1.g3 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Bg2 c6 4.b3
Move order issues in flank
openings are sometimes overlooked. Here is a prime example. White
could castle followed by d3 and Nbd2 prior to deciding to locate the
Bc1 on b2, but there is a point.
With the Nf3 and a Bb2
observing e5, Black will have to go to some lengths in order to get e5
in or just be happy with the e6, d5, c6 triangle.
On the surface this appears
to be a minor point, but White has limited Black's options, and so
limited the number of structures that White has to consider.
4...Bg4
5.0-0 Nbd7 6.Bb2 e6 7.d3 Be7 8.Nbd2 0-0
This is a common setup.
Philosophically the battle line is drawn: White has stationed his
minor pieces to observe the central squares, ala the hypermoderns,
whereas Black has built a strongpoint on d5 after activating the QB
outside the chain in a very classical manner.
Each side has fulfilled
their goals while retaining a distinct level of flexibility. This has
a curious feel as it seems each side is striving to coerce the other
into making some sort of commitment. In a sense - shadow boxing.
The real action will start
when one or both sides make contact, that is - create points where
pawns can be exchanged. This is important as it is the most common
and direct way to alter factors in the position.
What are White's
opportunities? Either c4 or e4 are likely to begin some active
operation. As for Black the most likely pushes are ...e5 or
a5-a4.
Any of these operations
will entail some loss of flexibility, but we have reached a point
where either side is happy enough with what they have and will pass on
to the next phase of the game. In a way, this is the end of the
opening, which is a statement that can't easily be made in many games.
White's next move is just
to define the role of the Bg4 and to pick up a small bit of space.
9.h3 Bh5 10.e4 a5 11.a3
Nc5 12.Qe2 Qc7 13.g4 Bg6 14.Ne5
Some players might consider
pushing 14.e5 in order to begin a pawn storm. There are two reasons
to avoid doing this.
First, after 14.e4 Nfd7
White will have to do some contortions with the Nf3 in order to get
things going as 15.h4 h5 will lead to nothing.
Second is that White pieces
are better utilized with tension in the center. What does that mean?
Which of White's bishops is better? Neither of them, but if White
were to push e5 then the Bb2 would be looking at the back of e5 while
the Bg2 would be staring at the granite on d5.
White will use flexibility
to increase the mobility of his minor pieces.
14...dxe4
15.dxe4 Nfd7 16.f4
Another proof of the value
in not pushing e4-e5 immediately. The advance of the f-pawn is much
more orderly and effective. To defend the Bg6 Black is compelled
to make some kind of concession as 16...Nxe5 17.Bxe5 dooms it.
16...f6
17.Nxg6 hxg6 18.e5
Shutting the door. White
might have considered an advance further to the right, working for a
simple pawn storm with h4-h5. Such a plan offers Black chances based
on some black square weaknesses - h4 and f4 would need protecting plus
the possibility of a well times e5.
White takes a simpler
route. Black is kept to less space, has to defend weak pawns on e6
and g6, must keep an eye on d6 and will have to be aware of problems
on the h1-a8 diagonal.
There still are a few
black-square weaknesses, but White's command is more than enough.
18...fxe5
19.fxe5 Na4 20.Bd4 Bc5
Such moves take the
appearance of increasing the defending side's chances, exchanging
pieces when there is less space and all, but the defense of d6
disappears.
21.Bxc5
Naxc5 22.Nc4 Rxf1+ 23.Rxf1 Rf8 24.Rxf8+ Nxf8
White will now get chances
around the weakness of d6/e6/g6 and b7. Some calculation of course is
involved, but with no flashy tactics it is more a matter of experience
in the endgame.
25.Qd2 a4
26.b4 Ncd7 27.Qd6 Qd8 28.Qd2 b5
This seems to make no
sense. 28... Qc7 repeats a position we had, and forces White to make
progress. Because this is an older game it is likely that White did
have something in mind, Q-g5-e7 perhaps, and was simply repeating
moves to make it to the first time control at move 40.
White has a very large
advantage and would probably just as well prefer to see move 40 come,
adjourn the game so that it could be worked out at home, and then
resume. In any case, b5 looks very dangerous as all of the Q-side
pawns become targets.
29.Na5
Qb6+ 30.Qf2
30...c5
Here is the culprit. Black
probably analyzed 30...Qxf2+ 31.Kxf2 Nxe5 32.Nxc6 when 32...Nc4 is at
least fine for Black, but taking on c6 the other way with 32.Bxc6 is
terminal. In that case 32...Nxc6 33.Nxc6 and Black can't defend b5
and 32...Nc4 33.Bxb5 Nxa3 34.Bxa4 is final.
31.c3 Qc7
31...Nxe5 32.Qxc5 would
still be a difficult ending for Black, but much better than what
follows. Black is focused on the Q-side pawns and misses something.
32.Nc6
cxb4 33.Ne7+ Kh8 34.Qf7 Kh7 35.g5 Qc5+ 36.Kh1 1-0
Final Position: after 36.Kh1
