Manage Your Favourite Games

[Event "Pool B | FIDE World Team Championship"] [Site "Jerusalem"] [Date "2022.11.20"] [Round "2.1"] [White "Niemann, Hans Moke"] [Black "Mamedyarov, Shakhriyar"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C80"] [WhiteElo "2599"] [BlackElo "2747"] [Annotator "Bojkov,Dejan"] [PlyCount "114"] [EventDate "2022.??.??"] [WhiteTeam "United States"] [BlackTeam "Azerbaijan"] [WhiteTeamCountry "USA"] [BlackTeamCountry "AZE"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Nxe4 {Definitely not a surprise by Mamedyarov. The Open Ruy Lopez was his bread and butter long before he reached Niemann's age.} 6. d4 b5 7. Bb3 d5 8. dxe5 Be6 9. Nbd2 Nc5 10. Qe2 {And Niemann chooses a rare continuation in order to avoid the Azeri's heavy preparation.} ({The main line remains} 10. c3 {and has been tested in numerous top-GM games, one recent example being} d4 11. Bxe6 Nxe6 12. cxd4 Ncxd4 13. a4 Bb4 14. axb5 Nxb5 15. Qa4 c5 16. Nc4 O-O 17. Be3 Nbd4 18. Bxd4 Nxd4 19. Nxd4 Qxd4 {with White's serious edge in Giri,A (2764)-Le,Q (2728) chess24.com 2022}) 10... g6 $5 {[%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;Interesting;persistent;true] Taken by surprise Mamedyarov chooses \"an interesting sideline,\" at least according to Chessbase.} ({The main continuation} 10... Be7 11. c3 O-O 12. Rd1 Qd7 13. Bc2 Bf5 14. Nf1 Bxc2 15. Qxc2 Qe6 {has been discussed recently in Vachier Lagrave,M (2784) -Anton Guijarro,D (2675) chess24.com 2020}) 11. c3 {The most logical reply, and some thought.} Bg7 {That's the point, but White is not too concerned about the pawn.} 12. Nd4 $1 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Nxe5 13. f4 {The game has been opened in White's favor, and Niemann launches a nasty attack against the black king.} Ned3 14. f5 {Anand, who was annotating for the official site, could not hide his amazement about Mamedyarov's opening choice. White has more than enough compensation for the pawn.} Nxc1 $5 {[%c_effect c1;square;c1;type;Interesting;persistent;true] Black was also burning time on his clock.} (14... gxf5 15. Nxf5 {does not seem great for the second player either.}) 15. Raxc1 gxf5 16. Nxf5 Bf6 $146 {Aaaand, this is a novelty $1 But it is very likely that neither player was aware of it.} ({An earlier game ended unhappily for Black:} 16... Rg8 17. Bc2 Kd7 18. Qe3 Qf8 19. b4 Nb7 20. Nb3 a5 21. Bd3 axb4 22. cxb4 Rxa2 23. Kh1 Bh8 24. Qf4 Qd8 25. Bxb5+ Kc8 26. Rf2 {1-0 Siebel,D (1945)-Herzog,K (1869) email 2014}) 17. Bc2 {Niemann's desire to keep this piece alive is perfectly understandable. With the bishop on the b1-h7 diagonal, Black can never even think about castling short.} ({On the other hand} 17. Rce1 $5 {[%c_effect e1;square;e1;type;Interesting;persistent;true] might have been even better, as} Nxb3 18. Nxb3 O-O {does not solve Black's problems. His position is leaking after} 19. Nbd4 Bxd4+ 20. Nxd4 Qg5 21. Rf3 Kh8 22. Qf2 $1 {[%c_effect f2;square;f2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 17... Nd7 ({After} 17... Qd7 {Anand quickly suggested the strongest reply} 18. Qe3 $1 {[%c_effect e3;square;e3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 18. Nd4 {All of this looks logical, but actually releases the tension.} ({Strong is} 18. Nb3 $1 {[%c_effect b3;square;b3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] White likely was bothered by} c5 {and then} 19. Rcd1 Qc7 20. Rxd5 $6 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] indeed leads him nowhere due to} ({However, there is an amazing computer move instead} 20. Ne3 $3 {[%c_effect e3;square;e3;type;Brilliant;persistent;true] and only after} O-O-O ({And} 20... Qe5 {would not defend Black due to} 21. Qf3) 21. Nxd5 Bxd5 22. Rxd5 {with huge, likely decisive advantage for White.}) 20... O-O-O $1 {[%c_effect c8;square;c8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) ({Moreover, the knight on f5 is so strong that the machine even suggests the prophylactic} 18. Kh1 $5 {[%c_effect h1;square;h1;type;Interesting;persistent;true] instead when Black can barely do anything to improve his situation.}) 18... Qe7 {Taking half a breath.} 19. Rce1 {This piece also stood too well to be moved.} ({White would have preserved a serious edge with the accurate} 19. Rf2 $5 {[%c_effect f2;square;f2;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} Bxd4 20. cxd4 O-O-O 21. Bd3 {and the black king is not perfectly safe.}) 19... Bxd4+ 20. cxd4 O-O-O {The king escaped the guillotine, and it is anyone's game.} 21. Nb3 ({More accurate seems} 21. a4 $5 {[%c_effect a4;square;a4;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} Qb4 22. Nb3 $1 {[%c_effect b3;square;b3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] when} bxa4 {is met with} 23. Qxa6+) 21... Qd6 22. a4 bxa4 $1 {[%c_effect a4;square;a4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] White might have underestimated this.} ({Instead} 22... c6 {would have left Black suffering permanently on the dark squares after} 23. Qd2 Kb7 24. Na5+ Ka7 25. b4) 23. Na5 Qb6 {A double attack. The next moves are more or less forced.} ({There is also the cunning} 23... Nc5 $5 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} 24. Qe3 (24. dxc5 Qxc5+) 24... Nb7 {which would have traded the important attacker.}) 24. Qd2 Rdg8 25. Bxa4 Rg4 {Both players are on the attack.} 26. Nc6 {As obvious as this move is, it is not optimal. The knight is too valuable to be traded easily.} ({After} 26. Nb3 $1 {[%c_effect b3;square;b3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rhg8 27. Re2 Re4 {the game would have been unclear and approximately even.}) 26... Nb8 $1 {[%c_effect b8;square;b8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] That's the problem. White loses his stability and has to follow a forced sequence:} 27. h3 (27. Nxb8 $4 {[%c_effect b8;square;b8;type;Blunder;persistent;true] loses on the spot due to} Rxd4) 27... Nxc6 $1 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The best move. Mamedyarov wins two pawns for the exchange and opens all the windows into the enemy king's castle.} ({Both} 27... Re4 28. Ne7+ Kb7 29. Rxe4 dxe4 30. Bc2) ({And especially} 27... Rh4 28. Ne7+ Kd8 $2 {[%c_effect d8;square;d8;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (28... Kb7 29. Rd1) 29. Nf5 Bxf5 30. Qg5+ $1 {[%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] are favorable for White.}) 28. hxg4 Nxd4 {After brief hesitation Black opts for the attack.} ({It is way easier for White to play the endgame after} 28... Qxd4+ 29. Qxd4 Nxd4 30. Rf4) 29. Qe3 {Now White's king is slowly getting cold feet.} ({Perhaps White could have still survived after} 29. Kh1 $1 {[%c_effect h1;square;h1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rg8 30. g5) 29... Rg8 ({Not yet} 29... Bxg4 30. Rxf7) 30. Bd1 ({In case of} 30. Rf4 {Black can now grab the pawn} Rxg4 31. Rxg4 Bxg4) 30... Bxg4 31. Rf2 ({Nothing changes} 31. Bxg4+ Rxg4 32. Rf2 f5) 31... Bxd1 (31... f5 $5 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;Interesting;persistent;true]}) 32. Rxd1 Rg4 {The central knight deserves all the support it might be given.} 33. Rd3 Re4 34. Qh3+ {Pushing the black king into safety.} ({The last try is} 34. Qg5 $1 {[%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Qb5 35. Rh3) 34... Kb7 35. Re3 ({Last chance for} 35. Qd7 $5 {[%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;Interesting;persistent;true] The active queen can still do a lot of damage to the opponent's position.}) 35... f5 $1 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] When everything is defended, Mamedyarov is ready to bring his pawns into motion.} 36. Kh1 ({Nothing changes} 36. Rxe4 fxe4 37. Kh1 Nb5) 36... Nb5 $1 {[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] A nice maneuver that places the knight optimally, both for the passers' support and for the defense of the king.} 37. Rxe4 fxe4 38. Rf8 Nd6 39. Qxh7 Qxb2 {All is set for the baby queens to start moving.} 40. Qg8 Qa1+ 41. Kh2 Qe5+ 42. Qg3 Qh5+ ({Not yet} 42... Qxg3+ 43. Kxg3 d4 44. Kf2) 43. Kg1 ({Whereas after} 43. Qh3 {Black would have traded} Qxh3+ 44. Kxh3 d4 45. Kg3 c5) 43... Qd1+ (43... d4 $1 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] at once would have deprived Black of the additional chance.}) 44. Kh2 {Which Niemann did not use.} ({The most resilient defense is} 44. Rf1 Qd4+ 45. Kh2 {although here too, Black should find a way to win.}) 44... Qh5+ 45. Kg1 d4 46. Rf1 Qc5 $1 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The pawns are unstoppable, Mamedyarov confidently converts his advantage.} 47. Rb1+ Ka7 48. Qf2 Nb5 49. Ra1 Nc3 50. g4 e3 51. Qf6 Qc4 52. Qe5 e2 53. g5 d3 54. Qe3+ Kb7 55. Qf3+ Ne4 56. Rb1+ Kc6 57. Qf8 Qc5+ 0-1 [Event "http://www.chessbomb.com"] [Site "http://www.chessbomb.com"] [Date "2022.11.20"] [Round "2"] [White "Warmerdam, Max"] [Black "Fressinet, Laurent"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "A30"] [WhiteElo "2512"] [BlackElo "2684"] [Annotator "chessvibes"] [PlyCount "152"] [EventDate "2022.??.??"] 1. c4 e6 2. Nc3 c5 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. g3 b6 5. Bg2 Bb7 6. O-O Be7 7. d4 cxd4 8. Qxd4 O-O 9. Rd1 Qc8 10. b3 d5 11. cxd5 Nxd5 12. Nxd5 Bxd5 13. Bg5 Nc6 14. Qh4 f6 15. Be3 Qb7 16. Rac1 Rad8 17. Qh3 f5 18. Ng5 Bxg5 19. Bxg5 Bxg2 20. Qxg2 Rxd1+ 21. Rxd1 h6 22. Bf4 Rd8 23. Rc1 Rc8 24. g4 Nd8 25. Rxc8 Qxc8 26. gxf5 exf5 27. Bxh6 Ne6 28. Bd2 Qd7 29. Qg6 Nd4 30. Kf1 Nxb3 31. axb3 Qxd2 32. Qe6+ Kh8 33. Qc8+ Kh7 34. Qxf5+ Kg8 35. Qe6+ Kh7 36. h4 Qf4 37. Qc4 Qf6 38. e3 Kh6 39. Kg2 Kh5 40. Qe4 Kh6 41. Kg3 a5 42. Qd5 Qg6+ 43. Kh3 Qg1 44. Qe6+ g6 45. Qf6 Qh1+ 46. Kg3 Qg1+ 47. Kf3 Qd1+ 48. Kg2 $2 {[%c_effect g2;square;g2;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} ({With} 48. Kf4 {White walks out of the checks, and after} Kh7 49. Qxb6 {it should be winning.}) 48... Kh7 49. Qf7+ Kh6 50. Qf6 Kh7 51. Qe6 b5 52. e4 a4 53. bxa4 bxa4 54. e5 Qd4 55. Qe7+ Kg8 56. Qe6+ Kh7 57. Qf7+ Kh6 58. Qf8+ Kh7 59. Qe7+ Kg8 60. Kf3 Qd3+ 61. Kg4 a3 62. Qe6+ Kg7 63. Qe7+ Kg8 64. Qe8+ Kg7 65. e6 Qf5+ 66. Kg3 Qe5+ 67. Kg2 Qe4+ 68. Kg3 Qe5+ 69. Kf3 Qf5+ 70. Ke3 $2 {[%c_effect e3;square;e3;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} ({Even} 70. Ke2 {is enough for a draw because now} a2 71. Qd7+ Kh6 72. Qd2+ {picks up the pawn, a move White doesn't have in the game.}) 70... a2 {Now Black is even winning.} 71. Qe7+ (71. Qd7+ Kh6) 71... Kh6 72. Qa3 Qe5+ 73. Kf3 a1=Q 74. Qf8+ Qg7 75. Qe8 Qaf6+ 76. Kg3 Qge7 0-1 [Event "http://www.chessbomb.com"] [Site "http://www.chessbomb.com"] [Date "2022.11.20"] [Round "2"] [White "Ivanchuk, Vasyl"] [Black "Solomon, Kenny"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "B51"] [WhiteElo "2686"] [BlackElo "2408"] [Annotator "chessvibes"] [PlyCount "77"] [EventDate "2022.??.??"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+ Nd7 4. O-O a6 5. Bd3 Ngf6 6. Re1 e6 7. c3 b5 8. Bc2 c4 9. a4 Bb7 10. axb5 axb5 11. Rxa8 Qxa8 12. Na3 Bxe4 (12... Be7 13. Nxb5 O-O 14. Qe2 Rc8 15. Na3 Ba6 16. d4 cxd3 17. Bxd3 Bxd3 18. Qxd3 Nc5 {Vachier Lagrave,M (2789)-Topalov,V (2761) Leuven 2016}) 13. Bxe4 Nxe4 14. Nxb5 (14. b4 d5 15. Nxb5 Qb7 16. Nbd4 Be7 17. d3 cxd3 18. Qxd3 O-O {Anand,V (2768)-So,W (2780) Saint Louis 2018}) (14. d3 cxd3 15. Nxb5 Qb7 16. c4 d5 $1 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 17. cxd5 exd5 18. Qb3 Ndc5 19. Qxd5 Qxd5 20. Nc7+ Kd7 21. Nxd5 Bd6 {Huang,R (2446)-Wei Yi (2727) Shaoxing C $146 2022}) 14... Qb7 15. d3 Nxf2 16. Nxd6+ Bxd6 17. Kxf2 cxd3 18. Qxd3 Bc5+ $146 (18... Be7 19. Rd1 Nc5 20. Qe2 O-O 21. Be3 Rb8 22. Bc1 h6 23. Kg1 Bf6 24. Kh1 Na4 {Kapitanchuk,T (2344)-Sarana,A (2654) Chess.com 2020}) 19. Kf1 O-O 20. b4 Be7 21. Bd2 Rd8 22. Qe2 Ra8 23. c4 Ra2 24. c5 Qd5 25. Rc1 g5 26. c6 Nb6 27. c7 Nc8 28. Rc4 e5 29. h4 h6 30. hxg5 hxg5 31. Ke1 f6 32. Qe4 Qxe4+ 33. Rxe4 Rc2 34. Nxe5 fxe5 35. Rxe5 Rxc7 36. Bxg5 Bxb4+ 37. Ke2 Be7 38. Bxe7 Rxe7 39. Rxe7 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Team Championship Pool Stage"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2022.11.22"] [Round "5"] [White "Vokhidov, Shamsiddin"] [Black "Wojtaszek, Radoslaw"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C88"] [WhiteElo "2568"] [BlackElo "2686"] [PlyCount "57"] [EventDate "2022.??.??"] {[%evp 0,57,28,28,39,37,19,25,25,-38,-22,3,9,-37,-20,-16,0,-6,8,1,22,3,30,14,34,19,37,42,43,33,55,7,3,19,31,10,41,56,72,57,54,60,81,112,114,115,143,91,139,163,163,181,186,259,423,464,598,632,609,637]} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 O-O 8. h3 Bb7 9. d3 d6 10. a3 Nb8 11. c4 {An unusual move in this position, considering that so many of White's pawns are on light squares, challenging Black for queenside space and gaining the c4-square as a potential knight outpost.} bxc4 12. Bxc4 Nbd7 13. Nc3 Nb6 14. Ba2 c5 15. b4 {White continues to battle for queenside space and open lines.} cxb4 16. axb4 Rc8 17. Bb2 Nbd7 18. Bc4 {After all the queenside pawn exchanges, White has gained a target in Black's isolated a6-pawn.} Ra8 19. d4 {Shamsiddin now breaks in the center.} Qb6 20. Qb3 exd4 21. Nxd4 Ne5 (21... Qxd4 22. Nd5 {wins back the piece.}) 22. Nf5 Bd8 23. Rad1 {White now presses on the weak d6-pawn.} Nxc4 24. Qxc4 Ne8 {An unfortunate concession, necessary to save the d-pawn.} 25. Nd5 Bxd5 26. exd5 {Every single white piece is beautifully placed while most of Black's are on the back row.} Bf6 27. Rxe8 Bxb2 (27... Rfxe8 28. Bxf6 {is crushing.}) 28. Ne7+ Kh8 29. Nc8 {A picturesque finish, cutting off the a8-rook's defense of the f8-rook while simultaneously attacking the black queen.} 1-0 [Event "FIDE World Team Championship Pool Stage"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2022.11.22"] [Round "5"] [White "Lagarde, Maxime"] [Black "Li, Di"] [Result "*"] [ECO "D35"] [WhiteElo "2573"] [BlackElo "2539"] [PlyCount "78"] [EventDate "2022.??.??"] {[%evp 0,78,44,12,31,-6,-14,5,5,-36,-27,-51,2,2,-3,3,29,1,27,29,88,54,60,55,59,41,35,26,19,9,12,12,13,13,14,11,13,11,9,14,12,19,11,-31,-54,-47,-47,-53,-58,-57,-47,-42,-32,-38,-44,-43,-53,-60,-53,-73,-68,-91,-60,-84,-122,-112,-70,-83,-69,-97,-92,-98,-130,-154,-166,-161,-143,-140,-151,-29987,-29990]} 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 c6 6. e3 h6 7. Bh4 Be7 8. Bd3 O-O 9. Nge2 Ne8 10. Bg3 Nd6 11. O-O Re8 12. Bf4 Bf5 13. Bxd6 Bxd3 14. Bxe7 Bxe2 15. Bxd8 Bxd1 16. Rfxd1 Rxd8 {Entering the endgame with a slight edge for White, Li convincingly outplays his opponent to gain a winning position in a little over 20 moves.} 17. b4 a6 18. Rab1 Nd7 19. Na4 b5 20. Nc5 Nxc5 21. dxc5 a5 {With this pawn break, Black's rooks become very active, and the advantage swings in his favor.} 22. a3 Re8 23. Rd4 {White's rooks have to focus on keeping the soon-to-be weak b4-pawn safe.} axb4 24. axb4 h5 25. h4 f5 26. Rb2 Kf7 27. Kf1 Kf6 28. Ke2 Ra1 29. f3 Rc1 30. Kf2 Ra8 31. g4 {White plays aggressively despite having a troubled position, perhaps hoping that the pawn trades will bring the game closer to a draw, but also creating further weaknesses and open lines for Black to use.} hxg4 32. fxg4 g6 33. gxf5 gxf5 34. Kf3 Rh1 35. Kg2 Raa1 36. Rf4 Rag1+ 37. Kf2 Rg8 38. Rb3 Rh2+ 39. Kf3 Rhg2 {It's so easy to overlook the danger of a mating net with few pieces left on the board. There is no way for White to escape Rg3# without losing vast material.} * [Event "FIDE World Team Championship Pool Stage"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2022.11.22"] [Round "5"] [White "Mamedyarov, Shakhriyar"] [Black "Rodshtein, Maxim"] [Result "*"] [ECO "E11"] [WhiteElo "2741"] [BlackElo "2618"] [PlyCount "91"] [EventDate "2022.??.??"] {[%evp 0,91,19,9,42,-27,-14,-17,0,-40,2,13,6,-9,-16,11,27,24,10,28,39,28,33,19,26,14,50,29,46,-37,-8,12,6,-12,-3,-3,0,-8,29,-151,-45,-38,57,27,27,-14,-14,-35,-6,-35,-35,-1,-1,-58,-31,-3,-35,-73,-36,-24,26,82,121,87,87,103,103,77,84,93,130,129,165,165,176,191,192,187,186,187,317,330,330,309,341,341,332,375,374,242,393,385,401,434]} 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. Rc1 a5 10. e3 Ne4 11. Be1 f5 12. Nc3 Bd6 13. a3 g5 14. b4 g4 15. Nd2 axb4 16. axb4 Rxa1 17. Rxa1 Bxb4 18. Ndxe4 dxe4 19. Nxe4 Bxe1 20. Nd6 {A fascinating move. Instead of recapturing on e1, the knight hops into the weak d6-square making threats against the c8-bishop.} Ba5 (20... Bb4 21. c5 b6 22. Ra8) 21. Nxc8 Bc7 22. Ra8 Bb8 {What a strange adventure this bishop has been on, starting on f8, capturing its counterpart on the opponent's side of the board, and now maneuvering to the back of its own queenside to cut off the white rook's stare against the black queen.} 23. Nd6 Qe7 24. Nxb7 Nb6 25. Rxb8 {The wayfaring dark-squared black bishop finally meets it demise in exchange for the vigorous white rook.} Rxb8 26. Nc5 Nd7 27. Nd3 c5 28. h3 gxh3 29. Bxh3 h5 30. d5 {Despite being down an exchange, Mamedyarov's pieces create a lot of pressure on Black's position.} exd5 31. Bxf5 h4 32. Nf4 Nf8 ({If Black's not careful, White's queen and minor pieces can create dangerous threats against his king:} 32... dxc4 $4 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;Blunder;persistent;true]} 33. Be6+ Kf8 (33... Kg7 34. Qg6+ Kh8 35. Qh6+) 34. Ng6+) 33. Nxd5 Qe5 34. gxh4 Rb7 35. Nf4 Rf7 36. Be4 {White's centralized minor pieces fight for control of all sides of the board.} Rg7+ 37. Kf1 Rg4 38. h5 Kg7 39. Qb1 Kh6 40. Qb6+ Kg7 41. Qb7+ Kh6 42. Qc6+ Kg7 43. h6+ Kh8 44. Qc8 Rxf4 45. exf4 Qxf4 46. Qxc5 * [Event "FIDE World Team Championship Pool Stage"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2022.11.22"] [Round "5"] [White "Ivanchuk, Vasyl"] [Black "Van Foreest, Jorden"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "D40"] [WhiteElo "2673"] [BlackElo "2690"] [Annotator "Rafael"] [PlyCount "108"] [EventDate "2022.??.??"] {[%evp 0,108,16,28,26,7,-16,-16,81,82,26,26,44,17,35,-30,-22,-42,15,9,10,25,38,4,4,12,19,18,22,20,37,28,38,35,39,31,61,-5,44,36,54,53,67,66,91,46,65,58,54,108,115,103,99,152,153,146,159,161,158,152,152,160,170,176,176,165,169,113,115,150,163,146,141,141,141,141,153,90,72,72,67,71,101,101,110,103,123,113,77,54,54,66,60,-176,-214,-219,-211,-219,-130,-387,-408,-411,-418,-420,-422,-422,-427,-427,-422,-424,-467]} 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Nf3 Nf6 {Van Foreest is renowned for his creativity and fresh ideas in the opening. This version of the Tarrasch Defense, in which White can pin the f6-knight with Bg5, was formerly believed to be better for White, but he has his own ideas on the matter.} 6. e3 {Ivanchuk can play any position at a high level, so he decides not to check his opponent's preparation against the critical move.} (6. Bg5 {A recent example followed:} Be6 7. dxc5 Bxc5 8. e3 Nc6 9. Bb5 {Carlsen - Van Foreest, Chessable Masters 2022.}) 6... a6 $5 {[%c_effect a6;square;a6;type;Interesting;persistent;true] A clever move, avoiding White's Bb5.} (6... Nc6 7. Bb5 cxd4 8. Nxd4 Bd7 {This is a well-known position.}) 7. b3 $5 {[%c_effect b3;square;b3;type;Interesting;persistent;true] A rare move.} (7. Be2) (7. g3 $5 {[%c_effect g3;square;g3;type;Interesting;persistent;true]}) 7... Nc6 8. Bb2 Bg4 9. Be2 Bxf3 $1 {[%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] A good and difficult move, as it's never easy to exchange a bishop for a knight before being provoked with h3.} (9... cxd4 10. Nxd4 {The point of Black's move becomes clear. He wants to avoid this option.} Bxe2 11. Ncxe2 Bb4+ 12. Kf1 $5 {[%c_effect f1;square;f1;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} O-O 13. g3 {The king will go to g2, and White has a small advantage, with a good version of the fight against the isolated queen's pawn.}) 10. Bxf3 cxd4 11. exd4 Bb4 12. O-O {Here, I think Black should use the same strategy of exchanging the bishop before being provoked.} O-O (12... Bxc3 $1 {[%c_effect c3;square;c3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 13. Bxc3 O-O {On the board, we have a beautiful fight between a pair of bishops and a pair of knights. Grandmasters usually prefer bishops, but the computer indicates equality.}) 13. Na4 $1 {[%c_effect a4;square;a4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Now the knight will go to c5, creating some problems for Black.} Re8 14. Nc5 b6 {The first new move.} (14... Ne4 $5 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] This move leads to interesting complications.} 15. Nxb7 (15. a3 {is not so good and was played in Shlyakhtenko - Amburgy, Cherry Hill 2021.}) 15... Qe7 16. Bxe4 (16. Nc5 {This is a more human move.} Nd2 $1 {[%c_effect d2;square;d2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] with great complications.}) 16... dxe4 17. d5 Qxb7 18. dxc6 Qxc6 19. Bxg7 $1 {[%c_effect g7;square;g7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rad8 (19... Kxg7 $2 {[%c_effect g7;square;g7;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 20. Qd4+) 20. Bd4 $1 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] I wonder who could possibly play like this with White. The computer is happy, but I doubt Black has problems after} (20. Qg4 $2 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} h5 21. Qg3 h4 22. Qg4 f5 23. Qg5 Bd2 24. Qf6 Rd6 $19) 20... Qg6 $1 {[%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 15. Nd3 Bd6 16. Rc1 {White can fight for the advantage with this nice knight on d3 and the bishop pair.} Rc8 (16... Nb4 $5 {[%c_effect b4;square;b4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] This is a suggestion that will appear many times in the next moves. It's important to exchange this d3-knight as it will be a source of problems for Black.} 17. Nxb4 Bxb4 {The position is close to equal.}) 17. Re1 Ne4 {Exchanging rooks is better, considering Ivanchuk's next move.} 18. Re2 $1 {[%c_effect e2;square;e2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Preparing to double rooks on the c-file.} Qd7 (18... Nb4 $1 {[%c_effect b4;square;b4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 19. Rec2 Nf6 {From now on, until he gets into a decisive advantage, Ivanchuk makes some incredible moves. To understand their subtlety, we need to consider that chess is played between humans, not machines. For humans, it's important to have a plan; one move has to be in harmony with the others, and that's what we'll see here. Are these the best moves according to the cold logic of the machine $2 Hard to say, but for this commentator, a self-confessed Ivanchuk fan, the next moves are pure magic.} 20. g3 $1 {[%c_effect g3;square;g3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This seems just a normal move, nothing special, but let's see the next ones.} g6 21. Bg2 $1 {[%c_effect g2;square;g2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rc7 22. Qf1 $1 {[%c_effect f1;square;f1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is just brilliant. See how the last three moves connect perfectly now $2 White prepares Bh3, a very unpleasant move to face.} Re7 23. Bh3 Qe8 24. Ne5 $1 {[%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Tactical play starts.} Nb8 (24... Nxe5 $2 {[%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 25. dxe5 Rxc2 26. Rxc2 Bxe5 27. Bxe5 Rxe5 28. Rc8 {White wins Black's queen.}) 25. Ba3 $1 {[%c_effect a3;square;a3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Another great move.} Qd8 (25... Rxc2 26. Rxc2 Bxa3 27. Rc8) (25... Bxa3 26. Rxc7 Bxc1 27. Rc8) 26. Nd7 $3 {[%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;Brilliant;persistent;true] A wonderful move, using the tactical theme of obstruction.} Rexd7 {White also wins material against the alternative moves.} (26... Rxc2 27. Nxf6+ Kg7 28. Rxc2 Bxa3 (28... Kxf6 29. Rc8) 29. Rc8 Qd6 30. Ne8+ Rxe8 31. Rxe8) (26... Nbxd7 27. Rxc7 Bxc7 28. Bxe7 Qxe7 29. Rxc7) 27. Bxd6 Rxc2 28. Rxc2 Rxd6 {Van Foreest decides to sacrifice the queen to create some practical chances. This is a good decision.} 29. Rc8 Qxc8 30. Bxc8 {White has a decisive material advantage, but let's not forget that this game was played with a shorter time control and that under these circumstances, knights are the most dangerous pieces in chess.} Nc6 $1 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The best chance, Black must be quick to create some activity with the knights.} 31. Qxa6 Nxd4 32. Kg2 {White has many alternatives in this and the next moves, but I will concentrate the analysis on the moments where clear mistakes were made.} Kg7 33. b4 Nc2 34. Qa4 Ne1+ 35. Kf1 Nf3 36. Qd1 Ne5 37. Qd4 Nf3 38. Qf4 $2 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (38. Qe3 $1 {[%c_effect e3;square;e3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This move controls the tricky knights.} Ne4 (38... Rc6 39. Qxf3 Rxc8 40. a4 {White should win this endgame without problems.}) 39. Kg2 $1 {[%c_effect g2;square;g2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is the difference. Now there is no knight jump to e1.} Rf6 40. Bb7 {White wins.}) 38... Ne4 $1 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 39. Kg2 (39. Qxf3 $2 {[%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} Nd2+) (39. Ke2 $1 {[%c_effect e2;square;e2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is a difficult move to play, and White should still win after} Nd4+ 40. Kd3 Nc6 41. b5) 39... Ne1+ 40. Kf1 Nd3 $2 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (40... Rf6 $1 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is better:} 41. Qe5 Nf3 42. Qxd5 Nfd2+ 43. Kg1 Rxf2 44. Qd4+ Kf8 45. Qxf2 $1 {[%c_effect f2;square;f2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Nxf2 46. Kxf2 Nc4 {and Black has excellent drawing chances.}) 41. Qe3 Ndxf2 42. Qd4+ Kg8 43. a4 $2 {[%c_effect a4;square;a4;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (43. b5 $1 {[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] It's essential to avoid Black's counterplay connected with the move Rc6. Now White is completely winning.} Rf6 44. Kg2) 43... Rc6 $1 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Now the rook joins the attack with both knights, and anything can happen.} 44. Ba6 Rc1+ 45. Kg2 Ng4 $2 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (45... Rd1 $1 {[%c_effect d1;square;d1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This move gives better saving chances.} 46. Qb2 (46. Qxb6 Rd2 {is very dangerous.}) 46... Ng4 (46... Rd2 $2 {[%c_effect d2;square;d2;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 47. Qxd2 Nxd2 48. Kxf2 {The endgame is winning for White.})) 46. Bd3 $2 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (46. h3 $1 {[%c_effect h3;square;h3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] leads to a win for White, for example:} Rc2+ 47. Kg1 Rc1+ 48. Bf1 {And finally the bishop joins the defense.}) 46... Rd1 $1 {[%c_effect d1;square;d1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Now Black is winning, although the situation is still not easy.} 47. a5 Rd2+ (47... bxa5 {It's more accurate to clear the situation on the queenside immediately.} 48. bxa5 Rd2+ 49. Kf3 Nxh2+ 50. Kf4 Nf2 51. Ke3 Rxd3+ 52. Qxd3 Nxd3 {Now, White's lonely pawn is not able to promote.} 53. Kxd3 (53. a6 Ne5 54. a7 Nc4+ 55. Kd4 Nb6 $19) 53... Nf3 54. a6 Ne5+ 55. Kd4 Nc6+ 56. Kc5 Na7 57. Kb6 d4 58. Kxa7 d3 59. Kb6 d2 60. a7 d1=Q 61. a8=Q+ Kg7 {With a winning endgame.}) 48. Kg1 (48. Kf3 {is a better saving chance.} Nxh2+ 49. Kf4 bxa5 (49... Nf2 50. Ke3 $1 {[%c_effect e3;square;e3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The difference is that now the a-pawn is really dangerous, for instance:} Rxd3+ 51. Qxd3 Nxd3 52. a6 $1 {[%c_effect a6;square;a6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] And no knight can stop the promotion.}) 50. Qxd5 Nf2 51. Qa8+ Kg7 52. Ke3 Rxd3+ 53. Kxf2 Ng4+ 54. Kg2 axb4 {Black is winning.}) 48... Nef2 (48... bxa5 49. bxa5 Rd1+ 50. Kg2 h5 $1 {[%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] A very difficult move to find over the board. The idea becomes clear after} 51. a6 Rd2+ 52. Kg1 Ng5 $1 {[%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The g4-knight is protected and the attack is decisive.}) 49. Qxd5 $2 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (49. Qxb6 $1 {[%c_effect b6;square;b6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This move still gives some chances.} Nxd3 50. h3 $1 {[%c_effect h3;square;h3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The only move—the dangerous knight must be removed.} (50. a6 $2 {[%c_effect a6;square;a6;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} Nde5 $19) 50... Nge5 51. Qd8+ Kg7 52. Qxd5 {The last two moves were also forced. The position is still winning for Black, anyway.} Rd1+ 53. Kh2 Ra1 {The pawns are stopped.}) 49... Nh3+ 50. Kf1 (50. Kh1 Rxh2#) 50... Ne3+ {Now it's over.} 51. Ke1 Rd1+ 52. Ke2 Nxd5 53. Kxd1 Nf2+ 54. Kd2 Nxd3 {0-} 0-1 [Event "FIDE World Team Championship Playoffs 2"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2022.11.23"] [Round "2"] [White "Vokhidov, Shamsiddin"] [Black "Volokitin, Andrei"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B51"] [WhiteElo "2568"] [BlackElo "2663"] [Annotator "Rafael"] [PlyCount "69"] [EventDate "2022.??.??"] [TimeControl "2700+10"] {[%evp 0,63,19,31,72,53,86,65,68,56,57,76,60,70,84,65,50,44,30,1,29,31,24,19,18,26,14,11,16,3,8,3,16,40,28,24,20,-3,-12,-4,-4,-11,12,0,6,3,0,15,15,13,9,-9,2,-2,-12,-27,-17,-42,-10,-4,-4,78,99,102,100,149]} 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+ Nd7 {This and 3...Bd7 are the most popular moves. My old favorite, 3... Nc6, is not enough for equality.} 4. a4 {White has many possible plans in this system. This is one of the popular choices right now. The pawn push is useful because the bishop will go back after a7-a6, and Black will not have the chance to play b7-b5.} Ngf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be2 g6 7. O-O Bg7 8. d4 {This natural move brings back the typical Open Sicilian pawn structure. I like it, but for some reason, it's not the most popular.} (8. a5 O-O 9. d3 {Some very strong players prefer this more restrained plan.}) 8... cxd4 9. Nxd4 b6 (9... O-O {is played more often.} 10. Be3 {with chances for both sides in this typical position.}) 10. Nc6 $1 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] A new and interesting move, exploiting the weakness of the c6-square to improve the knight's position.} (10. f4 $6 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] gave nothing for White after:} Bb7 11. Bf3 Qc7 {Blatov - Kadatsky, Samara 2007.}) 10... Qc7 11. Nb4 Bb7 12. Nbd5 {The knight completes its journey. Of course, it's not the end of the world for Black.} Qd8 13. Be3 O-O 14. Qd2 e6 {It's necessary to remove the unpleasant knight.} 15. Nxf6+ Nxf6 16. Bf3 Qc7 17. Rfd1 Rfd8 {The opening play was natural and good for both sides. White might have a tiny advantage, but nothing serious. In any case, the next move is not the most accurate, since Black manages to equalize completely. This is a good moment to look for an improvement.} 18. Bd4 (18. Bg5 {This looks like a good move, preparing Qf4.} Rd7 $1 {[%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Getting out of the pin. It's not clear how White can improve the position now.}) (18. Bf4 $5 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} Ne8 19. Ra3 {is another possible try. White forces the opponent's knight into a passive position. Ra3 is necessary to protect the c3-knight and also to attack the queenside with Rb3.}) 18... d5 $1 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The classical Sicilian break solves Black's problems.} 19. exd5 Nxd5 20. Bxd5 (20. Nxd5 {leads to a nearly drawn position after} Bxd5 21. Bxg7 Kxg7 (21... Bxf3 $2 {[%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;Mistake;persistent;true] Not this one...} 22. Qh6 $1 {[%c_effect h6;square;h6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Bxd1 $2 {[%c_effect d1;square;d1;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 23. Bf6 {and White mates.}) 22. Bxd5 Rxd5 23. Qe2) 20... Bxd5 21. Qe3 Bxd4 22. Rxd4 Bb7 23. Rad1 {The position is balanced. While it's true that Black has a bishop against a knight in an open position with pawns on both sides, his dark squares near the king are somewhat weak, and White controls the only open file.} Rxd4 24. Qxd4 Rc8 25. h4 h5 26. Rd2 b5 $1 {[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Exploiting a tactical idea to gain space on the queenside.} 27. axb5 axb5 28. f3 (28. Nxb5 $4 {[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;Blunder;persistent;true] loses the knight after} Qc6 {[%c_arrow c6g2;keyPressed;none;from;c6;opacity;0.8;to;g2;persistent;false,c6b5;keyPressed;none;from;c6;opacity;0.8;to;b5;persistent;false] because of the double threat (mate on g2 and taking the knight).}) 28... e5 {I have a feeling that Volokitin, a very aggressive player, was playing for a win at this point. If he wanted a draw, he could achieve it without any trouble.} (28... Qc5 {is one of the paths to equality.} 29. Qxc5 Rxc5 30. Rd7 Bd5 $5 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} 31. Nxd5 exd5 32. c3 b4 33. cxb4 Rb5 {with a draw.}) 29. Qe3 Ra8 $2 {[%c_effect a8;square;a8;type;Mistake;persistent;true] But this move is already too ambitious and based on a miscalculation.} (29... Qc5 {was enough.} 30. Rd8+ Kg7 {with equality.}) 30. Nxb5 $1 {[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Ra1+ 31. Kh2 $1 {[%c_effect h2;square;h2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} (31. Kf2 Qc4 $1 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is a much better version for Black.}) 31... Qc4 {This is Volokitin's idea. He threatens the c4-knight and the h4-pawn. Obviously, this looks very dangerous for Black as well since White can now exploit the weaknesses on the dark squares.} 32. Rd8+ Kh7 (32... Kg7 $2 {[%c_effect g7;square;g7;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 33. Qxe5+) 33. Qg5 $1 {[%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Defends h4 and prepares Qf6.} Bxf3 $5 {[%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;Interesting;persistent;true] I'm curious to know whether this was planned in advance and White's next move was missed.} (33... Qxb5 $2 {[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 34. Qf6) 34. Nd4 $3 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;Brilliant;persistent;true] This wonderful move is the only winning one. It's curious that yesterday's game of the day also featured a stunning knight move with the same tactical idea (obstruction or interference).} (34. gxf3 $2 {[%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} Qxb5 35. Qf6 $2 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} Qe2+) (34. Qf6 $2 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;Mistake;persistent;true] Black has a devastating tactical blow after this obvious try.} Rh1+ $1 {[%c_effect h1;square;h1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 35. Kxh1 (35. Kg3 Qg4+) 35... Qf1+ 36. Kh2 Qxg2#) (34. Nd6 {leads only to perpetual check after} Qf1 35. Rh8+ Kxh8 36. Qf6+ Kg8 37. Qxf7+ Kh8) 34... Be4 (34... exd4 {Now White demonstrates the point of the knight sacrifice with an accurate move.} 35. Qe5 $1 {[%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Black cannot avoid mate.} (35. Qf6 $4 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;Blunder;persistent;true] But not this one—always pay attention to your opponent's resources.} Qc7+) 35... f6 36. Qe7+ Kh6 37. Rh8#) 35. Qf6 {[%c_effect h2;square;h2;type;Winner]} 1-0 [Event "FIDE World Team Championship Playoffs 20"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2022.11.23"] [Round "3"] [White "Moussard, Jules"] [Black "Nihal, Sarin"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B06"] [WhiteElo "2676"] [BlackElo "2670"] [PlyCount "159"] [EventDate "2022.??.??"] [TimeControl "2700+10"] {[%evp 0,53,33,31,93,71,88,95,76,71,90,40,106,44,73,49,48,11,29,41,69,49,64,62,55,-3,21,11,-12,-9,13,15,30,-36,70,-29,-7,-37,9,-14,-151,-146,-130,-135,-149,-149,-149,-132,-139,-141,-159,-710,-741,-726,-170,-170]} 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3 d6 4. Be3 a6 5. h4 h6 6. Qd2 Nd7 7. O-O-O b5 8. Kb1 Bb7 9. f3 Rc8 10. Nh3 c5 11. dxc5 Nxc5 12. Bd4 Nf6 13. a3 Ne6 14. Be3 Nd7 15. Nd5 Ndc5 16. c3 Na4 17. Rc1 Nec5 {Building pressure against White's queenside.} 18. Qd1 Bxd5 19. exd5 Nxb2 $1 {[%c_effect b2;square;b2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 20. Kxb2 Na4+ 21. Ka2 Nxc3+ 22. Rxc3 Rxc3 {Nihal has gained material while ripping open White's king position.} 23. Bd2 Qa5 24. Bxc3 Qxc3 25. Qb1 Qd2+ 26. Kb3 Qxd5+ 27. Kc2 O-O 28. Bd3 Rc8+ 29. Kd2 Rc3 30. Nf4 Qc5 31. Ne2 Rxa3 {Black's position looks nearly crushing, but White fights back.} 32. Rc1 Qd5 33. h5 Qg5+ 34. f4 Qxh5 35. Qb4 Ra2+ 36. Rc2 Rxc2+ 37. Kxc2 Qd5 38. g3 e6 39. Qa3 Qc6+ 40. Kd1 Bf6 41. Qb4 Kg7 42. g4 Qf3 43. Qxd6 Qxg4 44. Qxa6 b4 45. Qc4 h5 46. Qxb4 {Despite the overwhelming advantage that Black had before, Moussard has defended well to stay in the game and even out material.} h4 47. Qe4 h3 48. Qh1 Be7 49. Be4 Bd6 50. Qf3 Qh4 51. Kd2 h2 52. Kd3 f5 53. Ba8 e5 54. fxe5 Bxe5 55. Qg2 Qa4 56. Qb7+ Kh6 57. Qc6 {The way that Nihal carefully converts this tense position into a win is incredible to watch.} Qb3+ 58. Kd2 Qb2+ 59. Kd3 Qb3+ 60. Kd2 Qb2+ 61. Kd3 Qa3+ 62. Kd2 Qa2+ {Nihal repeats the position in a slightly different way to avoid the draw and gain a little time to think.} 63. Kd3 Qa7 64. Qg2 Qa3+ 65. Kc4 Qe3 {A powerful centralized square for the black queen to watch over the whole board.} 66. Bf3 Kg7 67. Kd5 Kf6 68. Kc4 g5 {After making careful preparations, the kingside pawns begin to march forward.} 69. Ba8 g4 70. Qc6+ Kg5 71. Qg2 f4 72. Qf1 f3 73. Nc1 Qg1 74. Qd3 Qxc1+ 75. Kd5 Qf4 76. Qh7 Qd4+ 77. Kc6 Qd6+ 78. Kb5 Qb8+ 79. Bb7 h1=Q 80. Qg7+ {0-} 0-1 [Event "FIDE World Team Championship Playoffs 20"] [Site "Jerusalem"] [Date "2022.11.24"] [Round "4"] [White "Sethuraman, S.P.."] [Black "Vakhidov, Jakhongir"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B38"] [WhiteElo "2545"] [BlackElo "2507"] [Annotator "chessvibes"] [PlyCount "122"] [EventDate "2022.??.??"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6 5. c4 Bg7 6. Be3 Qb6 {Not a great line, but at least it ends most of the theory.} 7. Nb3 Qd8 8. Qd2 (8. Nc3 {allows} Bxc3+) 8... Nf6 9. Nc3 Ng4 $5 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} 10. Bf4 d6 11. h3 Nf6 12. Bh6 O-O 13. Bxg7 Kxg7 14. O-O-O Qb6 $146 (14... Be6 15. Kb1 Rc8 16. Qe3 Qb6 17. Qxb6 axb6 18. Nd4 Nxd4 19. Rxd4 Rc5 {Klimkowski,J (2350)-Malek,J (2230) Sypniewo 2022}) 15. g4 Be6 16. f4 a5 17. f5 a4 18. Na1 Bd7 19. Nc2 Qc5 20. Be2 Ne5 21. g5 Nh5 22. Bxh5 gxh5 {So far, Sethuraman has played strongly and Black's opening hasn't been a success.} 23. f6+ $1 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} exf6 24. Qf4 $6 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} ({There was nothing wrong with} 24. gxf6+ Kh8 (24... Kxf6 25. Qh6+ Ke7 26. Rd5 Qc6 27. Nd4 {wins}) 25. Qxd6 Qxd6 26. Rxd6 {and White is a healthy pawn up.}) 24... Be6 ({Both players understimate} 24... f5 $1 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] which is possible because c4 hangs as well. Black's king is suddenly much safer.}) 25. Rhg1 $4 {[%c_effect g1;square;g1;type;Blunder;persistent;true] A terrible blunder.} (25. Qxf6+ Kg8 {and now} 26. Rd5 $1 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Qxc4 (26... Qc7 27. Rhd1 Rfd8 28. Nd4) 27. Rxd6 {with roughly equal chances.}) 25... Nd3+ $1 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 26. Rxd3 Qxg1+ 27. Nd1 Qxg5 $6 {[%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} ({Initially it looks bizarre, but stopping White's Rg3 with} 27... h4 $3 {[%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;Brilliant;persistent;true] would have been the strongest here and White has no compensation. Another point of the move is that} 28. Qxh4 Qxg5+ {is now with check.}) 28. Rg3 {Now White can still fight.} Bg4 29. Qe3 Rac8 30. hxg4 hxg4 31. Kb1 Qxe3 32. Ncxe3 h5 {With so many pawns, Black is still the one playing for a win.} 33. Nf5+ Kh7 34. Nde3 (34. b3 Rfe8 35. Nf2) 34... Rce8 35. Nxd6 Re6 36. Nef5 b6 37. Rg1 Kg6 (37... Rd8) 38. Kc2 Kg5 39. Rd1 h4 40. Ne3 $2 {[%c_effect e3;square;e3;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} ({Bringing the king to the kingside with} 40. Kd3 {might have been enough to hold.}) 40... h3 41. Rd5+ Re5 42. Rd1 Re6 43. Rd5+ Kf4 44. Kd3 Re5 45. Ke2 Rxd5 46. Nxd5+ Ke5 47. Nf5 Kxe4 48. Ng3+ Ke5 49. Nxb6 Rd8 50. c5 Kf4 51. Nh5+ Kg5 52. Ng3 Rb8 53. Nc4 f5 54. c6 f4 55. Ne4+ Kh4 56. Kf1 g3 57. Ned2 f6 58. Nd6 h2 59. Kg2 Rxb2 60. N6c4 f3+ 61. Kh1 Kh3 0-1 [Event "Jerusalem"] [Site "Jerusalem"] [Date "2022.11.24"] [Round "5"] [White "Sindarov, Javokhir"] [Black "Nihal, Sarin"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C50"] [WhiteElo "2654"] [BlackElo "2670"] [Annotator "Bojkov,Dejan"] [PlyCount "103"] [EventDate "2022.??.??"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. Nc3 {It is fascinating to see our child openings coming into the spotlight.} Nf6 5. d3 d6 6. Na4 Bb6 7. a3 {White is basically opting for an somewhat improved Italian where his knight will trade the black dark-squared bishop via a faster route (rather than the standard Nb1-d2-c4 one, which requires a tempo for the Bc4 retreat.)} h6 8. h3 O-O 9. O-O Be6 10. Bxe6 $5 {[%c_effect e6;square;e6;type;Interesting;persistent;true] Nowadays more popular than 10.Nxb6. In the not-so-distant past, Black was always considered to get an easy kingside game with the maneuver Qd8-e8-g6, Nf6-h5-f4, and an attack along the f- and g-files.} fxe6 11. b4 ({A top GM game saw instead} 11. Nxb6 axb6 12. Be3 d5 13. Qe2 Qe8 14. Rad1 Qg6 15. Nh4 Qh7 16. Nf3 {1/2-1/2 Nepomniachtchi,I (2792)-So,W (2773) Chess.com 2022}) 11... Qe8 12. c3 Ne7 $146 {Nihal took some time on his clock before producing this novelty.} ({An earlier game was with Nihal's great countryman, which went very well for Black after} 12... Nh5 13. Nxb6 axb6 14. Be3 ({But I suspect that Sindarov would have deprived his opponent fom easy queenside pressure with} 14. a4 $5 {[%c_effect a4;square;a4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] as in the game.}) 14... Nf4 15. Kh2 Qh5 16. Ng1 Qxd1 17. Rfxd1 Ra4 {and Black was already somewhat better in Tari,A (2654)-Anand,V (2751) Stavanger 2022}) 13. Re1 Ng6 14. Ra2 $1 {[%c_effect a2;square;a2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] A nice, semi-waiting but useful move. The rook is overprotecting the f2-pawn and is ready to join the battle along the second rank. Black is in a mini-zugzwang, longing for alternative improvement moves.} Rd8 ({The line} 14... Nh5 15. d4 Nhf4 16. Nxb6 axb6 17. g3 $1 {[%c_effect g3;square;g3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] demonstrates that the black knights are not as scary as they seem without the queen's support. White is not afraid of} Nxh3+ 18. Kg2) 15. Nxb6 {Now that the black rook has abandoned the a-file the bishop is removed.} axb6 16. a4 Qf7 ({Nothing yields} 16... Nh5 17. g3) 17. Nh2 {Why is White better $2 It is the pawn structure $1 His pawns are more elastic and he has a pleasant choice on how to modify the situation in the center and the kingside. The main drawback of the double-pawns is that they are static, they can only wait for the opponent to attack them.} Kh7 ({Perhaps Nihal needed to change the central situation himself with} 17... d5 18. Qe2 (18. Qc2 Nh4) 18... Qd7 {looking for a way to create threats on his own along the d-file and the queenside.}) 18. g3 Qd7 19. c4 $1 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Sindarov initiates a central fight.} ({Also good was} 19. b5 $5 {[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} d5 20. Rd2) 19... d5 20. Rd2 Rf7 21. Qc2 {Now White's plan is to force the central fixation. He does not mind having the black d5-pawn neither traded nor fixed on the d4-square.} c5 ({Maybe} 21... c6 22. Kg2 b5 {was a better try.}) 22. b5 {Closing the queenside. White is also moving toward a one-sided kingside play.} Qd6 23. Kg2 Rdf8 24. Qd1 Qd7 25. Rf1 {Sindarov's patient play has been exemplary. He knows that the opponent's position cannot be improved and carefully avoids any random tactics.} (25. h4 $5 {[%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] To attack the sitting duck on e5 was also great.}) 25... Rd8 26. Qe2 Ra8 27. Qd1 Rd8 28. Qc2 Qe8 29. Re2 dxe4 {At last, the center is locked $1} ({From a practical perspective, it made sense to try and sweat the opponent with} 29... Qd7 {although we saw that Sidarov was not in a rush and would have found a way to force the pawn move anyway.}) (29... d4 {was equally bad for Black.}) 30. dxe4 Rfd7 31. Re3 $1 {[%c_effect e3;square;e3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The same smothering policy.} ({Not allowing any activity with} 31. Bb2 Rd3) 31... Nh5 32. Kg1 $1 {[%c_effect g1;square;g1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} ({Not that} 32. Nf3 Nhf4+ {works for Black after} 33. gxf4 Nxf4+ 34. Kh2 Qh5 35. Ng1 {No, Black has nothing here. But why bother calculating it $2}) 32... Qf7 33. Nf3 {White's plan is clear: pressurize the e5-pawn with every piece that he has, and if needed, use the h-pawn too. If this does not work, then White can open up the kingside with f2-f4 and thus clear the bishop's road toward the g7-pawn and the black king.} Kg8 34. Kh2 ({Also good was} 34. Bb2 Qf6 35. Bc3 {when the typical exchange sacrifice} Rd4 {does not work due to} 36. Bxd4 cxd4 37. Ra3) 34... Nf6 35. Bb2 Qf8 36. Bc3 Nh7 37. Qe2 Qf6 38. Kg2 Ng5 39. Nh2 $1 {[%c_effect h2;square;h2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] No trades at all $1 Sindarov intends to push the black knights back instead with tempi.} (39. Nxg5 Qxg5 40. Kh2 Qf6 41. f4 Rd4 $1 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] only makes White's task easier.}) 39... Nf7 40. h4 Nf8 41. Ng4 Qg6 42. h5 $5 {[%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;Interesting;persistent;true] Launching the decisive kingside attack that was brewing ever since the center was locked.} (42. Nxe5 Nxe5 43. Bxe5 Rd2 44. Qf3 {was the greedy way to play it.}) 42... Qg5 ({Certainly not} 42... Qxh5 $4 {[%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;Blunder;persistent;true]} 43. Nf6+) 43. f4 Qe7 ({White gets what he wants after} 43... exf4 44. gxf4 Qe7 45. Rg3) 44. f5 ({A tad more accuare seemed} 44. Rf2 $5 {[%c_effect f2;square;f2;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} exf4 45. gxf4 {with a soon-to-be-decise attack.}) 44... Nh7 (44... exf5 45. exf5 {makes things worse for Black.}) 45. f6 Nxf6 {Now Nihal stands no chance at all.} ({He should have tried} 45... gxf6 $1 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 46. Ref3 Kg7 {with the hidden resource} 47. Nxf6 ({If} 47. Qf2 Rd3 $1 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is coming just in time.}) 47... Nxf6 48. Rxf6 Qxf6 $1 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 49. Rxf6 Kxf6 50. Qg4 Rd2+ $3 {[%c_effect d2;square;d2;type;Brilliant;persistent;true]} 51. Bxd2 Rxd2+ 52. Kg1 Ng5 $1 {[%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] when suddenly the white queen lacks entry squares and Black is doing fine.}) 46. Nxf6+ gxf6 47. Ref3 Ng5 ({This time} 47... Kg7 48. Qf2 Rd3 {does not work due to} 49. Rxf6 $1 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 48. Rxf6 Rd3 49. Qe1 Kh7 50. Bxe5 {White is up a pawn, but has a decisive attack as compensation.} Rg8 51. Qe2 Qd7 52. Qxd3 $1 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] An artistic finish of another great match of the young Uzbek team $1} (52. Qxd3 Qxd3 53. Rf7+ Nxf7 54. Rxf7+ Rg7 55. Rxg7+ Kh8 56. Rd7+) 1-0 [Event "Jerusalem"] [Site "Jerusalem"] [Date "2022.11.24"] [Round "5"] [White "Bai, Jinshi"] [Black "Shirov, Alexei"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "D11"] [WhiteElo "2498"] [BlackElo "2590"] [Annotator "chessvibes"] [PlyCount "73"] [EventDate "2022.??.??"] 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Qc2 g6 5. Bf4 Na6 6. e3 Bf5 7. Qb3 Nb4 $5 {[%c_effect b4;square;b4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] Not the first time Shirov had played this.} 8. Qxb4 e5 9. Qxb7 Rb8 10. Qxc6+ Bd7 {A don't-try-this-at-home variation, perhaps for both sides $1} 11. Qa6 $1 {[%c_effect a6;square;a6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} (11. Qxf6 Qxf6 12. Bxe5 Qb6 {Song,M (2421)-Shirov,A (2662) Chess.com 2020 and now White should play} 13. b3 Qa5+ 14. Nbd2 {even though this is answered by} Rxb3 $1 {[%c_effect b3;square;b3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] with wild complications.}) 11... exf4 12. Nc3 fxe3 13. fxe3 {Considering the speed with which Bai was playing, this was still preparation. It's only here where the players leave theory.} Bh6 $146 (13... Qe7 14. Be2 Bh6 15. O-O O-O 16. Rae1 Rxb2 17. Nd1 Bc8 18. Qa5 Rb6 {Salzmann,S (2354)-Perina,G (2320) ICCF email 2020}) 14. Qa3 $1 {[%c_effect a3;square;a3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] A fantastic pawn sacrifice. For the moment, White prevents Black from castling and protects b2.} Bxe3 (14... Qe7 {makes sense of course but} 15. Qxe7+ Kxe7 16. Nd1 {is two pawns and maybe you don't want to trade queens after a double pawn sac...}) (14... a5 $5 {[%c_effect a5;square;a5;type;Interesting;persistent;true] was perhaps the best try, intending 15...Rb4 followed by castling.}) 15. Ke2 $3 {[%c_effect e2;square;e2;type;Brilliant;persistent;true] What a move $1 White blocks his f-bishop and loses the right to castle, but more importantly, he is getting a rook to e1 as quickly as possible.} Bf4 16. Re1 Be6 17. Kd1 {Now White plans 18.c5 and Black simply doesn't have enough for the pawn, so he chooses} dxc4 18. Bxc4 {but this is good for White as well.} Qe7 19. Qxe7+ Kxe7 20. g3 Bh6 21. Re2 Rhc8 22. Bxe6 fxe6 23. Rhe1 {Simple chess.} Kf7 24. Kc2 Nd5 25. Ne5+ Kg8 26. a3 Rc7 (26... Bg7) 27. Kd3 Bf8 28. Rc1 Bg7 29. Rcc2 Rb3 30. Nc4 Rd7 31. Na5 Rb6 32. Nxd5 Rxd5 33. Rc8+ Kf7 34. Rc7+ Kf6 35. Nc6 Bh6 36. Ne5 Ra6 37. h4 {Black is getting mated. A super-impressive win by the white player.} 1-0 [Event "FIDE World Team Championship Playoffs 2"] [Site "http://www.Chess.com"] [Date "2022.11.25"] [Round "6"] [White "Sindarov, Javokhir"] [Black "Xu, Xiangyu"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "B90"] [WhiteElo "2554"] [BlackElo "2574"] [Annotator "cahan"] [PlyCount "60"] [EventDate "2022.??.??"] {[%evp 0,60,19,31,72,49,90,56,49,38,30,30,80,24,35,20,19,10,22,26,31,16,67,0,5,13,6,34,23,13,13,1,1,1,133,76,53,-13,-14,-27,-10,13,70,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0]} 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 d6 3. Nge2 Nf6 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nxd4 a6 6. Bd3 e5 7. Nde2 Be7 8. O-O O-O 9. Ng3 Be6 10. Nd5 Nxd5 11. exd5 Bxd5 12. Bxh7+ Kxh7 13. Qxd5 Nc6 ({One of the earlier games with this variation saw Black play the less accurate} 13... Qd7 $2 {[%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 14. c4 $2 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (14. f4 $1 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is unpleasant for Black}) 14... Nc6 15. Be3 f5 16. f4 e4 17. Rad1 Nb4 18. Qd2 Nd3 {and Black had a clear advantage in Buksa $146 (2410)-Zhao,E (2039) Chess.com INT 2020.}) 14. a4 ({This is the first deviation from known paths. Previously, White tried} 14. Nf5 Kg8 15. Rd1 Qc8 16. Qe4 Rd8 17. Bh6 $2 {[%c_effect h6;square;h6;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (17. Rd3 $5 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;Interesting;persistent;true] was better and quite unpleasant for Black.}) 17... gxh6 18. Qg4+ Kf8 19. Qg7+ Ke8 20. Qg8+ Bf8 21. Nxd6+ Rxd6 22. Rxd6 Ne7 23. Qh8 Ng6 24. Qg8 Ne7 25. Qh8 {and here, a draw was agreed upon, ½-½, in Huang,R (2446)-Xu,Y (2507) Fuling 2022, although Black is clearly better after} Ng6 26. Qg8 Qxc2 {when White's \"attack\" does not compensate for the sacrificed material.}) ({Another White try was} 14. f4 f5 15. Be3 g6 16. Rad1 Qe8 17. Ne2 Qf7 18. Nc3 Qxd5 19. Nxd5 {with a small but obvious positional advantage for White in Morozevich,A (2659)-Sirosh,I (2402) Puhajarve 2021.}) 14... Qc8 15. f4 Qe6 16. Qf3 f5 $1 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 17. fxe5 Nd4 $1 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} ({This is stronger than} 17... dxe5 18. Nxf5 Bc5+ 19. Kh1 Nd4 20. Qh3+ Kg8 21. Be3 {when White has the upper hand thanks to a better pawn structure.}) 18. Qh5+ Kg8 19. exd6 ({Or} 19. Bg5 g6 20. Qh6 Bxg5 21. Qxg5 dxe5 {and Black is doing fine.}) 19... Bxd6 20. Bf4 Nxc2 21. Bxd6 ({White realizes that he must be careful not to end up in trouble. However, an alternative was} 21. Rad1 Bxf4 22. Rxf4 Ne3 23. Re1 Nxg2 24. Rxe6 Nxf4 25. Qf3 Nxe6 26. Nxf5 Rae8 {which computer assesses as something close to equality, but it looks like only Black has chances to play for a win.}) 21... Qxd6 22. Nxf5 Qc5+ $1 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This move which is the best invites to the conclusion of the game that follows, and that too was best play from both sides.} 23. Kh1 Nxa1 24. Nh6+ gxh6 25. Qg6+ Kh8 26. Qxh6+ Kg8 27. Qg6+ Kh8 28. Qh6+ Kg8 29. Qg6+ Kh8 30. Qh6+ Kg8 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Team Championship Playoffs 2"] [Site "http://www.chess.com"] [Date "2022.11.25"] [Round "6"] [White "Lu, Shanglei"] [Black "Yakubboev, Nodirbek"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C45"] [WhiteElo "2627"] [BlackElo "2563"] [Annotator "cahan"] [PlyCount "120"] [EventDate "2022.??.??"] {[%evp 0,120,31,34,34,32,40,-11,16,12,34,10,33,0,0,0,0,-10,-26,-14,1,1,1,-8,-35,-35,-62,-43,-28,-84,-15,-12,16,-7,-10,1,-5,0,0,0,-2,0,0,0,5,2,3,4,6,3,0,-1,2,-5,0,0,0,0,0,0,2,0,-1,-11,0,-9,-20,-22,-15,-14,-9,-2,0,0,0,-72,-83,-10,31,-10,-7,-7,28,-10,-4,-4,-4,-4,-4,-4,-1,-1,-1,-1,-1,-1,-1,-1,-1,-1,-1,-1,-1,-1,-1,0,0,0,0,-37,-36,-36,-36,-36,-36,-36,-36,-36,-36,-36,-36,-36,0]} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nxc6 bxc6 6. e5 Qe7 7. Qe2 Nd5 8. h4 d6 9. c4 Nb6 10. exd6 cxd6 11. b3 ({This line is somewhat uncommon. The main moves are} 11. Be3) ({and} 11. Nc3 {although neither are supposed to give Black too many headaches.}) 11... d5 12. Bb2 $2 $146 {[%c_effect b2;square;b2;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} ({A novelty and possibly Lu Shanglei's home preparation. In the only previous grandmaster game, White continued} 12. cxd5 Nxd5 13. Ba3 Qxe2+ 14. Bxe2 Nb4 15. Bxb4 Bxb4+ 16. Nd2 Bf5 {when Black's bishop pair more than compensated for Black's isolated c-pawn, Maghsoodloo,P (2699)-Dubov,D (2702) Chess.com INT 2022.}) 12... dxc4 13. Nd2 Be6 $6 {[%c_effect e6;square;e6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} ({Black could play better with} 13... Qxe2+ 14. Bxe2 Bb4 {and only Black can claim an advantage.}) 14. O-O-O O-O-O ({Black follows White's example and castles to the queenside, but a better try was possibly} 14... Qc5 15. Ne4 Qa5 16. Ng5 c3 {with sharp complications where Black should not be worse, but this can be very difficult to calculate and assess accurately in a rapid game.}) 15. Qe4 Bd5 {An instant equalizer, indicating that Black is done trying to obtain an advantage.} 16. Qxe7 Bxe7 17. Nxc4 Nxc4 18. Bxc4 Bxc4 19. bxc4 Rxd1+ 20. Kxd1 Rd8+ {This endgame looks like a dullish draw but to their credit, the players carried on for a long time.} 21. Ke2 Bb4 22. Rd1 Rxd1 23. Kxd1 g6 24. Ke2 Kd7 25. Kd3 Ke6 26. Ke4 h5 27. Bd4 a6 28. g3 Bd6 29. Be3 Bc7 30. Bf4 Bb6 31. Be3 Bxe3 32. fxe3 Kd6 {The pawn endgame is still drawn and neither side made any errors in the remainder of the game either.} 33. Kd4 f6 34. a3 g5 35. e4 a5 36. a4 Kd7 37. Kd3 Ke6 38. Ke3 Ke5 39. Kd3 Ke6 40. Ke3 Ke5 41. Kd3 gxh4 42. gxh4 Kf4 43. Kd4 Kg4 44. Kc5 Kxh4 45. Kxc6 Kg5 46. Kb5 h4 47. c5 h3 48. c6 h2 49. c7 h1=Q 50. c8=Q Qxe4 51. Kxa5 f5 52. Qc5 Qe1+ 53. Kb6 Qe6+ 54. Qc6 Qxc6+ 55. Kxc6 f4 56. a5 f3 57. a6 f2 58. a7 f1=Q 59. Kb7 Qb5+ 60. Ka8 Kf6 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Team Championship Playoffs 2"] [Site "http://www.Chess.com"] [Date "2022.11.25"] [Round "6"] [White "Bai, Jinshi"] [Black "Vokhidov, Shamsiddin"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "D38"] [WhiteElo "2498"] [BlackElo "2471"] [Annotator "cahan"] [PlyCount "83"] [EventDate "2022.??.??"] {[%evp 0,83,27,28,18,29,21,-10,4,6,41,-27,-27,-13,-36,-24,-18,1,8,-48,-24,-7,-44,-11,-2,-11,-9,-7,-8,4,5,-14,0,5,0,6,23,12,43,44,35,47,40,36,33,39,69,49,56,46,56,46,48,46,46,22,62,40,55,56,41,32,13,13,40,35,40,-3,95,116,74,97,84,31,53,27,594,635,790,829,829,835,849,849,868,891]} 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. c4 e6 4. Nc3 Bb4 5. Qa4+ Nc6 6. Bd2 dxc4 7. e3 Bd7 8. Qc2 Na5 9. Ne5 c5 10. dxc5 Rc8 11. Rd1 Rxc5 12. Nxd7 Qxd7 13. a3 Bxc3 14. Bxc3 Qc7 15. Qa4+ Qc6 16. Qc2 Qc7 17. Be2 Nb3 18. O-O $5 {[%c_effect g1;square;g1;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} ({Black had won a pawn, but the bishop pair easily compensates for that minor deficit. White could recover the sacrificed pawn with} 18. Bxc4 Rxc4 19. Qxb3 a6 20. Bxf6 gxf6 21. O-O O-O {but that would likely result in a boring draw and the Chinese had come to play for a win with the White pieces.}) 18... b5 19. a4 ({White could have won the exchange after} 19. Bb4 {but} O-O 20. Bxc5 Qxc5 {leaves Black with adequate compensation; it is difficult for White to make use of his rooks.}) 19... a6 20. axb5 axb5 21. Bb4 O-O 22. Bxc5 Qxc5 {This position resembles the one discussed in the previous note. Here, White managed to exchange a pair of pawns which objectively should favor him because he has an extra open file for his rooks. But for now, the knight on b3 is taking a lot of good squares away from the White rooks. The computer engine says this is fine for Black, but I would argue that it is a little easier to play for White.} 23. Bf3 Rc8 (23... g6 $5 {[%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;Interesting;persistent;true]}) 24. h3 Qe5 25. Rd3 $1 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Qc5 26. Rdd1 ({Or} 26. Rfd1 cxd3 27. Qxb3 g6 28. Rxd3 Qc1+ 29. Rd1 Qc5 {with a likely draw.}) 26... Qe5 27. Qb1 $1 {[%c_effect b1;square;b1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The only way for White to play for an advantage.} g6 (27... h5 $5 {[%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;Interesting;persistent;true]}) 28. Qa2 Rb8 29. Qa7 Kg7 30. Bc6 {White's pieces are coming to life, posing some real problems for Balck even though the position according to our silicone friends remain in the vaunted 0.00 zone.} Rc8 31. Qb7 Rb8 32. Qa7 Rc8 33. Qb6 $1 {[%c_effect b6;square;b6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Rather than accepting the draw by repetition, White sets a clever trap.} Rb8 $2 {[%c_effect b8;square;b8;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} ({Logical, but an outright mistake. The best move was the far from obvious} 33... b4 $1 {[%c_effect b4;square;b4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] which would have kept the chances equal.}) ({Black could also have tried} 33... Qxb2 {, but after} 34. Qxb5 Qc3 35. Rd6 {White has the better chances.}) 34. f4 $1 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] BOOM $1 This was the move Black had overlooked and White had cooked up when playing Qb6 on the previous move. The point is the queen protects the e3 pawn.} Qxf4 (34... Rxb6 35. fxe5 Ng4 ({or} 35... Ng8 36. Be8 Rb7 37. Rd7 {and White wins}) 36. hxg4 Rxc6 37. Rd7 Kh6 38. Rfxf7 {and White is winning.}) 35. Qa7 Qe5 36. Rxf6 $1 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This was the deeper point behind the pawn sacrifice: when the f-file is opened Black's king becomes vulnerable.} Kxf6 37. Rf1+ Kg5 $2 {[%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} ({Or} 37... Kg7 38. Qxf7+ Kh8 39. Qe7 Rg8 40. Kh1 {and White is winning.}) 38. Rxf7 Rh8 39. Qe7+ Kh6 40. Qh4+ Qh5 41. Qf6 Rg8 42. Bf3 $1 {[%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] and Black resigned.} 1-0 [Event "Knockout | FIDE World Team Championship"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2022.11.25"] [Round "7.1"] [White "Yakubboev, Nodirbek"] [Black "Lu, Shanglei"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "A13"] [WhiteElo "2563"] [BlackElo "2627"] [Annotator "Bojkov,Dejan"] [PlyCount "162"] [EventDate "2022.11.25"] {[%evp 0,162,16,-10,0,-51,-2,-12,-5,-4,-6,-6,3,-16,21,20,20,16,16,14,29,6,21,22,-5,-19,-4,20,54,54,32,57,68,68,74,48,60,34,58,45,64,64,58,18,2,0,0,31,26,17,36,40,41,37,55,2,17,34,25,11,28,30,28,31,33,30,54,0,60,41,47,0,0,0,155,136,167,125,149,135,142,120,126,153,155,164,154,154,154,154,154,110,112,44,48,54,54,73,68,68,68,63,88,116,110,96,205,193,180,188,225,186,186,203,221,216,275,274,265,220,234,227,236,216,208,220,193,66,59,56,72,77,77,0,0,0,24,18,21,26,24,24,24,24,23,24,24,24,24,24,24,24,48,24,29,24,24,24,28,25,41,14,14,13,12]} 1. c4 Nf6 2. g3 e6 3. Bg2 d5 4. Nf3 d4 5. d3 Nc6 6. O-O Be7 {The most popular continuation, although 6...Bc5 gains popularity lately.} ({Here is one recent example:} 6... Bc5 7. Nbd2 Be7 8. Nb3 O-O 9. e3 dxe3 10. Bxe3 Ng4 11. Bc5 Bxc5 12. Nxc5 b6 13. Nb3 Bb7 14. h3 Nf6 15. d4 {with somewhat more pleasant position for White in Gelfand,B (2668)-Keymer,V (2693) chess24.com INT 2022}) 7. e3 e5 8. exd4 exd4 {That's not exactly a reversed Benoni, but rather a reversed Pirc, with a couple of extra tempi for White. Stil, the ideas are similar to the Benoni and the battle around the d4-pawn would be crucial for the opening outcome.} 9. Na3 O-O 10. Nc2 h6 {Lu is opening a square for his light-squared bishop. [#]} 11. Rb1 $146 ({In the predecessor Black managed to demonstrate one of the key points behind his setup:} 11. Re1 Re8 12. a3 a5 13. b3 Bg4 14. Bb2 Nd7 15. h3 Bh5 {Now it seems as White is winning a pawn, but after} 16. g4 Bg6 17. Ncxd4 Nxd4 18. Bxd4 {Black had} Nc5 19. Re3 Nxd3 $1 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] and Black was already better in Bocharov,D (2611)-Iljin,T (2279) Sochi 2016}) 11... a5 12. b3 Bf5 {Black is following the same policy from the game from above.} ({Lu is correctly refraining from} 12... Bc5 13. a3) ({It's curious that the machine claims enough play for Black in the line} 12... Bb4 13. Bb2 Bc3 14. Bxc3 dxc3 15. d4 {Now the c3-pawn should be doomed, but the Stock say Black is doing OK after} Bg4 ({Or} 15... Bf5)) 13. a3 Bh7 14. b4 axb4 15. axb4 {Now the d4-pawn is in real danger and Black has to be extremely resourceful.} Nd7 16. Re1 {An accurate move by Yakubboev.} ({Not yet} 16. b5 Nce5) 16... Bf6 17. b5 Na5 ({Now} 17... Nce5 {can me met with} 18. Nxe5 Nxe5 19. Nb4 $1 {[%c_effect b4;square;b4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] when the vital d3-point is covered, and Black is forced into passive defense.}) 18. Bf4 ({And again, any capture on d4- does not work after} 18. Nfxd4 $2 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} Nc5 $1 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 18... g5 {An aggressive move but likely born out of necessity.} ({The natural moves} 18... Nc5 {does not work in return due to the familiar} 19. Nb4) ({Or} 18... Re8 {fails for obvious reason} 19. Rxe8+ Qxe8 20. Bxc7) 19. Be5 {White decided to build his play against the excluded Na5.} ({But also interesting was the play for the attack with} 19. Bc1 $5 {[%c_effect c1;square;c1;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} Re8 20. Rxe8+ Qxe8 21. h4) 19... Nxe5 20. Nxe5 Re8 21. Nf3 Qd6 ({Perhaps} 21... c5 $5 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;Interesting;persistent;true] was a better try. The knight can later try to enter the game via the b7-d6 route.}) 22. Rxe8+ Rxe8 23. Nb4 Bg7 24. Nd2 $1 {[%c_effect d2;square;d2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] A nice regrouping $1 Yakubboev is in full control of the situation.} b6 25. Bd5 {Trapping the knight.} Bg6 26. Ne4 Qe5 27. h4 {And then shifting for a kingside attack. Black's reaction seems as the only reasonable one.} (27. Qg4 $5 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;Interesting;persistent;true]}) 27... gxh4 28. Qg4 Qh5 ({Or else Black will still have to try and swap the queens off, but under far less favorable circumstances} 28... Kh7 29. Qxh4) 29. Qxh5 Bxh5 30. gxh4 {Black managed to repel the attack, but the trade of the queens exposed his missing knight even further.} Kf8 31. c5 $1 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] An excellent idea $1 Not only is the black knight out of the game, the whole black queenside is in danger.} Bg6 ({No, the knight won't fall after} 31... bxc5 32. Nxc5 Re2 33. Ra1 ({But the c7-pawn will fall after} 33. Nba6 $1 {[%c_effect a6;square;a6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] and Black loses.}) 33... Rb2 34. Rxa5 Rxb4) 32. f4 {A move which worked perfectly well.} ({Objectively better was} 32. cxb6 cxb6 33. f4 f5 34. Ng3 {preserving his advantage.}) 32... f5 {But only because Black missed his chance.} ({Lu should have taken the pawn with} 32... Bxe4 $1 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] when after} 33. Bxe4 bxc5 34. Nd5 c4 35. Nxc7 Rxe4 $3 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;Brilliant;persistent;true]} 36. dxe4 c3 37. Nd5 d3 38. Nxc3 Bxc3 39. b6 Nb7 40. Kf2 {the most likely outcome would have been a draw.}) 33. Ng3 ({Even} 33. Nd6 $5 {[%c_effect d6;square;d6;type;Interesting;persistent;true] is possible thanks to the power-pawns} cxd6 34. cxb6) 33... h5 34. Na6 Re7 {Yakubboev managed to completely outplay his opponent. That is the first moment in which White missed a clear win.} 35. Kf2 ({The brilliant} 35. Nxc7 $3 {[%c_effect c7;square;c7;type;Brilliant;persistent;true]} Rxc7 36. cxb6 Rd7 37. Ra1 {would have highlighted both the weakness of the black knight and the power of the white pawns in the line} Rxd5 38. Rxa5 Rd7 39. Ra8+ Be8 40. Nxf5 {when Black is helpless.}) ({There was an alternative way to reach this line with} 35. Ra1 $1 {[%c_effect a1;square;a1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 35... Bf6 36. Rh1 Ke8 ({More stubborn was} 36... Re3 37. Nxc7 bxc5) 37. Bf3 $1 {[%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Winning the key pawn.} ({There was also the curious knight inclusion with} 37. c6 Kd8 38. Nb8 $1 {[%c_effect b8;square;b8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] an idea that we shall see again later.}) 37... Kd7 38. Bxh5 Bh7 39. c6+ Kd6 40. Bd1 $1 {[%c_effect d1;square;d1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Yakubboev does not forget about the enemy knight. Despite the low-time control White's play is model so far.} Re3 41. Bc2 Bg7 42. h5 {Everything is under control, it is time to advance the passer.} Bh6 43. Ne2 Re8 44. Rh4 {Releasing the knight.} ({Although even better was} 44. Rg1 $1 {[%c_effect g1;square;g1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Which also threatens the pawn and} Rf8 ({if Black defends the seventh rank} 44... Re7 {then we have the familiar resource} 45. Nb8 $3 {[%c_effect b8;square;b8;type;Brilliant;persistent;true]}) 45. Nxd4 Bxf4 {loses to} 46. Rg7 $1 {[%c_effect g7;square;g7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 44... Bg7 45. h6 Bf6 46. Rh5 {The time factor starts to tell and Yakubboev loses control of the situation.} ({The rook belonged to the first rank} 46. Rh1 $1 {[%c_effect h1;square;h1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] would have been best in order to meet} Ra8 {with} 47. Nb4 Kc5 48. Rb1 $1 {[%c_effect b1;square;b1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 46... Nxc6 $3 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;Brilliant;persistent;true] Lu grabs his chance $1} 47. bxc6 Ra8 {Both the bad knights disappear from the board.} 48. Nxc7 Kxc7 49. Bb3 Kxc6 50. Ng3 Ra5 {Instinctively defending the pawn.} ({Which was not necessary} 50... Kd7 51. Nxf5 $2 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} Bg6) 51. Be6 {Now Black's situation is again critical.} Bg6 52. Rh1 Kd6 53. Bg8 Bh8 54. h7 {White's play remains practical, and extremely logical.} ({There was an alternative way to infiltrate into the opponent's camp with a study-like maneuver} 54. Rb1 $1 {[%c_effect b1;square;b1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Kc7 55. Re1 $1 {[%c_effect e1;square;e1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Kd7 56. Be6+ Kc7 57. Bf7 $3 {[%c_effect f7;square;f7;type;Brilliant;persistent;true]}) 54... Ke7 55. Rh6 Be8 56. Rxb6 Bd7 57. Rb7 Kd6 58. Rb8 ({Speakign of study-like wins, how about a'la Ivanchuk with} 58. Bd5 $3 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;Brilliant;persistent;true]} Rxd5 59. Rb8 Bf6 60. Nh5 {and White wins $1}) 58... Rb5 $1 {[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The only chance.} 59. Ra8 $1 {[%c_effect a8;square;a8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Rejected $1 The rook is too powerful anti-blocker to be traded.} ({Not} 59. Rxb5 Bxb5 60. Nxf5+ Kc7 {when Black might hold.}) 59... Bc6 60. Rf8 Rb2+ 61. Ne2 Ke7 62. Rf7+ Ke8 63. Rxf5 {Nooo $1 This move throws away the deserved win.} ({Which would have been achieved after} 63. Rc7 Bd7 64. Ra7 Rb8 65. Bc4 {and since Black is paralyzed, everything wins. Like a knight maneuver all the way to g5-square.}) 63... Bb5 $1 {[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] O, horror $1 The pawn cannot be defended.} 64. Bf7+ Ke7 65. Bg6 $1 {[%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The last witty try, but insufficient.} Bxd3 66. Rf7+ ({Alas} 66. Re5+ {does not win due to the nice line} Bxe5 67. fxe5 Rxe2+ 68. Kg3 Rxe5 69. h8=Q Rg5+ 70. Kf4 Rxg6 {with a draw.}) 66... Ke6 67. f5+ Bxf5 $1 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Lu suffered the half-pawn with amazing fighting spirit.} 68. Rxf5 d3 69. Rf8 Bd4+ 70. Kf3 dxe2 {And a few moves later and a pair of rooks outside the board, a draw was agreed after} 71. Re8+ Kd7 72. Re4 Bc3 73. Bf5+ Kd6 74. Re6+ Kd5 75. Re8 Kc4 76. Rc8+ Kb4 77. Rb8+ ({No time for} 77. Rxc3 e1=Q $1 {[%c_effect e1;square;e1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 77... Kc4 78. Rc8+ Kb4 79. Re8 Kc4 80. Rxe2 Rxe2 81. Kxe2 Bh8 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Team Championship Playoffs 2"] [Site "http://www.Chess.com"] [Date "2022.11.25"] [Round "7"] [White "Xu, Xiangyu"] [Black "Sindarov, Javokhir"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "A45"] [WhiteElo "2574"] [BlackElo "2554"] [Annotator "cahan"] [PlyCount "100"] [EventDate "2022.??.??"] {[%evp 0,100,21,21,21,-10,2,1,7,-38,5,-12,7,1,-12,-15,-6,0,17,10,29,21,31,24,35,37,22,16,25,51,67,41,72,60,76,50,53,28,27,16,16,13,11,0,26,12,17,14,18,9,-4,-7,67,48,101,109,82,78,78,77,78,90,73,95,88,76,61,17,39,48,25,50,39,27,39,39,27,6,88,101,114,119,140,98,111,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0]} 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5 c5 3. Bxf6 gxf6 4. d5 f5 5. c3 d6 6. Nd2 Nd7 7. e4 Nf6 8. Ngf3 fxe4 9. Nxe4 Nxe4 10. Qa4+ Bd7 11. Qxe4 Qb6 12. O-O-O Bh6+ 13. Kb1 Bg7 14. Nd2 Qc7 15. Be2 f5 16. Bh5+ Kd8 17. Qe3 Bf6 18. Bf7 b5 19. Be6 Bxe6 20. Qxe6 Qd7 21. f4 Kc7 22. Nf1 b4 23. Qxd7+ Kxd7 24. Kc2 a5 $6 {[%c_effect a5;square;a5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} ({Black is playing a little too sloppily in the endgame, perhaps underestimating White's potential. A better try was} 24... Rhb8 {, for instance,} 25. Ne3 Rb7 26. Nxf5 bxc3 27. bxc3 Rab8 {and Black has sufficient counterplay to keep the balance.}) 25. a4 c4 26. Ne3 {Now, White has a small but clear advantage.} Rhg8 27. g3 Rab8 28. Nxc4 bxc3 29. b3 h5 30. Nxa5 h4 $6 {[%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} ({Black should have played} 30... Rb4 31. Nc4 h4 32. Rhg1 Kc7 {with excellent chances of holding the draw.}) 31. Rhg1 hxg3 32. hxg3 Rg4 $2 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (32... Rb4 33. Nc4 Kc7 {was again the correct defensive set-up, making it difficult for White to make progress.}) 33. Nc4 $2 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (33. Nc6 $1 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] makes so much more sense, supporting the pawns all way down to a7.}) 33... Rbg8 $2 {[%c_effect g8;square;g8;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (33... Rh8 $1 {[%c_effect h8;square;h8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 34. b4 Rxg3 35. Rxg3 Rxg3 36. a5 {White is winning if he manages to advance the pawns properly.} Rg2+ 37. Kb3 Rg3 38. Rc1 $1 {[%c_effect c1;square;c1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] So that ...c2+ can be answered with Kxc2 and keeping the knight protected on c4.} Kc7 39. a6 $6 {[%c_effect a6;square;a6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (39. b5 $1 {[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is an easier win.}) 39... Bd4 40. Na5 $2 {[%c_effect a5;square;a5;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} ({The beginning of the wrong plan. Both} 40. Rc2) ({and} 40. Kc2 Rg2+ 41. Kd3 {would win easily for White.}) 40... Kb6 41. Nc6 $4 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;Blunder;persistent;true]} ({White would have won after} 41. a7 $1 {[%c_effect a7;square;a7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rg8 42. Re1 Bf6 43. Nc6 {and Black can soon resign.}) 41... c2+ $1 {[%c_effect c2;square;c2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Now Black survives.} 42. Kc4 ({Or} 42. Kxc2 Rc3+ 43. Kd2 Rxc1 44. Kxc1 Be3+ 45. Kc2 Kxa6 {and Black should not lose.}) 42... Bf6 43. Rxc2 Kxa6 44. Ra2+ Kb6 45. b5 Rf3 46. Ra6+ Kc7 47. Ra7+ Kb6 48. Ra6+ Kc7 49. Ra7+ Kb6 50. Ra6+ Kc7 {and draw by repetition. A devastating miss by the Chinese player.} 1/2-1/2

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