb3=) 33...Qe8 34.Rhd1 Qxe4+ 35.Kb5²
25...Rf8+ 26.Ke3

656
26.Kg3 Ne2+ 27.Kh4 Qd8+ 28.Qg5 Qxd7 29.Rcf1±
26...Nf5+!= 27.Kd3 Qe3+ 28.Kc2 Nd4+ 29.Kb1 Qd3+ 30.Ka1 Rf2! 31.Bxe6+ Kf8
31...Nxe6?? 32.Rhd1+-
32.Qd6+
32.Qh8+ Ke7 33.Qxh7+ Kxe6 34.Qxg6+ Kd7 35.Rhd1 Rxa2+ 36.Kxa2 Qa3+ 37.Kb1 Qb3+=
32...Kg7 33.Qe7+ Kh8 34.Qd8+ Kg7 35.Qe7+ Kh8 36.Qd8+ Kg7 37.Qe7+ 1/2-1/2

150. D85
Carlsen, Magnus (2863) - Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784)
chess24.com (Int.-m1/2-rapid) 145/150, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Be3 c5 8.Rc1 Qa5 9.Qd2 O-O
10.Nf3 Bg4 11.d5 b5 12.Be2 Nd7 13.O-O Rac8
13...Rad8 - 142/163
14.Rfd1N

657
14.h3; 14.Bh6
14...Nb6! 15.Bh6 Bxf3 16.gxf3
16.Bxf3 Nc4 17.Qg5 Rfe8 18.Bxg7 Kxg7∞
16...b4
¹16...Na4 17.Bxg7 Kxg7 18.h4 c4 19.h5 f6∞
17.Bxg7 Kxg7 18.cxb4
18.c4?! Na4 19.Qe3 Nc3 20.Rd2 f6∞
18...cxb4 19.Rc6
19.Rb1 Rc3 20.Qd4+ f6 21.Rxb4 (21.Rd2 Rfc8 (21...Ra3 22.Qxb4 Rxa2 23.Rxa2 Qxa2 24.Bf1²)
22.Qxb4 Qxb4 23.Rxb4 Rc2 24.Rbd4²) 21...Rc2 22.Bf1 Qa3 23.Rb3 Qxa2 24.Qe3 (24.Rdd3²)
24...Rxf2 25.Ra3 Qc2 26.Rc1 Qb2 (26...Rxf1+ 27.Rxf1 Nc4 28.Qxa7 Nxa3 29.Qxe7+ Kg8
30.Qxa3²) 27.Rxa7 Rxh2 28.Rxe7+ Kg8 29.d6²
19...Rxc6 20.dxc6 Rc8 21.Rc1 Na4

658
22.Rc4
22.Qd4+ f6 23.Qd5 Qxd5 24.exd5 Nc3 25.Re1 Kf8 26.Bc4 a5∞
22...Nc3 23.Bf1 Qb6 24.a3
24.Qd7 Rc7 25.Rxb4 Qxc6 26.Qxc6 Rxc6 27.Rb7 a5 28.Rxe7 Nxa2 29.Ra7 Rc5=
24...Rxc6=
24...a5 25.axb4 axb4 26.Qb2 Rxc6 27.Rxc6 Qxc6 28.Qxb4=
25.Rxc6 Qxc6 26.axb4 Nb5 27.Bxb5 Qxb5 28.Qd4+ e5 29.Qxa7 Qxb4 30.Qc7 Qd4 31.Qe7 h5
32.h4 Qc3 33.Kg2 Qd4 34.Kg1 Qc3 35.Kg2 Qd4 36.Kg1 Qc3 1/2-1/2

151. D85
Jean, Pierre - Bar Ziv, Itzhak
corr 145/151, 2019

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Nf3 c5 8.Rb1 O-O 9.Be2 cxd4
10.cxd4 Qa5+ 11.Bd2 Qxa2 12.O-O b6 13.Qc1 Qe6 14.Bc4 Qxe4 15.Re1 Qb7 16.Bh6!?
16.Bb4 - 75/(423)
16...Bf5
16...e6!? 17.Bxg7 Kxg7=
17.Rb3 e6 [×d5]
17...Rc8 18.Rc3 Na6 19.Bxg7 Kxg7 20.Ne5²
18.Bxg7 Kxg7 19.d5

659
19.Rbe3 Nd7 20.d5 e5= (20...exd5? 21.Nd4 Be6 22.Nxe6+ fxe6 23.Rxe6+-)
19...exd5 20.Nd4 Bd7
20...dxc4?? 21.Nxf5+ Kg8 22.Qh6 f6 23.Ne7+ Kf7 24.Qxh7+ Ke8 25.Nc6+ Qe7 26.Qxe7#;
20...Be6!? 21.Bb5 a6=
21.Bb5 Qc8 22.Qa1 Kg8 23.Bxd7 Qxd7

24.Re7! Qd6
24...Qxe7?? 25.Nf5 Qe1+ 26.Qxe1 gxf5 27.Rg3+ Kh8 28.Qe5+ f6 29.Qe7 Rf7 30.Qxf7+-
25.Nf5 gxf5 26.Rg3+ Qxg3 27.hxg3
27.fxg3 Nc6; 27.hxg3 Nc6
27...Nc6 28.Rd7

660
28...Rad8N
28...Rfd8 29.Rxd8+ Nxd8 30.Qe5²
29.Rc7² Rd6
29...Rc8 30.Rb7 Nd8±
30.Qa4 Ne5 31.Qc2
31.Rxa7?! d4 32.Qb5 Rc8=
31...Rf6 32.Qd2 Ng6 33.Rxa7
33.Qxd5?! Re8 34.f4 a5 35.Qd4 Ree6=
33...Rd8 34.Qd4 Re6 35.Kf1 h6 36.Rc7 Rdd6 37.Rc8+ Kh7 38.f3 Rd7 39.Qd3 Ne7 40.Ra8 d4
41.g4 Rd5 42.Ra4 [… Rd4] 42...Re3
42...Kg8 43.Rxd4 Rxd4 44.Qxd4 fxg4 45.Qxg4+ (45.fxg4?! Ng6=) 45...Kf8 46.Qc4±
43.Qd2± Nc6
43...Re6 44.Rxd4 Rxd4 45.Qxd4 fxg4 46.Qxg4± (46.fxg4?! Ng6=)
44.gxf5 Ree5 45.Rc4 Rc5
45...Ne7!? 46.Rxd4 Nxf5 47.Rxd5 Rxd5±
46.Rxc5 bxc5
46...Rxc5 47.Qf4 Kg7+-
47.Qf4 Kg7 48.Qg4+ Kf6 49.Qh5 Ke7 50.f4 Rd5 51.Qxh6 Rd6

661
52.Qh5
52.Qh8!? Kd7 53.Qa8 Rf6
52...Rd7 53.g4 c4 54.f6+! Kd6
54...Kxf6 55.Qc5+-
55.Qb5 c3 56.g5 Rd8 57.Qc4 Rb8 58.Ke2 Re8+ 59.Kf3 Rb8 60.g6 fxg6 61.Kg4 Rd8
61...Ra8 62.f7 Kc7 63.Qc5+-
62.f7
62.Kg5 Kc7 (62...Rd7? 63.Kxg6+-) 63.f7= - 62.f7
62...Kc7 63.Qc5

662
63.Kg5 d3 64.Qxc3 d2 65.f8=Q Rxf8 66.Qxd2 Ne7=
63...c2!
63...d3?! 64.f8=Q Rxf8 65.Qxf8±
64.Qxc2
64.f8=Q Rxf8 65.Qxc2 Rf6 66.Qd3 Re6 67.Qc4 Rd6 68.Qd3 Re6=
64...d3 65.Qd2
65.Qd1 d2 66.Kg5 Nd4 67.Kxg6 Rd6+ 68.Kh7 Ne6 69.f5 Nf8+ 70.Kg7 Rd8=
65...Rf8 66.Qxd3 Rxf7 67.Qxg6
67.Qxg6 Nd8=
1/2-1/2

152. ** D85
Carlsen, Magnus (2863) - Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784)
chess24.com (Int.-m/2-rapid) 145/152, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.e4 Nxc3 7.bxc3 c5 8.Rb1 O-O 9.Be2 cxd4
10.cxd4 Qa5+ 11.Bd2 Qxa2 12.O-O Bg4 13.Be3 Nc6 14.d5 Na5 15.Bg5 Qa3 16.Re1

663
16...Bc3N
16...Bxf3 - 145/(152) 17.Bxf3 Qd6

18.e5N (18.Qe2 - 83/469) 18...Bxe5 19.Qe2 Bf6 20.Bd2 Qd8

664
21.Red1 - 145/(152) (21.Bb4 Rc8 22.Bg4 Rb8 23.Red1 b6 24.d6 e6 25.Qb5 (25.d7 Be7 26.Bc3 Bf6=)
25...Nb7„; 21.d6N Nc6 22.dxe7 Qxe7 23.Qxe7 Nxe7 1/2 (23) So,W (2760)-Nepomniachtchi,I
(2767) Jerusalem (m/1) 145/(152) 2019 (23...Nxe7 24.Rxb7 Nf5 25.Bb4 Rfd8=)) 21...Rc8 22.Bg4
Rb8 23.Bf4 h5 24.Bxh5 Rc8 25.Bg4 Rc4= McDermot,F-Adams,J corr 145/(152) 2019
17.Qd3
17.Qc1!? Qxc1 (17...Bb4?! 18.Qxa3 Bxa3 19.Ra1 Bb4 20.Reb1 Bc3 21.Ra3 f6 22.Bh6 Rfc8 23.Nd4!
Bd7 (23...Bxd4 24.Bxg4 Rc5 25.Be6+ Kh8 26.Ra4 Bc3 27.Be3 Rc7 28.Rc1 b6 29.Bd4+-) 24.Bb5
Bxb5 25.Nxb5 Be5 26.f4 (26.Rxa5 a6 27.d6 exd6 28.Nxd6 Bxd6 29.Rxb7=) 26...Nc4 27.fxe5 a6
28.exf6 exf6 29.Rf3 axb5 30.Rxf6±) 18.Rexc1 Bf6 19.Bf4 Rfc8 20.Bc7 b6 21.Ba6 Rf8 22.h3 Bd7
23.Bf4²
17...Rfc8
17...Rac8 18.Red1 b6 19.Qa6ƒ
18.Red1
18.Bd2 b6 19.Ne5 Bxe2 20.Rxe2 Bb4 21.Qxa3 Bxa3 22.Bxa5 bxa5 23.Nc6 Bb4 24.Rc2 Rc7 25.e5
(25.Nxb4 Rb7 26.Rcb2 axb4 27.Rxb4 Rxb4 28.Rxb4 a5 29.Ra4 Kf8=) 25...Kf8 26.g3 Rac8∞
18...b6 19.h3 Bd7
19...Bxf3 20.Qxf3 Qd6 21.Ba6 Rc5 22.Bf4 Be5 23.Bd2 Rc7 24.Bb4 Qd8 25.Qe2©
20.Rdc1 f6?
20...Bb4 21.Rxc8+ Rxc8 22.Qa6 Ra8 23.Bc1! Qa4 24.Be3 Bc8 25.Qd3 Bd6 26.Bd4²
21.Bd2 Bb2 22.Rxc8+ Rxc8 23.Qa6! Qa2

665
23...Rc7 24.Bf4 Qa2 (24...Rb7 25.Bb5! Bc8 26.Bc6 Qa2 27.Rd1+-) 25.Bd3 Rb7 26.Bd2 Rc7 27.Bxa5
bxa5 28.d6 exd6 29.Qxd6 Rb7 30.Rxb2! Rxb2 (30...Qxb2 31.Bc4+ Kg7 32.Qe7+ Kh6 33.Qf8+ Kh5
34.g4+ Bxg4 35.hxg4+ Kxg4 36.Qh6 Kxf3 37.Qh3+ Kf4 38.Qg3+ Kxe4 39.Qe3+ Kf5 40.Be6#)
31.Qxd7 Qf7 32.Qd4+-
24.Rxb2! Qxb2 25.Qxa7 Qa1+ 26.Kh2 Qa4

27.Bd1! Qxd1
27...Qb5 28.Nd4+-
28.Qxd7+- Qc2 29.Qe6+ Kh8 30.d6 exd6 31.Qxf6+ Kg8 32.Bh6 Qc7 33.Qe6+ Kh8 34.Ng5 1-0

666
 153. D87
Studer, Noel (2580) - Anton Guijarro, David (2703)
Biel 145/153, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Bc4 c5 8.Ne2 Nc6 9.Be3 O-O
10.O-O b6 11.Rc1 Bb7 12.Bb5 Na5 13.d5

13...c4N
13...e6 14.c4² - 36/(557)
14.Nd4 a6
14...Qd6 15.Qe2 Rac8 16.Rfd1²
15.Ba4 b5 16.Bc2 Qd7 17.h4! e6 18.dxe6 fxe6 19.Qg4 Rae8

667
20.e5!
20.h5 Qf7 21.h6 Bf6 22.f4 Nc6 23.e5 Nxd4 24.Bxd4±
20...Bxe5
20...Nc6 21.f4 Ne7 22.h5 Nf5 23.Rce1 Qf7 24.Qh3±
21.h5± Bxd4
21...Nc6 22.Nxc6 Qxc6 23.f3 Re7 24.hxg6±
22.Bxd4 Nc6 23.Rcd1! Nxd4 24.Rxd4 Qg7
24...Bd5 25.hxg6 Re7 26.Re1 Qc7 27.gxh7+ Kh8 28.Qh4+-
25.hxg6 hxg6
25...h6 26.Qh3 Bc8 27.Qe3 e5 28.Rd6 Bf5 29.Be4+-
26.Bxg6 Re7 27.Re1 Bd5 28.Qg3 Rf6 29.Rg4 Qf8 30.Re5 Rg7 31.Rh5 Qe7 32.Rh6
32.Rh6 e5 33.Qh3 Kf8 34.Rh8+ Bg8 35.Bh7+-; 32.Qb8+ Qf8 (32...Rf8 33.Qh2+-) 33.Rgh4!+-
1-0

154. * D87
Gelfand, Boris (2676) - Ding, Liren (2791)
chess24.com (Int.-m/3-rapid) 145/154, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Bc4 c5 8.Ne2 Nc6 9.Be3 O-O
10.O-O b6 11.Qd2 Bb7 12.Rfd1 Rc8 13.Rac1 e6 14.Bg5 Qd7 15.h4 Na5 16.Bd3 cxd4 17.cxd4
Rxc1 18.Rxc1

668
18...Rc8 [- 141/(157)]
18...Nc6 19.Bb5 a6 20.Bxc6 Bxc6 21.e5 Rc8∞
19.Rxc8+N

19...Qxc8N
19...Bxc8 - 145/(154) 20.h5 Nc6 21.h6 Bf8 22.Bb5 a6 23.Ba4 b5 24.Bb3 Bb7 25.d5 exd5 26.Bxd5²
Caruana,F (2835)-So,W (2770) lichess.org (Int.-m/ 8-rapid) 145/(154) 2020
20.h5 Nc4 21.Qc1 b5 22.h6 Bf8 23.Qf4 a6 24.Ng3 Nd6 25.e5 Nf5?

669
25...Ne8 26.Qd2 Qd7 (26...b4 27.f3 Qd7 28.Be3 Qa4∞) 27.Be4 Bxe4 28.Nxe4 b4∞
26.Bxf5! exf5

27.Nh5! gxh5
27...Qc4 28.Nf6+ Kh8 29.f3 Qe6 30.Qd2 Bd5 31.Qa5+-
28.Bf6 Bb4 29.d5?
29.a3! Be1 (29...Bxa3 30.Qg3+ Kf8 31.Qxa3+ Kg8 (31...b4 32.Qxb4+ Kg8 33.Qd2+-) 32.Qg3+
Kf8 33.Qg7+ Ke8 34.Kh2!+- (34.Qxh7? Qc1+ 35.Kh2 Qf4+=)) 30.e6 (30.Qg3+ Kf8 31.Qg7+ Ke8
32.Qg8+ Kd7 33.Qxf7+ Kc6 34.Qxh7 Kb6 35.Qg6+-) 30...Bxf2+ (30...Qxe6 31.d5! Qc8 32.Qg3+
Kf8 33.Qd6+ Kg8 34.Bd4 Ba5 35.Qf6 Qc1+ 36.Kh2 Qf4+ 37.g3+-) 31.Qxf2 Qxe6 32.Qg3+ Kf8
33.Qg7+ Ke8 34.Qg8+ Kd7 35.Qd8+ Kc6 36.Be5! Qxh6 (36...Qd7 37.d5+!+-) 37.Qc7++-
29...Bxd5 30.Qxb4 Qc1+ 31.Kh2 Qc4?
31...Qxh6 32.Qd4 h4 (32...Be6 33.Qd8+ (33.Qb6 h4=) 33...Qf8=) 33.Qxd5 Qf4+ 34.g3 Qxf2+
35.Qg2 hxg3+ 36.Kh3 Qxg2+ 37.Kxg2 f4 38.Bg5 Kg7 39.Bxf4 Kg6 40.Kxg3 Kf5 41.Kf3 b4=
32.Qd2 Kf8 33.f3 Ke8 34.Qa5 Qc8 35.Qa3 Qc7 36.Qxa6 Bc6 37.Qa3 Kd7 38.Qf8 Bd5 39.Qg8
Qc4 40.Qd8+?!
40.Qxh7 Qf4+ 41.Kh3 Bxf3 42.Qxf7+ Kc6 43.Qe8+ Kb6 44.Bd8+ Ka7 45.Qd7+ Bb7 46.Qg7+-
40...Kc6 41.Qc8+ Kb6 42.Qxf5

670
42.Bd8+ Ka7 43.Qxf5 Be6 44.Qg5±
42...Be6! 43.Qxh5
43.Qg5 b4 44.Qe3+ Kb5=
43...Qf4+= 44.Kg1 Qe3+ 45.Kh1 Qc1+ 46.Kh2 Qf4+ 47.Kg1 Qe3+ 48.Kh2 Qf4+ 1/2-1/2

155. D88
Korobov, Anton (2688) - Ftacnik, Lubomir (2510)
chess.com (ol-rapid) 145/155, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Bc4 c5 8.Ne2 Nc6 9.Be3 O-O
10.O-O Bd7 11.Rb1 cxd4
11...Qc7 - 106/(147)
12.cxd4 Rc8 13.Bd3 Na5 14.d5 b6 15.Ba6 Rc7 16.Bf4 Rc5 17.Qd3

671
17...Bc8?!
17...f5! 18.f3 (18.e5 e6! 19.Nc3 Bc6! (19...Qc7 20.d6 Qc6 21.Bb5 Qb7∞) 20.Rbd1 Bxd5 21.Be3
Rxc3! 22.Qxc3 f4 23.Bc1 Qg5 24.Qh3 Qxe5©; 18.Ng3 fxe4 19.Qxe4 Bc8 20.Bxc8 Qxc8 21.Be3
Rc7 22.Rbc1 Nc4„) 18...Bc8 19.Bxc8 (19.Bb5 Bd7 20.Ba6= (20.Bxd7 Qxd7 21.Be3 fxe4 22.fxe4
Rxf1+ 23.Rxf1 Qb5∞)) 19...Qxc8 20.Be3 Rc4 21.Rbc1 Be5 22.h3 Bb2 23.Rb1 Be5∞ (23...Rc2?
24.Bh6 Re8 25.Rxb2! Rxb2 26.Rc1 Qb7 27.Qd4+-)
18.Rfc1 Nb7?!N
18...Rxc1+ 19.Rxc1 Bxa6 20.Qxa6±
19.Bxb7! Rxc1+ 20.Rxc1 Bxb7 21.Rc7 Ba8 22.Rxa7 f5 23.d6 exd6 24.Bxd6 Re8 25.Qb3+
25.e5 Bxe5 26.Qb3+ Kh8 27.Qf7+-
25...Kh8 26.Qf7 Rg8 27.e5 Qg5

672
28.Qxg8+!+- Kxg8 29.Rxa8+ Kf7 30.Nf4! Bf6
30...Qxf4 31.e6+; 30...Bxe5 31.Rf8+ Kg7 32.Bxe5+ Kxf8 (32...Kh6 33.Rf7 (33.Bg7+ Kxg7
34.Ne6+) 33...Qh4 34.g3 Qd8 35.Bg7+ Kg5 36.Ne6+) 33.Ne6+
31.Rf8+ Kg7 32.Ne6+ 1-0

156. ** D87
Giri, Anish (2764) - Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784)
chess24.com (Int.-m3/5-blitz) 145/156, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Bc4 c5 8.Ne2 O-O 9.O-O Nc6
10.Be3 Bg4 11.f3 Bd7 12.Rb1 Qc7 13.Qd2
13.Bd3 - 113/ 177
13...Rfd8 14.Rfc1 Be8

673
15.h4N
15.Bf4

- 145/(156) 15...e5 - 145/(156) (15...Qc8N 16.d5 Ne5 17.Bb3 c4 18.Bc2 e6 19.Bxe5 Bxe5 20.f4 Bg7
21.Qe3 e5 (21...exd5 22.e5 Bd7 23.Nd4©) 22.f5 b5∞ Gelfand,B (2676)-Nepomniachtchi,I (2784)
chess24.com (Int.-m/3-rapid) 145/(156) 2020) 16.Bg3

674
16...Rac8N (16...Na5 17.Bd5 Bc6 18.c4! cxd4 19.Nxd4 a6 20.Nb3²; 16...Qe7 17.d5 Na5 18.Bd3 c4
19.Bc2 b6 20.f4 Bh6 21.Rf1 Nb7 22.Qe1 f6∞) 17.Bd3 b6 18.d5 Qd6 19.Ba6 Rb8 20.Qc2 Ne7

21.Bb5 (21.c4²) 21...Bxb5 22.Rxb5 f5 23.c4² Melkumyan,H (2663)-Abdumalik,Z (2478) chess. com
(Int.-blitz) 145/(156) 2020; 15.Qb2 Rac8 16.Bb5 Na5 17.Bf4 e5 18.Bg3 Bxb5 19.Qxb5 a6 20.Qd3
b5 21.d5 Nc4 22.a4 Nd6 23.axb5 axb5 24.Bh4 Re8=
15...e5 16.Bd5 cxd4 17.cxd4 exd4 18.Nxd4 Qe5 19.Ne2 b6 20.Bf4 Qe7 21.h5 Rac8 22.h6 Bf6
23.Be3 Ne5 24.Rxc8 Rxc8 25.Rc1 Rd8 26.Qc2?!

675
26.Nd4 b5∞
26...Nxf3+! 27.gxf3 Rxd5 28.exd5 Qxe3+ 29.Kg2 Qg5+! 30.Kf2 Qxh6 31.Qc8

31.Qc7?! Kg7! 32.Qf4 Qh5! 33.d6 a6! 34.a4 b5 35.Rc7 (35.axb5 Bxb5-+) 35...Be5 36.Qe4 (36.Qg4
Qxg4 37.fxg4 Bxd6 38.Rc8 Bd7 39.Rd8 Bc5+-+) 36...Bxd6-+
31...Bh4+??
31...Qh2+! 32.Ke1 Kf8! 33.Rc4 (33.Qg4 Kg7-+) 33...Qh5! 34.Re4 Bh4+! 35.Kd1 Qxd5+ 36.Rd4
Qg5 37.Qb8 Qe7 38.Re4 Qd8+-+

676
32.Kg2 Qe3 33.Ng3 Qg5
33...Kf8 34.Rc2 Qe5 35.Qh3 Bxg3 36.Qxg3 Qxd5 37.Qc7! Bd7 38.Qf4 h5 39.Rd2 Qe6 40.Kf2=
34.Qxe8+ Kg7= 35.Qe1 Bxg3 36.Qxg3 Qxc1 37.Qe5+ f6 38.Qe7+ Kh6 39.d6 Qg5+ 40.Kh3 Qh5+
1/2-1/2

677
E00-E24

157. ** E01
Gelfand, Boris (2676) - Anand, Viswanathan (2753)
chess24.com (Int.-m/1-rapid) 145/157, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 Bb4+ 5.Bd2 Be7 6.Bg2 O-O 7.Qc2 Nbd7

8.h4N
8.O-O - 137/167
8...c5

678
8...dxc4N 9.Qxc4 c5 10.O-O b5 11.Qxb5 Rb8 12.Qa4 Rxb2 13.Qxa7

13...Bb7 (13...cxd4 14.Qxd4 Rb8 15.Nc3²) 14.Bc3 Qb6 15.Qxb6 Rxb6 16.a4± Gelfand,B (2676)-
Anand,V (2753) chess24.com (Int.-m/3-rapid) 145/(157) 2020
9.cxd5N
9.O-O - 145/(157) 9...dxc4 (9...cxd4 10.Nxd4 dxc4 11.Qxc4 Nb6 12.Qd3 Na4 13.Bc3 Nxc3
14.Nxc3 Qb6=) 10.dxc5 Nxc5 11.Na3 Bd7∞ Borisova,E (2283)-Girya,O (2469) lichess.org (Int.-
blitz) 145/ (157) 2020
9...exd5 10.Nc3 Re8 11.O-O h6 12.Bf4 a6 13.Rad1 c4 14.Ne5² Nb6 15.b3 Bb4

679
¹15...cxb3 16.Qxb3 Be6 17.Rb1 Rc8 18.Qxb6 (18.Rfc1!?²) 18...Qxb6 19.Rxb6 Rxc3 20.Rxb7 Rc2
21.a4²
16.bxc4 dxc4 17.e4 a5

17...Ng4 18.Nd5 Nxd5 19.exd5 c3 (19...g5 20.Qxc4±) 20.Qb3 Ba5 21.Nc4±

18.Nb5! Nh5 19.Be3±
19.Nxc4?! Nxf4 20.Nxb6 (20.gxf4 Nxc4 21.Qxc4 Qxh4 22.Nc7 Bd6! 23.Nd5 (23.Nxe8? Bxf4
24.Rfe1 Qh2+ 25.Kf1 Bh3-+) 23...Bxf4 24.Nxf4 Qxf4³) 20...Qxb6 21.Nc7 Nxg2 22.Nxa8 Qg6
23.Kxg2 b5 24.d5 Bg4 25.Nc7 Rc8 26.Rd3 Bd6 27.Rc3 b4 28.Rc6 Rxc7 29.Rxc7 Bxc7 30.Qxc7
Qxe4+ 31.Kh2 Qxd5=
19...Bd7 20.Nxd7 Qxd7 21.a4
21.Nc3! Rac8 (21...Nf6 22.e5±) 22.a3! Bxc3 (22...Bxa3 23.e5 Bb4 24.d5±) 23.Qxc3 Nf6 24.Qxa5
Na4 25.e5±
21...Nf6 22.d5 Nxa4 23.Qxa4 Nxe4 24.Bxe4
24.Bb6 Ra6 (24...Rac8 25.Nc3 Qxa4 26.Nxa4 Nd6 27.Rc1±) 25.Nc3! Qxa4 26.Nxa4 Nd6 27.Bh3±
24...Rxe4 25.Nc3
25.Rd4 Rxd4 26.Bxd4 Ra6 (26...Qxd5 27.Nc7 Qxd4 28.Nxa8 Qd8 29.Ra1 c3 30.Re1 Kh7 31.Re8
Qd3 32.Qb3±) 27.Rd1 Rd6 28.Bc3 Rxd5 29.Rxd5 Qxd5 30.Bxb4 axb4 31.Qxb4²
25...Qxa4 26.Nxa4 b5 27.Nb6 Rd8 28.Bf4 Bd6 29.Bxd6 Rxd6 30.Nc8 Rd7 31.d6 c3= 32.Rd5 b4
33.Nb6 Rd8 34.d7 Re6 35.Na4

680
35.Rb5 Rc6 36.Rc1 Rc7 37.Rxa5 b3 38.Rb5 b2 39.Rc2 Rcxd7 40.Nxd7 Rxd7 41.Rxc3 Rd1+ 42.Kg2
b1=Q 43.Rxb1 Rxb1=
35...Rc6 36.Nc5 Rc7 37.Re5 Kh7 38.Ra1?
38.Rc1 a4 39.Nxa4 Rcxd7 40.Nxc3 Rc7 41.Rd1 bxc3 42.Rxd8 c2 43.Re1 c1=Q 44.Rxc1 Rxc1+=
38...a4 39.Rxa4?!

39.Nxa4 c2 40.Rc1 b3 41.Ree1 Rdxd7µ

39...c2!-+ 40.Ra1
40.Nb3 Rdxd7 41.Re3 Rd1+ 42.Kg2 Rb1-+
40...Rdxd7 41.Nxd7 Rxd7 42.Rc5?!
42.Ree1 b3 43.Rab1 cxb1=Q 44.Rxb1 Rb7 45.Rb2 Kg6
42...b3
42...Rd1+! 43.Kg2 b3
43.Rf1 Rd1 44.Kg2 Rxf1 45.Kxf1 b2 0-1

158. E01
Wojtaszek, Radoslaw (2719) - Studer, Noel (2580)
Biel 145/158, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 Bb4+ 4.Bd2 Be7 5.Bg2 d5 6.Nf3 O-O 7.O-O Nbd7 8.a4 a5 9.Qc2 c6
10.Na3

681
10.Rc1 - 128/167
10...Bd6

11.Rfd1N
11.Ne1
11...Ne4 12.Be3 f5 13.Qc1 h6 14.Ne1 g5 15.f3 Nef6 16.Nd3
16.f4 Nh5! (16...g4 17.Nd3 Ne4 18.Ne5 Qe8 19.Nb1 Be7 20.Nc3²) 17.Nd3 (17.fxg5?! f4 18.gxf4
Nxf4³) 17...gxf4 18.Nxf4 Nxf4 19.Bxf4 Bxf4 20.Qxf4 Qg5 21.e3 Nf6∞
16...Qe7 17.Bf2 Qg7 18.Re1 h5 19.cxd5
19.Be3!? Nh7 20.Kh1 Re8 21.Rg1²
19...exd5 20.Nb1 Kh8 21.Nc3

682
21...h4! 22.gxh4 gxh4 23.Kh1
23.Bxh4? Rg8 24.Bg3 Nh5-+
23...h3! 24.Bxh3
24.Bf1 Rg8 25.Qe3 Qh7ƒ
24...Qh7 25.Nf4
25.Rg1 Qxh3 26.Bg3 Be7µ
25...Nh5
25...Bxf4 26.Qxf4 Qxh3 27.Bh4 Ng4 28.Bg3 Ngf6 29.Bh4=; 25...Qh6! 26.Bg3 Rg8 27.Rf1 Rg7
(27...Bxf4 28.Qxf4 Qxh3 29.Rg1 Qh7 30.Bh4 Rf8³) 28.Nd3 Qxh3 29.Nf2 Rxg3 30.Nxh3 Rxh3
31.Rf2 Nf8 32.e3 Bd7³
26.Ne6! Re8?!
26...Ng7 27.Ng5 (27.Nxf8 Nxf8 28.Kg2 Ng6∞) 27...Qh5 28.Rg1 Nb6 29.b3 Rf6 30.Rg2 Bd7∞
27.Ng5 Qg6 28.Nf7+
28.Rg1!? Bf4 29.e3 Bxg5 30.Bh4 Bxe3 31.Rxg6 Bxc1 32.Rxc1 Nf4 33.Rg3±
28...Qxf7 29.Qh6+ Qh7 30.Qxd6 Ndf6
30...Nb6 31.Bh4 Nc4 32.Bf6+ Nxf6 33.Qxf6+ Qg7 34.Qh4+ Qh7 35.Qxh7+ Kxh7 36.e4±
31.Bh4 Qf7 32.Rg1 f4 33.Bxc8 Raxc8 34.Bxf6+ Qxf6 35.Qxf6+ Nxf6 36.Rg6 Nh7
36...Rf8 37.Rag1 Rf7 38.Rh6+ Nh7 39.Rg4±

683
37.Rag1
37.Rg4! Rf8 38.Rag1 Rf7 39.R1g2+-
37...Rc7
¹37...Rg8 38.Rxg8+ Rxg8 39.Rg4²
38.R1g4
38.Na2!? Rce7 39.Nc1+-
38...Rf7 39.Kg1 Nf8 40.Rh6++- Nh7 41.Kf2 Rg8 42.Rgh4 Rg5 43.Na2! Kg8 44.Nc1 Nf8 45.Nd3
Ng6 46.Rg4 Kg7 47.Rxg5
47.Rxg6+ Rxg6 48.Rxg6+ Kxg6 - 47.Rg5
47...Kxh6 48.Rxg6+ Kxg6 49.Ne5+ Kf6 50.Nxf7 Kxf7 51.e4 fxe3+ 52.Kxe3 b6 53.h4 c5 54.f4
Kg7 55.Kf3 Kg6 56.Kg4 Kg7 57.h5 Kf6 58.f5 cxd4 59.h6 1-0

159. * E04
Batchuluun, Tsegmed (2530) - Sethuraman, SP. (2638)
Tianjin 145/159, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 a6 6.O-O Nc6 7.e3 Rb8 8.Nfd2 e5 9.Bxc6+ bxc6
10.dxe5 Ng4 11.Nxc4 Be6 12.Nbd2 Bb4 13.Qe2
13.b3 - 143/ 167
13...Bxd2 14.Bxd2 h5 15.f3 h4 16.fxg4 hxg3 17.hxg3
17.b3

684
17...Rxh2 (17...Qh4! 18.e4 Bxg4 19.Qg2 Qxh2+ 20.Qxh2 Rxh2 21.Rf4 (21.Bf4 Bh3 22.Rf3 Rg2+
23.Kh1 Rh2+=) 21...Bh3 22.Rh4 Rg2+= 23.Kf1 Rf2+ 24.Kg1 Rg2+=) 18.Qf3 Rxd2 19.Nxd2 Qxd2
20.Qxg3

20...Rd8N (20...Rb4 21.Rf4 Rxf4 22.Qxf4 Bd5 (22...Qb2 23.Re1 Qxa2 24.Qa4²) 23.Qg3²) 21.Qf3
Rd5 22.Rfd1 Qc3 23.Rac1 Qxe5 24.Qf4 Qb2 25.Qxc7 Rxd1+ 26.Rxd1 Bd5 Di Berardino,D (2478)-
Gomez Anadon,D (2276) Gibraltar 145/(159) 2020 (26...Bd5 27.Qh2+-)
17...Qd5 18.e4
18.Rf3 Qxc4 19.Qxc4 Bxc4³
18...Qxc4 19.Qxc4 Bxc4 20.Rfb1 Bd3 21.Rd1 Bxe4

685
22.Bc3N
22.b3 Rd8µ
22...Bf3 23.Rf1 Bxg4 24.Rf4 Be6 25.Rh4 Rxh4 26.gxh4 Rd8 27.a3 Rd3 28.Re1

28...Bd5
28...Rh3 29.Re4 Bd5 30.Rg4 g6³
29.Rf1 c5 30.Rf4 Kd7 31.h5 Be6 32.Rh4 Kc6 33.h6 gxh6 34.Rxh6= Rd8 35.Kf2 Kb5 36.Rh4 c4
37.Ke2 c5 38.Rh2 Ka4 39.Ke1 Kb3 40.Rd2 Rh8 41.Rd6 Rh1+ 42.Kd2 Rh2+ 43.Ke3 Rh3+ 1/2-1/2

686
 160. E04
Song, Raymond (2478) - Santos Latasa, Jaime (2586)
Gibraltar 145/160, 2020

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 a6 6.O-O Nc6 7.e3 Rb8 8.Nfd2 e5 9.Bxc6+ bxc6
10.dxe5 Ng4 11.Nxc4 Be6 12.Nbd2 Bb4 13.Qe2
13.b3 - 143/167
13...Bxd2 14.Bxd2 h5

15.Rad1N
15.f3
15...h4ƒ 16.Be1
16.Ba5 Qg5 17.Bxc7 hxg3 18.Nd6+ Ke7 19.Ne4 gxf2+ 20.Rxf2 Qg6 21.Bd6+ Ke8 22.Rg2 Qxe4
23.Bxb8 Qxe3+ 24.Qxe3 Nxe3 25.Rdd2 Nxg2 26.Rxg2 g6³
16...Qe7
16...Qg5! 17.f4 Qg6 18.f5™ Bxf5 19.Rf4 hxg3 20.Bxg3 Be6µ (20...Nxh2!? 21.Qg2 Be6 22.Bxh2
Qxg2+ 23.Kxg2 Bxc4 24.Rxc4 Rxb2+ 25.Kf3 Rbxh2³)
17.Rd4?

687
17.Na5 Nxe5 18.Bc3 Bg4 19.f3 Nxf3+ (19...hxg3 20.fxg4 Rxh2 21.Rf5! Rxe2 22.Rxe5 Qxe5
23.Bxe5 f6 24.Bc3 c5∞) 20.Rxf3 hxg3 21.Nxc6 Qe4 (21...gxh2+ 22.Kh1 Qe4 23.Ne5 Bxf3+
24.Qxf3 Qxf3+ 25.Nxf3 f6∞) 22.Rf4! Qxc6 23.Qxg4 gxh2+ 24.Kf2 h1=Q 25.Rxh1 Rxh1 26.Re4+
Kd8 27.Rd4+ Ke7 28.Re4+=
17...Nxh2! 18.Kxh2 hxg3+ 19.Kg2
19.Kg1 g2! 20.Kxg2 Qg5+-+
19...Rh2+ 20.Kf3
20.Kxg3 Rh3+ 21.Kg2 Qg5+-+; 20.Kg1 Qg5 21.Nd2 Rh1+! 22.Kg2 (22.Kxh1 Qh6+-+) 22...Bh3+
23.Kxh1 g2+-+
20...Qg5
20...Qg5 21.fxg3 Qf5+ 22.Rf4 Qh5+-+
0-1

161. *** E04

Pantzar, Milton (2417) - Notkevich, Benjamin Arvola (2476)
Oslo 145/161, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 a6 6.O-O Nc6 7.e3 Rb8 8.Nfd2 e5 9.Bxc6+ bxc6
10.dxe5 Ng4 11.Nxc4 Be6 12.Nbd2
12.Qe2 - 142/175
12...Bb4 13.b3 h5 14.h3

688
14.Qc2 h4 15.Nf3 hxg3 16.fxg3 Bc5

17.h4N (17.Kh1 Qd7©) 17...Rh5 18.Kg2 g5!

19.e4 - 145/(161) (19.hxg5 Qd7 20.e4 f6!? (20...Rd8©) 21.exf6 Qh7 22.Nh4 Rxh4 23.gxh4 Qxh4
24.Bf4 Nf2 25.Rxf2 Bh3+ 26.Kh1 Bxf2 27.Bh2∞; 19.Rd1N Qe7 20.Na5 gxh4 21.Nxc6 h3+ 22.Kh1
(22.Kf1

689
22...Rf5!? 23.Nxe7 (23.Qxf5 Bxf5 24.Nxe7 Kxe7∞) 23...Rxf3+ 24.Kg1 Rxg3+ 25.Kh1 Bxe7∞)
22...Bf5 1/2 (22) Burmeister, F-Modestino,M corr 145/(161) 2020 (22...Bf5 23.e4 Nf2+= 24.Kh2
Ng4+ 25.Kh1 Nf2+=)) 19...gxh4

20.Nxh4? (20.gxh4 Rxh4µ) 20...Rxh4! 21.gxh4 Qxh4 22.Rh1

690
(22.Bf4 Nf2 23.Rxf2 Bh3+ 24.Kh1 Bg4+ 25.Bh2 Bxf2-+) 22...Nh2! 23.Be3 Qh3+ 24.Kg1 Bxc4
25.Rxh2 Qxe3+ 26.Kh1 Bd3 0-1 (26) Saduakassova,D (2519)-Ganguly,S (2636) Wijk aan Zee II
145/(161) 2020; 14.f3?! - 143/167
14...Bc3

14...Bxd2
15.Ba3N
15.hxg4? - 145/ (161) 15...Bxa1 16.Qc2 (16.Ba3 hxg4 17.Qxa1 Qd3 18.Qb1 (18.e4 Bxc4-+)
18...Bd5 19.e4 Bxc4-+) 16...hxg4 17.Ba3

691
17...Qd5 (17...Qg5 18.Rxa1 Qh5 19.Nd6+ cxd6 20.Qxc6+ Bd7 21.Qg2 Qxe5-+) 18.e4 Qd4-+
Notkevich,B (2485) -Galchenko,M (2418) Norge 145/(161) 2020
15...Nxe5?
15...Bxd2?! 16.Nxd2 Nxe5 17.f4±
16.Rc1 Bxd2?
16...Bxc4 17.Nxc4 Nxc4 18.bxc4 Qxd1 19.Rfxd1 Bf6±
17.Nxe5 Bxc1
17...Bxh3 18.Qf3 Qf6 (18...Qd5 19.Qxd5 cxd5 20.Rxc7 Bxf1 21.Kxf1+-) 19.Qxc6+ Qxc6 20.Rxc6
Bxf1 (20...Ba5 21.Rfc1+-) 21.Rxc7 Be2 22.Re7+ Kf8 23.Rb7+ Kg8 24.Rxb8+ Kh7 25.Rxh8+ Kxh8
26.Nxf7++-
18.Qxc1 Rb6 19.Rd1 Qf6 20.Nxc6?!
20.f4! Bxh3 21.Qd2 Be6 22.e4 Rb8 (22...h4 23.Nd7 Qg6 24.Nf6+! Qxf6 25.e5+-) 23.Nd7 Qg6
24.Nxb8 Qxg3+ 25.Qg2 Qxf4 26.Nxc6+-
20...Bd7?

692
20...Bxh3! 21.Rd8+ Qxd8 22.Nxd8 Kxd8 23.Qc3±
21.Na5??
21.Ne7 Qf3 22.Nd5 c5 23.Nc7+ Kd8 24.Qd2 Qc6 25.Nd5 Rb7 26.Rc1+-
21...Kd8??
21...Qf3! 22.Qd2 Rd6! 23.Bxd6

23...Bg4!! (23...Bxh3? 24.Qd5+-) 24.Be5 Qxd1+ 25.Qxd1 Bxd1 26.Bxg7 Rg8 27.Be5 Kd7³
22.Bc5 Rb5 23.Qd2 Qe6 24.a4 Rxa5

693
24...Rxc5 25.Nb7+ Kc8 26.Nxc5+-; 24...Rb8 25.Qd4 f6 26.Qd3+-
25.Qxa5 Qxb3 26.Qd2 Qe6
26...Qxa4 27.Qd5+-
27.Qb2 Kc8 28.Ba7 1-0

162. * E04
Santos Latasa, Jaime (2575) - Dominguez Perez, Leinier (2758)
chess.com (Int.-m/1-rapid) 145/162, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 a6 6.O-O Nc6 7.e3 Rb8 8.Nfd2 e5 9.Bxc6+ bxc6
10.dxe5 Ng4 11.Nxc4 Be6 12.Nbd2 Bb4 13.b3 h5 14.h3 Bc3 15.Ba3 Bxa1
15...Nxe5? - 145/161
16.Qxa1 h4!

17.Qd4!?N
17.hxg4 - 145/ (162) 17...hxg3 18.Kg2?? (18.Nf3 Qd3 19.Ncd2

694
19...Rd8! 20.Qc1 (20.Kg2 Qh7 (20...Qg6!?) 21.Rh1 Qxh1+ 22.Qxh1 Rxh1 23.Kxh1 gxf2 24.Kg2
Bxg4 25.Kxf2 Bxf3 26.Nxf3 Rd1∞) 20...g2 21.Kxg2 Bxg4∞) 18...Rh2+ 19.Kf3 Qh4 20.Qd4 Rd8
21.Qf4 g2 22.Rg1 g5 23.Qg3 Rh3 24.Rxg2 Qxg4# 0-1 (24) Pantzar,M (2417)-Narayanan,S (2540)
chess.com (Int. -blitz) 145/(162) 2020
17...Nxf2!
RR17...Qxd4 18.exd4 Nh6 19.g4 Rd8 20.Bc5 f5∞ Perunovic,Milos
18.Rxf2 hxg3 19.Rf4 Qxd4 20.Rxd4
20.exd4 Rxh3 21.Kg2 a5! 22.Bc5 a4 23.bxa4 Rh2+ 24.Kxg3 Rh3+ 25.Kf2 Rc3 26.Ne3 Rb2 27.Ke2
Rxa2∞
20...Rd8! 21.Kg2 Rxd4 22.exd4 Bxh3+
22...Rxh3 23.Nf3 Rh6=
23.Kxg3 Be6= 24.Nf3 Rh1 25.Ne3
25.Bb4 Ra1 26.a3 Bd5=
25...Ra1 26.Bc5 Rxa2 27.b4

695
27...f6
27...Bd5 28.Kf4 f6=
28.exf6 gxf6 29.Nh4 a5 30.bxa5 Rxa5 31.Ng6 Kf7 32.Nf4 Rb5 33.Kf2 Rb2+ 34.Kg3 Rb3 35.Kf2
Rb2+ 36.Kg3 Rb3 37.Kf2 Rb2+ 1/2-1/2

163. ***** E05

So, Wesley (2741) - Nakamura, Hikaru (2829)
lichess.org (Int.-m/4-rapid) 145/163, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O dxc4 7.Qc2 a6 8.a4 Bd7 9.Bg5
9.Qxc4 - 143/170 9...Bc6 10.Bf4 Bd6 11.Bg5 Nbd7 12.Nc3 h6 13.Bd2 Qe7

696
(13...Ne4

14.Nxe4 - 145/(163) (14.Rfd1N Nb6 15.Qd3 Nxc3 16.bxc3 Bxa4 17.Rdc1 c5 18.c4© So,W (2770) -
Aronian,L (2773) chess24. com (Int.-rapid)) 145/(163) 2020) 14...Bxe4

697
15.Rfd1N (15.Ne1; 15.Nh4) 15...Nb6 16.Qb3 Bd5 17.Qc3 Qe8 18.a5 Nc8 19.Ne1 Bxg2 20.Kxg2
Na7 21.Qc4 Qc6+ 22.Qxc6 Nxc6© Sekowski,P-Schwarz,J corr 145/(163) 2019) 14.a5!?N -
145/(163) (14.Qd3; 14.Rfe1N Ne4 15.Qd3 Nxd2 16.Qxd2 Bxf3 17.Bxf3 c6∞ So,W (2741) -
Nakamura,H (2829) lichess.org (Int. -m/2-rapid) 145/(163) 2020) 14...Rac8 15.Qb3 Rfd8 16.Rfc1
Qe8 17.Qc2 Bb4 18.Qb3 Bd6 19.Qc2 Bb4 20.Bf4 Nb8 21.Rd1 Nbd7 22.Qb3 Bf8= Gramstad,R-
Betker,J corr 145/(163) 2019; 9.Rd1 - 132/174
9...Bc6
9...c5!? 10.dxc5 h6 11.Bxf6 (11.Be3 Nc6 12.Na3 Nd5 13.Nxc4 Ncb4 14.Qb3 Nxe3 15.Nxe3
Bxc5=) 11...Bxf6 12.Rd1 Qa5 13.Nfd2 (13.Nc3 Bc6 14.Nd2 Qb4 15.Nce4 Bxb2 16.Rdb1 c3=)
13...Bc6=
10.e3

698
10...b5N
10...Nbd7 - 145/(163) 11.Nbd2 (11.Qxc4) 11...h6 12.Bxf6 Nxf6 13.Nxc4 Be4 14.Qe2

(14.Qb3=) 14...Bb4N (14...c5) 15.Rfd1 Qd5 16.Rac1 Rfd8= Dubov,D (2699)-Karjakin,S (2752)
chess24.com (Int.-m2/2-rapid) 145/(163) 2020
11.Bxf6 Bxf6 12.Nc3 Qe8 13.Rfd1
13.Rfb1 g6 14.Nd2 Bxg2 15.Kxg2 c6 16.b3 Nd7 17.Nce4 c5 18.Nxf6+ Nxf6 19.dxc5 Qc6+ 20.Kg1
Qxc5=
13...g6 14.d5?!

699
14.b3 cxb3 15.Qxb3 Nd7 (15...bxa4 16.Nxa4 (16.Qc4 a5=) 16...a5 17.Nc5 Na6=) 16.Rac1 Rb8
17.axb5 axb5 18.d5 Ba8 19.Nd4 Nc5 20.Qb4 Be7³; 14.Nd2 Bxg2 15.Kxg2 c6 16.Nce4 (16.b3 cxb3
17.Nxb3 Qd8) 16...Bg7 17.b3∞
14...exd5 15.Nd4!? Bxd4?!
15...Bb7 16.axb5 Bxd4 17.Nxd5 Be5 18.Nxc7 Bxc7 19.Bxb7 Ra7 20.bxa6 Qe6 21.Bd5 Qf6∞;
15...Be5 16.Nxc6 Nxc6 17.Nxd5 Rd8 18.f4 Bg7 19.axb5 axb5 20.Qf2 Rd7³
16.Rxd4 Nd7
16...Bb7!?=
17.Nxd5 Bxd5 18.Bxd5

18...Nc5?
18...Rd8! 19.axb5 axb5 20.Bc6 Qe7 21.Bxb5 Ne5 22.Rf4 Qb4 23.Bxc4 Rd2 24.Bb3 Rxc2 25.Rxb4
Rxf2 26.Kxf2 Nd3+ 27.Kf3 Nxb4 28.Rc1 Rc8=
19.Bxa8 Nb3
19...Qxa8 20.axb5+-
20.Rdd1!+- Nxa1
20...Qxa8 21.axb5 Nxa1 22.Rxa1 a5 23.Qxc4+-
21.Rxa1 Qxa8 22.axb5 a5 23.Qxc4 Rb8 24.h4
24.e4
24...h5

700
24...Qf3 25.e4! (25.Rxa5? Rd8 26.Ra1 Rd2 27.Rf1 Rxb2 28.Qxc7 Rxb5)
25.e4 Re8 26.Qxc7 Qxe4 27.b6
27.Qxa5 Qb7 28.Qa6
27...Re7 28.Qc5 Kh7 29.Qxa5 Qc6
29...Qb7 30.Qa7 Kg7 31.Qa3 Re2 32.Qd3 Re8 33.Qc3+ Kg8 34.Qc7
30.Qb4 Rd7 31.Qa4
31.Qb3 Re7 32.Qc3 Qxb6 33.Ra8 f6 34.Qc8
31...Qb7
31...Qe6 32.Qb4 Qc6 33.Qb3 Re7 34.Qc3+-
32.Qb3 Re7 33.Qb4
33.Qc3 Re2 34.Re1 (34.Ra7 Qd5 35.b4 Qf5 36.Qd4 Qf3 37.Ra1) 34...Rxe1+ 35.Qxe1 Qxb6 36.b4
33...Rd7
33...Re4 34.Qb3 Re2 35.Rc1 Re5 36.Qb4 Re6 37.Rc7 Qf3 38.Qc3 Qxc3 39.bxc3 Rxb6 40.Rxf7+
34.Qc5 Rd2
34...Qf3 35.Qb4 Rd8 36.Rc1 Rd7 37.Qa3 Qf5 38.Qc3
35.b4 Qe4 36.Qc7! Qf3
36...Qf5 37.Rf1 Rd7 38.Rc1 g5 39.Qc5
37.Rf1 g5 38.b7 1-0

164. * E05
Jean, Pierre - Fernandez Medina, Etienne
corr 145/164, 2019

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O dxc4 7.Qc2 a6 8.a4 Bd7 9.Qxc4 Bc6 10.Bf4
Bd6 11.Qc1 a5
11...Nbd7 - 132/177
12.Nc3
12.Bd2 Nbd7 13.Rd1 Qe8 14.Bc3 Ne4 15.Nfd2 f5 16.Nxe4 fxe4 17.Be1 Qh5 18.Nc3 Nf6 19.h3 Rf7
20.e3 Raf8 21.Qc2 Qf5 22.Nb5 h5 23.Bxa5 Nh7 24.Nxd6 cxd6 25.Bb4 Qd5 26.Rf1 Ng5=
12...Na6

701
12...Bxf4 13.Qxf4 Bxf3 14.Bxf3 c6 15.Rab1 Na6 16.Rfd1 Qb8 17.Qg5 Nb4 18.Rbc1 h6 19.Qc5 Nd7
20.Qc4 Nb6 21.Qb3 Rd8 22.Ne4 N6d5 23.Nc5 b6 24.Ne4 Ra7 25.Nd2 Rc7 26.e3 c5 27.dxc5²
13.Rd1
13.Bg5 h6 14.Bh4 Bxf3 15.Bxf6 Qxf6 16.Bxf3 c6 17.Rd1 Rad8 18.Kg2 Bc7 19.e3 Qe7 20.Qc2 Nb4
21.Qb3 Rd7 22.Rac1 Rfd8 23.Ne4 Bb6 24.Nd2 Bc7 25.Ne4 Bb6 26.Nc3 Kh8 27.h4 f5=; 13.Bd2
Be7=
13...Nb4
13...Qe8 14.Be5 Nd5 15.Re1²
14.Be5
14.Ne1 Bxg2 15.Kxg2 Nfd5 16.Bxd6 cxd6²
14...Nd7
14...Bxf3 15.Bxf3 c6 16.Rd2 Qe7 17.Bxd6 Qxd6 18.Qe1 e5 19.Rad1 Rfe8 20.e4 h5 21.Qe3 exd4
22.Rxd4 Qe5∞; 14...Nbd5 15.Qb1 Nxc3 16.bxc3∞
15.Qf4 Qe7
15...Nxe5?? 16.dxe5 Nd5 17.Nxd5 Bxd5 18.exd6 Qxd6 19.Qxd6 cxd6 20.Rac1+-
16.Bxd6 cxd6 17.e4 Nf6

702
18.Ne1

18...Rfc8N - 145/164
18...Rac8 19.Qd2 h6 20.f3 Rc7 21.Rac1 Rfc8 22.Bh3 Qe8 23.d5 Bxa4 24.Nxa4 Rxc1 25.Rxc1 Rxc1
26.Qxc1 Qxa4 27.dxe6 Qc6∞; 18...h6N 19.Qe3 Rfc8 20.Qe2 Rc7 21.Nd3 Nxd3 22.Rxd3 d5 23.e5
Nd7 24.f4 Nb6 25.b3 Rac8 26.g4 Qb4 27.Qe3 Bd7 28.Ne2 Rc2 29.Rf1 Rb2 30.Rf2∞ Kolpakov,N-
Churkin,M corr 145/(164) 2019
19.Qd2
19.Rac1 Rc7³

703
19...h6 20.f3 Bd7
20...Rc7 21.Bf1²
21.Bh3 Rcb8
21...Nh7 22.Qe2²
22.Bf1
22.Nd3 Nxd3 23.Qxd3 d5³
22...Ne8 23.Ng2 Nc7
23...d5 24.Ne3²
24.Ne3 d5 25.Rdc1 Qd8 26.e5 b5 27.b3 bxa4 28.Nxa4 Bb5 29.Bh3
29.f4 Bxf1 30.Rxf1 Nb5∞
29...Bd3 30.Rc3 Bh7 31.Bf1 Nb5 32.Bxb5 Rxb5 33.Ng2 Na6 34.Nf4 Nb8
34...Rbb8 35.Rac1 Rc8=
35.Nc5
35.Nd3 Bxd3 36.Qxd3 Rb4=
35...Na6= 36.Na4 Nb8
36...Qb8 37.Qd1 Nb4 38.h4 Qe8∞
37.Qe3
37.Nd3 Na6=
37...Nd7
37...Qe8 38.Rac1 Na6 39.Kg2 Nb4∞
38.Kg2 Rb4 39.g4 Rab8
39...Kh8 40.Ne2 Rab8∞
40.h3
40.Kg3 g5 41.Ne2 Bg6=
40...Qh4 41.Kh2 Qe7 42.Kg3
42.Ne2 Qd8²
42...g5
42...Qd8 43.h4²

704
43.Ne2 Bg6
43...f5 44.gxf5 Bxf5 45.Kh2²
44.Rac1 Qd8 45.Rh1
45.f4!?
45...f6 46.h4 fxe5 47.dxe5 Be4 48.hxg5

48.Nd4 Nxe5 49.fxe4=

48...hxg5??
48...Nxe5! 49.Nc5 Nxf3 50.gxh6 Qe7 51.Nxe4 Rxe4 52.Qxf3 Rf8 53.Qd3 Qf6 54.Kg2 Qf2+
55.Kh3 Rf6 56.Rc8+ Kh7 57.Rc7+ Kh8 58.Rc8+ Kh7=
49.Nd4+-
49.fxe4?! Rxe4 50.Qf2 Qe7² (50...Nxe5 51.Qa7 Rxg4+ 52.Kf2±)
49...Rxd4
49...Nxe5 50.Nc5 Nxf3 51.Nxf3 Qf6 52.Rh5+-
50.Qxd4 Qf8 51.fxe4 Qf4+ 52.Kg2 Rb4 53.Qd1 Qxe4+ 54.Qf3 Qxf3+ 55.Rxf3 Nxe5 56.Rg3 Ng6
56...Kf7 57.Nc5 Kg6 58.Nxe6 Rxg4 59.Rxg4 Nxg4 60.Ra1+-
57.Nc5 Rb6
57...a4 58.Nxa4 Rb5 59.Rb1+-

705
58.Kf2 Rc6
58...Nf4 59.Nd3+-
59.Rc3 d4
59...Nf4 60.Na4 Rxc3 61.Nxc3 Nd3+ 62.Ke3+-
60.Rcc1 Ne5
60...Nf4 61.Kf3 Rc8 62.Rhe1+-
61.Kg3 Nf7 62.Rhf1 Nd6 63.Rfe1 Kf7 64.Re5 Ne8 65.Rf1+ Ke7 66.Rfe1 Nc7 67.Rxg5 Kd6
68.Ne4+ Kd7 69.Rxa5 Kc8 70.g5 Kb7 71.Rea1 Kb6 72.Kf4 Nd5+ 73.Ke5 Nc7 74.g6 Rc2 75.Kf4
e5+ 76.Kf5 Ne8 77.Ra7 d3 78.R1a6+ Kb5 79.Re6 Rc8 80.Rae7
80.Rb7+ Ka5 81.Rxe8 Ka6 82.g7+-
80...Ng7+ 81.Rxg7 Kb4 82.Rb7+ Ka3 83.g7 Kb2 84.Nf6 Ka2 85.g8=Q Rc5 86.Qg2+ Rc2 87.Qg1
Kb2 88.Kxe5 d2 89.Qd4+ Rc3 90.Ne4 Kb1 91.Nxc3+ Kc2 92.Kf5 1-0

165. * E05
Giri, Anish (2764) - Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784)
chess24.com (Int.-rapid) 145/165, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O dxc4 7.Qc2 a6 8.a4 Bd7 9.Qxc4 Bc6
10.Bg5 Nbd7 11.Nc3 h6 12.Bxf6 Nxf6 13.b4 Bd5 14.Nxd5 exd5 15.Qb3 c6 16.e3 Bd6
16...Ne4 - 68/433; 16...Qb6 17.Rab1 Ne4 18.Rfc1 Rfd8

19.Rc2N (19.Bf1) 19...Nd6 20.Bf1 Rac8 21.Ne5 Bf8 (21...Ne4 22.Nd3 g6 23.Nc5²) 22.b5 cxb5
23.Rxc8 Nxc8 24.axb5

706
24...a5 (24...axb5 25.Qxb5 Qxb5 26.Rxb5+-) 25.Bg2 Qe6 26.Qa2 b6 27.Rc1 Ne7 28.h4 h5 29.Bf3
g6 30.Kg2 Kg7 31.Rc3± Donchenko,A (2646)-Malinovsky,K (2456) Ceske Budejovice 145/(165)
2020
17.Rfd1 Re8

18.b5N
18.Ne1
18...axb5 19.axb5 Rxa1 20.Rxa1

707
20...Qb6! [… c5] 21.Ne1
21.Bf1 c5 22.dxc5 Bxc5 23.Qc2 Ne4=
21...Ne4 22.Bxe4
22.Qa2 Qxb5 23.Rb1 Qa6 24.Qxa6 bxa6 25.Rb6 Rb8 (25...a5 26.Rxc6 Bf8 27.Ra6 Rb8 28.f3 Nd2=)
26.Rxc6 Bf8 27.f3 Nd2 28.Rxa6 Nc4 29.f4 (29.e4 Rb1 30.Kf2 Rb2+ 31.Kg1 Rb1= (31...Re2 32.Kf1
Rd2 33.exd5 Ne3+ 34.Kg1 Rxd4=)) 29...Nxe3 30.Bf3 Rb1 31.Kf2 Nf5 32.Ra2 Rb5 33.Nc2 g6=
22...dxe4 23.Rb1 c5 24.Nc2 cxd4
24...Bf8 25.Ra1 Rd8 26.dxc5 Qxc5 27.Nd4 g6=
25.Nxd4
25.exd4 g6 26.Rd1 Bf8 27.Ne3 Rd8 28.Qc4 h5 29.d5 Bc5 30.Qxe4 Qxb5=
25...Be5 26.Qd5 Bxd4 27.Qxd4 Qxd4 28.exd4 Rd8 29.Rc1 Rxd4 30.Rc8+ Kh7 31.Rc7

708
31...b6
31...f5 32.Rxb7 Rd1+ 33.Kg2 Rd2=
32.Rxf7 e3 33.fxe3 Rd5 34.Rb7 Rxb5 35.Kg2 Kg6 36.Kf3 Kf6 37.h4 h5 38.Kf4 Rf5+ 39.Ke4 Re5+
40.Kf4 Rf5+ 41.Ke4 Re5+ 42.Kf4 Rf5+ 1/2-1/2

166. ** E08
Studer, Noel (2580) - Keymer, Vincent (2558)
Biel (rapid) 145/166, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 Bb4+ 5.Bd2 Be7 6.Bg2 O-O 7.O-O c6 8.Qc2 Nbd7 9.Bf4 b6
10.cxd5 cxd5 11.Rc1 Bb7 12.Bc7 Qe8 13.Qb3
13.Nc3 - 144/ (165)
13...Ne4 14.Nc3 Rc8 15.Nb5

709
15...Ndc5! 16.dxc5 bxc5 17.Be5
17.Bf4 c4 18.Qa4 Bc5 19.Be3 Bc6 20.Bxc5 Nxc5 21.Qxa7 Bxb5 22.b3 Ne4∞
17...c4 18.Qa4 f6 19.Bd4

19...e5!?N
19...a6 20.Nc3 Nxc3 21.Qxe8 Nxe2+ 22.Kf1 Rfxe8 (22...Nxg3+ 23.hxg3 Rfxe8©) 23.Kxe2 e5
24.Bb6 d4©
20.Bxa7 Nd6 21.Nc3 Qxa4 22.Nxa4

710
22...Ra8 23.Bc5 - 145/(166)
23.Nc5N Rxa7 24.Nxb7 Nxb7

25.Ne1 (25.e4 dxe4 26.Nd2 c3 27.Rxc3 f5=) 25...e4 26.Rd1 Rd8 27.Nc2 g6 28.Ne3 Ra5 29.b3 cxb3
30.axb3 Rxa1 31.Rxa1 Bc5 32.Nc2 Rd6 33.e3 1/2 (33) Alfaro de Hombre,J-Boccia,M corr 145/(166)
2020
23...Rxa4 24.Nd2

711
24...Rb8N
24...e4 - 145/(166) 25.b3 cxb3 26.axb3 Rxa1 27.Rxa1 Ra8 28.Rxa8+ Bxa8 29.b4 Kf7 30.Nb3 Nb5
31.e3 Bxc5 32.Nxc5 Bc6 1/2 (32) Peterc,C-Enkalo,M corr 145/(166) 2019
25.b3
25.e4 dxe4 26.Bf1 Bd5 27.Bxd6 Bxd6 28.Bxc4 Bxc4 29.Rxc4 Rxc4 30.Nxc4 Bc5 31.Re1 Bd4 32.b3
f5∞
25...cxb3 26.axb3 Rxa1 27.Rxa1 Kf7 28.b4 Ra8 29.Rxa8
29.Ra5 Rxa5 30.bxa5 Nb5 31.a6 Bxa6 32.Bxd5+ Kf8 33.Bxe7+ Kxe7=
29...Bxa8 30.Nb3 Nb5 31.Kf1
31.e3 Nc3 32.f4 Bxc5 33.Nxc5 Ke7 34.Kf2 Kd6 35.Bf1=
31...Bxc5
31...Nc3 32.Bxe7 Kxe7 33.Nc1 Kd6³
32.Nxc5 Ke7 33.Ke1 Kd6 34.Kd2 Nd4 35.Nd3 Nc6 36.Kc3 e4 37.Nc5 d4+
¹37...Na7 38.e3 Bc6 39.Bf1 Bb5 40.Bh3 Ke5=
38.Kc4 f5 39.b5?!

712
39.Nb3 d3! 40.Bf1 (40.exd3 Ne5+ (40...e3 41.Kc3 exf2 42.Nd2 Bb7 43.Nc4+ Kc7=) 41.Kc3
Nxd3=) 40...Ne5+ 41.Kc3 Ng4 42.exd3 Nxf2 43.dxe4 Nxe4+ 44.Kd4 Bd5=
39...d3! 40.exd3?
40.Nxd3 exd3 41.Kc3! dxe2 42.Kd2 Nd4 43.Bxa8 Kc5 44.Bc6=
40...Ne5+?!
40...e3! 41.Bf1 (41.fxe3 Ne5+-+; 41.d4 Na5+ 42.Kb4 Bxg2 43.fxe3 Nb7µ; 41.Kc3 exf2 42.Nb3
Nd4! 43.Bh3 Nxb5+ 44.Kd2 Bd5 45.Nc1 Nd4µ) 41...Ne5+ 42.Kd4 Nf3+ 43.Kxe3 Nxh2µ
41.Kd4?

713
41.Kc3 Kxc5 42.d4+ Kxb5 43.dxe5 Kc5 44.Bh3 g6 45.g4 f4 46.g5 Kd5 47.e6 Bc6 48.e7 Kd6
49.Bf1 Kxe7 50.Bc4 Kd6 51.Kd4=
41...e3! 42.Bf1
42.fxe3 Bxg2-+
42...Nf3+
42...Bg2 43.fxe3 (43.Bxg2 e2-+) 43...Nf3+ 44.Kc3 Bxf1 45.b6 Nxh2µ
43.Kxe3 Nxh2 44.Be2
44.d4 Nxf1+ 45.Kf4 Nd2 46.b6 Bd5 47.b7 Kc7µ
44...Kxc5-+ 45.d4+ Kd6
45...Kb6 46.Kf4 g6 47.Kg5 Ng4
46.f3
46.Kf4 Ng4 47.f3 Nh6 48.Bc4 Bd5
46...g5 47.Bd3 Ke6 48.Bc4+ Kf6 49.Be2 h5 50.b6 Bb7 51.f4 Ng4+ 52.Kd2 gxf4 53.gxf4 h4 54.Bf1
Ke6 55.Bc4+ Kd6 56.Bd3 h3 0-1

167. E11
Javakhishvili, Lela (2463) - Tregubov, Pavel V (2588)
Gibraltar 145/167, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4+ 4.Bd2 Qe7 5.g3 Bxd2+ 6.Qxd2 Nc6 7.Bg2 Ne4 8.Qc2 Qb4+ 9.Kf1
d5 10.e3

714
10.Na3 - 133/164
10...dxc4
10...Qxc4+ 11.Qxc4 dxc4 12.Nbd2 Nd6 13.Ne5²
11.Nbd2 Nxd2+ 12.Nxd2 Na5

13.Bf3N
13.Rc1 Bd7 (13...e5 14.Nxc4 (14.dxe5 Be6∞) 14...exd4 15.exd4 Qxc4+ 16.Qxc4 Nxc4 17.Rxc4
Kd7! 18.f4 Kd6=) 14.Bf3 e5 15.Kg2 exd4 16.exd4 O-O-O 17.b3 (17.d5 g5!? 18.Nxc4 g4 19.Be4
Nxc4 20.b3 h5 21.bxc4 Kb8∞) 17...Bc6 18.Qf5+ Kb8 19.Nxc4 Nxc4 20.bxc4 Bxf3+ 21.Qxf3
Qd2∞; 13.b3 e5! 14.bxc4 exd4 15.exd4 O-O∞
13...e5! 14.Kg2
14.dxe5 Bh3+ 15.Bg2 Bg4ƒ
14...exd4 15.exd4 O-O 16.Rhe1

715
16...Rb8
¹16...c6 17.a3 Qb6 18.Nxc4 Nxc4 19.Qxc4 Be6 20.d5 cxd5 21.Bxd5 Bxd5+ (21...Rac8 22.Rxe6
fxe6 23.Bxe6+ Kh8 24.Bxc8 Qxf2+ 25.Kh1 (25.Kh3 Rf6 26.Bxb7 Rh6+ 27.Kg4 Rg6+=)
25...Qf3+=) 22.Qxd5 Qxb2 23.Reb1 Qf6=
17.a3 Qd6 18.Nxc4 Nxc4 19.Qxc4 Bd7
19...c6 20.d5 cxd5 21.Bxd5 Qf6 22.Rad1²
20.Rac1 Rfc8 21.Qc5 Qxc5 22.Rxc5 c6 23.d5 Kf8
23...cxd5 24.Rxd5 Bc6 25.Rd3 (25.Rde5 Kf8=) 25...Bxf3+ 26.Kxf3 Rc7=
24.dxc6
24.Rd1 cxd5 25.Rcxd5 Bc6=
24...Bxc6 25.Rec1 Bxf3+ 26.Kxf3 Rxc5 27.Rxc5

716
27...Rd8!= 28.Ke3
28.Rc7 Rd3+ 29.Ke4 Rb3 30.Rc2 Ke7=
28...Ke7 29.h4 Kd6 30.Kd4 Ke6+ 31.Ke3 Kd6 32.Kd4 Ke6+ 33.Ke3 1/2-1/2

168. E12
Parligras, Mircea Emilian (2600) - Gormally, Daniel (2508)
Great Britain 145/168, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.a3 Bb7 5.Bf4 Ne4

5...d5 - 143/174
6.Nbd2
6.e3 g5 7.Bg3 Bg7 8.Nbd2 Nxg3 9.hxg3 g4 10.Ng1 f5 11.Qc2 h5 … h4„
6.d5 Bc5 (6...Be7 7.Qd4 exd5 8.cxd5 f5!?) 7.e3 O-O (7...a5 8.Qd3 f5 9.Nc3²) 8.Qd3 (8.b4 Be7„)
8...exd5 9.cxd5 Re8 10.Nbd2 Nf6 11.d6 Na6!?∞
6...Nxd2
6...f5 7.e3 Be7 (7...c5 8.d5! (8.Be2)) 8.Nxe4 fxe4 9.Nd2 O-O (9...c5?! 10.d5! exd5 11.cxd5 Bxd5
12.Bc4±) 10.Qg4 c5 11.dxc5 Na6 (11...bxc5 12.Be2 Rf6 13.h4ƒ) 12.b4 bxc5 13.b5²
7.Qxd2 d6

717
8.Rd1N
8.g3 Nd7 9.Bg2 Be7 10.O-O O-O 11.Rac1 a5 12.Rfd1 a4 13.Qd3 Nf6 14.Ne1 Bxg2 15.Nxg2 Nd7∞;
8.e3
8...Nd7 9.Qc2 Nf6
9...g6 10.e4 Bg7 11.Be2 (11.h4 O-O 12.h5 e5 13.Bg5 Bf6„ 14.Bh6?! exd4! 15.Bxf8 Qxf8 16.Bd3
(16.Nxd4 Bxe4µ) 16...Nc5³) 11...Qe7 12.Bg5 f6 13.Be3 f5!? (13...a5 14.h4!?) 14.exf5 gxf5 15.O-O
O-O 16.d5 (16.Rfe1 f4 17.Bd2 c5 18.d5 Bd4!? 19.Nxd4 cxd4 20.Bg4 e5∞) 16...f4 17.Bd2 Ne5
(17...exd5 18.Rfe1²) 18.Rfe1 Nxf3+ 19.Bxf3 e5 20.Be4 Qh4 21.c5!? bxc5 22.b4²
10.d5!?
10.e3 Be7 11.h3 (11.Bd3 Nh5 12.Bg3 g6 13.c5 Qd7 14.b4 Rd8∞) 11...Qd7 12.b4 O-O 13.Be2 a5
14.b5 c6„
10...e5
10...exd5 11.cxd5 Nxd5 12.Bg3 Nf6 (12...Be7?! 13.e4 Nf6 14.Bb5+ Kf8 15.e5±) 13.e4! Nd7
(13...Bxe4? 14.Bb5++-; 13...a6 14.e5 Nh5 15.Bc4 Nxg3 16.hxg3 Qd7 17.Qb3 O-O-O 18.Bxf7 Kb8
19.e6²) 14.Bc4!? (14.e5 Be7 15.Bd3 g6 16.e6 fxe6 17.Nd4 Nc5 18.Bb5+ Kf8 19.b4 e5∞) 14...Be7
15.O-O O-O 16.Rfe1 (16.Nd4 Bh4„) 16...Kh8 (16...a6 17.Nd4 Bh4 18.Ne6!ƒ) 17.b4 a5 18.Bb3©
11.Bd2 Be7 12.e4 O-O 13.Bd3 a5
13...c6 14.O-O Rc8 15.Qb1 a6 16.Rfe1 b5 17.dxc6 Bxc6 18.cxb5 axb5 19.Bb4 h6 20.Nd2 … Nf1-e3²
14.b4
14.O-O a4 15.Bc3 (15.Ne1 Bc8 16.Kh1 Nd7 17.f4 exf4 18.Bxf4 Bg5 19.Bg3 Bh4∞) 15...Nd7∞;

718
14.b3!? c6 15.O-O Qc7 16.Rc1 Nd7 17.Be3 Nc5 18.Nd2! (18.Be2 a4!„) 18...Nxd3 (18...Qd8
19.Be2 Bg5 20.Qc3²) 19.Qxd3 c5 20.f4²
14...axb4 15.axb4

15...Qe8
15...Qd7 16.O-O c6 17.b5 cxb5 (17...c5 18.Ra1²) 18.cxb5 Rfc8 19.Qb3 Qd8 (19...Bxd5 20.exd5 e4
21.Nd4 exd3 22.Nc6²) 20.Rc1 Nd7 21.Bb4 ∆Nc5 22.Bxc5 Rxc5 23.Rxc5 bxc5 24.Nd2²; 15...c6
16.O-O (16.b5 cxb5 17.cxb5 Bc8 18.h3 Nd7 19.O-O Nc5 … Bd7=) 16...Qc7!? 17.Rc1 Ra3! 18.b5
cxb5 19.cxb5 Qxc2 20.Bxc2 Rc8 21.Bb4 Ra2 22.Bd3 Nd7 23.Rxc8+ Bxc8 24.Rc1 Nc5 25.Bxc5
bxc5 26.Rb1 f5! 27.Nxe5 (27.exf5 Ra3 28.Ne1 Bd8„; 27.b6 fxe4 28.Bc4 Ra4 29.Nd2 e3 30.fxe3
Rb4=) 27...dxe5 28.d6 Rd2 29.dxe7 Kf7 30.Bc4+ Kxe7 31.Bd5 c4 32.Bxc4 fxe4=
16.O-O Qa4
16...c6 17.Nh4!? cxd5 18.exd5 ∆b5 19.Nf5! g6 (19...bxc4 20.Qxc4 g6 21.Qc7±) 20.Nxe7+ Qxe7
21.Bg5 bxc4 22.Bxc4 Rfc8 23.Qe2 Ra4 24.f4 e4 25.f5 Qe5 26.Be3 Bxd5 27.Bxd5 Nxd5 28.Bd4ƒ
17.Qc3 Qd7 18.Ra1 c6 19.b5 c5
19...cxb5 20.cxb5 Rfc8 21.Rxa8 Rxa8 22.Be3 Qd8 23.Rc1 Rc8 24.Qa3 Nd7 25.Rxc8 Qxc8 26.Nd2²
20.h3 Rfc8

719
21.Nh2! Qd8 22.g3 Rcb8 23.Rxa8
23.f4 exf4 (23...Bc8 24.fxe5 dxe5 25.Qxe5 Bxh3 26.Qf4! Bxf1 27.Rxf1 Ra3 28.Rf3 Ra1+ 29.Nf1
Qe8 30.e5 Nd7 31.Bc3±) 24.Rxa8 Rxa8 25.gxf4 Bf8 26.e5 dxe5 27.fxe5 ∆Nxd5 28.cxd5 c4
(28...Qxd5 29.Nf3±) 29.Be4 Bxd5 30.Bxd5 Qxd5 31.Qf3 Rd8 32.Be3 Rd7 33.Qxd5 Rxd5 34.Nf3
Rxb5 35.Ra1²
23...Rxa8 24.f4 Bc8! 25.f5
25.fxe5 dxe5 26.h4 (26.g4 h5„; 26.Qxe5 Bxh3 27.Ra1 Rxa1+ 28.Qxa1 Nd7∞) 26...Ne8!? 27.Qxe5
Bh3„
25...h6 26.Ra1 Bb7
¹26...Bd7
27.Nf3 Nh7 28.Kg2 Ng5 29.Nh2 Nh7 30.Ng4 Nf6 31.Nf2 Nh7 32.Ng4 Nf6 33.Ne3 Nh7 34.Be2
Ng5 35.Bd3 Nh7 36.Be2 Ng5 37.Bf3
37.Rxa8 Qxa8 38.Qc2 Bc8 39.h4 Nh7 40.Nd1 Nf6 41.g4 Nh7 42.Kh3²
37...Rxa1 38.Qxa1 Qa8
38...Qb8!? 39.Nd1 Nxf3 40.Kxf3 Bc8 41.g4 Bd7
39.Qxa8+ Bxa8

720
40.f6!?
40.g4 Bb7 41.Nd1 Kf8 42.Nc3 Nxf3 43.Kxf3 Ke8 44.Na4 Bd8 45.Kg3 … h4²
40...gxf6?
40...Bxf6 41.Nf5 Nxf3 42.Kxf3 h5 43.g4 hxg4+ 44.hxg4 g5! 45.Nxd6 Bd8 … f6, Kf8=
41.Nf5± Bf8 42.h4
42.Bd1!? Bb7 43.h4 Nxe4 (43...Ne6 44.Nxh6+ Bxh6 45.Bxh6 Nd4 46.g4+-) 44.Be1 Bc8 45.g4±
42...Nxf3 43.Kxf3 Kh7 44.Kg4 Bb7 45.Bxh6! Bxh6 46.Nxd6 Ba8 47.Nxf7 Bf8 48.Kf5+- Kg7
49.Ke6 Bb7 50.d6 1-0

169. E14
Sakalauskas, Vaidas (2335) - Juksta, Karolis (2366)
Plateliai 145/169, 2020

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.e3 Be7 6.b3 O-O 7.Bd3 b6 8.O-O Bb7 9.Bb2 Ne4
10.Rc1 Nxc3
10...Ndf6 - 9/489
11.Bxc3

721
11...h6N
11...Bd6; RR11...Ba3 12.Rc2 Qe7 13.cxd5 exd5 14.b4!²
12.Qe2 Bf6 13.Rfd1 dxc4 14.Bxc4 Qe7 15.e4 g6 16.Qe3 Bg7 17.d5 e5
RR17...exd5 18.Bxd5 Bxd5 19.Rxd5 (19.exd5!? Qxe3 20.fxe3 Bxc3 21.Rxc3 Rac8 22.Nd4²)
19...Bxc3 20.Rxc3 Nf6 21.Rd1 Nxe4 22.Rc4 Rae8 23.Re1 f5 24.Qxh6 Qd6 25.Rd4 Qf6 26.h4²
18.Qd2 Rfd8 19.Bb4 Qf6 20.Bb5± Rac8 21.Bc6 Ba6 22.Bc3 Qd6 23.Bb4 Qf6 24.Qb2 Nb8 25.Re1
Kh7 26.Qa3 Qf4 27.Bd2 Qg4 28.h3 Qh5 29.b4 f5 30.b5 Nxc6 31.bxc6 Bb5 32.Qb3 Ba6 33.Bc3
fxe4 34.Rxe4 Bd3

722
35.Re3
35.Rxe5! Bxe5 36.Nxe5 Be4 37.Re1 Bxd5 38.Nd7! Qg5 (38...Bxb3 39.Re7+ Kg8 40.Rg7+ Kh8
41.Rxg6+ Kh7 42.Rg7+ Kh8 43.Rg5+ Kh7 44.Nf6++-) 39.Qxd5 Qxd5 40.Re7+ (40.Nf6+ Kg7
41.Nxd5++-) 40...Kg8 41.Rg7+ Kh8 42.Rxg6+ Kh7 43.Rg7+ Kh8 44.Rg5++-
35...e4 36.Bxg7 Kxg7 37.Nd4 Rd6 38.Ne6+ Kh7 39.Qc3 Rg8 40.Qf6 Qxd5 41.Nf8+ Rxf8 42.Qxf8
Qd4 43.Qe8?!
43.Qe7+ Qg7 44.Qxd6 cxd6 45.c7 (45.Rxd3? exd3 46.c7 Qd7 47.c8=Q Qxc8 48.Rxc8 d2-+)
45...Ba6™ 46.c8=Q Bxc8 47.Rxc8 Qa1+ 48.Kh2 Qe5+µ; 43.Rxd3! Qxd3 (43...exd3 44.Re1!+-)
44.Qf7+ Kh8 45.Qxc7 e3 46.Qf7 (46.Qb8+ Kg7 47.Qxa7+ Kf6 48.Qxb6 e2+-) 46...e2 47.Qf8+
Kh7 48.Qe7+ Kg8 49.c7 Qd1+ 50.Rxd1 exd1=Q+ 51.Kh2+-
43...Qf6 44.Rd1?

44.Qc8 Qe7±
44...Rd8! 45.Qxd8 Qxd8 46.Rxe4 Qd6 47.Re3 Qxc6 48.Re7+
48.Rdxd3 g5∞
48...Kg8 49.Rxd3 Qc1+
49...Qc1+ 50.Kh2 Qf4+ 51.Kg1= (51.Rg3?! h5)1/2-1/2

170. E15
Dubov, Daniil (2699) - Harikrishna, Penteala (2719)
chess24.com (Int.-rapid) 145/170, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Ba6 5.Qc2 Bb7 6.Bg2 c5 7.O-O

723
7.dxc5 - 113/194
7...cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bxg2 9.Kxg2 Qc8 10.e4
10.Rd1 Be7 11.e4 Qb7 12.Nc3 O-O 13.Qe2 d6 14.b3 a6 15.Ba3 Rd8 16.Rac1 Nc6 17.Nxc6 Qxc6∞
10...d6 11.Rd1 a6

12.Qe2N
12.b3
12...Nbd7 13.Nc3 Be7 14.Nf3 O-O
14...Qc6 15.Bf4 Rc8 16.Rac1 h6 (16...Qxc4? 17.Nd5+-; 16...O-O? 17.Nd5! exd5 18.exd5+-)
17.Kg1 Qc7 18.b3 g5 19.Be3 Qb7 20.Nd2 Ne5∞
15.Bf4 Qc7 16.Rac1 Rac8 17.b3 h6 18.e5 dxe5
¹18...Nh5 19.Bxh6 (19.Qd2 Nxe5 20.Bxe5 dxe5 21.Qd7 Ba3 22.Rc2 Qb8 23.Qa4 Bc5 24.Qxa6
f5∞) 19...gxh6 20.exd6 Bxd6 21.Qd2 Ba3 22.Qxh6 Ndf6 23.Qg5+ Kh7 24.Ne4! Bxc1 25.Rxc1 Qd8
26.Qh4 Kg7 27.Qg5+=
19.Nxe5 Qb7+ 20.Qf3
20.f3 Nxe5 21.Bxe5 Rfd8 22.Bd4 Qc6∞
20...Qxf3+ 21.Kxf3 Rfd8 22.Nxd7 Nxd7
22...Rxd7 23.Rxd7 Nxd7 24.Rd1 Nf6 25.Be5²
23.Ke2 Kf8 24.Rd3 Nc5 25.Rxd8+ Bxd8 26.Be3 Be7 27.g4 Ke8 28.f3 Bg5 29.f4 Be7 30.f5 Rc6
31.fxe6 fxe6

724
31...Nxe6 32.Nd5 Bg5 33.h4 Bxe3 34.Kxe3²; 31...Rxe6 32.Nd5 Kf8 33.b4 Nd7 34.Nf4 Re5 35.a3
Bg5 36.Kf3²
32.h3 Bf6 33.b4 Bxc3
33...Nd7 34.Ne4 Be7 35.c5 (35.a3 Kf7 36.Kd2 e5 37.Kc3²) 35...bxc5 36.bxc5 Kf7 37.Kd3 e5
38.Rb1 Bd8 (38...Nxc5+? 39.Bxc5 Bxc5 40.Rc1+-) 39.Kc4²
34.Rxc3
34.bxc5! Ba5 35.cxb6 Bxb6 36.c5 Bd8 37.Kd3 Kd7 38.Kc4 Be7 39.Rf1±
34...Ne4 35.Rc1 Kd7 36.a4
36.Bd4 g6 37.Kd3 Nd6 38.c5 bxc5 39.bxc5±
36...e5

37.b5! axb5 38.axb5 Rf6

38...Rd6 39.Rc2 Ke6 40.h4²
39.Ra1! Ng3+ 40.Kd3 Rf3 41.Ra7+ Kc8 42.Rxg7 Nf1 43.Ke2 Rxe3+ 44.Kxf1 Rxh3 45.Rg6! Rc3?!
45...Kc7 46.Kg2 Rc3 47.Rc6+ Kd7 48.Rxb6 Rxc4 49.Rg6²
46.Rxh6 Kd7 47.Rc6 Ke7 48.Ke2 e4 49.g5+-
49.Rxb6 Rxc4 50.Ke3 Rb4 51.g5
49...Kf7 50.Kd2
50.g6+ Kg7 51.Kd2 Rd3+ 52.Kc2 Rd4 53.Kc3 Rd3+ 54.Kb4

725
50...Rd3+ 51.Ke2 Rc3 52.Rxb6 Rxc4 53.Ke3 Rb4 54.Rf6+ Kg7 55.b6 Kh7 56.Kf4 Kg7 57.Rc6 Kf7
58.Rc7+ Kg6 59.b7 Kh5
59...e3+ 60.Kxe3 Kxg5 61.Kd3 Kf6 62.Kc3 Rb1 63.Kd4 Ke6 64.Kc5
60.Rg7 1-0

171. E15
Ding, Liren (2791) - Ivanchuk, Vassily (2678)
chess24.com (Int.-m/1-rapid) 145/171, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Ba6 5.b3 Bb4+ 6.Bd2 Be7 7.Nc3 O-O 8.Rc1 d5 9.cxd5 exd5
10.Bg2 Bb7 11.O-O Na6 12.Ne5 Qc8 13.Bg5 Rd8 14.e3 h6 15.Bxf6 Bxf6

16.Nd3N
16.Qh5 Qe6 17.Nd3 c6 18.b4² (18.Ne2 - 48/687)
16...Qd7 17.b4 c6 18.a4 Nc7 19.Qb3 Ne6 20.Rfd1 Rac8 21.Qb1 Rc7 22.h4 g6 23.a5! bxa5
23...b5 24.Rd2 Bg7 25.Rdc2 a6 26.Ne2 Qd6 27.Nef4²
24.bxa5 Ba6 25.Na4² Bxd3
25...Bb5 26.Qc2 Bg7 27.Nac5 Nxc5 28.Nxc5 Qg4 29.Bf1²
26.Rxd3 Rb7 27.Qc2 Rb5 28.Bh3
28.Qxc6 Rxa5 29.Qxd7 Rxd7 30.Nc3 Bd8 31.Rdd1±; 28.Rc3! Rxa5 29.Rxc6 Bg7 30.Nb2±
28...Be7 29.Rc3
29.Qxc6?! Rxa5 30.Qxd7 Rxd7 31.Nc3 Rc7 32.Rb1²

726
29...Rxa5?
29...Rc8 30.Rxc6 Rxc6 31.Qxc6 Qxc6 32.Rxc6 Rxa5 33.Nc3 Nd8 34.Rc7 Bb4 35.Ne2 g5 36.hxg5
hxg5 37.Nc1±
30.Rxc6 Bd6

31.Kg2
31.Rxd6! Qxd6 32.Bxe6 Qxe6 (32...fxe6 33.Qxg6+ Kf8 34.Nc5-+) 33.Qc7+-
31...Kg7
31...Re8 32.h5 g5 33.Bf5±
32.Nb2
32.h5! g5 (32...gxh5 33.Rh1 Re8 34.Bf5±) 33.Bf5 Re8 34.Rb1±
32...Qe7 33.Nd3 Nf8 34.Nc5 Rb8 35.Qe2
35.Bg4 h5 (35...Nh7 36.h5±) 36.Bf3±
35...Nh7 36.Nd7
36.Bg4 Nf6 37.Bf3²; 36.h5²
36...Rd8 37.Nc5 Nf6∞ 38.Kg1
38.Bg4 Nxg4 39.Qxg4 h5 40.Qf3²
38...Rb8= 39.Bg2 Rab5 40.Nd3 a5 41.Ra6 R8b6 42.Ra8?!
42.Rxb6 Rxb6 43.Nc5 Qe8 44.Qe1 Rb5 45.Bf3=

727
42...Rb8?!
42...Qb7! 43.Rac8 (43.Rcc8 a4µ) 43...Rb1 44.Rc3 Rxc1+ 45.Rxc1 Rb1 46.Qc2 Rxc1+ 47.Nxc1 a4!µ
43.Ra6 R8b6 44.Ra8 Rb8
44...Qb7! - 42...Qb7
45.Ra6 1/2-1/2

172. E16
Nihal, Sarin (2620) - Janik, Igor (2471)
chess.com (ol-rapid) 145/172, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Bb7 5.Bg2 c5 6.d5 exd5 7.Ng5 h6
7...Qc7 - 35/(622)
8.Nh3 b5 9.Nc3 bxc4 10.Nf4

10...Be7N
10...Na6
11.Nfxd5 Bxd5
11...Nxd5 12.Nxd5 Nc6 13.Bf4 d6 14.Qa4 Qa5+ 15.Qxa5 Nxa5 16.Bd2 (16.Nc7+?! Kd7 17.Bxb7
Rab8 18.Bd5 Kxc7 19.Bd2 Nc6 20.Bxc4 Bf6³) 16...Bd8 17.O-O Rb8 18.Ne3 Bxg2 19.Kxg2 Nc6
20.Bc3 O-O 21.Rfd1 Nd4 22.Rd2 Re8 23.Bxd4 cxd4 24.Nxc4²
12.Nxd5 Nc6 13.O-O
13.Bf4!?

728
13...O-O 14.Bf4² Nxd5
¹14...Rc8 15.Rc1 Nxd5 16.Qxd5 Qb6 (16...Nb4 17.Qxc4 d5 18.Qb3 c4 19.Qa4²) 17.Qxc4 Qxb2
18.Rfd1 Rfd8 (18...Nd4 19.Rd2 Qb6 20.e3 Ne6 21.Rxd7±) 19.Bd5 Qf6 20.Bd2 Qg6 21.Bc3²
15.Qxd5 Rc8
15...Bg5 16.Bxg5 hxg5 17.Qxc5 Qb6 18.Qxc4 Qxb2 19.Qg4±
16.Qxc4 Bf6 17.Bd6 Re8
17...Na5 18.Qc2 Re8 19.Rfd1 Qb6 20.Rac1±
18.Bd5 Ne5 19.Bxe5 Rxe5 20.Bxf7+ Kh8 21.Rad1 Rb8 22.b3
22.Rd2 d6 23.e3±
22...Qe7 23.Bg6 Rxe2

24.Rxd7! Qxd7 25.Qxe2 Bd4 26.Bd3

26.Qe4 Rf8 27.Kg2 Qd6 28.f3±
26...Qc6 27.Bb1 g6 28.Be4 Qe6 29.Kg2 Re8 30.f3 Kg7 31.Rd1 Rd8 32.Qb5 Qe7 33.Qc4 Rd6 34.h4
Re6 35.Qc2 g5?!
35...Qf6 36.Qc4 Rd6 37.Qb5±
36.hxg5 hxg5
36...Qxg5 37.f4 Qh5 38.Re1 Re7 39.Qd3 Qe8 40.Qf3±
37.Rh1 Rh6 38.Rxh6 Kxh6 39.Qd1 Qf7 40.Qh1+ Qh5 41.Qf1+- g4 42.Qa6+ Kg7 43.Qxa7+ Kf6

729
44.Qb6+ Kg7 45.Qc7+ Kf6 46.Qf4+ Ke7 47.Qc7+ Kf6 48.Qd6+ Kg7 49.Qe7+ Kg8 50.Qe6+ Kf8
51.Qxg4 Qh6 52.Qf5+ Ke7 53.f4 Qa6 54.Qh7+ Kf8 55.Qf5+ Ke7 56.Qg5+ Kf8 57.Qd8+ Kf7

58.Qc7+
58.Bd5+ Kg6 59.Qg5+ Kh7 60.Be4+ Kh8 61.Qd8+ Kg7 62.Qe7+ Kg8 63.Bd5+ Kh8 64.Qf8+ Kh7
65.Be4+
58...Kf8 59.Qb8+ Ke7 60.Qb7+ Qxb7 61.Bxb7 Kd6 62.Ba6 Ke6 63.Bc4+ Kf6 64.a4 Bc3 65.Kf3
Ba5 66.g4 Bb4 67.g5+ Kg7 68.Kg4 Bd2 69.f5 1-0

173. **** E17

Grischuk, Alexander (2777) - Aronian, Levon (2773)
lichess.org (Int.-m/7-rapid) 145/173, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.Nc3 Nbd7 7.Qd3 b6
7...a6 - 137/164, E
8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.O-O Bb7 10.Rd1
10.Nxd5 exd5 11.Bf4 c5 12.b3

730
(12.dxc5 bxc5 - 18/569) 12...a5N (12...Bf6) 13.a4 Bf6 14.Rfd1∞ Grischuk,A (2777)-Aronian,L
(2773) lichess. org (Int.-m/4-rapid) 145/ (173) 2020
10...N7f6

10...c5 11.e4

731
11...Nxc3N (11...Nb4) 12.bxc3

12...Rc8 - 145/(173) (12...cxd4N 13.cxd4 Nf6 14.Ne5 Rc8 15.Bg5 (15.d5²) 15...h6 16.Be3∞
Sarana,A (2654)-Sunilduth Lyna,N (2618) chess.com (Int. -blitz) 145/(173) 2020) 13.Bb2 Qc7
14.Rac1 Rfd8 15.Qe2∞ Navara,D (2717)-Buksa,N (2403) Gibraltar 145/(173) 2020
11.Nxd5N
11.Bg5 h6 12.Bxf6 Bxf6 13.Nxd5 exd5∞
11...exd5 12.Bg5
12.Nh4 Re8 13.Nf5 Bf8 14.Bf4 Rc8∞

732
12...h6 13.Bxf6 Bxf6 14.b4 c6

15.Rab1 Qe7 - 145/(173)

15...b5N 16.a4 bxa4 17.Ra1 a5 18.Rxa4 axb4 19.Rxb4 Ba6 20.Qd2 Qe7∞ Grischuk,A (2777)-
Aronian,L (2773) lichess.org (Int.-m/9-rapid) 145/(173) 2020
16.a4 Rfc8 17.Rdc1 Rc7 18.e3 g6 19.Qb3 Rd8 20.Ne1
20.Rc3 Bc8 21.Rbc1 Qd6 22.Ne1 Be6 23.Nd3 g5∞
20...Bc8 21.Nd3 Bf5 22.Rc2 c5 23.bxc5 bxc5 24.Rxc5 Rxc5 25.dxc5 Bxd3 26.Qxd3 Qxc5

733
27.h4
27.Rb7 d4 28.e4 Re8 29.f4 Bd8 30.e5 Bb6 31.Be4 Re7 32.Rb8+ Kg7 33.Kg2 h5∞
27...Qc4 28.Rd1 Qxd3 29.Rxd3 d4 30.exd4 Rxd4 31.Rxd4 Bxd4 32.Kf1 h5 33.Ke2 a5 34.Kf1 Kf8
35.Ke2 Kg8 36.Kf1 Kf8 37.Ke2 Kg8 1/2-1/2

174. E18
Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2784) - Radjabov, Teimour (2765)
chess24.com (Int.-rapid) 145/174, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Bb7 5.Bg2 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Nc3 Ne4 8.Bd2 Nxd2 9.Qxd2 d6
10.e4
10.Rad1 - 134/173
10...Nd7 11.Rad1 a6 12.d5
12.Rfe1 c5 13.d5 e5 14.a3 g6 15.Qc2 Qc7 16.Bh3²
12...Bf6

13.Nd4N
13.b3
13...Bxd4 14.Qxd4 e5 15.Qd2 Qe7 16.f4 Rfe8 17.f5 Nf6 18.h3 b5 19.cxb5 axb5 20.a3 Ba6 21.Na2
b4

734
22.Nxb4! Bxf1 23.Rxf1© Nd7 24.Qe3
24.Rc1 Nc5 25.Nc6 Qf6 26.Rc3 g6 27.b4 Nd7 28.Rf3²
24...h6
24...Qd8 25.Nc6 Qc8 26.Rc1
25.h4 Qf8 26.Rc1 Nc5 27.Nc6 Nd7 28.b4 h5 29.Ra1
29.Na7!? Nf6 (29...Nc5? 30.Nb5 Rab8 31.Bf1±) 30.Bf3 (30.Rxc7 Re7 31.Rxe7 Qxe7 32.Nc6 Qb7
33.Bf3 Qa6 34.Na5 Rc8 35.Nc6 Ra8=) 30...Kh7 31.Kg2²
29...Nb8
29...g6 30.Bh3 Nf6 31.a4 Kh7 32.a5 Qh6 33.Re1 Qxe3+ 34.Rxe3²
30.Na5 Nd7 31.Bf1
31.Rc1 Reb8 32.Nc6 Rb6 33.Bf3 Nf6 34.Kg2²
31...Rxa5
31...Nf6 32.Nc6 g6 33.Bh3©
32.bxa5 Ra8 33.a6 Nc5
33...Qb8 34.Re1 Nc5 35.f6! g6 (35...gxf6 36.Qf3 Qc8 37.Qxh5²) 36.Qh6 Qf8 37.Qxf8+ Kxf8
38.Rc1²
34.Be2 Nxa6 35.Bxh5 Nc5
35...Qb8! 36.f6 (36.Rc1 Nc5 37.f6 g6 38.Bxg6 fxg6 39.Qh6 Qf8 40.Qxg6+ Kh8 41.Qh5+ Kg8=)

735
36...Qb6 37.Qxb6 cxb6 38.Rb1 Nc5 39.Rxb6 Nxe4 40.a4 Nxf6 41.Bd1 Nxd5 42.Rxd6 Nc3 43.Bb3
Nxa4 44.Rd7 Nc5 45.Bxf7+ Kf8 46.Rc7 Na6 47.Rd7 Nc5=
36.Rb1 Ra4 37.Rb4

37...Rxb4?
37...Qa8! 38.Rxa4 Qxa4 39.Bf3 (39.f6 Nxe4 40.fxg7 Kxg7 (40...Nf6 41.Qh6 Qd4+ 42.Kg2 Qe4+
43.Kf2 Qd4+=) 41.Bf3 Nc5 42.Qg5+ Kf8 43.Qd8+ Kg7 44.Qg5+=) 39...Qc2 (39...f6 40.h5 Kh7=)
40.f6 gxf6 41.Bg2 Kg7 42.Kh2 Qa4=
38.axb4 Nd7 39.Qa7 Qd8 40.Kg2 Kf8 41.Be2 Nf6 42.Kf3
42.Bf3 Kg8 43.Qa6 Qb8 44.Qa5 g6 45.fxg6 fxg6 46.b5±
42...g6 43.fxg6 Qc8
43...fxg6 44.Bd3 Kf7 45.b5±
44.Kg2 fxg6 45.Bf3
45.Qe3 Qb7 46.Qh6+ (46.b5±) 46...Kf7 47.h5±
45...Qd8

736
45...c6 46.dxc6 Qxc6 47.Qa2 Ke7 (47...Nxe4? 48.b5 Qb7 49.b6+-) 48.Qe2 Qc3 49.b5±
46.Qe3+- Kg7 47.Qg5
47.g4 Qb8 48.g5 Nh7 49.Qc3
47...Qe8 48.g4 Qf7 49.Qc1 Qd7 50.Kg3
50.g5 Nh7 51.Qc6
50...Ng8 51.g5 Qd8 52.Bg4 Ne7 53.Be6 Qf8 54.b5 Qa8 55.Qf1
55.Qxc7
55...Qe8 56.Qf6+ Kh7 57.h5! 1-0

175. * E20
Keymer, Vincent (2558) - Studer, Noel (2580)
Biel 145/175, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.f3 d5 5.a3 Be7 6.e4 dxe4 7.fxe4 c5 8.d5 exd5 9.exd5 O-O 10.Be2
Re8 11.Nf3 Bg4 12.O-O

737
12...Nbd7

13.h3
13.Qc2N Bd6 14.Bg5 Bxf3 15.Bxf3 h6 16.Bh4 Qb8 17.g4

738
17...Bf4 (17...a6 18.b3 b5 19.Kh1 g5 20.Be1 Be5=) 18.Rad1 g5 19.Be1 Ne5 20.d6 Re6 21.Bd5
Rxd6= Burgos Garbin,F-Junge,W corr 145/(175) 2019; 13.Bg5 - 144/(177); 13.d6 - 144/177
13...Bxf3

14.Rxf3N
14.Bxf3
14...Bd6 15.Bg5 Qe7 16.Nb5 Bb8 17.Re3 Be5
17...Qxe3+ 18.Bxe3 Rxe3 19.d6! a6 20.Nc7 Bxc7 21.dxc7 Rc8 22.Qd2±; 17...Qd8 18.Rxe8+ Qxe8
19.d6! a6 20.Nc7 Qe5 (20...Bxc7? 21.dxc7 Rc8 22.Bf4+-) 21.Nxa8 (21.Bxf6? Nxf6 22.Nxa8 Qe3+

739
23.Kh2 Ne4 24.Nc7™ Qg3+ 25.Kg1 Qe3+=) 21...Qxg5 22.Bf3±
18.d6
18.Bf4 Qf8 19.Bxe5 Rxe5 20.Rxe5 Nxe5=
18...Qf8
18...Qd8?! 19.Nc7! h6 (19...Bd4?! 20.Qxd4! ∆cxd4 21.Rxe8+ Nxe8 22.Bxd8 Rxd8 23.Nxe8 Rxe8
24.Bf3±)
19.Bg4
19.Rd3 h6 20.Bxf6 Nxf6 21.Bf3 Red8=
19...a6?!

19...Bxb2 20.Rb1 Rxe3 21.Bxe3 Be5=

20.Bxd7!
20.Bxf6 Nxf6 21.d7 Bh2+ 22.Kxh2 Rxe3 23.Nd6 h5µ; 20.Nc7 Bd4 21.Nxa8 Rxe3 22.Bxe3 Bxe3+
23.Kf1 Bd4µ
20...Nxd7 21.Be7 Rxe7 22.dxe7 Qxe7 23.Nc7!
23.Nc3 Qg5 24.Re1²
23...Rd8 24.Nd5
24.Kh1!±
24...Qg5

740
¹24...Qe6 25.Kh1 Nb6²
25.Kh1!± Bd4
¹25...Bxb2
26.Re7! Ne5?!
26...h5
27.Rxb7
27.Qe2
27...h5
¹27...Nxc4
28.Qc1
28.Qe2!?; 28.Qc2!?
28...Qh4 29.Ne7+

29...Kf8?! 30.Nf5
30.Qf1+-
30...Qf6 31.Qf1
31.Qf4+-; 31.Nxd4+-
31...Qc6 32.Rb3 Qa4?!

741
32...g6
33.Rg3?
33.Rb6!+-
33...Bxb2 34.Rb1
34.Re1
34...Qxc4 35.Qf2?!

35.Nxg7 h4 36.Qf6 hxg3 37.Nf5 Nc6 38.Qxb2 Nd4 39.Qd2±; 35.Rxg7 Qxf1+ 36.Rxf1±
35...Bc1! 36.Qe1 Bf4 37.Rd1
37.Rgb3!?
37...Re8
37...Rd5! 38.Rb1 (38.Rxg7 Rxd1 39.Qxd1 Nd3 40.Rh7 Kg8 41.Rg7+ Kf8=; 38.Rxd5 Qxd5 39.Qb1
Nc6∞) 38...Rd8
38.Rc3
38.Nxg7!? Bxg3 39.Qxg3​→
38...Qe6 39.Qe4 Ng6 40.Qxe6 fxe6 41.Ne3 Rc8 42.Nc4² Rb8
¹42...Ke7²
43.g3 Bc7?!

742
43...Bg5
44.Rd7 Bd8 45.Re3 Bf6 46.Rxe6 Kg8 47.Rb6 Re8 48.Rd5
48.Rxa6±
48...h4! 49.gxh4 Nf4

50.Rf5!
50.Rd1 Re4!
50...Re4 51.Nd2 Re1+ 52.Kh2 Be5?
52...Re2+ 53.Kg3 Rxd2 54.Kxf4±
53.Nf3+- Bc7
53...Re2+ 54.Kh1 Bc7 55.Rc6
54.Nxe1 Ne6+ 55.Re5 Nd4 56.Rxa6 Bxe5+ 57.Kg2 1-0

176. E21
Edouard, Romain (2649) - Naiditsch, Arkadij (2626)
Biel 145/176, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nf3 b6 5.Qb3 a5 6.g3 Nc6 7.Bg2 a4 8.Qc2 Ba6 9.O-O a3

743
9...Bxc4 - 40/690
10.Rd1N
10.Nb5
10...axb2?!
10...O-O!?
11.Bxb2 Na5 12.Ne5 c6
12...Bb7 13.d5! Bd6 14.Nb5±
13.d5?!
13.Ne4 Nxe4 14.Bxe4 Bd6 15.d5±; 13.c5! Bxc3 14.Bxc3±
13...cxd5 14.cxd5 Rc8 15.dxe6
15.Rac1!?
15...fxe6 16.Rac1² O-O 17.Qa4
17.Qb1²
17...Bc5!
17...Bxc3 18.Bxc3 d5 (18...Bxe2 19.Rd2 Bh5 20.Nxd7±) 19.e4±
18.Nxd7 Nxd7 19.Rxd7 Qf6?
19...Bxf2+ 20.Kh1 Qe8!=

744
20.Kh1!
20.Rf1!?±
20...Bxe2?!

20...Rcd8 21.Rcd1 Rxd7 22.Qxd7±

21.Qc2?
21.Nxe2?! Qxb2 22.Qg4 Nc6²; 21.f4 Bh5 22.Qb5±; 21.Qe4! Bf3 22.Qxf3 Qxf3 23.Bxf3 Rxf3
24.Ne4 e5 (24...Rf7 25.Rxf7 Kxf7 26.Nd6++-) 25.Bxe5 Rf7 26.Rxf7 Kxf7 27.Bd4+-
21...Bf3™ 22.Ne4 Bxg2+ 23.Kxg2 Qf3+ 24.Kg1 e5 25.Bxe5 Bxf2+™ 26.Nxf2 Qxf2+ 27.Qxf2
Rxc1+ 28.Kg2 Rxf2+ 29.Kxf2 Rc2+ 30.Kg1
30.Kf3!?
30...g6 31.a4 Nc4 32.Rg7+ Kf8 33.Rc7 Rc1+ 34.Kg2
34.Kf2?? Nxe5! 35.Rxc1 Nd3+-+
34...Ne3+ 35.Kf3 Rxc7 36.Bxc7 Nd5
¹36...Nc4 37.Ke4 Ke7
37.Be5 Ke7

745
38.Ke4
38.Bd4! … Kg4
38...Ke6 39.g4 h5
39...Ne7=; 39...Nb4=
40.gxh5 gxh5 41.Bd4! Kd6
41...h4! 42.Kf3 Kf5 43.h3 Ke6 44.Kg4 Kd6 45.Kxh4 Nf4 46.Kg4 Nxh3=
42.Kf5 Kc6 43.Kg5 b5 44.a5?!
44.axb5+ Kxb5 45.Kxh5 Kc4 46.Be5 Ne3 47.Bf4 Ng2 48.Kg4 Kd3 49.h3
44...b4 45.Kxh5 Kb5= 46.Kg5 b3 47.h4 Ne7 48.h5 Ng8 49.Bc3 Kc4 50.Bb2 Kb5 51.Bc3 1/2-1/2

746
E25-E49

177. * E32
Vachier Lagrave, Maxime (2778) - Ding, Liren (2791)
chess.com (Int.-rapid) 145/177, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 O-O 5.e4 d5 6.e5 Ne4 7.Nf3 c5 8.Bd3 cxd4 9.Nxd4 Nd7
10.Bf4 Qh4 11.g3 Qh5 12.O-O g5 13.cxd5 gxf4 14.dxe6 Nxc3 15.exd7 fxg3
15...Bxd7 16.bxc3 Rac8 17.Bxh7+ (17.Qd1 - 143/(180); 17.Bf5 fxg3 18.hxg3 - 15...fg3) 17...Kg7
(17...Kh8?! 18.Bf5 Bxf5 (18...Bxc3 19.Bxd7 Bxa1

20.Qe4! (20.Bxc8 Bxd4 21.Bxb7 Qxe5 22.Kg2²) 20...Rc5 (20...Rc7 21.e6 fxe6 22.Nxe6 fxg3
23.hxg3 Rxf2 24.Rxf2 Rc1+ 25.Rf1 Rxf1+ 26.Kxf1 Qd1+ 27.Qe1 Qf3+ 28.Kg1 Bc3 29.Ng5 Bxe1
30.Nxf3 Bxg3 31.Bc8+-; 20...Rfd8 21.Bxc8 Bxd4 22.Bf5±) 21.Rxa1 Qxe5 22.Qxe5+ Rxe5 23.Nf3±)
19.Nxf5 Bxc3 20.Rab1 Bxe5 21.Qe4±) 18.e6 (18.Bf5

747
18...fxg3! 19.h3 (19.hxg3? Rh8-+) 19...Rxc3 20.Qe4 gxf2+ 21.Rxf2 Bxf5 22.Qxf5 Qxf5 23.Nxf5+
Kh7ƒ) 18...fxe6 19.Qd1 Qxd1 20.Raxd1 Bxc3 21.Nf5+ exf5 22.Rxd7+ Kh6 23.Rc1 f3 24.h3 b5=
16.hxg3 Bxd7 17.bxc3 Rac8 18.Bf5 - 15...fg3 18...Bxc3 19.Bxd7
19.Qd1 - 143/(180)
19...Bxa1 20.Bxc8

20...Bxd4 21.Kg2
21.Bf5N Qf3 22.Bxh7+ (22.Kh2!?) 22...Kg7 23.Qd3 Qxd3 24.Bxd3 Bxe5= Nesterov,A (2501)-
Yilmaz,M (2607) Moscow 145/(177) 2020; 21.Bxb7 Qxe5=

748
21...Qxe5 22.Bxb7 Rb8

23.Rh1N
23.Rb1
23...h5 24.Rh4 Kg7! 25.Re4?!

25.Qc6 Bxf2 26.Kxf2 Qb2+ 27.Kf3 Rd8!? (27...Qxb7 28.Qxb7 Rxb7 29.Rxh5=) 28.Qe4 Rd2
29.Rg4+! (29.Rxh5 Qc3+ 30.Kf4 Rd4³) 29...hxg4+ 30.Qxg4+=; 25.Qb3!?
25...Qf5! 26.Qd2

749
26.g4 hxg4 27.Qe2 Qxf2+ 28.Qxf2 Bxf2 29.Rxg4+ Kf8 30.Bd5 (30.Kxf2 Rxb7 31.Ra4=) 30...Rb2
31.Kf3=
26...Qxf2+ 27.Qxf2 Bxf2 28.Kxf2 Rxb7 29.Ra4= Kg6 30.Kf3 Kg5 31.Ra5+ f5 32.Ra4 Rc7 33.Kg2
Rd7 34.Kf3 Rf7 35.Ra5 Rc7 36.Ra4 Rc3+ 37.Kg2 Rc7 38.Kf3 Rc3+ 39.Kg2 Rc7 40.Kf3 1/2-1/2

178. *** E32

Edouard, Romain (2649) - Anton Guijarro, David (2703)
Biel 145/178, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 O-O 5.e4 d5 6.e5 Ne4 7.Bd3 c5 8.Nf3 cxd4 9.Nxd4 - 8.Nf3
9...Nd7 10.Bf4
10.Bxe4 dxe4 11.Qxe4 Qa5
10...Qh4
10...Qb6 - 118/176; 10...Ndc5 11.O-O Nxd3 (11...Bxc3 12.bxc3 Bd7 (12...Nxd3 13.Qxd3 -
11...Nd3) 13.Rac1?! - 117/183) 12.Qxd3 Bxc3 (12...Nxc3 13.bxc3 Be7 14.Rfd1 (14.Rad1; 14.Qg3)
14...Qa5 - 105/(307)) 13.bxc3 - 11...Nd3 13...b6 - 118/175
11.g3 Qh5 12.O-O
12.h4!? Nxe5 13.Be2 Ng4!=; 12.cxd5!? exd5 13.Be2 Qh3 14.Bf1 Qg4 15.Be2= Rogers,Ian;
Hazai,Laszlo
12...g5 13.cxd5 Bxc3
13...gxf4 - 143/(180)
14.bxc3 exd5

750
15.Bc1N
15.Be2N - 145/(178) 15...Qh3

16.Bc1 - 145/(178) (16.Be3N Nxe5 17.f3 Nxg3 18.hxg3 Qxg3+ 19.Kh1 Qh3+ 20.Kg1 Qg3+ 1/2
(20) Jovanic,O (2524)-Saric,A (2541) Hrvatska (ch) 145/(178) 2020) 16...Nxe5 17.f3 (17.Bxg5 Nxg5
18.f4 Qh6 19.fxg5 Qxg5=) 17...Nxg3 18.hxg3 Qxg3+ 19.Kh1 Qh4+ 1/2 (19) Conde Ponderosos,A-
Sherwood,A corr 145/(178) 2019; 15.Be3; 15.e6; 15.Bxe4 dxe4 16.e6 gxf4 (16...Nf6 17.Bd6 Re8
18.exf7+ Qxf7 19.f4 exf3 20.Nxf3²) 17.exd7 Bxd7 18.Qxe4 fxg3 19.fxg3 (19.hxg3 b6 20.Rfe1
Rac8!? (20...Rfe8 21.Qb7 Bf5 22.Qc6 Rxe1+ 23.Rxe1²)) 19...b6 20.Nf5 Rae8 21.Ne7+ Kg7
22.Qd4+ f6 23.Rae1 (23.Qxd7 Qc5+) 23...Bh3 24.Rf4 Rd8= Rogers,Ian; Hazai,Laszlo
15...Nxe5

751
16.Bxe4N
16.f3 - 145/(178) 16...Nc5 (RR16...Nxd3 17.Qxd3 Nc5 18.Qe3 f6 19.Ba3 Re8 20.Qd2© Rogers,Ian;
Hazai,Laszlo) 17.Be2 Bd7 18.f4 Ng4 19.Bf3 Ne4 20.Qg2 Qg6 21.f5 Bxf5 22.h3 Ne5 23.Nxf5 Qxf5
24.Bxe4 Qxe4 25.Bxg5 Rfe8 26.Rae1 Qxg2+ 27.Kxg2 1/2 (27) Weldon,D-Kevicky,M corr 145/(178)
2019
16...dxe4 17.Qxe4

17...Re8! 18.f4
18.Bxg5 Qxg5 19.Rfe1 Qh5 20.f4 Bf5!µ

752
18...Qxh2+! 19.Kxh2 Ng4+ 20.Kg2 Rxe4 21.fxg5 Bd7 22.Bf4 Rae8 23.Rad1?!
23.Rfb1 Paunovic,Tomislav; 23.Rfc1 Ne3+ 24.Kf2 Nd5 25.Bd2
23...Ne3+
23...Kg7!?
24.Bxe3 Rxe3 25.Nf5
25.c4 Rc3µ Paunovic, Tomislav
25...Re2+ 26.Kh3 Be6 27.a4 Re3 28.c4?!
28.Rf4!? Paunovic,Tomislav; 28.Kh4!? Re4+ 29.g4 Rxa4 30.Nh6+ Kg7 31.Rde1„
28...Re4
RR28...b6!? Paunovic,Tomislav
29.Rb1 b6 30.a5?†

30.c5!? Re5 31.g4 Rxc5 32.Rbc1!µ

30...Re5!
RR30...bxa5 31.Rb7³; 30...Bxc4 31.Rf2³ Paunovic,Tomislav
31.g4 Rxa5
RR31...Bxc4?! 32.Rf4 Paunovic, Tomislav
32.Rf4 Rd8 33.Rb3

753
33.Kh4; 33.Re1 Paunovic,Tomislav
33...Rc5
RR33...Ra4!? 34.Ne3 a6! 35.Kg3 (35.Rxb6? Ra3 36.Re4 Rdd3-+) 35...b5 36.Rc3 b4 37.c5 Rc8-+
Paunovic,Tomislav
34.Ra3 Rd7
RR34...a5 35.Rb3 Rb8 36.Rd4 Bxf5 37.gxf5 Rxf5 38.Rd6 Rc5 39.Rbxb6 Rxb6 40.Rxb6 Rxc4 41.Ra6
Ra4-+ Paunovic, Tomislav
35.Re3 Rdc7 36.Rd3
36.Rd4!? Paunovic,Tomislav
36...Bxf5 37.gxf5 Rxc4 38.Rxc4
38.Rd8+ Kg7 39.f6+ Kg6 40.Rg8+ Kh5 41.Rxc4 Rxc4 42.Rg7 a5 43.Rxh7+ Kxg5 44.Rxf7 Rc6-+
38...Rxc4 39.Rd7 a5 40.Rb7 Rc8! 41.Kg4
41.Ra7 Rb8; 41.Rxb6 Ra8 Paunovic,Tomislav
41...Ra8 42.g6 hxg6 43.fxg6 fxg6 44.Rxb6 Kf7 45.Rb7+ Ke6 0-1

179. E32
David, Alexandru Vasile (2436) - Socko, Bartosz (2619)
Graz 145/179, 2020

1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 O-O 5.a3 Bxc3 6.Qxc3 b6 7.b4 Bb7 8.e3 d6 9.Be2 Nbd7
10.Bb2 c5 11.O-O Rc8
11...Qe7 12.d4 Ne4 13.Qb3 f5 14.Rad1²
12.d4 Ne4 13.Qb3 Qe7
13...Rc7 - 102/396; 13...Qc7 - 102/(396)
14.Rad1 Rfd8

754
14...Rc7 15.Nd2 Nxd2 (15...f5 16.Nxe4 fxe4 17.dxc5 bxc5 18.b5 Rf5 19.a4 ∆Rc8 20.Rd2 d5 21.cxd5
exd5 22.Bg4 Rg5 23.f3! exf3 24.Bxf3 Kh8 25.a5 … Rdf2±) 16.Rxd2 cxd4 (16...Qg5 17.f3 d5 18.dxc5
bxc5 19.Qc3 cxb4 20.axb4 dxc4 21.Rfd1 Nb6 22.Qe5 Qxe5 23.Bxe5 Rcc8 24.Ra2²) 17.Bxd4 Qg5
18.g3 d5 19.cxd5 Qxd5 20.Qxd5 Bxd5 21.f3²
15.Ba1!? [… Qb2]
15.d5 exd5 (15...b5 16.dxe6 Qxe6 17.bxc5 Ndxc5 18.Qxb5 Rb8 19.Qa5 Qg6 20.Bd4 Nb3 21.Qe1!²)
16.cxd5 a6 17.Nd2 (17.b5 Ra8∞) 17...Nxd2 18.Rxd2 b5∞
15...Nf8N
15...Ng5 16.d5 exd5 17.cxd5 Nxf3+ (17...Ne4 18.Nd2 Nef6 19.Nb1!? a6 20.Nc3 b5 21.Rfe1 Re8
22.a4²) 18.Bxf3² (18.gxf3!? f6 19.Kh1 Ne5 20.Rg1 Qf7 21.e4 Ng6 22.bxc5 bxc5 23.f4!? Nxf4
24.Bg4 Rc7 25.Qf3 g5 26.h4©) ∆18...f5 19.e4!? fxe4 20.Bg4ƒ cxb4 21.axb4 Rc7 22.f3! Nf8 23.fxe4
Bc8 24.Bxc8 Rdxc8 25.e5 Ng6 26.Rde1±
16.Qb2 f5
16...cxd4!? 17.Nxd4 (17.exd4 f5 18.d5 e5 19.Qb3 Ng6 20.Rfe1 Qf7 21.Bf1 Rc7 22.a4 Bc8 23.Qa2!?
Bd7 24.a5 … Nd2²) 17...e5 18.f3!? exd4 19.fxe4 Bxe4 20.Rxd4 (20.exd4 d5 21.c5 Rc6„) 20...f5
21.Bd3 (21.Qb3 Ne6 22.Rdd1 Qg5 23.Bf3 Qh4∞) 21...Bxd3 22.Rxd3 Ng6!? 23.Qd4 (23.Rxf5
Ne5=) 23...Ne5 24.Qd5+ Kh8 25.Rc3 Ng4 26.e4 Qxe4 27.Qxe4 fxe4 28.Rf7 a5 29.Rg3 Ne5=
17.Rfe1
17.dxc5 bxc5 18.Nd2 Nxd2 19.Rxd2² ∆Qg5 20.g3 Qe7 21.Rfd1 e5 22.Qc2 Ne6 (22...g6 23.f4!)
23.Qxf5 Ng5 24.Rxd6 Rxd6 25.Rxd6 Qxd6 26.Qxg5 Re8 27.Bc3 Be4 28.f4ƒ
17...Ng6„ 18.Bf1

755
18.dxc5 bxc5 19.Nd2 Nxd2 20.Rxd2 Nh4 21.Bf1 Bf3„
18...Rd7 19.bxc5
19.dxc5 bxc5 20.b5 e5 21.a4 Nf6 22.Qe2 (22.Ng5 h6 23.Nh3 Qf7 24.f4 Re8∞) 22...Ng4 23.a5 e4
24.Nd2 N4e5„
19...bxc5 20.d5
20.Nd2 Ng5 21.f4 (21.f3 Nh4!?∞) 21...Ne4 22.Nxe4 Bxe4 23.dxc5 Rxc5 24.Qd2 h6 25.Bc3 Rc6
26.Bb4 Qf7 … d5∞
20...e5
20...Qf7!? 21.Qc2 h6„
21.Nd2
21.g3 Rf8 … Bc8∞
21...Nxd2
21...Ng5?! 22.f4! Nf7 23.g3±
22.Qxd2 e4
22...Qg5 23.f3²
23.f4
23.Rb1 Nh4!? 24.Kh1 Qg5 25.Rb3 Rf8 26.Reb1 Ba6„
23...exf3 24.gxf3 Ne5?!

756
24...Qg5+ 25.Kh1 Re7 26.f4 Qh4„
25.Qg2
25.Bxe5! Qxe5 26.e4 Qf6 (26...Rf8 27.f4 Qe7 28.e5±) 27.Bh3 Rf8 (27...g6 28.exf5 gxf5 29.Kh1 Rg7
30.Qf4±) 28.Bxf5 Rdd8 29.Be6+ Kh8 30.e5!? dxe5 31.Qc3 Qg5+ 32.Kh1 Rf4 33.Rxe5 Qf6 34.Re3
Qxc3 35.Rxc3 Ba6 36.d6 Bb7 37.Kg1!±
25...Re8
25...Qh4 26.Bxe5! dxe5 27.Qb2 e4 28.fxe4 Qxe4 29.Bg2! Qg4 (29...Qxc4 30.e4±) 30.e4 fxe4
31.Qe5 Rf8 32.Qxe4 Qxe4 (32...Qh5 33.Rd3 Rdf7 34.Rh3 Qf5 35.Qxf5 Rxf5 36.Re7 Ba6 37.Rc3±)
33.Rxe4 … Bh3²
26.f4 Ng6 27.Bc3

27.Qg3 Bc8 28.Bd3 Rb7 29.Bc2²

27...Ba6
27...Qh4!? 28.Bd3 Bc8! 29.Bxf5 Rf7 30.Bd3 (30.Bxc8 Rxc8 31.h3 Re8©) 30...Bf5 31.Bxf5 Rxf5
32.Rb1 Rf7 33.h3 Qe7©
28.Bd3 Rb7 29.Kh1
29.Qc2 Qf7 (29...Qh4 30.Bxf5 Bxc4 31.Be6+ Kh8 32.Rb1 Rbe7 33.f5 Qg5+ 34.Qg2 Nh4 35.Qxg5
Nf3+ 36.Kg2 Nxg5 37.f6!±) 30.Kh1 Rbe7 31.Bd2 Nh4 32.Rf1² … Rf2, Rg1
29...Nh4?!
29...Rb3 30.Qc2! Rxa3 31.e4 Qf8 32.exf5 Rxe1+ 33.Rxe1 Nxf4 34.f6 Nxd3 35.Qxd3 Rxc3 36.Qxc3

757
Qxf6 37.Qxf6 gxf6 38.Re6 Bxc4 39.Rxd6 Kf8 40.Rd7±; 29...Qh4! 30.Bxf5 Rb3 31.Qc2 (31.Bxg6
hxg6 32.Qxg6 Re7 33.Rb1 Bxc4 34.Rxb3 Bxd5+ 35.Kg1 Bxb3 36.Qxd6 Qg4+ 37.Kf2 Qh4+=)
31...Qh5! 32.Qxb3 Qxf5 33.Qa2 (33.Qb1 Qh3) 33...Nh4! 34.e4 Qxf4 35.Qe2 Bxc4 36.Qe3 g5
37.Qxf4 gxf4 38.Rg1+ Ng6 39.h4 f3 40.h5 f2=
30.Qc2± Reb8
30...Nf3 31.Re2 Qh4 32.Bxf5 Bxc4 33.Be6+ Rxe6 34.dxe6 Qh3 35.Rf2 Qxe6 36.Rxf3 Bb3 37.Qb2
Qe4 38.Rf1 Bd5 39.Qg2 Qxf3 40.Qxf3 Bxf3+ 41.Rxf3 Rb3 42.e4 Rxa3 43.e5+-; ¹30...Rf8 31.Rg1
Qxe3 32.Rg3 Qxf4 33.Rf1 Qh6 34.Rfg1 Ng6 35.Bxf5±
31.Re2
31.e4 Nf3 32.Re2 Nd4 33.Bxd4 cxd4 34.exf5 Qf7 35.Qa4 Re7 36.Rde1+-; 31.Rg1 Qxe3 32.Rg3
Qxf4 33.Rf1 Qh6 34.Rfg1 g6 35.Bf6+-
31...Rb3

31...Qf7 32.Rg1 g6 33.Rg3! Rb3 34.Re1! Rxa3 35.Ra1+-

32.Rg1??†
32.e4! fxe4 33.Bxe4 Qf7 34.Rg1 Rxc3 35.Qxc3 g6 36.f5 Nxf5 37.Bxf5 Qxf5 38.Re7+-
32...Bxc4! 33.e4
33.Bxc4 Rxc3 34.Qxc3 Qe4+ 35.Reg2 Nxg2 36.Bd3 Qxe3-+
33...Bxd3 34.Qxd3 Qf7 35.Re3
35.Qh3 Ng6 36.Reg2 fxe4 37.f5 Rxc3! 38.Qxh7+ Kxh7 39.fxg6+ Kg8 40.gxf7+ Kxf7 41.Rxg7+

758
Kf6 42.R7g4 Ke5-+
35...fxe4 36.Rxe4 Nf5-+ 37.Re6 Nd4 38.Qe4 Rxc3 39.Re7 Qf6 40.Rexg7+ Qxg7 41.Rxg7+ Kxg7
42.Qe7+ Kg8 43.Qg5+ Kf7 44.Qh5+ Kf8 45.Qh6+ Ke8 0-1

180. E36
Jovanic, Ognjen (2524) - Zelcic, Robert (2527)
Hrvatska (ch) 145/180, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 d5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.Qxc3 O-O 7.Bg5 dxc4 8.Qxc4 b6 9.Rd1
Bb7?!
9...Ba6 - 137/182
10.f3! Nbd7 11.e4 Qc8 12.Ne2²

12...c5N
12...c6
13.Nc3 Qb8
13...Rd8!?
14.Be2 a6 15.O-O
15.dxc5!?
15...b5 16.Qd3 b4
16...h6 17.Be3 Rc8 18.dxc5 Nxc5 19.Qd4 (19.Qd6!?) 19...e5 20.Qb4 Ne6 21.Rd2±
17.Na4 cxd4 18.Qxd4 Bc6 19.Nc5 bxa3 20.Nxd7! Nxd7 21.bxa3 Qa7?

759
21...Rc8
22.Qxa7 Rxa7 23.Be3 Raa8?!

23...Rb7
24.Rd6!+- Nb8
24...Rfc8 25.Rc1 Ba4 26.Rxc8+ Rxc8 27.Rxa6; 24...Ba4 25.Rd4 Bc6 26.Rc1 Rfc8 27.Rdc4 Bb7
28.Rc7 Rxc7 29.Rxc7 Bc8 30.e5
25.Rc1! Rc8 26.Bd1
26.a4!?
26...Kf8?! 27.Ba4 Ke7 28.Bxc6 Kxd6 29.Bxa8 1-0

181. E46
Yu, Yangyi (2709) - Duda, Jan Krzysztof (2753)
chess.com (Int.-rapid) 145/181, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 O-O 5.Ne2 Re8 6.a3 Bf8 7.Ng3 d5 8.Be2 b6
8...dxc4 - 110/295
9.O-O Bb7 10.cxd5 exd5 11.b4 Nbd7 12.Qb3 c6 13.f3 a5 14.Rb1

760
14...b5N
14...axb4
15.e4 Nb6
15...Qb6!? 16.Rd1 (16.exd5?! a4! 17.Qc2 Nxd5 (17...Qxd4+ 18.Kh1 Nxd5 19.Nxd5 Qxd5
20.Bd3©) 18.Kh1 Nxc3 19.Qxc3 Nf6³) 16...axb4 (16...Ne5?! 17.bxa5! Rxa5 18.Kh1²) 17.axb4
Ne5∞
16.e5 Nfd7 17.f4 Nc4 18.Kh1 Qb6?! 19.Qd1 Nb8?!
19...Kh8
20.f5± Na6?! 21.Bxc4
21.Bh5!?
21...dxc4
21...axb4 22.axb4 (22.Bd3!? bxc3 23.Qg4+-) 22...bxc4 23.Qg4+-
22.Qg4! Red8 23.Be3
23.Nce4!?
23...axb4 24.axb4 Nxb4

761
25.Rxb4! Ra3
25...Bxb4 26.Bh6! g6 27.fxg6 hxg6 28.Nge4+-; 25...Qa5 26.Nh5 Qxb4 27.Ne4 Kh8 28.Bh6 g6
29.Qh4+-
26.Nge4! Rxc3 27.Nxc3+- Bxb4 28.Bh6! g6
28...Bf8 29.Bxg7 Qxd4 30.Ne4
29.fxg6 hxg6 30.e6 Qxd4 31.Ne4 Qd3 32.exf7+ Kh7 33.Ng5+ Kh8 34.Bg7+ 1-0

182. ** E49
Duda, Jan Krzysztof (2753) - Radjabov, Teimour (2765)
chess.com (ol-rapid) 145/182, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3

4.f3 O-O 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 d5 7.cxd5 exd5 8.e3 b6 9.Bd3 c5 10.Ne2 Re8 * 11.O-O Nc6 12.Ra2
Qd6 (12...Na5 - 39/711) 13.g4 Ne7

762
14.Qe1N (14.Ng3 - 145/(182) 14...Be6

15.Kh1N (15.g5) 15...Rac8 16.Rg1 Kh8?! (16...Nd7 17.Nh5 f6∞) 17.Rag2 (17.h4 Nd7 18.a4 f6
19.Ne2²) 17...Bd7 18.g5± Mueller,K-Chumanov,V corr 145/(182) 2020) 14...a5 15.Ng3 cxd4
16.cxd4 Ba6 17.Bxa6 Rxa6 18.Qd1 b5

763
19.Rb2 (19.e4!?) 19...Qxa3 20.Rxb5 Qd6 21.Qd3 Raa8 22.Ba3 Qe6 23.Rfb1 h5 24.h3 Nc6 25.Kf2
g6 26.Ne2 1/2 (26) Caron,S-Ghysens,D corr 145/ (182) 2020
4...d5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 O-O 7.cxd5 exd5 8.Bd3 Re8 9.Ne2 c5 10.O-O b6 11.dxc5 bxc5 12.c4
Ba6 13.cxd5 Bxd3 14.Qxd3 Qxd5 15.Qxd5 Nxd5

16.Ra2N
16.Rd1
16...Nb6 17.Rc2 Na6 18.f3
18.Rd1!?

764
18...Rad8 19.e4 Rd3 20.Nf4 Rb3 21.Rd1
21.a4!?
21...Rc8 22.Kf2 f6 23.h4?!

23.Ne6 Kf7 (23...h6 24.Rd8+ Rxd8 25.Nxd8 c4 26.Ne6ƒ) 24.Nd8+ Ke7 25.Nb7 Rc7 26.Nd6
(26.Na5 Rb5 27.Nc4 Rd7=) 26...Rd7 27.Nf5+ Kf7 28.Rxd7+ Nxd7 29.Rb2 Rxb2+ 30.Bxb2ƒ;
23.Nd5 Kf7 24.Ne3 c4 25.Nf5 Kf8 26.Nd4 Rb1 27.Ke2ƒ
23...c4!= 24.Ne6
24.Nd5 Kf7 25.Ke2 c3=
24...Nc5 25.Nxc5 Rxc5 26.Be3 Rc7 27.Rdc1 1/2-1/2

183. E49
Carlsen, Magnus (2863) - Nakamura, Hikaru (2736)
chess24.com (Int.-m6/1-rapid) 145/183, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 O-O 5.Bd3 c5 6.Ne2 d5 7.a3 Bxc3+ 8.bxc3 dxc4 9.Bxc4 Qc7
10.Ba2 b6 11.O-O Ba6 12.Bb2
12.Re1 - 98/411
12...Nc6 13.Rc1 Rac8
13...Rfd8 14.c4 cxd4 15.exd4 Ng4?! 16.Ng3 Qf4 17.h3 Nf6 18.Ne2 (18.d5!) 18...Qh4 19.d5ƒ
14.c4

765
14...cxd4N
14...Rfd8 15.d5 Ne5 16.f4 Neg4 17.Rf3 exd5 18.cxd5 Qd7∞
15.exd4 Qe7 [… Na5] 16.d5!?
16.Re1 (… d5) 16...Na5 17.c5 bxc5 (17...Nd5 18.Ng3 (… Bd5+-) 18...Bb7 19.Ne4²) 18.d5! (18.Qa4
Qb7=) 18...Nxd5 19.Bxd5 exd5 20.Nf4 Qb7 21.Nxd5ƒ Rcd8 (21...Qxb2? 22.Ne7+ Kh8 23.Nxc8
Bxc8 (23...Rxc8 24.Rxc5+-) 24.Qd6 Kg8 25.Qxc5 Nb3 26.Qxf8+ Kxf8 27.Rxc8#) 22.Nf6+ Kh8
23.Qc2 Bd3 24.Qc3 Qb3 25.Nh5 f6 26.Qxa5 Qxb2 27.Qxa7 Rg8 28.Qxc5±
16...exd5

766
16...Na5 17.Nd4ƒ
17.Re1! Bxc4 18.Ng3 Qd8 19.Bb1 b5 20.Nf5 d4 21.Qd2
21.a4!? a6 22.Ba3
21...Be6
21...Re8 22.Rxe8+ Nxe8©
22.Rc5 a6?!

22...Re8 23.Rec1; 22...Bxf5 23.Bxf5 Qd6 24.Rec1 Nd7 25.Rxb5

23.Nxg7! Kxg7 24.Qg5+ Kh8 25.Qh4 [… Rc6, Bd4, … Bc1-g5] 25...Rg8?

767
25...Re8! 26.g3! (26.Rxc6? Rxc6 27.Bxd4 Bf5! 28.Bxf6+ Kg8! 29.Rxe8+ Qxe8 30.Qg5+ Bg6-+)
26...Kg8 (26...Bf5 27.Rxe8+ Nxe8 28.Bxf5±) 27.Qh6 Bd5 28.Rxe8+ Qxe8 29.Rxd5 Qe1+
(29...Nxd5 30.Bxh7+ Kh8 31.Be4+ Kg8 32.Bxd5± ‚) 30.Kg2 Qxf2+™ 31.Kxf2 Ng4+ 32.Kf3
Nxh6 33.Rc5∞
26.Rxc6! Rxc6 27.Bxd4 Kg7 28.Qxh7+ Kf8 29.Qh6+ Ke8 30.Bxf6 Qa5 31.Qe3 Qb6 32.Rd1 Rd6
33.Bd4 Qc6 34.Be4 Qc4 35.h3 Kd7 36.Rd2 Re8 37.Kh2 Bd5 38.Bf5+ Be6 39.Bd3 Qa4 40.Be5
Rd5 41.Qa7+ 1-0

768
E50-E74

184. E50
Ivanchuk, Vassily (2678) - Ding, Liren (2791)
chess24.com (Int.-m/4-rapid) 145/184, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nf3 O-O 5.e3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 d6 7.Bd3 e5 8.e4 exd4 9.cxd4 Re8
10.O-O Nxe4 11.Re1 Nf6 12.Rxe8+

12...Nxe8N
12...Qxe8
13.Bg5 f6? [×Kg8, Ne8]
13...Nf6
14.Bd2! Nd7 15.Qc2 Nf8 16.Re1 c6 17.a4
17.d5!?
17...Nc7 18.d5! c5?!
18...cxd5; 18...Na6
19.Nh4± Na6 20.Bf5
20.Qb3!?
20...Nb4 21.Qe4 Bd7 22.Re3!?

769
22.Bxd7 Qxd7 23.Nf5±
22...Bxa4??

22...Be8; 22...Kh8
23.Bxh7+! Kf7
23...Nxh7 24.Qe6+ Kh8 25.Ng6#; 23...Kh8 24.Ng6+ Nxg6 (24...Kxh7 25.Rh3+ Kg8

26.Qe6+! Nxe6 27.dxe6

770
… Rh8) 25.Bxg6! … Qh4
24.Nf5! Nxh7 25.Nh6+! 1-0

185. E52
Harikrishna, Penteala (2719) - Studer, Noel (2580)
Biel 145/185, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 O-O 5.Nf3 d5 6.Bd2 b6 7.cxd5 exd5 8.Bd3 Bb7 9.O-O Bd6
10.Qc2
10.Rc1 - 143/(187)
10...c5 11.dxc5 bxc5

771
12.Ne2N
12.Ng5; 12.Nb5
12...Qe7
12...c4 13.Bf5 g6 14.Bc3 Re8 (14...gxf5 15.Qxf5 Nbd7 16.Ned4 Re8 17.Qg5+ Kh8 18.Nf5 Bf8
19.Rad1© ‚) 15.Rfd1∞; 12...Ne4!?
13.Ng3 g6 14.Rfe1
14.Bc3
14...Ne4 15.Bc3 f5³ 16.Rad1 Nc6 17.Qa4 Rad8
17...a5!?
18.Bb5
18.Ba6!?
18...Qc7 19.Rxd5?!
19.Ne2 a6 20.Bd3 Nxc3 21.bxc3 c4 22.Bb1 Na7
19...Nxc3 20.bxc3 Ne5 21.Rxe5 Bxe5µ 22.Ng5
22.Nxe5 Qxe5 23.Qxa7 Qxc3 24.Rf1 Rf7µ
22...Bd5
22...Bc8!?
23.c4 Bf7 24.Nxf7 Rxf7 25.Bc6 Rf6 26.Bd5+ Kg7

772
¹26...Kh8
27.f4?!
27.Rb1 Rb6 28.Rxb6 Qxb6 29.Nf1µ; 27.Ne2!? Bxh2+ 28.Kf1 Bd6µ
27...Bc3 28.Rb1 Rb6 29.Rb3
29.Rxb6
29...Rxb3 30.axb3?!

30.Qxb3 Bf6
30...Rb8
30...Qe7! 31.Nf1 Bd2! 32.Kf2 Re8 33.Qa1+ Kh6 34.Qe5 Qxe5 35.fxe5 Ba5 36.e6 Kg7 37.Ke2 Kf8
38.e4 f4! 39.Kd3 Rb8 40.Kc2 Rb6 … Ra6-+
31.Kf2 Qa5?!
31...Rb4 32.Qe8 (32.Qa3 Qb6 33.Ne2 Rxb3 34.Qa4 Kh6-+) 32...Bf6 33.Qg8+ Kh6 34.Qe6 Qe7
35.Nxf5+ gxf5 36.Qxf5 Rxb3 37.Be4 Rb2+ 38.Kf3 a5-+; 31...Qe7!?
32.Qd7+ Kh8 33.Ne2 Bg7
33...Be1+ 34.Kf3 Bh4 35.Qd6 Qb6 36.Qd7 (36.Bc6 Kg7 37.Qd7+ Kh6µ) 36...Qxb3 37.g3 Bf6
38.Qxa7 Qb1µ
34.h3 Qb6 35.g4
35.Nc1!?

773
35...a5?!
35...fxg4 36.hxg4 a5µ
36.gxf5 Qf6
¹36...gxf5 37.Qxf5 Qg6³
37.fxg6 hxg6 38.Qa4?
38.Be4 Rxb3 39.Qg4©; 38.Ng3 Rxb3 39.Ne4 Qh4+ 40.Ke2©
38...Qb6?
38...Qh4+ 39.Kg2 Qe1 40.Bf3 Bf6µ
39.Qa2 Rf8 40.Kg2 Qb4 41.Qc2 Qe1 42.Bf3?!
42.Qd3=
42...Kh7?!
42...Bf6³
43.Qd3 Bf6 44.Qd7+! Kh6 45.Qd6= Kg7 46.Qxc5 Bh4 47.Qd4+ Kh6 48.e4 Rd8 49.Qc5 Rd2
50.Qf8+ Kh7 51.Qf7+ Kh6 52.Qf8+ 1/2-1/2

186. E52
Keymer, Vincent (2558) - Anton Guijarro, David (2703)
Biel 145/186, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Bb4 5.e3 O-O 6.Bd2!? b6 7.cxd5 exd5 8.Bd3
8.Rc1 Bb7 (8...Ba6 9.Bxa6 Nxa6 10.O-O) 9.Bd3 - 8.Bd3
8...Bb7
8...Ba6!? 9.Bxa6 Nxa6 10.Qa4 Qc8=
9.O-O Nbd7
9...Be7 10.Qc2 c5=; 9...Bd6!? 10.Rc1 (10.Nb5 Be7) 10...c5 (10...a6 - 6/674) 11.Ne5 Nc6=
10.Qc2
10.Rc1 a6 (10...c5 11.a3 Bxc3 12.Bxc3 c4 13.Bc2 Ne4 14.Bxe4 dxe4 15.Ne5 b5 16.Nxd7 Qxd7
17.d5!! Qxd5 18.Qg4) 11.Ne5 Nxe5 (11...Bd6 12.f4 ¹c5 (12...Ne4 - 141/181)) 12.dxe5 Nd7 13.f4
Nc5 14.Bb1 (14.Bxh7+ Kxh7 15.Qh5+ Kg8 16.Rf3 (16.f5 d4 (16...f6) 17.Ne4 (17.f6? Ne6-+)
17...Bxe4 18.Bxb4 Qd5 19.Rf4 Qxe5 20.Rh4 f6 21.Qh7+ Kf7 22.Qg6+ Ke7 23.Qg3 Qxg3 24.hxg3
Bxf5 25.exd4 a5 26.Ba3 Rfd8µ) 16...f6 (16...f5 17.Rh3 Ne6 18.Qh7+ Kf7 19.Qxf5+ Ke7 20.Qg4 d4
21.Be1 dxc3 22.bxc3 Bc5 23.Bh4+ g5 24.Bxg5+ Nxg5 25.Qxg5+ Kd7 26.Rd1+ Kc8 27.Rxd8+
Rxd8∞) 17.Rh3 fxe5 18.fxe5 Ne6 19.Qh7+ Kf7 20.Qh5+ Kg8=) 14...d4 15.Ne2 Qd5 16.Rf2 (-

774
140/188) 16...dxe3 17.Bxe3 Qxd1+ 18.Rxd1 Rad8=
10...a6
10...c5!? 11.a3 Bxc3 12.Bxc3 c4 13.Bf5²; 10...Be7!? 11.Rfd1 (11.Ne5!? c5 12.f4) 11...a6 12.Ne5
Re8 13.Ne2 c5∞ (13...Bd6!? 14.Nc6 Qc8 15.Nf4 g6 16.Rac1 Nb8 17.Ne5 Nbd7=)
11.Ne5 c5
11...Nxe5 - 72/491; 11...Be7 … c5=
12.a3! cxd4

¹12...Bxc3 13.Bxc3 c4 14.Bf5² RRg6 15.Bh3ƒ Paunovic,Tomislav

13.exd4N
13.Nxd7 Qxd7 14.axb4 dxc3 15.Bxc3 d4! 16.Bxd4 Bxg2! 17.Bf5 (17.Kxg2 Qg4+ 18.Kh1 Qf3+
19.Kg1 Qg4+ 20.Kh1=) 17...Qb7∞
13...Bxc3
13...Bd6 14.Bf4² … Nf7! (14.Rae1 Re8 15.Bf4 Qc7 16.Nxd7 (16.Na4 Qxc2 17.Bxc2 Bxe5 18.dxe5
Ng4 19.h3 Ngxe5 20.Nxb6 Nf3+ 21.gxf3 Nxb6 22.b3ƒ) 16...Qxd7 17.Be5² Paunovic,Tomislav)
14.Bxc3
14.bxc3!? Nxe5 15.dxe5 Ne4 16.Be3 Rc8 17.Bd4²
14...Ne4 15.Bb4 Re8
15...Rc8 16.Qb1! Re8 17.f3 Nef6 18.Nxd7! Qxd7 19.Bf5+-

775
16.f3

16...Nef6?!
16...Nxe5 17.dxe5 Rc8 18.Qb1 Ng5 19.Bd6² (19.Qe1 Ne6 20.Qg3² Paunovic,Tomislav)
17.Rfe1± Rc8?!
17...Nf8 18.Qf2 a5 19.Bd2±
18.Qf2! Nf8
18...Nxe5 19.dxe5 Nd7 20.Bf5±
19.Bd2
19.a4 a5 20.Ba3±; 19.Bf5!? Paunovic,Tomislav
19...N6d7
19...Ne6 20.Re2±
20.Ng4! Qc7?!
20...Rxe1+!? 21.Rxe1 Nf6 22.Ne5±
21.Ne3 Ne6
21...g6 22.Ng4
22.Nf5 Ndf8 23.Rac1 Qd7 24.Qg3 Rxc1 25.Rxc1 Ng6

776
RR25...h5 26.f4 Ng6 27.Qf2 Ne7 28.Ng3 h4 29.Nh5+- Paunovic,Tomislav
26.h4! h5
26...Ne7 27.Nh6+! (27.Nxg7 Nxg7 28.Rc7 Qa4 29.Kh2±) 27...Kf8 28.Bb4! gxh6 (RR28...a5
29.Bd6+- Paunovic,Tomislav) 29.Bxh7 Ng7 30.Rc7+-; RR26...Rc8 27.Re1+- Paunovic,Tomislav
27.Nd6+- Rd8 28.Nxf7! Qxf7 29.Bxg6
29.Qxg6 Qxg6 30.Bxg6 Nxd4 31.Rc7
29...Qf6 30.Kh2! Qxd4
RR30...Rf8 31.Re1 Paunovic,Tomislav
31.Re1! Bc8
RR31...Qf6 32.Re5 Paunovic,Tomislav
32.Rxe6!
32.Rxe6 Qxd2

777
(32...Bxe6 33.Bc3 Qc5 34.Bh7+!) 33.Qd6!!
1-0

187. * E62
Keymer, Vincent (2558) - Naiditsch, Arkadij (2626)
Biel 145/187, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.Nc3 d6 6.Nf3 c6 7.e4!? Bg4 8.h3
8.Qb3 Qb6 (8...Qc7 9.O-O Nbd7 (9...Bxf3) 10.Be3 Qb6 11.Qc2 Qc7 12.Rac1 Rfc8 13.Qd2 Bxf3
14.Bxf3 a6 15.b3² - 110/(304)) 9.Be3 Qxb3 (9...Nfd7 10.Qxb6 Nxb6 11.Nd2²) 10.axb3 Na6„
Rogers,Ian; Hazai,Laszlo
8...Bxf3 9.Bxf3 e5
9...Qb6 - 118/191
10.d5!
10.Be3; 10.dxe5 dxe5 11.Be3 Na6 (11...Nbd7 12.O-O Qc7 13.Qc2 Rfd8 14.Rad1 Nf8∞) 12.O-O Re8
13.a3

778
13...Nd7N (13...Nc7 14.Qb3 Ne6! (14...b6 15.Rad1 Qe7 16.Qa4 Qe6 17.Bg2² (17.Rd2)) 15.Qxb7
Nd4 16.Bg2 Rb8 17.Qxa7 (17.Qa6 Rxb2∞) 17...Nd7 18.Qa4 Nc5 19.Qd1 Rxb2©) 14.b4 Nc7
15.Bg4 Nf8 16.Ra2 Nce6 17.Rd2 Qc7 18.Ne2 Rad8∞ Szotkowski,J (2367)-Giannoulakis,L (2266)
Graz 145/ (187) 2020
10...cxd5 11.cxd5

11...a5!?N
11...a6; 11...Nbd7 12.Be3 Qa5 13.O-O²
12.Be3 Na6 13.h4!?

779
13.O-O Nc5 14.Rc1²
13...h5

13...Nd7 14.g4²; 13...Nc5 14.h5 Qd7 15.g4!? (15.Bxc5 dxc5 16.Be2; 15.h6 Bh8 16.Bxc5²)
14.g4! hxg4 15.Bxg4 Nxg4?!
15...b5!? 16.h5 (16.Bf3 b4 17.Ne2² … Ng3) 16...b4 17.Na4 Nxe4 18.hxg6 f5 19.Bxf5 Rxf5 20.Qg4
Qf6 21.Qxe4 Qxg6±; 15...a4! 16.h5 a3! 17.Rb1 (17.bxa3 Qa5 18.Bd2 Nc5∞ (18...Bh6?! 19.hxg6
Bf4 20.Bf5±)) 17...Qa5²
16.Qxg4 Nb4
16...f5 17.Qxg6 f4 18.Rg1 Rf7 19.Bd2±
17.h5!?
17.O-O-O! Qc8 (17...f5 18.Qxg6 f4 19.Bd2±) 18.Qxc8 Rfxc8 19.Kb1±
17...f5?
17...Nc2+ 18.Kd2 (18.Ke2 Nxa1 19.Rxa1 (19.hxg6? Nc2-+) 19...Qc8 20.Qg5 Qd8 (20...f5 21.Qxg6
Rf6 22.Qg5 Kh7∞) 21.Qg4) 18...Nxa1 19.hxg6 fxg6!? (19...Qf6 20.gxf7+ Rxf7 21.Rxa1 Qf3 22.Qe6
Qf6 23.Rg1² (23.Rc1!?)) 20.Qxg6 Rf6 21.Qh7+ Kf7 22.Qh5+ Kf8 23.Rxa1 Qe8∞
18.Qxg6 Rf6

780
19.Qg2!
19.Qg5 f4 20.h6 Rxh6! 21.Qxd8+ Rxd8 22.Rxh6 fxe3 (22...Bxh6?! 23.Bb6±) 23.Rh1!²
19...Kh7
19...Nc2+ 20.Kd2 Nxe3 (20...Nxa1 21.h6+-) 21.fxe3+-
20.exf5! Nc2+ 21.Kd2+- Nxe3
21...Nxa1 22.Ne4+-
22.fxe3 Qb6 23.Kc2! Rc8
23...Qxe3 24.Rh3 Qh6 25.Rg3 Rxf5 26.Rg6
24.Rag1 Bh6 25.Kb1!
25.Rh3 Qb4 26.Rg3 Rf7 27.Rg8
25...Qxe3
25...Rxc3? 26.Qg8#
26.Ne4 Rff8 27.Qg6+ Kh8 28.Nf6 1-0

188. !N E63
Vidit, Santosh Gujrathi (2726) - Dubov, Daniil (2699)
chess.com (ol-rapid) 145/188, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.Nc3 d6 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.O-O e5 8.dxe5 dxe5 9.Bg5 h6!?
9...Be6 - 144/(190)

781
10.Qxd8 Rxd8 11.Bxf6 Bxf6 12.Nd5 Kg7 13.Nxc7 Rb8 14.Nd5
14.e4!? Be7 (14...g5 15.Nd5 Be6 16.Rad1 Rbc8 17.b3 g4 18.Nd2²) 15.Nd5 (15.Rfd1 Bg4 16.h3
Bxf3 17.Bxf3 Bc5 18.Nd5²) 15...Bc5©
14...e4 15.Nd2

15...e3!N
15...Bxb2 16.Rab1 Ba3 17.Bxe4 Bg4 (17...Be6 18.Rfd1 Ne5 19.Nf4²) 18.Rfe1 b6 19.Nb3 Be6
20.Nf4 Ne5 21.Nxe6+ fxe6=
16.fxe3
16.Nxf6 exd2 17.Nd5 Bg4 18.Rfd1 Bxe2 19.Rxd2 Bxc4 20.b3 Bxd5 21.Rxd5 Nb4 22.Rxd8 Rxd8
23.Bxb7 Rd2 24.a3 Nd3 25.Rf1 Nc5 26.Bg2 Nxb3=
16...Bxb2 17.Rab1 Ba3 18.Nb3
18.Rb3 Bf8 19.Rc3 b6 20.Nb3 Ne5 21.c5 (21.Nd4 Ba6 22.Rfc1 Rbc8 23.Nb5 Rd7³) 21...bxc5
22.Nxc5 Rb2³
18...Bf5

782
18...Ne5 19.Rf4 (19.c5 Be6 (19...Bf5

20.Rxf5! gxf5 21.Ne7 Kf6 (21...Kh7 22.Nxf5 Nd7 23.Nbd4 Bxc5 24.Bxb7 Bb6 25.Be4∞) 22.Nd5+
Kg6 23.Ne7+=) 20.Rfd1 Bf5 21.e4 Bd7³) 19...Bd7 20.c5 Rbc8³; 18...Bg4 19.Nf4 Ne5 20.c5 Nc4
21.h3 Bd7³
19.Rbd1
19.Rxf5! gxf5 20.Nd4 Ne5 21.Nxf5+ Kf8 22.Nxh6 Nxc4 (22...Bc5 23.Nf5 Nxc4 24.Kf2 Nd6
25.Nd4∞) 23.Rf1 Nd6 24.e4©
19...Rbc8

783
19...Be6 20.c5 (20.h3 Ne5 21.Nd4 Bc8 22.Rf4 Bd6³) 20...Ne5 21.Rd4 Rdc8³
20.Nd4 Nxd4
20...Bg4 21.Kf2 Nxd4 22.exd4 Rxc4 23.Ne3 Rcxd4 24.Rxd4 Rxd4 25.Nxg4 Rxg4 26.Bxb7=
21.exd4 Be6 22.Rd3 Bf8 23.Ne3! Bxc4 24.Nxc4 Rxc4 25.Bxb7 Rcxd4= 26.Rfd1 Bc5 27.Rxd4
Rxd4 28.Rxd4 Bxd4+ 29.Kg2 1/2-1/2

189. * E66
Leko, Peter (2663) - Carlsen, Magnus (2863)
chess24.com (Int.-m/1-rapid) 145/189, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.Nc3 d6 6.Nf3 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d5 Na5 9.Nd2 e6 10.Qc2
10.Rb1 exd5 11.cxd5 Bd7

(11...a6 - 41/ (655)) 12.b4N (12.Nde4 Ne8 13.Bg5 f6 14.Bf4 Qe7 15.Qd3 h6 16.Nd2 f5 17.b4 cxb4
18.Rxb4 Rc8 19.Rc1 a6∞) 12...cxb4 13.Rxb4 Rc8 14.Nde4 Ne8 (14...b6!? 15.Bg5 (15.a4 Re8

784
16.Nxf6+ (16.Bg5?! Nxe4! 17.Nxe4 (17.Bxd8 Nxc3 18.Qd3 Nxe2+ 19.Kh1 Rcxd8-+) 17...Rxe4
18.Bxd8 Rxb4 19.Bg5 Nc4µ) 16...Bxf6 17.Nb5 Bxb5 18.axb5 Qd7∞) 15...h6 16.Nxf6+ Bxf6
17.Bxf6 Qxf6 18.Ne4 Qe5∞) 15.Nb5 Bxb5 16.Rxb5 a6 17.Rb1 Qd7 18.Bb2 Bxb2 19.Rxb2 Qe7
20.Rb4 Nf6„ Harutyunian,T (2538)-Muradli,M (2427) Moscow 145/(189) 2020
10...exd5 11.cxd5 Bd7 12.b3 b5 13.Bb2 Rc8
13...Re8 - 58/608
14.Nce4 Nb7N
14...Bf5 15.Bxf6 Bxf6 16.Nxf6+ Qxf6 17.e4 Bd7 18.Rfe1²
15.Nxf6+ Bxf6 16.a4 b4 17.Bxf6 Qxf6 18.Nc4 Qg7 19.a5 a6 20.Nb6 Rc7 21.Nxd7 Rxd7 22.Qc4
22.e4 Ra8 23.f4 Rdd8 24.Kh1 f6 25.Rfe1²
22...Ra8 23.e4² Qd4
23...Re7 24.f4 Ree8 25.Ra2²
24.Qxd4 cxd4 25.Ra4! Rc7

785
25...d3 26.Rxb4 Nxa5 27.Rd1±; ¹25...Rdd8 26.Rxb4 Rdb8 27.Rb6 (27.Ra4 Nc5 28.Rxd4 Rxb3
29.f4²) 27...Nxa5 28.Rxd6 Nxb3 29.Rd7²
26.Rd1!± Rc3 27.Rxd4
27.Rxb4? Nxa5 28.Rb6 Nxb3 29.Rxd6 a5∞
27...Nc5 28.Raxb4 Nxb3 29.Rdc4
29.Rd1! Nxa5 30.Rb6 Rd8 31.Rdb1±
29...Rxc4 30.Rxc4 Nxa5 31.Rc7 Kf8 32.f4 Nb3 33.e5 a5 34.exd6 Rd8 35.Rc6
35.Kf2 Rxd6 36.Ra7 Ke8 37.Bf1²
35...Nd4 36.Ra6 Nb5
36...Nf5
37.Rxa5 Nxd6 38.Ra6 Ke7 39.Ra7+ Rd7 40.Rxd7+ Kxd7= 41.Kf2 Nc4 42.Ke2 Kd6 43.Kd3 Kc5
44.Bf3 1/2-1/2

190. * E71
Meshkovs, Nikita (2582) - Seeman, Tarvo (2415)
Viljandi 145/190, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.h3 O-O 6.Be3 Na6 7.g4 e5 8.d5 Nc5 9.f3 c6 10.Qd2 cxd5
11.cxd5 Bd7 12.Nge2 h5 13.b4
13.Nc1 - 144/194
13...Na4 14.Nxa4 Bxa4 15.Nc3 Bd7 16.a4N

786
16.Be2 - 145/(190) 16...a5 (16...Nh7!? 17.Rc1 h4 18.g5 (18.O-O Bf6∞) 18...f6„) 17.b5 Rc8 18.O-O
Nh7 19.Na4 f5 20.Nb6

20...Rc7 (20...hxg4 21.hxg4 (21.Nxc8?! gxf3 22.Bxf3 Bxc8³) 21...Rc7 22.Nxd7 (22.Qxa5 Rc2
23.Bd3 Qh4 24.Bxc2 Qg3+=) 22...Qxd7 23.gxf5 gxf5 24.Bd3 fxe4 25.Bxe4 Nf6∞) 21.Rac1 (21.gxf5
gxf5 22.Kh2 Kh8∞) 21...Rxc1 22.Rxc1 hxg4 23.hxg4 fxe4 24.fxe4 Qh4 25.Nxd7 Qg3+ 26.Kh1
Qh3+ 27.Kg1 Qg3+ 28.Kh1 Bh6 29.Rc3™ Qh3+ 30.Kg1 Qg3+ 31.Kh1 Qh3+ 32.Kg1 Qg3+
33.Kh1 1/2 (33) Livaic,L (2507)-Yuffa,D (2594) lichess.org (Int.-blitz) 145/(190) 2020
16...Nh7 17.O-O-O h4 18.Kb2

18...Bf6!„ 19.Rh2 Bg5 20.Rf2 Bxe3 21.Qxe3 Qg5 22.f4

787
22.Qxg5 Nxg5 23.Nb5 Bxb5 24.axb5 Kg7³
22...exf4 23.Qxf4 Qxf4 24.Rxf4 Kg7 25.a5 Ng5 26.Rd4 Rac8 27.Kb3 Rc7 28.Rc4 Rfc8 29.Rxc7
Rxc7 30.Bg2 f6 31.Rf2 Nf7 32.Bf1 Ng5
32...Ne5 33.Be2 a6∞
33.Bg2 Nf7 34.Bf1 Ng5 35.Rf4 Kf7 36.Kc2 Ke7 37.Kd2 Rc8 38.Nd1 Nf7 39.Ne3 Ng5
39...Ba4 40.Be2 (40.b5? Ne5 41.Rf2 Rc5-+) 40...Ng5 41.Bf1 a6 42.Bg2 Bb5³
40.Nc2 Ba4 41.Nd4 a6 42.Bg2 Rc7
42...Rc4?! 43.e5! Bb5 44.exd6+ Kd7 45.Ne2 f5 46.gxf5 Rxf4 47.Nxf4 gxf5 48.Kc3²
43.Rf1 Rc4 44.Kd3 Rc8
44...Rxb4?? 45.Kc3+-
45.Ra1 Bd7 46.Bf1 Rc7= 47.Rb1 Ba4 48.Ra1 Bd7 49.Rb1 1/2-1/2

191. E71
Sadzikowski, Daniel (2522) - Bobras, Piotr (2487)
Polska 145/191, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.h3 O-O 6.Be3 Na6 7.g4 e5 8.d5 Nc5 9.f3 c6 10.b4 cxd5
11.cxd5 Ncd7

12.Qd2N
12.Bd3 - 141/189
12...a5! 13.b5

788
13.Rb1 axb4 14.Rxb4 Nc5 15.Bb5 Ne8 16.Nge2 f5 17.exf5 (17.gxf5 gxf5 18.Rg1 Kh8³) 17...gxf5
18.O-O Nc7∞
13...Nc5 14.Nge2 Ne8 15.h4
15.Ng3 Bf6! 16.g5 Be7 17.h4 h5 18.gxh6 Bxh4 19.Qh2 Bg5 20.h7+ Kh8∞
15...f5 16.g5
16.gxf5 gxf5 17.h5 Kh8 18.O-O-O fxe4 19.Bxc5 dxc5 20.h6 Bf6 21.Nxe4 Nd6! 22.N2g3 c4 23.Qb2
Bg5+ 24.Kb1 Bf4 25.Nxd6 Qxd6 26.Ne4 Bf5 27.Bxc4 a4©
16...fxe4 17.fxe4
17.Nxe4 Rxf3 (17...Nxe4 18.fxe4 Bg4 19.Nc3 Rc8 20.Rc1²) 18.Bxc5 dxc5 19.d6 Bg4 (19...Bf5
20.N2g3 Be6∞) 20.O-O-O Qd7∞
17...Bg4³ 18.Rg1
18.Bxc5 dxc5 19.Bh3 Bxh3 20.Rxh3 Nd6 21.O-O-O Qd7 22.Qe3 Rf2³
18...Qd7 19.Bxc5?
19.Ng3 Rf4! 20.Rc1 Rc8 21.Bc4 (21.Bxf4?! exf4 22.Qxf4 Bd4 23.Rg2 Ng7³) 21...b6 (21...Rf8=)
22.Bxf4 exf4 23.Qxf4 Be5 24.Qe3 Ng7©
19...dxc5 20.Na4

20...Nd6! 21.Nec3
21.Nxc5 Qxb5 22.Rc1 Nc4-+
21...Rf4 22.Bg2

789
22.Be2 Raf8 23.Nxc5 Qc8 24.Ne6 Bxe6 25.dxe6 Qc5! (25...Qxe6µ) 26.Rf1 Nc4 27.Bxc4 Qxc4-+
22...Raf8 23.Nxc5 Qc7 24.N5a4
24.N3a4 Rf2 25.Qd3 (25.Qxf2 Rxf2 26.Kxf2 Qf7+ 27.Ke1 Qf4-+) 25...b6 26.Ne6 Rxa2! 27.Rd1
Qc8 28.Nxf8 Bxd1 29.Nc3 Bc2-+
24...Qc4-+ 25.Qe3 Qd4 26.Qxd4 exd4 27.Nd1
27.Rc1 dxc3 28.Nxc3 Rc8 29.Kd2 Rf2+ 30.Ke3 Rb2
27...d3 28.Ndc3 Nc4 29.Rd1 Bd4 30.Rh1 Bf2+ 31.Kf1 Ne3# 0-1

192. * E71
Sadzikowski, Daniel (2507) - Piorun, Kacper (2601)
Polska (ch-m/3-rapid) 145/192, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.h3 O-O 6.Be3 c6 7.g4 e5 8.d5 Na6
8...cxd5 - 28/705
9.Nge2 cxd5
9...h5 10.f3 cxd5 11.cxd5 Bd7 12.Bg5

12...Qa5N 13.Qd2 Rac8 14.Ng3 Nh7! 15.Rc1? (15.Be3 h4 16.Nge2 Bf6„) 15...Nxg5 16.Qxg5

790
16...Nb4 (16...h4!?) 17.Kf2 (17.gxh5 Nxa2-+) 17...h4! 18.Qxh4 Nxa2 19.Nxa2 Qxa2-+ Studer,N
(2580) -Baklan,V (2587) chess. com (Int.-blitz) 145/(192) 2020
10.cxd5 Bd7 11.Ng3

11...Nc7N
11...b5?! 12.Bxb5 Bxb5 13.Nxb5 Qa5+ 14.Nc3 Qb4 15.Qd2±
12.Qd2
12.g5 Nfe8 13.h4 f5„

791
12...b5 13.f3 b4 14.Nce2 a5 15.h4 Na6 16.h5² Rc8
16...Qe7!?
17.Bh6?!
17.Nc1 Nc5 18.Nb3±; 17.g5 Ne8 18.Nc1 Nec7 19.Qh2±
17...Bxh6 18.Qxh6 Qe7„ 19.Bh3?!
19.Nc1 Nc5 20.Be2 a4∞
19...Kh8
19...Rc2! 20.Rb1 Kh8 21.Qe3 Nc5µ
20.Kd2?
20.Qd2 Ba4 21.b3 Bb5 22.g5 Nd7 23.Kf2 Rc7³
20...Ng8
20...Nc5! 21.Qe3 Bb5 22.Bf1 Rc7 23.Nc1 Bxf1 24.Rxf1 Rfc8µ
21.Qe3 g5 22.Nc1

22...h6?!
22...b3! 23.Nxb3 (23.axb3 Nb4-+) 23...a4 24.Na5 (24.Nc1 Nb4-+) 24...Qd8 25.Nc6 Bxc6 26.dxc6
Rxc6³
23.Bf1 Nc5 24.Nd3 Nf6 25.Nxc5 dxc5 26.Bc4 Qd6
¹26...Ne8 27.Rac1 Nd6 28.Rc2²

792
27.Ke2
27.a4! Kg7 (27...bxa3 28.Rxa3±) 28.Rhc1 Rfd8 29.b3±
27...Ne8 28.Kf2 Qb6 29.Rac1 Nd6 30.Rhd1 a4 31.Kg2 Rc7 32.Qd3 Ra8 33.Nf1! Kg7 34.Ne3 Kf8
35.Qd2 f6 36.Be2 Ke7 37.a3
37.Nc4 Nxc4 38.Bxc4 Qd6²
37...Rb8 38.Rc2 Rcc8 39.Rdc1 bxa3 40.bxa3 Qa7 41.Bc4 Bb5 42.Ba2 Bd7 43.Rc3
43.Nc4 Nxc4 44.Rxc4 Qb6 45.Qe3±
43...Rb5
43...Kf8 44.Bc4 Bb5 45.R3c2 Bxc4 46.Nxc4²
44.Nc4 Nxc4
44...Qa6 45.Nxd6 Qxd6 46.Rc4±
45.Bxc4 Rb6 46.R3c2 Kd6 47.Rb2
47.Qf2 Rb7 48.Rc3²
47...Rxb2 48.Qxb2 Rb8! 49.Qc3 Qb6 50.Kf2
50.Rc2 Rb7=
50...Qb2+= 51.Qxb2 Rxb2+ 52.Ke3 Bb5 53.Bxb5 Rxb5 54.Kd3 Rb3+ 55.Rc3 Rb2 56.Rc2 Rb3+
57.Rc3 Rb2 58.Rc2 1/2-1/2

793
E75-E99

193. * E90
Xiang, Zeyu (2436) - Sethuraman, SP. (2638)
Tianjin 145/193, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 g6 4.Nc3 Bg7 5.e4 d6 6.Nf3 O-O 7.Bd3 e6 8.O-O exd5 9.exd5 Bg4 10.h3
Bxf3 11.Qxf3 Nbd7 12.Qd1 Ne8 13.Bd2 Nc7

13...f5 - 87/(476)
14.Re1N
14.Qc2

794
- 145/(193) 14...Rb8N (14...f5 15.g3 Qf6 16.Rae1 Rae8²) 15.Rae1 a6 16.a4 b6 17.g3² Barseghyan,H
(2448) -Lamard,G (2472) Cannes 145/(193) 2020
14...f5 15.Bf4
15.g3 Ne5 16.Bf1 g5∞
15...Be5!?
15...Ne5 16.Qd2 Nf7!?∞
16.Bxe5 dxe5?!
16...Nxe5 17.f4 (17.Bf1 Qh4ƒ) 17...Nxd3 18.Qxd3 Qh4 19.Qf3 Rae8=
17.Bc2 Ne8

795
18.Ba4
18.d6!? Kh8 19.Ba4 e4 20.Bxd7 Qxd7 21.Qd5 Rd8 22.Qxc5 Nxd6 23.Rad1²
18...Nb6?
18...e4 19.Bxd7 (19.f3 Ne5! 20.Bxe8 Rxe8 21.fxe4 f4©) 19...Qxd7 20.f3 exf3 21.Qxf3 Nd6 22.Qf2
(22.Qf4 Rae8∞) 22...f4!„
19.Rxe5 Nxc4
19...Nd6 20.b3 Qf6 21.Qe1+-
20.Rxe8 Rxe8

796
21.Bxe8?
21.d6! Qxd6 (21...Nxd6 22.Bxe8 Nxe8 23.Qb3+ Kh8 24.Qxb7 Nd6 25.Qf3+-) 22.Bb3 Kg7
(22...Qe6 23.Qf1±) 23.Bxc4 Qxd1+ 24.Rxd1 Rad8 25.Rc1±
21...Qxe8 22.Qb3
22.d6 Rd8 23.Qd5+ Qf7 24.Qxc5 b6 25.Qc7 Rd7 26.Qc8+ Kg7 27.Nb5 Nxd6=
22...Nd6 23.a4 Qf7 24.Re1
24.Nb5 Nxb5 25.axb5 Rd8 26.Rd1 (26.Rxa7 Qxd5 27.Qxd5+ Rxd5 28.Rxb7 c4=) 26...b6 27.g3²
24...Re8 25.Rxe8+
25.Re6 c4 26.Rxe8+ Qxe8 27.Qb4 Qe1+ 28.Kh2 Qe5+=
25...Qxe8 26.Nb5 Qe1+ 27.Kh2 Qe5+ 28.Kg1
28.g3 Qe2=
28...Qe1+ 29.Kh2 Qe5+ 30.Kg1 Qe1+ 31.Kh2 1/2-1/2

194. ** E90
Postny, Evgeny (2623) - Saric, Ivan (2690)
ProChessLeague (Int.-rapid) 145/194, 2019

1.d4 g6 2.c4 Bg7 3.e4 d6 4.Nc3 Nf6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.h3 e5 7.d5 a5 8.g4
8.Bg5 Na6 9.Be2 Nc5 10.Nd2 Bd7 11.g4 c6 12.h4 Qb6 13.Bxf6 Bxf6 14.Qc2 (14.Nb3!?) 14...a4

797
15.g5?!N (15.a3) 15...Bg7 16.h5 a3 17.b3 (17.Rb1 axb2 18.Rxb2 Qd8µ) 17...Na6 18.Qd1 Nb4
19.Kf1 f6

20.hxg6 (20.dxc6!?) 20...fxg5 21.gxh7+ Kh8-+ 22.Rh2 Rf4 0-1 (22) Wei,Y (2736) -Firouzja,A
(2682) chess.com (Int.-m/5-blitz) 145/(194) 2019
8...Na6 9.Be3 Nd7
9...Nc5 10.Nd2 c6 11.Be2 Bd7 12.h4 (12.g5 Ne8 13.Nb3 cxd5 14.exd5 Na4 15.Nd2 Nxc3 16.bxc3
f5 17.gxf6 Bxf6ƒ) 12...cxd5 13.cxd5 Rc8

798
14.a4 (14.g5 Nh5! 15.Bxh5 (15.Bxc5 - 130/198) 15...gxh5 16.Bxc5 (16.Qxh5? Nd3+µ) 16...Rxc5;
14.h5!? gxh5 (14...b5!?) 15.gxh5 h6 16.Rg1 Kh7 (16...Kh8 ×b1-h7) 17.a4 Rg8 18.Bb5 Bxb5
19.Nxb5 Nd3+ (19...Ncxe4? 20.Qb1!+-) 20.Ke2 Nf4+„) 14...Ne8 15.h5 Bf6 16.Nb3

16...Bg5!?N (16...Nxb3 17.Qxb3 Bg5 18.Qb6 Bxe3 19.Qxe3²) 17.Nxc5 dxc5 18.Qd2 Bxe3
19.Qxe3 g5 20.Bb5 h6 21.f3 Nd6 22.Bxd7 Qxd7 23.O-O b6 24.Rfc1 Rfd8 25.Rc2 Rb8 26.Qe2 Qa7
27.Nb5 Nxb5 28.Qxb5 Rd6 29.Rd1 Ra8 30.Rc3 Qe7 31.Kg2 Qa7 32.Rd2 Qe7 33.Rd1 Qa7 34.Rd2
Qe7 1/2 (34) Faizrakhmanov,R (2438) -Kokarev,D (2605) Russia 145/(194) 2019
10.Nd2 Ndc5 11.h4 Bd7
11...Nb4 12.Bxc5 dxc5 13.a3 Na6 14.Bd3 Qf6 15.g5 Qe7 16.Qf3 f6 17.Qg3 c6 18.Nf3 Nc7 19.O-O-

799
O Ne8 20.Be2±
12.a3 a4 13.Be2 c6

14.dxc6!?N
14.g5; 14.Rb1
14...Bxc6 15.Nd5 Ne6³ 16.g5 Nac5 17.Qc2?! Nd4 18.Bxd4 exd4 19.O-O-O Bxd5 20.exd5

20...d3! 21.Bxd3 Nxd3+?!

RR21...Ra6! 22.Ne4 Nxe4 23.Bxe4 Rb6 24.Qxa4 Rxb2 25.Rd2 Qb6-+

800
22.Qxd3 Qb6 23.Qc2 Rfe8 24.f3 Rac8 25.Rhe1 Rxe1 26.Rxe1 Qf2 27.Kd1 b5 28.Qd3?
28.h5 gxh5 29.Qf5 Qc5³
28...bxc4-+ 29.Nxc4 Bxb2 30.Re2 Qf1+ 0-1

195. * E90
Koo, Oliver - Balzert, Antonius
corr 145/195, 2019

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.h3 e5 7.d5 a5 8.Be3 Na6 9.g4 Nd7 10.a3
10.Rg1 Ndc5 11.h4 Kh8

12.Qd2?!N (12.g5; 12.h5; 12.Qe2) 12...Bd7 13.h5 gxh5 14.g5?! (14.gxh5 f5 15.O-O-O f4 16.Bxc5
Nxc5=) 14...f5

801
15.gxf6?! (15.exf5) 15...Qxf6 16.Be2 Nb4 17.Ng5 Bh6 18.O-O-O Nxa2+ 19.Kb1 Nxc3+ 20.Qxc3
Bg4 21.Bxg4 Bxg5³ Yankelevich,L (2480)-Saric,I (2660) Spilimbergo 145/(195) 2019
10...Nb6
10...c6 11.dxc6 Ndc5
11.Rg1
11.Qc2 c6 12.Nd2 cxd5 13.cxd5 Bd7 14.Bb5 Bxb5 15.Nxb5 Rc8 16.Qd3 Kh8 17.O-O f5∞; 11.Be2
Bd7 12.b3 Qe7 13.Rg1 Kh8 14.g5 Nc5 15.Rg3 a4 16.b4 Nb3 17.Rb1 f5 18.gxf6 Rxf6 19.Kf1 Raf8
20.Qd3 h6 21.Kg1 g5=
11...Bd7 12.h4 Nc5
12...c6 13.h5 Rc8 (13...cxd5 - 132/(194)) 14.Nd2 cxd5 15.cxd5 Nc5 16.a4 Kh8=; 12...Kh8 13.b3
Nc5 14.a4 c6 15.dxc6 Bxc6 16.Bd3 Nbd7 17.Bc2 Nf6 18.Nd2 h5 19.g5 Nh7 20.Nf3 Re8 21.Qd2
Nf8 22.O-O-O Qb6 23.Kb1 Nfe6=
13.b3
13.a4 Kh8 14.h5 gxh5 15.gxh5 f5 16.Qc2 Qe8 17.h6 Bf6 18.Bxc5 dxc5 19.Be2 Qh5 20.O-O-O
Qxh6+ 21.Kb1 Qf4 22.Rh1 Rf7=
13...c6 14.b4

802
14...axb4
14...Nxe4 15.Nxe4 cxd5 (15...axb4 16.axb4 Rxa1 17.Qxa1 - 14...ab4) 16.bxa5 (16.cxd5 axb4 17.Bg5
f6 18.Bc1 f5 19.Bg5 Qb8 20.gxf5 Bxf5 21.Nfd2 (21.Bd3 Rxa3 22.Rxa3 bxa3 23.Qb3 Qa7 24.Ke2 a2
25.Ra1 Bxe4 26.Bxe4 Qa4 27.Qxa4 Nxa4 28.Nd2 Rc8 29.Be7 Bf8=; 21.Be3 Rxa3 22.Nfd2 Qa7
23.Rxa3 bxa3 24.Bd3 Qa5 25.Qb3 Nxd5 26.Bc4 Bxe4 27.Ke2 Kh8 28.Nxe4 Nf4+ 29.Bxf4 exf4
30.Kf3 Qh5+ 31.Rg4 Qe5 32.Rg1 Qh5+=) 21...Rxa3 22.Rc1 h6 23.Be3 Qd8 24.Ng3 Rxe3+ 25.fxe3
Qxh4 26.Qb3 Nd7 27.Nf3 Qf6 28.Qxb4 Nc5 29.Qh4 g5 30.Nxf5 gxh4 31.Rxg7+ Qxg7 32.Nxg7
Rxf3=) 16...Rxa5 17.Rb1 Nxc4 18.Bxc4 dxc4 19.Qxd6 Bc6 20.Nfd2 Qxd6 21.Nxd6 c3 22.N2e4
Rxa3 23.Bc1 Ra4 24.Nxc3 Rd4 25.Ndb5 Rd3 26.Ke2 Rh3 27.Rg3 Rh1 28.Na7 Bd7 29.Rxb7 Be6
30.Ba3 Ra8 31.h5 e4 32.Nxe4 Bc4+ 33.Kf3 Re1 34.hxg6 hxg6=
15.axb4 Rxa1 16.Qxa1

803
16...Nxe4! 17.Nxe4 cxd5 18.Nxd6 Bc6 19.c5 d4 20.Bg5 Qd7

21.Qd1!?N
21.Rg3 Ra8 (21...Nc8 22.Nc4 Re8 23.Bd2 Bb5 24.Qc1 e4 25.Nh2 d3 26.Bg2 Ne7 27.Bxe4 Nf5
28.gxf5 Rxe4+ 29.Ne3 Rxh4 30.Nhf1 Rh1 31.Qa3 Qe8 32.f3 Bd4 33.Kf2 Rxf1+ 34.Kxf1 Bxe3
35.fxg6 hxg6 36.Qa2 Qe5 37.Rxg6+ Kf8 38.Rg2 Bc6 39.Bxe3 Qxe3 40.Qf2 Qc1+ 41.Qe1 Qf4
42.Qg3 Qc1+ 43.Qe1=) 22.Qd1 Nc8 23.Nc4 h6 24.Bc1 Ra1 25.Nfxe5 Bxe5 26.Ra3 Rxa3 27.Nxe5
Qd5 28.Bxa3 Qxe5+ 29.Qe2 Qd5=
21...Ra8 22.Nd2

804
22.Rg3 Nc8 (22...Na4 23.Qc1 b5 24.Bd2 e4 25.Ng5 e3 26.fxe3 Be5 27.Rg1 dxe3 28.Bxe3 Nxc5
29.bxc5 Ra1 30.Qxa1 Bxa1=) 23.Nc4 h6 24.Bc1 Ra1 25.Nfxe5 Bxe5 26.Ra3 Rxa3 27.Nxe5 Qd5
28.Bxa3 Qxe5+ 29.Qe2 Qf6 30.Bb2 Na7 31.Qe3 Nb5 32.Bxb5 dxe3 33.Bxf6 exf2+ 34.Kxf2 Bxb5
35.Ke3 Kf8 36.Kf4 Ke8 37.Bg7 g5+ 38.hxg5 hxg5+ 39.Kxg5 Ke7 40.Bc3 Bd7 41.Kf4 f6 42.Bd2
Ke6 43.Ke4 Kf7 44.Kd4 Ke7 45.g5 fxg5 46.Bxg5+ Ke6 47.Kc4 Ke5=
22...h6

23.N2e4!?
23.b5 Bd5 24.N6e4 hxg5 25.cxb6 gxh4 26.g5 h3 27.Rg4 d3 28.Bxh3 Qxb5 29.Bf1 Bxe4 30.Rxe4
Ra2 31.f3 Qc5 32.Bxd3 Qg1+ 33.Ke2 Qg2+=
23...hxg5 24.cxb6 gxh4 25.Bc4
25.Bc4 d3 26.Bxf7+ (26.Nxf7!?) 26...Kh8 27.Rh1 d2+ 28.Kf1 g5 (28...Bh6? 29.Be8 Rxe8
30.Rxh4+-) 29.Nxg5 Bxh1 30.Be6 Qxe6 31.Nxe6 Bf3 32.Qxf3 Ra1+ 33.Kg2 d1=Q 34.Qxd1 Rxd1
35.Nxb7 Rb1 36.Nbc5 Rxb4 37.b7 e4 38.Kh3 Bf6 39.Nxe4 Rxb7 40.Nxf6 Rb6 41.f4 Rxe6 42.g5=
1/2-1/2

196. E91
Batsiashvili, Nino (2456) - Saric, Ivan (2655)
Gibraltar 145/196, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 g6 4.Nc3 Bg7 5.e4 d6 6.Nf3 O-O 7.Be2 e6 8.O-O Re8 9.Re1 exd5
9...Na6 - 19/626
10.exd5 Ne4?!

805
10...Bf5 11.h3 (11.Bd3 Bg4!=) 11...Ne4 12.Nxe4 Bxe4 13.Bg5 Qd7 14.Qd2 Bxf3 15.Bxf3 Na6²;
10...Bg4 11.h3 Bxf3 12.Bxf3 Rxe1+ 13.Qxe1 Nbd7²
11.Nxe4 Rxe4 12.Bg5! Bf6

12...f6 13.Bd2 Nd7 14.Qc2 Re8 15.Bc3²

13.Bxf6N
13.Nd2! Re8 (13...Re5 14.Bf4 Re8 15.Qb3 Be5 16.Bxe5 Rxe5 17.Bd3 Nd7 18.Ne4 Qf8 19.f4 Re8
20.g4±) 14.Bxf6 Qxf6 15.Bf1 Rxe1 16.Qxe1 Qd8 17.Qe3±
13...Qxf6 14.Qb3
14.Nd2 Re7 15.Bd3 Rxe1+ 16.Qxe1 Qxb2 17.Qe8+ (17.Ne4 Qe5 18.Nxc5 Nd7=) 17...Kg7
18.Qxc8 Qxa1+ 19.Bf1 Qe1 20.Qxb7 Qxd2 21.Qxa8 Nd7 22.Qxa7 Nf6©
14...Na6
14...Nd7 15.Bd3 Rxe1+ 16.Rxe1 Qd8
15.Bf1 Rxe1 16.Rxe1 Nc7 17.Nd2 Qd8 18.Ne4 f5 19.Nd2 b6 20.Nf3 Bd7 21.Qc3
21.Qe3 Ne8 22.Ng5²
21...Qf8 22.h4 h6! 23.Bd3 Ne8
23...a5 24.Nh2 (24.Kf1!? Ne8 25.Ng1 Qg7 26.Qxg7+ Nxg7 27.Re7 (27.Nh3 Kf7 28.Nf4 Rb8∞)
27...Rd8 28.Ne2 Kf8 29.Re3 Kf7∞) 24...Ne8 25.g4 Nf6 26.Qd2 Kf7∞
24.b4 cxb4 25.Qxb4 Qf6 26.a4

806
26.Qd2! f4

(26...Kg7 27.Qe3±) 27.h5! g5 (27...gxh5 28.Re4+-) 28.Bg6 Ng7 29.Qd4 Qxd4 30.Nxd4 Kf8 31.g3
Bg4 (31...Rc8 32.gxf4 gxf4 33.Re4±) 32.gxf4 Bxh5 33.Bxh5 Nxh5 34.fxg5 hxg5 35.Re6±
26...g5 27.hxg5 hxg5 28.Qd2
28.a5 g4 29.Nh2 Qd4„
28...f4
28...g4 29.Ng5 (29.Qg5+ Qxg5 30.Nxg5 Nf6 31.Ne6 Rc8=) 29...Ng7 30.a5 f4 31.Ne4 (31.Ne6
Nxe6 32.dxe6 Bxe6 33.Be4 Rd8=) 31...Qh6 32.g3 Nh5∞
29.Nd4 Ng7 30.Nc6 Re8 31.a5
31.Nxa7 Rxe1+ 32.Qxe1 g4 33.Nc6 g3 34.fxg3 (34.Qe7 Qc3 35.Bf1 gxf2+ 36.Kxf2 Bxc6 37.dxc6
Qd4+ 38.Ke1 Qc3+=) 34...Bxc6 35.dxc6 Qd4+ 36.Qf2 Qxd3 37.gxf4 Qxc4 38.Qxb6 Qc1+=
31...bxa5 32.Qxa5
32.Rxe8+ Bxe8 33.Qxa5 g4 34.Qxa7 g3=
32...Rxe1+ 33.Qxe1 g4

807
34.c5!? dxc5 35.Qe5
35.Ne5 Bf5 36.Bxf5 Qxf5 37.d6 Ne6 38.Nc6 Kg7 39.Qa1+ Kh7! 40.Qxa7+ Ng7 41.Qa1 (41.d7?!
g3!) 41...c4„ (41...Qd5 42.Ne7 Qe4∞ (42...Qxd6? 43.Qxg7+ Kxg7 44.Nf5++-))
35...Ne8 36.Qe4 Bxc6 37.dxc6 Kf8 38.Qd5 Qd6 39.Qf5+ Ke7 40.Qg5+ Kf8 41.Qf5+ Ke7
42.Qg5+ Kf8 43.Qf5+ 1/2-1/2

197. E92
Maghsoodloo, Parham (2676) - Liang, Awonder (2592)
chess.com (Internet) 145/197, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 O-O 5.Be2 d6 6.Bg5 Na6 7.Nf3 h6 8.Bh4 e5 9.d5 Qe8 10.Nd2
Nh7
10...Bd7 - 143/200
11.g4

808
11...c6N
11...Bd7
12.Nf1 cxd5 13.cxd5
13.Nxd5 Be6 (13...Ng5!?) 14.Nfe3 (14.Ne7+ Kh8 15.Qxd6 Rd8 16.Qa3 Rd4©; 14.Be7 Bxd5
15.Bxf8 Bxe4 16.Bxg7 Kxg7 (16...Bxh1 17.Bxh6 Rd8 18.Qd2 Bc6∞) 17.f3 Bc6 18.Qxd6 Rd8
19.Qa3 Ng5©) 14...Ng5 15.Bxg5 hxg5 16.h4 gxh4 17.Rxh4 Qd8 18.Rh3 Bxd5 19.Qxd5 Nc5 20.O-
O-O Ne6∞ 21.Qxd6? Nf4-+
13...Bd7 14.Ne3 b5
14...Bf6 15.Bxf6 Nxf6 16.f3 h5 17.h3 Nc5 18.Qd2 Rc8∞; 14...Nc5 15.O-O a5 (15...Bf6 16.Bxf6
Nxf6 17.f3 a5∞ (17...h5∞))
15.a4 Nc7„ 16.axb5
16.O-O Bf6 17.Bxf6 Nxf6 18.axb5 Nxb5∞
16...Nxb5 17.Bxb5 Bxb5 18.Qb3 a6 19.Ra5 Bf6 20.Bxf6
20.Bg3? Ng5µ
20...Nxf6 21.Qa3 Qd8 22.f3 Rc8 23.Kd2

809
23...Nd7! 24.Nxb5 axb5 25.Rxb5 Qf6
25...Qh4! 26.Ke2 Nc5 27.b4 (27.Qb4 Qh3 28.Qe1 Rb8 29.Rxb8 Rxb8 30.b4 Ra8! 31.Qb1 (31.bxc5?
Ra2+ 32.Kd3 Qxf3-+) 31...Nd7³) 27...Ra8 28.Qb2 (28.Ra5? Rxa5 29.bxa5 Rb8µ) 28...Na4 29.Qd2
Rfc8 30.Ra5 Rxa5 31.bxa5 Kg7³
26.Ke2 Rc7© 27.Ra5 Rb8 28.Ra8 Qd8 29.Ra1 Rcb7
29...Rxa8 30.Qxa8 Rc8 31.Qa3 Qh4 32.Rh1 Rb8 33.b4 h5© (33...Nb6©)
30.Rxb8 Qxb8 31.Nc4 Kg7 32.Qxd6 Rxb2+ 33.Ke1
33.Kf1 Qb3 34.Nxb2 Qxf3+ 35.Ke1 Qh1+ 36.Kd2 Qxa1 37.Nd3 Qa2+ 38.Ke3 Qa7+ 39.Ke2
Qa2+=
33...Rb1+ 34.Rxb1 Qxb1+ 35.Kd2 Qb3 36.Ne3 Qb5 37.h4? Qa5+!= 38.Ke2 Qb5+ 39.Kf2 Qb2+
40.Kg3 Qd4?
40...Qc3! 41.Ng2 (41.Qxd7 Qxe3=) 41...Nf6 42.Kf2 Qd2+ 43.Kg3 Qc3=
41.Qa3 Nc5 42.Qc1
42.Ng2 Nd3 43.Qa2 Qc3 44.Qe2 Qd4 45.Qd2±
42...Nb3 43.Qe1 Qd3 44.h5 Nd4 45.hxg6 fxg6 46.Kf2 Qa3 47.Qd2 Qf8 48.Qd1 Qa3 49.Nf1?!
49.Ng2 Kf7 50.Kg3 Ke7 51.Qf1±
49...Qb2+?!
49...Qc3 50.Nd2 Qb2 51.Kg3 Qc3=
50.Qd2 Qa3 51.Nh2 Qc5 52.Kg2 Qc4 53.Qb2 Qd3 54.Kf2

810
54.Qb7+ Kg8 55.Qb8+ Kh7 56.Qc7+ Kg8 57.Qd8+ Kf7 58.Qd7+ Kf8 59.Qd6+ Kf7 60.Qxe5
Qd2+ 61.Kh3 Ne2 62.Qc7+ Kg8 63.Qc8+ Kg7 64.Nf1 Qe1!=; 54.Qf2 Ne2 55.Nf1²
54...g5! 55.Qa2
55.Kg2 Ne2! 56.Qxe5+ Kg6 57.Qa1 Nf4+ 58.Kg3 Ne2+ 59.Kg2 Nf4+=
55...Qd1 56.d6 Kf6 57.d7 Ke7 58.Qd5 Kd8
58...Qc2+ 59.Kf1 Ne6 60.Kg1 Qc5+=
59.Qxe5 Qe2+ 60.Kg1 Qxh2+ 61.Qxh2 Nxf3+ 62.Kg2 Nxh2 63.Kxh2 Kxd7 64.Kg3 Ke6 65.Kf3
Kf6 66.Ke2 Kg6 67.e5 h5 68.gxh5+ Kxh5 69.Kf3 Kg6 70.Kg4 Kf7 71.e6+ Kxe6 72.Kxg5 1/2-1/2

198. E92
Martinovic, Sasa (2532) - Kozul, Zdenko (2597)
Hrvatska (ch) 145/198, 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Be2 O-O 6.Be3 c6 7.h3
7.Nf3 - 144/199
7...e5 8.d5 a5 9.Nf3 Bd7 10.O-O Na6 11.Nd2 Nc5

811
12.Qb1N
12.b3 Qb8 13.Rb1 Rc8 14.a3 cxd5 15.cxd5 b5 16.b4 axb4 17.axb4 Na4 18.Nxa4 Rxa4∞
12...Qe7 13.b4 axb4 14.Qxb4 Bc8
14...b6!? 15.dxc6 (15.Qxb6? Rfb8 16.Qc7 Rb7-+) 15...Bxc6 16.Qxb6 Ncxe4 17.Ncxe4 Bxe4
18.Nxe4 Nxe4 19.Bf3 Rfb8 20.Qc6 (20.Bxe4 Rxb6 21.Bxa8 Rb2 22.Bd5 Qc7∞) 20...Nc3 21.Bd2 e4
22.Bxc3 Bxc3 23.Qxe4 Qxe4 24.Bxe4 Ra4 25.Rad1 Rxc4 26.Bd5 Rc7=
15.a4 Nfd7 16.Nb3

16...Na6! 17.Qa3 c5 18.Rae1

812
18.Qc1 f5 19.exf5 gxf5 20.Bg5 Nf6 21.a5 Bd7∞
18...f5 19.exf5 gxf5 20.Qc1 f4
20...Nb4 21.Bg5 Nf6 22.a5 Bd7∞
21.Bd2 Nf6
21...Nb4 22.Qd1 Kh8 23.a5 b6 24.axb6 Nxb6 25.Ne4 Bf5 26.Bg4∞
22.Qb1 Nb4 23.a5 Qd7?!
23...Bd7 24.Bf3 Bh6 25.Ne4 Nxe4 26.Bxe4 Qg7 27.Kh2 Kh8∞
24.Nb5 Kh8 25.Bxb4
25.Bf3!? Qd8 26.Bc3 Na6 27.Nxd6!? (27.Qd3 Rf7 28.Nd2²) 27...Qxd6 28.Bxe5 Qd7 29.Qc1 Ne8
30.Bxf4²
25...cxb4 26.Nd2 Rxa5 27.Qxb4 Ra6 28.Bf3 Rg8 29.Ne4
29.Nc3 e4! 30.Ncxe4 (30.Ndxe4 Nxe4 31.Nxe4 Qxh3 32.gxh3 (32.Ng5 Qf5 33.Ne6 Be5 34.c5
dxc5 35.Qxc5 Bxe6 36.dxe6 Rxe6 37.Qd5 Re7 38.Re4 Qf6 39.Rfe1 Rg5∞) 32...Bc3+ 33.Kh1 Bxb4
34.Rb1 Ra3 35.Rg1 Rxf3 36.Rxg8+ Kxg8 37.Rxb4 Rxh3+ 38.Kg1 h5 39.Nxd6 Bg4 40.Kg2 Rc3
41.Rb1 Bf3+ 42.Kh2 Kg7 43.Rxb7+ Kf6 44.Rb1 Rc2 45.Kg1 Ke5 46.Nf7+ Kf6 47.Nd6=)
30...Nxe4 31.Rxe4 Be5 32.Kh2 Qg7 33.Re2 Ra2 34.Rxe5 dxe5 35.c5 Bf5∞
29...Nxe4 30.Rxe4
30.Bxe4 Bf8 31.Kh2 Qg7 32.Qb2 Bf5 33.Rg1 Bxe4 34.Rxe4²
30...Bf8
30...Qd8 31.Kh2 Bf5 32.Ree1 Bf6 33.Qd2 Qd7 34.Qe2 Qg7 35.Be4 Bd8∞
31.Kh2 Qg7„

813
32.Re2?!
32.Nc3 Be7 33.Re2 Bd8 34.Ne4 Bf5∞
32...Bf5 33.Nc3
33.Qc3 Be7 34.c5 Bf6 35.Nxd6 Rxd6! 36.cxd6 e4µ
33...Bd3 34.Rfe1 Bxe2 35.Rxe2 Qc7
35...Ra1 (… Qg3) 36.Ne4 Qc7 37.Rb2 Rg7 38.Qb5 Qd7 39.Qb6∞; 35...Be7 36.Ne4 (36.Qxb7? Ra1
37.Ne4 Ra3! 38.Bg4 f3-+) 36...b6 37.Re1 Qg6³
36.Rb2 b6³ 37.Qb5
37.Ne4 Be7 38.Qb5 Rga8³
37...Ra1 38.Ne4 Rc1 39.Rb4?!
39.Be2 Qa7 40.Rb1 Rxb1 41.Qxb1 Be7³
39...Be7 40.Ra4

814
40...Rc8?
40...Bh4! 41.Qb2 (41.c5 Qg7-+; 41.Bg4 h5! 42.Bxh5 Qh7 43.Bf3 Qxe4! 44.Bxe4 Bg3+ 45.fxg3
fxg3#) 41...b5! 42.Qxc1 bxa4-+
41.Bg4 Rd8 42.Qc6! Qb8 43.Rb4
43.Ra6 Rb1 44.Bf5=
43...Qa7 44.Ra4 Qb8 45.Rb4 1/2-1/2

199. * E97
Ding, Liren (2791) - Nakamura, Hikaru (2736)
chess24.com (Int.-m3/3-rapid) 145/199, 2020

1.d4 g6 2.c4 Bg7 3.e4 d6 4.Nc3 Nf6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be2 e5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d5 Ne7 9.b4 Ne8 10.a4 f5
11.a5 Nf6 12.Re1

815
12.Nd2 - 111/300
12...h6

13.exf5N
13.Ra3N - 145/(199) 13...f4 14.h4 Rf7 15.c5 Bf8 16.c6 Rg7 17.b5 g5 18.hxg5 hxg5 19.Nh2 bxc6
20.dxc6 g4 21.g3 Be6 22.gxf4 exf4 23.Bxf4 Nh5 24.Bg3 Nxg3 25.fxg3± Giri,A (2764) -Korobov,A
(2688) chess24.com (Int.-m/6-blitz) 145/(199) 2020; 13.Nd2
13...Bxf5

816
13...Nxf5! 14.Nd2 (14.Bb2 e4 15.Nd2 (15.Nd4?! Nxd4 16.Qxd4 Ng4 17.Qxe4 Bf5 18.Qf3 Be5µ)
15...e3 16.fxe3 Nxe3 17.Qb3 Bf5∞) 14...e4 (14...Nd4 15.Nde4 Bf5 16.Bd3²) 15.Nf1 c5! 16.dxc6
(16.bxc5 Nd7! 17.Ra3 Nxc5∞) 16...bxc6 17.Ra3 d5∞; 13...gxf5 14.Nh4 a6 15.Ra3 (15.g3 Qe8
16.Qc2 Ng6 17.Nxg6 Qxg6 18.b5ƒ) 15...Qe8 16.c5²
14.Ra2 g5 15.h3 Qe8

16.Nh2! a6 17.Ng4² Bg6 18.Nxf6+ Bxf6 19.Bd3 Nf5

19...Bg7 20.Be3 Nf5 21.Qc2±
20.Ne4 Bg7 21.f3 Qf7 22.Rf2
22.Be3 Nd4 23.Nf2 Bxd3 24.Qxd3 Rae8 25.Ne4²
22...Rad8 23.Bb1 Kh8 24.Bb2 Nh4 25.b5 Bf5 26.b6!± Ng6
26...cxb6 27.axb6 Bxe4 28.Rxe4 Nf5 29.Re1±
27.g3
27.Qb3 Nf4 28.Ba3+-
27...cxb6 28.axb6 Ne7 29.Ba3 Nc8 30.Qb3
30.c5 dxc5 31.Bxc5 Rxd5 32.Qc1+-
30...Bh7 31.Rd1 Bg8
31...Bf6 32.Kg2 Be7 33.Bc1
32.Kg2 Bh7 33.c5 dxc5

817
33...Bxe4 34.Bxe4 dxc5 35.Bxc5 Nd6 36.Rc2+-
34.Nxc5+- Bxb1 35.Rxb1 Rfe8
35...Rxd5 36.Nxb7! Qxb7 37.Bxf8 Bxf8 38.Qxd5! Qxd5 39.b7
36.Ne6 Rd7 37.Rc1 Ne7 38.Bxe7 Qxe7 39.Rc7 Qd6 40.Rfc2 Bf6 41.Qa4 1-0

200. ** E97
Grischuk, Alexander (2784) - Firouzja, Alireza (2703)
chess24.com (Int.-rapid) 145/200, 2020

1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.d4 O-O 6.Be2 e5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d5 Ne7 9.b4 a5
9...Nh5 - 142/200
10.bxa5 Rxa5
10...Nh5 11.Nd2 Rxa5

12.Nb3N (12.Bxh5) 12...Ra8 13.Bxh5 gxh5 14.Qxh5 b6 15.a4 Ng6 16.a5 (16.g3) 16...Nf4 17.Bxf4
exf4 18.Qf3² Anand,V (2753)-Radjabov,T (2765) chess.com (Int.-rapid) 145/(200) 2020; 10...c5
11.a4 Rxa5 12.Bd2 Ra6 13.Ra3 Kh8 14.Qc1

818
14...Nfg8N (14...Ne8) 15.Kh1 h6 16.Ne1 f5 17.exf5 Nxf5² Giri,A (2764)-Grischuk,A (2777)
chess.com (Int.-m/3-blitz) 145/(200) 2020
11.a4 Ne8 12.Rb1

12...f5N
12...Ra8 13.Ne1 (13.Rb3 h6) 13...f5 14.f3 Nf6∞
13.Ng5 b6 14.Bd2 Ra8
14...Bf6!?

819
15.Bf3 Ra6

15...Bf6 16.Ne6 Bxe6 17.dxe6 f4 18.Nd5±

16.Be2?!
16.Ne6 Bxe6 17.dxe6 f4 18.Qb3±
16...Ra8 17.Bf3 Bf6
17...Ra6 18.Ne6
18.Ne6 Bxe6 19.dxe6 f4 20.Nd5± Ng7 21.a5?
21.Bg4 Bg5 22.g3 h5 23.Bh3 Kh7 24.Kh1±
21...bxa5 22.Bg4 h5
22...a4!?∞
23.Bh3 g5∞ 24.f3 a4

820
25.Rb7
25.Be1 Kh8; 25.Bb4∞
25...a3
25...g4 26.fxg4 Nxe6 27.gxh5 Nc5 28.Rb2 Kh8³
26.Bc3
26.Nxc7 Rb8 27.Rxb8 Qxb8 28.Nb5 Qb6+ 29.Kh1 Ra8µ
26...a2
26...Nxd5 27.cxd5 Rb8 28.Ra7 Ra8µ; 26...Rb8 27.Nxf6+ Rxf6 28.Qb3 Rxb7 29.Qxb7 g4 30.fxg4
Nxe6 31.gxh5 Nc5 32.Qa7 Nxe4 33.Qxa3 Nf5µ
27.Qc2?

821
27.Ba1 Nxd5 28.cxd5 Qe8 29.Qb3 Qa4 30.Qxa4 Rxa4 31.Rc1 g4 32.fxg4 Rxe4 33.gxh5 Bg5 34.e7
Bxe7 35.h6 Ne8 36.Rb2µ
27...g4! 28.fxg4
28.Nxf6+ Rxf6 29.fxg4 Nxe6 30.gxh5 Nc5 31.Rb5 Kh8 32.Ra1 (32.Ba1 Nc6-+) 32...f3 33.gxf3
Qg8+ 34.Bg2µ
28...Nxe6 29.Ra1?
29.Nxf6+ Rxf6 30.gxh5 Nc5 31.Rb5 Kh8 32.Ra1 f3µ
29...Nxd5-+ 30.cxd5
30.exd5 Ng5 31.Qg6+ Bg7 32.Rb2 Nxh3+ 33.gxh3 Qh4 34.Qxh5 Qxh5 35.gxh5 Ra3 36.Bb4 Rxh3
37.Rbxa2 e4 38.Re1 Bd4+ 39.Kf1 f3 40.Rxe4 f2-+
30...Ng5!
30...Nc5? 31.Rb2 f3 32.gxh5 Bg5 33.Bd2µ
31.Rxa2
31.Bd2 Nxh3+ 32.gxh3 hxg4 33.Be1 Bh4
31...Rxa2 32.Qxa2 Qc8 33.Qa7 Bd8 34.Rb8 Qd7 35.gxh5 Nxh3+ 36.gxh3 Qxh3 37.Be1 Kh8
38.Qf2 Rg8+ 39.Kh1 Qd3 0-1

201. * E97
Wojtaszek, Radoslaw (2719) - Amin, Bassem (2686)
chessclub.com (Int.-rapid) 145/201, 2020

822
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be2 e5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d5 Ne7 9.b4 a5 10.bxa5
Rxa5
10...c5 11.a4 Rxa5 12.Bd2 Ra6 13.Ra3 Kh8

14.Qc1N (14.Qb1) 14...Nfg8 15.Kh1 h6 16.Ne1 f5 17.exf5 Nxf5 18.Nf3 g5 19.Ne4 g4 20.Ng1 Nd4
21.Bd1 Qe8 22.Rg3?! (22.Ne2 Qg6 (22...h5 23.Nxd4 cxd4 24.c5 (24.Bc2 Bf5 25.Ng5 e4 26.Re1
Nf6∞) 24...dxc5 25.Nxc5 Rd6 26.Bb3 Nf6 27.Ne6 Bxe6 28.dxe6²) 23.N4g3 Nf6 (23...h5 24.Nxd4
cxd4 25.Bc2 Qf7 26.Bg5 Bf6 27.f3²) 24.Re1 Nh5 25.Nxd4 Nxg3+ 26.Rxg3 cxd4 27.Bc2 Qh5
(27...Bf5 28.Bxf5 Rxf5 29.f3² Rxa4 30.Rxg4±) 28.f3²) 22...Qg6 23.f3 h5 24.Re1

24...Nf5 (24...h4 25.Rxg4 Bxg4 26.fxg4 Nf6 27.Nxf6 Bxf6³; 24...Bf5!? 25.Nf2 h4 26.Rxg4 Bxg4

823
27.Nxg4 Nf6³) 25.fxg4 Nxg3+ 26.Nxg3 hxg4 27.Bc2 Qe8 28.N1e2∞ Giri,A (2764)-Grischuk,A
(2777) chess.com (Int.-m/3-blitz) 145/(201) 2020
11.a4 c5 12.Ra3
12.Nd2 - 76/(551)
12...Ne8 13.Kh1 h6 14.Bd2

14...Ra6N
14...f5
15.Qc1 Kh7 16.Bd3 f5 17.exf5 gxf5?!
17...Bxf5 18.Qc2 Bxd3 19.Qxd3 Nf5 20.Rb1²; 17...Nxf5 18.Qb1 Nf6 19.Kg1 Kg8 20.Re1 Nh5
21.Ne2!?²
18.Nh4 Nf6 19.f3± Nfg8 20.g3
20.g4!? Nxd5 21.Nxf5 Nxc3 22.Bxc3 Kh8 23.Rg1
20...Bf6 21.Ng2 Ng6 22.Nb5 Bg7 23.Qb1 h5

824
24.h3?!
24.g4! Bh6 (24...Nh6 25.Bxh6 Bxh6 26.Bxf5 Bxf5 27.gxf5 Nf4 28.Nxf4 Bxf4 29.Rg1+-; 24...N8e7
25.gxh5 Nh8 26.Bg5+-; 24...e4 25.gxf5 Bxf5 26.Bxe4+-) 25.Bxf5 Bxf5 26.gxf5 Nh4 27.Bxh6 Nxh6
28.Nxh4 Qxh4 29.Nc7 Ra7 30.f6+ Kh8 31.Rg1+-
24...Bh6 25.Be1 Kg7
25...N8e7 26.f4 Bd7 (26...e4 27.Be2±) 27.fxe5 Nxe5 28.Be2
26.f4 e4 27.Be2 Nf6 28.Bc3 Kh7 29.Bxf6 Qxf6 30.Bxh5
30.Nc7 h4 31.Nxa6 bxa6 32.g4+-
30...Rg8 31.g4
31.Nc7+-
31...Bg7 32.g5
32.gxf5 Bxf5 33.Bg4+-; 32.Nc7 Ra7 33.Qb6+-
32...Qb2 33.Qd1 Bd4 34.Rg3
34.Rb3 Qa1 (34...Qa2 35.Bxg6+ Kxg6 36.Nh4+ Kf7 37.Nxf5 Bxf5 38.Nxd4 cxd4 39.Rxb7+ Kf8
(39...Ke8 40.Qh5++-) 40.Qxd4+-) 35.Bxg6+ Kxg6 36.Nh4+ Kg7 37.Qxa1 Bxa1 38.Rxa1+-
34...Bd7 35.Bxg6+ Kxg6 36.Nh4+ Kf7
36...Kg7 37.Qh5+-
37.Qh5+ Ke7 38.g6

825
38.Qh7+ Rg7 39.Nxf5++-
38...Rxa4 39.Nxf5+ Kd8 40.Qh7?

40.Rg2 Rh8 (40...Qb3 41.Qh7 Rh8 42.Qe7+ Kc8 43.Nfxd6+ Kb8 44.Qxd7 Rxh3+ 45.Rh2+-)
41.Rxb2 Rxh5 42.Nbxd4 cxd4 43.g7+-
40...Re8?
40...Ra2! 41.Qe7+ Kc8 42.Na7+ Kb8 43.Nc6+ Bxc6-+
41.Rg2 Qb3 42.Nbxd6
42.Qh4+ Kc8 43.Nbxd4 cxd4 44.Nxd6++-
42...Rh8 43.Nf7+ Kc8 44.Nxh8 Bxf5 45.Nf7 Bxh3 46.Qg8+ 1-0

826
827
828
829
830
831
832
833
CLASSIFICATION

I – Combinations with mating attack

II – Combinations to reach the draw
III – Other combinations

1. Ganguly, Surya Shekhar (2636) - Mamedov, Rauf (2659)

Wijk aan Zee II, 2020
Id

1...? –+

Show/Hide Solution

1...d5? #
1...Rd3! 2.Qxd3 Qxg1+ 3.Kd2 (3.Qd1 Bb2+ 4.Kd2 Qd4+ 5.Ke1 (5.Ke2 Ng3+-+) 5...Bc3+ 6.Bd2
Qg1+ 7.Ke2 Ng3+-+) 3...Bc3+ 4.Ke2 Qe1+ 5.Kf3 Rf8+-+

834
2.Qxd4 Bxd4 3.Re1³

2. Pavlidis, Antonios (2543) - Ftacnik, Lubomir (2510)

chess.com (ol-rapid), 2020
Id

1.? +–

Show/Hide Solution

1.Ra8!! Qxa8 2.fxg6 hxg6 3.Qxf7+ Kh8 4.Rf3 1-0

3. Zvjaginsev, Vadim (2617) - Predke, Alexandr (2684)

Chelyabinsk (rapid), 2020
Id

835
1...? –+

Show/Hide Solution

1...f4! 2.Rxe4 Rexe4?

2...Rdxe4! 3.f3 Qc5+! 4.Qxc5 Rxe1+ 5.Kg2 R6e2+ 6.Kh3 Rh1#

4. Dubov, Daniil (2699) - Karjakin*, Sergey (2752)

chess24.com (Internet-m3/3-rapid), 2020
Ie

836
1...? –+

Show/Hide Solution

1...Nxa2!! 2.Rxc6 Nc3+ 3.Ra2 Rxa2#

5. Caruana, Fabiano (2842) - Saric, Ivan (2646)

Pro Chess League (Internet-rapid), 2020
Ih

837
1.? +–

Show/Hide Solution

1.Rxg5+! Kf6
1...hxg5 2.Rxf7+ Kxf7 (2...Kg6 3.Qg8++-) 3.Nxg5++-
2.Qh8+ Ke6 3.Qe8+ Kf6 4.Rxf7# 1-0

6. Kulkarni, Bhakti (2391) - Velickovic, Zoran (2378)

playchess.com (Internet-blitz), 2020
II a

1...? =

Show/Hide Solution

1...Nxh3? #
1...Bxf2!! 2.Rxd8+ Kg7 3.Qg4 (3.Qxf2 Qh1+ 4.Qg1 Qf3+=) 3...Bg3! 4.Qf3 Bf2=
2.a7+-

7. Kramnik, Vladimir (2753) - Giri, Anish (2764)

chess24.com (Internet-m/3-rapid), 2020
III h

838
1...? –+

Show/Hide Solution

1...Nb5?!
1...Rxb1!! 2.Nxb1 Nxe4 (×Kh4) 3.Bg5 (3.Ra7+ Kf6 4.Bc1 g5+ 5.Bxg5+ (5.Kh5 Ng3#) 5...Nxg5-+)
3...Bb4!-+ [… Be1#]

8. Ding, Liren (2791) - Ivanchuk, Vassily (2678)

chess24.com (Internet-m/1-rapid), 2020
III j

839
1.? +–

Show/Hide Solution

1.Kg2?² #
1.Rxd6! Qxd6 2.Bxe6! Qxe6 (2...fxe6 3.Qxg6+ Kf8 4.Nc5 Re8 5.Nb7+-) 3.Qc7 Rxa4 4.Qxd8+ Kg7
5.Rc8+-

9. Dubov, Daniil (2699) - Karjakin, Sergey (2752)

chess24.com (Internet-m1/3-rapid), 2020
If

840
1.? +–

Show/Hide Solution

1.Rxf7! Nxf7
1...Qxf7 2.Be6+-
2.Be6 Qb8
2...Qa5 3.Rf2+- (3.Qxg6 Qd2+ 4.Rf2 Qh6 5.Bxf7+ Kh8 6.Qxh6+ Bxh6 7.e5 dxe5 8.Be6+-)
3.Qxg6 Qe8 4.e5! dxe5 5.d6 Kf8 6.Qf5
6.h4!+-
6...Qc6+ 7.Bd5 Qd7 8.Bxf7
8.Bxb7 Qxb7+ 9.Kh2+-
8...Qxf5 9.Rxf5 Rxb3 10.Bd5+ Ke8 11.Rf7 Bh6 12.Re7+ Kf8 13.Rf7+ Ke8 14.Rf6 Bg7 15.Bc6+
Kd8 16.Re6 1-0

841
 1. Gelfand, Boris (2676) - Ding, Liren (2791)
chess24.com (Internet-m/3-rapid), 2020

White to move
Gelfand’s gut feeling does not let him down! He correctly sacrifices material for the mating attack,
but unfortunately cannot carry it through.

Show/Hide Solution

27.Nh5! gxh5 28.Bf6 Bb4 29.d5?

Sadly, Gelfand missed the winning sequence: 29.a3!! Be1 (29...Bxa3 30.Qg3+ Kf8 31.Qxa3++-)
30.e6!! Qxe6 31.d5! preventing the black queen from reaching the crucial defensive e6-square. The
mate cannot be stopped. 31...Qc8 32.Be7+- f6 (32...Bxf2+ 33.Kxf2 f6 34.Qg3+ Kf7 35.Qg7+ Ke8
36.Bb4 Qc2+ 37.Kg3! (37.Kg1 Qc1+=) 37...Qe4 38.Qg8+ Kd7 39.Qxh7+ Kd8 40.Qg8+ Kc7
41.Qg7+ Kb8 42.h7+-) 33.Qg3+ Kf7 34.Qg7+ Ke8 35.Bd6!+-
29...Bxd5 30.Qxb4 Qc1+ 31.Kh2 Qc4?

842
31...Qxh6=
32.Qd2 Kf8 33.f3 Ke8 34.Qa5 Qc8 35.Qa3 Qc7 36.Qxa6 Bc6 37.Qa3 Kd7 38.Qf8 Bd5 39.Qg8
Qc4 40.Qd8+ Kc6 41.Qc8+ Kb6 42.Qxf5 Be6 43.Qxh5 Qf4+ 44.Kg1 Qe3+ 45.Kh1 Qc1+ 46.Kh2
Qf4+ 47.Kg1 Qe3+ 48.Kh2 Qf4+ 1/2-1/2

2. Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2773) - Anand, Viswanathan (2757)

Kolkata (rapid), 2019

White to move
Nepo is clearly dominating, but is there anything decisive?

Show/Hide Solution

18.Nh6+ Kh8
18...gxh6 19.Rxf6 dxe4 20.Qh5+-
19.Rxf6! gxf6 20.Qf3!+- The decisive double attack! 20...Kg7 21.exd5 Bxd5 22.Nf5+
22.Qxd5 Qxd5 23.Bxd5 Re1+ 24.Kf2 Rxc1 25.Nf5+ was also winning.
1-0

3. Vidit, Santosh Gujrathi (2722) - Anand, Viswanathan (2757)

Kolkata (rapid), 2019

843
Black to move
In the game Anand played 13...Nd5 14.Bd5 Ne7 and comfortably equalised. Can you do any better?

Show/Hide Solution

13...Bxh3! 14.Ng5
White cannot accept the sacrifice as after 14.gxh3 Qxh3 there is no defence against Kh8 and Rg8
idea.
14...Bf5 15.Nxf6+ gxf6 16.Ne4 Nxd4 17.Nxf6+
17.Qd3 c5 18.Nxf6+ Kh8​→
17...Kh8 18.Qd1 Be5 19.Bc3 c5 20.Nd5 Bg4³ - and Black has both material and dynamic
advantage.

4. Anand, Viswanathan (2764) - Duda, Jan Krzysztof (2729)

Paris (blitz), 2019

844
White to move
Find how Anand makes use of his space advantage.

Show/Hide Solution

24.Rxg6! fxg6 25.Qxg6 White has a strong kingside pressure for the exchange. 25...Bf8
25...Rg8 26.Bxh6 (26.Re4! Qc8 27.Bxh6+-) 26...Qxg2+ 27.Qxg2 gxh6 28.Re4 Rxg2+ 29.Kxg2
should be easy for White to convert.
26.Ne4 Anand plays safe. The most effective way was to play for direct attack.
26.Re4 c5 27.Rg4 Qb8 28.Bxh6 Qxe5 29.Ne4 Rad8 30.f4 Qd4+ 31.Kh2 Re7 32.Bg5 Kg8
33.Nf6++-
26...c5 27.Bf4
27.Re3! Qc7 28.Rg3 Qxe5 29.Bxh6 Re7 30.Bg5+-
27...Rad8 28.Nd6 Bxd6 29.exd6 Rf8 30.Be5 Kg8 31.Re4 Rf5
31...Qf7 32.Qg3 h5 33.b4+-
32.Qxe6+ Qf7 33.Qxf7+ Rxf7 34.f4+- - and White won the endgame.

5. Artemiev, Vladislav (2731) - Giri, Anish (2776)

Bucuresti (rapid), 2019

845
White to move
A typical situation arises and Black wins a pawn, but White gains advantage thanks to his forces on
the kingside. Is there a forced solution?

Show/Hide Solution

21.Bxg7! With so many White's pieces participating in the attack it is unlikely that Black can save the
game.
21.f5 Bxe5
21...Kxg7 22.f5 exf5 23.Rxf5 Ne5
23...f6 24.Nxf6 Nxf6 25.Rxf6 Kxf6 26.Rf1++-; 23...Qxa2 24.Rdf1 Rf8 25.Qg4+ Kh8 26.Rh5 Qe6
27.Qg5+-
24.Rxe5 Bxe5 25.Qxe5+ Kf8 26.Qh8+ Ke7 27.Qf6+ Kf8 28.Qxh6+ Ke7 29.Qf6+ Kf8 30.Ng5+-
1-0

6. Caruana, Fabiano (2822) - Giri, Anish (2776)

Bucuresti (blitz), 2019

846
White to move
Can you find the "Achilles heel" of Black’s position?

Show/Hide Solution

26.d4! Nc4
26...Bg5 27.dxe5 dxe5 28.Nxe6 fxe6 29.Bxg5 hxg5 30.Ng3±
27.fxg6+ fxg6 28.e5! Bxg2
28...Be8 29.exf6 Nxd2 30.Qc1 Nxf1 31.fxg7 Rf7 32.Nxe6 Qh4 33.N2f4 Kg8 34.Qxf1 g5 35.Nd8+-
29.Qxg6+ Kh8 30.Nxe6
Now Caruana missed the quickest win: 30.Qxh6+ Kg8 31.Ng6 Bxf1 32.exf6+-
30...Nxe6 31.Rxf6 Rxf6 32.exf6 Nxd2 33.Qxh6+±

7. Giri, Anish (2779) - Nepomniachtchi, Ian (2775)

Paris (blitz), 2019

847
White to move
Giri played 17.Rdd1 and lost the game. Can you do any better?

Show/Hide Solution

17.Rd5! Obviously, Giri missed this rook manoeuvre. 17...Nfd4

17...Nfe5 18.Rc5+-; 17...Nh4 18.Rc5+-
18.Rc5+-

8. Carlsen, Magnus (2863) - Nakamura, Hikaru (2736)

chess24.com (Internet-m6/1-rapid), 2020

848
White to move
By executing the exchange sacrifice Magnus makes use of the open diagonals and obtains a crushing
attack.

Show/Hide Solution

26.Rxc6! Rxc6 27.Bxd4 Kg7 28.Qxh7+ Kf8 29.Qh6+ Ke8 30.Bxf6 Qa5 31.Qe3 Qb6 32.Rd1?!
A bit more precise is 32.Be4! Rd6 33.Qf3 with some practical chances for Black. However, White
should objectively have a winning position due to the badly placed black king. For example: 33...Kd7
34.Be5 Rd2 35.Bc3 Rd6 36.h4+-
32...Rd6! 33.Bd4
33.Rxd6 Qxd6 34.h4 Qd1+ 35.Kh2 Qxb1 36.Qd4 Rxg2+! 37.Kxg2 Bd7 38.Qe5+ Be6 with quite
solid drawing chances for Black.
33...Qc6
33...b4!! 34.f4 (34.axb4 Qxb4∞; 34.h4 bxa3!) 34...bxa3! 35.Bxb6 Rxd1+ 36.Kf2 Rxb1∞
34.Be4 Qc4 35.h3 Kd7 36.Rd2±

9. Ding, Liren (2791) - Carlsen, Magnus (2863)

chess24.com (Internet-m4/2-rapid), 2020

849
White to move
Ding brilliantly spots the winning move!

Show/Hide Solution

24.Bxh6! Qf6
24...Bxh6 25.Qxc3+-
Black could have put a bit stronger resistance after 24...Bd4+ 25.Be3 Qf6 26.Rbc1 and Black could
not proceed with the active 26...Ra2?! because White achieves a winning endgame after a sequence of
forced moves: 27.Bd5+! Nxd5 28.Qxa2 Bxe3+ 29.Rxe3 Qd4 30.Ng2 Kg7 31.Qc4 Qxc4 32.Rxc4
Nxe3 33.Nxe3+-
25.Bh7+! Kh8 26.Rxe8! Rfxe8
26...Bxh6 27.Re7!+-
27.Ng6+ Kxh7 28.Nf8+ Kxh6 In order to prevent checkmate Black must part with his queen
28...Kg8 29.Qh7+ Kf7 30.Rf1+-
29.Qh7+ Kg5 30.Qh4+ Kf5 31.Qf4# 1-0

850
851
852
 1. Kramnik, Vladimir (2753) - Carlsen, Magnus (2863)
chess24.com (Internet-m/2-rapid), 2020
NB 3/c

1.? =

Show/Hide Solution

1.Ng3!= h4
1...Ke6 2.Nxh5 gxh5=
2.Ne4 Ke6 3.Kg4 Ke5 4.Nf2
4.Nxf6?? Kxf6 5.Kxh4 Kf5 6.Kg3 Kg5-+; 4.Nc3 Kd4 5.Ne2+=
4...Kd4
4...g5 5.Nh3 Ke4 6.Nxg5+=
5.Kf3 Be5 6.Nh3
6.Kg4=
6...Bg3 7.Ng5 Ke5 8.Kg4 Bf2 9.Nh7 Ke4
9...Bc5 10.Ng5 (10.Kxh4?? Kf4 11.Kh3 Be7 12.Kg2 Kg4-+) 10...Be7 11.Nh3=
10.Nf8 g5 11.Ne6 Be3 12.Nxg5+ Bxg5 13.Kh3 Kf3 14.Kh2 Bf4+ 15.Kh1 h3 16.Kg1 h2+ 17.Kh1

853
Kg3 1/2-1/2

2. Anand, Viswanathan (2753) - Ivanchuk, Vassily (2678)

chess24.com (Internet-m/5-rapid), 2020
NB 4/g

1...? =

Show/Hide Solution

1...f5+! 2.Kd4
2.Kf3 Bc7 (2...exd5? 3.Nxd8 Kxd8 4.Ke3+-) 3.Nd4 exd5 4.Nxf5 Bb6=
2...Bb6+! 3.Kc4 Be3
3...exd5+ 4.Kxd5 Be3 5.Nd4 (5.Ne5+ Kc7 6.Nd3 Kb6 7.Ke6 Bxf4 8.Nxf4 Ka5=) 5...Bxf4=
4.Ne5+ Kd6 5.Nd3 exd5+ 6.Kb5 Kc7 7.a5 Kb7 8.a6+ Ka7 9.Nb4 Bxf4 10.Nxd5 Bh2 11.Ka5 f4
12.Nxf4 Bxf4 13.Kb5 Bc7 14.Kc6 Kxa6 1/2-1/2

3. Van Foreest, Lucas (2535) - Vlachos, Anatole (2401)

Paleochora, 2020
NB 6/i

854
1...? –+

Show/Hide Solution

1...b4!
1...Kd3? 2.Be7 Kc2 3.Bb4 Kxb2 4.Ke3=
2.cxb4
2.axb4 Kd3-+
2...Kd3 3.b5 Kc2 4.b6 Kxb2-+ 0-1

4. Petrosyan, Manuel (2607) - Shahinyan, David (2456)

Jermuk, 2020
R 2/h

855
1.? +–

Show/Hide Solution

1.g4! fxg4
1...hxg4 2.h5 gxh5 (2...Kg7 3.hxg6 Kxg6 4.Rd5+-) 3.Kxf5 Kg7 4.Kg5 Bc1 5.Rc3 Bd2 6.Rc7+ Kg8
7.Kg6+-
2.f5 gxf5 3.Kxf5 Kf7 4.Kg5 Ke6 5.Kxh5 Kf5 6.Rg3 Bc1 7.Rxg4 Kf6 8.Rc4 Bd2 9.Rc6+ Kg7
10.Rg6+ Kf7 11.Rg2 Bc1 12.Re2 Kg7 13.Rf2 Be3 14.Rg2+ Kf6 15.Kg4 Bc1 16.Kf3 Kf5 17.h5 Bg5
18.Rg4 Bc1 19.Rg6 Bb2 20.Ra6 Bf6 21.h6 1-0

5. Giri, Anish (2764) - Anand, Viswanathan (2753)

chess24.com (Internet-m/1-rapid), 2020
R 7/c

856
1...? =

Show/Hide Solution

1...h5!= 2.gxh5
2.Rxe5 hxg4 3.Rg5+ Kf6 4.Rxg4 Rxg4 5.fxg4 Kg5=
2...Rg5 3.h6+ Kh7
3...Kf7 4.Ra6 Rf5 (4...Rh5 5.Ke3 Rh4=) 5.Ke3 Rf4=
4.Kd3 Rf5 5.Ke3 Rf7
5...Rg5 6.Ke4 Rg3 7.Rf6 Rg5 8.Rf5 Rg1 9.Rh5 Re1+ 10.Kf5 Rf1=
6.Ra6 Rf4 7.Re6 Rf7 8.Kf2 e4 9.Rxe4 Kxh6 10.Rg4 Ra7 11.Kg3 Ra3 12.Rg8 Kh7 13.Rg5 Kh6
14.Rg4 Rb3 15.Kg2 Ra3 16.Rg8 Kh7 17.Rg5 Kh6 18.f4 Rb3 19.Kf2 Ra3 20.Rg8 Rb3 21.Ke2 Ra3
22.Rg1 Rb3 23.f5 Rb5 24.f6 Re5+ 25.Kd3 Rf5 1/2-1/2

6. Vachier Lagrave, Maxime (2778) - Ding, Liren (2791)

chess24.com (Internet-rapid), 2020
R 9/h

857
1.? =

Show/Hide Solution

1.Nc3!
1.Nd4 Kh5 2.Re4 g5³
1...Nxc3
1...Kh5 2.Rc4 Nxc3 3.bxc3 Rd5 4.Rb4 Rxa5 5.Rxb7 Rc5 6.Rb4 Rxc3 7.Ra4=
2.bxc3 Rxc3 3.Rb4 Rc5 4.Rxb7 Rxa5 5.Rb6 c5 6.Rc6 Kg5 7.Kg2
7.Kf1 Kf5 8.h4! Ke4 9.Rxg6 c4 10.Rg3 Kd4 11.Ke2 Ra2+ 12.Kd1 Rxf2 13.Rh3 Rf6 14.h5 Rh6
15.Kc2=
7...Kf5 8.h4! Kg4
8...Ke4 9.Kg3 Kd3 10.Rd6+ (10.Rxg6 c4³) 10...Kc3 11.Rxg6 c4 12.h5 Rxh5 13.Rxa6=
9.Rxg6+ Kxh4 10.Kf3= Kh5 11.Rc6 Kg5 12.Ke4 Ra4+ 13.Kd5 Rf4 14.Kxc5 Rxf2 15.Rxa6 Rf6
16.Rxf6 Kxf6 1/2-1/2

7. Caruana, Fabiano (2835) - Carlsen, Magnus (2863)

chess24.com (Internet-m/2-rapid), 2020
R 9/j

858
1...? –+

Show/Hide Solution

1...f5! 2.Re8 f4! 3.Bd4

3.Rxe6 Rxe3 4.Rb6 Rxe5 5.Rxb3+ Kg2-+
3...Bc4 4.Kc1 Rd3-+ 5.Ba7 Rc3+ 6.Kb1 Rc2 7.Rc8 Kg4 8.Rc6 Bd3
8...Kf5 9.e6 Bd3 10.Rb6 (10.Rxc2 bxc2+ 11.Kc1 Kxe6-+) 10...Re2+ 11.Kc1 Bc4-+
9.Rxc2 bxc2+ 10.Kc1 Kf5 11.Bb8 f3 12.Ba7 Kxe5 13.Kd2 Kf4 14.Be3+ Kg3
14...Kg3 15.Kxd3 c1=Q 16.Bxc1 f2-+
0-1

8. Ding, Liren (2836) - Nakamura, Hikaru (2829)

chess24.com (Internet-rapid), 2020
R 9/q

859
1...? =

Show/Hide Solution

1...g5! 2.Ra7
2.Kf3 g4+ 3.Ke3 (3.Kg2 Re4=) 3...Rd5 4.Ke4 Rd2=
2...Re4 3.Rf3
3.Ra5 Kg7 4.Kf3 Rc4 5.h3 Kg6 6.g4 Rb6=
3...Rxe5= 4.Rfxf7 Reb5! 5.Rg7+
5.f4 gxf4 6.gxf4 b3 7.f5 Rxf5 8.Rxf5 b2=
5...Kh8 6.Rh7+ Kg8 7.Rag7+ Kf8 8.Rc7 Kg8 9.Rcg7+ Kf8 10.Rf7+ Kg8! 11.Rfg7+ 1/2-1/2

9. Ding, Liren (2791) - Carlsen, Magnus (2863)

chess24.com (Internet-m/3-rapid), 2020
Q 4/f

860
1...? =

Show/Hide Solution

1...g5!
1...f5 2.hxg6+ Kxg6 3.Qd1 Qe4+ 4.Kf1 Qh1+ 5.Ke2 Qh5+ 6.Kd2 Qh2 7.Qf3±
2.Qf5+ Kh6 3.e4 Qe6
3...Qxa4 4.Qf6+ Kxh5 5.Qxf7+ Kh6=
4.Qxe6+ fxe6 5.Kg3 Kxh5 6.f4 Kg6 7.Kg4 gxf4 8.Kxf4 Kf6 9.e5+ Kg6 10.Kg4 Kh6! 11.Kh4 Kg6
12.Kg4 Kh6 13.Kh4 Kg6 14.Kg4 1/2-1/2

861
862
863
864
865
866
867
868
869
870
871
872
Table of Contents
Back Cover 4
Title page 5
System of Signs 7
The Best Game of the Preceding Volume 9
The Most Important Theoretical Novelty of the Preceding Volume 11
WOJTASZEK WINS BIEL TRIATHLON GM Ian Rogers & IM László
23
Hazai
LEGENDS PLAYING THE RAGOZIN GM Elshan Moradiabadi 55
LEGENDARY TECHNIQUE IN THE LEGENDS OF CHESS WGM Sabina-
70
Francesca Foişor
THE CROATIAN CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2020 GM Saša Martinović 93
THE STRENGTH OF MOBILE PAWN CENTRE GM Mihail Marin 114
THRILL ON THE EDGE OF THE CHESSBOARD GM Šarunas Šulskis 141
THE ENGLISH REPERTOIRE FOR WHITE GM Ivan Ivanišević 159
AN INTERESTING NEW IDEA IN THE RUBINSTEIN GM Francesco
169
Rambaldi
WHAT IS NEW UNDER THE RICHTER–RAUZER SUN? GM Milos
175
Perunović
SACRIFICING THE QUEEN GM Kannappan Priyadharshan 188
POSITIONAL QUEEN SACRIFICE GM Michael Prusikin 210
ROGERS' REMINISCENCES – BATH 1983 GM Ian Rogers 223
FROM THE CHESS INFORMANT ARCHIVES Douglas Griffin 246
Classification of Openings 257
A00-A24 258
A25-A74 280
A75-A99 303
B00-B24 312
B25-B49 328
B50-B74 363
B75-B99 387
C00-C24 454
C25-C49 477

873
C50-C74 488
C75-C99 525
D00-D24 538
D25-D49 563
D50-D74 610
D75-D99 629
E00-E24 678
E25-E49 747
E50-E74 769
E75-E99 794
Index 827
COMBINATIONS GM Branko Tadić 834
TRAIN YOUR TACTICS WITH GM Aleksander Delchev 842
ENDINGS IM Goran Arsović 851
TOURNAMENTS 862

874