[Event "FIDE Women's Grand Prix | Second Leg 202"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.02.02"]
[Round "1"]
[White "Abdumalik, Zhansaya"]
[Black "Dzagnidze, Nana"]
[Result "0-1"]
[ECO "B96"]
[WhiteElo "2496"]
[BlackElo "2517"]
[Annotator "Rafael"]
[PlyCount "78"]
[EventDate "2023.??.??"]
[TimeControl "5400+30"]
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 {Once 6.Bg5 had the
undisputed status of being the main line against the Najdorf Variation. This
predilection is now shared with the English Attack, starting with 6.Be3. But
the old move remains one of the most dangerous weapons at White's disposal. If
you're going to play the Najdorf as Black, it's good to start your studies
here: in these lines, one careless move is fatal.} e6 (6... Nbd7 {is a modern
move with a lot of theory.}) 7. f4 h6 8. Bh4 (8. Bxf6 {is also possible, when
White trades the important bishop for a development advantage. A recent game
continued:} Qxf6 9. Qd2 Bd7 10. O-O-O Nc6 11. Nxc6 Bxc6 12. Bc4 {with
complicated play in Asadli-Durarbayli, Baku 2023.}) 8... Nbd7 (8... Qb6 {
is also an important move and has been played many times by Najdorf's greatest
contemporary specialist, GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave.}) 9. Qf3 (9. Qe2 $1 {
[%c_effect e2;square;e2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The modern way of
playing this variation involves developing the queen on e2 as opposed to the
classic development on f3.} e5 10. fxe5 (10. O-O-O {is a thematic and
dangerous move for Black, who needs to play with precision.} exd4 11. e5 dxe5
12. fxe5 Be7 13. exf6 Nxf6 14. Bxf6 gxf6 15. Qe4 f5 16. Qe5 O-O 17. Nd5 Bg5+
18. Kb1 Re8 19. Qxd4 Re4 $1 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;GreatFind;persistent;
true]} 20. Qf2 Be6 21. c4 Re5 {and Black successfully defended this position
in a couple of correspondence games.}) 10... dxe5 (10... Nxe5 {is also
possible.}) 11. Nf5 Nb6 12. Qf3 Bxf5 13. Qxf5 Be7 {This was played in
Anand-Nepomniachtchi, Tata Steel 2019. The game later ended in a draw.}) 9...
e5 $1 {[%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] In the early
days of the Najdorf, such a move would have been unthinkable—moving a pawn
again instead of developing the bishop on f8, inviting the white knight to
jump to the dangerous square on f5. But computers have shown that in chess,
almost anything is possible.} 10. fxe5 $6 {[%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;
Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (10. Nf5 {is the critical move to test Black's
system.} exf4 11. Bxf6 (11. O-O-O $2 {[%c_effect c1;square;c1;type;Mistake;
persistent;true]} g5 $1 {[%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;GreatFind;persistent;
true]} 12. Bf2 Ne5 {with an advantage for Black.}) 11... Nxf6 12. O-O-O Bxf5
13. exf5 Be7 {White should fight for an advantage in this position as the game
continuation is just good for Black.}) 10... Nxe5 11. Qe2 Be7 12. O-O-O Bg4 $1
{[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Taking the
opportunity to gain time in development. It's already clear that something
went wrong for White in the opening.} 13. Nf3 Rc8 14. h3 (14. Qe3 Bxf3 15. gxf3
Nfg4 $1 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 16. fxg4 (16.
Bxe7 $2 {[%c_effect e7;square;e7;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} Nxe3 17. Bxd8
Nxd1 {wins the exchange.}) 16... Bxh4 {with a stable advantage for Black.}) (
14. Be1 {avoids the exchange sacrifice on c3, but it's just too slow and too
ugly of a move.}) (14. Bxf6 Bxf6 15. Nd5 O-O {is also better for Black.}) 14...
Bxf3 15. gxf3 Rxc3 $1 {[%c_effect c3;square;c3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]
A typical exchange sacrifice in the Sicilian Defense. This is one of those
rare sacrifices that you can play without thinking.} 16. bxc3 Qa5 (16... O-O {
As I like to say: when in doubt, just castle. The computer also likes this
principle.}) 17. Qe3 (17. f4 $2 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;Mistake;
persistent;true] leads to a draw by perpetual check after:} Qxc3 $2 {
[%c_effect c3;square;c3;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (17... Ng6 $1 {
[%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is better, with a
clear advantage.}) 18. Be1 Qa1+ 19. Kd2 Qd4+ {Luther-Delgado Ramirez, Havana
2004.}) (17. Kb1 $1 {[%c_effect b1;square;b1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]
Another principle I'm a fan of: After castling long, when in doubt, play Kb1.
I must admit that I didn't expect that principle to work here, but who am I to
disagree with the machine $2} Qxc3 (17... O-O $5 {[%c_effect g8;square;g8;type;
Interesting;persistent;true]}) 18. Be1 Qxf3 19. Qxf3 Nxf3 20. Bb4 Kd7 21. Be2
Ne5 22. Bc3 {White's idea is to fight for equality in this endgame, a task
that will prove to be successful.}) 17... Qxa2 {Only now are we in uncharted
territory.} (17... Ng6 $1 {[%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;GreatFind;persistent;
true]} 18. Bf2 $2 {[%c_effect f2;square;f2;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (18.
Be1 Qxa2 {is also advantageous for Black.}) (18. e5 {is the machine's attempt
to complicate the game, but Black is better after capturing on e5, with either
the knight or the pawn.}) 18... Ng4 $1 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;
persistent;true]} 19. hxg4 Bg5 {Black won a few moves later in Salina
Herrera-Delgado Ramirez, Paraguay 2012.}) 18. Rg1 (18. f4 $1 {[%c_effect f4;
square;f4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] White needed to take the opportunity
to look for some kind of complication.} Ng6 19. Bxf6 $1 {[%c_effect f6;square;
f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Bxf6 20. e5 $1 {[%c_effect e5;square;e5;
type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The computer indicates equality after this
move. The lines are complicated, but the spirit is easy to understand: change
the character of the game and try to attack too.} dxe5 21. Qc5 $1 {[%c_effect
c5;square;c5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Qa1+ (21... Ne7 22. Qb4 $1 {
[%c_effect b4;square;b4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Preparing Bc4.} Nd5 23.
Qc5) 22. Kd2 Qa4 23. Kc1 {It's not clear whether Black has more than a
perpetual check.}) 18... O-O $1 {[%c_effect g8;square;g8;type;GreatFind;
persistent;true] Now the position is a nightmare for White, who is attacked
without mercy.} 19. Rd4 (19. Qxh6 {loses to} Qa1+ 20. Kd2 Nxf3+) 19... Rc8 20.
Kd2 Qa3 (20... Nfg4 $1 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]
} 21. hxg4 Bxh4 {with a decisive advantage, for instance:} 22. f4 Qa3 $1 {
[%c_effect a3;square;a3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The knight is immune
and 23...Rxc3 24.Qxc3 Be1+ is threatened.}) 21. Be2 b5 (21... Nfg4 $1 {
[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is again very good.}
22. hxg4 Bxh4) 22. f4 Ng6 23. Bg3 $2 {[%c_effect g3;square;g3;type;Mistake;
persistent;true]} (23. Bf2 {is a better try since Black cannot play in the
same way as in the game.} d5 $6 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;Inaccuracy;
persistent;true]} (23... Bd8 $1 {[%c_effect d8;square;d8;type;GreatFind;
persistent;true] is better.}) 24. exd5 Bc5 25. Rxg6 $1 {[%c_effect g6;square;
g6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Bxd4 26. Rxg7+ $1 {[%c_effect g7;square;g7;
type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Kxg7 27. Qxd4 {Now White is the one playing
an exchange down, but the position has improved considerably.}) 23... d5 $1 {
[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Bringing the bishop to
the attack.} 24. exd5 Bc5 25. Bf3 b4 $1 {[%c_effect b4;square;b4;type;
GreatFind;persistent;true] White's position collapses, but the adventures are
far from over.} 26. Bf2 (26. cxb4 Bxb4+ 27. Rxb4 Qxb4+ 28. Kd1 Rc3 {wins
easily.}) 26... Bxd4 27. Qxd4 Rxc3 (27... bxc3+ 28. Ke2 Qa2 {This is also
winning.}) 28. Be4 Nxe4+ $6 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;Inaccuracy;
persistent;true] An inaccurate move.} (28... Qa5 {wins easily. If White
captures on g6, the attack on the c2-pawn is decisive.} 29. Bxg6 fxg6 30. Rxg6
Qa2) 29. Qxe4 Rf3 30. Be3 $2 {[%c_effect e3;square;e3;type;Mistake;persistent;
true]} (30. Bd4 $1 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}
Rxf4 31. Qe3 {With good chances of defending as the d-pawn advance is
unpleasant for Black.}) 30... Qc3+ 31. Ke2 Rxh3 {Now Black is winning again.}
32. d6 Rh2+ 33. Kf3 Nh4+ $2 {[%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;Mistake;persistent;
true] A blunder.} (33... Qc8 $1 {[%c_effect c8;square;c8;type;GreatFind;
persistent;true] Defends against the d-pawn advance and brings the queen to
the attack at the same time.} 34. f5 Rh3+ 35. Ke2 Rh4 $1 {[%c_effect h4;square;
h4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 36. Qd3 Ne5 {With an easy win.}) 34. Kg3
Re2 35. Kxh4 $2 {[%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;Mistake;persistent;true] The
final mistake. White has a surprising draw after} (35. Qe8+ $1 {[%c_effect e8;
square;e8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Kh7 36. Kxh4 Rxe3 37. Qxf7 Rh3+ 38.
Kg4 {I suspect Abdumalik thought she would be mated here, but the attack is
not as dangerous as it seems.} Rh2 (38... Qf3+ $2 {[%c_effect f3;square;f3;
type;Mistake;persistent;true] This move even loses:} 39. Kf5 Rh5+ 40. Ke6 Qd5+
41. Ke7 {and the brave king has escaped.}) 39. Qf5+ Kh8 40. Qf8+ {with a draw.}
) 35... Rxe3 36. Qf5 Re2 37. Kg4 g6 38. Qd5 Rd2 (38... h5+ 39. Kg5 Kg7 {
also wins.}) 39. Qe5 f5+ 0-1
[Event "Chess.com"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.01.30"]
[Round "1"]
[White "Kosteniuk, Alexandra"]
[Black "Kashlinskaya, Alina"]
[Result "1-0"]
[WhiteElo "2519"]
[BlackElo "2491"]
[PlyCount "65"]
[EventDate "2023.??.??"]
[TimeControl "5400+30"]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d4 d5 6. Bd3 Nc6 7. Nbd2 Nxd2 8.
Bxd2 Bg4 9. O-O Be7 10. c3 O-O 11. h3 Bh5 12. g3 Qd7 13. Kg2 Bg6 14. Bxg6 fxg6
15. Qe2 Rae8 16. Qd3 Bd6 17. Rae1 Ne7 18. Re2 h6 19. Rfe1 g5 {Ambitious but
also weakening of the light squares around Black's kingside.} 20. c4 $1 {
[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Kosteniuk seeks to
open more diagonals on the light squares.} dxc4 21. Qxc4+ Kh8 22. Re6 Nc8 23.
d5 {White takes the opportunity to anchor her rook on the far-reaching
e6-outpost.} Nb6 24. Qg4 ({Even better is} 24. Qe4 $1 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;
type;GreatFind;persistent;true] which takes over the e-file or forces the
creation of further weaknesses in Black's position:} Rxe6 (24... Rd8 $4 {
[%c_effect d8;square;d8;type;Blunder;persistent;true]} 25. Rxh6+ gxh6 26. Bc3+
Kg8 27. Qg6+) 25. dxe6 Qc6 (25... Qe7 $2 {[%c_effect e7;square;e7;type;Mistake;
persistent;true]} 26. Qxb7) (25... Qc8 $4 {[%c_effect c8;square;c8;type;
Blunder;persistent;true]} 26. Bc3 Qe8 27. e7 Rf7 28. Qg6 Kg8 29. Nd4 Nd5 30.
Nf5 $18) 26. Qxc6 bxc6 {To save the pawn, Black has accepted another pair of
doubled pawns and isolated ones no less.} 27. Ne5 Bxe5 (27... Kg8 28. Nxc6) 28.
Rxe5 Re8 29. Bc3 Nd5 30. Bd4 a5 31. Kf3 $16) 24... Qf7 25. Qe4 Rd8 26. Bc3 (26.
Rxh6+ $4 {[%c_effect h6;square;h6;type;Blunder;persistent;true] no longer works
} gxh6 27. Bc3+ Kg8 {and Qg6+ is prevented by Black's queen on f7.}) 26... Kg8
27. Rg6 Rfe8 28. Re6 (28. Qc2 {is a more effective way to continue White's
attack:} Bf8 29. Ree6 $5 {[%c_effect e6;square;e6;type;Interesting;persistent;
true]} Nxd5 30. Rxh6 gxh6 31. Rg6+) 28... Rf8 29. h4 g4 (29... gxh4 30. Rh1 (
30. Nxh4 $4 {[%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;Blunder;persistent;true]} Qxf2+) (30.
gxh4 Qf5) 30... Qf5) 30. Qxg4 Nxd5 31. Bd4 Ne7 $4 {[%c_effect e7;square;e7;
type;Blunder;persistent;true]} ({Better is} 31... c5 32. Bc3 b5 33. Ba5 Rd7)
32. Rf6 $1 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Qe8 33.
Rxd6 1-0
[Event "Chess.com"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.01.30"]
[Round "1"]
[White "Tan, Zhongyi"]
[Black "Zhu, Jiner"]
[Result "1-0"]
[WhiteElo "2530"]
[BlackElo "2486"]
[PlyCount "75"]
[EventDate "2023.??.??"]
[TimeControl "5400+30"]
1. c4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e3 Bb4 5. Qc2 O-O 6. Nd5 Re8 7. Qf5 {
Spending a couple tempi with the queen in the opening to damage Black's
kingside.} d6 8. Nxf6+ gxf6 9. Qc2 e4 10. Nh4 d5 11. a3 Bf8 12. cxd5 Qxd5 {
Black's control of the center and more active pieces compensate for her open
kingside.} 13. d4 exd3 $6 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;
true] As the center opens up, it becomes easier for White to aim pieces
towards the black king.} ({Better is} 13... Na5 {, aiming at the b3-hole on
the white queenside.}) 14. Bxd3 Qh5 15. Nf3 Bg4 16. Be2 Rad8 17. Bd2 Ne5 18.
O-O-O Nxf3 {It's hard to believe that opening the g-file is really worth it
for Black as it opens a direct line of fire towards her king.} 19. gxf3 Bxf3
20. Rhg1+ Kh8 21. Bc3 Be7 22. Bxf3 Qxf3 23. Qa4 c6 24. Qb3 Rd5 $2 {[%c_effect
d5;square;d5;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} ({Better is} 24... Rxd1+ 25. Rxd1
Qxf2 26. Qxf7 Qxe3+ 27. Kb1 Qe4+ 28. Ka1 Qg6) 25. Qxb7 Qxf2 26. Qxc6 Red8 27.
Rdf1 Qxe3+ 28. Kb1 R5d6 29. Qg2 {The white queen jumps at the chance to create
mating threats down the open g-file.} Qh6 30. Ka2 Re6 31. Rf5 Re3 32. Rh5 {
The other white rook joins the party. The life of the black king rests in the
hands of the overworking black queen.} Qf8 33. Bd2 Rxd2 ({There is no good
escape for the e3-rook:} 33... Re5 34. Rxh7+ Kxh7 35. Qh3+) ({Or} 33... Red3
34. Rxh7+ Kxh7 35. Qe4+ f5 36. Qxf5+ Kh8 37. Qh5+) 34. Qxd2 Re5 35. Rh3 Rg5 36.
Qc2 Qg8 37. Re1 Bd6 38. Re8 {Finally the black queen can save the king no more.
} 1-0
[Event "Munich"]
[Site "Munich"]
[Date "2023.02.01"]
[Round "1.6"]
[White "Abdumalik, Zhansaya"]
[Black "Dzagnidze, Nana"]
[Result "0-1"]
[WhiteElo "2496"]
[BlackElo "2517"]
[Annotator "Schulz,A"]
[PlyCount "76"]
[EventDate "2023.??.??"]
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 {Once the main move
against the Najdorf variation.} e6 7. f4 h6 ({Leading to the famous poisoned
pawn variation is} 7... Qb6) (7... Nbd7 8. Qf3 h6 9. Bh4 e5 {is a different
move order.}) 8. Bh4 (8. Bxf6 Qxf6 {with good stats for Black.}) 8... Nbd7 9.
Qf3 e5 10. fxe5 $6 ({More frequently we see} 10. Nf5) 10... Nxe5 11. Qe2 Be7 {
White has not done well in this variation so far.} 12. O-O-O Bg4 13. Nf3 Rc8
14. h3 Bxf3 15. gxf3 Rxc3 {[#] The famous Sicilian exchange sacrifice on c3.
Black already has enough compensation with the splitting of the pawns in front
of the white king.} 16. bxc3 Qa5 17. Qe3 ({White can suffer greatly after:} 17.
Kb2 $2 d5 18. Bxf6 Qa3+ 19. Kb1 Nc4 $19) 17... Qxa2 18. Rg1 $6 ({With} 18. f4
Ng6 19. Bxf6 Bxf6 20. e5 dxe5 21. Qc5 {White can hold things together.}) 18...
O-O 19. Rd4 Rc8 20. Kd2 Qa3 (20... Nfg4 $5 21. fxg4 Bxh4 $19) 21. Be2 b5 22. f4
Ng6 23. Bg3 $2 ({Better was} 23. Rxg6 fxg6 24. e5 dxe5 25. fxe5 Nd5 26. Bxe7
Nxe7 27. Bg4 Nf5 28. Bxf5 gxf5 29. e6 {and the game is not over yet.}) 23... d5
{After opening the position in the centre, White is dismantled.} 24. exd5 Bc5
25. Bf3 b4 26. Bf2 Bxd4 27. Qxd4 Rxc3 ({Even stronger was} 27... bxc3+ 28. Ke2
Qb2 29. Qa4 Rb8 30. Z0 Rb4 $19) 28. Be4 Nxe4+ 29. Qxe4 Rf3 30. Be3 ({More
resistance would have offered} 30. Qe8+ $5 Kh7 31. Bd4 Rxf4 32. Qe3 Qxe3+ 33.
Kxe3 Rh4) 30... Qc3+ 31. Ke2 Rxh3 32. d6 Rh2+ 33. Kf3 {[#]} Nh4+ $2 {This move
actually gives White a chance to save the draw.} (33... Nf8 $19) 34. Kg3 Re2
35. Kxh4 $2 {White returns the gift.} ({White had to start with} 35. Qe8+ {
forcing a draw:} Kh7 36. Kxh4 Rxe3 37. Qxf7 {with counterplay against g7 and
with the passed pawn. White can force a repetition of the position.} Rh3+ 38.
Kg4 h5+ 39. Kg5 Qe3 40. Rg2 Qf3 41. Rg1 Qe3) 35... Rxe3 36. Qf5 Re2 37. Kg4 g6
38. Qd5 Rd2 0-1
[Event "FIDE Women's Grand Prix | Second Leg 202"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.02.03"]
[Round "2"]
[White "Paehtz, Elisabeth"]
[Black "Kosteniuk, Alexandra"]
[Result "0-1"]
[WhiteElo "2464"]
[BlackElo "2519"]
[PlyCount "46"]
[EventDate "2023.??.??"]
[TimeControl "5400+30"]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 $5 {[%c_effect b4;square;b4;type;
Interesting;persistent;true] It's always a thrill when an opening from the
Romantic days of all-or-nothing king attack chess makes an appearance in
modern events.} Bxb4 5. c3 Ba5 6. d4 d6 7. Qb3 Qd7 8. O-O Bb6 9. Nbd2 Na5 10.
Qc2 Nxc4 11. Nxc4 Qc6 12. Nxb6 axb6 13. dxe5 dxe5 14. Nxe5 Qa4 15. Qd3 Ne7 16.
Qg3 O-O 17. Re1 c5 {The players were following a trodden path until this new
move, which Kosteniuk played to safeguard the c-pawn, although she felt that
it was shaky due to the weakening of the d5-square.} 18. h4 $5 {[%c_effect h4;
square;h4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] White has obtained a comfortable
position with prospects for a king attack.} Ng6 19. Nf3 $6 {[%c_effect f3;
square;f3;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} ({Better is} 19. Nd3 {as Kosteniuk
noted in her interview and if} c4 20. Nb4 {with h4-h5 coming.}) 19... h5 20.
Ne5 $6 {[%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} Nxe5 21. Qxe5
Re8 {The extra tempi has given Black the chance to activate her rook.} 22. Qxh5
Rxe4 23. Bf4 $4 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;Blunder;persistent;true] Paehtz
perhaps overlooked that the e4-rook is not actually pinned to the back rank
because the queen guards the e8-square.} Rxf4 (23... Rxf4 24. Re8+ Qxe8) 0-1
[Event "Chess.com"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.02.03"]
[Round "2"]
[White "Zhu, Jiner"]
[Black "Harika, Dronavalli"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[WhiteElo "2486"]
[BlackElo "2507"]
[PlyCount "100"]
[EventDate "2023.??.??"]
[TimeControl "5400+30"]
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 Bb7 12. Be3 Nxe4 13. d5 {Launching a desperado
tactic that gives up a rook and three pawns for a knight and bishop but gains
compensation in White's advanced passed pawn on b7 and greater activity.} Bxe3
14. dxc6 Nxf2 15. Qe2 Nxh3+ 16. Kh1 Nf2+ 17. Rxf2 Bxf2 18. cxb7 Ba7 19. Bd5 Qd7
20. Nd4 Qe7 21. Bc6+ Kf8 22. Nf3 d5 23. Qxe5 Qxe5 24. Nxe5 Ke7 25. Bxb5 axb5
26. a6 Kd6 27. Nxf7+ Kc6 28. Nxh8 Rxh8 29. Nd2 Re8 30. b4 Re6 31. Kh2 Rh6+ 32.
Kg3 Rg6+ 33. Kh3 Rh6+ 34. Kg4 Rg6+ 35. Kf5 Rxg2 36. Nb3 Rf2+ 37. Ke6 Re2+ 38.
Kf7 Re3 39. Ra5 {The rook ends up ineffective on this square due to Kb6 and c6,
safeguarding the b5-pawn.} ({Better is} 39. Nc5 g6 40. Rf1 Kb6 41. Rf6+ c6 42.
Rd6 Rxc3 43. Rd8 {bringing the rook to a much more active role, winning
material.}) 39... Kb6 40. Nc5 c6 41. b8=Q+ Bxb8 42. a7 Bxa7 43. Ra6+ Kc7 44.
Rxa7+ Kd6 45. Kxg7 Rxc3 46. Rd7+ Ke5 47. Rc7 Kd6 48. Rd7+ Ke5 49. Rc7 ({If} 49.
Kxh7 Rc4 50. Na6 Ke4 51. Kg6 Ke3 52. Rh7 d4) 49... Kd6 50. Rd7+ Ke5 1/2-1/2
[Event "Chess.com"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.02.03"]
[Round "2"]
[White "Wagner, Dinara"]
[Black "Muzychuk, Anna"]
[Result "0-1"]
[ECO "D85"]
[WhiteElo "2413"]
[BlackElo "2522"]
[Annotator "Rafael"]
[PlyCount "140"]
[EventDate "2023.??.??"]
[TimeControl "5400+30"]
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. O-O O-O 10. d5 {This advance is just the third most popular move.
10.Be3 and 10.Bxc6 are played in roughly equal measure.} (10. Be3) (10. Bxc6)
10... Ne5 {Maybe Muzychuk was surprised by Wagner's opening choice. The text
move is not the most accurate.} (10... Na5 $6 {[%c_effect a5;square;a5;type;
Inaccuracy;persistent;true] is also not enough for equality. White has a big
advantage after:} 11. Be3 Qc7 $6 {[%c_effect c7;square;c7;type;Inaccuracy;
persistent;true]} 12. Qd2 {in Gunina-Nepomniachtchi, Moscow (rapid) 2018.}) (
10... Qa5 11. Rb1 Ne5 12. Nxe5 Bxe5 13. Bg5 {is better for White in
Pein-Forintos, Manchester 1982.}) (10... a6 {is an interesting option.} 11. Be2
Bxc3 12. Be3 $1 {[%c_effect e3;square;e3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} (12.
Bh6 $6 {[%c_effect h6;square;h6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} Nd4 13. Rc1
Nxf3+ 14. Bxf3 Bd4 $1 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}
15. Bxf8 Kxf8 {with excellent compensation for the exchange in
Florescu-Petrisor, Baile Felix Cup 2011.}) 12... Bxa1 13. Qxa1 Nd4 14. Nxd4
cxd4 15. Qxd4 f6 {White has the typical compensation for the exchange known in
many Grunfeld variations.}) (10... Bxc3 {is the clearest path to an equal game.
} 11. Be3 (11. Bh6 Nd4 12. Nxd4 Bxd4 13. Bxf8 Qxf8 {with good compensation for
the exchange. Gerzhoy-So, Quebec 2012.}) 11... Nd4 12. Nxd4 cxd4 13. Bxd4 Bxa1
14. Bxa1 Bd7 15. Bc4 Rc8 16. Bb3 Bb5 17. Qd4 f6 18. Rb1 e5 19. dxe6 Qxd4 20.
e7+ Qc4 $1 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 21.
exf8=Q+ Kxf8 22. Bxc4 Bxc4 {with a drawn position in Vitiugov-Matlakov, Ufa
2021.}) 11. Nxe5 Bxe5 12. Be3 $1 {[%c_effect e3;square;e3;type;GreatFind;
persistent;true]} Bd7 $6 {[%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;
true] After this, White gets a stable advantage due to the strong pawns in the
center.} (12... a6 13. Be2 Bxc3 14. Rc1 Qa5 15. Bxc5 $5 {[%c_effect c5;square;
c5;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} Qxc5 16. Qd3 Qd4 17. Rxc3 Qxd3 18. Bxd3 {
White has a pleasant edge, but Black still has defensive resources.}) (12... e6
$5 {[%c_effect e6;square;e6;type;Interesting;persistent;true] is my favorite
move, fighting for central control.}) 13. Bxd7 Qxd7 14. Qd2 (14. Rc1 {is also
good and led to an advantage in Vitiugov-Svidler, World Cup 2021.}) 14... Rac8
15. Rac1 {Wagner's plan is understandable. She wants to reinforce the center
with c3-c4, and the rook is useful on c1 to protect this pawn. Other plans are
also interesting.} (15. Bh6 Bg7 16. Bxg7 Kxg7 17. Rad1 {This is a classical
Grunfeld-type of advantage for White. Black has no compensation for White's
pawn superiority in the center.}) (15. f4 Bg7 16. a4 $5 {[%c_effect a4;square;
a4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] This is a nice prophylactic move,
removing the a4-square from the queen and also restricting the move b7-b5.} (
16. e5 Rfd8 17. c4 b5 $1 {[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;GreatFind;persistent;
true] gives Black some counterplay.})) 15... Bg7 16. f4 Rfd8 17. c4 (17. f5 {
is tempting, taking advantage of the fact that the black rook is no longer on
the f-column.}) 17... e6 18. Rfd1 e5 $1 {[%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;
GreatFind;persistent;true] Now Black is fighting back.} 19. Rf1 exf4 20. Rxf4
Qd6 {The queen is not a good blockader, so the alternatives are probably
better.} (20... Qe8) (20... b6) (20... Be5) 21. Rcf1 Rc7 22. Qf2 Rf8 23. Rf3 $1
{[%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Leaving the f4-square
to the bishop.} Be5 24. g4 $6 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;Inaccuracy;
persistent;true] This move is a bit optimistic, but it will work well.} (24. h4
h5 25. Bf4 {gives White a slight advantage.}) 24... f6 $6 {[%c_effect f6;
square;f6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (24... Qd7 25. h3 Qa4 $5 {
[%c_effect a4;square;a4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] Black must always
seek active play in the Grunfeld, and this seems a good try. Play may continue:
} 26. Bxc5 Qxc4 27. Bxf8 Bd4 28. Re3 Kxf8 {with chances for both sides.}) 25.
g5 {Now Black needs to be careful.} f5 $2 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;
Mistake;persistent;true]} (25... b6 $1 {[%c_effect b6;square;b6;type;GreatFind;
persistent;true] is the only way to achieve equality. The game might end in a
draw after:} 26. Bf4 Rcf7 $1 {[%c_effect f7;square;f7;type;GreatFind;
persistent;true]} 27. Qg3 (27. Bxe5 Qxe5 28. gxf6 Qxe4 {is also equal.}) 27...
Bxf4 28. Rxf4 f5 $1 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}
29. exf5 Rxf5 30. Rxf5 Qxg3+ 31. hxg3 Rxf5 32. Rxf5 gxf5 33. Kf2 Kf7 34. Ke3
Ke7 {This pawn endgame ends in a draw.}) 26. exf5 Rxf5 27. Rxf5 gxf5 28. Qxf5
Bxh2+ 29. Kh1 {White has a decisive advantage in this position. Black's pieces
are unhinged, the d-pawn is a monster, and the f-file is tightly controlled.}
b6 30. a4 Be5 31. Bf4 $1 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;GreatFind;persistent;
true] Swapping bishops accentuates the weaknesses in Black's position.} Bxf4
32. Rxf4 Qe7 33. Kg2 Qe8 34. d6 $4 {[%c_effect d6;square;d6;type;Blunder;
persistent;true] An unfortunate blunder by Wagner. She had a forced win at
this point.} (34. Qe6+ $1 {[%c_effect e6;square;e6;type;GreatFind;persistent;
true]} Qxe6 35. dxe6 {The rook endgame is easily winning since Black is unable
to stop the king march.} a6 (35... Kg7 36. Kf3 {followed by Ke4-d5.}) (35...
Re7 36. Rf6) 36. Kf3 b5 37. axb5 axb5 38. cxb5 c4 39. b6 Rb7 40. Rxc4 Rxb6 41.
Rc8+ Kg7 42. e7) 34... Qc6+ 35. Re4 {Mistakes never come alone in chess; this
a harsh reality. White will go from winning to losing very quickly.} (35. Qd5+
Qxd5+ 36. cxd5 {Black still has to play precisely to get a draw here.} Rf7 $1 {
[%c_effect f7;square;f7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} (36... Rd7 $2 {
[%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 37. Kf3 (37. Rf6 {
is also good.}) 37... Rxd6 38. Ke4 {with an easy win.}) 37. Re4 Kf8 38. Kg3 a6
$1 {[%c_effect a6;square;a6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Black is in time
to play b6-b5 and get a draw.}) 35... Qxd6 36. Rf4 $2 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;
type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (36. Re6 $1 {[%c_effect e6;square;e6;type;
GreatFind;persistent;true] White has enough activity for a draw a pawn down.}
Qd2+ 37. Kg3 Qc3+ 38. Kg4 Rf7 39. Qe4) 36... Rd7 $1 {[%c_effect d7;square;d7;
type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Now the endgame is winning for Black, since
White can't create threats.} 37. Rf2 Qe7 $1 {[%c_effect e7;square;e7;type;
GreatFind;persistent;true]} 38. Kh2 Rd4 39. Kg1 Re4 (39... Kg7 $1 {[%c_effect
g7;square;g7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is slightly more accurate,
avoiding the queen endgame.}) 40. Qd5+ Kg7 41. Rf7+ $1 {[%c_effect f7;square;
f7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Queen endgames are notoriously difficult to
play, so this is the best chance.} Qxf7 42. Qxe4 Qd7 $1 {[%c_effect d7;square;
d7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 43. Kg2 Qd2+ 44. Kh3 Qxg5 45. Qb7+ Kg6 (
45... Kf6 $1 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is
better, since Black manages to keep a two-pawn advantage,} 46. Qc6+ (46. Qxa7
Qh6+ $1 {[%c_effect h6;square;h6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 47. Kg4 Qg7+
{This is the point. The queens are exchanged.}) (46. Qxh7 Qf5+) 46... Kf7 47.
Qd7+ Qe7) 46. Qxa7 Qe3+ 47. Kg2 Qe4+ 48. Kg3 Qe5+ 49. Kg2 Qb2+ 50. Kg3 h5 $2 {
[%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;Mistake;persistent;true] This move lets victory
slip away.} (50... Qe5+ 51. Kg2 Qe6 {The best plan is to centralize the queen
and then prepare to take the king to the queenside.}) 51. Qb7 $2 {[%c_effect
b7;square;b7;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (51. Qe7 $1 {[%c_effect e7;square;
e7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] activates the queen, and the desired draw
might be achieved.}) 51... Qb3+ 52. Kg2 Qc2+ 53. Kg3 Qd3+ 54. Kg2 Qe2+ 55. Kg3
Qe3+ 56. Kg2 Qd2+ 57. Kg3 Qd6+ 58. Kg2 h4 $2 {[%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;
Mistake;persistent;true]} (58... Qe6 $1 {[%c_effect e6;square;e6;type;
GreatFind;persistent;true] Again this is the right plan.}) 59. Qe4+ Kg5 60.
Qe3+ Qf4 61. Qe7+ Kf5 62. Qd7+ Ke4 63. Qc6+ Kd4 64. Qxb6 Qg3+ 65. Kh1 Qf3+ {
White is close to a draw; it remains only to take the king to the right square.
} 66. Kh2 $4 {[%c_effect h2;square;h2;type;Blunder;persistent;true] Now the
game is over.} (66. Kg1 $1 {[%c_effect g1;square;g1;type;GreatFind;persistent;
true]} Kxc4 (66... h3 67. Qb2+) (66... Qg3+ 67. Kh1) 67. Qb5+ Kd4 68. Qb2+)
66... Qf2+ $1 {[%c_effect f2;square;f2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 67. Kh1
h3 $1 {[%c_effect h3;square;h3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is the
problem. The queen remains on the ideal f2-square, controlling the opponent's
check on b2.} 68. Qd6+ Kc3 69. Qe5+ Kb4 70. Qb8+ Ka3 {A typical device: to use
the opponent's pawn as a shelter against the checks. Dvoretsky liked to call
this theme \"The Umbrella.\" White resigned.} (70... Ka3 71. Qg8 Qg2+ 72. Qxg2
hxg2+ 73. Kxg2 Kxa4 74. Kf3 Kb3 75. Ke3 Kxc4 76. Kd2 Kb3 {with a winning pawn
endgame.}) 0-1
[Event "Chess.com"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.02.03"]
[Round "2"]
[White "Koneru, Humpy"]
[Black "Abdumalik, Zhansaya"]
[Result "*"]
[WhiteElo "2572"]
[BlackElo "2496"]
[PlyCount "150"]
[EventDate "2023.??.??"]
[TimeControl "5400+30"]
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Bxc4 c5 6. O-O Nc6 7. a3 a6 8. Qe2
b5 9. Ba2 Bb7 10. Rd1 Qc7 11. dxc5 Bxc5 12. b4 Bd6 13. Bb2 Ne5 14. Nbd2 O-O 15.
Rac1 Qb8 16. Nd4 Rc8 17. h3 Rxc1 18. Rxc1 Ne4 19. N2f3 Nxf3+ 20. gxf3 Nf6 21.
Nc6 Qe8 22. Na5 Bc8 23. Qd3 Bf8 24. Bb1 e5 25. Rc6 Qd7 26. h4 Qxd3 27. Bxd3 Bd7
28. Rb6 $2 {[%c_effect b6;square;b6;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} Nd5 29. Rb7
Bc8 {The white rook has run out of safe squares.} 30. Bxe5 Bxb7 31. Nxb7 Rc8 {
Abdumalik immediately activates her rook, the strongest piece left on the
board.} 32. Bd4 Rc1+ 33. Kg2 Rd1 34. Bc2 Nf4+ 35. Kh2 Rd2 36. Bf5 g6 37. Bc8
Rxf2+ 38. Kg3 Rc2 39. Kxf4 Rxc8 40. Ke4 Rc2 41. Nc5 h5 42. Nxa6 g5 {Clearing
the way for Black's h-pawn.} 43. hxg5 h4 44. Be5 Bg7 45. Bf4 h3 46. Kf5 Bb2 47.
Nc7 Bxa3 48. Nxb5 Bxb4 {Black's material advantage is about to increase, but
White has eliminated most of Black's pawns, attempting to create drawing
chances.} 49. Nc7 h2 50. Bxh2 Rxh2 51. Nd5 Bc5 52. f4 Re2 53. e4 Bd4 54. e5 Kg7
55. Nf6 Rf2 56. Nh5+ Kf8 57. g6 fxg6+ 58. Kxg6 {Black's last pawn leaves the
board. Still, the extra rook should be enough to win, but it's getting
trickier.} Ke7 59. Kf5 Be3 60. Ke4 Bc1 61. Kf5 Rf1 62. Kg5 Ke6 63. Ng7+ Kd5 64.
Nh5 Bd2 65. Kf5 Rf2 66. Nf6+ Kc6 67. Nh5 Bc1 68. Kg5 Kd5 69. Kf5 Kd4 70. e6 Ba3
({A surprisingly tricky position to win. Best was} 70... Kc5 71. Ke5 Bb2+ 72.
Kf5 Kd6 73. Ng3 Ke7 74. Ne4 Rf1 75. Nd2 Rd1 76. Nf3 Rd5+ 77. Ke4 Kxe6) 71. Kf6
Kd5 72. Kf7 Re2 (72... Rb2 73. Nf6+ Kc6 74. f5 Rb7+ 75. Kg6 Kd6 {halts White's
pawns.}) 73. f5 Re5 74. Ng7 Bb4 75. f6 Ba3 {Against all odds, White holds the
game despite being down a rook.} *
[Event "Chess.com"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.02.04"]
[Round "3"]
[White "Muzychuk, Anna"]
[Black "Dzagnidze, Nana"]
[Result "*"]
[WhiteElo "2522"]
[BlackElo "2517"]
[PlyCount "61"]
[EventDate "2023.??.??"]
[TimeControl "5400+30"]
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+ Nd7 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nxd4 Ngf6 6. O-O a6 7. Bd3 Nc5 8.
Re1 e6 9. c4 {Heading into the classic Maroczy Bind structure where White aims
to maintain her control of the center due to her e4- and c4-pawns while Black
strives to crack the position open with ...d5 or ...b5.} Be7 10. Nc3 Nxd3 11.
Qxd3 O-O 12. a4 Bd7 13. h3 Rc8 14. b3 Qc7 15. Be3 Qa5 16. Bd2 Qc7 17. a5 {
The a5-pawn serves as an anchor to the outpost on b6, which could be a great
home for one of White's pieces, especially one of her knights.} Rfd8 18. Rec1
Qb8 19. Be3 Be8 20. Nf3 Nd7 21. Qb1 Bf6 22. Ra2 h6 23. Na4 {White maneuvers to
strengthen her grip on the queenside and center.} d5 {Black achieves the key
break but at the cost of a pawn.} 24. exd5 exd5 25. cxd5 Rxc1+ 26. Qxc1 Ne5 27.
Nxe5 Qxe5 28. Nb6 Bb5 29. Rc2 Qe4 30. Rc7 Qb4 31. Rxb7 {It seems premature to
accept a draw as plenty of life seems left in the position.} ({Play could have
continued:} 31. Rxb7 Qxb3 (31... Qxa5 32. Kh2 Qb4 33. Qc7) 32. Bf4 Qb4 33. d6
Re8 34. Nd5 Re1+ 35. Kh2 Rxc1 36. Nxb4 Rd1) *
[Event "Chess.com"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.02.04"]
[Round "3"]
[White "Abdumalik, Zhansaya"]
[Black "Zhu, Jiner"]
[Result "0-1"]
[ECO "B33"]
[WhiteElo "2496"]
[BlackElo "2486"]
[Annotator "Rafael"]
[PlyCount "90"]
[EventDate "2023.??.??"]
[TimeControl "5400+30"]
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 {If you want to play the Sveshnikov Variation but don't
want to allow White to play the Rossolimo (3.Bb5), then this is the move order
to choose. White gets another option, as we'll see.} 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5.
Nc3 Nc6 {Here White has an important choice to make: face Sveshnikov, one of
the lines with the best reputation in the Sicilian, or else capture on c6. I'm
not an expert on either of these two lines, but it looks like Black is holding
up well on both.} 6. Ndb5 (6. Nxc6 bxc6 7. e5 Nd5 8. Ne4) 6... d6 7. Bf4 e5 8.
Bg5 a6 9. Na3 b5 {Here White has another important decision to make: capture
on f6 or play 10.Nd5. Both are very popular. In my king pawn days, I used to
choose the second option, influenced by one of my favorite opening books and
which I studied with dedication as a child: \"Beating The Sicilian\" by John
Nunn.} 10. Nd5 (10. Bxf6) 10... Be7 11. Bxf6 Bxf6 12. c3 {This is the move
suggested by Nunn in the aforementioned book. And that's as far as I can
remember: unfortunately, I lost the book in one of my many residence changes
since the early 1990s.} (12. c4 {is a move that has become very popular in
recent years.}) 12... Bg5 13. Nc2 Rb8 14. Be2 (14. a4 {is a thematic move, but
everything here has already been studied a lot.} bxa4 15. Ncb4 Nxb4 16. cxb4 (
16. Nxb4 Bd7 {Black also equalizes. Here is a recent example:} 17. Bxa6 Qa5 18.
Qxd6 Rb6 19. Qd3 Be6 20. O-O O-O 21. Bc4 Rd8 22. Bd5 Bxd5 23. exd5 Be7 {
Ter-Sahakyan-Wang, Abu Dhabi 2022.}) 16... O-O 17. Rxa4 a5 $1 {[%c_effect a5;
square;a5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Here, as usual in the Sveshnikov, we
have long forced lines in which Black achieves equality.}) (14. a3 $5 {
[%c_effect a3;square;a3;type;Interesting;persistent;true] Taking the knight to
b4 and then capturing it with a pawn is a recent idea.}) 14... O-O 15. O-O Be6
16. Ndb4 (16. Qd3 {is the most common.}) 16... Nxb4 17. Nxb4 Qb6 18. Qd3 (18.
a4 a5 19. Nd5 Bxd5 20. Qxd5 bxa4 {It seems that Black achieves a forced draw
here.} 21. Rfb1 Rfc8 22. Bc4 Qc5 23. Rxa4 Qxd5 24. Bxd5 Bd2 $1 {[%c_effect d2;
square;d2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 25. Raa1 Rc5 {Uecker-Loeffler,
email 2017.}) (18. Bg4 a5 19. Bxe6 fxe6 20. Nd3 {This is also possible, but
not very dangerous for Black, since he doesn't need to worry about the
d5-square anymore, and that's a huge relief.}) 18... Bc4 19. Qd1 (19. Qf3 a5 $1
{[%c_effect a5;square;a5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 19... Be6 20. Qd3 a5
{An ambitious decision, refusing to repeat moves.} 21. Nd5 Qb7 22. Rad1 (22.
Rfd1 {is more popular.} Rfc8 {There's still a lot of theory here, but Black is
fine. One possible plan is to activate the dark-squared bishop with Bd8 and
then take it to b6, just in time.}) 22... b4 {A pretty straightforward move,
but still nothing new. A recent correspondence game followed with the more
natural 22...Rfc8.} (22... Rfc8 23. a3 Bd8 24. h3 Rc5 25. b4 Rcc8 {and the
game later ended in a draw. Wosch-Perez, email 2019.}) 23. c4 $6 {[%c_effect
c4;square;c4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] This move puts White in an
uncomfortable position.} (23. cxb4 {is better:} axb4 24. Qg3 Bh6 {It is not
clear that this is the best square for the bishop.} 25. Bc4 {and White can
fight for a small advantage, since he has stabilized the knight on d5. All
this was played in Boskovic-Vuckovic, Palic 2014.}) 23... b3 $1 {[%c_effect b3;
square;b3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 24. a3 Rfc8 {Black changed the pawn
structure on the queenside, and this is clear to her benefit as she gains a
square on d4, which in a distant dream can be occupied after the Bd8-b6
maneuver. White's position will quickly collapse in the next few moves, so we
can consider this position as critical: Abdumalik needs a good plan.} 25. Qg3 (
25. h3 {Looks good, preparing to play Bg4, but Black gets a clear advantage
after} Rc5 $1 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]
Preparing to capture the d5-knight without allowing White to recapture with
the queen.}) 25... Bd8 {Only now does a new move appear on the board.} (25...
Bh6 $6 {[%c_effect h6;square;h6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] was played in
Pineda-Bouaziz, Tripoli 1976.}) 26. Kh1 $6 {[%c_effect h1;square;h1;type;
Inaccuracy;persistent;true] One of my favorite concepts in positional play is
\"harmony,\" which means making sense of your moves, one flowing with the
other. Smyslov, for example, was a harmony genius. White's next move doesn't
make a good impression in this regard; it doesn't seem to flow naturally and
White's plan of advancing the pawn to f4 is hardly effective. This is what we
call an \"ugly\" move. I must be honest: there are many instances where ugly
moves are the best ones. Alas, to Abdumalik's bad luck, this is not one of
them.} (26. Nc3 $1 {[%c_effect c3;square;c3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is
the best attempt. White must desperately try to change the trend of the game.}
Qc6 (26... Bxc4 $6 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]}
27. Bxc4 Rxc4 28. Rxd6 {This is what White wants.}) 27. Nb5 $1 {[%c_effect b5;
square;b5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Qxe4 28. Bf3 Qf4 29. Nxd6 Rc7 30.
Rfe1 {Although Black retains a minimal advantage, it's very clear that this is
better than the game continuation.}) 26... Rc5 $1 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;
type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The most accurate move. By the way, I was
impressed by Zhu's precision in carrying out her initiative.} (26... Bb6 {
is natural, but Black's advantage is not so big after} 27. f4 $1 {[%c_effect
f4;square;f4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} (27. Qxb3 Bd4) 27... Bxd5 (27...
Bd4 $2 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;Mistake;persistent;true] leads to a
surprisingly lethal attack after} 28. Nf6+ Kh8 29. Nxh7 $1 {[%c_effect h7;
square;h7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Kxh7 30. f5 Bd7 31. f6 $1 {
[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} gxf6 32. Rxf6) 28.
Rxd5 Bd4) 27. Nc3 (27. f4 $2 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;Mistake;persistent;
true]} Bxd5 28. exd5 Bf6 {with a dream position for Black.}) 27... Qc6 28. f4
Bxc4 (28... exf4 29. Qxf4 Re5 {This is also very good for Black.}) 29. Bxc4
Rxc4 30. fxe5 {It's hard to recommend anything.} (30. f5 Rxc3 $1 {[%c_effect
c3;square;c3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The typical Sicilian sacrifice
must always be analyzed.} 31. Qxc3 Qxc3 32. bxc3 b2 33. Rb1 Bg5 $1 {[%c_effect
g5;square;g5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] And the bishop goes to c1 with a
clear advantage.}) (30. Nd5 exf4 (30... Rxe4 $2 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;
Mistake;persistent;true]} 31. Qf3 $1 {[%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;GreatFind;
persistent;true] gives White counterplay.}) 31. Qxf4 Qe8 32. Qxd6 Rbc8 {
again with a clear advantage for Black.}) 30... dxe5 31. Qxe5 {White regains
the pawn but opens the game to Black's bishop.} Bc7 32. Qh5 Qe6 $1 {[%c_effect
e6;square;e6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Getting ready to take the bishop
to his ideal square, e5.} 33. Rd5 f6 $1 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;
GreatFind;persistent;true]} 34. Rb5 Rd4 (34... Rxb5 35. Qxb5 Rd4 {is also very
good.}) 35. Rxb8+ Bxb8 36. Qxa5 Rd2 37. Qh5 (37. Rb1 {leads to a pretty
checkmate after} Qg4 38. Rg1 Qh4 39. h3 Qxh3+ 40. gxh3 Rh2#) (37. Qb5 Qe5 $1 {
[%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 38. Qxe5 (38. Qxb3+
Kh8 39. g3 Rxh2+ 40. Kxh2 Qxg3+ 41. Kh1 Qh2#) 38... Bxe5 39. Rb1 Bxc3 40. bxc3
b2 41. h3 Kf7 {The endgame is winning for Black, even a pawn down. White's
rook is very passive, and the king will march to the queenside.}) (37. Rd1 $5 {
[%c_effect d1;square;d1;type;Interesting;persistent;true] is the best chance.
Precision is required now.} Qc4 $1 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;GreatFind;
persistent;true]} (37... Rxd1+ 38. Nxd1 Qxe4 39. Qd2 {Here White has good
drawing chances.}) 38. Qh5 (38. Rxd2 $2 {[%c_effect d2;square;d2;type;Mistake;
persistent;true]} Qf1#) 38... h6 $1 {[%c_effect h6;square;h6;type;GreatFind;
persistent;true]} 39. Qf3 Rxd1+ 40. Nxd1 Be5 {White is tied up; Black should
win this endgame with accurate play.}) 37... Rxb2 38. Rd1 Bd6 $1 {[%c_effect
d6;square;d6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 39. Nb5 Qxe4 $1 {[%c_effect e4;
square;e4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Very well calculated.} 40. Qf7+ Kh8
$1 {[%c_effect h8;square;h8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Of course, this
was seen in advance by the Chinese player.} (40... Kxf7 $6 {[%c_effect f7;
square;f7;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Of course, this was not the
intention, but, just for readers' curiosity, it's possible that even this
position is winning.} 41. Nxd6+ Ke6 42. Nxe4 Rc2 $1 {[%c_effect c2;square;c2;
type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 43. Nd2 b2 44. Nb1 Rc1 45. Rg1 Ke5 {White is
paralyzed, and the king is going to the queenside.}) 41. Rg1 Bc5 42. h3 h6 (
42... Rb1 43. Rxb1 Qxb1+ 44. Kh2 Qe1 $1 {[%c_effect e1;square;e1;type;
GreatFind;persistent;true] This is also a nice way to win. The white queen
must feel bad being so close to the king and not being able to give a check.})
43. Nc3 Qa8 44. Nd5 Bxg1 45. Kxg1 Rxg2+ $1 {[%c_effect g2;square;g2;type;
GreatFind;persistent;true] A beautiful ending to a game masterfully handled by
Zhu.} (45... Rxg2+ 46. Kxg2 b2) 0-1
[Event "Chess.com"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.02.04"]
[Round "3"]
[White "Harika, Dronavalli"]
[Black "Kashlinskaya, Alina"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[WhiteElo "2507"]
[BlackElo "2491"]
[PlyCount "125"]
[EventDate "2023.??.??"]
[TimeControl "5400+30"]
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 dxe4 5. Nxe4 Nbd7 6. Nxf6+ Nxf6 7. Nf3 h6
8. Bh4 c5 9. Be2 cxd4 10. Qxd4 Qxd4 11. Nxd4 {Despite such an early queen
trade, the players take part in a lively struggle.} Bc5 12. Nb3 Bb6 13. Bf3 Ke7
14. O-O-O Bc7 15. Rd4 $5 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;Interesting;persistent;
true] White takes advantage of the open center square to maneuver her rook to
add pressure on the queenside.} Rd8 16. Rc4 {Pressing on Black's weak
queenside points.} Bb6 17. Bg3 {White's two bishops side by side cover a
wealth of squares in the center and on her opponent's queenside.} Nd5 18. Rd1
Bd7 $1 {[%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Rather than
allowing White's powerful bishops and rooks to paralyze her pieces, Black
sacrifices a pawn to finish her development and gain the bishop pair.} 19. Bxd5
exd5 20. Rxd5 Bc6 21. Re5+ Kf8 22. f3 Rd5 23. Rxd5 Bxd5 24. Rc3 Re8 25. Nc5 Re2
{Black's newfound activity helps compensate for the lost pawn.} 26. Nd7+ Ke7
27. Nxb6 {Though this mars Black's pawn structure, it also trades off another
pair of minor pieces, getting closer to an opposite-color bishop ending, which
offers many drawing chances for a player down a pawn.} axb6 28. Rd3 Ke6 29. Rd2
{The rook trade gets Black closer to a draw, but without it, the black rook is
more active than its counterpart, and the g2-pawn is lost.} Rxd2 30. Kxd2 b5
31. Bf2 h5 32. Ke3 Kd7 33. Kd4 Kc6 34. a3 g6 35. Ke5 Bc4 36. Kf6 {While this
level of king activity might be winning in another type of ending, here White
is unable to add additional pressure to any pawns on light squares because she
has only a dark-squared bishop.} Be6 37. Be3 Bd5 38. Kg5 Kd7 39. Kf6 Be6 40.
Ke5 Bf5 41. Kf6 Ke8 42. c3 Be6 43. h3 Bc4 44. g4 Be2 45. gxh5 gxh5 46. f4 Bf1
47. h4 Be2 48. Bd4 Bd1 49. Be5 Bb3 50. Bd4 Kd7 51. Bc5 Kc6 52. Bf8 Kd7 53. Be7
Kc6 54. Kg5 Bd1 55. b4 Kd7 56. Kf6 Bb3 57. Bc5 Kc6 58. Bd4 Bc4 59. Be5 Bb3 60.
Bd4 Bc4 61. Bf2 Bb3 62. Be1 Bc4 63. Bf2 {A well-fought game by both sides $1}
1/2-1/2
[Event "Chess.com"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.02.04"]
[Round "3"]
[White "Kosteniuk, Alexandra"]
[Black "Wagner, Dinara"]
[Result "1-0"]
[WhiteElo "2519"]
[BlackElo "2414"]
[PlyCount "111"]
[EventDate "2023.??.??"]
[TimeControl "5400+30"]
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+ Nd7 4. Ba4 Ngf6 5. O-O a6 6. c4 e6 7. Nc3 Be7 8. d4
cxd4 9. Nxd4 O-O 10. Qe2 Ne5 11. Kh1 Qc7 12. Bb3 Bd7 13. f4 Nc6 14. Nxc6 Bxc6
15. a4 b6 16. Bc2 Qb7 17. b4 d5 {Although this is a thematic break in the
Maroczy Bind structure, here Black's pieces aren't prepared to support it.
Black ends up left with an isolated pawn and open lines for the white pieces
to aim down.} 18. b5 axb5 19. exd5 exd5 20. cxb5 Be8 21. Bb2 Bc5 22. Rad1 Rd8
23. Qf3 Qa8 24. Qg3 d4 25. Ne2 Ne4 26. Qf3 {Black's pieces are active, but
they lack targets.} f5 27. Nxd4 Bg6 28. Nc6 {In the midst of the complicated
middlegame, both players were in time trouble by this point.} ({Better is} 28.
Ne6) 28... Rxd1 29. Qxd1 Qb7 30. Bd4 (30. Bb3+ Bf7 31. Nd8 $1 $18 {[%c_effect
d8;square;d8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 30... Kh8 31. Bxe4 Bxd4 32. Qxd4
fxe4 33. f5 Qf7 34. g4 Qb3 35. Qd6 Rf6 36. Qd8+ {The players were in intense
time pressure now. each under one minute.} Qg8 37. Qxg8+ Kxg8 38. Re1 Be8 39.
Ne7+ Kf8 40. Rxe4 h6 41. Kg2 {The smoke has cleared, and time control has been
reached with two extra pawns for Kosteniuk.} g6 42. fxg6 Bxg6 43. Nxg6+ Rxg6
44. Kf3 Rd6 45. Kf4 Rd2 46. Re6 Rd4+ 47. Kf5 Kg7 48. Rg6+ Kh7 49. Rxb6 Rxa4 50.
Rb7+ Kg8 51. b6 Rb4 52. h3 Rb3 53. Kg6 Kf8 54. Rb8+ Ke7 55. b7 Rb6+ 56. Kh7 1-0
[Event "Chess.com"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.02.04"]
[Round "3"]
[White "Tan, Zhongyi"]
[Black "Paehtz, Elisabeth"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[WhiteElo "2530"]
[BlackElo "2464"]
[PlyCount "144"]
[EventDate "2023.??.??"]
[TimeControl "5400+30"]
1. Nf3 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. d4 O-O 6. h3 Nc6 7. Be2 e5 8. d5 Nd4
{Paehtz sacs a pawn to open lines in the center and aim at White's king.} 9.
Nxd4 exd4 10. Qxd4 Re8 11. Qd3 Qe7 12. Bg5 h6 13. Bxf6 Bxf6 14. Bf3 Be5 15. Kf1
$5 {[%c_effect f1;square;f1;type;Interesting;persistent;true] Since castling
to either side could be dangerous, Tan solves the problem in an unusual way,
moving the king off e1, yet leaving the kingside rook on its post to help
defend there.} h5 16. h4 f5 17. exf5 Bxf5 18. Ne4 Bxb2 {Black grabs her
sacrificed pawn back to level material while keeping her edge in activity.} 19.
Re1 Qg7 20. g3 {Now Tan strives to castle by hand.} Re7 21. Kg2 Rae8 22. Re2
Qd4 23. Qxd4 Bxd4 24. Rhe1 Kf8 25. Ng5 Rxe2 26. Rxe2 Rxe2 27. Bxe2 Ke7 28. f3
Bb1 29. Ne6 Be3 30. Nxc7 Bxa2 {Black's bishop pair on the open board with
pawns on both sides give her an advantage in this endgame.} 31. Bd3 a5 32. Kf1
Bb3 33. Ke2 Bc1 34. Nb5 Bb2 35. Ke3 a4 36. Nd4 Ba2 37. Bc2 {White offers up
two pawns (c4 and d5) to get rid of Black's potent, passed a4-pawn.} Bxc4 38.
Bxa4 Bxd5 39. Ne2 Be6 40. Kd2 Be5 41. Bc2 Kf6 42. Bd3 Bd7 43. f4 Ba1 44. Nc3
Be6 45. Be4 Bxc3+ ({Black could also try} 45... b6 {and soon go after the weak
white kingside pawns:} 46. Bc6 Kf5 47. Be4+ Kg4 48. Bxg6 Bd7 49. Ne4 d5 50. Nc3
Kxg3 51. Bxh5 d4 52. Ne4+ Kxh4 {but Black is running out of pawns and with
them, winning chances.}) 46. Kxc3 b5 47. Bd3 Bc4 48. Bc2 Bf7 49. Bd3 Be8 50.
Kd4 {White's actively placed king and bishop hold off Black's passed pawns.}
Ke6 51. Bc2 Kf6 52. Bd3 Bd7 53. Kc3 Bc6 54. Kd4 Be8 55. Bc2 Bf7 56. Kc3 Bc4 57.
Bb1 Be2 58. Be4 Bf1 59. Kb4 Bc4 60. Kc3 Be6 61. Bd3 Bc4 62. Be4 d5 63. Bc2 Be2
64. Kd4 Bf3 65. Kc5 Be4 66. Bd1 Kf5 67. Kxb5 Bd3+ 68. Kc5 Ke4 69. f5 gxf5 70.
Bxh5 Ke5 71. Bd1 Be4 72. h5 Kf6 1/2-1/2
[Event "Chess.com"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.02.05"]
[Round "4"]
[White "Kosteniuk, Alexandra"]
[Black "Tan, Zhongyi"]
[Result "1-0"]
[ECO "B27"]
[WhiteElo "2519"]
[BlackElo "2530"]
[Annotator "Rafael"]
[PlyCount "67"]
[EventDate "2023.??.??"]
[TimeControl "5400+30"]
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 g6 {This Sicilian Variation is not very popular at the highest
level. After 3.d4 the game can go to what we know as the \"Maroczy Bind\" or
else to lines of the \"Accelerated Dragon.\" But the game quickly takes an
original road.} 3. c3 d5 (3... Bg7 4. d4 cxd4 5. cxd4 d5 6. e5 {This is the
main line, and there's a lot of theory here.}) 4. e5 (4. exd5 {is also a
popular move.}) 4... Nc6 5. Bb5 {An interesting move and far less played than
5.d4.} (5. d4 {A recent game continued:} cxd4 6. cxd4 Bg4 7. Bb5 Rc8 {
Wang-Guseinov, Shusha (blitz) 2022.}) 5... Bg4 6. O-O Qb6 7. c4 $2 {[%c_effect
c4;square;c4;type;Mistake;persistent;true] A very optimistic move that puts
White in serious trouble.} (7. Bxc6+ {is the natural move and had been played
previously:} Qxc6 8. d4 {with chances for both sides in Mammadova-Movileanu,
Batumi 2019.}) 7... O-O-O (7... dxc4 {is also very good for Black.} 8. Na3 (8.
Bxc4 Nxe5 {Black wins a pawn for no compensation.}) 8... a6 9. Qa4 Bxf3 10.
gxf3 Rc8 11. Bxc6+ Qxc6 12. Qxc6+ Rxc6 13. Nxc4 Nh6 {White will suffer in this
endgame since Black's pawn structure is much better.}) 8. Bxc6 Qxc6 9. h3 Be6 {
Black already has an almost winning advantage here, although with kings on
opposite sides there is always hope of complicating the game. That's what
Kosteniuk starts trying now.} 10. Ng5 $5 {[%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;
Interesting;persistent;true] Sacrificing a pawn.} (10. cxd5 Bxd5 {Black has an
advantage in development and a monster light-squared bishop.}) 10... dxc4 11.
Nxe6 Qxe6 12. Re1 Nh6 13. b3 $1 {[%c_effect b3;square;b3;type;GreatFind;
persistent;true] White does everything to open files on the queenside.} Nf5 14.
Ba3 b6 15. b4 cxb4 16. Bxb4 Qc6 $2 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;Mistake;
persistent;true] An imprecise move that gives chances to White. The queen is
less useful than it looks on this diagonal. The priority is to develop the
bishop on f8 and to remove the king from the c-file.} (16... Bh6 17. Na3 Kb8 {
White has very little to show in exchange for the pawn.}) 17. Na3 {Now 18.Nxc4
is threatened, and the rook is coming to c1, positioning itself in an x-ray
with the black queen.} Rd4 (17... Kb8 18. Rc1 {and the c4-pawn will fall. It
should be mentioned that the attempt to defend with 18...b5 leads to disaster.}
b5 $2 {[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 19. Nxb5 $1 {
[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Qxb5 20. Rb1 {With a
decisive attack against the naked king.}) 18. Nc2 Rd3 19. Rc1 Bh6 20. Qg4 $1 {
[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The queen is very well
positioned here, keeping an eye on the c4-pawn.} Kb7 $6 {[%c_effect b7;square;
b7;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (20... Kb8 $1 {[%c_effect b8;square;b8;
type;GreatFind;persistent;true] There is a subtle difference in the placement
of the king on b8 or on b7. This is the correct square, and the main reason is
to leave a way back to the queen.} 21. Re4 {If White continues as in the game,
then the idea appears:} c3 $1 {[%c_effect c3;square;c3;type;GreatFind;
persistent;true] This move only works with the king on b8.} 22. Rc4 (22. Bxc3
$2 {[%c_effect c3;square;c3;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} Rxc3 23. dxc3 Bxc1 {
wins a piece.}) 22... Qb7 $1 {[%c_effect b7;square;b7;type;GreatFind;
persistent;true]} 23. Bxc3 (23. Rxc3 Rxd2 {with a sound pawn up.}) 23... Rxc3
24. Rxc3 Bxd2 25. Nb4 Bxc3 26. Rxc3 Rc8 {with excellent winning chances for
Black.}) 21. Re4 $1 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}
b5 (21... c3 $2 {[%c_effect c3;square;c3;type;Mistake;persistent;true] This
move doesn't work now.} 22. Bxc3 (22. Rc4 {is also good.}) 22... Rxc3 23. dxc3
Bxc1 24. Nb4 $1 {[%c_effect b4;square;b4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]
Surprisingly the attack is decisive now.} Qxc3 25. Rc4 Qe1+ 26. Kh2 Qxe5+ 27.
g3 {There is no good way to avoid a mortal queen check.}) (21... Rc8 22. Ne1 $1
{[%c_effect e1;square;e1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rdd8 23. Rexc4 Qd5
24. Rxc8 Rxc8 25. Rxc8 Kxc8 26. Bc3 Qxa2 27. Qe4 {White has good compensation
for the pawn and good chances of achieving a draw.}) 22. Rb1 {Bringing the
rook into the attack and also setting up Bc3, freeing up the b4-square for the
knight.} (22. a4 {is also possible.}) 22... Rc8 (22... Ka8 $6 {[%c_effect a8;
square;a8;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} 23. Bc3 $1 {[%c_effect c3;square;
c3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is very unpleasant for Black.}) 23. Bc3 {
Black only has one move now. The trend of the game is not good, and the
evaluation of the position has changed from \"comfortable advantage\" to
\"very dangerous.\" In these cases, it's very difficult to be cold-blooded
enough to find the best moves.} a5 $2 {[%c_effect a5;square;a5;type;Mistake;
persistent;true]} (23... Bxd2 $1 {[%c_effect d2;square;d2;type;GreatFind;
persistent;true] It's necessary to embark on this complication.} 24. Nb4 Qb6
25. Nxd3 Bxc3 {The position is very complicated, but with accurate play the
balance is maintained.} 26. Qf3 Kb8 (26... cxd3 $2 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;
type;Mistake;persistent;true] loses to} 27. Rxb5 $1 {[%c_effect b5;square;b5;
type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Qxb5 28. Rb4+ Kb6 29. Rxb5+ Kxb5 30. Qb7+) 27.
Nc5 $1 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rxc5 28. Qxc3
Qc6 29. Re2 {With chances for both sides in this position with material
imbalance.}) 24. Na3 $1 {[%c_effect a3;square;a3;type;GreatFind;persistent;
true] Black's position completely collapses now. All pawns on the queenside
pawns will be captured.} (24. Bxa5 $6 {[%c_effect a5;square;a5;type;Inaccuracy;
persistent;true]} Bxd2 {This was Tan's idea, I believe.}) 24... Ka6 (24... b4
25. Nxc4) 25. Rxb5 Rxc3 (25... Qxb5 26. Nxb5 Kxb5 27. a4+ {The c4-pawn falls.})
26. dxc3 Bc1 27. Rxc4 Qxc4 28. Rxa5+ Kxa5 29. Nxc4+ Kb5 30. a4+ Kc5 31. Na5 Rb8
32. Qc4+ Kb6 33. Qb5+ Kc7 34. Qc6+ 1-0
[Event "Chess.com"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.02.05"]
[Round "4"]
[White "Zhu, Jiner"]
[Black "Muzychuk, Mariya"]
[Result "0-1"]
[WhiteElo "2486"]
[BlackElo "2523"]
[PlyCount "90"]
[EventDate "2023.??.??"]
[TimeControl "5400+30"]
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 e6 4. O-O Nge7 5. Bxc6 Nxc6 6. d4 cxd4 7. Nxd4 d6 8.
c4 Be7 9. Be3 O-O 10. Nc3 Bd7 11. Nxc6 $2 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;
Mistake;persistent;true] Much like in a Maroczy Bind, this line of the
Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack normally encourages White to keep material on
the board and squeeze Black. White's choice here is curious as it gives Black
the bishop pair and reduces the \"squeeze\" effect.} (11. Nde2 {A logical
choice in the context of this position.}) 11... Bxc6 12. Qd2 Bf6 13. Bd4 {
White's true plan comes to light. Jiner hopes to play a good knight against
bad bishop middlegame and target the weak d6-pawn.} Bxd4 14. Qxd4 Qe7 15. Rad1
Rfd8 16. Rd2 {Not exactly subtle but subtlety is not needed here.} b6 17. Rfd1
Rd7 18. Qe3 Rad8 19. Qg3 h6 {White's plan of honing in on the weak d6-pawn has
so far been successful; however, where the breakthrough will be is not obvious.
} 20. h4 Kh7 21. a4 {In AlphaZero style, Jiner launches her h- and a-pawns up
the board in order to gain space.} g6 22. b3 f5 23. e5 {The only way to break
through for White.} (23. f3 {If White plays too defensively, Black may begin
to gain space in the center with moves such as} Qf6 24. Rd3 e5 {While things
are close to equal here, it feels as though Black has made some progress on
the kingside.}) 23... dxe5 24. Rxd7 Rxd7 25. Qxe5 (25. Rxd7 $2 {[%c_effect d7;
square;d7;type;Mistake;persistent;true] An alternate move order here for White
leads to complications.} Qxd7 26. Qxe5 {Black has control of the open file,
although she cannot infiltrate immediately.} Qg7 27. Qxe6 (27. Qg3 g5 {White
begins to feel uncomfortable in this position as Black rolls in.}) 27... Qxc3
28. Qxc6 Qe1+ 29. Kh2 Qxf2 {A completely drawn line.}) 25... Rxd1+ 26. Nxd1 Kg8
27. Nc3 Kf7 28. Ne2 Bd7 29. Nf4 Qxh4 {White did not blunder this pawn. The
idea here is to trade the pawn for activity.} 30. Nd3 {Not the most accurate
response. Here,} (30. Qc7 {is the best move as it asks more immediate
questions of Black's position.} Qe7 31. Qxa7 $2 {[%c_effect a7;square;a7;type;
Mistake;persistent;true] This favors Black as} (31. a5 bxa5 32. Nd3 {It is
certainly a risk for White to play this way; however, it will pay dividends if
the c-pawn can begin to push.}) 31... Qd6 {gives the black queen immense
control over the center.}) 30... Be8 31. a5 bxa5 32. c5 Bb5 33. Nf4 $2 {
[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;Mistake;persistent;true] A good-looking move but
it's unfortunately not active enough.} (33. Qc7+ Qe7 34. Ne5+ {White needs to
put pressure on Black's king.} Kf6 35. Qxa5) 33... Qe7 $1 {[%c_effect e7;
square;e7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Holding everything together.} 34. Qc3
Qc7 35. g3 g5 36. Qh8 $2 {[%c_effect h8;square;h8;type;Mistake;persistent;true]
} (36. Ng2 {White's best move, a backwards knight move, is not exactly
inspiring.}) 36... Qe7 $1 {[%c_effect e7;square;e7;type;GreatFind;persistent;
true] The e7-square is so critical to Black's defense.} 37. Nh5 $2 {[%c_effect
h5;square;h5;type;Mistake;persistent;true] An attractive idea but losing with
correct defense. Muzychuk, who barely missed a beat all game, finds the way.}
Kg6 38. g4 {White tries to rip open the kingside now and set up traps, but
Black calls the bluff.} fxg4 39. Ng3 Bc6 {Black's bishop comes to life and now
just needs to avoid perpetual checks.} 40. Qg8+ Kf6 41. Qh8+ Kf7 42. Qe5 Bd5
43. Qc3 Qf6 44. Qxa5 Qf3 45. Qxa7+ $2 {[%c_effect a7;square;a7;type;Mistake;
persistent;true]} (45. Kf1 {White survives for longer but is still in a dire
situation.}) 45... Kg6 {The checks run out $1} 0-1
[Event "Chess.com"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.02.05"]
[Round "4"]
[White "Koneru, Humpy"]
[Black "Muzychuk, Anna"]
[Result "1-0"]
[WhiteElo "2572"]
[BlackElo "2522"]
[PlyCount "105"]
[EventDate "2023.??.??"]
[TimeControl "5400+30"]
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. h4 c6 6. cxd5 cxd5 7. Bf4 Nc6 8. e3
O-O 9. Qb3 Na5 10. Qa3 Bf5 11. Be2 Nc4 12. Qb3 Qb6 13. O-O Nxb2 14. Ne5 Rfc8
15. Rfc1 Nc4 16. Nxc4 dxc4 17. Bxc4 Qxb3 18. axb3 Be6 19. Nb5 Nd5 20. Nxa7 $2 {
[%c_effect a7;square;a7;type;Mistake;persistent;true] Without a doubt, this is
the most critical moment of the game. White has inaccurately grabbed the
a7-pawn, and with perfect play Black can garner a slight edge.} Rxa7 $2 {
[%c_effect a7;square;a7;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (20... Rxc4 $1 {
[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] A great move. Black
can trade straight down to an equal, if not better, endgame.} 21. bxc4 (21.
Rxc4 Nxf4 22. exf4 (22. Rc7 Nd3 23. Rxb7 Nc5 $1 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;
GreatFind;persistent;true]} 24. Rc7 Nxb3 {Black stands slightly better with
great chances to score a result.}) 22... Bxc4 23. bxc4 Bxd4 {This would spell
the end for Koneru.}) 21... Nxf4 22. exf4 Bxd4 {[%c_arrow d4a7;keyPressed;none;
from;d4;opacity;0.8;to;a7;persistent;false,a8a7;keyPressed;none;from;a8;
opacity;0.8;to;a7;persistent;false]} 23. c5 Bxa1 24. Rxa1 {White still has to
deal with the pinned knight, and the kingside pawn structure is suboptimal.})
21. Rxa7 {Koneru is immediately better now. Control of the a-file will be the
most important feature of this game.} Nxf4 (21... b5 $5 {[%c_effect b5;square;
b5;type;Interesting;persistent;true] A fascinating try that makes sense to her.
Pin to win $1} 22. Bg3 bxc4 23. Rxc4 {White doesn't mind this position as the
central pawns will started rolling, although Black's bishop pair will cause
some problems.}) 22. Rca1 $1 {[%c_effect a1;square;a1;type;GreatFind;
persistent;true]} Nd5 23. Rxb7 Bf6 24. Ra5 Rd8 25. g3 (25. Rab5 {The threat of
a rook trade is enough reason to consider this move. Black cannot afford
further simplification.}) 25... Nc3 26. Rba7 Kg7 27. Ra8 $1 {[%c_effect a8;
square;a8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rd7 28. R5a7 Rd6 {Avoiding the rook
trade at all costs.} 29. Ra6 Rd7 30. R8a7 Rd8 31. Ra8 Rd7 32. Bxe6 {Koneru
decides against an easy draw and correctly chooses to play for a win.} fxe6 33.
Rxe6 Rb7 34. Raa6 Rxb3 35. Reb6 {White forces the trade of rooks, and Muzychuk
is left clutching at straws to defend this position.} Rxb6 36. Rxb6 h6 37. Rc6
Ne4 38. Kg2 g5 39. Kf3 Nd6 (39... Nd2+ {Being as pesky as possible is Black's
only chance of tricking White now.} 40. Kg4 gxh4 41. gxh4 Kf7 42. Rc2 Ne4 43.
f4 Nd6 {With one less pawn on the board, White will still need to work hard to
convert.}) 40. h5 Kf7 41. g4 Bg7 42. Ke2 Ne4 (42... Ke6 {The king is Black's
best attacking piece left and must be used.}) 43. f3 Nf6 44. e4 Nd7 45. e5 {
Without a serious blunder now, White can win easily with a spoonful of
patience.} Nf8 46. Ke3 Ne6 47. Ke4 Nf4 48. d5 Ne2 49. Rc2 Ng3+ 50. Kd4 Kf8 51.
Rg2 Nf1 52. Ke4 Kf7 53. f4 {The break is enough to convince Muzychuk that the
day is done.} 1-0
[Event "Chess.com"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.02.05"]
[Round "4"]
[White "Kashlinskaya, Alina"]
[Black "Abdumalik, Zhansaya"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[WhiteElo "2491"]
[BlackElo "2496"]
[PlyCount "64"]
[EventDate "2023.??.??"]
[TimeControl "5400+30"]
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 c6 5. Bg5 Be7 6. e3 Nbd7 7. Bd3 h6 8. Bh4
O-O 9. O-O dxc4 10. Bxc4 b5 11. Bd3 Bb7 12. Rc1 Rc8 13. Bxf6 Nxf6 14. Ne4 Nxe4
15. Bxe4 f5 16. Bc2 c5 17. dxc5 Bxc5 18. Bb3 Qe7 19. Nd4 Rf6 20. Ne2 Rd8 21.
Qc2 Bb6 22. Nf4 Kh8 23. Rfd1 Rdf8 24. Qc3 e5 25. Nd5 Bxd5 26. Rxd5 b4 27. Qxe5
Re6 28. Qf4 Rxe3 $3 {[%c_effect e3;square;e3;type;Brilliant;persistent;true]
Having given away a pawn earlier for piece activity, Abdumalik wins it back in
style.} 29. Rf1 {Kashlinskaya is forced to go on defense.} (29. fxe3 $4 {
[%c_effect e3;square;e3;type;Blunder;persistent;true]} Bxe3+ {The devastating
idea.}) 29... Re4 30. Qf3 Re2 31. Bc4 $1 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;
GreatFind;persistent;true]} Re5 (31... Rxf2 $1 {[%c_effect f2;square;f2;type;
GreatFind;persistent;true] An amazing way to force a draw (at least).} 32. Rxf2
Rc8 33. Rxf5 Rxc4 34. Rf8+ Kh7 35. Qf5+ g6 36. Rf7+ Kh8 37. Rxe7 $4 {
[%c_effect e7;square;e7;type;Blunder;persistent;true]} (37. Rf8+ Kh7 38. Rf7+ {
A humorous way to draw by repetition.}) 37... Rc1+ {Checkmate is unavoidable.})
(31... Rxb2 32. Rxf5 {The position is equal but easier to play for Black. This
could have been considered.}) 32. b3 Rxd5 {Sensing a drawish opposite-colored
bishop ending, the players agree to a draw early.} 1/2-1/2
[Event "Chess.com"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.02.06"]
[Round "5"]
[White "Harika, Dronavalli"]
[Black "Kosteniuk, Alexandra"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[WhiteElo "2507"]
[BlackElo "2519"]
[PlyCount "109"]
[EventDate "2023.??.??"]
[TimeControl "5400+30"]
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. cxd5 cxd5 4. Bf4 Nc6 5. e3 Nf6 6. Nc3 Bf5 7. Nf3 e6 8. Qb3
Bb4 9. Ne5 O-O ({Black shouldn't allow White to leave her with a backward pawn
on c6:} 9... Bxc3+ 10. bxc3 Nxe5 11. Bxe5 O-O 12. Qxb7 Rc8) 10. Nxc6 Bxc3+ 11.
Qxc3 bxc6 12. Qa3 $16 ({If} 12. Qxc6 {Black has a lead in development to
compensate for the pawn:} Qa5+ 13. Qc3 Qb6 14. Qb3 (14. Be2 Rfc8 15. Qb3 (15.
Qa3 Rc2) 15... Qa5+ $17) (14. Bd3 Rfc8 15. Qa3 Bxd3 16. Qxd3 Qb4+ 17. Kf1 Qxb2
$17) 14... Qa5+ 15. Qc3) 12... Nd7 13. Rc1 Qb6 14. Be2 Rfe8 15. O-O e5 16. dxe5
Nxe5 17. Rfe1 Re6 18. Qc3 Nd7 19. Red1 h6 20. b4 Nf6 21. a4 Ne4 22. Qd4 Qb7 23.
b5 Rd8 24. f3 Nf6 25. e4 Bg6 26. bxc6 Rxc6 27. Rxc6 Qxc6 28. Be5 (28. Bb5 $1 {
[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] wins a pawn:} Qc2 (
28... Qb7 29. Bxh6) (28... Qb6 29. Qxb6 axb6 30. Be3 {leaves Black with weak
pawns on b6 and d5 to protect.}) 29. Rc1 Qb3 30. Bc6 a6 31. exd5) 28... a5 29.
Bb5 Qc2 30. Rd2 Qc1+ 31. Rd1 Qc2 32. Re1 Nh5 33. exd5 {FInally, the pinned
pawn falls.} f6 34. Bg3 Nxg3 35. hxg3 Qc7 36. Rd1 Rd6 37. Bc6 Rd8 38. Kh2 Bf7
39. Qc5 Rd6 40. Qb5 Rd8 41. Qb7 Qd6 42. Qb6 {Harika's advantage grows as she's
ready to gobble up another one of Black's weak pawns.} Rb8 43. Qxa5 Rb4 44. Kh1
({Better is} 44. Bd7 {rerouting the bishop to bother the black king while
clearing the c6-square for the white queen to disrupt the blockade on the
d5-passer.} Kh7 45. f4 h5 46. Bf5+ Bg6 47. Bxg6+ Kxg6 48. Qa8 Rb8 49. Qc6)
44... h5 $5 {[%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;Interesting;persistent;true]
Kosteniuk prepares counterplay on the kingside.} 45. Rc1 Rb2 ({Better is} 45...
h4 $5 {[%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] loosening
White's kingside while keeping the white queen blocked on the queenside. White
should give a pawn back to get the queens off the board:} 46. Qc5 Qxc5 47. Rxc5
hxg3 48. Rc1 Rd4 49. a5 Bxd5 50. Bxd5+ Rxd5 51. Ra1 $16) 46. Qc3 (46. Qe1 $1 {
[%c_effect e1;square;e1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] holds the g3-pawn and
keeps the kingside safer.}) 46... Rf2 47. f4 h4 48. Kg1 (48. Kh2 {maintained
White's advantage} hxg3+ 49. Qxg3 {and if} Rxf4 $4 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;
type;Blunder;persistent;true]} 50. Rc4 $18) 48... hxg3 49. Qxg3 Rxf4 50. Rc3 ({
With the king on g1,} 50. Rc4 $4 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;Blunder;
persistent;true] fails to} Rf1+) 50... Qb4 {Kosteniuk's vast activity and
Harika's open king give Black enough counterplay to hold the balance.} 51. Rf3
Qb1+ 52. Kh2 Qh7+ 53. Kg1 Qb1+ 54. Kh2 Qh7+ 55. Kg1 1/2-1/2
[Event "Chess.com"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.02.06"]
[Round "5"]
[White "Muzychuk, Mariya"]
[Black "Kashlinskaya, Alina"]
[Result "0-1"]
[ECO "C24"]
[WhiteElo "2523"]
[BlackElo "2491"]
[Annotator "Rafael"]
[PlyCount "134"]
[EventDate "2023.??.??"]
[TimeControl "5400+30"]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. d3 d5 $5 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;
Interesting;persistent;true] The belief in the old days was that this very
fast advance is bad for Black, but as I've written a few times, the computer
shows that everything is more or less playable.} 5. exd5 Nxd5 6. h3 {This move
is much less played than the main line 6.0-0, and it does seem a little slow.}
(6. O-O {is the critical test.} Nb6 $5 {[%c_effect b6;square;b6;type;
Interesting;persistent;true] Mamedyarov played this move a few times recently.}
(6... Be7 {is also possible and a recent game went:} 7. Re1 f6 8. d4 Nb6 9. Bb5
{Esipenko-Vidit, Mayrhofen 2022.})) 6... Be7 {Whether this is the best way to
develop is something open to question.} (6... Bc5 7. O-O O-O 8. Re1 Be6 {
Vidit-Duda, Aimchess (rapid) 2022.}) (6... Bf5 $5 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;
type;Interesting;persistent;true] This is a move the computer approves, though
it's nearly untried.}) 7. O-O Nb6 $1 {[%c_effect b6;square;b6;type;GreatFind;
persistent;true]} (7... O-O 8. Re1 {Black has some problems in defending the
e-pawn. In general, this is the problem with the quick d5-advance.}) 8. Bb3 a5
$1 {[%c_effect a5;square;a5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is an
important move for Black, but it's not easy to understand what's the big
advantage over the direct 8...Qd6. I think this is clear in the following line:
} (8... Qd6 $6 {[%c_effect d6;square;d6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} 9.
Nc3 Qg6 10. Kh1 Be6 11. Re1 $1 {[%c_effect e1;square;e1;type;GreatFind;
persistent;true]} Bxb3 12. axb3 {This is the point: White is able to recapture
with the pawn, an option that will be lost in the game continuation.} f6 13.
Nb5 $1 {[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] with the
initiative.}) 9. a3 Qd6 10. Re1 (10. Nc3 Qg6 11. Kh1 a4 12. Ba2 Be6 {This
position is now acceptable for Black.}) 10... a4 {This natural move is a
novelty. It's hard to say without a deeper study whether this is better than
the immediate 10...Be6.} (10... Be6 11. Bxe6 Qxe6 12. Qe2 f6 13. d4 O-O-O $5 {
[%c_effect c8;square;c8;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} 14. dxe5 fxe5 15.
Nc3 {With chances for both sides in Demchenko-Aditya, Sitges 2022.}) 11. Ba2
Be6 12. Bxe6 Qxe6 13. Qe2 O-O $2 {[%c_effect g8;square;g8;type;Mistake;
persistent;true] Black doesn't have adequate compensation for the lost pawn.
13...f6, 13...Bd6 or 13...Bf6 are better.} (13... f6 14. d4 O-O 15. dxe5 Nxe5
16. Nxe5 fxe5 17. Be3 Nd5 {with a balanced position.}) (13... Bd6) (13... Bf6)
14. Nxe5 Nd4 15. Qd1 Rae8 16. Nd2 Bf6 17. Nef3 Nxf3+ 18. Nxf3 {White has
consolidated and is a clear pawn up.} Qd5 19. Nd2 (19. c3 {is good, preparing
to develop the bishop.}) 19... Be5 20. Ne4 Re6 (20... h6 {is better, avoiding
White's next move.}) 21. Ng5 $1 {[%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;GreatFind;
persistent;true] The knight continues to dance. It's funny that this piece
will go back to f3, where it was in the first place, but even so White's
position has improved.} Ree8 22. c3 h6 23. Nf3 Bd6 24. Be3 c5 25. c4 Qf5 26.
Rc1 (26. b4 {Opens the queenside and is immediately winning, but the move
played is also OK.}) 26... Re6 27. d4 Rfe8 $6 {[%c_effect e8;square;e8;type;
Inaccuracy;persistent;true] This loses more material, although it's hard to
give any advice.} 28. dxc5 Bxc5 29. Nd4 $2 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;
Mistake;persistent;true]} (29. g4 $1 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;
persistent;true] wins immediately, as the queen cannot protect the c5-bishop
anymore.} Rg6 30. Nh4) 29... Bxd4 30. Qxd4 Rg6 31. Kh1 (31. Kf1 $1 {[%c_effect
f1;square;f1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is more accurate, bringing the
king closer to the center in anticipation of a queen exchange.}) 31... Kh7 $6 {
[%c_effect h7;square;h7;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (31... Qe4 $1 {
[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This move gives
chances of a draw in a slightly worse endgame for Black after} 32. f3 Qxd4 33.
Bxd4 Rxe1+ 34. Rxe1 Nxc4 35. Re8+ Kh7 36. Re7 Nd6) 32. Red1 Qe6 33. Rd3 (33. c5
{is more natural. Black intended} Qc6 $1 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;
GreatFind;persistent;true] but White is able to keep a better position after}
34. f3 Nd5 35. Bf2) 33... Re7 $1 {[%c_effect e7;square;e7;type;GreatFind;
persistent;true]} 34. f3 $4 {[%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;Blunder;persistent;
true] An unfortunate mistake that completely changes the course of the game.} (
34. Qc3 {and the position is still clearly better for White.}) 34... Rd7 35.
Qc3 Rxg2 $1 {[%c_effect g2;square;g2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] That's it.
A nice \"Puzzle Rush\" tactic that gives a nearly decisive advantage for Black.
} 36. Kxg2 Qg6+ 37. Kf2 Rxd3 38. Qe5 Nd7 39. Qf4 (39. Qe4 {The exchange of
queens brings no relief for White.} Qxe4 40. fxe4 Ne5 {with a technically
winning endgame due to the better pawn structure and the monster knight.})
39... Qe6 40. Rg1 g5 (40... Ne5 {is also very good.}) 41. Qe4+ Qxe4 42. fxe4
Ne5 {White's queenside falls apart, and the rest is easy.} 43. Ke2 Rb3 44. Bd4
Nf3 45. Rd1 Nxd4+ 46. Rxd4 Rxb2+ 47. Kf1 Rb3 {It turns out that not all rook
endgames are drawn.} 48. Rd7 Kg6 49. Kg2 Kf6 50. c5 h5 51. Rc7 h4 52. c6 bxc6
53. Rxc6+ Kg7 54. Rc5 f6 55. e5 fxe5 56. Rxe5 Kf6 57. Ra5 Rxa3 58. Kh2 Kg6 59.
Ra8 Kf5 60. Rf8+ Ke4 61. Re8+ Kf3 62. Rf8+ Ke2 63. Ra8 Ra2 64. Ra5 Kf3+ 65. Kg1
g4 $1 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 66. hxg4 Kg3 {
A nice final touch. The g4-pawn gives shelter against the checks. It works
like an umbrella.} 67. Kf1 h3 0-1
[Event "Chess.com"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.02.06"]
[Round "5"]
[White "Dzagnidze, Nana"]
[Black "Koneru, Humpy"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[WhiteElo "2517"]
[BlackElo "2572"]
[PlyCount "78"]
[EventDate "2023.??.??"]
[TimeControl "5400+30"]
1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Bb4 3. Qc2 Nf6 4. a3 Bxc3 5. Qxc3 O-O 6. e3 Re8 7. b4 d5 8.
cxd5 Nxd5 9. Qc2 Nc6 10. d3 a5 11. bxa5 {An unusual choice that helps Black
develop her pieces.} Rxa5 12. Be2 Qd6 13. Nf3 Rc5 14. Qd2 Nc3 {Due to Black's
activity and lead in development as well as the weaknesses on White's
queenside, Koneru already has a comfortable edge with the black pieces.} 15.
Bb2 Nxe2 16. Qxe2 Bg4 17. O-O Rd5 {Soon winning White's weak d3-pawn.} ({
Black may have been able to squeeze more out of the position with:} 17... Qg6
18. Rfc1 Rb5 19. Kh1 Qh5 20. Rc4 Rd8 21. Rg1 Rd6 {gradually increasing the
pressure on both sides of the board.}) 18. h3 (18. Rfd1 Rd8 {and White has run
out of ways to guard d3.}) 18... Bxf3 19. Qxf3 Rxd3 20. a4 Rd8 21. Qg4 Qd7 22.
Qh4 Qd5 (22... Rb3 {pushes the white bishop to a more passive square:} 23. Bc1
$17 ({If} 23. Ba3 {Black can chase the bishop all over the board while
increasing her activity.} Qd3 24. Bc5 Rc3 25. Be7 Rd5 26. Bg5 Rc4 27. Qh5 Qf5
28. Qe2 Rdc5 29. f4 Rc2 $17)) 23. Rfc1 h6 24. Qg4 Qe6 {Trading queens in this
way gives up a lot of Black's advantage due to the doubled isolated pawns.} 25.
Qxe6 fxe6 26. a5 Rb3 27. Rxc6 $5 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;Interesting;
persistent;true] Dzagnidze finds a way to generate counterplay, sacrificing
the exchange to clear the way for the now-passed a5-pawn.} bxc6 28. Bxe5 Ra8
29. a6 Rb5 30. Bxc7 Ra7 31. f4 Kf7 ({There's no need for White to guard the
bishop with such a powerful passer ready to leap toward the queening square.}
31... Rxc7 32. a7) 32. Kf2 g6 33. Kf3 Ke7 34. g4 c5 35. h4 Kd7 36. Be5 Kc6 37.
h5 gxh5 38. gxh5 Rb6 39. Rg1 Kb5 ({It seems that Koneru could have continued
playing for the advantage with:} 39... Raxa6 40. Rg6 Kd5 41. Rxh6 Rb3 42. Rh7
Raa3 43. Rd7+ Kc4 44. h6 Rxe3+ 45. Kf2 Rh3 46. h7 Ra2+ 47. Kg1 Rah2 48. h8=Q
Rxh8 49. Bxh8 Rxh8) 1/2-1/2
[Event "Chess.com"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.02.06"]
[Round "5"]
[White "Tan, Zhongyi"]
[Black "Wagner, Dinara"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[WhiteElo "2530"]
[BlackElo "2414"]
[PlyCount "89"]
[EventDate "2023.??.??"]
[TimeControl "5400+30"]
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3 d5 4. Bg2 dxc4 5. Qa4+ Nbd7 6. Qxc4 c5 7. Nf3 a6 8.
Qc2 cxd4 9. Nxd4 Bc5 10. Nb3 Bd6 11. O-O O-O 12. Rd1 Qe7 13. Nc3 {White's
pieces, especially her fianchettoed bishop, stare into the black queenside.}
Rb8 {To unpin the b7-pawn.} 14. Be3 Ne5 15. Bg5 Qc7 16. Bxf6 gxf6 17. Qd2 {
White switches gears to set her sights on Black's newly weakened kingside, but
most of her pieces are more ready to focus on the queenside.} Be7 18. Rac1 Qb6
19. Ne4 Kg7 20. g4 $6 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]
} Nxg4 21. h3 Ne5 22. Qf4 Bd7 23. Ng3 Bc6 {With the activation of the
light-squared bishop to counter the g2 one, Black has solved her queenside
development problems.} 24. Bxc6 bxc6 {White's superior pawn structure gives
her compensation for the pawn.} 25. Nd4 Kh8 26. b3 Rg8 27. Kf1 c5 28. Nf3 Ng6
29. Qe3 Rbd8 30. Ne4 Qc7 31. Rxd8 Rxd8 32. b4 c4 33. a3 Nf4 {Wagner has
outmaneuvered her opponent. Her pieces have reached dynamic squares, and her
isolated c-pawn has become a powerful passer.} 34. Qc3 e5 35. Nfd2 Qd7 36. Nxc4
Rc8 37. Ned2 Qf5 38. Qf3 Rg8 39. Rc3 Qg5 40. Qg4 Qh6 41. Qf5 Rg5 42. Qc8+ {
With Black's level of activity and kingside pressure, Tan is happy to make a
draw by repetition.} Rg8 43. Qf5 Rg5 44. Qc8+ Rg8 45. Qf5 1/2-1/2
