1

B72 [ 12.Nxe4 bxc6 #1 Lesson 44: 2.Nf3

Harikrishna,Pentala 2695 d6 Dragon-Dragon 6.Be3 Bg7 7.Be2 ]
Erigaisi Arjun 2801 12...Qxe7 13.Be2 Ng4 14.Bxg4
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (1.1) 18.01.25 [ 14.Nd5!? Qe5 15.Qd4= ]
[Kitty Kat] 14...Bxg4 15.Qd6 Qe8 -0.01/23
[ 15...Qh4 -0.47/21
B72: Sicilian Dragon: 6 Be3, lines with is more appropriate. 16.Rd2 Bxc3
h3+Bc4 and sidelines 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 17.bxc3 Be6 ]
3.Nc3 Nc6 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nxd4 Nf6 16.Rd2= Rc8 0.39/23
6.Be2 g6 7.Be3 Bg7 8.Qd2 0-0 [ 16...Bxc3= -0.01/22 17.bxc3 Qa4 ]
9.0-0-0 d5 0.55/23 17.Bd4 -0.01/22
[ 9...Ng4= 0.02/20 ] [ 17.Nd5! 0.39/23 deserves
10.Bf3 -0.06/21 consideration. ]
[ 10.exd5 0.55/23 Nxd5 11.Nxc6 17...Rd8 18.Qxd8 Qxd8 19.Bxg7 Qe8
bxc6 12.Nxd5 cxd5 13.Qxd5 Qxd5 20.Bxf8 &Bianco is more active. 20...e3
( 13...Qc7 14.Qxa8 Bf5 15.Qxf8+ a b c d e f g h
Kxf8 16.Rd2 Qb8 17.b3 Bc3
18.Bh6+ Kg8 19.Rd5 Be4 20.Rc5 8 8

Bg7 21.Be3 Bxg2 22.Ba6 Bh3 7 7

23.c3 h5 24.Bc4 Bf6 25.Rg1 Kh7
26.Bxf7 Bf5 27.f4 Qb7 28.Rxf5 6 6
Teyssou,D (2528)-6.Na3 cd4 7.cd4 5 5
Bd7 (2660) Toshkent 2022 200 Traps
In The Opening [Harding/Busemann] 4 4
0-1 (41) ) 14.Rxd5 ] 3 3
10...dxe4= aiming for ... Nxd4. 11.Nxc6
Qc7 2 2

a b c d e f g h 1 1

8 8 a b c d e f g h

7 7 21.fxe3 Kxf8 22.Re1 Qe5 23.g3 Be6

24.a3 Kg7 25.Rd4 Qh5 26.Re2 Qf3
6 6 1.35/25
5 5
[ 26...Qe5 0.98/23 ]
27.b3 h5 28.Kb2 Qf6 29.a4 b6
4 4 30.Red2 Qe5 31.e4 Kh6 32.Rd6 Kg7
3 3
33.R6d4? -0.01/24
[ 33.Rd8 1.59/24 ]
2 2 33...Kh6!= 34.Nd5 Bg4 35.Ne3 Be6
1 1
36.Ka2 Qg5 37.Nd5 h4 38.gxh4
Qxh4 39.Nc7 Bh3 40.R4d3 Bg4
a b c d e f g h
41.Nb5 Qe7 42.Nd6 Qf6 43.e5 Qf1
12.Nxe7+N -0.31/22 44.Rd4 Be6 45.Rh4+ Kg5 46.Re4
 2

Kh6 47.Kb2 g5 48.Nb5 Bf5 49.Ree2 a b c d e f g h

Bg4 50.Rg2 1.52/25
[ 50.Rf2+- 1.93/26 Qe1 51.Nd6 8 8

( 51.Nxa7 Qxe5+ 52.c3 f5 )] 7 7

50...Qe1 51.Nd4 Qe4 52.Ka2 Bh5
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
70.Kc1 Qc5+ 71.Kb2 Qe5+= ]
2 2 62...Bg6? 8.66/25
1 1
[ 62...a6 3.41/26 63.Nxg4+ Bxg4 ]
63.h5 Weighted Error Value: White=0.27
a b c d e f g h
(precise) /Black=0.18 (very precise)
53.Nc6! Bg6 54.Ne7 And now Rde2 1-0
would win. 54...Bh5 3.37/29 Prevents
Rde2.
[ 54...Qxe5 1.20/23 is a better A21
defense. 55.Nxg6 fxg6 ] Praggnanandhaa R 2741
55.Ng8++- Kg6 56.Ne7+? 0.01/23 Abdusattorov,Nodirbek 2768
[ 56.h4+- 3.43/27 g4 57.Nf6 Qxe5 Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (1.2) 18.01.25
58.Nxg4 ] [Kitty Kat]
56...Kh6=
A21: English Opening: 1...e5 2 Nc3 1.c4
(Diagram) e5 2.Nc3 Bb4 3.Nd5 a5 4.Nf3 d6
5.a3 Bc5 6.e3! c6
57.h4! g4 58.Ng8+ Kg6 59.Nf6 Qf3
60.Rg1 Kh6? 7.98/27 (Diagram)
[ 60...Qf4 3.32/28 61.Rdg2 Qxe5
62.Nxh5 Kxh5 ] 7.d4! Ba7
61.Rdg2 3.36/26 [ 7...cxd5 8.dxc5 ]
[ 61.Rd8 7.98/27 ] 8.Nc3 White is slightly better.
61...Qf5+- 62.Kb1 [ 8.dxe5 cxd5 9.Qxd5 Nc6 10.Qxd6
[ S t r o n g e r t h a n 62.Nxg4+ Bxg4 Qxd6 11.exd6 Bc5 ]
63.Rxg4 Qxc2+ 64.Ka3 Qc5+ 8...Nd7 9.Qc2N
65.Kb2 Qxe5+ 66.Kb1 Qf5+ 67.Kc1 [ 9.Be2 Ngf6 10.0-0 0-0 11.b4 Bb8
Qc5+ 68.Kb2 Qe5+ 69.Kb1 Qf5+ ( 11...Re8 12.b5 e4 13.Nd2 d5
 3

a b c d e f g h
9...Ngf6 10.Bd2 0-0 11.0-0-0 Re8
12.h3 e4 13.Nh2
8 8 [ 13.Ng5 d5 14.cxd5 cxd5 ]
7 7 13...d5 14.g4 dxc4 15.g5 Nd5
16.Nxe4 Qe7 17.Ng3 -0.38/21
6 6 [ 17.Bg2= -0.06/21 ]
5 5
17...b5 -0.06/21
[ 17...Qxg5 18.e4 Nf4 19.Bxc4 ]
4 4 [ 17...c3! -0.38/21 might be stronger.
3 3
18.bxc3 Qxa3+ 19.Qb2 Qxb2+
20.Kxb2 b5 ]
2 2 18.Nf5
1 1
[ 18.e4!? c3 19.exd5 cxd2+
20.Kb1= ]
a b c d e f g h
18...Qe6
14.bxc6 bxc6 15.cxd5 cxd5 16.Nb5 [ 18...Qxg5 19.e4 Qg6 20.exd5 ]
Bb8 17.a4 Nf8 18.Ba3 Ra6 19.Rc1 19.h4
Bxh2+ 20.Kxh2 Ng4+ 21.Bxg4 Rh6+ a b c d e f g h
22.Kg1 Qh4 23.f3 Bxg4 24.Bd6 Bd7
25.Qe1 Qh5 26.Bf4 Gareyev,T 8 8

(2565)-Krysa,L (2525) San Salvador 7 7

2022 [Arsovic,Zoran] 1-0) 12.b5 e4
13.Nd2 d5 14.a4 c5 15.Ba3 cxd4 6 6
16.exd4 Re8 17.Nxd5 Nxd5 18.cxd5 5 5
Nb6 19.d6 Bxd6 20.Bxd6 Qxd6
21.Nc4 Nxc4 22.Bxc4 b6 23.Qb3 4 4
Re7 Harvey,M (2491) -Sadhwani,R 3 3
(2677) London 2024 ½-½ ]
[ 9.Ne4 Bb8 10.d5 Ngf6 11.dxc6 2 2
Nxe4 12.cxd7+ Bxd7 13.b3 Bc6 1 1
14.Bb2 Qb6 15.Qc2 Nc5 16.Nd2
a b c d e f g h
0-0 Nepomniachtchi, I (2751)-Anand,V
(2776) Moscow (rapid) 135/(15) 2018 c5 -0.05/19
[Tadic,Branko] ] [ 19...Ne5! -0.56/21 20.Ng3 Nd3+
[ 9.b4 Ngf6 10.Bb2 0-0 11.Be2 Bb8 21.Bxd3 cxd3 22.Qxd3 b4 ]
12.d5 cxd5 13.cxd5 Nb6 14.0-0 Bg4 20.Bh3= And now Nh6+! would win.
15.Qb3 a4 16.Qd1 Qe7 17.Rc1 Rc8 20...Qa6 Against Nh6+ 21.h5 -1.18/19
18.Nd2 Bd7 19.e4 Bc7 20.Bb5 Bd8 [ 21.Rhe1= -0.06/19 ]
21.Qe2 Ne8 22.Rc2 Bxb5 23.Qxb5 21...b4!
Qd7 Pires,A (2717)-Mladenov,P [ 21...cxd4 22.exd4 b4 23.Ng4 bxa3
(2647) Wijk aan Zee 2020 MON C00 24.Rhe1 axb2+ 25.Kb1 ]
RK [A.S. Hollis, CC19 p212.] ½-½ 22.Bf1 -1.61/20
(68) ] [ 22.Ng4 -1.02/17 was called for. ]
 4

22...cxd4!-+ a b c d e f g h
[ 22...bxa3 23.Bxc4 ( 23.bxa3 cxd4
24.Bxc4 Qc6-+ ) 23...Qc6 24.g6 8 8

( 24.bxa3? cxd4 25.Be2 Qxc2+ 7 7

26.Kxc2 dxe3-+ ) 24...fxg6 25.hxg6=
( 25.bxa3? gxf5 26.Ba2 Bb7-+ )] 6 6
23.Bxc4 5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4
8 8
3 3
7 7
2 2
6 6
1 1
5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4 Bxf5! 27.Bxa6 N3b4+ Pair of Knights!
3 3
28.Ka1 Nxa2 29.Kxa2 dxe3 30.fxe3
[ 30.Bxa5? e2! 31.Rxd5 Be6-+ ]
2 2 30...Nxe3
1 1
[ 30...Bxe3?! 31.Bb7 Be6 32.Bxa8
Nc3+ 33.Ka1 Nxd1 34.Bc6= ]
a b c d e f g h
31.Rc1 Rab8 -0.44/22
b3! -0.89/23 24.Qxb3 [ Better is 31...Bb6 -0.84/22 32.Bb5
a b c d e f g h
Re5 ]
32.Bxa5 -1.05/24
8 8 [ White should play 32.Rhe1! -0.44/22 ]
7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

Nc5 Discovered Attack 25.Qa2 Nd3+ 2 2

26.Kb1 1 1

a b c d e f g h
(Diagram)
32...Nc2! 33.Bc4 Bd4 34.b3 Rec8
 5

0.44/23 a b c d e f g h
[ 34...Ra8 -1.05/23 35.Rxc2 Bxc2 ]
35.Rhf1! 8 8

[ Don't blunder 35.Nf3? 7 7

a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 with ...Ra8+. 42.Kb1 Na3+ 43.Ka2

1 1 a b c d e f g h

a b c d e f g h 8 8

Rxc4! 36.Nxd4 Rxd4-+ ] 7 7

35...Ne3
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
Nc2! Strongly threatening ...Ra8+.
2 2 44.Kb1
1 1
[ 44.Rxc2? leads to mate. Ra8+ ]
44...Na3+ 45.Ka2 Nc2 aiming for ...
a b c d e f g h
Ra8+. 46.Kb1
36.Rxf5 Nxf5 37.g6 hxg6 38.hxg6 [ 46.Rxc2? is a self mate. Ra8+ ]
Nd6⇆ Black is not keeping still. The 46...Na3+! Weighted Error Value:
position is equal. 39.gxf7+ Kf8 40.Bb4 White=0.12 (very precise) /Black=0.13
(very precise)
(Diagram) ½-½

Rxb4 41.axb4 Nb5 Threatens to win

 6

C58 a b c d e f g h
Mendonca,Leon Luke 2639
Keymer,Vincent 2733 8 8

Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (1.3) 18.01.25 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6
C58: Two Knights: 4 Ng5 d5 5 exd5 Na5 5 5
sidelines 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4
Nf6 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Na5 6.Bb5+ c6 4 4
7.dxc6 bxc6 8.Bd3 Nd5 3 3
[ 8...Ng4!? 9.Nh3 Bc5= ]
9.Nf3 2 2
[ 9.Qh5 g6 10.Nxf7 gxh5 ] 1 1
9...Bd6 10.Nc3 f5 The position is
a b c d e f g h
equal. 11.Nxd5 cxd5 12.b4 Nc6
13.Bb5 Bb7 14.Bb2 25...d3 26.Rxf5 Qg4 27.Rf2
[ 14.d4!? ] aiming for c6. 27...h5 28.h3 Qg3
14...0-0! 15.Bxc6 Bxc6 16.Nxe5 Re8 a b c d e f g h
17.f4 d4N 0.39/24
[ 17...Qb6= 0.04/22 18.Rb1 ( 18.a3 8 8

a5 #5 17. Italian: 4. Ng5-8. Bd3 9. 7 7

Nf3 ) 18...d4 ]
18.0-0 Bxe5 19.fxe5 Rxe5 20.c4 6 6
-0.01/24 5 5
[ 20.a4 0.48/21 ]
20...Qh4!= 21.b5 Bb7 And now ...Rae8 4 4
w o u l d w i n . 22.Rf2 Qf1 is the strong 3 3
threat. 22...Rae8 Strongly threatening ...
f4. 23.Qf1 Hoping for Rc1. 23...R5e6 2 2
1.22/21 1 1
[ 23...R8e6!= -0.01/20 ]
a b c d e f g h

29.c6! Kh7 30.Qc5 Rg6 (  ...Qxh3)

(Diagram) 31.Rc1? -#7/16
[ 31.Qxa7 gets mated. Bxg2 ]
24.c5!↑ Threatens to win with Qc4. [ 31.Qxh5+ 0.99/24 Kg8 32.Bd4 ]
Keeping Black busy. 31...Qxh3 What a bad dream for White.
[ Don't play 24.Rxf5 a6 25.a4 h6+- ] W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 3 1 /
[ 24.Rf4?! Qg5 25.Rxf5 ( 25.Bxd4? Black=0.18 (very precise)
Re1-+ ) 25...Qxd2= ] 0-1
24...Be4 2.47/20
[ 24...Bd5 1.16/21 ]
25.Qc4+- Black must now prevent d3.
 7

E04 a b c d e f g h
Gukesh D 2777
Giri,Anish 2731 8 8

Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (1.4) 18.01.25 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6
E04: Open Catalan: 5 Nf3 1.Nf3 Nf6 5 5
2.g3 d5 3.Bg2 c5 4.0-0 Nc6 5.d4 e6
6.c4 dxc4 7.Qa4 Bd7 8.dxc5 Bxc5 4 4
9.Qxc4 Be7 10.Nc3 0-0 11.e4 Rc8 3 3
12.Qe2 Bc5
[ 12...Qa5 13.Rd1 Rfd8 14.Bd2 Qb6 2 2
15.Be3 Qa5 16.Nd2 Be8 17.Nb3 1 1
Qb4 18.f4 Nd7 19.e5 Nb6 20.Bf2
a b c d e f g h
a5 21.Be1 a4 22.Nd5 Qc4 23.Qxc4
Nxc4 24.Nxe7+ Nxe7 25.Rxd8 Rxd8 a b c d e f g h
26.Na5 Nxa5 27.Bxa5 Esipenko,A
(2675)-Duda,J (2729) Dusseldorf GER 8 8

2023 [Raven Sturt] ½-½ (44) ] 7 7

13.Bg5N Black must now prevent e5.
White has an edge. 6 6
[ 13.e5 Nd5 14.Ne4 Nd4 15.Nxd4 5 5
Bxd4 16.Nd6 Rc6 17.Rd1 Qb6
18.Nf5 exf5 19.Bxd5 Rcc8 4 4
Training Positions-Position ] 3 3
13...h6 14.Bh4 -0.68/22
[ 14.Be3= 0.19/22 Bb4 15.Rfc1 ] 2 2
14...g5 15.Nxg5 hxg5 16.Bxg5 e5! 1 1
17.Qd2! Be7 18.Bh6 White threatens
a b c d e f g h
Q g 5 + a n d m a t e . 18...Kh7 Strongly
threatening ...Rh8. 19.Bxf8 Qb6! 27.exd5
[ 19.Qg5? Rg8 20.Qd2 Be6-+ ]
19...Bxf8 20.f4 Be6 21.Nd5! (Diagram)

(Diagram) Rf2! 28.Qc3

Nb4! 22.fxe5 Ng4 ...Rc2 is the strong (Diagram)

threat. 23.Rad1! Kh8! 24.Kh1 -1.02/22
[ 24.Qf4= -0.01/23 ] Bb4! 0.01/24 29.Qc1!= Bf5!⇆
24...Rc2 25.Qf4 Hoping for Nxb4. Threatens to win with ...Rxg2! Black is
25...Nxd5 26.Qf3 n o t h o l d i n g b a c k 30.Qg5 Bf8
A s t r o n g p a i r o f B i s h o p s . 31.Qh4+
(Diagram) -1.17/23
 8

a b c d e f g h
Qxf7 38.exf7 Kg7 ]
32.Rde1 aiming for e6!
8 8 [ Don't blunder 32.h3? Rxg2! 33.hxg4
7 7 Be4 34.Qf6+ Qxf6 35.Rxf6 Rd2+
36.Kg1 Rxd1+-+ ]
6 6 32...Qxb2 33.h3? -5.08/27
5 5
[ 33.Rxf2!= -0.01/24 and White is
okay. Nxf2+ 34.Kg1 ]
4 4

3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 8 8

1 1 7 7

a b c d e f g h 6 6

a b c d e f g h 5 5

8 8 4 4

7 7 3 3

6 6 2 2

5 5 1 1

4 4 a b c d e f g h

3 3
33...Be4!-+ (  ...Rxf1+) 34.Rxf2
[ Not 34.Qd8+? Kg7 35.Qf6+ Nxf6 ]
2 2 34...Nxf2+ 35.Kg1
1 1 a b c d e f g h

a b c d e f g h 8 8

[ 31.Qh5+!= -0.01/24 Bh6 32.Rde1 7 7

( 32.Qxf7? Rxg2 33.Qe8+ Kg7-+ )
32...Qxb2 33.Rxf2 ( 33.Qxf7 Rxg2 6 6
34.Qe8+ Kg7 35.Qe7+ Kg8 5 5
36.Qd8+ Kh7 37.Qe7+ Bg7
38.Qh4+ Kg6 ) 33...Nxf2+ 34.Kg1 ] 4 4
31...Bh6 -0.01/20 3 3
[ 31...Kg8 -1.17/23 And now ...Rxg2!
w o u l d w i n . 32.e6 Rxf1+ 33.Rxf1 2 2
Nf2+ 34.Rxf2 ( 34.Kg1? Nh3+ 1 1
35.Kh1 Qg1+ 36.Rxg1 Nf2# )
a b c d e f g h
34...Qxf2 35.Qg5+ Kh8 36.Qh5+
( 36.Qf6+? Bg7-+ ) 36...Bh7 37.Qxf7 Qb6 5.42/23
 9

[ 35...Ng4!-+ -4.52/23 avoids the 19.Be5 Ne6 20.Bd3 Bxd3 21.Qxd3

disaster. 36.Qxh6+ ( 36.Qd8+? Kg7 22.h4 Bxe5 23.Rxe5 0.02/24
Kg7-+ ) 36...Nxh6 37.Rxe4 Nf5 ] [ 23.Nxe5 0.33/23 Qxh4
36.Qf6++- White is clearly winning. a b c d e f g h
36...Qxf6 37.exf6 Bxg2 38.Kxg2 Nd3
39.Re8+ Kh7 40.d6 Intending d7 and 8 8

mate. 40...Nc5 41.Re5 Inhibits Bg5. 7 7

41...Nd7 42.Re7 Weighted Error Value:
White=0.33/ Black=0.25 (precise) 6 6
1-0 5 5

4 4
C67 3 3
Wei,Yi 2751
Caruana,Fabiano 2803 2 2
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (1.5) 18.01.25 1 1
[Kitty Kat]
a b c d e f g h

C67: Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defence: 4 0-0 24.Nxg6! ]

Nxe4 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 23...Qd7= The position is equal. 24.Ng5
4.0-0 Nxe4 5.Re1 Nd6 6.Nxe5 Be7 W h i t e wa n t s t o p l a y Nxe 6 + . 24...Nc7
7.Bf1 Nxe5 8.Rxe5 0-0 9.d4 Bf6 25.Qe3
10.Re1 Re8 11.Bf4 Rxe1 12.Qxe1 a b c d e f g h
Ne8 White has an edge. 13.c3 d5
14.Nd2 c6 15.Qe3 8 8

[ 15.a4 a5 16.Bd3 g6 17.Nf3 Ng7 7 7

18.Bh6 Be6 19.h3 Qd6 20.Qd2 Re8
21.Re1 Qd8 22.g4 Bc8 23.Rxe8+ 6 6
Nxe8 24.Qf4 Qc7 25.Kg2 Qxf4 5 5
26.Bxf4 Be7 27.g5 Bd6 28.Ne5 Kf8
29.h4 Ke7 Carlsen,M (2868)-Topalov, 4 4
V (2793) Stavanger 2013 CBM 155 3 3
[Marin,Mihail] ½-½ (51) ]
15...g6N 2 2
[ 15...Bf5 16.Re1 Nd6 17.h3 Qd7 1 1
18.Qg3 Ne4 19.Nxe4 dxe4 20.Be5
a b c d e f g h
Bxe5 21.Qxe5 Re8 22.Qf4 Bg6
23.Bc4 h6 24.g4 b5 25.Bb3 a5 S t r o n g l y t h r e a t e n i n g R e 7 . 25...Re8
26.a3 b4 27.axb4 axb4 28.h4 bxc3 Against Re7 26.g3 Kg8 27.Qf4 Rxe5
29.bxc3 Qb7 30.Bc4 Lou,Y (2459)- 28.Qxe5 Ne8 29.Nh3 Nd6 30.Nf4
Zhao,J (2535) Shaoxing 2024 1-0 Qd8 31.Kg2 Weighted Error Value:
(58) ] W h i t e = 0 . 0 3 ( f l a wl e s s ) / B l a c k = 0 . 0 3
16.Re1 Ng7 17.Nf3 Bf5 18.h3 h5
 10

(flawless) Faldon,D (2260)-Zhu,T (2344) Israel

½-½ 2 0 2 3 Ch e s s To d a y CT - 7 3 3 [ J o h n
Watson] 1-0) 9.Bc2 b6 10.d4 Bb7
11.Bg5 h6 12.Bh4 Ne4 13.Bxe7
C42 Rxe7 14.Nbd2 Nxd2 15.Qxd2 Bxf3
Van Foreest,Jorden 2680 16.gxf3 Nd7 17.Kh2 Re6 18.Rg1
Fedoseev,Vladimir 2717 Qf6 19.Rg3 Kh8 20.Rag1
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (1.6) 18.01.25 Vit Spelar Sgf3 (2706)-Ellithorpe,G
[Kitty Kat] (2731) Hastings 2001 Telechess CBM
89 [Ernst] 0-1 (42) ]
C42: Petroff Defence: 3 Nxe5 and 6.0-0 d5 7.Re1+ Ne6 8.c4 0.16/21
unusual White 3rd moves Sokolov,And: [ 8.Bf5 0.51/21 deserves
'Inf 99/203' 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 consideration. ]
d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Bd3 Ng5N 8...d4= 9.Qc2 -0.18/20
[ 5...d5 6.Qe2 Qe7 7.0-0 Nd6 8.Qd1 [ 9.Be4 0.17/19 ]
Qd8 ( 8...Qf6 9.Re1+ Be7 10.Nc3 9...g6 10.c5 Bg7 11.Bc4 0-0 12.d3
c6 11.b4 Bg4 12.b5 Bxf3 13.Qxf3 Nc6
Qxf3 14.gxf3 Kd8 15.Ba3 Nc8 [ Do n ' t t a k e 12...Nxc5 13.Bg5 Bf6
16.bxc6 bxc6 17.Bxe7+ Nxe7 14.Bxf7+! Rxf7 15.Qxc5 ]
18.Rab1 Nc8 19.Na4 Nd6 20.Bf1 13.a3 Nxc5 14.Bg5 Qd6 15.Nbd2 Bf5
Nd7 21.Bh3 Re8 22.Re3 f5 23.Bf1 16.b4 Ne6 17.Bh4! Rac8 0.41/21
West,J (2661) -Novik (2574) Hastings [ 17...a6= -0.05/21 ]
2000 CBM 104 [[Notes by Iain 18.Ne4 Bxe4 19.Rxe4 Ncd8 20.Rae1
Mackintosh](Übersetzt Bellman] 0-1 a6 21.Ne5 -0.01/22
(32) ) 9.Re1+ Be7 10.Qe2 ( 10.c3 [ 21.Qa2 0.54/22 Qd7 22.Rxe6 fxe6
0-0 11.Bc2 c6 12.d4 Bf5 13.Bf4 23.Bxd8 Qxd8 24.Bxe6+ Kh8
Bxc2 14.Qxc2 Na6 15.Nbd2 Nc7 25.Bxc8 Qxc8 26.Qd5 ]
16.Re2 Re8 Petroff with 3. Nxe5 21...Bxe5= 22.Rxe5 Re8 23.Qa2
Sideline-Petroff with 3 Nxe5 White has compensation. &Bianco is
Sidelines ) 10...Nc6 11.Nc3 Be6 much more active. The black rooks are
12.Ne5 Nb4 13.b3 0-0 14.Nxf7 Bxf7 badly placed. 23...Kg7 1.28/23
15.Qxe7 Qxe7 16.Rxe7 Nxd3 [ 23...c5 0.74/22 ]
17.cxd3 Rfe8 18.Rxe8+ Rxe8 24.Bb3 0.71/20
19.Ba3 d4 20.Bxd6 Sokolov,A (2585)- [ W hit e s hou ld pla y 24.f4! 1.28/23
Giertz,N (2342) Basel 2007 CI1-130 aiming for f5 . Nc6 25.Bxe6 fxe6
[Sokolov,Andrei] 1-0 (42) ] 26.Rxe6 ]
[ 5...Nf6 6.0-0 Be7 7.h3 0-0 8.c3 24...Nc6 25.R5e4 Qd7 26.Qe2 h6
Re8 ( 8...b6 9.Bc2 Bb7 10.d4 Nbd7 27.Qf3 -0.59/23 Inhibits Nf4.
11.Re1 Re8 12.Bg5 h6 13.Bh4 Nh5 [ 27.Bg3= 0.30/22 ]
14.Qd3 g6 15.Bg3 Nxg3 16.fxg3 27...Ng5! 28.Bxg5 hxg5 29.h3 Rxe4
Bf8 17.Nbd2 Nf6 18.Nh4 Qd7 30.Qxe4 Rh8 31.Ba4 Rh4
19.Rf1 Ne4 20.Bb3 d5 21.Nxe4 [ 31...b5!? 32.Rc1 Nb8 ]
Rxe4 22.Nxg6 Ba6 23.Nxf8 32.Qe2 b5 33.Bb3 Rf4 34.Rc1 Qd6
 11

35.Rc5 Rf5 36.Qe8 -1.41/25 43.a4!

[ 36.Rxf5 -0.82/23 gxf5 37.Qf3 ] [ But not 43.Qd6? Qxd6 44.cxd6
a4-+ ]
a b c d e f g h
43...bxa4 44.Bxa4 Nf7 45.Bb3
Prevents Qd5+. 45...a4 0.31/26
8 8 [ 45...Qe7= -0.01/24
7 7 is more appropriate. ]
46.Bxa4 Qd5+ Weighted Error Value:
6 6 White=0.16 (very precise) /Black=0.13
5 5
(very precise)
½-½
4 4

3 3
A11
2 2 Warmerdam,Max 2646
1 1
Sarana,Alexey 2677
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (1.7) 18.01.25
a b c d e f g h
[Kitty Kat]
36...Nd8 -0.01/25
[ Black should try 36...Ne5! -1.41/25 A11: English Opening: 1...c6 Current
37.Rd5 Reputation: White has the upper hand I
a b c d e f g h
must admit that today's featured game
has completely swept me off my feet for
8 8 t wo r e a s o n s : o f c o u r s e , G r i s c h u k ' s
7 7 novelty was really great, but the game
itself was even more impressive - very
6 6 mu c h i n t h e s p i r i t o f Ta l ' s c r u s h i n g
5 5
attacks. Let's take a look. 1.Nf3 d5
2.g3 c6 3.Bg2 Bf5 4.c4 dxc4
4 4 [ 4...e6 5.Qb3 Qb6 6.d3 Nd7 7.cxd5
3 3
( 7.Nh4 Bg4 8.h3 Bh5 9.g4 Bg6
10.Nc3 Nc5 11.Qxb6 axb6 12.b3
2 2 Be7 13.Nxg6 hxg6 14.Bb2 Bf6
1 1
15.0-0 g5 16.Rfd1 Ne7 17.d4 Na6
18.e4 dxe4 19.Nxe4 0-0-0 20.a3
a b c d e f g h
Nb8 21.Nxf6 gxf6 Pirk,H (2675) -
Nf3+! 38.gxf3 Rxd5 39.Bxd5 Qxd5 ] Prinfilk (2334) Torino 2022 The Week
37.g3= c6 38.Kg2 -0.36/25 in Chess 354 [John Watson] 1-0 (39))
[ 38.Rxf5= -0.01/25 gxf5 39.Kg2 ] 7...exd5 8.Qc2 Ngf6 9.0-0 Be7
38...Qc7 -0.01/27 10.Nc3 0-0 11.e4 Bg6 12.Be3 Qa6
[ 38...Rxc5 -0.36/25 39.bxc5 Qc7 ] 13.h3 Rfd8 14.Nh4 Ne5 15.Nxg6
39.Qe4 C h e s s c o n c h i l i . 39...Rxc5 hxg6 16.d4 Nc4 17.e5 Nh7 18.h4
40.bxc5 Qd7 41.Qe5+! f6 42.Qb8 a5 Nf8 19.Bh3 Ding,L (2766)-Wojtaszek,
 12

R (2727) Huaian 2016 CBM 171 Extra [ 25.Ra1 seems wilder. Nd7 26.Ne3
[Schulz,Andre] 1-0 (33) ] b6 27.Nxd5 cxd5 28.Bf1 ]
5.Na3 e5 6.Nc2N 25...Rad8 26.Ra1 b6
[ Wrong is 6.Nxe5? Bxa3 7.bxa3 Qd4 [ 26...Nh5 i s i n t e r e s t i n g . 27.Rxa5
8.Nxc4 Qxc4-+ ] Nxg3 28.Ng4 Nxe2+ 29.Kf1 Qd6 ]
[ 6.Nxc4 e4 7.Nfe5 Qc7 8.d4 f6 27.d4 h5 -0.13/24
9.Ne3 Be6 10.N5c4 f5 11.0-0 Nf6 [ 27...Be4! -0.61/21 ]
( 11...Nd7 12.f3 exf3 13.Bxf3 Ngf6 28.Nxd5= cxd5 29.Ne5 Rc8 30.Qd2
14.b3 b5 15.Nb2 Rc8 16.Nd3 g6 Kg7 31.Rc3 -0.44/23
17.a4 Grischuk's Great Game,S- [ 31.Qf4= -0.01/24 ]
English Opening: Anglo-Slav,7 Linz 31...Nd7 32.Nxd7 Rxc3 33.Qxc3
2014 [Boris Avrukh]) 12.f3 exf3 Qxd7 34.Qd2 Rc8 -0.01/25
13.Rxf3 g6 14.g4 f4 15.g5 Nh5 [ 34...Qc6 -0.48/24
16.d5 cxd5 17.Nxd5 Qc5+ 18.Nce3 is more appropriate. ]
fxe3 19.b4 Qd6 20.Rxe3 Na6 1 35.Rc1! Rc6 36.Rc3 Qc7 37.Rxc6
Chapter Best-Games Game 21.Bb2 Qxc6 38.e3 Kf6 39.Qd1 Qc3 40.Bf1
Bg7 22.Nf6+ Delayed Steinitz Main- Qc2 41.Qf3+ Qf5 42.Qe2 Qd7
Markus, R New York 200 Traps In The 43.Qf3+ Qf5 44.Qe2 Qe6 45.Qf3+
Opening [John Watson] ] Ke7 46.g4 hxg4 47.hxg4 Kf8 48.Qf4
6...e4 7.Nh4 Be6 Na2 49.Bg2 Kg7 50.Qc7 Nb4 51.Bf3
a b c d e f g h
Nd3 Weighted Error Value: White=0.05
(flawless) /Black=0.04 (flawless)
8 8 ½-½
7 7

6 6 C02
5 5
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek 2768
Mendonca,Leon Luke 2639
4 4 Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (2.1) 19.01.25
3 3
[Kitty Kat]

2 2 C02: French: Advance Variation 1.e4 e6

1 1
2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Qb6
6.a4
a b c d e f g h
[ 6.Na3 cxd4 7.cxd4 Bb4+ 8.Bd2
. . . g 5 i s t h e s t r o n g t h r e a t . 8.Bxe4 Nge7 9.Nc2 Bxd2+ 10.Qxd2 Qxb2
Black is slightly better. 8...Nf6 9.Bg2 11.Bd3 h6 12.0-0 Qb6 13.Qf4
Bc5 10.0-0 0-0 11.Ne3 Na6 12.b3 ( 13.Rab1 Qa5 14.Qf4 0-0 15.Ne3
Bd4 13.Rb1 cxb3 14.axb3 Nb4 Bd7 16.Rxb7 Bc8 17.Rb3 Qxa2
15.Nef5 Bb6 16.Bb2 g6! 17.Ne3 Bd4 18.Rfb1 Ba6 19.Bxa6 Qxa6 20.h4
18.Qc1 a5 19.Nf3 Bxb2 20.Qxb2 Re8 Rab8 21.h5 Rxb3 22.Rxb3 Rb8
21.Rfc1 Ng4 22.Nc4 Qe7 23.d3 Bd5 23.Rxb8+ Nxb8 24.g4 Qd3 25.g5
24.h3 Nf6 25.Ne3 Qb1+ 26.Kg2 Qe4 27.Qg3 hxg5
 13

Sperat Czar,N (2525) -Shkurovich a b c d e f g h

Khazin,B (2238) Tripolis 2022 ICCF
Telechess CBM 104 [John Watson] 8 8

1-0 (43) ) 13...Bd7 14.Rab1 Qc7 7 7

15.Ne3 f5 16.h4 0-0 17.h5 Rab8
18.g3 Na5 19.Rfc1 Qd8 20.Ng2 b5 6 6
Cherkes,D (2622)-4.Nf3 a6 5.a4 b6 5 5
(2719) Ashdod 93/ (394) 2018 200
Traps In The Opening [Rabinovich,A] 4 4
0-1 (32) ] 3 3
6...cxd4N
[ 6...Bd7 7.Bb5 a6 8.Bxc6 Bxc6 2 2
9.0-0 Be7 10.Qc2 f6 11.exf6 Nxf6 1 1
12.Re1 Ne4 13.Nbd2 0-0 14.dxc5
a b c d e f g h
Bxc5 15.Nxe4 dxe4 16.Nd4 Bxd4
17.cxd4 Qxd4 18.Be3 Qf6 19.Rad1 Inhibits Qc6. Hoping for g4. 17...axb5
Rac8 20.Bd4 e5 21.Be3 18.axb5 Rc4 1.44/24
Sachs Weintraub,J (850)-James,C [ 18...Bxb5? 19.Qb3+- ]
(1497) San Francisco 2014 EXT 2016 [ 18...h5 0.73/23 ]
[Donaldson,John W] 0-1 Qe6 22.Qc3 19.Qb3 0.78/23
Bxa4 23.Qa5 Bxd1 24.Rxd1 Qb3 [ 19.g4 1.44/24 ]
25.Rc1 Qxb2 0-1 (25) 12N¤c6 bc6 13. 19...g5 1.44/23
e5 (850)-Kalata,P (1497) Jugoslavija [ 19...Rhc8 0.78/23 ]
74/(424) 2014 The Benko Gambit: 20.h3 Strongly threatening g4.
MBM [Budovskis, Latvian CC mag 5/ [ 20.Nxg5?! Nxd4 21.Nxd4 Qxd4 ]
95 p20] ] 20...h5 21.Bxg5 Rb4 1.68/24
7.cxd4 Nh6 8.Bb5 Nf5 The position is [ 21...Bxg5 1.35/22 22.Nxg5 Be8 ]
equal. 9.Nc3 Bd7 10.0-0 a6 22.Qa2+- Black must now prevent Rxb4.
[ 10...Nfxd4? 11.Nxd4 Qxd4 12.Bxc6 22...Rxb5 2.13/24
Qxd1 13.Bxd7+ Kxd7 14.Rxd1+- ] [ 22...Qxb5 1.73/24 keeps fighting.
11.Bxc6 23.Bxe7 ( 23.Ra1 Ra4= ) 23...Nxe7
[ 11.a5 with more complications. Nxa5 24.Rxb4 ( 24.Ra1 Ra4 ) 24...Qxb4 ]
12.Bxd7+ Kxd7 13.g4 ] 23.Ng3
11...Bxc6 12.Ne2 Be7 13.b3 0-0-0 [ Don't take 23.Ra1?! Rc8 24.Bxe7
0.50/20 Nxe7 ]
[ 13...Bd7= 0.10/20 was preferrable. ] 23...Bxg5 2.40/25
14.Bd2 Kb8 15.b4 Rc8 [ 23...Nxg3 1.83/25 24.Bxe7 Ne4 ]
[ 15...Bxb4? 16.a5 Qb5 17.Rb1+- ] 24.Nxf5 exf5 25.Nxg5 Qxd4? 5.02/26
16.Rb1 b5! is the strong threat. 16...Bd7 [ 25...Qa7 2.65/24 26.Qd2 Qa5
Inhibits b5. 17.b5 27.Qxa5 Rxa5 28.Nxf7 Rg8 ]
26.Ra1 White is clearly winning.
(Diagram) 26...Kc7 27.Nxf7 Rg8 7.46/24
[ 27...Rf8 4.75/24 28.Qa3 Qb4
 14

29.Rfc1+ Bc6 ] Online Arena INT 2024 0-1 ]

28.Nd6 a i m i n g f o r R f c 1 + . 28...Rb4 6.Bg3 Nh6N
29.Qa5+ Qb6 30.Qxd5 White wants to [ 6...Nge7 7.Nbd2 0-0 8.Bd3 ( 8.Ne5
m a t e w i t h R f c 1 + . 30...Rd8 31.Nc4 cxd4 9.exd4 f6 10.Nxc6 bxc6
4.17/21 Weighted Error Value: White=0. 11.Bd3 e5 12.0-0 e4 13.Be2 f5
05 (flawless) /Black=0.38 14.Bxd6 Qxd6 15.f4 a5 16.g3 a4
[ 31.Rfd1 10.34/24 Rb2 17.Re1 c5 18.Nf1 Nc6 19.Qd2 Be6
a b c d e f g h
20.Bb5 cxd4 21.cxd4 Ne7 22.Rec1
Rfb8 Lesson 2 Rare 4th moves (2288)-
8 8 Mladenov,P (2672) Ljubljana 2023
7 7 Schallopp-Riemann [John Watson]
0-1 (42) ) 8...cxd4 9.exd4 ( 9.cxd4
6 6 Nf5 10.Bxf5 exf5 11.0-0 f4 12.Bxf4
5 5
Bxf4 13.exf4 Qf6 14.Nb3 Qxf4
15.Qd2 Qxd2 16.Nbxd2 f6 17.a3
4 4 Bg4 18.h3 Bxf3 19.Nxf3 Rfe8
3 3
20.Rfe1 Kf7 21.Kf1 Rxe1+ 22.Rxe1
Re8 23.Rxe8 Kxe8 Tabatabaei,M
2 2 (2677)-Bluebaum,M (2663) Chess.
1 1
com INT 2023 ½-½ (59) ) 9...f6
10.Qc2 h6 11.0-0 e5 12.dxe5 fxe5
a b c d e f g h
13.Bb5 e4 14.Nd4 Nxd4 15.cxd4
32.Nxb7! ] Nf5 16.Nb3 Be6 17.Nc5 Nxd4
1-0 18.Nxe6 Nxc2 19.Nxd8 Raxd8
20.Bxd6 Rxd6 21.Rad1
Lobo,R (2188)-Mladenov,P (2663)
D02 Groningen 2023 17 c5, Nf6 and g6:
Caruana,Fabiano 2803 model [John Watson] 0-1 (37) Nb4
Van Foreest,Jorden 2680 22.a3 Nc6 23.Rfe1 Rfd8 24.Rd2
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (2.2) 19.01.25 Kf7 25.Ba4 Kf6 26.f3 exf3 27.gxf3
[Kitty Kat] Ne5 28.Kf2 Nc4 29.Rc2 Rb6
30.Ree2 Nd6 31.Rcd2 Nc4 32.Rc2
D02: 1 d4 d5 2 Nf3 sidelines, including Ne5 33.Red2 d4 34.b4 g5 35.Rc5
2...Nf6 3 g3 and 2...Nf6 3 Bf4 1.d4 d5 Ra6 36.Bd1 Lehtosaari,M (2188)-
2.Nf3 e6 3.Bf4 c5 4.e3 Nc6 5.c3 Bluebaum,M (2663) Chess.com INT
Bd6 2023 Mega2023 Update 17 [MH] 0-1
[ 5...cxd4 6.exd4 Bd6 7.Bg3 Nf6 (37) ]
8.Bd3 Bxg3 9.hxg3 h6 10.Nbd2 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Nbd2 White is slightly
Qb6 11.Rb1 Bd7 12.Ne5 Rc8 better. 8...b6 9.Qe2 Bb7 10.dxc5
13.Ndf3 Qa5 14.a3 Nxe5 15.Nxe5 bxc5 11.e4 Rb8 12.e5 -0.41/21
Ba4 16.Qe2 0-0 17.g4 Nd7 18.g5 [ 12.0-0-0= 0.05/20 ]
Nxe5 19.Qxe5 Qc7 20.Qe3 12...Bc7 13.0-0 Nf5 14.Bf4 c4 15.Bc2
Y u r u k o v a , G ( 1 6 3 8 ) - J o y a , R F I D E Ba6 16.Rab1 d4
 15

a b c d e f g h
28.Kf2 0.85/21
[ 28.Rd6 1.44/22 Black must now
8 8 prevent Rxc6! Nb4 29.Nd4 ]
7 7 28...Kf8 1.39/22
[ 28...a6 0.85/21 29.Rxb8 Rxb8 ]
6 6 29.Rd6 And now Rxc6! would win.
5 5
&Bianco is more active. 29...Nd8 1.99/24
[ 29...Nb4 1.30/23 ]
4 4 30.Nd4 1.49/24
3 3
[ White should try 30.Rxb8+- 1.99/24
Rxb8 31.Nd4 ]
2 2 30...g6 2.37/25
1 1
[ 30...Ra8 1.49/24 31.Rbd5
( 31.Nxf5 Rxc4 32.Rd7 Kg8 )
a b c d e f g h
31...Ne6 ]
aiming for ...d3. 17.Nxc4 Qd5 0.37/22 31.Rxb8+- Rxb8 32.c5 Nb7 33.Rd5
[ 17...Na5= -0.07/23 feels stronger. Nd8 34.c6 Weighted Error Value:
18.Bd3 dxc3 ] W h i t e = 0 . 0 7 ( f l a wl e s s ) / B l a c k = 0 . 2 3
18.b3! Strongly threatening Rfd1. (precise)
[ Much worse is 18.Bd3 dxc3 19.b3 1-0
( 19.bxc3? Na5-+ ) 19...Rfd8 ]
18...dxc3 Threatens to win with ...Ncd4.
19.Rfd1 Qc5 20.Bxf5 exf5 21.Qc2 A06
Bxc4 22.Qxc3 Keymer,Vincent 2733
a b c d e f g h
Warmerdam,Max 2646
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (2.3) 19.01.25
8 8 [Kitty Kat]
7 7
A06: Réti Opening: 1 Nf3 d5 E60: King's
6 Indian: Unusual lines and Fianchetto
6

5 5
Variation without Nc3 1.Nf3 d5 2.b3 c5
3.e3 g6 4.Bb2 Nf6 5.c4 dxc4 6.bxc4
4 4 [ 6.Bxc4 Bg7 7.0-0 0-0 8.d4 cxd4
3 3
9.Nxd4 a6 10.Be2 Bd7 11.Nd2 Nc6
12.Bf3 Rc8 13.Rc1 Nb4 14.Nc4 b5
2 2 15.Ne5 Rxc1 16.Qxc1 Nfd5 17.Nxd7
1 1
Qxd7 18.Rd1 e5 19.Nc2 Qc6 20.a3
Qxc2 Das,S (2434)-Patil,P (2298)
a b c d e f g h
Chennai IND 2025 The Week in
Pin 22...Bb6 0.74/25 23.Be3 Qb4 Chess 1574 [Kitty Kat] 1-0 (67) ]
24.Qxc4 Qxc4 25.bxc4 Bxe3 26.fxe3 6...Bg7 7.Be2 0-0 8.0-0 b6N
h6 27.Rb5 Rfc8 1.44/22 [ 8...Nc6 9.Ne5 Nxe5 10.Bxe5 Bd7
[ 27...Rbc8 0.90/22 ] 11.Qc2 Bc6 12.d3 Ne8 13.Bc3 Qd7
 16

14.a4 Nc7 15.Bxg7 Kxg7 16.Qb2+ 36...Rxc7 37.Nf4

f6 17.d4 cxd4 18.exd4 e6 19.a5 a b c d e f g h
Qd6 20.Rd1 Rad8 21.Nc3 Rf7
22.Rd3 Na6 23.Rad1 Reversed Qid 8 8

Model Games-Jianchao Zhou Vs 7 7

Alexander,S (44) ]
9.d3 Bb7 10.Nbd2 Nc6 11.Ne5 Qc7 6 6
12.f4 Rad8 13.Qb3 Ne8 14.Ndf3 Na5 5 5
15.Qc2 Nd6 16.e4 Against Nf5 16...f6
17.Ng4 Nc6 18.Rae1 Nf7 19.f5 gxf5 4 4
20.exf5 Kh8 21.Qb3 -0.67/22 3 3
[ 21.Qd2= -0.27/20 ]
21...Qd7 22.Ne3 -1.02/22 2 2
[ 22.Qd1 -0.59/20 feels stronger. ] 1 1
22...Bh6 23.Nd5 -1.38/21
a b c d e f g h
[ 23.Ng4 -0.98/23 ]
23...Nd6! Rxf3 38.Rxf3 Re7 39.Rf1 -1.67/21
[ Much weaker is 23...Qxf5?! 24.Ne5! [ 39.Kg2 -1.19/21 ]
Qxf1+ 25.Bxf1 ] 39...Nc4 -1.06/22
24.g4 -1.65/21 [ 39...Ne8-+ -1.67/21 40.Re1 Nc7 ]
[ 24.Nh4 -1.21/23 ] 40.Re1 Ne5 41.Kg2 Re8
24...Rg8-+ 25.Nh4 Nb4 26.Bf3 Nxd5 [ Much worse is 41...Nxg4?! 42.Nd5
27.cxd5 Rg7 -0.85/21 Re8 43.Nc7= ]
[ Black should try 27...Bg5 -1.36/21 42.h3 Ng6 43.Nxg6+ hxg6
28.Ng2 h5 ] E n d g a m e K R B - K R B 44.h4 -1.55/23
28.Re6 -1.76/21 Prevents g5.
[ 28.Ng2 -0.85/21 keeps fighting. ] [ 44.Bf4 -1.20/22 ]
28...Nf7 -1.32/20 44...b5 45.Bf4 Kg7 46.Bd6 a5 47.e7
[ B l a c k s h o u l d p l a y 28...Bg5!-+ Kf7 48.Kf3 -2.25/23
-1.76/21 29.Ng2 h5 ] [ 48.h5 -1.45/23 might work better. ]
29.Rc6? -3.77/21 48...c4 -1.08/23
[ 29.Re2 -1.32/20 ] [ 48...a4-+ -2.25/23 And now ...b4
29...Be3+ 30.Kh1 Bxc6 31.dxc6 Qxd3 would win. 49.Rc1 Rc8 ]
32.Qxd3 Rxd3 33.c7 -2.82/24 49.h5 gxh5 50.gxh5 Bc3 51.Re2
[ 33.Ng2 -1.64/21 was the only -1.84/23
chance. ] [ 51.Rb1!= -0.27/21 and White has
33...Nd6 -1.61/23 nothing to worry. ]
[ 33...Rg8 -2.82/24 aiming for ...Rc8. 51...b4!-+ 52.h6
34.Re1 Nd6 ]
34.Ng2 Bd4 35.Bc1 e5 -1.16/23 (Diagram)
[ 35...Rg8-+ -1.74/23 36.Nf4 Rxf3!
37.Rxf3 Rxg4 ] b3? -0.06/22
36.fxe6 Strongly threatening Be2. [ 52...a4!-+ -2.07/22 White must now
 17

a b c d e f g h
62.Rh1 Bf6 -0.01/24
[ 62...b2! -0.38/24 ]
8 8 63.Kd3 Rc8 64.Rc1 The board is on
7 7 fire. 64...Re8 65.Rh1! Kf7 0.00/25
[ 65...f4 -0.35/24 might be stronger. ]
6 6 66.Rf1 Kg6 67.Rh1 Weighted Error
5 5
Value: White=0.25 (precise) /Black=0.19
(very precise)
4 4 ½-½
3 3

2 2 D24
1 1
Fedoseev,Vladimir 2717
Gukesh D 2777
a b c d e f g h
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (2.4) 19.01.25
prevent ...b3. 53.Rg2 b3 ] [Kitty Kat]
53.axb3= cxb3 ...b2 is the strong threat.
54.Ba3 A g a i n s t b 2 54...Kg6 55.Rh2 D24: Queen's Gambit Accepted: 3 Nf3
Kh7 56.Kg4 Be5 57.Rh1 Kg6 Nf6 4 Nc3 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5
Black wants to play ...f5+. 58.h7 f5+ 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.e4 b5 6.e5 Nd5
59.Kf3 a4 60.Ke3 Kf7 0.00/23 7.Nxb5
[ 60...b2! -0.38/26 ] [ 7.Be2 is more complex. a6 8.Bg5 f6
61.Rh5 -0.47/24 9.exf6 gxf6 10.Ne5 ]
[ 61.Rf1= 0.00/23 is superior. ] 7...Nb6 8.Nc3 White is slightly better.
61...Kg6 -0.01/23 [ 8.Be2 Be7 9.0-0 Nc6 10.Qd2 Bb7
[ 61...f4+! -0.47/24 11.Rd1 Qd7 12.Qf4 g5 13.Nxg5
is more appropriate. 62.Ke4 Bxg5 14.Qxg5 Ne7 15.d5 Nbxd5
a b c d e f g h
16.a4 Rg8 17.Qd2 a6 18.Nd4 0-0-0
19.f3 Ng6 20.Bxc4 c5 21.Nc2 Nh4
8 8 22.Ne1 Rxg2+ 11.Qf2 Bd4 12.
7 7 Bd4_16296 (2613) -Tymrakiewicz,R
(2712) Havana 2019 77 telechess
6 6 [Hollis] 0-1 ]
5 5
8...Nc6 9.Be3 Bb7 10.Be2 Ne7N
[ 10...Be7 11.0-0 0-0 12.Qb1 Nb4
4 4 13.Rd1 Rb8 14.Nd2 N4d5 15.Nxd5
3 3
Qxd5 16.Bf3 Qb5 17.Bxb7 Rxb7
18.Qc2 c5 19.dxc5 Bxc5 20.a4 Qb4
2 2 21.Bxc5 Qxc5 22.a5 Nd7 23.Nxc4
1 1
Nxe5 24.Qe4 Nc6 25.Ne3
Wang,Q (2149)-Shuvalova,P (2483)
a b c d e f g h
Shaoxing CHN 2024 CBM 223
b2! ] [Grigoriants,Sergey] ½-½ (35) ]
 18

11.b3 cxb3! 12.Qxb3 Nf5 13.Bb5+! a b c d e f g h

c6 14.Bd3 Be7 15.0-0 Nxe3 16.fxe3
0-0 17.Ne4 Inhibits c5. 17...Rb8 18.Nc5 8 8

Bxc5 19.dxc5 Nd5 20.Qa3 Prevents 7 7

Ba6. 20...a5 21.Rad1 Qc7 22.Bc4
Nb4 6 6

a b c d e f g h 5 5

8 8 4 4

7 7 3 3

6 6 2 2

5 5 1 1

4 4 a b c d e f g h

3 3
Nxe4+! 39.Rxe4 Hoping for Nc8.
39...Kxe7 40.Rg4 g6 41.Re4 Rb1
2 2 42.h4 Kf8 43.Kf3 Ke7 Weighted Error
1 1
Value: White=0.08 (flawless) /Black=0.
08 (flawless)
a b c d e f g h
½-½
23.Rd6! Ba6 24.Bxa6 Nxa6 25.Rc1
&Bianco is more active. 25...Nb4 26.h3
Qa7 0.84/24 B30
[ 26...Nd5 0.36/21 ] Harikrishna,Pentala 2695
27.e4 Qa6 28.Kf2 0.12/23 Praggnanandhaa R 2741
Against Qe2+ Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (2.5) 19.01.25
[ 28.Nd4 0.74/23 ] [Kitty Kat]
28...h6 29.Rc3 a4 0.65/23
[ 29...Rfc8!= 0.11/23 ] B30: Sicilian: 2...Nc6 3 Bb5, lines
30.Rd4! Qb5 31.Rcc4 Na6 32.Kg3 without ...g6 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5
0.03/24 Nf6 4.Nc3 Qc7 5.0-0 Nd4 6.Re1 a6
[ 32.Rxa4 0.43/22 Nxc5 33.Ra5 7.Bf1 Ng4 (  ... Nxf3+) 8.g3
( 33.Rac4 Nd7= ) 33...Qb2+ 34.Qxb2 a i m i n g f o r N x d 4 . 8...Nxf3+ 9.Qxf3
Rxb2+ 35.Ke3 ] White is slightly better. 9...Ne5 10.Qe2
32...Rfd8= The position is equal. e6 11.d3 0.29/21
33.Rxa4 Rxd4 [ 11.b3 0.64/19 is superior. ]
[ 33...Nxc5? 34.Ra5 Qe2 35.Rxd8+ 11...d6= 12.Be3 Nc6 13.f4 Be7
( 35.Qxc5 Rxd4 36.Qxd4 Rb2+- ) 14.Qf2 0-0 15.Bg2 Bd7N
35...Rxd8 36.Qxc5+- ] [ 15...b5 16.e5 dxe5 17.Bxc5 Bb7
34.Nxd4 Qxc5 35.Qxc5 Nxc5 18.fxe5 Rac8 19.Bxe7 Qxe7 20.d4
36.Nxc6 Endgame KRN-KRN 36...Rb6 Qb4 21.Rab1 Rfd8 22.d5 exd5
37.Ne7+ Kf8 38.Rc4 23.Nxd5 Qd4 24.Qxd4 Nxd4
 19

25.Ne7+ Kf8 26.Nxc8 Bxg2 27.Kxg2 Bb5 35.Bh3 exf5 36.exf5 Rxe3
Rxc8 28.c3 Ne6 29.Rbd1 b4 37.Kxe3 Endgame KRB-KRB 37...Rd8
30.Re3 Ellithorpe,G (2701)-Coll Sola,J 38.Bg4 Rd7 39.Rc8+ Kf7 40.b4
(2626) Astana 2020 200 Traps In The -0.99/26
Opening [Chess Archives 1964] 1-0 [ 40.Rb8! -0.50/26 ]
(51) g5 31.Rd2 bxc3 32.Rxc3 Rb8
33.b3 Rb5 34.Re3 Kg7 35.Kf3 Kg6 a b c d e f g h
36.Ke4 Rb4+ 37.Kd3 h5 38.Kc3
Rb8 39.Rf3 Rc8+ 40.Kb2 g4 8 8

41.Rf6+ Kg7 42.Rd7 Ng5 43.Rxa6 7 7

Re8 44.Ra5 Nf3 45.e6
Adams,M (2725)-Caruana,F (2757) 6 6
Baden-Baden 2013 CBM 156 5 5
[Pavlovic,Milos] ½-½ (51) ]
16.g4 b5 17.h4 Nd4 18.Rac1 Rae8 4 4
19.Ne2 Nxe2+ 20.Rxe2 3 3
[ 20.Qxe2 i s mo r e c o m p l e x. Bxh4
21.Rf1 e5 22.fxe5 Rxe5 23.Bf4 ] 2 2
20...d5 21.g5 d4 22.Bd2 c4 23.c3 1 1
dxc3 24.Rxc3 f6 next ...fxg5 is good for
a b c d e f g h
Black. 25.g6 -0.38/19
[ 25.Be3= -0.03/19 ] 40...Kf6! ...Rd3+ is the strong threat.
25...hxg6 26.dxc4 bxc4 27.b3 Bc5 41.Rf8+ Rf7 42.Rb8 Rc7 43.Rb6+
28.Be3 Bxe3 29.Rexe3 Rc6 44.Rb7 -1.59/27
a b c d e f g h
[ White should try 44.Rxc6+ -1.17/29
Bxc6 45.Kf2 ]
8 8 44...Rc3+ 45.Kf2 Rd3 46.Bh5 Rd7
7 7 Prevents Rf7+.
[ Worse is 46...Kxf5 47.Rf7+ Ke5
6 6 48.Rxg7 ]
5 5
47.Rb8 -1.72/25
[ 47.Rxd7 -1.24/25 is a better
4 4 defense. Bxd7 48.Bf3 ]
3 3
47...Kxf5-+ 48.Rf8+ Ke5 49.Bg6
-2.70/24
2 2 [ 49.Re8+ -1.54/23 might work
1 1
better. Kd4 50.Rc8 ]
49...Kd4 Threatens to win with ...Rd6.
a b c d e f g h
50.Rc8 Rd6 51.Bh5 Rc6 Against Rc5
g5! 30.f5 Qf4 31.hxg5 Qxf2+ 52.Rg8 Rc7 53.Kg3 Kc3 54.Bd1
[ O f c o u r s e n o t 31...Qxg5 32.Rg3 Kxb4 55.Kg4 a5 Weighted Error Value:
Qh5 33.Bf3= ] White=0.16 (very precise) /Black=0.02
32.Kxf2 cxb3 33.axb3 fxg5 34.Rc7
 20

(flawless) 0-0 14.f3 e5 15.Bd2 d6 16.c4 Bf5

0-1 17.0-0-0 Bxd3 18.cxd3 h5 19.Rhe1
b6 20.Re4 Rf5 21.Rde1 Raf8 22.Bc3
Rf4 23.Bd2 R4f5 24.Bc3 Bf2 25.R1e2
C48 Bg3 26.Be1 Bf4+ 27.Bd2 c5 28.Bxf4
Sarana,Alexey 2677 Rxf4= E n d g a m e K R R - K R R 29.Kd2
Wei,Yi 2751 R4f5 30.Ke3 R5f6 31.Rf2 Kf7 32.g4
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (2.6) 19.01.25 Kg6 0.20/28
[Kitty Kat] [ 32...g6! -0.46/27 ]
33.gxh5+ The position is equal.
C48: Four Knights: 4 Bb5, replies other 33...Kxh5 34.Rg4 g6 35.Rg5+ Kh6!
than 4...Bb4 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 [ 35...Kxh4? 36.Rg1 Rxf3+
Nf6 4.Bb5 Nd4 5.Nxd4 exd4 6.e5 37.Rxf3+- ]
dxc3 7.exf6 Qxf6 8.dxc3 Bc5 9.Qe2+ 36.Rg3 Rf4 37.Rh2 R8f5 38.b3 Rf6
Qe6 39.Rh1 R6f5 40.Rhg1 Rf6 41.Rh1
[ 9...Qe7 looks sharper. 10.0-0 c6 Rd4 42.Rg4 d5 43.Rxd4 exd4+
11.Re1 d5 ] KR-KR 44.Kf2 dxc4 45.bxc4 Re6
10.Qxe6+N 46.Rb1 Kh5 47.Kg3 g5! 48.hxg5
[ 10.0-0 0-0 11.Qf3 d6 12.Bg5 Qf5 Kxg5 49.Rb2 Kf5 50.Rb1 Rg6+
13.Be7 Qxf3 14.gxf3 a6 15.Ba4 b5 51.Kf2 Rh6
16.b4 Re8 17.Rfe1 Bb6 18.Bb3 Bb7 a b c d e f g h
19.Kg2 d5 20.Re5 c6 21.Rae1 Bc7
22.R5e2 Bc8 23.a4 Bd7 24.Bh4 8 8

Rxe2 Short,N (2698)-Kramnik,V 7 7

(2800) London ENG 2011
[Mikhalevski, V] 0-1 (62) ] 6 6
[ 10.Bc4 Qxe2+ 11.Bxe2 ( 11.Kxe2 5 5
d6 12.Be3 Bxe3 13.Kxe3 Be6
14.Bxe6 fxe6 15.f4 Rf8 16.Rhf1 4 4
Kd7 17.Rf3 Rae8 18.Raf1 Rf5 3 3
19.g4 Ra5 20.a3 Ra4 21.Rh3 h6
22.g5 hxg5 23.fxg5 Rg4 24.Rh5 e5 2 2
25.Rf7+ Re7 Kashdan,I-Alekhine,A 1 1
Bled 1931 Tournaments [Kmoch: Bled,
a b c d e f g h
159] ½-½ (49) ) 11...d5 12.Bf4 c6
13.0-0 Be6 14.Bd3 f6 15.Rfe1 Kf7 White must now prevent ...Kf4. 52.Kg3
16.Be3 Bd6 17.f3 c5 18.g3 h5 Rg6+ 53.Kf2 Rh6 Strongly threatening
19.Kf2 h4 20.Rg1 hxg3+ 21.hxg3 ...Kf4. 54.Kg3 A rather calm draw.
Bd7 22.c4 d4 23.Bd2 Rh2+ 24.Rg2 Weighted Error Value: White=0.03
Rah8 Pastor Carvajal,J (2088)-Duran (flawless) /Black=0.05 (flawless)
Vega,S (2313) San Jose 2024 0-1 ½-½
(46) ]
10...fxe6 11.a4 a6 12.Bd3 a5 13.h4
 21

B92 29.g3 h5 30.Rd1 Kg5 31.h3 1.00/23

Erigaisi Arjun 2801 [ White should play 31.Re1 1.60/23 ]
Giri,Anish 2731 31...Kg6 32.Ke2 Rc8 33.Rf1 Rc5
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (2.7) 19.01.25 34.Kd3 White has more active pieces.
[Kitty Kat] 34...Rd5+ 35.Kc3 Rc5 36.b4 axb4+
1.59/22
B92: Sicilian Najdorf: 6 Be2 [ Black should try 36...Rd5 1.05/22
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 37.Kb3 Rd4 ]
Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be2 e5 7.Nb3 37.Kxb4 Nxb6! is the strong threat.
[ 7.Nf3 h6 8.0-0 Be6 9.a4 Nc6 37...Rc8 2.01/23
10.b3 Rc8 11.Bb2 Be7 12.Re1 0-0 [ 37...Rd5 1.58/24 38.Rh1 Kh6 ]
13.Bf1 B 92/02 2002 ] 38.Ra1 Kf5 39.a5 0.59/17
7...Be7 8.Qd3N [ Don't do 39.Rf1+?! Ke4 ]
[ 8.0-0 0-0 9.Kh1 Nc6 10.f4 a5 [ 39.c3+- 1.85/22 ]
11.a4 Nb4 12.Be3 Be6 13.Bb5 Qc7 39...bxa5+ 40.Rxa5 Ke4! 41.Ra7
14.Nd2 Rfd8 15.f5 Bd7 16.Rc1 d5 Rb8+ 1.03/23
17.exd5 Nbxd5 18.Nxd5 Nxd5 [ 41...Kd5= 0.20/24 remains equal.
19.Qe2 Bc6 20.c3 h6 21.Ne4 Nf6 42.Na3 Nb6 ( 42...Kxd6 43.Nc4+
22.Nxf6+ Bxf6 0-1 (36) Schliemann Kc6 44.Ra6+ Kc7 45.Rxe6 )]
Gambit (2500)-5..g6 6. Nf3?! (2465) 42.Kc3 Rd8 43.Rc7 Strongly
108: Simultaneous Display 2001 (8) threatening Na5. 43...Nf6
23.Rcd1 Rxd1 24.Rxd1 Rd8 a b c d e f g h
25.Rxd8+ Bxd8 26.h3 Bd7 27.Bxd7
Qxd7 28.Qd2 Qe8 29.Qd5 Bf6 8 8

30.b3 Qc8 31.Qd3 e4 32.Qxe4 7 7

Qxc3 33.Qe8+ Kh7 34.Bb6 Qa1+
35.Kh2 Be5+ 36.g3 6 6
0-1 Khusnutdinova,L (2500)- 5 5
Pantaleon,S (2465) 108:
Simultaneous Display 2001 (8) ] 4 4
8...Be6 9.Nd5 Nxd5 10.exd5 3 3
The position is equal. 10...Bc8 11.a4
a5 12.0-0 0-0 13.f4 Nd7 14.Kh1 b6 2 2
15.Qd1 Ba6 0.86/20 1 1
[ 15...Nc5= -0.04/17 ]
a b c d e f g h
16.Bxa6 Rxa6 17.fxe5! dxe5 18.d6
Dodges Qc7 18...Bg5 19.Bxg5 Qxg5 44.Rxg7 0.01/21
20.Qd5! H o p i n g f o r Q b 7 . 20...Qg4 [ 44.Kb4! 1.08/21 ]
21.Nd2 Qe6 22.Qxe6 fxe6 23.Rxf8+ 44...Nd5+!= 45.Kd2 Threatening d7.
Kxf8 Endgame. KRN-KRN 24.Nc4 Ra8 45...Kd4 0.90/23
25.Kg1 Kf7 26.Kf2 Rc8 27.b3 Kg6 [ 45...Nb6= 0.01/26 keeps the
28.Ke3 Rf8 1.41/21 Against Rf1 balance. 46.Rc7 ( 46.Nxb6 Rxd6+
[ 28...Rc5 0.84/22 ] 47.Kc1 Rxb6= ) 46...Nxc4+ 47.Rxc4+
 22

Kf3 ] Anand,V (2751)-Vachier Lagrave,M

(2735) London 2024 0-1 (48) ]
a b c d e f g h
5...e6
[ 5...Nc6 6.0-0 h6 7.Nc3 Bg4 8.h3
8 8 Bh5 9.Nd5 e6 10.Nf4 Bxf3 11.Qxf3
7 7 h5 12.Ne2 Ne5 13.Qe3 g5 14.Bb3
Bh6 15.f4 gxf4 16.Nxf4 h4 17.Qf2
6 6 Nfd7 18.Bxe6 fxe6 19.Nxe6 Qb6
5 5
20.a5 Rapport,R (2721)-
Maghsoodloo,P (2719) London 2024
4 4 Mega2024 Update 50 [Kitty Kat] 1-0
3 3
(33) ]
6.0-0 Be7 7.Nbd2N
2 2 [ 7.Nc3 Nc6 8.Be3 Bd7 9.Qe2 0-0
1 1
10.Rad1 Qc7 11.Bb3 Na5 12.Nd2
Nxb3 13.Nxb3 Rfd8 14.h3 b5
a b c d e f g h
15.Ra1 b4 16.Nb1 Bc6 17.N1d2
46.Na3 0.41/23 Nd7 18.f3 Nb6 19.a5 Nd7 20.Bf2
[ 46.Rc7! 0.90/23 ] Bf6 21.Rab1 Bb5 Blumenthal,M-
46...Nc3 47.d7 e4 48.Ke1 Kc5 Mcgunnigle,T corr_219033 1961
49.Kd2 Kd4 50.Ke1 -0.01/19 UltraCorr3a [Chess Review Aug 1962
[ 50.Re7! 0.57/22 ] p252] 1-0 (40) ]
50...Kc5= 51.Kd2 -0.01/34 7...b6 8.Re1 The position is equal.
Black escapes into a draw. 8...Bb7 9.Ba2 Nc6 10.c3 Qc7 11.Nf1
Weighted Error Value: White=0.19 (very Rc8 12.Ng3 0-0 13.h3 b5 14.Bb1 b4
precise) /Black=0.18 (very precise) 15.Bg5 -0.35/18
[ 51.Rh7 0.47/21 ] [ 15.d4= -0.04/19 ]
½-½ 15...a5 16.d4 bxc3 17.bxc3 cxd4
18.cxd4 Nb4 Against d5 19.Qd2 Qc3
20.Qxc3 Rxc3 21.d5 Rfc8
B50 [ 21...exd5 feels hotter. 22.Nf5 Bd8
Van Foreest,Jorden 2680 23.Nxd6 dxe4 24.Nxe4 Bxe4
Sarana,Alexey 2677 25.Bxe4 Nxe4 26.Rxe4 Bxg5
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (3.1) 20.01.25 27.Nxg5 f6 ]
[Kitty Kat] 22.Bd2 R3c4 23.dxe6 fxe6 24.Bxb4
Rxb4
B50: Sicilian: 2...d6, Miscellaneous 1.e4 [ M u c h l e s s s t r o n g i s 24...axb4
c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 a6 5.a4 25.Ba2 ]
[ 5.c3 b5 6.Bb3 e6 7.0-0 Bb7 25.Ba2 d5 0.33/23
8.Re1 Be7 9.Nbd2 Nbd7 10.d4 0-0 [ 25...Rc2= 0.01/23 ]
11.Bc2 Qc7 12.Nf1 Rfc8 13.Bd3 e5 26.exd5 Bxd5 27.Rxe6 Rxa4
14.d5 c4 15.Bc2 Nc5 16.Ng3 Rcb8
17.b4 cxb3 18.axb3 Bc8 19.h3 a5 (Diagram)
 23

a b c d e f g h
15.Ng3 Bb6 16.Be3 a4 17.Qd2 Kh7
18.b4 axb3 19.axb3 Na5 20.dxe5
8 8 dxe5 21.Bxb6 cxb6 22.Nxe5
7 7 Aryan,C (2620)-Kourkoulos Arditis,S
(2570) Mamaia 2024 1-0 (40)) 8.Nbd2
6 6 0-0 9.h3 Be6 10.Bb5 Ne7 11.d4
5 5
Ng6 12.Ba4 Nh5 13.Nf1 Nhf4
14.Ng3 exd4 15.Nxd4 Bxd4 16.cxd4
4 4 d5 17.e5 f6 18.Bxf4 Nxf4 19.Nh5
3 3
Nxh5 20.Qxh5 f5 21.f4 Qe7
Niemann,H (2667)-Caruana,F (2786)
2 2 Saint Louis 2023 CBM 219 [Edouard,
1 1
Romain] 0-1 (43) ]
7...h6 8.Bh4 Ba7N
a b c d e f g h
[ 8...g5 9.Bg3 0-0 10.a4 Bg4 11.h3
White must now prevent ...Kf8. 28.Rxe7 Bh5 12.Na3 Qd7 13.Nc2 Bb6
Hoping for Bxd5+. 28...Rxa2 29.Rxa2 14.Ne3 Ne7 15.Bb3 Kh8 16.Bc2
Bxa2 30.Ra7 Bd5 31.Rxa5 Bxf3 Rg8 17.d4 exd4 18.cxd4 Rae8
32.gxf3= Endgame KRN-KRN 32...Rf8 19.Re1 Ba7 20.Ra3 Bg6 21.Ne5
33.Kg2 h6 34.Nf5 Kh7 35.Ne3 Rf7 Qc8 22.Nxg6+ fxg6 23.e5
36.f4 Rc7 37.Kf3 Rb7 38.f5 C h a p t e r - G a m e G a m e 2 ( 3 1 ) Nfd5
[ 38.Ng4!? ] 24.exd6 cxd6 25.Bxd6 Qd7 26.Be5+
38...Rb3 39.Kg2 Rb4 40.Rc5 Ra4 Kh7 27.Be4 Rd8 28.Ng4 Rgf8
41.f3 Nh5 42.Kf2 0.10/22 Weighted 29.Rf3 h5 30.Ne3 Nxe3 31.Rf7+
Error Value: White=0.07 (flawless) / 1-0 (31) Vachier Lagrave,M (2795)-
Black=0.07 (flawless) Gledura,B (2602) Chartres FRA 2017
[ 42.Rc4 0.41/21 Ra2+ 43.Rc2 ] [Mikhalevski,V] ]
½-½ 9.Re1 g5 10.Bg3 h5 11.h4
[ 11.Nxg5 h4 12.Nxf7 ( 12.Bxf7+?
Ke7-+ )
C54
Wei,Yi 2751 (Diagram)
Keymer,Vincent 2733
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (3.2) 20.01.25 12...hxg3! 13.hxg3 Qd7 14.Nxh8
[Kitty Kat] Qh7 ]
11...g4 12.Ng5 -0.03/22
C54: Giuoco Piano: 4 c3 Nf6, main lines [ 12.Nfd2 0.36/19 feels stronger. ]
with 5 d4 and 5 d3 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 12...0-0= 13.Na3 Qe7 0.39/20
3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 Bc5 5.c3 a5 6.0-0 [ 13...Nh7!= -0.10/19
d6 7.Bg5 is more appropriate. 14.Qd2 Nxg5
[ 7.Re1 Ba7 ( 7...0-0 8.h3 Ba7 15.Qxg5+ Qxg5 16.hxg5 Kg7 ]
9.Bb3 h6 10.Nbd2 Be6 11.Ba4 Rb8 14.d4 Kg7 15.f4 -0.30/22
12.Nf1 b5 13.Bc2 Re8 14.d4 Bd7 [ 15.Nb5 0.48/19 ]
 24

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

15...gxf3 25.Qh5+ Kg7 And now ...Rh8 would

[ 15...Ne8!? ] win. 26.Qg4+!
16.gxf3 Nh7 17.f4 -0.51/23 [ Reject 26.Rd5 f6 27.e5 fxe5
[ 17.Nb5!= -0.01/20 ] 28.fxe5 Qf7 29.Qg5+ Qg6 30.exd6
17...Bg4 -0.17/22 cxd6 ]
[ 17...Nxg5 -0.51/23 18.hxg5 26...Kh8 White must now prevent ...f5!
( 18.fxg5 exd4 19.Nb5 Bg4 ) 27.Qh5+ Weighted Error Value: White=0.
18...Bg4 ] 10 (very precise) /Black=0.06 (flawless)
18.Be2!= Bxe2 19.Qxe2 exd4 -0.33/21 ½-½
[ 19...Nxg5= 0.01/21 might be
stronger. 20.fxg5 exd4 ]
20.Kg2 E04
[ 20.Qxh5 dxc3+ 21.Kg2 Nxg5 Praggnanandhaa R 2741
22.Qxg5+ Qxg5 23.fxg5 Bc5 ] Erigaisi Arjun 2801
20...dxc3 Hoping for ...Nxg5. The Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (3.3) 20.01.25
position is equal. 21.Nxh7 [Tactical Analysis 6.4]
[ But not 21.Qxh5 Nxg5 22.Qxg5+
Qxg5 23.hxg5 cxb2 ] E04: Open Catalan: 5 Nf3
21...cxb2 22.Rad1 The board is on fire. 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 dxc4
22...Kxh7 23.Qxh5+ Kg7 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.dxc5 Qxd1
8.Rxd1 Bxc5 9.Nbd2 c3 10.bxc3 0-0
(Diagram) 11.Ne1 0.06/19
[ 11.Nb3 0.45/20 Be7 12.Ne1 ]
Strongly threatening ...Rh8. 24.Qg4+! 11...Bd7N 0.46/21
[ Much worse is 24.Rd5 f6 25.e5 fxe5 [ 11...Rd8= 0.06/19 ]
26.fxe5 Qf7 27.Qg5+ Qg6 28.exd6 [ 11...Be7 12.Nd3 ( 12.Nc4 Rd8
cxd6 ] 13.Ba3 Bxa3 14.Nxa3 Bd7 15.Rab1
24...Kh8 ...f5! is the strong threat. Rab8 16.Nb5 Kf8 17.Nd3 Be8
 25

18.Nc5 Rxd1+ 19.Rxd1 Na5 20.a4 [ 29.f3 1.00/19 ]

Bxb5 21.axb5 Ke8 22.Rb1 b6 29...Nc8 30.Nb5 Ra6 31.Rd1 Nb6
23.Nb3 Nxb3 24.Rxb3 Rc8 25.Ra3 32.Ra2 0.19/23
Rc7 26.Bc6+ Ke7 ½-½ (52) [ 32.g4 0.79/24 ]
B l u e b a u m, M ( 2 6 4 2 ) - W o j t a s z e k , R 32...Rf8 1.17/21
( 2 7 3 6 ) D o r t m u n d 4 5 t h 2 0 1 7 ( 6 )) [ 32...a4= 0.19/23 remains equal.
12...Nd5 ( 12...Bd7 13.Nb3 b6 14.c4 33.Rda1 g6 ]
Rfd8 15.Bb2 Rac8 16.Rac1 Nb4 33.Rd6+ Kb7 34.Nc3 White is much
17.Nxb4 Bxb4 18.Bb7 Rb8 19.Bf3 more active. The black rooks are
Be8 20.Rxd8 Rxd8 21.c5 Rc8 passive. 34...Raa8 35.Rad2 Rfc8
22.Bb7 Rc7 23.c6 Ne4 24.Rc4 Nd6 36.Ra2 -0.01/20
25.Rxb4 Bxc6 26.Bxc6 Rxc6 [ 36.Rd1 1.01/21 ]
27.Rd4 1-0 (38) Persse,D (2737)- 36...Rf8!= 37.Rd1↑ Keeping Black busy.
Lihotsky,L (2744) (ol) 73/59 Elista White now steadily converts the win.
1998 (10) ) 13.Bb2 Bd7 ( 13...Nb6 37...Ra7 38.Rda1 Rfa8 2.41/22
14.Rab1 Na5 15.Ba1 Rd8 16.c4 [ 38...a4 1.26/25 39.Ra3 ( 39.Nxa4
Naxc4 17.Nxc4 Nxc4 18.Bxb7 Bxb7 Nxa4 40.Rxa4 Rxa4 ) 39...Rb8 ]
19.Rxb7 Bf6 20.Bxf6 gxf6 21.Rc1 39.Nb5+- Ra6 40.Nd6+ Kc7 41.Nxf7
Nd6 22.Re7 Nb5 23.a4 Kf8 24.Rb7 Nd7 42.Ng5 Nf6 43.Nf3 Ne4 44.Nd2
Nd6 25.Rbc7 Ne8 26.R7c5 Rab8 Nf6 45.Kf2 Ng4+ 46.Kg2 Ne4 is the
27.R1c4 f5 28.Kg2 1-0 (52) Gelfand, strong threat. 46...e5 3.25/21
B (2758)-Ponomariov,R (2739) FIDE [ 46...Nf6 2.23/21 47.e4 e5 ]
World Cup 2009 (7.6)) 14.Nb3 Rfd8 47.Ne4 exf4 48.gxf4 Re8 3.50/22
15.Ndc5 Bxc5 16.Nxc5 Na5 17.Bxd5 [ 48...Kc6 2.41/22 49.Rd2 Rb6 ]
exd5 18.Rxd5 Bc6 19.Rd4 49.Nxc5 Rc6 50.Nd3 Rg6 51.h3
Summary-N,N lichess.org 2019 ] 1.67/21
12.Rb1 Na5 0.70/21 [ 51.Rxa5 Rxe2+ 52.Kf1 Rd2
[ 12...Nd8= 0.27/20 feels stronger. ] 53.Ra7+ Kc8 54.Ra8+ Kc7
13.Nb3 Nxb3 14.axb3 Bc6! 15.Bxc6 55.R8a7+ ( 55.R1a7+ Kc6= )
bxc6 16.Nd3 Be7 17.Be3 Rfc8 55...Kc8 ]
18.Bc5 Kf8 19.Ra1 Black is weak on [ 51.f5 3.33/21 Ne3+ 52.Kh1 ]
the dark squares 19...Rc7 1.34/21 51...Ne3+? 5.06/22
[ 19...a5 0.87/22 ] [ 51...Ne5+ 1.67/21 is more resistant.
20.Kf1 0.81/22 52.Kf2 Nxd3+ 53.exd3 Rf6 54.Rxa5
[ 20.Ra6 1.34/21 ] Rxf4+ 55.Kg1 ( 55.Kg3 Rd4 )
20...Nd7 21.Bxe7+ Kxe7 22.Ra3 c5 55...Re3 56.Rc5+ Kb7 ]
23.c4 Rb7 24.Rda1 a5 25.Ke1 0.58/22
[ White should try 25.Rxa5 1.11/21
Rxa5 26.Rxa5 ] (Diagram)
25...Kd6 26.Nc1
[ 26.Rxa5 Rxa5 27.Rxa5 Rxb3 ] 52.Kf2 Rg2+ 53.Kf3 Rh2 54.Nf2 g5
26...Rba7 27.Na2 Kc6 28.Nc3 Nb6 55.Rxa5 gxf4 56.Ra7+
29.f4 0.53/22 (Diagram)
 26

a b c d e f g h
D38
Gukesh D 2777
8 8 Caruana,Fabiano 2803
7 7 Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (3.4) 20.01.25
[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
D38: Queen's Gambit Declined:
Ragozin Defence (4 Nf3 Bb4) 1.d4 d5
4 4 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 Bb4 5.cxd5
3 3
exd5 6.Bg5 h6 7.Bh4 Bf5 8.Qa4+
Nc6 9.e3 g5 10.Bg3 0-0 11.Bb5
2 2 Bxc3+ 12.bxc3 Ne7 13.Nd2 Ng6N
1 1
[ 13...Ne4 14.Nxe4 Bxe4 15.0-0 c6
16.Be2 Nf5 17.c4 dxc4 18.Qxc4
a b c d e f g h
Qd5 19.Qxd5 Bxd5 20.Rab1 b6
a b c d e f g h
21.Rb2 Rae8 22.Rc1 Nxg3 23.hxg3
f5 24.Bc4 f4 25.Bxd5+ cxd5 26.gxf4
8 8 gxf4 27.exf4 Rxf4 28.Rd2
7 7 Louvrier Saint Mary,J (2664)-
Mladenov,P (2626) Berlin 2016 Inf 69
6 6 [ E g i l F a g e r b e k k ] 1 - 0 ( 4 2 ) Ree4
5 5
29.Rcd1 Kg7 30.f3 Re3 31.Kf2 Ra3
32.Kg3 Re4 33.Rc1 Kf7 34.Rc8
4 4 Re1 35.Kf4 Ra1 36.Rc7+ Ke8
3 3
37.Re2+ Kd8 38.Ree7 R3xa2
39.Red7+ Ke8 40.Rh7 Kd8
2 2 41.Rcd7+ Kc8 42.Rdf7 1-0 (42)
1 1
Fressinet,L (2664) -Bluebaum,M
(2626) Baku 2016 CBM 175 [Sumets,
a b c d e f g h
Andrey] ]
Skewer 56...Kd6 57.Ne4+ Ke6 14.Qd1 -0.08/19
58.R1a6+ Ke5 59.Ra5+ Kd4 60.Rd7+ [ 14.h3 0.30/19 ]
W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e = 0 . 2 0 14...h5 0.24/22
(precise) /Black=0.34 [ 14...Rc8 -0.08/19 ]
1-0 15.h3= c6 16.Be2 h4 17.Bh2 b5
18.a4 a6! 19.0-0 Re8 20.Re1 Qe7
21.Bf3 Be4 22.Be2 0.01/19
[ 22.Bxe4 0.47/22 Nxe4 23.Nxe4
Qxe4 24.Qh5 ]
22...Bf5 23.Bf3 -0.01/20
[ 23.Ra2 0.34/22 ]
23...Be4 24.Be2 -0.01/21
[ 24.Bxe4 0.38/22 Nxe4 25.Nxe4
 27

Qxe4 26.Bd6 ] [ 22.Qc1 looks sharper. Kg7 23.Qg5

24...Bf5 Weighted Error Value: White=0. h6 24.Qe3 ]
12 (very precise) /Black=0.08 (flawless) 22...Raa8 23.Qb2
½-½ [ 23.Qc1 keeps more tension. Kg7
24.Bc2 Qc5 25.Bd3 ]
23...Nh5 24.Ne3 Rad8 25.Bc2 Nhf6
C78 26.Nc4 Kg7 27.b4 Ra8 28.Ra1 h6
Warmerdam,Max 2646 29.Re3 Nh7 30.Nfd2 Ra7 31.Ree1
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek 2768 Ng5 32.Ne3 Nf6 33.b5 Bb7
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (3.5) 20.01.25 [ 33...Bxe4? 34.h4 Bxc2 35.hxg5
[Kitty Kat] hxg5 36.Qxc2+- ]
[ Don't play 33...Nfxe4 34.Bxe4 Bxe4
C78: Ruy Lopez: Archangelsk and 35.h4 ]
Möller Defences 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 34.c4 Nd7
3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.d3 Bc5 6.c3 [ 34...Bxe4? 35.Nxe4 Nfxe4
d6 7.0-0 0-0 8.h3 Ba7 9.Re1 Ne7 36.Bxe4+- ]
[ 9...Nh5 10.d4 Qf6 11.Be3 Nf4 35.Nd5 -0.71/24
12.Bxf4 Qxf4 13.Bxc6 bxc6 14.Nbd2 [ 35.Ra3= 0.11/20 ]
Rb8 15.b3 f6 16.Qe2 Kh8 17.Nc4
d5 18.Na5 Bd7 19.exd5 cxd5 a b c d e f g h
20.dxe5 Bxh3 21.Nc6 fxe5 22.Nxa7
Bxg2 23.Nh2 Bh3 24.Qe3 8 8

Quizon,D (2457)-Sychev,K (2531) Abu 7 7

Dhabi 2024 1-0 (41) ]
10.d4 The position is equal. 10...Ng6 6 6
11.Bc2 Bd7N 5 5
[ 11...Re8 12.Nbd2 h6 ( 12...b5
13.Nf1 Bb7 14.Ng3 d5 15.Nxe5 4 4
Nxe5 16.dxe5 Nxe4 17.Nxe4 dxe4 3 3
18.Qxd8 Raxd8 19.Bf4
24. Alternative: Anderssen Va,5-6...d6 2 2
7.O-O O-O 8.h3 Ba7 9.R) 13.a4 Bd7 1 1
14.a5 Bc6 15.Ra3 Qc8 16.b4
a b c d e f g h
24. Alternative: Anderssen Va,5-6...d6
7. O-O O-O 8.h3 Ba7 9.R ] 35...Nxh3+! 36.Kf1 Bxd5 37.cxd5
12.Be3 Re8 13.Nbd2 a5 14.a4 Bc6 Ng5 38.Ra3 f6 39.Ke2 -0.88/21
15.Qb1 Qe7 16.dxe5 dxe5 17.Bxa7 [ 39.Rc3 -0.51/21 ]
Rxa7 18.Bd3 -0.33/18 39...Nc5 40.Kd1 -1.03/21
[ 18.Nc4= -0.01/20 ] [ 40.Rg3 -0.72/20 ]
18...Nf8 0.05/21 40...Raa8 41.Kc1 Rad8 42.g3 Nf7
[ 18...Raa8 -0.33/18 ] &Nero is more active. Pair of Knights!
19.Nc4 N8d7 20.Qc2 g6 21.b3 b6 43.f4 exf4 44.gxf4
22.Rad1 (Diagram)
 28

a b c d e f g h
-1.30/23
[ 52.Kb1!= -0.16/25 was the only way
8 8 to keep the balance. ]
7 7 52...Nf6 53.Rg1
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

Rxd5! Hoping for ...Red8. 45.Nf3 Rh5 2 2

46.e5 Against Nd6 46...fxe5 Strongly 1 1
t h r e a t e n i n g . . . K h 7 . 47.Rae3 Nd7
a b c d e f g h
-0.71/23
[ 47...Kh7 -1.26/23 ...e4 is the strong Nd5!
threat. 48.fxe5 Ne6 ] [ 53...Kh8? 54.Rge1 Qb4 55.Qxb4
48.fxe5 Nfxe5 White must now axb4 56.Nxe5+- ]
prevent ...Qb4! 54.Bxg6+ Kh8 55.Qd4 Nxe3 56.Bxh5
[ M u c h w e a k e r i s 48...Ndxe5?! Qa3+ 57.Kd2? -9.52/24
49.Bb3= ] [ 57.Kb1 -2.41/26 Qb3+ 58.Qb2
49.Rd1 Nf6 50.Rde1! Nfd7 Threatens Qxb2+ 59.Kxb2 Nd3+ 60.Kc3 ]
to win with ...Qb4! 51.Rd1 57...Nf5 Weighted Error Value: White=0.
a b c d e f g h
25 (precise) /Black=0.04 (flawless)
0-1
8 8

7 7
C55
6 6 Giri,Anish 2731
5 5
Fedoseev,Vladimir 2717
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (3.6) 20.01.25
4 4 [Kitty Kat]
3 3
C55: Two Knights: 4 d3, 4 d4 exd4 5 e5
2 and Max Lange Attack 1.e4 e5 2.Bc4
2

1 1
Nf6 3.d3 Nc6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.0-0 d6
6.a4 0-0 7.Re1 h6 8.a5 Rb8N
a b c d e f g h
[ 8...a6 9.c3 Nh7 ( 9...Be6 10.Nbd2
Kh7! And now ...Rf8 would win. 52.Qc3 Bxc4 11.Nxc4 Re8 12.Qb3 Rb8
 29

13.Ne3 Bf8 14.c4 Nd7 15.Nd5 Nc5 E52

16.Qc3 Ne6 17.Be3 g6 18.b4 Bg7 Mendonca,Leon Luke 2639
19.b5 Ncd4 20.Bxd4 exd4 21.Qd2 Harikrishna,Pentala 2695
c6 22.Nb6 Nc5 23.Reb1 Qe7 24.g3 Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (3.7) 20.01.25
Vuckovic,Z (2334)-Sargissian,G [Kitty Kat]
(2628) Skopje 2024 0-1 (62)) 10.d4
( 10.Be3 Ng5 11.Nbd2 Nxf3+ E52: Nimzo-Indian: Rubinstein: 4...0-0 5
12.Nxf3 Be6 13.Bxe6 fxe6 14.b4 Nf3 d5 6 Bd3 b6 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6
Bf6 15.Qb3 Qd7 16.c4 Ne7 17.b5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nf3 b6 5.e3 0-0 6.Bd3
g5 18.Rab1 Bg7 19.Nd2 Ng6 20.c5 d5 7.0-0 Ba6 8.cxd5 exd5 9.Bxa6
d5 21.bxa6 bxa6 22.exd5 exd5 Nxa6 White has an edge. 10.Qa4 Qc8
23.Ne4 Kh8 24.c6 Qxc6 Tkachiev,V 11.Bd2 Re8 12.Rfc1 Bf8 13.Ne2 c5
(2632) -Fressinet,L (2619) Cap d'Agde 14.dxc5 Nxc5
2002 CBM 092 [Lukacs,Peter] ½-½ [ 14...bxc5 15.Bc3 Kulygina,U (2642) -
(46); 10.Qb3 Qe8 11.d4 Ng5 Skalusevic,L (2671) Denmark 2014
12.Nbd2 C 55/07 ) 10...Ng5 11.d5 Telechess CBM 89 [Rause, Harding] ]
Nb8 12.Nbd2 Kh8 13.Bd3 f5 15.Qd1N
14.exf5 Bxf5 15.Bxf5 Rxf5 16.c4 [ 15.Qc2 Qb7 16.Bc3 Nfe4 17.b4
Nd7 17.Ra3 Nxf3+ 18.Nxf3 Qf8 Ne6 18.Qb3 Rac8 19.Bb2 b5
19.Be3 c5 20.Nd2 Bh4 21.g3 Be7 20.Rxc8 Rxc8 21.Rd1 Rc4 #7
22.Qg4 Qf7 23.Rb3 Chapter-Game 15) Nimzo Indian with 4.e3,5-9. Bxa6
Game 1 (53) ] with 10.Qa4 ]
9.h3 Re8 10.Nc3 White is slightly
better. 10...a6 11.Bd2 Bf8 12.Qb1 a b c d e f g h
Be6 13.Bxe6 Rxe6 14.Nd5 Ne7
15.Nxf6+ Rxf6 16.Qd1 Ng6 17.d4 8 8

exd4 18.Nxd4 c5 19.Nf5 d5 20.Qg4 7 7

Qc8 21.Ne3 Qxg4 22.Nxg4 Rd6
23.exd5! Rxd5 24.Bc3 Rbd8 25.Ne3 6 6
R5d7 26.Nc4 f6 27.g3 Ne7 28.Nb6 5 5
Rd6 29.Nc4 R6d7 30.Nb6 Rd6
Weighted Error Value: White=0.05 4 4
(flawless) / Black=0.03 (flawless) 3 3
½-½
2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

T h r e a t e n s t o w i n w i t h b 4 . 15...Qb7
16.Bc3 Nce4 17.Bxf6 Nxf6 18.Rc2
Rac8 19.Rac1 Rc5 20.Nfd4 Rec8
21.Nc3 Ne4 The position is equal.
22.Nb3 P a i r o f K n i g h t s ! 22...R5c7
 30

23.Nxe4 dxe4 24.Rd2 g6 25.g3 Be7 ½-½ (53);

26.Rxc7 Rxc7 27.Nd4 Bb4 28.Rc2 B) 10...Bb6 11.h3 Nge5 12.Nxe5
Rd7 29.Qe2 Bc5 30.Nb3 Be7 31.Qc4 Nxe5 13.Bf4 Ng6 14.Nd6+ Ke7
Kg7 32.Nd4 15.Nxc8+ Raxc8 16.Bd6+ Kf6
[ 32.Kg2 looks sharper. f5 33.Nd4 17.Bxb7 4.h3 Bg7 5.Nf3 de4 6.Ne
Bf6 34.Rd2 ] (2618)-2.d4 cd4 3.Nf3_25209
32...Bc5 33.Nb3 Be7 34.Nd4 Bc5 (2311) Polish League 2008
35.Nb5 a5 36.Nc3 f5 37.Kg2 Be7 Telechess CBM 89 [Oim, Harding] ]
38.Ne2 Qd5 39.Qc8 Bc5 40.Nf4 Qd1 [ 9...Na5 10.Ne5 Rb8 11.Ndxc4
41.Ne6+ Kh6 42.Rxc5 Dancing on a Nxc4 12.Nxc4 0-0 13.Bf4 Ra8
razor blade. 42...Qf3+ 43.Kh3 Qg4+ 14.Nd6 Bxd6 15.Bxd6 Rd8 16.Be7
44.Kg2 Qf3+ Weighted Error Value: Rxd1+ 17.Rxd1 Nd5 18.e4 Bd7
W h i t e =0 . 0 3 ( f l a wl e s s ) / B l a c k =0 . 0 4 19.exd5 exd5 20.Bxd5 Re8 21.Bb4
(flawless) Bc8 22.Re1 Rxe1+ 23.Bxe1 b6
½-½ 24.Bb4 Trimpe,F (1529)-Raulf,C
(1657) Verden 2004 EXT 2005
[ChessBase II] 1-0 (37) ]
E04
Harikrishna,Pentala 2695 a b c d e f g h
Warmerdam,Max 2646
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (4.1) 21.01.25 8 8

[Kitty Kat] 7 7

E04: Open Catalan: 5 Nf3 1.Nf3 d5 6 6

2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nc6 4.d4 Nf6 5.0-0 5 5
e6 6.c4 dxc4 7.dxc5 Qxd1 8.Rxd1
Bxc5 9.Nbd2 b5N 0.74/22 4 4
[ 9...c3 0.32/21 10.bxc3 0-0 ] 3 3
[ 9...Ng4 10.Ne4
A) 10...Be7 11.Nd6+ ( 11.h3 2 2
Nge5 12.Nxe5 Nxe5 13.Be3 1 1
Kiseljova, M-Bernard,J 200 Traps In
a b c d e f g h
The Opening [Stanley,Charles
Henry] ) 11...Bxd6 12.Rxd6 Ke7 10.a4 0.40/21
13.Rd1 Rd8 14.Rxd8 Kxd8 [ 10.Ne5! 0.74/22 Nxe5 11.Bxa8 ]
15.Bd2 e5 16.Rc1 e4 17.Ng5 e3 10...Ba6 11.Ng5 Nd5 White is slightly
18.fxe3 Nge5 19.Nf3 f6 20.Nxe5 better. 12.Nde4! Bb4 13.Nxf7 -0.05/24
Nxe5 21.Ba5+ Ke7 22.Bc7 Nc6 Kxf7= 14.Ng5+ Kf6
23.Rxc4 Be6 24.Ra4 Rc8
25.Bxc6 Chandreyee,H (2580)- (Diagram)
Sukhareva,O (2585) Rostov 1989
200 Traps In The Opening [ILN cv Hoping for ...Rad8. 15.Nxe6 Nce7!
(10 Nov 1894) p598; Liv club report] 16.axb5 Bb7 17.Nd4 Kf7 18.Ra4
 31

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

aiming for e4. 18...c3 19.Rd3 -0.56/23 a b c d e f g h

[ 19.Rxb4= -0.01/22 Nxb4 20.Bxb7 ]
19...a5 -0.01/23 8 8

[ 19...cxb2! -0.56/23 20.Bxb2 a5 ] 7 7

20.bxc3! Bxc3 1.01/23
[ Don't do 20...Nxc3 21.Bxb7! Rad8 6 6
22.Rf3+ Kg6 23.Rxc3! Bxc3 5 5
24.Be3 ]
[ 20...Rac8= 0.01/24 keeps the 4 4
balance. ] 3 3
21.Rf3+ 0.08/24
[ White should play 21.Nc6! 1.01/23 ] 2 2
21...Kg6? 3.52/24 1 1
[ 21...Ke8= 0.08/24 and Black is
a b c d e f g h
okay. ]
White=0.17 (very precise) /Black=0.65
1-0
(Diagram)

22.Nc6!+- Rg4+ would kill now. 22...Bf6 B31

[ 22...Nxc6 gets mated. 23.Rg4+ Kh5 Caruana,Fabiano 2803
24.Rf5+ g5 25.Rfxg5+ Kh6 Giri,Anish 2731
26.Rh4# ] Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (4.2) 21.01.25
[Kitty Kat]

(Diagram) B31: Sicilian: 2...Nc6 3 Bb5 g6 1.e4 c5

2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 g6 4.0-0 Bg7 5.Re1
23.Ne5+! Weighted Error Value: e5 6.Bxc6 bxc6 7.c3 Ne7 8.d4 cxd4
 32

9.cxd4 exd4 10.Nxd4 0-0 11.Nc3 a b c d e f g h

Rb8 12.Nb3 Qc7N Against Qd6
[ 12...d5 8 8

A) 13.Bg5 d4 ( 13...f6 14.Be3 7 7

dxe4 15.Nxe4 f5 16.Nc3 Qc7
17.Bc5 Rd8 18.Rxe7 Rxd1+ 6 6
19.Rxd1 1-0 (19) Cardenas, R- 5 5
Pedersen_HB/Hansen_Car. Linares
2000 200 Traps In The Opening 4 4
[ P i l n i k , H / P r i m e l , D ]) 14.Na4 3 3
( 14.Ne2 Rb5 15.Qd2 c5 16.Rac1
f6 17.Bh6 Bxh6 18.Qxh6 d3 2 2
½-½ (18) Fudala,M-Klimek,J 1 1
Valasska Bystrice 2023) 14...h6
a b c d e f g h
15.Bh4 Be6 16.Nac5 Bxb3
17.axb3 Rb5 18.Nd3 a5 19.Qc2 18...Rf5 19.exf7+! Qxf7 20.Re2 c5
Re8 20.Bxe7 Rxe7 21.b4 axb4 21.g3
22.Qxc6 1-0 (22) Maghsoodloo [ Much worse is 21.Qxd6 c4 22.Nd2
(2688)-Zvjaginsev (2642) St Rxf2 ]
Petersburg 2018 [Lawrence]; 21...Rd5
B) 13.Bf4; [ 21...a5 seems wilder. 22.Nxa5 Bd4
C) 13.Be3 dxe4 14.Bc5 Rb7 23.Rf1 Qxa2 24.b4 Qxd2 25.Rxd2
15.Nxe4 Bxb2 16.Nd4 Bxd4 Bc3 ]
17.Bxd4 Nd5 18.Rc1 f5 19.Nd2 22.Qc2 Re5 23.Rxe5 Bxe5 24.Re1
Nf4 20.Nf3 Ne6 21.Rxc6 Nxd4 Rb8 25.Qd2 Rb6 26.h4 Bf6 27.Rd1
½-½ (21) Mechitov, V (2530)-Bolz,B Kg7 28.Re1 h6 29.Re4 g5 0.01/23
(2555) corr CCCA 1992 Telechess [ 29...h5 -0.49/20 ]
CBM 89 [Heemsoth, FS 10/59 30.hxg5 The position is equal. 30...hxg5
p217] ] 31.Ra4 Kg8
13.Bg5 d6 14.Rc1 -0.02/20
[ 14.Qd2! 0.51/21 ] (Diagram)
14...Be6=
. . . c 4 i s t h e s t r o n g t h r e a t . 32.Qc2
(Diagram) A g a i n s t c 4 32...Rb8 33.Qf5 Be7
34.Qc2
15.Nd5! Nxd5 16.exd5 Rb5!⇆ [ M u c h w e a k e r i s 34.Qxf7+ Kxf7
B l a c k p u t s u p r e s i s t a n c e 17.dxe6 35.Rxa7 Ke6 ]
aiming for Bf4. 34...Bf6 Weighted Error Value: White=0.
[ 17.Rxc6 Qd7 18.h4 Rxd5 ] 08 (flawless) /Black=0.06 (flawless)
17...Rxg5 18.Qd2 -0.35/23 ½-½
[ 18.e7 Re8 19.Qd2 Re5 20.Rxe5
Bxe5 ]
[ 18.Nd4= 0.02/21 is superior. ]
 33

a b c d e f g h
Rb4 27.Rc2 -0.32/24
[ 27.Rc3= 0.01/23 ]
8 8 27...Rdb6 28.Rac1 Rb1 29.Bf1
7 7 -0.53/21
[ 29.Rc3= -0.20/22 ]
6 6 29...Ne5 -0.01/21
5 5
[ 29...Na3 -0.53/21 30.Rc3 Rxc1
31.Rxc1 Rb1 32.Rxb1 Nxb1 ]
4 4 30.f4= Nf3+ 31.Kf2 Rxc1 32.Rxc1
3 3
Nd2 33.Be2 c6 34.Rd1 Rb2 35.Ke1
Rc2 36.Rxd2 Rxc5 Endgame KRB-
2 2 KRB 37.Rb2 Be6 38.Rb7+ Kf8 39.g4
1 1
f5 0.49/22
[ 39...Rc1+= 0.06/22 40.Kd2 Ra1 ]
a b c d e f g h
40.Kd2 Rd5+ 41.Kc3 Rc5+ 42.Kd2
0.01/21
[ 42.Kb2 0.35/25 ]
E06 42...g5 43.Rh7 gxf4 0.95/24
Sarana,Alexey 2677 [ 43...Rd5+= 0.27/21 44.Kc3 Rc5+
Gukesh D 2777 45.Kb2 Bc4 ]
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (4.3) 21.01.25 44.exf4
[Kitty Kat] [ O f c o u r s e n o t 44.Rxh6?! fxe3+
45.Kxe3 Re5+ 46.Kd3 Rd5+ 47.Ke3
E06: Closed Catalan: Early deviations Re5+ 48.Kd3 Rd5+ 49.Ke3 Re5+= ]
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 44...fxg4 45.hxg4 Bb3 46.Rxh6 Bxa4
Be7 5.g3 0-0 6.Bg2 Nc6 7.Ne5 Nxe5 47.Rh8+ 0.77/21
8.dxe5 Nd7 9.cxd5 Nxe5 10.dxe6N [ 47.Bf3 1.25/21 ]
[ 10.0-0 exd5 11.Nxd5 Bd6 12.Qc2 47...Ke7 48.Rh7+ 0.28/23
c6 13.Nc3 Qe7 14.Ne4 Bf5 15.Qb3 [ 48.g5 0.74/22 ]
Be6 16.Qc3 Bc7 17.Bf4 Bd5 48...Kd6!= 49.g5 0.17/22
18.Rfd1 Bxe4 19.Bxe4 Ng6 20.Bxc7 [ 49.Rh6+ 0.51/20 Ke7 50.g5 ]
Qxc7 21.Rd4 Rad8 22.Rad1 Rfe8 49...Bb3! 50.Bd3 a4 51.Ra7 Rd5
23.e3 a5 24.Kg2 Nf8 Visakh,N 0.63/23
(2 50 1 )- L u, M ( 2 42 9 ) S ch wae b is c h [ 51...Kd5= 0.16/24 ]
Gmuend 2025 1-0 (45) ] 52.Kc3 0.17/24 &Bianco is more active.
10...Bxe6 11.Bxb7 Rb8 12.Bg2 [ 52.Ke3 0.63/23 ]
Qxd1+ 13.Nxd1 Nc4 14.0-0 Bf6 52...Rc5+ 53.Kd2 Rd5 54.Ke3 Kc5
15.Nc3 Rfd8 Prevents Nd5. 16.Ne4 55.g6 1.09/22
Bxb2 17.Bxb2 Rxb2 [ 55.f5 0.66/22 ]
[ Resist 17...Nxb2 18.Rfc1 ] 55...Kb6 56.Ra6+ Kb7 aiming for ...
18.Rfc1 f6 19.e3 h6 20.a4 a5 Rxd3+! 57.f5 Re5+ 1.48/25
21.Rab1 Rb6 22.Nc5 Bf7 23.Rd1 [ 57...Rxd3+? 58.Kxd3 Kxa6 59.f6+- ]
Rdd6 24.h3 Kf8 25.Rdc1 Ke7 26.Ra1 [ 57...Rd8 1.12/26 58.Ke4 Bd5+
 34

59.Kf4 Bg8 ] a b c d e f g h
58.Kf4 1.15/23
[ White should play 58.Kd4 1.48/25 8 8

Rxf5 59.Bxf5 Kxa6 60.Bd3+ Kb6 7 7

61.Bc4 ]
58...Rd5 6 6

a b c d e f g h 5 5

8 8 4 4

7 7 3 3

6 6 2 2

5 5 1 1

4 4 a b c d e f g h

3 3
68...c2 69.Bb3 c1Q (  ...Qc3+)
70.g8Q Weighted Error Value: White=0.
2 2 12 ( ve ry p re ci se ) /B la ck =0 .1 1 (ver y
1 1
precise)
½-½
a b c d e f g h

59.Ke3 0.01/20
[ White should try 59.Ke4! 1.24/23 ] E24
59...Rd8 1.04/22 Abdusattorov,Nodirbek 2768
[ 59...Rxd3+? 60.Kxd3 Kxa6 61.f6+- ] Wei,Yi 2751
[ 59...Re5+!= 0.01/20 keeps the Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (4.4) 21.01.25
balance. 60.Kf4 Rd5 ] [Kitty Kat]
60.f6 Rf8
[ 60...Rxd3+ 61.Kxd3 Kxa6 62.f7 E24: Nimzo-Indian: Sämisch: Unusual
Bd1 63.f8Q Kb6 64.Qd6 Bh5 Black 5th moves and 5...c5 sidelines
65.Kd4 ] The defending Wijk Champion winner
61.g7 Rxf6 Jorden van Foreest played his usual (full
of ideas) combative chess winning not
(Diagram) fewer than five games (!) and sharing 4-
7 place with Giri and Karjakin (taking
62.Rxa4! Bg8 63.Rf4 0.01/23 into account free forfeit point Giri got vs
[ 63.Ra5 0.48/22 might be stronger. ] Dubov). In the Dutch derby Jorden van
63...Rxf4!= The position is equal. Foreest slaughtered his compatriot. 1.d4
64.Kxf4 KB-KB 64...c5 65.Ke5 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.a3 Bxc3+
H o p i n g f o r B e 4 + . 65...Kc7 66.Be4 5.bxc3 b6 6.f3 Nc6 7.e4 Na5 8.Bd3
Black must now prevent Bd5. 66...c4! -0.19/20
67.Bd5 c3 Strongly threatening ...c2. [ 8.Bg5 0.14/18 should be
68.Bxg8 Threatening mate with Bb3. considered. ]
 35

8...Ba6!= 9.Qe2 c5 & B i a n c o i s m o r e a c t i v e . 15...Bxc4

[ 9...d6 10.f4 Qd7 11.Nf3 Qa4 16.0-0 0-0 17.Rac1 Nd5 18.Bg3 Bxd3
12.Nd2 e5 13.0-0 0-0 14.fxe5 dxe5 19.Qxd3 Nb7 Pair of Knights! 20.Ne4!
15.Rb1 c5 16.Rxf6 gxf6 17.Qf3 Qc6 f5 And now ...Rxc1 would win. 21.Nc3
18.d5 Qd6 19.Nf1 Kh8 20.Ne3 Bc8 Nxc3 22.Rxc3 Rxc3 23.Qxc3 f4
21.Bd2 Rg8 22.Be1 Rg6 23.Bh4 24.Bf2 Qxd6 25.Rc1 h6 26.h3
Rh6 24.Qf2 Van Foreest,J (2702)-Giri, -0.68/22
A (2772) Wijk aan Zee 2022 Chess [ 26.a4= -0.28/23 ]
Informant 151 [Sokolov,Ivan] 1-0 (42) ] 26...Na5 -0.21/25
10.Nh3 cxd4 11.cxd4 Rc8N [ 26...Qe7 -0.68/22 deserves
[ 11...Nb3 12.e5 Nxa1 13.exf6 Qxf6 consideration. ]
14.Qb2 Qh4+ 15.Ke2 Chapter 2 - 27.Kh2 Qd5 28.Qc7! Rf7 29.Qc8+
Black Plays b6 an,N [Abhijeet] ] Rf8 30.Qc7 Rf7 31.Qc8+ Kh7 32.Re1
12.e5 Ng8 13.Nf2 d5 Against Ne4 -0.51/25
14.exd6 -0.51/22 [ White should play 32.Rc7= -0.01/24
[ 14.cxd5!= -0.01/22 Bxd3 15.Qxd3 Rxc7 33.Qxc7 ]
( 15.Nxd3 Qxd5 16.Be3 Ne7 ) 32...Qd7 33.Qxd7 Rxd7 34.Rxe6
15...Qxd5 16.Ne4 ] E n d g a me K RB - K R N 34...Nc4 35.a4
14...Nf6 0.99/22 Nb2 36.a5! Nd3 37.Bg1 bxa5
[ But not 14...Qxd6 15.Ne4 Qd7 The position is equal. 38.Ra6 Rd5
16.c5 Bxd3 17.Qxd3 ] 39.h4 Nb4 40.Rxa7 Kg6 41.g4 fxg3+
[ 14...Bxc4 -0.51/22 keeps the upper Weighted Error Value: White=0.16 (very
hand. 15.Bf4 Nf6 ] precise) /Black=0.11 (very precise)
15.Bf4? -0.77/22 ½-½
[ 15.c5! 0.99/22 is necessary to keep
t h e a d v a n t a g e . Bxd3 16.Qxd3
( 16.Nxd3 Nb3= )] C77
Praggnanandhaa R 2741
a b c d e f g h
Mendonca,Leon Luke 2639
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (4.5) 21.01.25
8 8 [Kitty Kat]
7 7
C7 7 : R u y L o p e z : 3 . . . a 6 4 B a 4 N f 6 ,
6 6 unusual lines 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6
5 5
3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.d3 b5 6.Bb3
Bc5 7.Bg5 h6 8.Bh4 d6 9.c3 Bb6
4 4 Th e p o s i t i o n i s e q u a l . 10.a4 Rb8
3 3
11.axb5 axb5 12.Na3 b4N
[ 12...g5 13.Bg3 Nh5 14.Nxe5 Nxg3
2 2 15.Nxc6 Qf6 16.Qf3 Qxf3 17.gxf3
1 1
Nxh1 18.Nxb8 g4 19.Ke2 gxf3+
20.Kxf3 Nxf2 21.d4 Nd3 22.Nxb5
a b c d e f g h
Nxb2 23.Bd5 Be6 24.Rb1 Nd3
 36

25.Na3 Ke7 26.Nc6+ Kd7 27.Nc4 active. 24...Nh5 1.64/22

Haldorsen,B (2454)-Melaa,S (2230) [ 24...Nd5 1.27/22 ]
Oslo 2023 1-0 (31) Bxd5 28.exd5 25.exd6+- aiming for Nfe5. 25...Nxg3
Re8 29.Rd1 Ne1+ 30.Kf2 Nc2 26.dxc7
31.Rc1 1-0 (31) Loehn,C (2454)- [ Do n ' t t a k e 26.fxg3?! cxd6 27.h3
Movsesian,J (2230) Budapest 2023 ( 27.Nxb6 Rxb6 28.d5 Kg8 )
Inf87 [John Watson] ] 27...Kg7 ]
[ 12...Ne7 13.Nxb5 Ng6 14.Bg3 Bg4 26...Qxc7 27.hxg3
15.Na3 0-0 16.Nc4 Bxf3 17.Qxf3 [ Don't do 27.fxg3 Rfd8 ]
Bxf2+ 18.Bxf2 Rxb3 19.0-0 Qd7 27...Rbe8 28.Ne3 Qd7 29.Qa1 Kh7
20.Ra7 Rfb8 21.h3 d5 22.exd5 30.Ra6 Rb8 31.Nc4 Bc7 32.Ra7
Nxd5 23.d4 exd4 24.Bxd4 f6 a b c d e f g h
25.Rd1 Qe6 26.Ne3 Ndf4 27.Rxc7
Bjerre,J (2524)-Esipenko,A (2642) 8 8

New York 2024 0-1 (35) ] 7 7

6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
N c e 5 i s t h e s t r o n g t h r e a t . 32...Qc6
2 2 33.Rc1 Ra8 34.d5 Rxa7 35.Qxa7
1 1
[ 35.dxc6?! Rxa1 36.Rxa1 Rc8+- ]
35...Ra8 36.Qd4
a b c d e f g h
[ Don't play 36.dxc6?! Rxa7 37.Nd4
Strongly threatening ... g5. 13.Nc4 bxc3 Ra6+- ]
14.bxc3 0-0 15.0-0 Kh8 16.Ba4 Bd7 36...Qd7 37.d6 Black must now prevent
17.Rb1 g5 18.Bg3 Ba7 19.Ra1 Qd5. 37...Bd8 38.Nce5 Pair of Knights!
0.44/22 38...Qe6 39.Nxg6 fxg6 40.Re1 Qf7
[ Better is 19.Rxb8 0.91/21 Bxb8 5.75/25
20.Qa1 ] [ 40...Qg8 3.66/25 was worth a try.
19...Bb6 0.84/19 41.d7 Qg7 ]
[ 19...Ra8! 0.44/22 ] 41.Qe4 Ra7 42.Ne5 Qe6 43.Nc6
20.Re1 White leaves nothing to chance Qxe4 44.Rxe4 Rd7 45.Re6
now. 20...Ne7 21.d4↑ White is in Against Bf6 45...h5 46.Kh2 Weighted
control. 21...Bxa4 22.Rxa4 exd4 Error Value: White=0.17 (very precise) /
23.cxd4 Ng6 24.e5 &Bianco is more
 37

Black=0.26 (precise) a b c d e f g h
1-0
8 8

7 7
D35
Keymer,Vincent 2733 6 6
Van Foreest,Jorden 2680 5 5
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (4.6) 21.01.25
[Kitty Kat] 4 4

3 3
D35: Queen's Gambit Declined:
Exchange Variation 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 2 2
3.Nc3 Be7 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bf4 Nf6 1 1
6.e3 Bf5 7.Nf3 c6 8.Nh4 Bg6 9.h3
a b c d e f g h
Nbd7 10.Nxg6 hxg6 11.Bd3 Nf8
12.Qb3N Nxd4 27.Rhe1 Ne6 28.f3 a6
[ 12.Qc2 Ne6 13.Be5 Qa5 14.0-0 29.Rxd8+
Nd7 15.Bg3 f5 16.a3 Qd8 17.b4 [ 29.Rh1 k e e p s mo r e t e n s i o n . f5
Bh4 18.Bh2 Rc8 19.b5 Nf6 20.bxc6 30.b4 Rc4 31.Nd5 ]
bxc6 21.Ba6 Rc7 22.Bxc7 Qxc7 29...Bxd8 30.Rd1 Bc7 31.Bxc7 Rxc7
23.Rfc1 0-0 24.Nxd5 Nxd5 25.Qxc6 Endgame KRN-KRN 32.Nd5 Rc5 33.b4
Qxc6 26.Rxc6 Kf7 Sikorova,J (2736) - Rc4 34.b3 Rd4 35.Rxd4 Nxd4 KN-KN
Schmucker,R (2608) Baku 2023 36.Kb2 Kf8 37.Kc3 Ne6 38.b5 axb5
Steinitz/Chigorin [John Watson] 1-0 39.Kb4 Nd4 40.Nc3 Ke7 41.Nxb5
(33) 27.Bc4 Rd8 28.Rb1 Rd7 Ne6 42.Ka5 Nf4 43.g3 Nd5 44.Na3
29.Rb5 Ndc7 30.Rb7 Ke7 31.d5 Kd6 45.Kb5 f5 46.Nc4+ Ke6 47.g5 f4
Nd8 32.d6+ Kf6 33.dxc7+ 48.g4 Nc3+ 49.Kc5 Ne2 50.b4 Nc1!
1-0 (33) Gukesh,D (2736)-Pranav,V 51.Nb2
(2608) Chess.com INT 2023 ] a b c d e f g h
12...Qb6 13.Qc2 Ne6 14.Be5 0-0
15.0-0-0 Rac8 0.77/23 8 8

[ 15...Nd7= 0.07/20 remains equal. ] 7 7

6 6
(Diagram) 5 5

16.Kb1 0.19/21 4 4
[ 16.h4! 0.77/23 ] 3 3
16...Rfd8= The position is equal. 17.Be2
Nd7 18.Bg3 Nf6 19.Be5 Nd7! 20.Bg3 2 2
Nf6 21.Bg4 White wants to play Bxe6. 1 1
21...c5 22.dxc5 Rxc5 23.Qb3 Qxb3
a b c d e f g h
24.axb3 Nxg4 25.hxg4 d4 26.exd4
 38

Against Nd3+. Hoping for Kb6. Bxd7 27.Bxe4 fxe4 28.Ne2 b6

51...Nb3+ 52.Kb6 Nd3 is the strong 29.Qa3 Bg4 30.Nf4 Rd7 31.Kd2 Bf3
threat. 52...Nd4 53.Kxb7 Threatens to 32.b3 c5 33.Qb2 Rc8 34.Rc1 b5
win with Ka6. 53...Kd5 54.Kc7 Nxf3 35.b4 c4 36.Kc3 Eismont,I (2292)-
55.Nd3 Black must now prevent b5. Ljubarskij,J (2290) Essen 2005 CBM
55...Kc4 56.Nxf4 Nxg5 57.Nxg6 Kxb4 108 Extra [ChessBase II] 1-0 (62) ]
58.Kd7 Weighted Error Value: White=0. 7.e3 -0.05/21
04 (flawless) /Black=0.04 (flawless) [ 7.Be5 0.33/20 deserves
½-½ consideration. ]
7...Bxf4= 8.exf4 The position is equal.
8...0-0 9.Ne5 Nc6 10.f3 Be6 0.21/20
D35 [ 10...Nd7 -0.15/20
Erigaisi Arjun 2801 is more appropriate. ]
Fedoseev,Vladimir 2717 11.Qd2 Nxe5 12.dxe5 Nd7 13.0-0-0
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (4.7) 21.01.25 c6 14.g4 f5! 15.Ne2 -0.62/21
[Kitty Kat] [ 15.Rg1= -0.06/18 ]
15...fxg4 16.Nd4 Qe7 17.Rg1 gxf3
D 3 5 : Q u e e n ' s G a m b i t D e c l i n e d : Th r e a t e n s t o wi n wi t h . . . B f 5 . 18.Bd3
Exchange Variation 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 Prevents Bf5. 18...Kh8 -0.87/20
3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 [ 18...Nc5 -1.50/22 19.f5 Nxd3+
6.Bf4 Bd6N 20.Qxd3 f2 21.Nxe6 fxg1N 22.Rxg1
[ 6...Bf5 7.h3 Nbd7 8.g4 Bg6 9.Qb3 Rf7 ]
0-0 10.Bg2 Nb6 11.a4 a5 12.0-0 19.Bc2 c5 -0.01/21
Chapter 3- QGD-6...Bf5 7.h3 c-Part I [ 19...g6 -1.04/20 White should
& other 6th move alt. [IM Kushager prevent ...Rf7. 20.Nxf3 Bf5 21.Bxf5
Krishnater] ] Rxf5 ]
[ 6...0-0 7.g3 ( 7.e3 c6 8.Bd3 Bg4 20.Nxf3= Nb6
9.h3 Bh5 10.Qc2 Nbd7 11.Ne5 Bg6 [ 20...g6 21.Bxg6 d4 22.Bb1 ]
12.g4 Bxd3 13.Qxd3 Nxe5 14.Bxe5 21.Rg5! aiming for Rh5.
Nd7 15.Bg3 Bh4 16.Rg1 Re8 [ But not 21.Qd3? g6 22.Ng5
17.0-0-0 b5 18.Qf5 Bxg3 19.Rxg3 Rxf4-+ ]
a5 20.g5 a4 21.h4 b4 Nguyen,P 21...Nc4 1.11/21
(1627) -Morozevich,K (1484) [ 21...g6= 0.01/20 22.Bxg6 Nc4 ]
Montesilvano 2024 0-1 (48)) 7...c6 22.Qd3! White has strong
8.Bg2 Nh5 9.Be3 Bd6 10.Ne5 Qe7 compensation. 22...g6 23.Nh4! Qf7
11.Nd3 f5 12.Qd2 Nd7 13.Bf3 Nhf6 [ 23...Rxf4 leads to mate. 24.Nxg6+!
14.Bf4 Ne4 15.Bxd6 Qxd6 16.Qf4 Kg7 25.Nxe7+ Kf8 26.Nxd5 Rd8
Qf6 17.e3 g5 18.Qc7 Rf7 19.Qa5 27.Rf1! Rxd5 28.Rxf4+ Ke8
Re7 20.h4 Nb6 21.hxg5 Eismont,O 29.Qxh7 ]
(2 4 6 5 ) - B ez g o d o v, A (2 5 7 0 ) P e r m
1997 CBM 058 [Atlas,Valeri] ½-½ (62)
Nxg5 22.Be2 Bd7 23.Ne5 Ne4 (Diagram)
24.Rh2 Be6 25.Bd3 Nd7 26.Nxd7
 39

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

24.Rf1 Rg8 27...Qxf5!!-+ 28.Rxf5 White wants to

a b c d e f g h
ma t e wi t h R g 5 . 28...Rxg3 29.hxg3
Endgame KRR-KRN 29...Ne3! 30.Rg5
8 8 Nxf1-+ KRN-KR 31.e6 Ne3 32.Re5 d4
7 7 33.Rxc5 b6 34.Rh5 Kg7 35.Kd2 Re8
36.f5 Kf6 37.Rxh7 Nxf5 38.Rxa7
6 6 Rxe6 39.g4 Nh4 Weighted Error Value:
5 5
White=0. 24 (precise) /Black=0.16 (very
precise)
4 4 0-1
3 3

2 2 E10
1 1
Mendonca,Leon Luke 2639
Erigaisi Arjun 2801
a b c d e f g h
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (5.1) 22.01.25
25.Qg3! Strongly threatening Nxg6+! [Kitty Kat]
25...Bf5 26.Bxf5 0.69/23
[ 26.Nxf5 1.38/24 gxf5 27.b3 E10: Blumenfeld Gambit 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4
( 27.Rxf5? Qxf5 28.Bxf5 Rxg3-+ )] e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.d5 b5 5.Bg5 exd5
26...gxf5 27.Nxf5 -2.44/23 6.cxd5 h6 7.Bxf6 Qxf6 8.Qc2 g5
[ 27.Re1! 0.51/22 keeps the upper 0.83/21
hand. ] [ 8...d6= 0.25/21 remains equal. ]
[ 8...c4 9.a4 Bb4+ 10.Nc3 bxa4
11.Rxa4 a5 12.e3 0-0 13.Bxc4 Ba6
(Diagram) 14.Bxa6 Nxa6 15.0-0 Rfc8 16.Nd4
Nc7 17.Rfa1 Qe5 18.Qf5 Qxf5
This move loses the game for White. 19.Nxf5 g6 20.Nxh6+ Kg7 21.Ng4
 40

Na6 22.Ne5 Nc5 23.R4a2 17.e4 a6 18.Rab1 Nb5 19.Ne2 Kh8

Dzagnidze,N (2555) -Adams,M (2725) 1.17/21
Tradewise Gibratar Chess Festival [ 19...Nd4 0.81/18 20.Nxd4 Bxd4 ]
2013 2013 [John Emms] 0-1 (47) ]
[ 8...Na6 9.Nc3 Nc7 10.e4 b4 a b c d e f g h
11.Nb5 Nxb5 12.Bxb5 Bd6 13.e5
Bxe5 14.Qe4 Rb8 15.Nxe5 Rxb5 8 8

16.Ng6+ Kd8 17.Nxh8 g6 18.0-0 7 7

Qxh8 19.d6 Qf6 20.Rad1 Bb7
21.Qc4 Bc6 22.Rfe1 Qg5 23.g3 6 6
Goormachtigh,J (2136)-Maryasin,B 5 5
(2267) Bregenz 2023 1-0 (67) ]
9.Nc3 Bg7N 4 4
[ 9...a6 10.Ne4 Qg6 11.h4 Bg7 3 3
12.hxg5 c4 13.Nh4 Qb6 14.Nf5 Be5
15.f4 Qa5+ 16.Nc3 1-0 (16) 2 2
Deviatkin,A (2555)-Volkov,S (2254) 1 1
Ch Moscow (team) 2007 CT-2576
a b c d e f g h
[Andrey Deviatkin (www. chesstoday.
net)] ] 20.Nc4! Nd4 21.Nxd4 Bxd4 22.Na5
10.Nxb5 Rb6 23.Nc4 0.01/19
a b c d e f g h
[ White should play 23.b4 1.23/21 ]
23...Rbb8= 24.Na5 0.01/19
8 8 [ 24.Kh1 1.11/18 ]
7 7 24...Rb6! 25.b3 Qf6 26.Kh1 Rfb8
27.Nc4 R6b7 28.Na5 0.01/19
6 6 [ 28.Be2 1.09/22 ]
5 5
28...Rb6! 29.Nc4 0.01/21
[ Better is 29.Qd1 1.16/22 ]
4 4 29...R6b7 30.Na5 -0.01/19
3 3
[ 30.Qd1 1.18/20 ]
30...Rb6! Weighted Error Value:
2 2 White=0.38/ Black=0.06 (flawless)
1 1
½-½
a b c d e f g h

aiming for Nc7+. 10...Na6 Inhibits Nc7+.

W h i t e i s b e t t e r . 11.e3 0-0 12.a3
Against Nb4. &Bianco is more active.
12...d6 13.Bd3 Inhibits Bf5. 13...Bd7
[ Weaker is 13...Qxb2 14.Qxb2 Bxb2
15.Rb1 ]
14.Nc3 Nc7 15.0-0 Rab8 16.Nd2 Qe7
 41

C11 21.Qc5 Rc8 22.Qb4 Rb8! Weighted

Wei,Yi 2751 Error Value: White=0.04 (flawless) /
Harikrishna,Pentala 2695 Black=0.01 (flawless)
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (5.2) 22.01.25 [ Don't take 22...Rc2 23.0-0 ]
[Kitty Kat] ½-½

C11: French: Classical System: 4 e5 and

4 Bg5 dxe4 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 D38
Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.Nf3 Nc6 Fedoseev,Vladimir 2717
7.Be3 a6 8.Qd2 b5 9.h4 Bb7 Caruana,Fabiano 2803
10.Bd3N Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (5.3) 22.01.25
[ 10.Qf2 cxd4 11.Nxd4 Nxd4 [Kitty Kat]
12.Bxd4 Qc7 13.Bd3 Bc5 14.Ne2 f6
15.0-0 0-0 16.Qe3 fxe5 17.fxe5 D38: Queen's Gambit Declined:
Rxf1+ 18.Rxf1 Bxd4 19.Nxd4 Qxe5 Ragozin Defence (4 Nf3 Bb4) 1.d4 d5
20.Qxe5 Nxe5 21.Re1 Nc4 22.Bxc4 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 Bb4 5.Bg5
dxc4 23.Rxe6 c3 24.b4 Rd8 h6 6.Bxf6 Qxf6 7.Qa4+ Nc6 8.e3 0-0
Niemann,H (2733)-Aronian,L (2738) 9.Be2 dxc4 10.0-0 Qe7 The position is
Saint Louis 2024 ½-½ (34) ] equal. 11.Bxc4 Na5 12.Bd3 Bxc3
[ 10.h5 b4 ( 10...h6 11.a3 Qa5 13.bxc3 b6 14.Qb4N Qd6 15.Rfd1
12.Rd1 b4 13.axb4 Qxb4 14.Be2 Bb7 16.Rac1 Rac8 17.Qxd6 -0.32/25
cxd4 15.Nxd4 Bc5 16.Nb3 Bb6 [ 17.Ne5= 0.15/21 ]
17.0-0 0-0 18.Bxb6 Qxb6+ 19.Kh2 17...cxd6 18.Nd2! Rc7 19.Rc2 Rfc8
a5 20.Na4 Qc7 21.Rf3 Rae8 20.Rdc1 Kf8 21.f3 Ke7 22.e4 g5
22.Nac5 Nxc5 23.Nxc5 Nxe5 23.Kf2 e5 0.48/23
24.fxe5 Qxc5 25.Rg3 Pranav,A [ 23...h5= -0.21/20 ]
(2509) -Niemann,H (2667) Mexico City 24.Nf1! exd4 25.cxd4 Rxc2+
2023 0-1 (62)) 11.Na4 cxd4 12.Bf2 26.Rxc2 Rxc2+ 27.Bxc2=
Qc7 13.Bd3 Na5 14.Nxd4 Nc4 Endgame KBN-KBN 27...Bc8 28.Bd3
15.Qc1 Bc6 16.Nxc6 Qxc6 17.b3 0.28/24
Na3 18.0-0 Rc8 19.Qe3 g6 20.Qh3 [ 28.Ne3 0.62/23 deserves
Bh6 21.Be3 Nb5 22.Rf3 Nc3 consideration. ]
23.Nxc3 Qxc3 24.Raf1 Qc6 28...Nc6 29.Ke3 a6 30.Nd2 b5
Buchicchio,G (2635)-Bancroft,H 31.Nb3 d5 32.Nc5
(2625) Vallehermosa 1991 Telechess [ 32.exd5 Nb4= ]
CBM 89 [Sam Collins] 1-0 (41) ] 32...Kd6 33.Bc2 Ne5 34.Bb3 Nc4+
10...b4 11.Na4 Nxd4 Black has an 35.Kd3 Nb6 36.Kc3 -0.01/26
edge. 12.Nxd4 cxd4 13.Bxd4 Bc6 [ 36.a4! 0.39/25
14.b3 Bxa4 15.bxa4 Bc5 16.Bxc5 is more appropriate. ]
Nxc5 17.Qxb4 Nxd3+ The position is 36...a5! 37.a3 f6 38.Ba2 Kc6 39.g3
equal. 18.cxd3 Rb8! 19.Qc5 Rc8 Bh3 40.Nb3 Na4+ 41.Kc2 Bg2
20.Qb4 With the idea Rb1. 20...Rb8! 1.10/25
[ Don't play 20...Rc2 21.0-0 ] [ 41...dxe4= 0.01/23 keeps the
 42

balance. 42.fxe4 f5 ] a b c d e f g h
42.e5!
[ 42.Nxa5+?! Kb6 43.e5 fxe5= ] 8 8

42...fxe5 43.dxe5 Hoping for Nd4+. 7 7

43...b4 1.91/25
[ 43...Kd7 0.98/22 ] 6 6
44.Nd4++- Kc5 5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4
8 8
3 3
7 7
2 2
6 6
1 1
5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4 48.Bb3 1.23/24
3 3
[ 48.Ba2!+- 1.92/25 ]
48...Nc5 49.Nf5+ Ke5
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
45.e6! Kd6
[ 45...Kxd4? 46.e7 Nc3 47.axb4!+- ] 6 6
46.axb4 axb4 5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4
8 8
3 3
7 7
2 2
6 6
1 1
5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4 ...Bd3+ is the strong threat. 50.e7! Bd3+
3 3
[ 50...Bb5 51.Ng7 ]
51.Kd2
2 2 [ Resist 51.Kb2 Bb5+- ]
1 1
51...Bb5
a b c d e f g h
(Diagram)
47.Bxd5! Bf1
[ 47...Kxd5? 48.e7! Kxd4 49.e8Q+- ] 52.Bc4 Ba4
[ 52...Bc6 53.Ng7 ]
 43

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

53.Ng7 g4 5.05/26
[ 53...Bc6 3.58/24 54.e8Q+ Bxe8
55.Nxe8 Kd4 ] C10
54.f4++- White is clearly winning. Warmerdam,Max 2646
54...Kd4 55.Bf7 Ne4+ 56.Ke1 Kc3 Praggnanandhaa R 2741
57.e8Q Bxe8 58.Nxe8 b3 Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (5.4) 22.01.25
a b c d e f g h
[Kitty Kat]
8 8
C10: French with 3 Nc3: Unusual Black
7 7 3rd moves and 3...dxe4 It sometimes
happens that I try examining the initial
6 6 position with a beginner's eyes, after
5 5
locking up all the experience and
knowledge accumulated over the years
4 4 in a drawer in the back in my mind. "It is
3 3
absolutely symmetrical" is one of the
first things I remark, generating the
2 2 natural question: "Would it be just dead
1 1
equal?" But then the drawer opens little
by little and I remember that keeping the
a b c d e f g h
symmetry for more than 2-3 moves is
59.Bxb3 Kxb3 almost impossible for Black if White
does not cooperate a bit. And then I
(Diagram) think of so many symmetrical variations
wh i c h a r e n o t d r a wi s h a t a l l , n o t i n
60.Ke2! Weighted Error Value: White=0. practical games, at least. I would gladly
04 (flawless) /Black=0.15 (very precise) skip the next step, when I remember that
1-0 in almost all the games when I chose a
 44

symmetrical variation with White I fatally natural question: "Would it be just dead
ended up struggling despite my initial equal?" But then the drawer opens little
extra tempo, or as if White actually was by little and I remember that keeping the
in zugzwang. This game ended in a draw symmetry for more than 2-3 moves is
and it must be more than a coincidence almost impossible for Black if White
that the perfect symmetry lasted for does not cooperate a bit. And then I
quite long. However, White missed a think of so many symmetrical variations
promising continuation at the critical wh i c h a r e n o t d r a wi s h a t a l l , n o t i n
moment. Ma''It sometimes happens that practical games, at least. I would gladly
I try examining the initial position with a skip the next step, when I remember that
beginner's eyes, after locking up all the in almost all the games when I chose a
experience and knowledge accumulated symmetrical variation with White I fatally
over the years in a drawer in the back in ended up struggling despite my initial
my mind. "It is absolutely symmetrical" extra tempo, or as if White actually was
is one of the first things I remark, in zugzwang. This game ended in a draw
generating the natural question: "Would and it must be more than a coincidence
it be just dead equal?" But then the that the perfect symmetry lasted for
drawer opens little by little and I quite long. However, White missed a
remember that keeping the symmetry for promising continuation at the critical
more than 2-3 moves is almost moment.''' Marin,Mihail: 'It sometimes
impossible for Black if White does not happens that I try examining the initial
cooperate a bit. And then I think of so position with a beginner's eyes, after
many symmetrical variations which are locking up all the experience and
not drawish at all, not in practical games, knowledge accumulated over the years
at least. I would gladly skip the next step, in a drawer in the back in my mind. "It is
when I remember that in almost all the absolutely symmetrical" is one of the
g a me s wh e n I c h o s e a s ymme t r i c a l first things I remark, generating the
variation with White I fatally ended up natural question: "Would it be just dead
struggling despite my initial extra tempo, equal?" But then the drawer opens little
or as if White actually was in zugzwang. by little and I remember that keeping the
This game ended in a draw and it must symmetry for more than 2-3 moves is
be more than a coincidence that the almost impossible for Black if White
perfect symmetry lasted for quite long. does not cooperate a bit. And then I
However, W hite missed a promising think of so many symmetrical variations
continuation at th e critical moment . wh i c h a r e n o t d r a wi s h a t a l l , n o t i n
Marin,Mihail: 'John Watson: 'Marin,M: 'It practical games, at least. I would gladly
sometimes happens that I try examining skip the next step, when I remember that
the initial position with a beginner's eyes, in almost all the games when I chose a
after locking up all the experience and symmetrical variation with White I fatally
knowledge accumulated over the years ended up struggling despite my initial
in a drawer in the back in my mind. "It is extra tempo, or as if White actually was
absolutely symmetrical" is one of the in zugzwang. This game ended in a draw
first things I remark, generating the and it must be more than a coincidence
 45

that the perfect symmetry lasted for impossible for Black if White does not
quite long. However, White missed a cooperate a bit. And then I think of so
promising continuation at the critical many symmetrical variations which are
moment. '' ' rin,Mihail: 'John Watson: not drawish at all, not in practical games,
'Marin,M: 'It sometimes happens that I at least. I would gladly skip the next step,
try examining the initial position with a when I remember that in almost all the
beginner's eyes, after locking up all the g a me s wh e n I c h o s e a s ymme t r i c a l
experience and knowledge accumulated variation with White I fatally ended up
over the years in a drawer in the back in struggling despite my initial extra tempo,
my mind. "It is absolutely symmetrical" or as if White actually was in zugzwang.
is one of the first things I remark, This game ended in a draw and it must
generating the natural question: "Would be more than a coincidence that the
it be just dead equal?" But then the perfect symmetry lasted for quite long.
drawer opens little by little and I However, W hite missed a promising
remember that keeping the symmetry for continuation at the critical moment. ' 1.e4
more than 2-3 moves is almost e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nc6
impossible for Black if White does not 5.Nc3 Nf6 6.Bb5 Bb4 7.0-0 0-0
cooperate a bit. And then I think of so 8.Bxc6 bxc6 9.Ne5 Bxc3 10.bxc3
many symmetrical variations which are Ne4 11.Re1N
not drawish at all, not in practical games, [ 11.f3!? f6
at least. I would gladly skip the next step, a b c d e f g h
when I remember that in almost all the
g a me s wh e n I c h o s e a s ymme t r i c a l 8 8

variation with White I fatally ended up 7 7

struggling despite my initial extra tempo,
or as if White actually was in zugzwang. 6 6
This game ended in a draw and it must 5 5
be more than a coincidence that the
perfect symmetry lasted for quite long. 4 4
However, W hite missed a promising 3 3
continuation at the critical moment. '''
Marin,Mihail: 'It sometimes happens that 2 2
I try examining the initial position with a 1 1
beginner's eyes, after locking up all the
a b c d e f g h
experience and knowledge accumulated
over the years in a drawer in the back in 12.Ba3! Nd6 13.Nxc6 Qd7 14.Bxd6
my mind. "It is absolutely symmetrical" cxd6 15.Nb4 Bb7 16.Qd2 Rfc8
is one of the first things I remark, 17.Rfe1 Qc7 18.Rab1 Qxc3
generating the natural question: "Would 19.Re8+ Kf7 20.Qxc3 Rxc3 21.Rxa8
it be just dead equal?" But then the Bxa8 22.Rb3 Rc4 23.c3 a5 24.Nc2
drawer opens little by little and I Bc6 25.Ra3 a4 26.Nb4 Be8
remember that keeping the symmetry for 27.Nxd5 Dominguez Perez, L (2760)-
more than 2-3 moves is almost Jobava,B (2713) Tromsoe 2014 CBM
 46

162 [Marin,M] ½-½ (43) Ke6 28.Nf4+ considered. 24.Ra7 f5 ]

Kd7 29.Nd5 Kc6 30.Ne3 Kb5 24.f3 fxe4 25.fxe4 Ra6 26.Re2 Bf7
31.Nxc4 Kxc4 32.Kf2 d5 33.Ke3 27.Kf2 0.01/22
Bd7 34.h4 g6 35.Kd2 h6 36.Ke3 [ 27.Rf2 0.78/22 Rg6+ 28.Kf1 ]
Be8 37.g3 Bd7 38.Ke2 Be8 39.Kd2 27...Rf6+ 28.Ke1 Rfe6 29.e5 Rg6
Bc6 40.Ke3 Bd7 41.f4 f5 42.Kd2 30.Rf2 0.28/21 &Bianco is more active.
Dominguez Perez,L (2739)- [ 30.Ra7 0.66/20 ]
Mamedyarov,S (2801) Saint Louis 30...Bb3= 31.Kd2 h6 32.Rf3 0.01/24
2018 CBM 187 [Kuzmin, Alexey] ½-½ [ 32.Ra7 0.43/20 ]
(43) ] 32...a4 33.Rg3 Inhibits Rg2+. 33...Rxg3
[ 11.Ba3 Re8 12.c4 dxc4 13.Nxc6 34.hxg3 Endgame KRB-KRB 34...Re6
Qf6 14.Ne7+ Kh8 15.Nd5 Qd8 35.Ke3 Hoping for Ke4. 35...Rg6 36.Kf2
16.Ne3 Bb7 17.d5 ½-½ (17) 7.Nge2 Rg4 37.Rd7 Re4 38.Bb4 Bd1 39.Bc5
Qa5 8.Nc1 cd4_61 (2670) -Behrhorst, Re2+ 40.Kf1 Weighted Error Value:
F (2530) Berlin 2006 200 Traps In The White=0.13 (very precise) /Black=0. 09
Opening [WIT 29/2/1908; 4LS #17 p3; (flawless)
Harding] ] ½-½
11...f6 12.Nxc6 Qd7 13.Nb4 a5
14.Nd3 Nxc3 15.Qf3
a b c d e f g h
B12
Van Foreest,Jorden 2680
8 8 Abdusattorov,Nodirbek 2768
7 7 Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (5.5) 22.01.25
[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
B12: Caro-Kann: Advance Variation For
both players, the play-off for 3rd place
4 4 must have been quite an anti-climax.
3 3
The World Champion obviously wanted
to add the World Cup to his resume of
2 2 tournament victories, and for Fedoseev
1 1
he would have preferred facing Duda, as
then a spot in the candidates
a b c d e f g h
tournament would have been at stake.
N c 5 i s t h e s t r o n g t h r e a t . 15...Ne4 B u t wi t h l e s s a t s t a k e , p e r h a p s t h e
16.Ba3 Re8 17.Nc5 Prevents Qa4. players played more freely and created
17...Qf5 18.c4 Be6 two masterpieces of positional attacking
[ 18...c6 is more complex. 19.cxd5 chess. The first one, where Magnus won
cxd5 20.Qxf5 Bxf5 21.Na4 Nd2 ] with the black pieces by sacrifing an
19.Nxe4 Qxf3 20.gxf3 aiming for cxd5. exchange, to be followed by this second
20...dxe4 21.fxe4 Bxc4 22.Rac1 Bxa2 game: In this example, we will examine
23.Rxc7 f5 0.45/21 the move 4.c4. Even though this
[ 23...Rac8= 0.13/23 should be a d va n c e i s mo r e e f f e c t i ve a f t e r t h e
 47

inclusion of the moves h2-h4 and ...h7- 15.Qd2 h6 16.Bb2 Ned5 17.g3 Nc4
h5, we need to handle the arising 18.Bxc4 bxc4 19.Rae1 Bd3 20.f4
positions with care. The first critical Bxf1 4.c4 [GM Grigor Grigorov] ]
position arises after the moves 1.e4 c6 6...Ne7 7.a3 Ba5 8.b4 White has an
2.d4 d5 3.e5 Bf5 4.c4 e6 5.Nc3 Bb4 edge. 8...Bc7 9.Ng3 Bg6 10.h4 h6
6.Nge2N 11.h5 Bh7 12.Qg4 Rg8 13.Be2 dxc4
[ 6.cxd5 cxd5 ( 6...Qxd5 7.Nge2 Qd8 14.Bxc4 Nd7 15.0-0 Nf5 0.65/20
8.a3 Ba5 9.Ng3 Ne7 10.Bc4 Bg6 [ 15...Nb6= 0.14/21 16.Bb3 Qd7 ]
11.h4 h6 12.h5 Bh7 13.Qg4 Kf8 16.Be3 0.30/19
14.0-0 Nd7 15.Nce4 Bc7 16.Ba2 [ 16.Rd1 0.65/20 ]
Nf5 17.Nxf5 Bxf5 18.Qf3 Qe7 16...Qe7= 17.b5 And now bxc6 would
19.Ng3 Bh7 20.Qg4 c5 21.Bd2 win. 17...c5 18.Nxf5 Bxf5 19.Qf3
Carlsen, M (2847)-Fedoseev,V (2696) 0-0-0
Krasnaya Polyana 2021 CBM 204 a b c d e f g h
[Nielsen,Peter Heine] 1-0 (57) )
A) 7.h4 h6 8.g4 Bh7 9.h5 Nc6 8 8

10.Bd3 7 7
A1) 10...Bxd3 11.Qxd3 Qb6
12.Nge2 Nge7 13.f4 Paravyan, 6 6
D (2654)-Abdusattorov,N (2627) 5 5
chess. com (Int.-blitz) 149/(29)
2020 Chess Informant 149 4 4
[ I va n i s e vi c , I va n ] ( 13.Kf1 f6 3 3
14.exf6 gxf6 15.Qf3 Torosyan,N
(2374)-Davtyan,A (2278) 2 2
Armenia 149/(29) 2021 ); 1 1
A2) 10...Be4 11.Bxe4 dxe4
a b c d e f g h
12.Nge2 f6 13.Qb3 Qd5 14.0-0
Qxb3 15.axb3 fxe5 16.d5 Nd4 Threatens to win with ...Nb6. 20.Nd5
17.Nxd4 exd4 18.Nb5 Ke7 -0.60/23 exd5 21.Bxd5
19.dxe6 d3 20.Nc7 Nf6
21.Nxa8 Rxa8 Zemlyanskii,I (Diagram)
(2495)-Cheparinov,I (2638) New
York 2024 0-1 (40); Kb8 22.Qxf5
B) 7.Qa4+ Nc6 8.Bb5 Bxc3+
9.bxc3 Nge7 10.Ne2 0-0 11.Ng3 (Diagram)
Bg6 12.0-0 a6 13.Be2 Rc8
Ok ik e, D (2 17 7) -S ol on ,N ( 23 06 ) Nxe5 23.dxe5 Rxd5 24.f4 Rgd8
chess.com (Int.-blitz) 149/(29) 25.Qe4 -1.27/22
2021 ] [ 25.Qc2 -0.83/19 ]
[ 6.Qb3 a5 7.a3 dxc4 8.Bxc4 Bxc3+ 25...f6 26.a4 fxe5 -0.40/21
9.bxc3 b5 10.Be2 a4 11.Qb2 Ne7 [ 26...b6 -1.28/23 27.Rac1 fxe5 ]
12.Nf3 Nd7 13.0-0 Nb6 14.Nh4 Be4 27.a5 Qe8 28.b6 axb6 29.axb6
 48

a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
32...Rxf4! 33.Rxf4 Qxe5 34.Qa2
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
Bxb6 30.fxe5 Bc7
a b c d e f g h
[ 30...Qxe5? 31.Bf4 c4+ 32.Kh1
Qxf4 33.Qxf4++- ] Qe3+!
[ 30...Qxh5? 31.e6 Bc7 32.e7 Bh2+ [ St r o ng e r t h a n 34...Rd1+ 35.Rxd1
33.Kf2+- ] Qxf4 36.Qg8+ Ka7 37.Ra1+ Kb6
31.Bf4 -1.78/26 38.Qxg7= ( 38.Qb3+ Kc6= )]
[ 31.e6 -1.05/25 was worth a try. Re5 35.Rf2 Bg3 Active counter play!
32.Qf3 ] 36.Qa8+? -0.50/5
31...Rd4↑ Keeping White busy. [ 36.Qe2-+ -3.81/24 Bxf2+ 37.Qxf2
[ 31...Bxe5? 32.Rfe1 Qxh5 33.Bxe5+ Qxf2+ 38.Kxf2 ]
Qxe5 34.Qxe5+ Rxe5 35.Rxe5+- ] 36...Kc7 Really sharp! Now White is
32.Qe2 -3.28/21 beyond hope. 37.Qa5+ Black is clearly
[ 32.Qe1 -1.84/26 ] winning. 37...b6 38.Qa7+ Kc6
 49

39.Qa4+ b5 40.Qa6+ Kd5 41.Qb7+ Bolz,B (2628)-Novikov,S (2599)

Kc4 42.Qf7+ Rd5 43.Raa2 Black must Mangalia 2018 DVD_Budapest
now prevent Rac2+. 43...Bxf2+ 44.Rxf2 Gambit [Dublin Evening Mail 15/2/
Qd4 45.Kh2 Qe5+ 46.Kg1 Kb4 1902; Harding] 1-0 (57) ]
47.Rf1 Rd2 Weighted Error Value: [ 7...Re8 8.a3 Bf8 9.Bd3 c5 10.0-0
White=0.21 (precise) /Black=0.07 b6 11.cxd5 exd5 12.Ng5 g6 13.f4
(flawless) Bg7 14.f5 Nf8 15.fxg6 hxg6 16.dxc5
0-1 Be6 17.c6 Ng4 18.e4 Qd6 19.Bf4
Qc5+ 20.Kh1 dxe4 21.Ngxe4 Qh5
22.Be2 Galaviz Medina,S (2398)-
D45 Cardoso Cardoso,J (2492) Juan Dolio
Gukesh D 2777 2023 1-0 (38) ]
Keymer,Vincent 2733 8.Be2 b6 9.0-0 a5 10.a3 White has an
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (5.6) 22.01.25 edge. 10...Bxc3 11.Bxc3 Ne4 12.Be1
[Kitty Kat] Ba6
[ 12...c5 feels hotter. 13.Ne5 Qg5
D45: Semi-Slav: 5 e3 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 14.Bd3 Nxe5 15.f4 Qg6 ]
3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 0-0 5.Bd2 d5 6.Nf3 13.Bd3 h6 14.Bxe4 dxe4 15.Nd2 f5
Nbd7 7.Qc2 16.f3 exf3 17.Nxf3 c5 18.Rd1 cxd4
[ 7.Rc1 dxc4 8.Bxc4 b6 9.0-0 Bb7 19.Rxd4 Qe8 20.Bg3 e5 21.Rd6 Rc8
10.a3 Bxc3 11.Bxc3 Ne4 12.Bb4 c5 22.Rfd1 f4 0.89/23 23.exf4
13.dxc5 Ndxc5 14.Qe2 Qf6 15.Nd4 [ 23.Rxd7?! fxg3 24.hxg3 Rxc4= ]
Rfd8 16.f3 Nd6 17.Ba2 Ba6 18.Qd1 23...exf4 24.Bf2
Bxf1 19.Qxf1 Rac8 20.Rd1 Qe5 [ 24.Rxd7?! fxg3 25.hxg3 ( 25.Qc3
21.Re1 Nf5 Mladenov,P (2660)- Rf7= ) 25...Bb5!= ]
Gurevich,M (2607) Novi Sad 2023 [ 24.Re1 keeps more tension. Qf7
Inf11 [John Watson] 0-1 (91) ] 25.Qd1 fxg3 26.Rxd7 Qxc4
7...c6N 27.Ree7 ]
[ 7...c5 8.dxc5 Nxc5 9.cxd5 Nxd5 24...Rf7
10.Nxd5 Bxd2+ 11.Qxd2 exd5 [ 24...Rxc4? 25.Qd3 Nb8 26.Rd8+-
12.Be2 Ne4 13.Qb4 Bg4 14.0-0 ( 26.Rxb6 Qe4; 26.Bxb6 Rc8 )]
Bxf3 15.Bxf3 Ng5 16.Be2 Qf6 25.R1d4 &Bianco is much more active.
17.Qxb7 Rab8 18.Qxa7 Rxb2 25...Bb7 26.Qd1 Bc6 27.b4 axb4
19.Qa6 Ne4 20.Qxf6 gxf6 21.Bf3 28.axb4 Qe7 29.Qd3 Nf6 30.Rxf4
Nd2 22.Rfd1 Krasenkow,M (2628) - 0.51/23
G a j e ws k i , G ( 2 5 9 9 ) W a r s a w 2 0 1 8 [ 30.b5 0.96/21 Bb7 31.h3 ( 31.Rxf4
CBM 185 [Szabo,Krisztian] 1-0 (57) Ra8; 31.Rxb6 Ng4 )]
Nxf3+ 23.gxf3 Rc8 24.a4 Rcc2 30...Be4 1.05/24
25.Rdb1 Rxb1+ 26.Rxb1 Ra2 [ 30...Ne8! 0.51/23 31.Rdd4
27.Rb4 Kg7 28.Rg4+ Kh6 29.Kg2 ( 31.Rxf7 Qxd6 32.Qf5 Bxf3 )
f5 30.Rb4 Kg6 31.Kg3 Kf6 32.Rb6+ 31...Ra8 ]
Kg7 33.Ra6 f4+ 34.Kxf4 Rxf2 35.h4 31.Qd4 Bxf3 32.Rxf3 Qe2 33.Rd8+
Rh2 36.Kg3 Re2 37.Rd6 [ Wrong is 33.Rxb6? Rd7 34.Re3
 50

( 34.Rd6? Rxc4 35.Qe3 Qxe3-+ ) 56...Ke6 57.Rd6+? 0.01/24

34...Qxf2+!! 35.Kxf2 Rxd4-+ ] [ White should try 57.Re2++- 4.61/27
[ 33.Qxb6?! Rxc4 34.Rd8+ Kh7= ] Ne5+ 58.Kb6 ]
33...Rxd8 34.Qxd8+ Rf8 35.Qd3 57...Kf5= A mistake that costs the game.
Qxd3 36.Rxd3 Endgame KRB-KRN 58.b5 2.06/24
36...Rc8 37.Rd4 Kf7 38.Kf1 Ra8 [ 58.Rd5+ 4.07/25 Ke6 59.b5 Ne5+
39.Ke2 Ra4 40.Be1 Ke6 Against Rd6+ a b c d e f g h
41.Bd2 h5 42.Kd3 Ng4 1.71/22
[ 42...Ra2 1.34/20 43.g3 Ng4 ] 8 8

43.Kc3+- Nf6 2.21/23 7 7

[ 43...Nxh2 1.72/21 was necessary.
44.Re4+ Kd7 ] 6 6
44.Kb3 Ra1 45.Bc3 Rb1+ 46.Kc2 Rf1 5 5
47.Rd2 Ne8 48.Kb3 g6 2.44/23
[ 48...Rb1+ 1.86/22 49.Rb2 Rxb2+ 4 4
50.Bxb2 Kd7 ] 3 3
49.Bd4 Rb1+ 50.Ka4 Rc1 51.Bxb6
Hoping for c5. 51...Rxc4 52.Kb5 Rc1 2 2
3.27/26 1 1
[ 52...Rc8 1.93/25 53.Bc5 Nf6
a b c d e f g h
54.Rd6+ Kf5 ]
60.Rxe5+! Kxe5 61.b6 ]
a b c d e f g h
58...Ne5++- 59.Kd5 Nd3 60.Rc6 Nf4+
61.Kd6 Rd1+ 62.Kc7 Nd5+ 63.Kc8
8 8 aiming for b6. 63...Rc1 2.10/22
7 7 [ 63...Rd2 1.70/25 ]
64.Kd7 Rc2 65.Bd6 Rxg2 66.Rc5
6 6 Ke4 67.Ke6 Rd2 68.h4 Nb6? 5.13/24
5 5
[ 68...Rd4 2.63/24 69.Rc6 Nf4+
70.Kd7 Nd5 ]
4 4 69.Rc6 White is clearly winning.
3 3
69...Nd5 70.b6 Strongly threatening b7.
70...Nxb6 71.Rxb6 Kf3 72.Be7
2 2 W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 3 2 /
1 1
Black=0.22 (precise)
1-0
a b c d e f g h

53.Bc5! Nf6 54.Rd6+ Kf5? 4.24/24

[ 54...Ke5 2.63/27 was called for.
55.h4 Rc2 ]
55.Kc6 Ng4 56.Rd2
[ Less strong is 56.b5 Ne5+ 57.Kd5
Rb1+- ]
 51

C55 28.Kg1 Qb6+ 29.Kf1 Qa6+ 30.Kg1

Giri,Anish 2731 h5 31.Qe2 Qb6+ 32.Kf1 Nc5
Sarana,Alexey 2677 33.Qxh5 Qa6+ 34.Qe2 Qe6 35.Qb5
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (5.7) 22.01.25 Ne4 36.Kg2 Demianjuk,A (2323)-
[Kitty Kat] Frolyanov,D (2557) Khanty Mansiysk
2008 EXT 2010 [Breder,Dennis] 0-1
C55: Two Knights: 4 d3, 4 d4 exd4 5 e5 (62) ]
and Max Lange Attack 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 7.h3 Bxf3 8.Qxf3 White has an edge.
Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 Be7 5.Nc3 d6 8...Nd4 9.Qd1 c6 10.Ba2 Ne6 11.0-0
6.a4 Bg4N 0-0 12.Re1 Qc7 13.Be3 a5 14.Qf3
[ 6...0-0 7.0-0 ( 7.h3 Be6 8.0-0 d5 Rad8 15.Rab1 Nd7 16.h4 Nd4
9.Bb5 d4 10.Ne2 Na5 11.Bd2 c6 17.Bxd4 exd4 18.Ne2 Bxh4
12.Qe1 cxb5 13.Bxa5 b6 14.Bb4 [ 18...Bf6!? ]
Bxb4 15.Qxb4 Qc7 16.Qxb5 Nd7 19.Nxd4 Bf6 20.Nf5 g6 21.Qg3 Be5
17.Ng5 Nc5 18.Nxe6 Nxe6 19.c3 22.f4 Bg7 23.Nxg7 Kxg7 24.d4 Nf6
a6 20.Qb3 Rfd8 21.Rfd1 h5 25.c3 -0.01/22
Morris,J (2425)-Solomon,S (2245) [ 25.e5 0.47/21 feels stronger. Nh5
Melbourne 2024 1-0 (49); 7.a5 a6 26.Qh4 ]
8.h3 Be6 9.Bxe6 fxe6 10.0-0 Nd7 25...h5 26.Re2 Ng4 27.Rbe1 Rfe8
11.Be3 Bf6 12.Ne2 Qe7 13.c3 Nd8 28.f5 Qe7 29.Rf1 Qg5 30.f6+ Kh6
14.d4 Rc8 15.dxe5 Nxe5 16.Nxe5 1.08/25
Bxe5 17.f4 Bf6 18.g4 g6 19.g5 Bg7 [ 30...Kg8= 0.16/22 ]
20.h4 d5 21.Ng3 dxe4 Jonsson,H- 31.Bxf7 &Bianco is more active.
Aleksic,M Salou ESP 2018 CBM 85 31...Rf8 32.Be6 Rxf6 33.Rxf6 Nxf6
ext [Lane, CCYB6]) 7...Be6 ( 7...h6 34.Qxg5+ Kxg5= Endgame KRB-KRN
8.h3 Be6 9.Bxe6 fxe6 10.Ne2 a5 35.e5 Nd5
11.Ng3 Qe8 12.c3 Qf7 13.Be3 Kh8 a b c d e f g h
14.Nh2 d5 15.Qe2 Rad8 16.Rad1
Qg6 17.Nf3 Nd7 18.Kh2 Rf7 8 8

19.Qc2 Rdf8 20.Qb3 d4 21.Bc1 7 7

Nc5 22.Qc2 4.d4 Nf6 5.Bc4 (2784)-
Ferragut,A (2702) Uralsk 2021 OPN 6 6
78, A17 [Levy,D] 0-1 (42)) 8.Nd5 5 5
Bxd5 9.exd5 Nb4 10.d4 Nbxd5
11.dxe5 dxe5 12.Nxe5 c6 13.Re1 4 4
Qc7 14.g3 Rfe8 15.Nd3 Bd6 3 3
16.Rxe8+ Rxe8 17.Bd2 Ne4
18.Bxd5 cxd5 19.Be3 a5 20.c3 Qc4 2 2
21.Bd4 Marosi,G (2756)-Ferragut, A 1 1
(2711) London 2022 OPN 78, A17
a b c d e f g h
[Levy,D] ½-½ (62) Ng5 22.Qg4 h6
23.f4 Ne6 24.Re1 Re7 25.Be5 T h r e a t e n s t o w i n w i t h . . . N f 4 . 36.g3
Bc5+ 26.Nxc5 Qxc5+ 27.Kg2 Qc6 Against Nf4 36...dxe5 37.Rxe5+ Kf6
 52

38.Bh3 Kf7 39.Bg2 b6 40.Bf3 Kf6 D78

41.Kf2 Ne7 42.g4 hxg4! 43.Bxg4 Keymer,Vincent 2733
Weighted Error Value: White=0.07 Giri,Anish 2731
(flawless) /Black=0.08 (flawless) Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (6.2) 24.01.25
½-½ [Kitty Kat]

D78: Fianchetto Grünfeld: 6 0-0 c6 1.d4

C67 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.g3 c6 4.Bg2 d5 5.Qb3
Erigaisi Arjun 2801 Bg7 6.Nc3 0-0 7.Nf3 Qb6 8.0-0 Rd8
Caruana,Fabiano 2803 9.h3 Be6
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (6.1) 24.01.25 [ 9...Bf5 10.Bf4 dxc4 11.Qxc4 Nd5
[Kitty Kat] 12.Ng5 Qxd4 13.Qb3 Qb6 14.Nxd5
Qxb3 15.Nxe7+ Kf8 16.axb3 Kxe7
C67: Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defence: 4 0-0 17.e4 Be6 18.Nxe6 Kxe6 19.Rfd1
Nxe4 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 Nd7 20.h4 Nc5 21.Rxd8 Rxd8
4.0-0 Nxe4 5.Re1 Nd6 6.Nxe5 Be7 22.Bh3+ Ke7 23.Rxa7 Bxb2 24.b4
7.Bf1 Nxe5 8.Rxe5 0-0 9.d4 Bf6 Giorgadze,T (2736)-C 06/30 (2781)
10.Re1 Re8 11.Rxe8+ Nxe8 12.c3 d5 Foros 2021 200 Traps In The
13.Bd3 g6 14.Nd2 c6 15.Nf3 Ng7 Opening [Frutstaert,Roger] 1-0 ]
16.Bf4 Bf5 17.Bxf5 Nxf5 18.Qd2N 10.c5 Qxb3 11.axb3 Ne4N
[ 18.Qe2 Ng7 ( 18...Qe8 19.Re1 [ 11...Na6 12.Bf4 ( 12.Ra4 Ne4
Ng7 20.Be5 Bxe5 21.Nxe5 Qe6 13.Bf4 Naxc5 14.dxc5 Nxc5 15.Ra3
22.Nd3 Re8 23.Qxe6 Rxe6 24.Rxe6 d4 16.Na4 Nxb3 17.Nd2 Nxd2
Nxe6 ½-½ (24) Macovei,A (2476)- 18.Bxd2 b6 19.b4 Bc4 20.Bxc6
Brodsky,D (2538) Charlotte 2024) Rac8 21.b5 Bxe2 22.Re1 Bc4
19.Re1 Qd7 20.Be5 Re8 21.Qd2 23.Nb2 Bd5 24.Rxa7 d3 25.Bxd5
½-½ (21) Fedorchuk,S (2620)-Bacrot, Rxd5 26.Nc4 Bd4
E (2678) Brest 2019 CBM 190 Extra Chapter D51-Games Game 5 (33))
[ChessBase II] ] 12...Nd7 13.g4 f6 14.g5 fxg5
18...Qf8 19.Re1 Re8 20.Rxe8 Qxe8 15.Nxg5 Bf7 16.Nxf7 Kxf7 17.Bxd5+
21.Qe1 Qxe1+ 22.Nxe1= cxd5 18.c6 Nb4 19.cxd7 Bxd4
Endgame KBN-KBN 22...Ng7 0.32/23 Wedberg,T-Wegner,H Opening 200
[ 22...Be7= 0.01/25 ] Traps In The Opening [John Watson] ]
23.Kf1 Ne6 24.Be3 -0.23/23 [ 11...Nbd7 12.b4 a6 13.Ng5 Bf5
[ Better is 24.Bd6 0.32/22 ] 14.g4 Bc2 15.Be3 e5 16.Rfc1 Bb3
24...h5 25.Ke2 The position is equal. 17.Nf3 exd4 18.Bxd4 Bc4 19.Nd2
25...Kf8 26.Nd3 Ke7 27.Ne1 Bg7 Bb5 20.Nb3 Nf8 21.Nxb5 axb5
28.Nd3 Bf6 29.Ne1 Bg7 30.Nd3 Bf6 22.Rxa8 Rxa8 23.Na5 Ne6 24.Bc3
Not much happened in this game. Ra7 25.e3 Nd7 26.Ra1 Kharlov,A
Weighted Error Value: White=0.07 (2 5 04 ) -K h at o ev, E ( 2 33 8 ) S ama r a
(flawless) /Black=0.06 (flawless) 2013 CBM 156 [Mueller,Karsten] 0-1
½-½ (99) ]
12.Bf4 Nd7 13.g4 -0.12/20
 53

[ 13.Ra4 0.28/19 should be 48.Kd2 -0.01/27

considered. ] [ 48.cxd5 0.49/28 Bxd5 49.Ke2 ]
13...h6 14.Ra4 g5 15.Bc7 Rdc8 48...Rf5= The position is equal. 49.Kc3
16.Bh2 f5 17.gxf5 Bxf5 18.Rfa1 a6 Ke5 50.cxd5 cxd5 51.Rd2 Bh1
19.Rb4 Nxc3 20.bxc3 Ra7 21.Ra5 52.Rd4 Be4 53.Rd1 Bf3 54.Rd4
Be4 22.h4 g4 Inhibits Bh3. 23.Ne1 Weighted Error Value: White=0.07
-0.01/21 (flawless) / Black=0.06 (flawless)
[ 23.Ne5! 0.32/22 Bxe5 24.Bxe5 ½-½
( 24.dxe5 Bxg2 25.Rxg4+ Kh7= )]
23...Bf5 24.Ra2 -0.24/21
[ 24.Nd3 0.16/20 ] D31
24...h5 25.Rba4 -0.43/22 Sarana,Alexey 2677
[ 25.Nd3= -0.04/21 ] Fedoseev,Vladimir 2717
25...e5 26.e3 Re8 27.Bf1 Nf8 Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (6.3) 24.01.25
28.Ng2 Ng6 29.b4 Bd7 30.Bd3 Kf7 [Kitty Kat]
31.Bxg6+ Kxg6 32.Bxe5 Bxe5
33.dxe5 Rxe5 34.Rd2 Be8 35.Ra1 D31: Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-
Bf7 36.Nf4+ Kf6 37.Rd4 Ra8 38.Ne2 Slav without ...Nf6 (+ Marshall Gambit
Ke7 -0.01/23 and Noteboom) and Exchange Variation
[ 38...Kg6 -0.32/21 ] lines without ...Nf6 A concrete idea of
39.Kf1 Bg6 40.Ng3 Rf8 Anish Giri's helped Sahaj Grover t o
a b c d e f g h
comfortably solve Black's problems. It
would be interesting to see what
8 8 Magnus Carlsen had in mind for such a
7 7 case. A concrete idea of Anish Giri's
helped Sahaj Grover to comfortably
6 6 solve Blac k's p roble ms. I t wou ld b e
5 5
interesting to see what Magnus Carlsen
had in mind for such a case. Grover,
4 4 Sahaj: 'It was the 7th round of Tata steel.
3 3
The whole tournament didn't go so well
for me, except for this game and
2 2 probably another against Sadler. ' 1.d4
1 1
d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Be7 4.cxd5 exd5
5.Bf4 c6 6.Qc2 Nf6 7.h3 Qa5
a b c d e f g h
[ 7...g6 8.e3 Bf5 9.Qd2 Qb6
Hoping for ...Rxe3. 41.Rf4 Rf6 42.Rd1 10.Nge2 Nbd7 11.Ng3 Be6 12.Bh6
Kf7 43.Rdd4 Re8 44.Ne2 Be4 45.c4 Bf8 13.Bxf8 Kxf8 14.Bd3 Kg7 15.f4
Rxf4 0.01/25 Qc7 16.Qf2 h5 17.f5 h4 18.Nge2
[ 45...Bf3 0.32/24 might be stronger. ] gxf5 19.Bxf5 Bxf5 20.Qxf5 Rh5
46.Nxf4 Endgame KRB-KRN 46...Re5 21.Qf2 Rah8 22.0-0 Sudgen,J (2770)-
47.Ke1 Kf6 0.49/28 Deslandes,P (2804) Florianopolis
[ 47...Bf3= 0.18/27 ] 2016 200 Traps In The Opening
 54

[Haimovich,T] 1-0 (62) ] [ Better is 24...Nc5 0.41/23 25.Qxb4

8.e3 White has an edge. b6 ]
[ 8.Bd2 0-0 9.e3 Qd8 10.Bd3 b6 25.axb4+- Nxb4 26.Bh4 Rd7
11.Nf3 c5 12.dxc5 bxc5 13.b3 Nc6 a b c d e f g h
14.Na4 Nb4 15.Bxb4 cxb4 16.Nd4
Bd7 17.Bb5 Rc8 18.Qd3 Ne4 8 8

19.0-0 Nc3 20.Nxc3 Rxc3 21.Qe2 7 7

Bf6 22.Rad1 Qe7 Wojtaszek,R
(2722)-Saric,A (2594) Gjakova 2016 6 6
CBM 173 [Baldauf,Marco] 1-0 (36) ] 5 5
8...Ne4 9.Bd3N
[ 9.a3 Bf5 10.Bd3 Na6 11.Rc1 4 4
( 11.Ra2 Nxc3 12.bxc3 Bxd3 3 3
13.Qxd3 0-0 14.Nf3 Nc7 15.0-0
4) Queen's Gambit Declined 3.- 2 2
Q u e e n ' s G a m b i t D e c l i n e d 3 . . . B) 1 1
11...Nxc3 12.Qxc3 Qxc3+ 13.Rxc3
a b c d e f g h
Bxd3 14.Rxd3 0-0-0 15.Nf3 Nc7
16.Ke2 Bd6 17.Bxd6 Rxd6 18.Ne5 27.Nxa7! 1.67/25 &Bianco is more
Rf8 19.Rc3 Nb5 20.Rc2 Re6 21.Kf3 active. 27...Qe8
Nd6 22.Rhc1 f6 23.Nd3 Re7 [ 27...b6 28.Nxc8 ]
6.Ne7 Qe7 7.f3_54700 (2645)- 28.Rxc5 Na6 2.95/23
Helsloot,J (2532) Leverkusen 2012 [ 28...b6 1.84/25 29.Rcc1 ( 29.Qxb4
200 Traps In The Opening [Aufstiegs- bxc5 30.Qxc5 Rdxa7= ) 29...Nd3 ]
Runde] ½-½ (65) 24.a4 Kd7 25.a5 29.Rcc1 Rxa7 30.d6 h6 31.Be7 b5
a6 26.b3 Ke8 27.h4 Kf7 28.g4 Kg8 2.42/21
29.Rg1 Ne4 30.Ke2 f5 31.g5 f4 [ 31...Rxe7? 32.d7 Rxd7 33.Qxd7
32.Ne5 c5 33.f3 fxe3 34.fxe4 cxd4 Qxd7 34.Rxd7+- ]
35.Ng4 dxe4 36.Rc4 d3+ 37.Ke1 [ 31...b6 1.57/24 32.Qb5 Nc5 ]
Rf3 38.Nf6+ Kf7 Turov,M (2645) - 32.Qxb5 Rxe7 33.Qxe8+
Grover,S (2532) Wijk aan Zee 2012
[R.Scherbakov] ½-½ (66) ] (Diagram)
9...Na6 10.Qa4 Qb6 11.Qb3 Bf5
Threatening ...Nec5! 12.Bxe4 dxe4 D e f l e c t i o n 33...Rxe8 34.d7 Nc7
13.Nge2 Nb4 14.0-0 0-0 15.Qd1 Bg6 Threatens to win with ...Rd8.
16.Bg3 f5 17.Nf4 Bf7 18.a3 Na6 [ 34...Rd8? 35.Rc8 Raxd7 36.Rxd8+
19.b4 Qd8 20.d5 Qc8 0.49/21 Rxd8 37.Rxd8+ Kh7 38.Rf8+- ]
[ 20...Nc7= -0.26/21 ] 35.d8Q Rxd8 36.Rxd8+ Ne8 37.h4
21.Rc1 Rd8! 22.Qa4 c5! 23.Rfd1 Kh7 38.Ne6 Kg6 39.Nf4+? 0.01/25
cxb4 24.Nb5 [ 39.Nd4+- 3.05/25 ]
[ Weaker is 24.Nxe4 Qd7 25.Qxd7 39...Kf6? 3.01/24
Rxd7 ] [ 39...Kh7= 0.01/25 and Black is okay.
24...Bc5? 1.98/24 40.h5 Nf6 ]
 55

a b c d e f g h
6.a5 Bb4+ 7.Bd2! Bxd2+ 8.Nbxd2
0-0 9.0-0 Ne7 10.c3 Ng6 11.Re1 h6
8 8 12.d4 Nh7 13.Re3 Ng5 14.Nxg5
7 7 Qxg5 15.g3 Bg4
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

40.Rcc8 g5 41.hxg5+ 2 2
[ Not 41.Rxe8 Bxe8 42.Rxe8 gxf4 ] 1 1
41...hxg5 42.Nd5+
a b c d e f g h
[ And not 42.Rxe8 Bxe8 43.Rxe8
gxf4= ] 16.h4! Qh5
42...Bxd5 43.Rxd5 Ke6 44.Rcc5 Nd6 [ 16...Qxe3? 17.Qc2 ( 17.Qc1
45.g4 Weighted Error Value: White=0.24 Qe2+- ) 17...Qxd2 18.Qxd2+- ]
(precise) /Black=0.36 17.Qb3 Rab8! 18.Nf1 Ne7 19.Nh2
1-0 Bd7 20.Be2 Qg6 21.dxe5 dxe5
22.Rd1 Be6 23.Qb5 Nc6 24.a6 Bc8
25.h5 Qf6 26.Rf3 Qe6 27.Bc4 Qe7
C50 a b c d e f g h
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek 2768
Gukesh D 2777 8 8

Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (6.4) 24.01.25 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6
C50: Hungarian Defence and Giuoco 5 5
Pianissimo 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4
Bc5 4.a4 Nf6 5.d3 d6N 4 4
[ 5...h6 6.a5 0-0 7.0-0 d6 8.h3 a6 3 3
9.c3 Be6 10.Bxe6 fxe6 11.b4 Ba7
12.Be3 Bxe3 13.fxe3 b6 14.axb6 2 2
cxb6 15.Nbd2 b5 16.d4 a5 17.Qb3 1 1
Re8 18.bxa5 Rxa5 19.Rxa5 Qxa5
a b c d e f g h
20.Rb1 Kozak,A (2607)-Safarli,E
(2614) Bucharest 2024 Mega2024 28.Qa4 0.35/22 &Bianco is much more
Update 21 [Kitty Kat] 1-0 ] active. The black rooks are badly placed.
 56

[ 28.Rfd3! 0.94/22 ] 51...Kf8 52.Rg6 Nxe4 2.21/24

28...Nd8 29.axb7 Bxb7 30.Re3 Bc6 [ 52...Nxg4 1.68/25 53.Ra8+
31.Qa2 Nb7 32.b4! ( 53.fxg4 Rxe4 54.Rf2+ Ke7;
[ 32.Qxa7? Ra8 33.Qxa8 Rxa8-+ ] 53.Rxg4 Rxh5 54.Rg6 Kf7+- )
32...Nd6 33.Bd5 Bxd5 34.Rxd5 Qe6 53...Kf7 ]
Prevents Ng4. 35.Re2 0.01/23 53.Re2 Pin
[ 35.Re1 0.41/22 ] [ 53.fxe4 Rxe4 54.Rf2+ ( 54.Rxh6
35...c6 0.51/21 Rxg4+ 55.Kh2 Rh4+ 56.Kg2 Rg4+
[ Black should try 35...Rfc8!= 0.01/23 ] 57.Kf1 Rf3+ 58.Ke1 Re3+ 59.Re2
36.Ra5 Qxa2 37.Raxa2 Rfc8 38.Ng4 Kg7= ) 54...Ke7 55.Rg7+ ( 55.Rxh6
c5 39.bxc5 Rxg4+ 56.Kf1 Rc1+ 57.Ke2 Rc2+
[ 39.Rxa7 Nb5 40.Ra5 Nxc3 ] 58.Ke3 Rxf2= ) 55...Ke8 ]
39...Rxc5 40.Rxa7 Rxc3 41.Rd7 [ 53.Rxh6?! Ng5 ]
[ 41.Nxe5 Re8 42.Nd7 Rd3 ] 53...Rg5 54.Rxh6
41...Ne8 42.Nxe5 Nf6 43.Re7 [ Don't do 54.fxe4?! Rxg6 55.hxg6
[ 43.Rxf7 Re8 ] Kg7 ]
43...Rb4 1.54/24 54...Nc5 55.Rc6 Hoping for h6. 55...Na4
[ 43...Rf8 1.17/23 ] 56.Ra6 Nc5 57.Ra8+ White has strong
44.g4 Rc5 1.75/23 compensation. 57...Kf7 58.Ra7+ Kf6
[ 44...Rb8 1.37/22 keeps fighting. 59.Re8 0.44/23
45.f3 ( 45.Rxf7 Re8= ) 45...Rf8 ] [ 59.h6+- 1.77/21 White wants to mate
45.f3+- Kf8 46.Rxf7+ Ke8 47.Nd3 with h7. Rg8 60.Rb2 ]
[ 47.Rxg7 Rxe5 48.Rg6 Nxh5 59...Ne6! 60.h6
49.gxh5 Rxh5 ] [ 60.Kg3!? Re5 61.Rg8 ]
47...Rb1+ 48.Kg2 Rc3 49.Ne5 Rb5 60...Re5 ...Nf4+ is the strong threat. The
a b c d e f g h
position is equal. 61.Ra6 Rc2+ 62.Kf1⇆
White is fighting back 62...Rc1+ 63.Kf2!
8 8 Rc2+ 64.Kf1 Strongly threatening h7.
7 7 64...Rc1+ 65.Kf2! And now h7 would
win. 65...Rc2+ 66.Kf1 Black escapes
6 6 i n t o a d r a w. W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e :
5 5
White=0.11 (very precise) /Black=0.06
(flawless)
4 4 ½-½
3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

50.Rxg7! Rxe5 51.Ra2 Intending Ra8+

and mate.
[ 51.Rg6 Nxh5 52.gxh5 Rxh5 ]
 57

C83 42.Kg1 Rf7 43.Rc8 Bb7 44.Rb8 Kd6

Praggnanandhaa R 2741 45.h4 g6 46.Rg8 Ke7 47.g4 Bc6
Wei,Yi 2751 48.Kg2 Kd6 49.Rc8 Kd7 50.Rh8 Kc7
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (6.5) 24.01.25 51.Kg1 Kd7 52.Kf1 Kc7 53.Rg8 Kd7
[Kitty Kat] 54.Ke2 Kc7 55.h5 gxh5 56.gxh5 Kd6
57.h6 Ke5 58.Rg5+ Weighted Error
C83: Open Ruy Lopez: 9 c3 Be7 1.e4 Value: White=0.04 (flawless) /Black=0.
e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 02 (flawless)
5.0-0 Nxe4 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 ½-½
Be6 9.c3 Be7 10.Re1 0-0 11.h3 Qd7
12.Be3N
[ 12.Bc2 Rad8 13.Nbd2 Nxd2 C66
14.Qxd2 Bf5 15.Bxf5 Qxf5 16.Qf4 Harikrishna,Pentala 2695
Qxf4 17.Bxf4 d4 18.Rac1 dxc3 Van Foreest,Jorden 2680
19.Rxc3 Nb4 20.Rxc7 Rfe8 21.Bg5 Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (6.6) 24.01.25
Bxg5 22.Nxg5 f6 23.Nf7 Rd2 24.e6 [Kitty Kat]
h5 25.Re4 Nxa2 26.Rc6 Rd5
Carlsen,M (2830)-Caruana,F (2794) C66: Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defence 1.e4
Toronto 2023 1-0 (36) ] e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.d3 d6
[ 12.Nbd2 Nc5 13.Bc2 d4 14.cxd4 5.0-0 a6 6.Bxc6+ bxc6 7.Re1 c5
Nxd4 15.Nxd4 Qxd4 16.Qh5 g6 Inhibits d4.
17.Qe2 Rad8 18.Nf3 Qc4 [ 7...a5 8.d4 Nd7 9.b3 a4 10.Bb2 f6
Chapter11 Re1-A 11.h3 The Open 11.Nc3 a3 12.Bc1 c5 13.d5 g6
Spanish [Mikhalevski Viktor] ] 14.Nb1 Bg7 15.Nxa3 0-0 16.Nb5 h6
12...Na5 13.Nbd2 Nxb3 17.Nh4 Ba6 18.c4 Bxb5 19.cxb5
[ 13...Nxd2 with more complications. Kh7 20.Qg4 Qe8 21.Nxg6 Qxg6
14.Qxd2 Nc4 15.Bxc4 bxc4 16.b3 22.Qxd7 13.Qc2 Ne5 14. Be5_21361
Rab8 ] (2578)-Lazarevic,M (2625) New York
14.axb3 c5 Against b4 15.Nxe4 dxe4 2023 Inf 94 [John Watson] 0-1 (37) ]
16.Qxd7 Bxd7 17.Nd2 Bc6 18.Bf4 f5 8.c3 Bb7 9.Qc2N
19.exf6! Rxf6 20.Bg5 Re6 21.Bxe7 [ 9.d4 Nxe4 10.dxe5 d5 11.e6 fxe6
Rxe7 22.b4 cxb4 23.cxb4 Bd5 12.Ne5 Nf6 13.Qa4+ c6 14.c4
24.Nf1 Kf7 25.Ne3 27. Ruy Lopez Anti-Berlin (4.-Anti-
[ 25.Red1 keeps more tension. Ke6 Berlin 4.d3 d6 5.O-O a6 ]
26.Ng3 Rc7 27.b3 ] 9...Be7 10.d4
25...Be6 26.Red1 Rd7 Against Rd4 [ Don't play 10.Qb3 Rb8= ]
27.Rxd7+ Bxd7= Endgame KRB-KRN 10...cxd4 11.cxd4 d5 12.Qb3
28.Rd1 Ke6 The position is equal. [ 12.Nxe5 0-0= ]
29.Kh2 Rf8 30.Kg3 Bc6 31.Rc1 Kd6 12...Rb8 13.Qa4+ Qd7 14.Qxd7+
32.Rc5 Bd7 Against Nf5+ 33.Rg5 Rf7 Nxd7 15.exd5! e4 16.Rxe4 Nf6
34.Rd5+ Ke6 35.Rd1 Ke5 36.Rc1 Rf6 17.Re2 Nxd5 18.Nc3 f6 19.Nxd5
37.Rc5+ Kd6 38.Rd5+ Ke6! 39.Rd4 Bxd5 20.Bf4 Kd7 21.Bxc7 Rb5
Bc6 40.Rd8 Rg6+ 41.Kh2 Rf6 0.99/23
 58

[ 21...Rbe8 0.63/24 deserves 41.d7 Ra7 42.Rde2

consideration. ] [ 42.h4 l o o k s s h a r p e r . h6 43.g4
22.Bf4 g5 23.Be3 0.48/21 Raxd7 44.Rxd7 Rxd7 45.h5+ ]
[ 23.Bg3 0.93/22 ] 42...Raxd7 43.Be3 Bf8 Black has
23...a5 24.Ne1 a4 Prevents b3. compensation. 44.Ra1 Rb7 45.Rc2
25.Nd3 Rhb8 0.74/21 Be6 46.Ra6 Bf5 47.Rd2 Rxd2
[ 25...Bc4 0.36/23 26.Rd1 Rhb8 ] 48.Bxd2 Kf7 The position is equal.
26.Rd1 0.30/23 [ Much less strong is 48...Rxb2
[ Better is 26.Rd2 0.74/21 ] a b c d e f g h
26...Bxa2= This bishop pair is nice.
27.Nc5+ Ke8 28.Bc1 8 8

[ M u c h w e a k e r i s 28.Nxa4 Bb3 7 7
29.Rde1 ( 29.Ra1? Ra8 ) 29...Bxa4
30.Bxg5 Rxg5 ] 6 6

5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4
8 8
3 3
7 7
2 2
6 6
1 1
5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4 49.Nd5! Rb1+ 50.Kh2 ]
3 3
49.Be3 Rxb2 50.Bd4 Be6 51.Ra7+
Kg6 52.Ra6 Kf7 53.Ra7+ Kg6 54.Ra6
2 2 Weighted Error Value: White=0.06
1 1
(flawless) /Black=0.04 (flawless)
½-½
a b c d e f g h

T h r e a t e n s t o w i n w i t h b 3 ! 28...Bc4
A g a i n s t b 3 29.Re3 Hoping for Rde1. D35
29...Kf7 30.Nxa4 Ra5 31.Nc3 Mendonca,Leon Luke 2639
[ 31.Nc5!? ] Warmerdam,Max 2646
31...Ra1 32.Bd2 Ra7 33.Bc1 -0.01/20 Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (6.7) 24.01.25
[ 33.h4 0.30/21 ] [Kitty Kat]
33...Ra1 34.Rde1 Bd8 0.71/22
[ 34...Bd6= 0.26/21 should be D35: Queen's Gambit Declined:
considered. ] Exchange Variation 1.c4 e6 2.Nc3 d5
35.h3 0.35/24 3.d4 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 Be7
[ 35.d5 0.71/22 ] 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.h3 Nf8
35...Kg6 36.d5 Ba5 37.d6 Rd8 [ 8...Ne4 keeps more tension. 9.Bf4
38.Re4 Bf7 39.Rd4 Bb6 40.Rd2 Bc5 Ndf6 10.Nge2 0-0 ]
 59

9.Nf3 Ne6 10.Bh4! White is slightly a b c d e f g h

better. 10...g6 11.0-0
[ 11.Bg3 Ng7 12.Be5 0-0 13.g4 Bd6 8 8

14.Qd2 Bxe5 15.Nxe5 Nd7 16.Nxd7 7 7

Bxd7 17.0-0-0 Qh4 18.f4 Rae8
19.Rdf1 Qe7 20.Re1 f5 21.g5 Qd6 6 6
22.Bc2 Be6 23.h4 Bf7 24.Kb1 Re7 5 5
25.Bd1 Rfe8 Sarana,A (2693)-
Bernadskiy,V (2524) Chess.com INT 4 4
2023 1-0 (52) ] 3 3
11...0-0 12.Rb1
[ 12.Ne5 Ng7 13.f3 Bf5 14.Be2 Nd7 2 2
15.Nxd7 Qxd7 16.Bf2 Bb4 17.Qb3 1 1
Qe7 18.Rfe1 a5 19.a3 Bxc3
a b c d e f g h
20.bxc3 a4 21.Qb6 Rfe8 22.c4 Ra6
23.Qb2 dxc4 24.Bxc4 b5 25.Bf1 A n d n o w N c 5 w o u l d w i n . 23...Bxe6
Be6 26.e4 Qb7 Ambartsumova,K 24.Rc5 Qd8 25.a4 Nd6 26.Ra1 Ra7
(2402)-Vega Gutierrez, B (2168) 27.Rcc1 h5 28.Qc3 Rba8 29.Qc5
Melilla 2024 1-0 (41) ] Kh7 30.Bd3 Bf5 The position is equal.
12...a5 13.Rc1N 31.Bxf5 Nxf5 32.Ra3 Nh4 33.Rd1 Nf5
[ 13.a3 Ng7 14.b4 Nf5 15.Bxf6 Bxf6 Weighted Error Value: White=0.07
16.Qc2 Be7 17.Na4 Bd6 18.Rfc1 (flawless) /Black=0.06 (flawless)
axb4 19.axb4 b5 20.Nc5 Nh4 ½-½
21.Qe2 Kg7 22.Ne5 Bxe5 23.dxe5
Qe7 24.g3 Nf5 25.e4 dxe4 26.Qxe4
Ra2 27.Ra1 Rb2 Priyanka,N (2283)- C77
Banh,G (2391) Abu Dhabi 2023 ½-½ Wei,Yi 2751
(49) 28.Qe1 Nd4 29.Kg2 Nb3 Mendonca,Leon Luke 2639
30.Qc3 Nxc1 31.Qxb2 Nxd3 Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (7.1) 25.01.25
32.Nxd3 Be6 33.Qc3 Bc4 34.Nc5 [kitty Kat]
Kg8 35.Kh2 Bd5 36.Qe3 Re8
37.Re1 Ra8 38.h4 Ra2 39.Kg1 Qe8 C7 7 : R u y L o p e z : 3 . . . a 6 4 B a 4 N f 6 ,
40.Rd1 Qc8 41.Ne4 Bxe4 42.Qxe4 unusual lines 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6
Qf5 Ramaswamy,A (2283)-Carlstedt,J 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.Nc3 b5 6.Bb3
(2391) 4.e3 f5 5.g4 2023 The Week in Be7 7.d3 d6 8.a3 0-0 9.0-0
Chess 509 [John Watson] ½-½ (49) ] [ 9.Be3 Na5 10.Ba2 Be6 11.Bxe6
13...Ng7 14.Qb3 Ra7 15.Na4 Bf5 fxe6 12.Ne2 c5 13.Ng3 Nc6 14.0-0
16.Be2 Ne4 17.Bxe7 Qxe7 18.Qb6 Qd7 15.a4 d5 16.axb5 axb5
Raa8 19.Nc5 Nd6 20.Rc3 Rfb8 17.Rxa8 Rxa8 18.exd5 exd5 19.Re1
21.Nd2 Nc8 22.Qb3 Ne6 23.Nxe6 Rf8 20.Bd2 Bd6 21.c4 bxc4 22.dxc4
dxc4 23.Qa4 Nd4 Bartel,M (2653)-
(Diagram) Gledura,B (2557) Katowice 2016 CBM
172 Extra [ChessBase] 0-1 (35) ]
 60

9...h6 10.Be3N a b c d e f g h
[ 10.h3 Be6 11.Bxe6 fxe6 12.Bd2
Qe8 13.Kh2 Nh5 14.Ng1 g5 15.a4 8 8

b4 16.Nce2 Qg6 17.Rc1 Rab8 7 7

18.c3 b3 19.c4 Nf6 20.Rc3 Na5
21.Nc1 c5 22.Nxb3 Nc6 23.Bc1 g4 6 6
24.Na1 Rf7 Bogilov (2365)-Schmoyer, 5 5
C (2 4 85 ) USS R ( ch ) 3 3 /7 13 20 2 2
Telechess CBM 104 [John Watson] 4 4
0-1 (37) 25.g3 gxh3 26.Nxh3 Nd4 3 3
27.Nc2 Ng4+ 28.Kg2 Nf3 29.Ne3
h5 30.Rc2 Rbf8 31.Rh1 Nd4 2 2
32.Rd2 Nxe3+ 33.fxe3 Rg7 34.Rh2 1 1
Nf3 35.Kh1 Nxh2 36.Rxh2 Qxg3
a b c d e f g h
37.Bd2 Rf3 1-0 (37) Aizenberg,B
(2367)-Sahin,O (2177) Vrnjacka Banja (flawless) /Black=0.10 (very precise)
2023 ] ½-½
10...Be6 11.Nd5 Qd7 White is slightly
better. 12.Rc1 Bd8 13.c4 -0.33/22
[ 13.Re1= 0.26/19 ] E05
13...Na5 14.Ba2 bxc4 15.Nxf6+ Bxf6 Caruana,Fabiano 2803
16.dxc4 c5 17.b4 cxb4 18.axb4 Nc6 Sarana,Alexey 2677
19.Rb1 Rfc8! 20.Qa4 Qb7 21.Rfd1 Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (7.2) 25.01.25
Be7 22.h3 Rcb8 0.23/24 [Kitty Kat]
[ 22...a5 -0.29/23 23.b5 Nb4 ]
23.Bd2 Rc8 24.Be3 Rcb8 25.Bd2 E05: Open Catalan: 5 Nf3 Be7 August
Rc8 26.Qc2 Qc7 27.Rdc1 a5 28.b5 22. The first game of the battle for 3rd
Nb4 29.Bxb4 axb4 30.Rxb4 Qc5 and 4th places. 23rd day of the
0.64/19 t o u r n a me n t f o r me a n d 2 0 t h f o r m y
opponent. Both of us were low on energy;
[ Black should play 30...Qb7= 0.11/22 ]
31.Ra4 0.20/24 I was a bit disappointed for losing the
[ 31.Rb2 0.64/19 s e m i s , ye t mo t i va t e d t o f a c e W o r l d
deserves
consideration. ] number 2 - Fabiano Caruana. 22. August.
31...Bd8 32.Rxa8 Rxa8 The position is Die erste Partie im Kampf um die Plätze
equal. 33.Bb3 Bb6 34.Rb1 Rc8 3 und 4. 23. Tag des Turniers für mich
35.Rc1 Ra8 36.Ne1 Ra3 und 20. für meinen Gegner. Wir hatten
beide wenig Energie; ich war ein wenig
(Diagram) enttäuscht, weil ich das Halbfinale
verloren hatte, aber motiviert, gegen die
Threatens to win with ...Rxb3! 37.Rb1 Nummer 2 der Welt - Fabiano Caruana -
Qd4 38.Nf3 Qc5 39.Ne1 Qd4 40.Nf3 anzutreten. 1.c4 e6 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2
Qc5 Weighted Error Value: White=0.09 d5 4.Nf3 Be7 5.0-0 0-0 6.d4 dxc4
7.Qc2 a6 8.a4 Bd7 9.Qxc4 Bc6
 61

10.Bg5 Nbd7 11.Nc3 h6 12.Bf4 Bd6 a b c d e f g h

13.Qd3
[ 13.Bd2 Qe7 14.Rfe1 Ne4 15.Qd3 8 8

Nxd2 16.Qxd2 Bxf3 17.Bxf3 c6 7 7

S o , W ( 2 7 4 1 ) - Na k a mu r a , H ( 2 8 2 9 )
lichess.org (Int.-m/2-rapid) 145/(163) 6 6
2020 Chess Informant 145 5 5
[Petronijevic,Zoran] ]
13...Bxf4 14.gxf4 The position is equal. 4 4
14...a5 15.Kh1 Ra6N 3 3
[ 15...Bxf3 16.Bxf3 c6 17.Rg1 Kh8
18.e4 Qe7 19.Rg3 Rad8 20.Rag1 2 2
Rg8 21.e5 Nh7 22.Qe3 Nb6 23.Be4 1 1
Qb4 24.Bxh7 Kxh7 25.Ne4 Qe7
a b c d e f g h
26.f5 1-0 (26) Abasov,N (2632)-
Caruana,F (2782) Baku 2023 CBM Strongly threatening ...Rxc3. 25.Qc2 c5
216 [Abasov,Nijat] ] 26.Kh1 R3b4 0.71/22
16.Rg1 Rb6 17.Ne5 Nxe5 18.fxe5 [ 26...R8b6 0.36/25 ]
Ng4 27.Rg3 c6 28.Qg2 Threatens to win
a b c d e f g h
with Rg1. 28...Kh8 29.Rf3 Kg8 30.Rf2!
R8b7 31.Rg1 Kh7 32.Re1 -0.01/26
8 8 [ White should try 32.Rc2 0.79/23 ]
7 7 32...Qg5= 33.Ree2 Qe5 0.77/23
[ 33...Qxg2+= 0.01/25 keeps the
6 6 balance. 34.Rxg2 f6 ]
5 5
34.Re3 Qg5 35.Rg3 Qe5 36.Rgf3
Kg8 37.Rd2 Rd4 38.Re2 Rbd7
4 4 39.Ref2 Rd3 40.Rxd3 Rxd3 41.Qf1
3 3
Rd7 0.53/24
[ 41...Qd4= 0.18/25 ]
2 2 42.Qe2
1 1
[ 42.Qa6!? Qg5 43.Qc8+ ( 43.Qxc6
Qc1+ 44.Kg2 Qg5+ 45.Kh1 Qc1+
a b c d e f g h
46.Kg2 Qg5+ 47.Kh1= ) 43...Rd8
19.Qg3 Qxd4 20.Bxc6 Nxf2+ 21.Kg2 44.Qc7 ( 44.Qxc6 Qc1+ 45.Kg2
B f 3 i s t h e s t r o n g t h r e a t . 21...bxc6 Qg5+ 46.Kh1 Qc1+ 47.Kg2 Qg5+
22.Qxf2 Qxe5 23.e4 Rfb8 48.Kh1= )]
[ 23...Qh5 24.Kh1 ] 42...Rd4 43.Qf3 Rd7 44.Kg2 f6
24.Rab1 Rb3! 45.Qg3 Qxg3+ 46.hxg3
[ M u c h l e s s s t r o n g i s 24...Qh5 E n d g a m e K R N - K R 46...e5! 47.Rc2
25.Kh1 ] Rd4! 48.Kf3 Kf7 49.Rc1 0.26/23
[ 49.Ne2 0.63/26 should be
(Diagram) considered. Rxa4 50.Rxc5 ]
 62

49...h5 50.Nd1 Rxa4 0.75/26 8.d3 White is slightly better. 8...0-0 9.g4
[ 50...g5 0.40/25 is superior. ] d5 10.h3
51.Ne3 0.37/26 [ Don't blunder 10.gxh5? Bg4 11.Re3
[ 51.Rxc5 0.75/26 g5 52.Rxc6 ] Bxh5-+ ]
51...Rb4 White is slightly better. 52.Rxc5 10...a6 11.Ba4 Hoping for Nxd4.
Rxb2 53.Rxa5 Rb7 Against Ra7 11...Ne6 ...Nhf4 is the strong threat.
54.Ra8 Rc7 55.Rh8 &Bianco is more 12.gxh5 Black must now prevent h6.
active. 55...Kg6 56.Nc4 c5 57.Rd8 12...b5! 13.Bb3 c4 14.h6 Bh8
Kg5 58.Rd1 Rb7 59.Rc1 g6 60.Ne3 15.dxc4 dxc4
Rb5 61.Nc4 0.01/30 Weighted Error a b c d e f g h
V a l u e : W h i t e = 0 . 1 0 ( ve r y p r e c i s e ) /
Black=0.09 (flawless) 8 8

[ 61.Rc3 0.45/23 feels stronger. ] 7 7

½-½
6 6

5 5
B30
Van Foreest,Jorden 2680 4 4
Praggnanandhaa R 2741 3 3
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (7.3) 25.01.25
[Kitty Kat] 2 2

1 1
B30: Sicilian: 2...Nc6 3 Bb5, lines
a b c d e f g h
without ...g6 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3
Nf6 4.Bb5 g6 5.e5 16.Qxd8 -0.01/23
[ 5.Bxc6 bxc6 6.e5 Nd5 7.Ne4 Bg7 [ 16.Bxc4! 0.40/23 bxc4 17.Qxd8
8.0-0 d6 9.c4 f5 10.Nxc5 dxc5 Rxd8 18.Be3 ]
11.cxd5 Qxd5 12.b3 0-0 13.Ba3 16...Rxd8=
Bxe5 14.Nxe5 Qxe5 15.Re1 Qf6 a b c d e f g h
16.Qc2 f4 17.Qxc5 f3 18.Qc4+ Rf7
19.Bxe7 Qf5 Aschenberg,A (2692)- 8 8

Ilie,V (2636) USSR 42/15 2014 The 7 7

Dynamic Réti [S&V #259; Alekhine
Mem book] 0-1 ] 6 6
5...Nh5 6.0-0 Bg7 7.Re1 Nd4N 5 5
[ 7...Nf4 8.d3 Ne6 9.Bxc6 dxc6
10.a4 a5 11.Bd2 0-0 12.Ne4 b6 4 4
13.Qc1 Re8 14.Bh6 Bh8 15.Neg5 3 3
f6 16.Nxe6 Bxe6 17.Qf4 Qd7
18.Re3 b5 19.Rae1 Rad8 20.h4 2 2
Bd5 21.h5 Bg7 22.hxg6 Lomasov,S 1 1
(2559)-Risteski,E (2378) New York
a b c d e f g h
2024 1-0 ]
 63

17.Bxc4! bxc4 18.Be3 Bb7 19.Ng5 (2629) Wijk aan Zee 2001 CBM 081
With the idea Nxe6. 19...Bxe5 20.Nxe6 [Ribli, Zoltan] 1-0 (47) ]
fxe6 21.Bg5! Bxc3 22.bxc3 Kf7 [ 9...e4 10.Nxe4 Bf5 11.Qc2 Bxb4
23.Rab1 Bd5 24.Rb6 Rdb8 25.Reb1 12.a3 Bd6 13.e3 h6 14.Nh4 Bh7
Rxb6 26.Rxb6 Endgame KRB-KRB 15.f4 Be7 16.f5 Ne5 17.Bb2 f6
26...Ke8 27.Kf1 Kd7 28.Ke2 Kc7 18.a4 Nec4 19.Bd4 a5 20.Nc5 Bxc5
29.Rb2 Kc8 0.59/24 21.Bxc5 Rf7 22.Bxb6 Nxb6 23.Bxb7
[ Black should play 29...Rf8= -0.01/23 ] Rb8 24.Bc6 Osnos,V (2816)-Bd7
30.Ke3 Rb8 1.01/27 (2556) BCF C&DCCC 2015 200 Traps
[ 30...Kd7 0.39/23 ] In The Opening [Rechel,B] 1-0 (35) ]
31.Rxb8+ Kxb8 32.Kd4 Kc7 10.d3N
33.Bxe7 Kc6 34.h4 Bg2 1.68/28 [ 10.b5 Nd4 11.a4
[ 34...Kd7 1.28/29 ] A) 11...a5 12.e3 Nxf3+ 13.Bxf3
35.a3 1.13/28 Bf5 ( 13...Rb8 14.Qb3+ Kh8
[ But not 35.Kxc4?! Bd5+ 36.Kd4 15.d4 exd4 16.Rd1 d3 17.Nd5
Bxa2 ] Nxd5 18.Bxd5 Qe8 19.Qxd3 27
[ 35.Ke5+- 1.68/28 ] 1 c4 e5 2 g3 Nf6 3 Bg2 d5-1 c4 e5
35...Bf1 1.72/28 2 g3 Nf6 3 Bg2 d5) 14.Qb3+ Kh8
[ 35...Kd7 1.13/28 ] 15.Bxb7 Bxb1 16.Qxb1 Rb8
36.Bb4 Weighted Error Value: White=0. 17.Be4 g6 18.Bb2 Bb4 19.Rd1 40
05 (flawless) /Black=0.13 (very precise) 1 c4 e5 2 g3 Nf6 3 Bg2 d5-1 c4 e5
½-½ 2 g3 Nf6 3 Bg2 d5;
B) 11...Kh8 12.a5 Nxf3+ 13.Bxf3
Nd7 25 1 c4 e5 2 g3 Nf6 3 Bg2
A29 d5-1 c4 e5 2 g3 Nf6 3 Bg2 d5 ]
Giri,Anish 2731 10...Be6
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek 2768 [ Don't play 10...Bxb4
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (7.4) 25.01.25 a b c d e f g h
[Kitty Kat]
8 8

A29: English Opening: Four Knights 7 7

Variation with 4 g3 Kasparov,G: 'Inf 80/
(21)' 1.c4 e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 d5 6 6
4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.0-0 Nb6 5 5
7.Nc3 Be7 8.Rb1 0-0 9.b4 f6
[ Don't do 9...Bxb4 10.Nxe5! Nxe5 4 4
11.Rxb4 ] 3 3
[ 9...Nxb4 10.Nxe5 c6 11.a3 N4d5
12.Nxd5 cxd5 13.a4 Bf6 14.d4 Bf5 2 2
15.Rb5 a6 16.Rb2 Rc8 17.Bf4 Bxe5 1 1
18.Bxe5 Re8 19.e3 Re7 20.g4 Be4
a b c d e f g h
21.f3 Nc4 22.Re2 Bg6 23.h4 f6
24.Bf4 Kasparov,G (2849)-Timman,J 11.Rxb4! ( 11.Qb3+ Kh8 ) 11...Nxb4
 64

12.Qb3+ N4d5 13.e4 ] 16.Bc2 fxe5 17.dxe5 Kh8 18.Ne2

11.b5 Nd4 12.Nd2 c6 13.bxc6 Nxc6 Nh4 19.Nxh4 Qxh4 20.f4 Rac8
14.Nc4 Nxc4 21.Bb1 Qh6 22.Qe3 Qh4 23.Rc1
[ 14...Bc5 is more complex. 15.Ne4 Qe7 24.Qh3 h6 Carlsen,M (2839) -
Bb4 16.a3 Be7 ] Haria,R (2522) Durres 2023 1-0 (32) ]
15.dxc4 Qxd1 16.Rxd1 Rab8 17.Nd5 10...Rc8 11.Rb1N
Kf7 0.40/21 [ 11.a3 h6 12.Be3 Na5 13.Bd3 Ne7
[ 17...Bc5= -0.01/22 ] 14.Rc1 Nc4 15.Rc2 b5 16.Bc1 Nc6
18.Be3 0.01/21 17.Ne2 Qb6 18.Nf4 a5 19.Be3 a4
[ 18.Nxe7 0.40/21 Nxe7 19.Rxb7 20.Nh5 Kd8 21.Nd2 Ne7 22.Qf3
Rxb7 20.Bxb7 ] Be8 23.Rfc1 Qa5 24.b4 axb3
18...Rfd8 19.f4 exf4 20.gxf4 Bf5 25.Nxb3 Qxa3 Bacrot,E (2667)-
21.Rb5 a6 22.Rb6 Na5 23.Rc1 Bf8 Ivanchuk,V (2655) Chartres FRA 2023
24.Bf2 Re8 Inhibits e4. 25.Bf3 -0.01/23 [John Watson] 0-1 (33) ]
[ 25.Nc3! 0.46/23 ] 11...Qb6 The position is equal. 12.g4
25...Rbc8 26.c5 Kg8 27.Kg2 Be4! Nfe7
The position is equal. 28.h4 h5 29.Kg3 [ 12...Nfxd4? 13.Be3+- ]
f5 30.Nb4 Bxf3 31.Kxf3 Weighted 13.Be3 h5 14.g5 Nf5 15.g6 f6 0.83/21
Error Value: White=0.06 (flawless) / [ 15...fxg6 0.42/21 16.Rg1 Nce7 ]
Black=0.05 (flawless) 16.exf6 gxf6 17.Bd3 Bxf5 is the
½-½ strong threat. 17...Nce7 18.Rg1 Bg7
19.Na4 Qd6 20.b4 b6 Prevents Nc5.
21.b5
C02 [ 21.Bxa6 keeps more tension. Ra8
Gukesh D 2777 22.b5 Nxe3 23.fxe3 e5 24.Qb3 ]
Harikrishna,Pentala 2695 21...axb5
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (7.5) 25.01.25 [ 21...a5 looks sharper. 22.Rc1 Rxc1
[Kitty Kat] 23.Bxc1 h4 ]
22.Bxb5 Bxb5 23.Rxb5 Nxe3 0.60/22
C02: French: Advance Variation 1.e4 e6 [ 23...Rc6= 0.08/22 ]
2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 24.fxe3 Rc6 25.Qb3 0-0 26.Nxb6
6.Be2 Nge7 7.0-0 cxd4 8.cxd4 Nf5 [ 26.Rxb6 Rxb6 27.Qxb6 ( 27.Nxb6
9.Nc3 a6 10.Kh1 Rb8= ) 27...Qxb6 28.Nxb6 Re8= ]
[ 10.Bg5 Be7 11.Bxe7 Qxe7 12.Qd2 26...Bh6 27.Na4 0.01/23 &Bianco is
0-0 ( 12...Rc8 13.Rae1 0-0 14.Bd1 more active.
Qb4 15.a3 Qb6 16.Ba4 Rfd8 [ White should play 27.Re1 0.90/22 ]
17.Bxc6 Bxc6 18.Rb1 Be8 19.Rfd1 27...Nf5= 28.Rc5 Threatens to win with
Rc4 20.h4 Rdc8 21.g4 Nh6 22.Qf4 Qb7. 28...Rxc5 1.05/24
Qc7 23.Ne2 f6 24.exf6 Qxf4 [ 28...Rfc8 0.73/22 ]
25.Nxf4 Nxg4 26.fxg7 Rc2 27.Ne1 29.Nxc5→ White is out for blood. Pair of
Annaberdiev,M (2431)-Pelletier,Y Knights!
( 2 5 2 6 ) B u d a p e s t 2 0 2 4 0 - 1 ( 5 2 )) [ 29.dxc5?! Qb8= ]
13.Rae1 Qd8 14.Bd1 f6 15.Ba4 b5 29...Nxe3? 5.91/24
 65

[ 29...Rb8 0.85/24 stays breathing. w i t h R x h 5 + ! 38...f5 39.Rc5

30.Qa4 ( 30.Nb7? Qc7-+ ) 30...Qe7 ] Against Qc2+ 39...Qb2+ 40.Kf1 Qa1+
41.Kf2
a b c d e f g h
[ Don't do 41.Kg2 Qb2+ 42.Kg3
Qb8+ 43.Rc7 h4+ 44.Kxh4 Qb2 ]
8 8 41...Qb2+ 42.Kg3 Hoping for Qf6.
7 7 42...h4+? 6.39/24
[ 42...Qb6 3.86/24 43.Rc7 Qa6 ]
6 6 43.Kf4 White is clearly winning.
5 5
[ 43.Nxh4 Qe2 44.Nxf5 Nxf5+
45.Rxf5 ( 45.Qxf5 Rxg6+ 46.Kf4
4 4 Qxh2+ 47.Kf3 Qg3+ 48.Ke2 Qg2+
3 3
49.Kd1 Qg1+ 50.Ke2 Qg2+ 51.Ke1
Qg1+ 52.Ke2 Qg2+= ) 45...Rxg6+
2 2 46.Qxg6 Qxh2+ 47.Kf3 Qf4+ 48.Kg2
1 1
Qh2+ 49.Kf3 Qf4+ 50.Kg2 Qh2+
51.Kf3= ]
a b c d e f g h
43...Qb8+ 44.Re5 Qf6 would kill now.
A m i s t a k e t h a t c o s t s t h e g a m e . 44...Qd6 P r e v e n t s Q f 6 . 45.Kg5
30.Qb7!+- Bg7 31.Re1 Nf5 32.Nxe6 W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e = 0 . 2 8
Rb8 33.Qf7+ Kh8 (precise) /Black=0.49
a b c d e f g h
1-0
8 8

7 7 D43
Fedoseev,Vladimir 2717
6 6 Keymer,Vincent 2733
5 5
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (7.6) 25.01.25
[Kitty Kat]
4 4

3
D43: Semi-Slav: 5 Bg5 h6 1.d4
3
Nf6
2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 c6 5.Bg5 h6
2 2 6.Bxf6 Qxf6 7.e3 Nd7 8.Be2 Qe7N
1 1
[ 8...g6 9.0-0 ( 9.e4 dxc4 10.e5 Qd8
11.Bxc4 Bg7 12.0-0 0-0 13.Re1 b5
a b c d e f g h
14.Bd3 c5 15.Nxb5 Bb7 16.Be4
34.Nxg7 4.38/27 Bxe4 17.Rxe4 Rb8 18.dxc5 Rxb5
[ 34.Re5!! 10.72/28 Qe7 35.Rxf5 19.Rd4 Qb8 20.Rxd7 Rxc5 21.Qd4
Qxf7 36.gxf7 ] Rfc8 17) Moscow: Main Line (7.e3)-
34...Nxg7 35.Re7 Rg8 36.Rd7 Qb6 Mo s c o w | 8 . B e 2 | W h i t e p l a ys , 1)
37.Rxd5 9...Bg7 10.cxd5 exd5 11.b4 Qd6
[ 37.Rb7 Qa6 38.Ng1 Qd6+- ] 12.Qb3 0-0 13.b5 Nb6 14.Rac1 Bf5
37...Qb1+ 38.Kg2 White wants to mate 15.a4 Nd7 16.a5 Rab8 17.Qa2 Rfc8
 66

18.a6 Nf6 19.axb7 Rxb7 20.bxc6 a b c d e f g h

Rxc6 21.Ne5 Rcb6 22.Na4 Rb4
23.Nc6 Reiners,U (2510)-Perez 8 8

Mederos,R (2495) London 1996 CBM 7 7

113 Extra [Shamkovich,Leonid;
Kreiman,B] 1-0 (33) ] 6 6
[ 8...Bd6 9.0-0 Qe7 10.e4 ( 10.Qc2 5 5
0-0 11.a3 dxc4 12.Bxc4 Nf6 13.e4
e5 14.dxe5 Bxe5 15.Rae1 Rd8 4 4
16.Ba2 b6 17.h3 Ba6 18.Nxe5 3 3
Qxe5 19.f4 Qd4+ 20.Rf2 Bd3
21.Qb3 Bxe4 22.Rd1 Qe3 23.Rxd8+ 2 2
Rxd8 ½-½ (23) Bellmann,H (2237)- 1 1
Schaefer,U (2139) BDF 2024
a b c d e f g h
Fernschach2025 [Bellmann,Herbert])
10...dxe4 11.Nxe4 Bc7 12.c5 0-0 18.Ncb5! P r e v e n t s Q d 6 . 18...Qb6
13.Re1 Ba5 14.Rf1 Bc7 15.Qc2 e5 19.Nd6 Bd7 20.N4f5 Pair of Knights!
16.Bc4 Nf6 17.Nxf6+ Qxf6 18.Nxe5 20...h5! 21.f3 Rfb8 22.Kh1 Bf8
Bxe5 19.dxe5 Qxe5 20.Rfe1 Qg5 White must now prevent ...Bxd6. 23.f4
21.Re3 Bf5 22.Qc3 Bg6 23.Rae1 Ng6 And now ...Bxd6 would win. 24.e4!
Hantel,T (2797)-Vit Spelar Sgf3 Qb4 25.e5 Qa3 0.90/24
(2706) Attacking with 1 d4 [ 25...Rb6!= -0.17/21 remains equal. ]
[Shakhmaty v SSSR; Kretschmar] 26.Ng3 Bxd6
½-½ (69) ] [ 26...Qxa2? 27.Nxh5 Bxd6 28.Nf6+
[ 8...Bb4 9.0-0 0-0 10.Qc2 Bxc3 ( 28.exd6 Qb2+- ) 28...Kh8
11.Qxc3 dxc4 12.Rfd1 c5 13.Bxc4 29.exd6+- ]
a6 14.Qa3 b6 15.Bb5 Rd8 16.Bc6 27.exd6 Qxd6 28.Nxh5 Rb4 29.Bxg4
Ra7 17.dxc5 Nxc5 18.Qb4 Nd7 f5 30.Bf3 aiming for a3. 30...Rf8 31.a3
19.Qd6 Rf8 20.Rd2 Nc5 21.Rad1 Rb7 32.Re1 Rf7 33.Qd4 Nf8 1.01/23
Qe7 22.b4 Qxd6 23.Rxd6 [ Black should play 33...Rb3 0.51/21 ]
Ferragut,A (2683)-Ding Liren vs. Leko, 34.Re3 0x0.0018c0ed7532dp-1022s
P (2726) Schachbundesliga more active pieces. 34...Nh7? 3.10/24
Championship 2020 200 Traps In The [ 34...Ng6 1.24/20 ]
Opening [Eisen] 1-0 (31) ]
9.c5 -0.04/20
[ Better is 9.0-0 0.49/18 ] (Diagram)
9...g5= 10.b4 Bg7 The position is
equal. 11.Rc1 0-0 12.b5 g4 13.Nd2 35.Be2? 1.16/23
e5 14.Nb3 exd4 15.Nxd4 Ne5 [ 35.Bxd5!+- 3.10/24 is more deadly.
[ 15...Nxc5 16.bxc6 Rd8 17.0-0 Qxd5 36.Qc3 ]
( 17.Bxg4 Bxg4 18.Qxg4 Nd3+ 35...Nf6 36.Rg3+ Kh7
19.Kd2 Nxc1 )]
16.0-0 Qxc5 17.bxc6 bxc6 (Diagram)
 67

a b c d e f g h
[ Do n ' t t a k e 44.Rh5?! Rf8 45.Qg5
( 45.Qxd5 Qxd5 46.Rxd5 Rxf4;
8 8 45.Rxh6+ Qxh6 46.Qe5+ Qf6 )
7 7 45...Rxh5 46.Qxh5+ Kg7 ]
44...Rd8 3.04/24
6 6 [ 44...Qe6 1.74/23 was called for.
5 5
45.Qxe6 ( 45.Qxd5 Rxh3+ 46.gxh3
Qxh3+ 47.Kg1 Qe3+ 48.Kh1 Qh3+
4 4 49.Kg1 Qe3+ 50.Kh1 Qh3+= )
3 3
45...Rxe6 ]
45.Rd1 d4 46.Qf7 Inhibits Qe7.
2 2 46...Rh7 Inhibits Qg7+. 47.Qxc4 Qxf4
1 1
48.Qc5→ White wants a kill. 48...Qe4?
8.79/27
a b c d e f g h
[ 48...Qf6 2.09/22 49.Rf5 Qd6
a b c d e f g h
50.Rxd4 Qxd4 51.Rf8+ Kg7
52.Qe7+ Kg6 53.Qe6+ Kg7
8 8 54.Qg8+ Kh6 55.Rxd8 Qa1+ 56.Kh2
7 7 Qe5+ 57.Qg3 Qxg3+ 58.Kxg3 Rg7+
59.Kh2 Kg5 ]
6 6

5 5 a b c d e f g h

4 4 8 8

3 3 7 7

2 2 6 6

1 1 5 5

a b c d e f g h 4 4
37.Rg5! c5 38.Nxf6+ 0.97/21 3 3
Dancing on a razor blade.
[ 38.Qxc5? Qxc5 39.Nxf6+ Rxf6-+ ] 2 2
[ 38.Qf2 1.31/22 White wants to 1 1
mate with Qh4. Ne4 39.Qh4 ]
a b c d e f g h
38...Rxf6 39.Qe3 0.57/22
[ 39.Rh5+ 0.96/22 Kg7 40.Qe3 ] 49.Rd3!! Rdg3 is the strong threat.
39...Rb8 1.90/22 49...a6
[ 39...c4! 0.57/22 ] [ 49...Qe1+ 50.Kh2 ]
40.Bd3+-
[ 40.Rxc5 Qe6 41.Qc1 Qxe2 ]
40...c4 41.Qh3+ Rh6 42.Bxf5+ Bxf5 (Diagram)
43.Qxf5+ Kh8 44.h3
 68

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

50.Rdg3 21.55/23 9.d5! gxf3 10.dxc6 Bxc6 ...fxg2 is the

[ 50.Qb6! #20/23 Qe1+ ( 50...Qe7 strong threat. 11.Qxf3 Rg8 Against Bg5
51.Rdg3 ) 51.Kh2 Qe7 52.Rdg3 Qf8 12.Rd1 e6 0.53/22
53.Qe6 Re8 54.Qd5 Qg7 55.Rxg7 ] [ 12...Qd7= 0.14/20 might be
50...Qf4 51.Rf3 Weighted Error Value: stronger. ]
White=0.16 (very precise) /Black=0.53 13.Nd2 b5 1.02/21 Prevents Nc4.
1-0 [ 13...Nd7= 0.24/20 keeps the
balance. ]
14.a4! Threatens to win with axb5.
B50 14...a6 15.axb5 axb5 16.Nf1 0.49/21
Warmerdam,Max 2646 [ Better is 16.Nb3 0.84/23 ]
Erigaisi Arjun 2801 16...Nd7 17.Ng3 Ne5 1.08/23
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (7.7) 25.01.25 [ 17...Ra8 0.60/22 was preferrable.
[Kitty Kat] 18.Bf4 Rxa1 19.Rxa1 Qb6 ]
18.Qh5 Rg7 19.Kh2 Qf6 20.f4 Nd7
B50: Sicilian: 2...d6, Miscellaneous 1.e4 21.Qe2 Qd8 1.53/22
c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.c3 Nf6 4.h3 Bd7 [ 21...Rg8 1.12/22 ]
5.Bd3 Nc6 6.Bc2 Rc8 7.0-0 g5N 22.e5 1.21/22
[ 7...g6 8.d4 cxd4 9.cxd4 Bg7 [ 22.f5 1.53/22 ]
10.Nc3 0-0 11.Re1 Na5 12.e5 Ne8 22...Qh4 1.71/22 Prevents Bf4.
13.Bg5 f6 14.exf6 Nxf6 15.Qe2 Re8 [ 22...dxe5 1.21/22 23.Be4 Qc7
16.Rac1 a6 17.Bd3 b5 18.Ne4 24.Bxc6 Qxc6 ]
Rxc1 19.Rxc1 Bf5 20.Ned2 Bxd3 23.Ne4!+- Active counter play! 23...Bxe4
21.Qxd3 Qd7 22.Qc3 Ibarra Jerez,J 2.29/21
(2559)-Vidit,S (2721) chess.com INT [ 23...dxe5? 24.g3 Qd8 25.fxe5+- ]
2024 [Fitzsimons, David] 1-0 (44) ] [ 23...d5 1.58/22 ]
8.d4 White has an edge. 8...g4 24.Bxe4 d5
(Diagram) [ 24...f5? 25.exf6 Qxf6 26.Qxb5+- ]
 69

25.Qxb5 And now Ra7 would win. 30.Qxa8+ Qd8 Black cannot hold the
25...c4 26.Ra7 Rd8 game after this. 31.Qb7 Bc5 5.86/24
a b c d e f g h
Prevents Be3.
[ 31...Rg6 3.91/24 is a better defense.
8 8 32.Be3 Bh6 ]
7 7 32.f5 White is clearly winning. 32...Bb6
33.Bh6 Rg8 34.Kh1 Qc7 35.Qd5 Rg3
6 6 36.e6 fxe6 37.Qxe6+ Kd8
5 5 a b c d e f g h

4 4 8 8

3 3 7 7

2 2 6 6

1 1 5 5

a b c d e f g h 4 4
27.Bxd5 exd5 3 3
[ 27...Bc5?
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
38.Bf4! Weighted Error Value: White=0.
6 6 13 (very precise) /Black=0.41
5 5
1-0

4 4

3 3
C45
Warmerdam,Max 2646
2 2 Wei,Yi 2751
1 1
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (8.1) 26.01.25
[Kitty Kat]
a b c d e f g h

28.Rxd7! Rxd7 29.Bc6+- ] C45: Scotch Game in this game black

28.Qxd5→ Black is in trouble. Chess reached comfortable equality ..and right
con chili. 28...Qe7 4.74/25 at the moment when he started taking
[ 28...Nb8 2.27/25 29.Qxd8+ Qxd8 over in the endgame ..he proposed a
30.Rxd8+ Kxd8 ] d r a w wi t h 2 6 . . . a 5 ? . . . . s t u d y wh a t
29.Ra8 2.02/25 happens after 26...a6! 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3
[ 29.Be3 4.74/25 ] Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nxc6
29...Rxa8 3.06/24 bxc6 6.Bd3 d5 7.exd5 cxd5 8.0-0
[ 29...Qe6 2.02/25 ] Be7 9.h3 0-0 10.Re1 c5
 70

[ 10...Be6 11.Nd2 h6 12.Nf3 c5 26.Ra4 Rc5 27.Bb4 Re5 28.Bc3 Re4

13.b3 Ne4 14.Bxe4 dxe4 15.Qxd8 29.Ra2 Rf4 30.Ra5 h6 31.Kf1 Bc6
Rfxd8 16.Rxe4 Bf6 17.Rb1 Bf5 32.Kg1 Bb7 33.Kf1 Kh7 34.Ke2 Rf7
18.Re2 Rd1+ 19.Re1 Bxc2 20.Rxd1 35.f3 Rc7 36.Be1 Rcd7 37.Bb4
Bxb1 21.Rd2 Rd8 22.Bb2 Bg5 W h i t e h a s c o m p e n s a t i o n . 37...Rb8
23.Rxd8+ Bxd8 24.a3 Bc2 25.b4 38.Bc3 Rc8 39.Bb4 Rc6 40.Bc5 Bc8
Sta ma ti ou, R ( 214 2) -Maga la ki s, S 41.Ba3 Rb7 42.Bb2 Bd7 43.Ra3! Be8
(2153) [GM Ioannis Papaioannou] 44.Bd4 Bf7 45.Ra2 -0.37/23
½-½ (31) ] [ 45.c4= -0.01/23 ]
11.b3 The position is equal. 11...Bb7 45...Rb4 46.Bb2 Bg6 47.Kd2 Rb5
12.Nc3N 48.Ra4 Rb7 49.Bd4 Be8 Threatens to
[ 12.Bb2 c4 13.bxc4 Bc5 14.Ba3 win with ...Rd6. 50.Nc4 -1.45/23
Bxf2+ 15.Kxf2 dxc4 16.Bxc4 Qb6+ [ 50.Ke1 -0.73/22 ]
17.Kf1 Qc6 18.Re2 Qxc4 19.Bxf8
Ba6 20.Kg1 Qxe2 21.Qxe2 Bxe2 a b c d e f g h
Chapter 9-Scotch 6.Bd3 Scotch for
Black [GM Pier Luigi Basso] ] 8 8

12...c4 7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 P r e v e n t s R d 6 . 50...e5! 51.Nxe5
1 1
-1.95/24
[ 51.Bxe5 -1.62/24 Rg6 52.Ra2 ]
a b c d e f g h
51...Rd6-+ 52.Rc4 Bb5 53.Rb4
And now ...Bb4 would win. 13.Bf1 d4 -3.20/23
[ 13...Bb4!? 14.Bd2 Rb8= ] [ 53.Ke3 -1.70/21 ]
14.Nb5 Bb4 15.Bd2 Bc5 next ...Ne4 is 53...a5 54.Rxb5 Rxb5 55.Ke3 Rbd5
good for Black. 16.Re5 56.Bc3 a4 57.bxa4 Rc5 58.Bd4 Rxc2
[ Don't blunder 16.bxc4? a6 17.Re5 59.g4 Ra2 Black is clearly winning.
Qc8-+ ] 60.f4 Rxa4 61.Bc5 Rd5 62.Be7
16...Ne4 aiming for ...Qf6. 17.Rxc5! Qf6 -12.32/26
18.Be1 Nxc5 19.Qxd4 Qxd4 20.Nxd4 [ 62.Nd3 -5.16/25 ]
Rfd8 21.Nf5 cxb3 22.axb3 a6 23.Bc4 62...g5 63.Nd3 gxf4+ Weighted Error
Ne6 24.Bxe6 fxe6 25.Ne3 Rac8 V a l u e : W h i t e = 0 . 1 8 ( ve r y p r e c i s e ) /
 71

Black=0.05 (flawless) [ 13.a4 Na5 14.Bc2 c5 15.Qe2 cxd4

0-1 16.cxd4 Nc6 17.dxe5 dxe5 18.axb5
axb5 19.Red1 Bxe3 20.Qxe3 Qb6
21.Qxb6 Rxb6 22.Nb3 Nb4 23.Bb1
C78 Na6 24.Ne1 Be6 25.Nd2 Rd6
Harikrishna,Pentala 2695 26.Bd3 Nc5 27.Be2 Red8
Giri,Anish 2731 O m o n o va , U ( 2 1 4 7 ) - A b d u ma l i k , Z
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (8.2) 26.01.25 (2473) Hangzhou 2023 ½-½ (33) ]
[Kitty Kat] 13...Nxe5 14.Bc2 Against Nd3
14...Bxe3 15.Rxe3 c5 16.Re1 Bb7
C78: Ruy Lopez: Archangelsk and 17.a4 Ng6 18.axb5 axb5 19.b4 Qb6
Möller Defences 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 0.00/21
3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 b5 6.Bb3 [ 19...Nf4 -0.32/20 ]
Bc5 7.c3 d6 8.d4 Bb6 9.h3 0-0 20.bxc5 Qxc5 21.Rb1 d5 22.e5 Ne4
10.Re1 Rb8 0.23/21 23.Bxe4 The position is equal.
[ 10...Bb7 -0.08/20 ] [ 23.Nxe4 l o o k s s h a r p e r . dxe4
[ 10...Re8 11.Bg5 h6 12.Bh4 Bb7 24.Qd4 Qxd4 25.Nxd4 Rxe5
13.Qd3 Na5 14.Bc2 g5 15.Nxg5 26.Rxb5 Rxb5 27.Nxb5 Ba6
hxg5 16.Bxg5 Kg7 17.Nd2 Qc8 28.Nd6 ]
18.Qg3 Nh7 19.dxe5 dxe5 20.Be7+ 23...dxe4 24.Nxe4
Kh6 21.Nf3 Qe6 22.Nh4 Rg8 [ 24.Nd4 keeps more tension. Qxc3
23.Qf3 Kg7 24.Nf5+ Kh8 25.Rad1 25.Nxe4 Bxe4 26.Rxe4 Rxe5
Praggnanandhaa,R (2757)-Mishra,A 27.Rxe5 Nxe5 28.Rxb5 Rd8
(2604) Biel 2024 CBM 221 [Mishra, 29.Rxe5 Rxd4 30.Qe1 ]
Abhimanyu] 0-1 (55) ] 24...Bxe4 25.Rxe4 Nxe5
[ 10...h6 11.Be3 Re8 12.Nbd2 exd4 [ 25...Qxc3 s e e m s w i l d e r . 26.Rb3
13.cxd4 Na5 14.Bc2 Bb7 15.b4 Nc4 Qc5 27.Qe1 Rbd8 ]
16.Nxc4 bxc4 17.d5 c6 18.dxc6 26.Nxe5 Rxe5 27.Rxe5 Qxe5
Bxc6 19.Bxb6 Qxb6 20.Qxd6 Qb7 KQR-KQR 28.Qd3 Rc8 29.Qxb5 Qxb5
21.e5 Rad8 22.Qc5 Nd7 23.Qxc4 30.Rxb5 Rxc3 Weighted Error Value:
Bxf3 24.e6 fxe6 25.gxf3 Sahidi,S W h i t e =0 . 0 7 ( f l a wl e s s ) / B l a c k =0 . 0 6
(2481)-Barp,A (2449) Vrnjacka Banja (flawless)
2024 1-0 (32) ] ½-½
11.Be3= Re8
[ Don't do 11...Nxe4 12.Bd5 exd4
13.cxd4 ] C42
12.Nbd2 h6 13.dxe5N -0.04/21 Abdusattorov,Nodirbek 2768
[ 13.d5 0.41/20 Bxe3 14.Rxe3 ] Fedoseev,Vladimir 2717
[ 13.a3 Na5 14.Ba2 exd4 15.Bxd4 Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (8.3) 26.01.25
Nc6 16.Bxb6 Rxb6 17.c4 b4 18.c5 [Kitty Kat]
dxc5 19.e5 Nh5 20.Rc1 Nf4
21.Rxc5 Be6 Chapter 5 - 7.c3 d6 8.d4 C42: Petroff Defence: 3 Nxe5 and
Bb6 ] unusual White 3rd moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3
 72

Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 Bd7 19.Qe7

6.Bd3 Bd6 7.0-0 0-0 8.c4 c6 9.Re1 a b c d e f g h
Re8 10.Qb3 h6N
[ 10...Re7 11.c5 Bc7 12.Nc3 Nxc3 8 8

13.Qxc3 Rxe1+ 14.Qxe1 h6 15.Qb4 7 7

b6 16.Be3 a5 17.Qd2 bxc5 18.dxc5
Nd7 19.Re1 Qf8 20.Bd4 Ba6 6 6
21.Bxa6 Rxa6 22.Nh4 Nxc5 23.Nf5 5 5
Ne4 24.Qe2 Qb4 25.Rd1
B e n s o n , G - Mc i n t yr e , G c o r r - C C L A 4 4
2003 UltraCorr3a [Jacobi/Runting] 3 3
1-0 ]
[ 10...Na6 2 2
A) 11.cxd5 cxd5 12.Nc3 Be6 1 1
13.a3 Rc8 ( 13...Nc7 14.Qc2 f5
a b c d e f g h
15.Nb5 Nxb5 16.Bxb5 Bd7
17.Qa4 Nc3 18.bxc3 Rxe1+ Black must now prevent Ne5. &Bianco is
19.Nxe1 Qe8 20.Qb3 Qxe1+ m o r e a c t i v e . 19...Nc6 20.Qd6 a6
21.Bf1 Bc6 ½-½ (21) Makarichev,S 21.Bxc6 Bxc6 22.Ne5 Rc8 23.h4 b5!
(2515) -Nikolenko,O (2405) USSR 24.Nd3 Qc7 25.Qxc7 Rxc7=
45 / ( 35 1 ) 1 9 8 7) 14.Qxb7 Nec5 Endgame KRB-KRN 26.Nc5 a5 27.f3
15.dxc5 Nxc5 16.Qb5 a6 Ra7 28.Rb2 Kf8 29.Kf2 Ke7 30.Ke3
17.Bxh7+ Kxh7 18.Qe2 Bg4 Kd6 31.Kd2 h5 32.Nd3 f6 33.Rb1
½-½ (18) Rodriguez Perez,R Be8 34.Re1 Bg6 35.Nc5 Re6+ is the
(1787)-Bellmann,H (2401) LSS strong threat. 35...Bf5 Prevents Re6+.
2023 update Okt.-Dez. [Bellmann, 36.Re8 b4 37.g3 Kc6 38.Nd3 Rb7
Herbert]; 39.Ra8 Bxd3 The position is equal.
B) 11.c5 Bf8 12.Nc3 Bf5 13.Bxa6 40.Kxd3 KR-KR 40...Kb6 41.Rd8 Kc6
bxa6 14.Bf4 Qa5 15.Ne5 Nxc3 Prevents Rd6+. 42.g4 bxc3 43.Rc8+
16.bxc3 Qc7 17.Qa4 Qc8 18.c4 Kd6 44.Kxc3
dxc4 19.Nxc4 Qd7 20.Bd6 Rxe1+ [ 44.gxh5 looks sharper. Rb2 45.a4
21.Rxe1 Re8 22.Rxe8 Qxe8 Rf2 46.Ke3 ]
23.Ne3 Qe4 24.h3 Be6 25.Qb4 44...Rb1
Kasimdzhanov,R (2685)-Bluvshtein,
M (2583) Khanty Mansiysk 2010 (Diagram)
CI1-130 [Kasimdzhanov,Rustam]
1-0 (35) ] Strongly threatening ...Rc1+. 45.Rg8
11.cxd5 cxd5 12.Nc3 White is slightly Rf1 46.gxh5 Rxf3+ 47.Kc2 Rf4
better. 12...Nxc3 13.Rxe8+ 48.Kc3
[ O f c o u r s e n o t 13.Qxc3 Rxe1+ [ 48.Rxg7 feels hotter. Rxd4 49.h6
14.Qxe1 Nc6= ] Rxh4 50.h7 ]
13...Qxe8 14.bxc3 Qc6 15.Rb1 b6 48...Rxh4 49.Rxg7 Rxh5 50.Ra7!
16.Bb5 Qb7 17.Ba3 Bxa3 18.Qxa3 Rh3+ 51.Kb2 Rd3 52.Ra6+ Ke7
 73

a b c d e f g h
know what shape you and your opponent
are in. Therefore, I try to prepare well for
8 8 the first round and get some advantage
7 7 out of the opening. This is what I did in
this game as well. Erste Runden sind
6 6 immer heikel. Man weiß nicht, in
5 5
we l c h e r F o r m m a n s e l b s t u n d s e i n
Gegner sind. Deshalb versuche ich,
4 4 mich gut auf die erste Runde
3 3
vorzubereiten und einen Vorteil aus der
Eröffnung herauszuholen. Das habe ich
2 2 auch in dieser Partie getan. 1.e4 e5
1 1
2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.d3 Bc5
5.Bxc6 dxc6 6.0-0 Qe7 7.Nbd2 a5
a b c d e f g h
[ 7...Bg4 8.h3 Bh5 9.Nc4 ( 9.a3 Nd7
53.Rxa5 Rxd4 54.Kc3 Rc4+ 55.Kd3 10.b4 Bd6 11.Nc4 Nb6 12.Ne3 f6
Kd6 56.Ra8 Ke5 57.a4 Rd4+ 58.Kc3 13.c4 c5 14.Nf5 Qf8 15.Be3 Nd7
Threatening mate with Re8+. 58...Rc4+ 16.Rb1 cxb4 17.axb4 Bxb4 18.Rxb4
59.Kd3 Rc6 60.a5 Re6 61.a6 f5 Bxf3 19.Qa4 Be2 20.Rxb7 Bxf1
62.a7 a i m i n g f o r R h 8 . 62...Re7 21.Rxc7 Rd8 22.Qc6 1-0 (22)
And now ...f4 would win. 63.Ke3 d4+ Durarbayli,V (2628)-Milikow,Y (2349)
64.Kd3 f4 65.Rb8 Rxa7 66.Rb5+ Kf6 Terme Catez 2022 CBM 208
67.Ke4 d3 68.Kxf4 Rd7 69.Rb6+ Ke7 [Durarbayli,Vasif]) 9...Nd7 10.a3 a6
(  ... d2) 11.b4 Ba7 12.Be3 Bxe3 13.Nxe3 f6
[ 69...Kf7!? 70.Rb1 Kf6= ] 14.Nf5 Qf8 15.Ng3 Bf7 16.Qd2 g6
70.Rb1 d2 71.Rd1 Kf6 72.Ke4 Ke6 17.Nh2 h5 18.f4 exf4 19.Qxf4 0-0-0
73.Kf4 Rd4+ 20.e5 f5 21.Nf3 Qe7 22.Rae1
[ 73...Rd3!? 74.Ke4 Rh3= ] So,W (2741)-Carlsen,M (2881)
74.Ke3 Ke5 75.Rxd2 Rxd2 76.Kxd2 c h e s s 2 4 . c o m I NT 2 0 2 0 C B M 1 9 6
Weighted Error Value: White=0.03 Extra [Mueller,Karsten] 0-1 (64) ]
(flawless) /Black=0.02 (flawless) 8.Nc4 White has an edge. 8...Nd7 9.c3
½-½ 0-0 10.Qc2N
[ 10.d4 exd4 11.cxd4 b5 12.Nxa5
( 12.Ncd2 Bb6 13.a4 Bb7 14.Re1 f5
C65 15.exf5 Qf7 Chapter 3-5.Bxc6 Anti
Praggnanandhaa R 2741 Berlin 6.00 and 6 [GM Pier Luigi
Gukesh D 2777 Basso] ) 12...Rxa5 13.dxc5 Ra4
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (8.4) 26.01.25 Alieksieienko,M-Solution Soviet Union
[Kitty Kat] 200 Traps In The Opening [John
Watson] ]
C65: Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defence (3... 10...b6 11.Re1 Ba6 12.b3
Nf6), unusual lines and 4 0-0 Bc5 First [ 12.Ncxe5 with more complications.
rounds are always tricky. You do not Nxe5 13.Nxe5 Qxe5 14.d4 ]
 74

12...Rfe8 13.d4 Bxc4 14.bxc4 Bd6 D35

15.Bd2 a4 16.Rad1 f6 17.g3 Qf7 Erigaisi Arjun 2801
18.d5 Nc5 19.Be3 Nb7 20.dxc6 Na5 Sarana,Alexey 2677
21.Bxb6 Nxc4 22.Be3 Reb8 23.Rb1 Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (8.5) 26.01.25
Inhibits Rb2. 23...a3 -0.02/24 [Kitty Kat]
[ 23...Rd8 -0.47/22 24.Qe2 Qe6 ]
24.Rb7= Rxb7 25.cxb7 Rb8 26.Qb3 D35: Queen's Gambit Declined:
Strongly threatening Ba7. Exchange Variation 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6
[ 26.Qa4!? ] 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3
26...Nxe3 27.fxe3 Bf5 7.Qf3 Bg6 8.Bxf6 Qxf6 9.Qxf6
[ M u c h w e a k e r i s 27.Qxf7+ Kxf7 gxf6 10.Nf3 a5 11.Nh4 Bb4 12.Rc1
28.Rxe3 Rxb7 ] Nd7 White has an edge. 13.a3 Bxc3+
27...Qxb3 14.Rxc3 a4 15.Be2 Ke7 16.g3
a b c d e f g h
[ 16.f3 Nb6 17.Kf2 Nc8 18.g3 Nd6
19.Ng2 h5 20.Nf4 Bf5 21.h3 Kd7
8 8 22.Re1 b5 23.Bf1 Bg6 24.h4 Bf5
7 7 25.Rc5 Nb7 26.Rc3 Nd6 27.Rec1
Nc4 28.e4 Be6 29.Nd3 Ke7 30.Nb4
6 6 Rac8 Oparin,G (2681)-Bacrot,E
5 5
(2662) Chess.com INT 2023 ½-½
(57) ]
4 4 16...Kd6N
3 3
[ 16...Nf8 17.Kd2 Ne6 18.Rhc1 Ng5
19.f3 h5 20.Ng2 Ne6 21.Ke1
2 2 26) QGD: Carlsbad - 6...Bf5 E-QGD
1 1
Ca r l s b a d - 6 . . . B f 5 7 . Q f 3 L i f e t i m e
Repertoires: Swiercz's 1.d4 - ]
a b c d e f g h
17.Kd2 Nf8 18.Rf1 Ne6 19.Bd3 Ra5
R e m o v e D e f e n d e r 28.axb3 Rxb7 20.Nf5+ Kd7 21.Nh4 -0.01/20
KRB-KRN 29.Nd2 Kf7 -0.01/25 [ 21.Ke2 0.38/20 feels stronger. ]
[ 29...a2 -0.41/25 ] 21...Kd6= 22.Bc2 Nc7 23.Bd3
30.Ra1 The position is equal. 30...Ke6 Weighted Error Value: White=0.07
31.Kf2 g6 32.Ra2 f5 33.Kf3 h5 (flawless) /Black=0.05 (flawless)
Weighted Error Value: White=0.06 ½-½
(flawless) /Black=0.04 (flawless)
½-½
 75

D36 22.N2c3 Nf5 23.g3 Rd4 24.Qf4

Keymer,Vincent 2733 Rxd1 25.Rxd1 Bf6 26.Nxf6+ Qxf6
Caruana,Fabiano 2803 27.g4 Qh4 28.d6 Re8 Douissa,O
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (8.6) 26.01.25 (2255)-Manteiga,F (2006) Chess,com
[Kitty Kat] INT 2024 0-1 (32)) 14...Rc8 15.h3 c5
16.dxc5 Nxc5 17.Nf4 Bd6 18.Qd2
D36: Queen's Gambit Declined: d4 19.exd4 Bxf4 20.Qxf4 Nxd3
Exchange Variation: Main line (5 Bg5 c6 21.Rxd3 Ba6 22.Bh4 Nh5 23.Qg4
6 Qc2) The Strike When the next round f5 24.Qxh5 gxh5 25.Bxd8 Bxd3
began many of the players made it clear 26.Rd1 Bc2 27.Rd2 Brunner,N-
they were dissatisfied with the status Spassky,B France 2002 0-1 (36) ]
quo and staged a strike, arriving at the [ 12...Ng4 13.Bxe7 Qxe7 14.h3 Nf6
playing hall but refusing to move. After 15.Rfe1 Ng5 16.Ng3 Re8 17.f4 Ne6
15 minutes of "play", with four of the six 18.Qf2 Ng7 19.e4 dxe4 20.Ncxe4
games still in the starting position, the Nxe4 21.Rxe4 Be6 22.Rde1 Qd7
organisers decided to cancel the round 23.Bb1 Bd5 24.Re5 f6 25.Ne4 Bxe4
and hold a meeting of all players and 26.R5xe4 Rxe4 27.Bxe4
organisers that evening. (The B Final Liang,C (2488)-Wu,W (2442) Chiva
and the Women's Zonal proceeded as 2008 EXT 2017 [ChessBase II] ½-½
normal.) The mood at the players' (58) ]
meeting was tense. Xu was the most [ 12...Nh5 13.Bxe7 Qxe7 14.f3 Rd8
aggressive in arguing in that Chinese 15.Qd2 b5 16.Rc1 Bb7 17.Kh1 a6
games were entirely legitimate, while 18.Bb1 Re8 19.Nd1 c5 20.dxc5
also accusing me of receiving thrown Nxc5 21.Nd4 Rac8 22.Re1 Ng7
ga me s fr om Ch ri s De pa s qu al e (s e e 23.Nf2 Nce6 24.Rxc8 Rxc8 25.Nd3
game above) and Johansen. Qh4 26.Nxe6 Nxe6 27.Rc1
Annotations from 1987. 1.d4 d5 2.c4 Van Dalfsen,P (2295)-Regedzinski,T/
e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 Allie s (2 486) Pols ka 88 /298 202 3
Be7 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Nge2 Nf8 CBM 79_02 [John Watson] 0-1 (67) ]
9.Qc2 Ne6 10.Bh4 g6 11.Rd1 13.Nc1 White has an edge. 13...Ng7
[ 11.h3 Nh5 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.0-0-0 14.f3 Be6 15.N1e2 Rc8 16.Kh1 Nd7
Bd7 14.Kb1 Nf6 15.Rc1 0-0 16.g4 17.Bf2 b5 18.Nf4 Nb6 19.e4 Bg5
Rfe8 17.Ng3 Ng5 18.f4 Nxh3 20.Be3 dxe4 21.fxe4 Bg4 22.Nce2
19.Nf5 gxf5 20.g5 Nxg5 21.fxg5 -0.13/23
Ng4 22.Rh5 Nxe3 23.Qh2 Ng4 [ 22.Rde1 0.44/21 ]
24.Qh4 h6 25.Be2 Qe3 Johansen,D 22...f5!= 23.exf5 Nxf5 24.Qb3+ Nc4
(2410)-Rogers,I (2525) Jakarta 1987 25.Bxc4+ bxc4 26.Qxc4+ Rf7 27.Bc1
[Rogers,Ian] 0-1 ] -1.07/22
11...0-0 12.0-0 a5N [ 27.Ne6= -0.14/23 remains equal.
[ 12...b6 13.f3 Bb7 14.Bf2 ( 14.Kh1 Nxe3 28.Nxd8 Nxc4 29.Nxf7 ]
Rc8 15.Qd2 Ne4 16.fxe4 Bxh4 27...Qe7 0.25/23
17.exd5 cxd5 18.e4 dxe4 19.Bxe4 [ 27...Nd6 -1.07/22 28.Qb3 Bxf4
Bxe4 20.Nxe4 Ng7 21.d5 Rc4 29.Bxf4 a4 ]
 76

28.Rde1 And now Nc3 would win. a b c d e f g h

28...Bh4 0.36/22
[ 28...Nd6= -0.01/21 should be 8 8

considered. 29.Qc2 Bh4 ] 7 7

29.Ng3 -0.34/23
[ 29.g3! 0.36/22 ] 6 6
29...Qb4 30.Qxb4 axb4 31.Nxf5 5 5
Bxf5 32.g3 Bf6 33.d5 Bd7
This bishop pair is nice. 34.Nd3 -0.85/23 4 4
[ 34.Rd1 -0.31/22 ] 3 3
34...cxd5 35.Nxb4 Bb5
[ 35...Bh3!? 36.Rf3 Bf5 37.Rxf5 2 2
( 37.Nxd5 Rxc1 38.Rxc1 Be4 ) 1 1
37...gxf5 ]
a b c d e f g h
36.Rf4 -1.24/21
[ 36.Rf2!= -0.29/25 ] 40.a5 ]
39.Bc3
a b c d e f g h
[ Don't blunder 39.Nxd5? Bc6 40.Kg1
Bxd5-+ ]
8 8 39...Bxf4 40.gxf4 Endgame KRB-KBN
7 7 40...Kf7 41.Nc2 Bc4 42.a3 Re8
43.Nd4 Re4 44.f5 gxf5 45.Kg2 Rf4
6 6 46.a4 Ke8 47.a5 Kd7 48.h3 Rf1
5 5
49.Nf3 Ne5+ is the strong threat.
49...Ba6 50.h4 h5 51.b4 f4 52.Nd4
4 4 Bc4 Hoping for ...Rd1. 53.Bb2? -5.78/27
3 3
[ 53.Nf3 -2.68/24 is more resistant. ]
53...Rb1 Black is clearly winning. 54.Bc3
2 2 Rd1 55.Nf3 d4 56.Bb2 Bd5 57.Kf2
1 1
d3 (  ...Bxf3) 58.Bc3 Bxf3 59.Kxf3
d2 60.Ke2 I n h i b i t s R f 1 . 60...f3+
a b c d e f g h
W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 5 2 /
White is on the road to losing. 36...Re7!↑ Black=0.28 (precise)
B l a c k i s o n t h e r o l l . & N e r o i s m o r e 0-1
active. 37.Bd2 -2.26/23
[ 37.Rd1 -1.31/24 Bg5 38.Kg1
( 38.Nxd5 Bc6 )]
37...Rxe1+-+ 38.Bxe1

(Diagram)

Be5
[ And not 38...Bxb2 39.a4 Bc4
 77

D85 Black must now prevent Nf4. 19...Nxd5

Mendonca,Leon Luke 2639 20.Nf4 Nxf4 21.Bxf4 Be6 22.a4 b6
Van Foreest,Jorden 2680 23.Bb5 Rf8 24.g3 Rad8 25.Rfe1 Bf5
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (8.7) 26.01.25 0.83/23
[Kitty Kat] [ 25...Bd5 0.44/24 should be
considered. ]
D85: Exchange Grünfeld: Unusual White 26.Bc6 Rd3 27.c4 0.23/22
7th moves and lines with 7 Nf3 Gurevich, [ 27.Bxe4 0.56/23 Bxe4 28.Rxe4 ]
M: 'Inf 47/ 552' 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 27...Rd4 0.74/21
3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 [ 27...Ra3= 0.23/22 ]
6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Qa4+ Nd7 8.Nf3 0-0 28.Be3 0.35/23
9.Bg5 c5 10.Rc1 h6 11.Be3! Nf6 [ Better is 28.a5 0.74/21 ]
[ 11...Qc7 12.Bd3 a6 13.Qa3 b6 28...Rd3 29.Bf4 Rd4 30.Be3 0.01/21
14.e5 Bb7 15.h4 e6 16.Qb3 Bd5 [ 30.Bd5+ 0.68/23 Kh8 31.Rb1 ]
17.Qd1 Rad8 18.Qe2 Rc8 19.0-0 30...Rd3 Weighted Error Value: White=0.
b5 20.h5 Qb7 21.hxg6 f6 22.exf6 18 (very precise) /Black=0.08 (flawless)
Rxf6 23.Nh4 e5 24.Qh5 e4 25.Bxh6 ½-½
Bxh6 26.Qxh6 Gurevich,M (2590)-
Sokolov,I (2580) Reggio Emilia 1988
CI1-130 [Gurevich,Mikhail] 1-0 (34) ] D37
[ 11...e5 12.dxc5 Qc7 13.Qb4 a5 Van Foreest,Jorden 2680
14.Qa3 Nf6 15.Nd2 Ng4 16.Nc4 Warmerdam,Max 2646
Be6 17.Bd2 Rfd8 18.f3 Bf8 19.fxg4 Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (9.1) 28.01.25
Qc6 Harnett,R-Zhang,P Framingham [Kitty Kat]
2013 Inf18 [Lane, CCYB6] ]
12.Bd3 Ng4 13.Bd2! e5N White is D37: Queen's Gambit Declined: 5 Bf4
slightly better. 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3
[ 13...e6 14.h3 Nf6 15.0-0 b6 16.e5 Nbd7 5.Qc2 dxc4 6.e4 c5 7.dxc5
Nd5 17.dxc5 bxc5 18.Be4 Bb7 Bxc5 8.Bxc4 White is slightly better.
19.Rfe1 Qc7 20.Rcd1 c4 21.Qc2 8...a6
Rfd8 22.Qc1 Kh7 23.h4 Ne7 [ 8...Qc7 9.0-0 0-0 10.Qe2 Ne5
24.Qc2 Bxe4 25.Qxe4 Rd5 26.Bf4 11.Bf4 Bd6 12.Bxe5 Bxe5 13.Nxe5
Rad8 27.Rxd5 Rxd5 28.Nd2 Qxe5 14.f4 Qc5+ 15.Kh1 e5 16.f5
Di n st u hl , V ( 23 4 0) - Ma c h, H ( 2 24 0 ) Bd7 17.g4 b5 18.Bb3 h6 19.h4 b4
Germany 1991 TD [Dinstuhl,Volkmar] 20.g5 hxg5 21.hxg5 bxc3 22.gxf6
½-½ (89) ] Qb6 23.Rad1 Chapter 7 - 4...Nbd7 5.
14.d5 0.01/22 Qc2-5...dxc4 [Kalyan Arjun] (31) ]
[ 14.h3 0.85/22 Nf6 15.Nxe5 ] 9.0-0 Black should prevent e5. 9...Qc7
14...f5= 15.0-0 Nf6 16.Nxe5 fxe4 0.41/20 Against e5
17.Be2 [ 9...b5= 0.09/22 10.Bd3 Qc7 ]
[ M u c h w e a k e r i s 17.Bxe4 Qe8 10.Qe2 Bd6 Prevents e5. 11.Rd1N
18.Qxe8 Rxe8 19.Bxg6 Rxe5 ] [ 11.Bb3 0-0 12.Rd1 Ne5 13.Nd4
17...Qe8 18.Qxe8 Rxe8 19.Nxg6 Bd7 14.Bf4 Rad8 15.Bg3 Qb8
 78

16.Kh1 Neg4 17.h3 Bxg3 18.hxg4 a b c d e f g h

Be5 19.g5 Qa7 20.gxf6 Bxd4 21.e5
Bc6 22.fxg7 Kxg7 23.Qh5 f6 8 8

24.Bxe6 Kh8 25.Bf5 b5 7 7

Chapter-Games Game 3 (35) ]
11...Ng4 12.h3 Nge5 13.Bb3 Nxf3+ 6 6
14.Qxf3 0-0 15.Be3 Bh2+ 16.Kh1 5 5
Bla ck must n ow p reven t g3 . 16...Be5
17.Rac1 Qb8 18.Qg4 Nf6 4 4

a b c d e f g h 3 3

8 8 2 2

7 7 1 1

6 6 a b c d e f g h

5 5
w o u l d w i n . 30.Qg5+ Weighted Error
Value: White=0. 03 (flawless) /Black=0.
4 4 07 (flawless)
3 3
½-½

2 2

1 1
E21
Sarana,Alexey 2677
a b c d e f g h
Keymer,Vincent 2733
19.Qh4 b5 0.44/23 Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (9.2) 28.01.25
[ 19...Bd7 0.82/21 ] [Kitty Kat]
20.f4 Bxc3 21.Rxc3 Hoping for Bc2.
21...Bb7 22.Bd4 White wants to mate E21: Nimzo-Indian: 4 Nf3 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4
with Qxf6! &Bianco is much more active. e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nf3 0-0 5.Bg5 c5
T h e b l a c k r o o k s a r e b a d l y p l a c e d . 6.e3 cxd4 7.Qxd4 Nc6 8.Qd3 Qa5N
22...Nxe4 23.Be5 Nxc3 0.80/27 [ 8...h6 9.Bh4 d5 10.Rd1 g5 11.Bg3
[ 23...Qe8! 0.37/27 ] Ne4 12.Nd2 Nc5 13.Qc2 d4
24.bxc3 -0.01/23 A) 14.Nf3 e5 ( 14...Ne5 15.Ke2
[ White should play 24.Rd7 0.80/27 Na4 16.Rxd4 h5 17.Rd2 Be7
Bxg2+ 25.Kxg2 ] 18.Bf4 0-1 (18) 3) Castle-Bai,J
24...Qe8 ...Rd8 is the strong threat. The Opening Compass for Black and
position is equal. 25.Bxg7! W h i t e 2 0 2 3) 15.Nxe5 dxc3
16.Rxd8 cxb2+ 17.Ke2 Rxd8
(Diagram) 18.Qxb2 Na4 19.Qc2 Nc3+
20.Kf3 Rd4 21.h3 h5 22.Bh2 g4+
Decoy 25...Kxg7 26.Qg5+ Kh8 23.Kg3 Rd2 24.Qb3 Ne4+ 25.Kh4
27.Qf6+ Kg8 aiming for ...Be4. 28.Qg5+ Be7+ 26.Kxh5 Kg7 27.Bf4 Bf5
Kh8 29.Qf6+ Kg8 And now ...Be4 28.Bh6+ Kh7 Bai,J (2553)-Ding,L
 79

(2774) China CHN 2017 [Doe,John] a b c d e f g h

0-1 (32);
B) 14.exd4 Nxd4 licess.org 2020 8 8

[https://lichess.org/î/Sodertalje] ] 7 7
9.Bxf6 gxf6 10.Be2 Bxc3+ 11.bxc3
b6 12.0-0 Rd8 13.Nd2 Ba6 14.e4 6 6
Kh8 15.Nb3 Qa3 16.f4 Rac8 17.Rf3 5 5
Qe7 0.36/21
[ 17...Qf8= 0.00/21 ] 4 4
18.Qe3 Rg8 19.Rd1 Nd8 20.c5 Bxe2 3 3
21.Qxe2 bxc5 22.Na5 0.01/22
[ 22.Nd2! 0.38/21 ] 2 2
22...Nc6= 23.Nc4 d5! 24.exd5 exd5 1 1
25.Qxe7 Nxe7 26.Nd6 Rc6 27.Re3
a b c d e f g h
Rxd6 28.Rxe7 Endgame KRR-KRR
28...Kg7 29.Rxa7 Rb8 30.Ra5 Rb2 39...Rg8 40.Rbe7! Rc2 -0.01/26
31.Rd3 c4 [ 40...Kh6 -0.69/24 41.Re2 Rxe2
a b c d e f g h
42.Rxe2 Kg5 ]
41.Re2!= The position is equal.
8 8 41...Rxc3 Strongly threatening .. .Rd3.
7 7 42.Rd2 Rd8 White must now prevent ...
d4. 43.Rd4! Rc2 44.Rg4+ Kf8 45.Rc7
6 6 d4 Weighted Error Value: White=0.09
5 5
(flawless) /Black=0.08 (flawless)
½-½
4 4

3 3
C78
2 2 Gukesh D 2777
1 1
Mendonca,Leon Luke 2639
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (9.3) 28.01.25
a b c d e f g h
[Kitty Kat]
32.Rg3+ -0.24/24
[ 32.Raxd5! 0.27/22 cxd3 33.Rxd6 ] C78: Ruy Lopez: Archangelsk and
32...Kf8= 33.f5 Rd8 34.h3 Rd2 Möller Defences 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6
35.Re3 Rc8 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 b5 6.Bb3
Bc5 7.a4 Rb8
(Diagram) [ 7...Nxe4? 8.axb5 Ne7 9.Nxe5+-
( 9.d3 Nf6+- )]
And now ...d4 would win. 36.Kh2 h5 8.d3 d6 9.Bg5N
37.a4 h4 38.Rb5! Kg7 39.Rb7 [ 9.c3 h6 ( 9...Bg4 10.Nbd2 0-0
-0.85/24 11.h3 Bd7 12.Re1 Bb6 13.Nf1 Ne7
[ 39.a5= -0.08/24 ] 14.Ng3 Ng6 15.d4 c5 16.Be3 cxd4
 80

17.cxd4 Ba5 18.Re2 Bb4 19.a5 Bc6 [ 24...Nxe4? 25.dxe5 Nxg3 26.exd6+
20.Bd2 Bxd2 21.Qxd2 b4 22.Ree1 Qf6 27.Qxf6+ Kxf6 28.hxg3+- ]
Qc7 23.h4 Rfd8 24.Rac1 [ 24...Bxe4= 0.01/22 is superior. 25.h4
Adams,M (2740)-Eljanov,P (2723) Bd3 ]
2015 [Paunovic,Tomislav] 0-1 (50) 25.Nd2 Rf8 26.Bc2 0.39/19
Qb7 25.h5 Nf4 26.dxe5 dxe5 [ 26.Qc3! 0.72/20 Rxa5 27.bxa5
27.Qe3 Ng4 28.Qc5 Be8 29.Bc4 Nxe4 28.Nxe4 Bxe4 29.Qb4 ]
Rdc8 30.Qd6 Qa7 31.Qd2 Rd8 26...Nh5 27.Be1 Nf6
32.Bd5 Nxd5 33.exd5 Rxd5 a b c d e f g h
34.Qxd5 Qxf2+ 35.Kh1 Qxg3
36.Rc2 Bb5 37.Kg1 h6 38.Rec1 8 8

Re8 39.Rc8 Adams,M (2744)- 7 7

Top al ov,V ( 27 11 ) Do rt mu nd 2 00 1
CI1-130 [Adams,Michael] ½-½ (50) ) 6 6
10.d4 Bb6 11.dxe5 dxe5 12.Qxd8+ 5 5
Nxd8 13.Nxe5 Bb7 14.Na3 0-0
15.axb5 Re8 16.Nec4 Bc5 17.Be3 4 4
Nxe4 18.Bc2 Bxe3 19.Nxe3 Nd6 3 3
20.bxa6 Bxa6 21.Rfb1 Ne6 22.Nd5
Bb7 23.Ne3 Nf4 4.Nc3 a6 5. 2 2
Ne5_39171 (2411)-8.Bf4 0-0 9.Re1 1 1
(1895) Santa Clara 2023 Inf11 [John
a b c d e f g h
Watson] 1-0 (89) ]
[ 9.axb5 axb5 10.Nc3 h6 11.h3 0-0 28.Rf5 0.20/18
12.Nd5 Nxd5 13.Bxd5 Ne7 14.Bb3 [ White should play 28.d5! 0.77/18
Ng6 15.c3 Qf6 16.d4 Bb6 17.Be3 Bb7 29.Nb3 ]
Nf4 18.Bxf4 Qxf4 19.Re1 Re8 28...Rxa5 29.bxa5 Re8 1.00/18
20.Qd3 Bb7 Chapter-3...b6 and Minor [ 29...Qc7 0.36/18 ]
Sidelines [GM Davorin Kuljasevic] ] 30.d5 Bd7
9...h6 The position is equal. 10.Bh4 g5
11.Bg3 0-0 12.c3 Bb6 13.Na3 Ne7 (Diagram)
0.44/20
[ 13...b4= -0.12/19 14.Nc4 Be6 ] 31.Rf2 Bc8 32.Nf1 Qa7 1.79/21
14.Nc2 Ng6 15.Ne3 Bxe3 16.fxe3 [ 32...Ng4 1.11/18 ]
Kg7 17.Bc2 c5 18.axb5 axb5 19.b4 33.Qa3 1.28/21
[ 19.d4!? ] [ 33.Bb4+- 1.79/21 ]
19...cxb4 20.cxb4 Qe7 21.Ra5 Bd7 33...Rd8 2.11/20
0.48/20 [ 33...Ng4 1.28/21 was necessary. ]
[ 21...Be6= 0.16/18 ] 34.Bb4+- Ne8 2.35/21
22.d4 Bc6 23.Qa1 Rfe8! 24.Bb3 [ 34...Qa6 1.84/20 is a better defense.
0.01/22 35.Bd3 Ne7 ]
[ 24.Nd2 0.47/19 ] 35.Ng3 Ne7 36.Bd1 Ng8 37.Be2 Qb7
24...Ra8 0.50/21 38.Bd3 Ngf6 39.Rc2 Bd7? 4.55/21
 81

a b c d e f g h
f5 Chapter Part-Games Game 4 (36))
5...0-0 6.h3 ( 6.e3 b6 7.h4 h5
8 8 8.Ne5 Nfd7 9.Ndf3 c5 10.Bd3 Nf6
7 7 11.Ng5 Nbd7 12.Nxg6 fxg6 13.Ne6
Qe8 14.Nc7 Qf7 15.Nxa8 Ng4
6 6 16.0-0 e5 17.Bg3 e4 18.Be2 Ndf6
5 5
19.Nc7 Bf5 20.Nb5 Ne8
Theis,B (2612)-5.Ng5 e6 6.Bd3
4 4 Ngf6_469 (2625) Manila 2023 TD 92\
3 3
01 [John Watson] 1-0 (31)) 6...c5
7.e3 Qb6 ( 7...Nfd7 8.Be2 Nc6
2 2 9.0-0 e5 10.dxe5 Ndxe5 11.Nxe5
1 1
Nxe5 12.Nf3 Nc6 13.Qb3 Na5
14.Qa3 b6 15.Rfd1 Re8 16.b4 cxb4
a b c d e f g h
17.cxb4 Bxa1 18.Rxa1 Nc4 19.Qc3
[ 39...h5 1.98/20 might work better. Be6 20.Bg5 Qc7 21.Bh6 f6 22.Qxf6
40.a6 Qxa6 ] Paehtz,E (2428)-Kosteniuk,A (2484)
40.Bxd6 White is clearly winning. Monaco 2025 ½-½ (73) ) 8.Qb3 Nc6
40...Nxd6 41.Qxd6 Qa7 15.48/24 9.Be2 c4 10.Qxb6 axb6 11.0-0 b5
[ 41...Qb8 4.67/21 42.Rc7 Bg4 12.a3 Bf5 13.Rfe1 h6 14.g4 Be4
43.Qxe5 Re8 ] 15.Bh2 Rfe8 16.Rad1 Rad8
42.Qxe5 Threatening mate with Nh5+. 17.Nxe4 Nxe4 18.Nd2
42...Qxe3+ 43.Rf2 Weighted Error Kosic,D (2504)-Pavlovic,M (2496)
V a l u e : W h i t e = 0 . 1 7 ( ve r y p r e c i s e ) / Herceg Novi 2001 CBM 083 [Finkel,
Black=0.27 (precise) Alexander] ½-½ (52) Nf6 19.Bf1 e6
1-0 20.Bg2 Bf8 21.Re2 Bd6 22.f4 Ne7
23.Rf1 Kg7 24.Bg3 h5 25.Bh4 hxg4
26.Bxf6+ Kxf6 27.hxg4 Kg7 28.e4
D02 dxe4 29.Nxe4 Bc7 30.Nc5 Nd5
Caruana,Fabiano 2803 31.f5 Nf4 32.Ref2 g5 33.fxe6
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek 2768 Marcinkiewicz,A (2504)-10.000 Be7
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (9.4) 28.01.25 11.g4_12043 (2496) Deutschland 90/
[Kitty Kat] 41 2001 CBM 39 [Chelushkina,I;
Prudnikova,S] ½-½ (52) ]
D02: 1 d4 d5 2 Nf3 sidelines, including 4.Bf4 Bf5 5.Nbd2 h6 6.e3 e6 7.Qb3
2...Nf6 3 g3 and 2... Nf6 3 Bf4 1.d4 d5 Ra7 8.a4 The position is equal. 8...Be7
2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c3 a5N 9.Be2 Nbd7 10.h3 0-0 11.0-0 c6
[ 3...g6 4.Bf4 Bg7 5.Nbd2 ( 5.e3 0-0 12.Rfc1 Ne4 13.Nxe4 Bxe4 14.Qd1
6.Be2 c5 7.Nbd2 Nc6 8.dxc5 a5 Bxf3 15.Bxf3 Nf6 16.Rab1 Bd6
9.a4 Nh5 10.Bg5 h6 11.Bh4 g5 17.Bxd6 Qxd6 18.b4 axb4 19.Rxb4
12.Nd4 gxh4 13.Bxh5 e5 14.Nb5 Qe7 20.Qb3 Ne8 21.c4 dxc4 22.Qxc4
Qe7 15.0-0 Be6 16.e4 Rad8 Nd6 23.Qd3 Rfa8 24.Bd1 Ra5
17.exd5 Rxd5 18.Bf3 Rxc5 19.Qe2 25.Rcb1 g6 26.Bc2 Rd8 27.Qc3 Rd7
 82

28.e4 Ra8 29.Qc5 Rad8 1.10/22 [ 13.Nc3 dxc4 14.e4 b5 15.d5 cxd5
[ 29...Qg5 0.34/20 ] 16.exd5 exd5 17.Nd4 Bb7 18.Nf5
30.Bd3 0.47/21 &Bianco is more active. Rfe8 19.Bd6 Bf8 20.Bxf8 Rxf8
[ 30.e5 1.10/22 Nf5 31.Qxe7 Rxe7 21.Nxd5 Nxd5 22.Bxd5 Bxd5
32.Rxb7 ] 23.Rxd5 Nf6 24.Rd6 Ra6 25.Rad1
30...Qg5 White is slightly better. Rxd6 26.Nxd6 Rd8 27.Qe2 Qa6
31.Qxg5 hxg5 32.f3 Kg7 Weighted Vantika,A (2430)-Ju,W (2568) Kalkata
Error Value: White=0.05 (flawless) / 2023 0-1 (50) 28.Nf5 Rxd1+ 29.Qxd1
Black=0.08 (flawless) Qe6 30.Qd8+ Kh7 31.Ne3 Ne4
½-½ 32.Qd4 Ng5 33.Qc5 Qd7 34.Qd5
Qxd5 35.Nxd5 Ne6 36.Nc3 Nc7
37.f4 Kg6 38.Kf2 Kf5 39.Kf3 Ke6
E11 40.g4 Kd6 41.Ke4 Kc5 42.Ke5 Ne8
Giri,Anish 2731 6.Ne4 Nf6 7.N2g3_64142 (2430)-R Of
Praggnanandhaa R 2741 B,F (2568) France 2023 Inf 94 [John
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (9.5) 28.01.25 Watson] 0-1 (50) ]
13...Nh5 14.Be3 Bd6 Inhibits Ne5.
E11: Bogo-Indian In the following game, 15.Rac1 b5 16.c5 Bb8 17.Ne1 e5
White forgot to support his own pawn 0.90/23
chain. Gukesh had some dynamite in [ 17...Re8 0.48/23 ]
stock and was able to blow up 18.Nd3 H o p i n g f o r N b 4 . 18...Nhf6
Esipenko´s seemingly mighty centre. In 19.Nb4 Bb7 20.dxe5 &Bianco is more
der folgenden Partie vergaß Weiß, active. 20...Bxe5 21.Nf3 0.67/23
seine eigene Bauernkette zu [ 21.f4! 1.27/23 Ng4 22.Nf1 ]
unterstützen. Gukesh hatte etwas 21...Rfe8 22.Nxe5 Rxe5 0.73/22
Dynamit auf Lager und konnte [ 22...Nxe5 0.35/24 23.Bd4 Qc7 ]
Esipenkos scheinbar mächtiges 23.Bd4! Re7 24.e3
Zentrum sprengen. 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 [ 24.Nxd5 l o o k s s h a r p e r . Nxd5
3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 Bb4+ 5.Bd2 a5 6.Bg2 25.Bxd5 cxd5 26.c6 ]
0-0 7.Qc1 Be7 8.0-0 c6 9.Rd1 24...Qc7 0.85/23
The position is equal. 9...Nbd7 10.Bf4 [ 24...Qd8 0.42/23 ]
a4
[ 10...Nh5 11.Bg5 Bxg5 12.Nxg5 b5
13.c5 Qe7 14.e4 Ba6 15.Bf3 Nhf6 (Diagram)
16.e5 Ne8 17.Qe3 h6 18.Nh3 g5
19.Be2 Ng7 20.f4 Nf5 21.Qc1 f6 25.Qc3 0.43/24
22.exf6 Qxf6 23.fxg5 Nxd4 24.Bg4 [ 25.Nxd5! 0.85/23 Nxd5 26.Bxd5 ]
Nf3+ 25.Bxf3 Esipenko,A (2692)- 25...Ne5 26.f4 Ned7
Gukesh,D (2699) Ankara 2022 CBM
220 [Markos,Jan] 0-1 ] (Diagram)
11.Qc2 h6 12.a3 0.07/20
[ 12.Na3 0.39/19 ] 27.Nxd5! Nxd5 28.Bxd5 cxd5 29.c6
12...Qa5 13.Nbd2N f6 30.cxb7 Qxb7 31.Qc7 Prevents
 83

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

a b c d e f g
40.Ba5 0.01/23
h
[ White should try 40.f5 1.39/24 ]
8 8 40...Ra8= 41.Bb4 0.01/22
7 7 [ 41.Bc3 1.45/25 ]
41...Rad8 42.Rc1 d4 43.e4 g5
6 6 44.Kf3↑ White is on the roll. 44...Re8
5 5
45.h4 Ne6 46.f5 Nd8 2.14/26
[ 46...g4+ 1.68/25 was worth a try.
4 4 47.Kxg4 Nd8 ]
3 3
47.Rc8+- g4+ 48.Kf4
[ 48.Kxg4?! Rxe4+ 49.Kf3 Re5 ]
2 2 48...h5 2.81/25
1 1
[ 48...Kf7 1.92/25 49.Bc3 ( 49.Kxg4
Rxe4+ 50.Kh5 Kg7 ) 49...Ke7 ]
a b c d e f g h
49.Bc5 Rb7 50.Rxd4
Nb6. 31...Nf8 32.Qxb7 Rxb7 33.Bc3 [ 50.Bxd4 Rbe7 51.e5 ( 51.Bxf6
Rd8 1.53/24 Rxe4+ 52.Kg5 Nf7+ 53.Kg6 Rxc8 )
[ 33...Re8 0.99/22 ] 51...fxe5+ 52.Bxe5 Ne6+ 53.fxe6
Rxc8 ]
50...Ne6+ 51.fxe6 Rxc8
(Diagram) Endgame KRR-KRB 52.Rd5 Kf5 is the
strong threat. 52...Rbc7
34.Ba5! Re8 35.Kf2
[ 35.Rxd5 Rxe3 36.Rc2 Ng6 ] (Diagram)
35...Rd7 36.Rc5 Rde7 37.Rc3
[ 37.Rxb5 Rxe3 38.Kg1 ( 38.Rbxd5 53.e7! Threatens to win with Rd8+.
Re2+ 39.Kg1 Rxb2 ) 38...Re2 ] 53...Re8
37...Rd7 38.Rcd3 Ra8 39.Bb4 Rad8 [ 53...Kf7?
 84

a b c d e f g h
D00
Fedoseev,Vladimir 2717
8 8 Harikrishna,Pentala 2695
7 7 Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (9.6) 28.01.25
6 6 D00: 1 d4 d5: Unusual lines 1.d4 Nf6
5 5
2.c3 d5 3.Bf4 c6 4.h3N
[ 4.e3 Qb6 ( 4...Bf5 5.Nd2 e6
4 4 6.Ngf3 Be7 7.h3 0-0 8.Nh4 Re8
3 3
9.Nxf5 exf5 10.Qc2 Ne4 11.Nxe4
fxe4 12.0-0-0 Nd7 13.Kb1 b5 14.f3
2 2 f5 15.g4 Bg5 16.Bxg5 Qxg5 17.f4
1 1
Qf6 18.gxf5 Qxf5 19.h4 Evdokimov,
A (1506) -Colls Gelaberto,E (1817)
a b c d e f g h
Hastings 2023 CT-1266 [John
a b c d e f g h
Watson] 0-1 (34)) 5.Qb3 Nh5 6.Bd3
Nxf4 7.exf4 Qc7 8.g3 e6 9.Nf3 c5
8 8 10.dxc5 Bxc5 11.Nbd2 Nc6 12.0-0
7 7 0-0 13.c4 Nb4 14.Rac1 d4 15.Bb1
Rd8 16.a3 Nc6 17.Qd3 g6 18.b4
6 6 Bf8 6.Bc4 Nb6 7.Bb3 d5 8.ed-Vaibhav,
5 5
J corr 1920 200 Traps In The
Opening [Schlosser,Michael] ½-½ (54)
4 4 19.Nb3 a5 20.b5 a4 21.Nbd2 Na5
3 3
22.c5 Bxc5 23.Qc2 b6 24.Qxa4
Qe7 25.Be4 Ra7 26.Ne5 Bxa3
2 2 27.Ra1 Bb4 28.Ndc4 Qc5 29.Nxb6
1 1
Bc3 30.Nxc8 Rxc8 31.Rab1 Qb6
32.h4 f6 33.Nf3 Nc4 Rubinstein, A-
a b c d e f g h
Bogoljubow,E Stockholm 1920 [JvR]
54.Rd8! Rxe7 55.Rxc8+- ] ½-½ (54) ]
54.Rxh5 Kf7 55.Kxg4 Ke6 56.Rd5 4...Bf5 5.Nd2 e6 6.Ngf3 Bd6 7.Ne5
Rcc8 57.Kf4 Rh8 5.16/25 Qc7 8.g4 The position is equal. 8...Bg6
[ 57...Rc7 3.53/24 58.h5 Rd7 ] 9.e3 Nbd7 10.Nxg6 hxg6 11.Bxd6
58.h5 White is clearly winning. Qxd6 12.Qe2 b5 0.18/19
58...Rhg8 59.g4 Rce8 60.Rf5 Rc8 [ 12...g5 -0.28/20 ]
61.Bd4 Kxe7 7.22/22 13.g5= Ng8
[ 61...Rc1 4.22/19 62.Rxf6+ Kxe7 ] [ 13...Ne4 14.Nxe4 dxe4 15.Qg4 ]
62.Bxf6+ Ke6 63.h6 Weighted Error 14.h4 Ne7 15.Qf3 Rh5 0.43/19
V a l u e : W h i t e = 0 . 1 4 ( ve r y p r e c i s e ) / [ 15...e5= -0.03/20 ]
Black=0.15 (very precise) 16.Be2 Nb6 0.57/20
1-0 [ 16...Rb8= 0.22/19 ]
17.e4 Nc4 18.a4 Nxd2! 19.Kxd2 b4
 85

20.e5 Qb8 42.Kd2 Qg2+ 43.Ke3 Qe4+ 44.Kd2

a b c d e f g h
Qg2+ 45.Ke3= ) 37...Qg1+ 38.Ke2
Qg2+ 39.Ke3 ( 39.Kd1 Qg1+ 40.Ke2
8 8 Qg2+ 41.Ke3 Qe4+ 42.Kd2 Qg2+
7 7 43.Ke3 Qe4+ 44.Kd2 Qg2+
45.Ke3= ) 39...Qe4+ 40.Kd2 Qg2+
6 6 41.Ke3 ( 41.Kd1 Qg1+ 42.Ke2 Qg2+
5 5
43.Ke3 Qe4+ 44.Kd2 Qg2+
45.Ke3= ) 41...Qe4+ 42.Kd2 Qg2+
4 4 43.Ke3 ( 43.Kd1 Qg1+ 44.Ke2 Qg2+
3 3
45.Ke3= )]
32.Ke3! g6
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
21.cxb4! &Bianco is more active.
21...Qxb4+ 22.Qc3 Rb8 23.Bxh5 6 6
gxh5 24.Kc2 0.47/20 5 5
[ 24.Rhc1 0.87/21 ]
24...Nf5 25.Rhd1 0.35/23 4 4
[ 25.Qxb4 Rxb4 26.Ra3 Nxd4+ 3 3
27.Kb1 c5 ]
[ 25.Kd3 0.74/24 ] 2 2
25...Nxh4 26.Ra3 -0.01/24 1 1
[ 26.b3 0.47/23 ]
a b c d e f g h
26...Nf5= 27.Qxc6+ Kd8 28.Rc3
a i m i n g f o r b 3 . 28...Qxb2+ 29.Kd3 33.a5!
Strongly threatening g6! Chess con chili. [ M u c h we a k e r i s 33.Qxa7?! Nf5+
29...Ne7 34.Kd3 ( 34.Kf3 Qd2 ) 34...Kf8= ]
[ 29...Nxd4!? 30.Qc7+ ( 30.Kxd4 33...Rd7
Qxf2+ 31.Kd3 Qf5+ 32.Kd2 Qxg5+ [ 33...Rc8? g e t s m a t e d . 34.Qxc8+
33.Re3 Qg2+ 34.Re2 Rb2+ 35.Kc3 Nxc8 35.Rxc8+ Ke7 36.R1c7# ]
Qxe2= ) 30...Ke8 31.Kxd4 Qxf2+ 34.Qc5 Hoping for a6. 34...Rb7 35.a6
32.Kd3 Qf5+ 33.Kd2 Rb2+ 34.Rc2 1.28/25
Qf4+ 35.Ke2 Qe4+ 36.Kd2 Qf4+ [ 35.Qa3 0.95/23 And now a6 would
37.Ke2 Qe4+ 38.Kd2 Qf4+= ] win. Qxa3 36.Rxa3 ]
30.Qc7+ Ke8 31.Rdc1 Rd8 0.64/24 35...Rd7? 4.72/29 This move loses the
[ Better is 31...Rb7= 0.01/21 32.Qa5 game for Black.
f6 33.gxf6 gxf6 34.exf6 Qxf2 [ 35...Rb3 1.28/25 36.Rxb3 Qxb3+
35.fxe7 Qf3+ 36.Kd2 Qf2+ 37.Kd1 37.Qc3 Qb6 ]
( 37.Kd3 Qf3+ 38.Kd2 Qf2+ 39.Kd1 36.Qa3+- White is clearly winning.
Qg1+ 40.Ke2 Qg2+ 41.Ke3 Qe4+ 36...Qb6 11.29/25
 86

[ 36...Nf5+? 37.Kd3 ( 37.Kf3 Qxa3 Rxb7 18.Rxe8+ Qxe8 19.Bxd5

38.Rxa3 Nxd4+ 39.Ke3 Nb5 ) cxb2 1-0 Peter,G (2319)-Struzka,V
37...Qb5+ 38.Kd2 ] ( 2 2 1 5 ) c o r r V W C 7 / p r 2 9 2 0 1 4;
[ 36...Qxa3 4.69/26 37.Rxa3 h4 ] 16...Rxe1+ 17.Qxe1 Qe8 18.Qf1
37.Qa4 Rc7 is the strong threat. Bc6 19.Nxc6 Qxc6 20.Bxd5 Qxd5
37...Nf5+ 38.Kd3 White wants to mate 21.bxc3 c5 22.Be3 cxd4 23.cxd4 a5
w i t h R c 8 + . 38...Kf8 39.Rb3 Qd8 24.a4 Rb8 25.Rc1 h6 26.h3 Rb4
40.Rb7 Re7 41.Qb4 Weighted Error 27.Rc8+ Kh7 28.Qd3+ g6 29.Rc5
Value: White=0.06 (flawless) /Black=0. Qd6 30.Rxa5 Bxd4 31.Bxd4
33 ½-½ (34) Solution-Matsukevich corr
1-0 FRA Cup/11/1T/24 2011) 17.Nxb7
( 17.Rxe8+ Qxe8 18.Nxb7 cxb2
19.Bxb2 Bxb2 20.Bxd5 Bxa1
C89 21.Qxa1 Qb5 22.Qd1 Re8 23.g3 g6
Wei,Yi 2751 24.a4 Qe2 25.Qb3 Kg7 26.Kg2 Qe5
Erigaisi Arjun 2801 27.Qc4 Qa1 28.Qxc7 Qf6 29.Qc4
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (9.7) 28.01.25 Re1 30.Nc5 Qa1 31.Qf4 Rg1+
[Kitty Kat] 1-0 (41) Hansen,C (2605)-Hector,J
(2500) Sigeman & Co 05th_150388
C89: Closed Ruy Lopez: Marshall Attack 1997 (8) ) 17...Qf6 18.Rf1 cxb2
Blatny,Pavel: 'RR: 'Inf 70/(333)'' 1.e4 e5 19.Bxb2 Bxb2 20.Bxd5 Bxa1
2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 21.Qxa1 Qxa1 22.Rxa1 Re5 23.Bf3
Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 0-0 8.c3 d5 Rb8 24.a4 g5 25.h3 Rf5 26.Be4
9.exd5 Nxd5 10.Nxe5 Nxe5 11.Rxe5 Re5 27.Bf3 Rf5 28.Rb1 a5 29.Rb3
Bb7 12.d4 Bf6 13.Re1 Re8 14.Na3 Rf4 30.Rb5 h6 ½-½ (39) Id7 (2455)-
b4 White is slightly better. 15.Nc4 bxc3 Fordham Hall,C (2335) 88/(280)
a b c d e f g h
Pancevo 2003 31.Nxa5 Re8 32.Rb1
Re5 33.Nc6 Re6 34.Bd5 Rd6
8 8 35.Ra1 Kg7 36.a5 Rxd5 37.a6 Rd2
7 7 38.a7 Rfxf2 39.a8Q ½-½ Bd7 (2455)-
Fordham Hall,C (2335) 88/(280)
6 6 Pancevo 2003 ]
5 5
16...Qd6! 17.f4 cxb2 18.Bxb2 a5
19.a4 Re7 20.Ba3 Nb4 21.Rc1 Rd8
4 4 22.Rc5 Qxd4+ 23.Qxd4 Rxd4 24.g3
3 3
[ Don't go for 24.Bxf7+? Rxf7 25.Nxf7
( 25.Rxa5? perishes. Bxe5 26.Raxe5
2 2 h6-+ ) 25...Nd3 26.Rxc7 Nxe1-+ ]
1 1
[ 24.Rd1 simpl if ie s Rxd1+ 25.Bxd1
Bxe5 26.fxe5 Rd7 27.Bb3 ]
a b c d e f g h
24...Rd2 0.34/23
aiming for ...Bxd4! 16.Ne5N [ 24...g5= -0.07/22 deserves
[ 16.Na5 Bxd4 ( 16...Rb8 17.Nxb7 consideration. ]
 87

25.Rd1 Rxd1+ The position is equal. Be6 12.Bxf6 Bxf6 13.Nd5 Nc6
26.Bxd1 Bxe5 27.fxe5 Rd7 28.Be2 14.c3 g6 15.a4 Bg7 16.Ne3 Bd7
a b c d e f g h
17.Bd5 Qc7 18.Qb3 Rab8 19.axb5
axb5 20.Ra6 Ne7 21.Rfa1 Nc8
8 8 22.h3 h6 23.Nh4 Ne7 24.Ra7
7 7 1-0 (50) Jiang,L (2352)-Wongso,S
(2069) Las Vegas 1000 GM op 2023
6 6 (1) ) 10.Ne2 c5 11.Ng3 Nc6 12.c3
5 5
Rb8 13.h3 a5 14.a4 b4 15.Re1
Be6 16.Bc4 h6 17.Be3 Qc8 18.Qe2
4 4 Rd8 19.Bxe6 fxe6 20.d4 bxc3
3 3
½-½ (37) Karjakin,S (2772)-Carlsen,M
(2853) World-ch Carlsen-Karjakin
2 2 Tiebreak rapid 2016 (1) ]
1 1
6...b5 7.Bb3 0-0N
[ 7...d6 8.d4 Nxd4 9.Nxd4 exd4
a b c d e f g h
10.c3 dxc3 11.Nxc3 0-0 12.a4 Bb7
R b 5 ! i s t h e s t r o n g t h r e a t . 28...Rd2 13.axb5 axb5 14.Rxa8 Bxa8 15.Bg5
29.Rxc7 Rxe2 30.Rxb7 Kf8 31.Bxb4+ b4 A8) RL – 8th Move Alternati-8th
axb4 32.Rxb4 Ra2 Move Alternatives – 8. ]
W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e = 0 . 0 9 8.h3 Bb7 9.d3 d5 10.exd5 Nxd5
(flawless) /Black=0.06 (flawless) 11.Nbd2 Nd4 12.Nxe5 c5 13.c3 Nxb3
½-½ 14.axb3 Re8 15.Ndf3 Bd6 16.d4 Qc7
17.Bd2 f6 18.Nd3 c4 19.bxc4 bxc4
a b c d e f g h
C88
Erigaisi Arjun 2801 8 8

Keymer,Vincent 2733 7 7
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (10.1) 29.1.25
[Kitty Kat] 6 6

5 5
C88: Closed Ruy Lopez: Anti-Marshall
Systems 4 4
Navara,David: 'The match had been very 3 3
tense. Many people including me
expected Magnus to be a clear favourite, 2 2
but Sergey and his team prepared 1 1
excellently. The tie-break was eagerly
a b c d e f g h
awaited by the chess world.
' 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 20.Nc5 Bxc5 21.dxc5 Qxc5 22.Nd4
Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.Re1 Rxe1+ 23.Qxe1 Nc7 Prevents Qe6+
[ 6.d3 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.a3 0-0 9.Nc3 24.Qe2 Re8 25.Qg4 Bc8 Inhibits Nf5.
Nb8 ( 9...Na5 10.Ba2 c5 11.Bg5 26.Qg3 Nb5 27.Be3
 88

[ 27.Bh6!? Re7 28.Be3 ] a5 21.f4 a4 22.Bxe6 Xiong,J (2692) -

27...Qd5 Against Ne6 28.Nc2 0.15/22 Hakobyan,A (2613) Chess.com INT
[ 28.Qf3 0.55/22 feels stronger. Qd7 2022 1-0 (47) ) 8.Nxf6+ Qxf6
29.Nc2 ] A) 9.Be2 h6 10.0-0 Be7 11.c3
28...Nd6= 29.Nb4 Qe6 30.Qf4 0-0 12.a4 ( 12.Be3 b5 13.a4 Bd7
[ 30.Nxa6? perishes. Nf5 31.Qf4 14.axb5 axb5 15.b4 Rxa1
Bxa6-+ ] 16.Rxa1 Nxb4 17.Qd2 Nc6
30...g5 31.Qg4 Nf5 32.Bd2 -0.07/23 18.Bxb5 Rb8 19.Bf1 Rc8 20.e5
[ 32.Bd4 0.36/21 ] Qf5 21.exd6 Bf6 22.Rd1 Na5
32...Qf7 The position is equal. 33.Re1 23.Nd4 Qd5 24.Ne2 Qc6 25.Qa2
Strongly threatening Rxe8+. Nc4 26.Bd4 e5 Dragnev,V (2576) -
[ Do n ' t p l a y 33.Nxa6 Nh4 34.Qg3 Pranav,A (2510) Chess.com INT
Bb7 ] 2023 ½-½ (63) ) 12...Rd8 13.Be3
33...Rxe1+ 34.Bxe1 Qe6 35.Bd2 Bb7 d5 14.Rfd1 dxe4 15.Qxe4 Bd7
36.Nc2 Qe4 37.Qxe4 Bxe4 38.Ne3 16.Bb6 Be8 17.Bxd8 Bxd8 18.h3
Nxe3 Bc7 19.Rac1 Rb8 20.b4 Ne7
Weighted Error Value: White=0.07 21.b5 axb5 22.Bxb5 Nc6 23.Nd4
(flawless) /Black=0.06 (flawless) e5 Vakhlamov,I (2413)-De Boer,E
½-½ (2415) Chess, com INT 2024 1-0
(35);
B) 9.c3 Be7 10.Be2 Qg6 11.0-0
B50 e5 12.Nd2 f5 13.Bf3 0-0 14.exf5
Harikrishna,Pentala 2695 Bxf5 15.Bd5+ Kh8 16.Qg3 Qh5
Caruana,Fabiano 2803 17.Nc4 Rf6 18.Qg5 Qe2 19.Qe3
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (10.2) 29.1.25 Qh5 20.Qg5 Qe8 Grabinsky,A
(2405)-Cervantes Landeiro,T
B50: Sicilian: 2...d6, Miscellaneous 1.e4 (2253) Saint Louis 2023 1-0 (43) ]
c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Nc3 a6 4.d4 cxd4 6...g6 7.Be2 Bh6 8.Qd3 White has an
5.Qxd4 Nc6 6.Qe3N edge. 8...Bg7 9.0-0 Bg4 10.Bg5 h6
[ 6.Qd3 Nf6 7.Nd5 ( 7.Be2 g6 8.0-0 11.Be3 Rc8 12.Qd2 Bxc3 13.Qxc3
Bg7 9.Nd5 0-0 10.Rd1 Rb8 11.c3 Nf6 14.Qb3 Qd7 15.h3 Be6 16.Qc3
b5 12.Be3 Re8 13.h3 Nd7 14.a4 g5 17.Rad1 g4 18.hxg4 Bxg4 19.Bf4
bxa4 15.Qd2 Nc5 16.Bxc5 dxc5 Rg8 20.Qe3 aiming for e5.
17.Rxa4 a5 18.Qf4 Bd7 19.Ra2 [ 20.Bxh6 Bh5 21.Rfe1 Nxe4 ]
Rb7 20.Qe3 e6 21.Nf4 Bh6 20...Qe6 21.Rfe1 Nb4 22.Nd4
Dreisch,J (1921)-Zepf,U (1797) BdF- [ 22.Bxh6? Nxc2 23.Qd2 Nxe1
S c h a c h s e r v e r 2 0 1 7 24.Rxe1 Nxe4-+ ]
Fernschach2025 [Stockfish17] 1-0
(48) ) 7...e6 ( 7...Nd7 8.Bg5 h6
9.Bh4 Nc5 10.Qe3 g5 11.Bg3 e6 (Diagram)
12.Nc3 g4 13.Nd4 e5 14.Nxc6 bxc6
15.h3 gxh3 16.0-0-0 hxg2 17.Bxg2 22...Nxc2! 23.Nxe6 Nxe3 24.Bxe3
Qb6 18.Kb1 Rb8 19.b3 Be6 20.Bh3 Bxe6 25.f3 Bxa2 26.Rc1 Kd7
 89

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

27.Bxh6 d5 28.e5 Rxc1 29.Rxc1 Ne8 win with ...b2. 50.Rc8+ Kd4 51.Rd8+
30.Be3 Nc7 31.f4 -0.51/23 Kc4 0.01/24
[ White should play 31.Bd3= 0.01/23 ] [ Black should try 51...Ke4 -0.89/28
31...e6 -0.01/24 (  ...b2) 52.Kc3 Kxf4 ]
[ Better is 31...Ne6! -0.51/23 ] 52.Rc8+!=
32.Kf2= Bc4 Strongly threatening ... a b c d e f g h
Bxe2. 33.Bxc4 dxc4 34.Rxc4
E n d g a m e K R B - K R N 34...Nd5 8 8

Hoping for ...Rxg2+! 35.Bd2 b5 36.Rc1 7 7

b4 37.Ra1 Ra8 38.Ra5 -1.00/24
[ 38.Rc1 -0.45/22 ] 6 6
38...Kc6 39.Be3 Nxe3 40.Kxe3 5 5
KR-KR 40...Kb6 41.Ra1 a5 42.g4
Kb5 -1.41/20 4 4
[ 42...a4 -0.98/23 43.Kd4 Kb5 ] 3 3
43.b3 -1.00/25
[ 43.Kd3 -1.41/20 ] 2 2
43...a4 44.bxa4+ Rxa4 45.Rb1 1 1

a b c d e f g h
(Diagram)
Kd4 -0.01/25
Ra3+! 46.Kd2 Rg3 -0.92/26 [ 52...Kd5! -0.93/28 53.Rd8+ Ke4 ]
[ Worse is 46...Rf3 47.f5 ] 53.Rd8+! Ke4 54.Kc3 Rg4 -0.06/30
[ 46...Kc4-+ -2.42/25 and Black stays [ 54...Kxf4 -0.91/29 55.Rf8 Rg3+
clearly on top. White must now 56.Kb2 Kxe5 57.Rxf7 Kd4 ]
prevent ...Rd3+. 47.Rc1+ Rc3 ] 55.Kxb3
47.g5 b3 And now ...Kb4 would win. [ M u c h w e a k e r i s 55.Rd4+ Ke3
48.Rh1 Kc4 49.Rh8 Rg1 Threatens to 56.Rb4 Rxf4 57.Rxb3 Rf5 ]
 90

55...Rxf4 56.Rg8 Kxe5 next ...Ke4 is 2022 ) 14...b6 15.Ne2 Bd6 16.Nc3
good for Black. 57.Kc3! Ra4 -0.02/29 Bb4 17.Qc2 Rac8 18.Rfd1 f5
[ 57...Kf5! -0.52/30 ] 19.g3 a6 20.Ne2 Bd6 21.b3 b5
58.Rg7! The position is equal. 58...Ra3+ 22.axb5 axb5 23.bxc4 Rxc4
59.Kd2 Ra7 60.Kc3 Ra3+ 61.Kd2 24.Qb3 Rfc8 (36) Model Games-
Ra2+ 62.Kd3 Rf2 63.Ke3 Rf1 64.Ke2 Ding Liren - Nihal Sarin,c;
Rf5 65.Ke3 Kd6 66.Ke4 Rf1 67.Rh7 B) 10.Nd2 0-0 11.e4 Bxc3
Rf5 68.Rg7 Ke7 Black had all chances 12.bxc3 dxe4 13.Nxe4 h6 14.Bh4
to win. Weighted Error Value: White=0. g5 15.Nxf6+ Nxf6 16.Bg3 Nd5
06 (flawless) /Black=0.16 (very precise) 17.Qc2 b5 18.Bf3 Rc8 19.Rae1
½-½ b4 20.Bxd5 Qxd5 21.cxb4 c3
22.a3 Qxd4 0-1 (39) Kjartansson,G
(2453)-Sebenik,M (2538) EU-ch
D32 Blitz Katowice 2022 (9) ]
Praggnanandhaa R 2741 8...gxf6 0.62/20
Fedoseev,Vladimir 2717 [ 8...Qxf6= 0.09/19 9.a3 Nd7 ]
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (10.3) 29.1.25 9.g3 Bb4 White is slightly better.
[kitty Kat] 10.Bg2 Nc6 11.0-0 0-0 12.Ne2 0.58/19
[ 12.Nh4 1.04/18 ]
D32: Tarrasch Defence: Sidelines and 12...Rc8 13.Nh4 aiming for Nf4.
lines without g3 13...Kh8 14.a3 Be7 1.13/20
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c5 4.cxd5 [ 14...Ba5 0.68/20 might be
exd5 5.Nf3 Nf6 6.Bg5 Be6 7.e3 c4 stronger. ]
8.Bxf6N 15.e4 0.73/18
[ 8.Be2 Nbd7 ( 8...Bb4 9.0-0 0-0 [ 15.Qc2 1.13/20 ]
10.Nd2 Nc6 11.a3 Be7 12.b3 cxb3 15...Rg8 1.48/18
13.Nxb3 Rc8 14.Nc5 Bxc5 15.dxc5 [ B l a c k s h o u l d t r y 15...f5 0.73/18
h6 16.Bh4 Ne5 17.Bg3 Ned7 16.Nxf5 ( 16.exf5 Bd7=; 16.exd5
18.Bd6 Re8 19.Qd4 b6 20.cxb6 Bxd5 17.Bxd5 Qxd5= ) 16...Bxf5
Nxb6 21.Bb4 Ne4 22.Rac1 Nd6 17.exf5 Bf6 ]
23.Nb5 1-0 (72) Sunilduth Lyna,N 16.Re1 0.87/21
(2656)-Nitish,B (2425) Abu Dhabi op [ 16.Qc2! 1.48/18 ]
29th 2023 (6) ) 9.0-0 Bb4 16...Bf8 17.Qc2 b5 18.Rad1
A) 10.Ne5 0-0 11.Nxd7 Qxd7 [ 18.exd5 i s m o r e c o m p l e x . Bxd5
12.Bxf6 gxf6 13.Bf3 Kg7 14.a4 19.Rad1 b4 20.Bxd5 Qxd5 21.Nf4 ]
( 14.a3 Bxc3 15.bxc3 Bf5 16.Re1 18...Ne7 19.Nc3 a6 1.35/20
Rfe8 17.h3 Bd3 18.Be2 Be4 [ 19...Bg4 0.87/20 ]
19.Bf3 Bd3 20.a4 b6 21.Ra2 a6 20.exd5 Nxd5 21.Be4 0.76/20
22.Rb2 Rab8 23.Be2 Bg6 24.Qa1 [ 21.Nxd5 1.47/21 Bxd5 22.Be4 ]
b5 25.axb5 axb5 26.Qa3 Be4 21...Nf4 1.85/19
27.Ra1 Rg8 28.Qa7 Rb7 [ 21...Nxc3 0.76/20 22.bxc3
0- 1 ( 9 8) Gr a u, J (2 3 94 ) -B u cs a , I ( 22.Qxc3 Bg4= ) 22...Rg5 ]
(2390) corr ESP/MG6 6 (ESP) 22.Bxh7 Rg5 23.Be4 Qd7 24.Kh1
 91

0.99/20 a b c d e f g h
[ 24.Qd2 1.57/19 Bd6 25.Ng2 Nxg2
26.Bxg2 ] 8 8

24...Rh5 25.Bf3 0.54/21 7 7

[ 25.Rg1 1.21/20 ]
25...Rh6 1.20/20 6 6
[ 25...Bg4! 0.54/21 26.Re3 Bxf3+ 5 5
27.Nxf3 ( 27.Rxf3 Nd3 ) 27...Nd3 ]
26.d5 White is more active. 26...Bh3 4 4
27.Be4 Rh5 D o d g e s B f 5 28.Ne2↑ 3 3
Black is under strong pressure.
28...Nxe2 29.Qxe2 Re5 Strongly 2 2
threatening ...Rce8. 30.f4 0.12/21 1 1
[ White should play 30.Nf3! 1.11/21
a b c d e f g h
Ree8 31.Qd2 ]
30...Bg4= 31.Qf1 -0.01/21 a b c d e f g h
[ 31.Qg2! 0.48/20 Ree8 32.Bf3 ]
31...Rh5 0.74/20 8 8

[ 31...Rxe4!= -0.01/21 remains equal. 7 7

32.Rxe4 Bxd1 33.Qxd1 Kg8 ]
32.Bf3 Black must now prevent Qe2. 6 6
32...c3 1.81/22 5 5
[ 32...Bh3 0.67/21 33.Ng2 Rh6 ]
33.bxc3 Qe2 is the strong threat. 4 4
33...Rxc3? 3.29/21 Black cannot hold 3 3
the game after this.
[ 33...Bh3 1.50/21 was worth a try. 2 2
34.Qd3 Rh6 ] 1 1
34.Bxg4+- Qxg4 35.Qe2 1.75/23
a b c d e f g h
[ 35.d6 3.23/23 Qd7 36.Qe2 Qc6+
37.Ng2 ] [ Stronger than 40...Bxh4 41.Rc8 f5
35...Qxe2 36.Rxe2 Bd6 42.Rxc3 ]
[ 40...Bxh2 41.Rh8+ ]
(Diagram)

37.Re8+! Kh7 3.29/20 (Diagram)

[ 37...Kg7 1.83/25 might work better. ]
38.Rd8 Bxf4 39.d6 Bxg3 41.Rc8!
[ A v o i d t h e t r a p 41.Rh8+? Kxh8
(Diagram) 42.d8Q+ Kg7-+ ]
41...Rxh2+ 42.Kg1 Rxa3 43.d8Q
40.d7! Rc8 would now be deadly. Prevents Bc7
40...Rxh4 [ 43.d8R? Rha2 44.Rh8+ Kg6 ]
 92

a b c d e f g h
8.Nbc3N
[ 8.0-0 0-0 9.Nbc3 Ne2 Variation-
8 8 Advanced Theory [RCA] ]
7 7 8...0-0 9.h3 Bd7 White is slightly better.
10.0-0 Rb8 11.Be3 b5 12.b3 b4
6 6 13.Na4 e6 14.Nb2 a5 15.a4 bxa3
5 5
16.Rxa3 Nb4 0.44/23
[ 16...Qe7= 0.06/20 ]
4 4 17.Nc3 0.10/21
3 3
[ 17.Qd2 0.44/23 ]
17...Bb5 0.79/23
2 2 [ 17...Qc8= 0.10/21 18.Qd2 e5 ]
1 1
18.Re1 0.11/23
[ 18.Nxb5 0.79/23 Black must now
a b c d e f g h
prevent Qe2. Rxb5 19.Qe2 ]
43...Be5 44.Qg8+ Kh6 45.Qf8+ 18...d5 0.59/22
Weighted Error Value: White=0.28 [ 18...Ba6!= 0.11/23 ]
(precise) /Black=0.56 19.e5 Nd7 20.Qd2 -0.01/24
[ 45.Qxf7 Rg3+ 46.Kxh2 ( 46.Kf1 [ White should try 20.Nxb5 0.52/23
Rh1+ 47.Ke2 Rh2+ 48.Kf1 Rh1+ Rxb5 21.Qd2 ]
49.Ke2 Rh2+ 50.Kf1= ) 46...Rg7+ 20...Ba6= 21.Rc1 Rc8 22.Raa1 Qb6
47.Kh1 Rxf7 ] 23.Nca4 Qb8 24.Bf1 -0.48/25
1-0 [ 24.Nc3= -0.01/22 feels stronger. ]
24...Bxf1 25.Kxf1 f6 26.exf6 Nxf6
. . . Ne 4 i s t h e s t r o n g t h r e a t . 27.Rxc8!
B20 Qxc8
Warmerdam,Max 2646 [ Reject 27...Rxc8?! 28.Nc5= ]
Gukesh D 2777 28.Rc1? -2.41/22
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (10.4) 29.1.25 [ 28.Nc3 -0.54/24 ]

B20: Sicilian: Unusual White 2nd moves

1.e4 d6 2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 g6 4.c3 Bg7 (Diagram)
5.Ne2 Nc6 6.d4 cxd4 7.cxd4
[ Of course not 7.Nxd4 Qb6= ] This move loses the game for White.
7...Nf6 28...Ne4!-+ 29.Qd1 Qb8 Strongly
[ 7...Bg4 8.f3 Bd7 9.Nbc3 h5 10.h3 threatening ... Qxg3. 30.Kg1
Rc8 11.Be3 b5 12.Qd2 b4 13.Nd1
a5 14.0-0 h4 15.g4 Nf6 16.Nf2 a4 (Diagram)
17.b3 Na5 18.Rab1 axb3 19.axb3
Bb5 20.Nd3 Qb6 21.Rfd1 Nd7 Nxg3! 31.Nc5
22.Bf1 Bruzon Batista,L (2614)- [ 31.Qg4 Nf5 ]
Do m i n g u e z P e r e z , L ( 2 6 7 7 ) C u b a 31...Nf5 32.Qg4 Qe8 Inhibits Nd7.
2007 CI1-130 [RR] ] 33.Nbd3 Nc6 Prevents Ne5. 34.Nf4
 93

a b c d e f g h
yesterday, the players might have been
a t a d t i r e d . ( M a yb e t h a t s h o we d a s
8 8 Magnus almost dozed off to sleep in the
7 7 middle of the game today!) But for Vishy
this was maybe the most important game
6 6 of the match. With the White pieces he
5 5
has been successful in putting pressure
on Carlsen in the last three games. After
4 4 the two white's, this was Carlsen's black
3 3
after almost three days. Team Magnus
had done their homework. Carlsen had a
2 2 stoic face as the game began. Maybe he
1 1
was determined not to give any chances
to the challenger today. 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3
a b c d e f g h
d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6
a b c d e f g h
6.Nb3 e6 7.g4 b5 8.a3 Bb7
White has an edge. 9.Bg2 Nc6 10.g5
8 8 Nd7 11.h4 -0.13/20
7 7 [ 11.0-0 0.20/18 ]
[ 11.f4 h6 12.h4 hxg5 13.hxg5
6 6 Rxh1+ 14.Bxh1 Nb6 15.a4 b4
5 5
16.Ne2 a5 17.Nbd4 Nxd4 18.Nxd4
g6 19.b3 Rc8 20.Qe2 e5 21.Nb5
4 4 Be7 22.Bb2 Ba6 23.fxe5 Bxg5
3 3
24.Rd1 Bxb5 25.axb5 Qc7
Gan-Erdene,S (2437)-Vivaan Vishal
2 2 Shah (2296) Doha QAT 2024 [Kitty
1 1
Kat] 1-0 (61) ]
11...Rc8= 12.Qe2N
a b c d e f g h
[ 12.f4 h6 13.Be3 hxg5 14.hxg5
Bxd4 Weighted Error Value: White=0.26 Rxh1+ 15.Bxh1 Nb6 16.Qe2 Nc4
(precise) /Black=0.12 (very precise) 17.0-0-0 Qc7 18.Bf2 g6 19.e5 dxe5
0-1 20.Ne4 Be7 21.Bc5 Nd4 22.Nxd4
exd4 23.Bxe7 Kxe7 ½-½ (23) Anand,
V (2792) -Carlsen,M (2863) Sochi
B90 2014 [Sagar Shah] ]
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek 2768 12...Be7 13.f4 h6 14.0-0 hxg5
Sarana,Alexey 2677 15.hxg5 Nb6 16.a4 Nc4 0.24/21
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (10.5) 29.1.25 [ 16...b4 -0.33/20 17.Nd1 Nd7 ]
17.axb5 axb5 18.Qf2 b4 19.Nd1 Ra8
B90: Sicilian Najdorf: Unusual White 6th 20.Rxa8 Qxa8 21.Nd2 Nxd2 22.Bxd2
moves, 6 Be3 Ng4 and 6 Be3 e5 After a Bd8! 23.b3 Qa5
1 2 2 m o ve g a m e t h a t we wi t n e s s e d [ 23...Ba6!? 24.Re1 e5 ]
 94

24.Be3 Ba6 25.Re1 e5! 26.Qd2 Bc7 Kg8 54.Qc4+= ]

0.45/22 [ 36.Ra1 1.02/23 Bb5 37.Bf1 ]
[ Black should try 26...exf4= -0.25/21 36...dxe5= 37.Rxe5
27.Qxd6 fxe3 28.Qxc6+ Kf8 a b c d e f g h
29.Nxe3 Qb6 30.Qxb6 Bxb6 ]
27.f5 -0.63/22 8 8

[ 27.Qd5! 0.45/22 Bb7 28.fxe5 Qxd5 7 7

29.exd5 Nxe5 30.Nf2 ]
27...Nd4 28.Bf2 Rh5 29.g6 Bd8 6 6
0.01/22 5 5
[ 29...Bb6 -0.65/21 30.Ne3 fxg6 ]
30.gxf7+ -0.56/23 4 4
[ 30.Bxd4= 0.01/22 exd4 31.e5 3 3
( 31.gxf7+ Kxf7 32.Bf3 Rg5+ 33.Kh1
Qe5 ) 31...dxe5 32.Qf4 ] 2 2
30...Kxf7 Ho pi n g f or .. . Bh 4 . 31.Ne3 1 1
-1.10/22
a b c d e f g h
[ 31.Bxd4 exd4 32.Bf3 ( 32.Qxd4?
Bb6-+ ) 32...Rg5+ 33.Kh1 Qe5 ] Qd6!⇆ Black puts up resistance
[ 31.Nb2! -0.49/23 ] 38.Qxd4
31...Bg5 0.01/23 [ 38.Re6 Qh2+ ]
[ 31...Bh4! -1.10/22 Strongly 38...Bf6 This bishop pair is nice.
threatening ...Qd8. 32.Nd5 Qc5 ] 39.Qa7+ Kf8? 4.78/22
32.Qd1= Rh8 33.Qg4 Qd8 34.Nd5 [ 39...Kg8 0.54/27 40.Nxf6+ Rxf6
aiming for Bxd4. 34...Rh6 1.20/24 41.Qa8+ Kh7 ]
[ 34...Nxc2? 35.Bb6! Qd7 36.Rd1+-
( 36.Qxg5 Nxe1 37.f6 Rg8= )] a b c d e f g h
[ 34...Bb7= 0.09/24 keeps the
balance. ] 8 8

35.Bxd4 Really sharp! 7 7

[ 35.Nxb4?! Bd2 36.Ra1 ( 36.Nxa6
Bxe1 37.Be3 Qh4 ) 36...Ne2+ 6 6
37.Kf1 Ng3+ 38.Kg1 Ne2+ 39.Kf1 5 5
Ng3+ 40.Kg1 Ne2+= ]
35...exd4 36.e5 0.01/20 4 4
[ Do n' t pl a y 36.Nxb4?! Bd2! 37.e5 3 3
( 37.Nc6? Qb6-+ ) 37...dxe5 38.Rxe5
Be3+ 39.Rxe3 dxe3 40.Nxa6 Qd2 2 2
41.Qc4+ Kf8 42.Qc8+ Ke7 43.f6+ 1 1
Rxf6 44.Qc7+ Kf8 45.Qc8+ Kf7
a b c d e f g h
46.Qc4+ Kg6 47.Qg4+ Kh7 48.Qh3+
Kg8 49.Qc8+ Rf8 50.Qc4+ Kh8 This costs Black the game. 40.Nxf6!+-
51.Qh4+ Kg8 52.Qc4+ Kh8 53.Qh4+ Qd1+ 41.Kf2 Qxc2+ 42.Kg3 Rxf6
 95

43.Bd5 Qd3+ #21/23 11.d4 e4 12.Nd2 b5 13.Qe2 a6

[ 43...Bb7+- 4.73/25 ] 14.Bg5 Nb6 15.Bxf6 Bxf6 16.c3
Re8 17.Nxe4 Bxd4 18.cxd4 f5
a b c d e f g h
19.0-0 Rxe4 20.Qc2 Qd7 21.Rac1
Re7 Firouzja,A (2767)-Carlsen,M
8 8 (2832) Paris 2024 0-1 (60)) 7...Nd7
7 7 ( 7...Nd4 8.Nxd4 exd4 9.Ne2 d5
10.exd5 Nxd5 11.0-0 c5 12.Nf4
6 6 Nxf4 13.Bxf4 Be6 14.Bxe6 fxe6
5 5
15.Qg4 Rf6 16.Be5 Rg6 17.Qe4
Qd5 18.Rae1 Rd8 19.Re2 Qxe4
4 4 20.Rxe4 Bd6 21.Rfe1 Kf7 22.f4
3 3
Idani,P (2603)-Tahbaz,A (2432) Doha
QAT 2024 [Kitty Kat] 1-0 (64); 7...Be6
2 2 8.Nd5 Nb8 9.Qe2 Nxd5 10.exd5
1 1
Bf5 11.Be3 Nd7 12.Nd2 Bg6 13.g4
f5 14.gxf5 Rxf5 15.0-0-0 Bh5 16.f3
a b c d e f g h
Bg5 17.Rhg1 Bxe3 18.Qxe3 Qh4
44.Re3! Rg6+ 45.Kf4 Qf1+ 46.Bf3 19.Kb1 Qf4 20.Qf2 Nf8 21.d4 exd4
Rg4+ 47.Kxg4 Qg1+ 48.Kf4 Qh2+ 22.Bd3 Ekengren,O-Usachy,M ICCF
49.Ke4 15.08/22 corr 1987 Corr Nr. 1 [ChessBase II]
[ 49.Kg5 #14/21 Bb7 50.Bxb7 0-1 (45) ) 8.0-0 Nb6 9.Ba2 Kh8
Qg1+ 51.Kh5 Qh2+ 52.Kg4 Qg1+ 10.Nd5 Nxd5 11.exd5 Nb8 12.d4 e4
53.Kh3 Qf1+ 54.Kg3 ] 13.Ne1 Nd7 14.f3 f5 15.fxe4 fxe4
49...Qh4+ 50.Kd5 White wants to mate 16.Rxf8+ Qxf8 17.c4 Nf6 18.Nc2
w i t h Q a 8 + . 50...Qd8+ 51.Kc6 Qf7 19.Qe1 Qg6 20.Kh2 Bd7
Weighted Error Value: White=0.17 (very 21.Be3 Bradler,E (2510)-Henri (2109)
precise) /Black=0.61 Tel Aviv 2001 200 Traps In The
1-0 Opening [Vassallo Barroche,Mauricio]
1-0 (33) ]
7.h3 Bxf3 8.Qxf3 Nd4 9.Qd1 c6
C55 10.0-0 0-0 11.Ne2 Ne6 The position is
Wei,Yi 2751 equal. 12.Ng3 d5 13.Ba2 Bc5 14.Bd2
Van Foreest,Jorden 2680 a5 15.Bc3 Nd4 16.Bd2 Ne6 17.Bc3
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (10.6) 29.1.25 Nd4 18.Re1 Re8 19.Bd2 Ne6 20.Qf3
[Kitty Kat] Nd4 21.Qd1 Ne6 22.Qf3 Nd4 23.Qd1
A rather calm draw. Weighted Error
C55: Two Knights: 4 d3, 4 d4 exd4 5 e5 Value: White=0. 03 (flawless) /Black=0.
and Max Lange Attack 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 01 (flawless)
Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 Be7 5.Nc3 d6 ½-½
6.a3 Bg4N
[ 6...0-0 7.h3 ( 7.Be3 Be6 8.Nd5
Bxd5 9.exd5 Nb8 10.Ba2 Nbd7
 96

D12 0.57/22
Mendonca,Leon Luke 2639 [ 18...Nf6= 0.01/22 ]
Giri,Anish 2731 19.Qxb6!
Masters Wijk aan Zee, NL (10.7) 29.01.25 [ But not 19.Qxd5 Nf6 20.Qb3 Qxb3
21.axb3 cxd4= ]
D12: Slav Defence: 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 e3 Bf5 19...Nxb6 20.dxc5 Rxc5 21.Rc1
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5 3.c4 c6 4.e3 Bf5 Inhibits Rc2. 21...Nc4 22.Bxc4 dxc4
5.Nc3 e6 6.Nh4 Be4 7.f3 Bg6 8.Bd2 23.Bb4 Rc7 24.Bxe7 Rxe7 25.Rxc4
Be7 9.Nxg6 hxg6 White has an edge. Rxe3= KRR-KRR 26.Rf1 Rd8 27.Rf2
10.Qc2 dxc4 11.Bxc4 Nd5 0.45/18 Against Re2 27...Red3 28.Re2 -0.01/24
[ 11...c5= 0.05/18 ] [ 28.Rc7 0.31/23 ]
12.Kf2N 28...f6 The position is equal. 29.h4 Kf7
[ 12.0-0-0 Nb4 13.Qb1 Nd7 14.Ne4 30.Kf2 R3d4 Weighted Error Value:
( 14.a3 Nd5 15.Qc2 a5 16.Bd3 White=0.04 (flawless) /Black=0.12 (very
Nxc3 17.Bxc3 b5 18.Be1 Qb6 precise)
19.h4 a4 20.Bb4 c5 21.dxc5 Bxc5 ½-½
22.Be4 Rc8 23.Kb1 f5 24.Qd2 Nf6
25.Bxc5 Rxc5 26.Bd3 0-0 27.g4
fxg4 28.fxg4 Nxg4 Lupulescu,C C50
(2581)-Giri,A (2760) Chess.com INT Giri,Anish 2731
2023 ½-½ (45) ) 14...b5 15.Be2 a5 Warmerdam,Max 2646
16.a3 Nd5 17.Qc2 b4 18.a4 b3 87th Tata Steel Masters (11.1) 31.01.25
19.Qxb3 Rb8 20.Qc2 0-0 21.h4 Bb4 [Kitty Kat]
22.h5 g5 23.h6 g6 24.h7+ Kh8
25.Bc4 Bxd2+ 26.Qxd2 Rb4 C50: Hungarian Defence and Giuoco
Roehrich,S (2729)-Grube,J (2768) Pianissimo
Ismailia EGY 2023 TD 94\02 [John 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3
W a t s o n ] 0 - 1 ( 6 5 ) 27.Bxd5 cxd5 Bc5 5.Nc3 h6 6.0-0 d6 7.Na4 Bb6
28.Nc5 Qc7 29.Kb1 Rfb8 30.Rc1 8.a3
Nxc5 31.dxc5 Rxb2+ 32.Qxb2+ [ 8.c3 Bg4 9.b4 Qd7 10.Nxb6 axb6
Rxb2+ 33.Kxb2 Qb7+ 34.Kc2 Qb4 11.a4 0-0 12.Bb5 Qc8 13.Re1 Ne7
35.c6 Qxa4+ 36.Kd2 Qb4+ 37.Rc3 14.h3 Bd7 15.Bxd7 Qxd7 16.d4
d4 38.exd4 Qxd4+ 39.Kc2 Qa4+ Ng6 17.dxe5 Nxe5 18.Nxe5 dxe5
40.Kb2 Qb5+ 41.Rb3 Qe5+ 19.Qxd7 Nxd7 20.Be3 Rfd8 21.c4
Yu,Y (2729)-Giri,A (2768) Chess.com Nf8 22.c5 bxc5 ½-½ (44) Kramnik,V
INT 2023 0-1 (65) ] (2753)-Grischuk,A (2732) Amsterdam
12...a6 13.Rad1 Nd7 14.g3 Rc8 Levitov Rapid 2023 (11) ]
15.Kg2 0-0 16.Be2 8...Bg4
[ 16.e4 feels hotter. Nb4 17.Qb3 c5 [ 8...0-0 9.h3 Be6 10.Bxe6 fxe6
18.dxc5 Nxc5 19.Qxb4 Nxe4 11.b4 Qd7 12.c3 Rf7 13.Ra2 Raf8
20.Nxe4 Bxb4 21.Bxb4 Qc7 22.Bxf8 14.Re1 Nh5 15.Nxb6 axb6 16.Ng5
Qxc4 23.Ba3 ] hxg5 17.Qxh5 b5 18.Bxg5 Na7
16...c5 17.Nxd5 exd5 18.Qb3 Qb6 19.Re3 Nc6 20.Rg3 d5 21.Rg4 Qe8
 97

22.Rh4 Rd7 23.Qh7+ 1-0 (26) a b c d e f g h

Sindarov,J (2677)-Makarian,R (2550)
Julius Baer GenCup D3 L rapid 2024 8 8

(4.2) ] 7 7
9.c3 Inhibits Nd4. 9...Bh5N White has
an edge. 6 6
[ 9...Na5 10.Nxb6 axb6 11.Ba2 0-0 5 5
12.h3 Bh5 13.g4 Nxg4 14.hxg4
Bxg4 15.d4 Qf6 16.Kg2 Nc6 4 4
17.Qd3 exd4 18.Nh2 Bh5 19.Bd2 3 3
Qg6+ 20.Kh1 Ne5 21.Qg3 Qxe4+
22.f3 Qc2 23.cxd4 Ng6 24.Bc3 2 2
1-0 (33) Philippe (2171)-Safar Zadeh, 1 1
E (2272) Munich SKA 1993 (7) Rae8
a b c d e f g h
25.Rae1 Qf5 26.Bb1 Qb5 27.Re4
d5 28.Rxe8 Rxe8 29.Qh3 Nf4 a b c d e f g h
30.Qf5 Ne2 31.Qh7+ Kf8 32.Bd3
Qc6 33.Bb4+ 1-0 Obregon Garcia,R 8 8

(2171)-Rakshitta,R (2272) Wch U20 7 7

Girls 39th 2023 (7) ]
10.Nxb6 axb6 11.Qe2 Qd7 12.Qe3 6 6
0-0 13.h3 d5 14.exd5 Nxd5 15.Nxe5 5 5
Qd6 16.Bxd5 Qxd5 17.Nxc6 Qxc6
18.Qe4 Rfe8 19.Qxc6 bxc6 20.Bf4 4 4
Re2 21.b4 b5 22.Bxc7 Rc2 23.Be5 3 3
Be2 ...f6! is the strong threat. 24.Rfe1!
Bxd3 25.Re3 Bg6 0.90/24 2 2
[ 25...Bc4 0.39/24 ] 1 1
26.Bd4 Kh7 27.Re7 Ra6 1.99/24
a b c d e f g h
[ 27...Kg8 0.90/24 was necessary. ]
28.g4!+- Kg8 game after this.
[ 33...Bf7 1.19/22 34.h4 h5 ]
(Diagram) 34.Rc7 Rg2+ 35.Kf1 Strongly
threatening f6. 35...Kg8 4.39/23
29.Re8+! Kh7 30.Rf8 Re2 [ 35...c5 2.96/20 was worth a try. ]
36.Re1 Rxa3? 7.17/24
(Diagram) [ 36...Ra8 3.37/22 37.Rd7 ( 37.Ree7
Rxa3 38.Rxg7+ Rxg7+- ) 37...c5
Prevents Re1. 31.f4! f5 32.gxf5 Bh5 ( 37...Rxa3? is the wrong capture.
33.Rc8 1.19/22 38.f6+- ) 38.bxc5 ( 38.Bxc5 Rc8+- )
[ Better is 33.f6+- 1.78/23 gxf6 38...Ra2 ]
34.Rxf6 ] 37.f6 f 7 + w o u l d k i l l n o w . 37...Bd5
33...Bf3? 4.04/21 Black cannot hold the 38.f7+
 98

Weighted Error Value: White=0.04 com RCC Wk14 Swiss 2022 (6) ]
(flawless) /Black=0.34 8...0-0 9.Ne5 c5 10.0-0 Nc6 11.Na3
1-0 -0.01/21
[ 11.Nxc6 0.35/23 might be stronger.
bxc6 12.Bxc6 ]
E04 11...Bxc3 12.bxc3 Nd5 13.Nxc6
Fedoseev,Vladimir3 2717 -0.01/22
Mendonca,Leon Luke 2639 [ 13.Rc1 0.46/20 was preferrable. ]
87th Tata Steel Masters (11.2) 31.01.25 13...bxc6= 14.dxc5 Ba6 15.Qd4 Qf6
[Kitty Kat] 16.Qxf6
[ 16.Nxc4? Qxd4 ( 16...Nxc3 17.Qxf6
E04: Open Catalan: 5 Nf3 Nxe2+ 18.Kh1 ) 17.cxd4 Bxc4-+ ]
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 dxc4 16...gxf6 17.Rfc1 f5 18.Kf1 Rfd8
5.Bg2 c6 6.a4 White has 0.27/24
c o mp e n s a t i o n . 6...Bb4+ 7.Bd2 a5 [ 18...Rfc8! -0.27/22 ]
8.Bc3N The position is equal. 19.Ke1 Rab8 20.e3 -0.35/24
[ 8.Qc2 [ Better is 20.Rab1= 0.16/22 ]
A) 8...Bxd2+ 9.Qxd2 Ne4 ( 9...b5 20...Rb3 21.Bf1 Nf6
10.axb5 cxb5 11.Qg5 0-0 [ 21...Rxc3 22.Bxc4 Rxc1+
12.Qxb5 Ba6 13.Qa4 Qb6 14.0-0 23.Rxc1 ]
Qxb2 15.Nbd2 Bb5 16.Nxc4 Bxa4 [ 21...Nxc3? 22.Nxc4 Bxc4
17.Nxb2 Bb5 18.Ne5 Ra7 23.Bxc4 ]
19.Nbc4 Nbd7 20.Nxa5 Bxe2 22.Bxc4
21.Rfe1 Bh5 22.Nac6 Rxa1 a b c d e f g h
23.Rxa1 Nxe5 24.dxe5
1-0 (43) Vidit,S (2718)-Pichot,A 8 8

(2600) FIDE World Cup 2019 (1.2)) 7 7

10.Qc1 Nd6 11.Nbd2 b5 12.Ne5
Bb7 13.b3 Qb6 14.e3 cxb3 6 6
15.Nxb3 b4 16.0-0 0-0 17.Nc5 5 5
Bc8 18.Qc2 Ra7 19.Rfc1 Rc7
20.h4 Nb7 21.Nb3 Nd7 22.Nxc6 4 4
Nb8 23.Qe4 1-0 (37) 4.f3 g6 5. 3 3
bd2 (2730)-Sikorova,J (2725) 54/
146 Barcelona 1992 (6); 2 2
B) 8...0-0 9.Qxc4 Bxd2+ 1 1
10.Nbxd2 b6 11.Qb3 Ba6 12.Nc4
a b c d e f g h
Qd5 13.Rc1 Nbd7 14.0-0 b5
15.axb5 Qxb5 16.Nfd2 Nd5 Rxa3 Remove Defender 23.Bxa6 Rb3
17.Qxb5 Bxb5 18.Rfd1 Rfb8 24.Bc4 Rb2 White must now prevent ...
19.e3 Kf8 20.b3 a4 21.bxa4 Bxa4 Rdd2. 25.Rab1 Rdb8 26.Rxb2 Rxb2=
22.Re1 c5 1-0 (82) Andreikin,D Endgame. KRB-KRN 27.Be2 -1.26/25
(2729)-Sankalp,G (2505) Chess. [ 27.Rd1= -0.01/24 ]
 99

27...Ne4 Black is more active. 28.Bf3 a b c d e f g h

-2.06/24
[ 28.Ra1 -1.28/22 ] 8 8

28...Nxf2-+ 7 7
[ 28...Rxf2? 29.Bxe4 Rxh2
30.Bxc6+- ] 6 6
29.Bxc6? -4.50/25 5 5
[ 29.Kf1 -2.13/25 ]
29...Nd3+ 30.Kd1 Nf2+? 0.01/5 4 4
[ 30...Nxc5 31.Rc2 Rb3 32.Rd2 ] 3 3
[ 30...Rxh2 31.Rb1= ]
[ Black should try 30...Nxc1-+ -4.42/27 2 2
31.Kxc1 Re2 ( 31...Rxh2? 32.Bb7+- )] 1 1
31.Ke1= Nd3+ 32.Kd1 White does not
a b c d e f g h
recover from this. 32...Nxc1
[ 32...Nxc5 33.Rc2 Rb3 34.Ra2 ] ( 36...Rxh2? 37.c7+- ) 37.Kc2= ]
[ 32...Rxh2 33.Rb1= ] 35.exf5 Ke7
33.Kxc1-+ [ Not 35...exf5 36.Bb5 Re5
a b c d e f g h
( 36...Rxh2? is the wrong capture.
37.c6+- ) 37.Kc2-+ ]
8 8 36.fxe6 fxe6 37.h4 Re3 38.Kc2 Rxg3
7 7 39.Kb3 Rg4 40.h5 h6
W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 3 2 /
6 6 Black=0.22 (precise)
5 5
0-1

4 4

3 3
B13
Keymer,Vincent 2733
2 2 Abdusattorov,Nodirbek 2768
1 1
87th Tata Steel Masters (11.3) 31.01.25
[Kitty Kat]
a b c d e f g h

KR-KB 33...Re2 B13: Caro-Kann: Exchange Variation

[ 33...Rxh2 34.Bb7 Rh5 35.c6 ] and Panov-Botvinnik Attack
34.e4 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.Bd3
Nf6 5.h3 Nc6 6.Nf3 Nb4
(Diagram) [ 6...g6 7.0-0 Bg7 8.Re1 0-0 9.c3
Qc7 10.Nbd2 Bf5 11.Bf1 Rfe8
Hoping for Bb7. Black is clearly winning. 12.Nb3 Ne4 13.Be3 Rad8 14.Nfd2
34...Kf8! Nd6 15.Bf4 f6 16.c4 e5 17.dxe5
[ Stronger than 34...fxe4 35.Bb7 e3 fxe5 18.Bg5 Rc8 19.cxd5 Nb4
( 35...Rxh2 36.c6= ) 36.c6 Re1+ 20.Rc1 Qf7 21.Nc4 1-0 (24) Molina,R
 100

(2859)-4.d4 f6 5. c4_43147 (2736) [ 29.Be3 -0.76/23 was worth a try.

FIDE GP Moscow rapid 2002 (3.37) ] Rcd8 30.Qe2 ]
7.Ne5 Nxd3+N
[ 7...a6 8.Bf4 e6 9.Be2 Bd6 10.c3 a b c d e f g h
Nc6 11.Qd3 Qc7 12.Qg3 0-0
13.Nd2 a5 14.0-0 b6 15.Rfe1 Ne7 8 8

16.Bf3 Nf5 17.Qh2 Ne8 18.g4 Ne7 7 7

19.Nd3 g5 20.Bg3 Ra7 21.Re3 Ng6
22.Ne5 ½-½ (26) Charbonneau,P 6 6
(2050)-Urquhart,J (2401) South Herts 5 5
Major 2007 ]
8.Qxd3 The position is equal. 8...e6 4 4
9.Nc3 Bd7 10.0-0 Rc8 11.Re1 Be7 3 3
12.Bg5 0-0 13.a4 Be8 14.a5 a6
15.Qd2 Qc7 16.Re3 Kh8 17.Nd3 2 2
Wards off Bb4 17...Bb5 18.Ne5 Be8 1 1
19.Rf3 Ng8 0.30/23
a b c d e f g h
[ 19...Qd8 -0.07/21 should be
considered. ] 29...Rcd8!↑ Black is in control. 30.Qe3
20.Bf4 And now Nxf7+! would win. [ 30.exf6? Rxf6 ( 30...Qxf6? 31.Nxe4
20...Qd8 21.Nd3 Against Bb4 21...Nf6 Qxf4 32.Qxf4-+ ) 31.Rg5 Qxf4-+ ]
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
B l a c k i s we a k o n t h e d a r k s q u a r e s
22.Nc5! Prevents Ne4. 22...Bc6 23.b4 30...Bxc5! 31.bxc5 Rd3 -0.94/24
Ne4 24.N3xe4 dxe4 25.Rg3 [ 31...fxe5 32.Bg5 Rd3 33.Qe2 ]
Black must no w prevent c4 . 25...Qd5 [ 31...g5-+ -2.27/26 32.hxg5 fxg5
26.Re1 Qf5 27.c3 f6 28.h4 -0.88/22 ( 32...Rd3 33.Qc1 ) 33.Bxg5 Rd3 ]
[ 28.Be3= -0.07/21 ] 32.Qc1
28...e5 29.dxe5 -1.84/25 [ 32.exf6? Rxf6 ( 32...Rxe3?
 101

33.fxg7+ Kg8 34.gxf8Q+ Kxf8 [ 57...Rxa5? perishes. 58.Rxg7+

35.fxe3+-; 32...Qxf6? 33.Rg4-+ ) ( 58.Bxg7? too greedy. Rh5+ 59.Kg2
33.Bg5 Rxe3-+ ] Rg5+ 60.Kf3 Rxg7-+ ) 58...Kh8
32...fxe5 33.Bxe5 Qxf2+ 34.Kh2 Rxg3 59.Rg5+ Kh7 60.Rxa5+- ]
[ 34...Qxc5 35.Bxg7+ Kg8 36.Bxf8+ 58.Kh2 Rg4! 59.Rc7 Bd3 60.Rc5 Bb5
Kxf8 37.Qf4+ Ke7 38.Rg7+ 61.Kh3 Rg6 62.Rc7 Bf1+ 63.Kh4
( 38.Rxd3 Ke6+- ) 38...Ke6 39.Qf7+ Bd3 64.Kh3 h5 65.Rc5 Be2 66.Re5
( 39.Rxh7 Qxc3 40.Rc1 Kd5+- ) Bf3 67.Re3 Bd1 68.Re1 Bg4+ 69.Kh4
39...Ke5 40.Rg5+ ( 40.Rxh7 Qxc3 Kg8 70.Re5 Rd6 71.Re7 Rg6 72.Re5
41.Rh5+ Kd4+- ) 40...Kd6 41.Qf8+ Rc6 73.Re7 g6 74.Rb7 Re6 75.Kg5
( 41.Qxh7 Qxc3 42.Qg6+ Ke7+- ) Bf5 76.Rb6 Kf7 77.Rxe6 Kxe6
41...Kd7 42.Qxc5 ( 42.Rxc5 h6 )] Whites escaped into a draw.
35.Bxg3 Qxc5 36.Bc7 -1.57/23 Weighted Error Value: White=0.13 (very
[ W h i t e s h o u ld t r y 36.Rf1 -1.12/23 precise) /Black=0.11 (very precise)
Rxf1 37.Qxf1 ] [ M u c h l e s s s t r o n g i s 77...Bxe6
36...Rf7 -0.91/25 78.Be3 ]
[ 36...Qe7 -1.57/23 37.Bg3 Rf5 ] ½-½
37.Qd2 -1.47/25 h6
[ 37...Rxc7 38.Qd8+ ]
38.Bb6 Qe7 -0.63/25 C55
[ 38...Qh5 -1.51/24 39.Kg1 Qxh4 ] Gukesh,D. 2777
39.Qd8+ Qxd8 40.Bxd8 Endgame. Wei,Yi 2751
KRB-KRB 40...Rf2 41.Bb6 Ra2 42.h5 87th Tata Steel Masters (11.4) 31.01.25
e3 43.Rxe3 Rxg2+ 44.Kh3 Kg8 [Kitty Kat]
[ 44...Rg5 45.Kh4 ]
45.Bd4 Rg1 46.Re7 Prevents Bd7+. C55: Two Knights: 4 d3, 4 d4 exd4 5 e5
46...Rg5 47.Kh4 Kf8 48.Rc7 Be4 and Max Lange Attack
49.Bb6 Kg8 50.Rc8+ Kh7 51.Rc7 Bf3 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3
52.Bd4 -0.71/29 Be7
[ 52.Rc5 -0.34/28 ] [ 4...d5 5.exd5 Nxd5 6.0-0 Nb6
52...Bxh5 ( 6...Be7 7.Re1 f6 8.d4 Nb6 9.Bb5
[ 52...Rxa5? 53.Rxg7+ Kh8 54.Rg5+ 0-0 10.dxe5 Qxd1 11.Rxd1 Nxe5
( 54.Rxb7+ Kg8= ) 54...Kh7 12.Nxe5 fxe5 13.Nc3 Bg4 14.Re1
55.Rxa5+- ] Bh4 15.Be3 Bf5 16.Na4 Bxc2
53.Rxb7 Be2 17.Nxb6 cxb6 18.Bc4+ Kh8 19.Bd5
[ 53...Rxa5? 54.Rxg7+ ( 54.Bxg7 Bd3 20.Bxb7 Rab8 21.Bd5
Bf3 ) 54...Kh8 55.Rg5+ Kh7 0-1 (74) 3.c3  g7 4.  g5_30545
56.Rxa5+- ] (2123)-Hauge,L (2379) Cappelle op
54.Re7 Bf1 55.Rf7 Bc4 56.Re7 Bd3 25th 2009 (3)) 7.Bb5 Bd6 8.d4 e4
...Bf5! is the strong threat. 9.Re1 f5 10.Bg5 Qd7 11.c4 0-0
[ 56...Rxa5? 57.Rxg7+ Kh8 58.Rg5+ 12.c5 exf3 13.cxb6 Qf7 14.Bxc6
Kh7 59.Rxa5+- ] bxc6 15.Qxf3 axb6 16.Nc3 f4
57.Kh3 Bf5+ 17.Qxc6 Bd7 18.Qd5 Qxd5
 102

19.Nxd5 1-0 (41) Rojas Keim,L (2680)- 24.Rxa7 Rd8 25.Be1 0.01/25
Vasquez Bonifacio,L (2738) Metz op [ 25.Ke2 0.53/25 Nxf2 26.h4 ]
28th 2010 (5.5) ] 25...Nb2 The position is equal. 26.Rb7
5.0-0 0-0 6.Nbd2N Nc4 27.Rc7 Ne5 Black has
[ 6.Nc3 d6 7.a3 Bg4 8.h3 Bxf3 compensation. 28.Ke2 Re8 29.Bd2
9.Qxf3 Nd4 10.Qd1 c6 11.f4 exf4 Nc4+ 30.Be3 Nxe3!
12.Rxf4 d5 13.exd5 cxd5 14.Ba2 Weighted Error Value: White=0.08
Bc5 15.Kh1 Re8 16.Rf1 Ne6 17.g4 (flawless) /Black=0.08 (flawless)
d4 18.Na4 Be7 19.g5 Nd7 20.Rxf7 ½-½
Bd6 ½-½ (56) Edighoffer,H-Melton,R
APCT King ch-1 1996 ]
6...d5 7.exd5 Nxd5 8.Re1 f6 D35
a b c d e f g h
Caruana,Fabiano 2803
Praggnanandhaa,R. 2741
8 8 87th Tata Steel Masters (11.5) 31.01.25
7 7 [Kitty Kat]

6 6 D35: Queen's Gambit Declined:

5 5
Exchange Variation
1.c4 e6 2.Nc3 d5 3.d4 Nf6 4.cxd5
4 4 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0
3 3
8.Nge2 Re8 9.h3
[ 9.Qc2 h6 10.Bh4 a5 11.h3 Na6
2 2 12.a3 Nc7 13.0-0 Ne6 14.f3 Ng5
1 1
15.f4 Ne6 16.Rae1 Be7 17.Kh2 Bd7
18.Bf2 b5 19.Ng1 b4 20.axb4 axb4
a b c d e f g h
21.Nce2 c5 22.Nf3 c4 23.Bf5 Nf8
White is slightly better. 9.d4! Bg4 0-1 (73) Hanisch,J (2418)-
10.Nb3 Kh8! 11.h3 Tym r a k i e wi c z , R ( 2 6 9 2 ) S t a u n t o n
[ 11.dxe5 Nb6 12.exf6 Bxf6 13.Qxd8 Memorial 7th 2009 (6) ]
Raxd8 ] 9...Nbd7 10.Qc2N Bxh7+! would now be
11...Bh5 12.c3 0.11/22 deadly. White is slightly better.
[ 12.dxe5 0.61/21 Ndb4 13.e6 ] [ 10.0-0 h6 11.Bh4 Nf8 12.Qd2 b5
12...exd4 13.f3 b4 14.Nd1 Ne6 15.Rc1 Bd7
[ 12...Nb6 keeps more tension. 13.Be6 16.Bxf6 Qxf6 17.Ba6 Ng5 18.Nf2
a5 14.a4 Bd6 ] Qxf3 19.gxf3 Nxf3+ 20.Kg2 Nxd2
13.Nbxd4 Nxd4 14.Qxd4 Bxf3 21.Rfd1 Ne4 22.Bb7 Rad8 23.Bxc6
15.gxf3 Nb6 16.Qxd8 Rfxd8 17.Rxe7 Nf6 24.Kf3 Re6 0-1 (59) Clementia,A
Nxc4 18.Bf4! (1550)-Hamedi Nia,V (1986) Olympiad
[ 18.Rxc7 Rd1+ 19.Kg2 Ne5-+ ] Women-45 2024 (4.25) ]
18...Nxb2 19.Rb1 Rd1+ 20.Rxd1 10...Nf8 11.0-0-0 -0.10/20
Nxd1 21.Rxc7= Endgame. KRB-KRN [ 11.0-0 0.30/21 Ng6 12.f3 h6
21...b6 22.Kf1 Re8 23.Bd2 h5 13.Bxf6 Qxf6 14.Nd1 Nh4 15.f4 Bf5
 103

16.Ng3 Bxd3 17.Qxd3 Re6 18.Nf2 Qa7 24.bxc6! Bxc6 25.Rhf1 Re7
Qg6 19.Qxg6 Rxg6 20.Kh2 Re8 0.85/21
21.Ng4 Rge6 22.Rae1 Kh7 23.Kh1 [ 25...Ne6 0.35/20 ]
Rg6 24.Kh2 Rge6 25.Kh1 f6 26.Nd5 Rb7 27.Rf5 Rc8 0.77/21
26.Re2 0-1 (48) Bashylina,L (2124)- [ 27...Ne6= 0.15/20 ]
Ramsdal,J (2328) Budapest SixDays 28.Qd3 0.23/20
09 IM-A 2024 (2) ] [ 28.Qf2 0.77/21 And now Rxf7!
11...b5 12.Kb1 a5 0.58/20 w o u l d w i n . Be8 29.Qxa7 Rxa7
[ 12...Be7= -0.03/19 ] 30.Nc3 ]
13.f3 -0.01/20 28...Ne6= 29.Rdf1 -0.23/21
[ 13.e4 0.58/20 ] [ White should try 29.Rd2 0.36/21 ]
13...Be7= 14.Bxf6 Bxf6 15.e4 a4 29...Be8 30.R5f2 Qb8 31.Rc2 Nc5
16.a3 32.Qe3 -1.42/20
[ 16.Rhf1 simplifies Ba6 17.a3 Be7 [ 32.Qe2 -0.53/23 ]
18.exd5 cxd5 19.Bxb5 Bxb5
20.Nxb5 Qd7 21.Nbc3 ] a b c d e f g h

8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
32...Nxb3! 33.Rb1
a b c d e f g h
[ 33.Bxb3? Rxc2+ 34.Bxc2 Rb2+
16...b4! 17.axb4 a3 18.b3 Qb6 35.Kxa3 Rxc2-+ ]
0.06/21 33...Ba4 ...Kh8 is the strong threat.
[ 18...Rb8! -0.45/19 ] 34.Bd3? -11.65/23
19.Ka2 dxe4 [ 34.Qf2 -1.92/24 Na5 Discovered
[ 19...Bxd4?! 20.Nxd4 ( 20.exd5 Attack 35.Rxb7 Remove Defender
Bxc3 21.Nxc3 Qxb4 ) 20...Qxd4 Qxb7 36.Ne7+ Kh8 ( 36...Qxe7
21.b5 ] 37.Bxf7+ Qxf7+ 38.Qxf7+ Kxf7
20.fxe4 Black must now prevent b5. 39.Rxc8 ) 37.Nxc8 Bxc2 ( 37...Qxc8
20...Bxd4 0.43/23 38.Rc1; 37...Nxc4? 38.Qc5+- )
[ 20...Be6= -0.01/21 ] 38.Qxc2 Nxc4 ( 38...Qxc8 39.Bb3 )
21.Nxd4 Qxd4 22.b5 Bd7 23.Bc4 39.Ne7 ]
 104

8...Nxd5 9.Bd2 Nf6 10.Qc2 Bd7

a b c d e f g h
11.Be2 Nc6 next ...Nxd4 is good for
Black. 12.Nf3 Rc8 13.0-0 Be7
8 8 14.Rfd1 0-0 15.a3 Bd6 16.b4 Qe7
7 7 17.Be1 Rfd8 18.Qb1 Ne5 19.Qb3 b5
20.h3 Nc4 21.Rac1 e5 And now ...e4
6 6 would win. 22.e4 -1.18/22
5 5
[ 22.Bxc4= -0.28/21 bxc4 ( 22...Rxc4
23.Nd2 ) 23.Qc2 ]
4 4 22...Be6 23.Nd5 Prevents Ne3
3 3
23...Nxd5 -0.27/23
[ 23...Bxd5 -0.95/21 24.exd5 e4 ]
2 2 24.exd5= Bd7 25.Bxc4 -1.28/23
1 1
[ Better is 25.Nd2 -0.31/22 ]
25...bxc4 26.Rxc4
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
34...Nc5!-+ Black is clearly winning.
35.Ne7+ 8 8

[ 35.Rf2 Bb3+ ] 7 7
35...Kh8 36.Rxb7 Qxb7 37.Ba6 Qxe7
W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 7 9 / 6 6
Black=0.11 (very precise) 5 5
0-1
4 4

3 3
D37
Sarana,Alexey 2677 2 2
Harikrishna,Pentala 2695 1 1
87th Tata Steel Masters (11.6) 31.01.25
a b c d e f g h
[Kitty Kat]
Ba4! D e f l e c t i o n 27.Qxa4 Rxc4
D37: Queen's Gambit Declined: 5 Bf4 28.Qxa6 Qc7 29.b5 -1.57/24
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 h6 [ 29.Kf1 -0.81/21 ]
5.e3 a6N 29...Qc8 -1.08/22
[ 5...Nbd7 6.Bd3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 a6 [ 29...e4 -1.57/24 30.b6 Qc5 ]
8.a4 c5 9.0-0 Qc7 10.Qe2 Bd6 30.Qa5 Qa8 31.b6 Qxa5 32.Bxa5
11.dxc5 Bxc5 12.e4 Bd6 13.Re1 Ra8 -0.23/22
Ng4 14.h3 Nge5 15.Nxe5 Nxe5 [ 32...Ra4!-+ -1.70/23 33.Bc3 f6
16.Bb3 0-0 7) Sarin Queen/^s Gambit ( 33...Bxa3? 34.Bxe5 Rd7 35.Bc7+- )]
Decl-Sarin Queen'S Gambit Declined 33.Bb4 -1.96/24 This move loses the
1… e6 Against Everything 2024 ] g a m e f o r W h i t e . 33...Bxb4-+ 34.b7
6.b3 c5 7.cxd5 cxd4 8.Nxd4 -2.60/25
aiming for dxe6. The position is equal. [ 34.axb4 -1.72/23 was the only
 105

defense. f6 ( 34...Rxb4 35.Nxe5 f6 Black is clearly winning. 38.Nd2

36.Nc6 ) 35.Kh2 ] a b c d e f g h

8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
Rd4 39.Rxd4 exd4 40.Nb3 d3
a b c d e f g h
W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 4 9 /
34...Re8! Black=0.14 (very precise)
[ 34...Rxa3? is the wrong capture. [ 40...Rxb7? 41.Nxd4 Rd7 42.Nf5-+ ]
35.b8Q+ ( 35.b8B? f6-+ ) 35...Kh7 0-1
36.Nxe5+- ( 36.Qxe5 Bc3+- )]
[ 34...Rb8 35.Nxe5 Re4 36.Nc6
Rxb7 37.axb4= ] E24
35.d6? -4.13/23 Van Foreest,Jorden 2680
[ 35.axb4 -2.47/24 Rxb4 36.Nh2 ] Erigaisi,Arjun 2801
87th Tata Steel Masters (11.7) 31.01.25
a b c d e f g h
[Kitty Kat]
8 8 E24: Nimzo-Indian: Sämisch: Unusual
7 7 Black 5th moves and 5...c5 sidelines
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.a3
6 6 Bxc3+ 5.bxc3 Nc6 6.f3 b6 7.e4 Na5
5 5
8.c5 bxc5 9.Qa4N
[ 9.Rb1 cxd4 10.cxd4 c5 11.dxc5
4 4 0-0 12.Bf4 Nb7 13.Qd4 Re8 14.Ne2
3 3
Qa5+ 15.Nc3 a6 16.Be3 Qxa3
17.e5 Nd5 18.Nxd5 exd5 19.Kf2
2 2 Nd8 20.Qxd5 Bb7 21.Rxb7 Nxb7
1 1
22.Qxb7 Rab8 23.Qd5 Qb2+
1-0 (31) Firouzja,A (2737)-So,W
a b c d e f g h
(2757) Bucharest Superbet Classic
35...Bxd6! 36.Rxd6 f6 37.Rd7 Rb8 4th 2024 (6) ]
 106

9...Nc6 10.Bb5 cxd4 11.Bxc6 dxc6 [ 23.Qh4 looks sharper. h5 24.Qf2

The position is equal. 12.cxd4 Qd7 Qb5 25.Qe2 ]
13.Ne2 23...Qxf2+
a b c d e f g h
[ 23...Qb5 is interesting. 24.Qd4 Nb6
25.Kf2 Kf7 ]
8 8 24.Kxf2 e5 25.Be3 Rc2+ 26.Rd2
7 7 Rac8 27.Rhd1 Nb6 28.Bxb6 axb6
29.Ke2 R8c3 30.a4 Rxd2+ 31.Rxd2
6 6 Ra3 32.Rb2 An interesting draw.
5 5
Weighted Error Value: White=0.03
(flawless) /Black=0.04 (flawless)
4 4 ½-½
3 3

2 2 E00
1 1
Harikrishna,Pentala 2695
Keymer,Vincent 2733
a b c d e f g h
87th Tata Steel Masters (12.1) 01.02.25
c5! 14.Qc4 cxd4 15.Nxd4 [Kitty Kat]
a b c d e f g h
E00: Catalan Bogo-Indian (3 g3 Bb4+)
8 8 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 Bb4+ 4.Nd2
7 7 0-0 5.Bg2 a5
[ 5...d5 6.Ngf3 b6 7.0-0 Bb7 8.Ne5
6 6 Be7 9.b3 Nbd7 10.Bb2 c6 11.Rc1
5 5
Nxe5 12.dxe5 Nd7 13.cxd5 cxd5
14.e4 Nc5 15.exd5 Bxd5 16.Nc4
4 4 Bxg2 17.Kxg2 Nd3 18.Qf3 Nxc1
3 3
19.Rxc1 Rc8 20.Rd1 0-1 (35)
Goryachkina,A (2545)-Artemiev,V
2 2 (2694) Moscow Stars Blitz 2024 (11) ]
1 1
6.Ngf3N
[ 6.e4 d5 7.cxd5 exd5 8.e5 Nfd7
a b c d e f g h
9.Ne2 c5 10.a3 Bxd2+ 11.Qxd2
Ba6! Deflection 16.Qxa6 Nc6 12.0-0 cxd4 13.Nxd4 Ndxe5
[ 16.Qc5 s i m p l i f i e s Qd6 17.Qc6+ 14.Nxc6 bxc6 15.Qc3 Qf6 16.Bf4
Qxc6 18.Nxc6 Bb5 19.Na5 ] Ng6 17.Qxf6 gxf6 18.Bd2 a4
16...Qxd4 17.Qc6+ Ke7 Threatens to 19.Rfc1 Bd7 20.Be3 f5 0-1 (22)
w i n w i t h . . . R h d 8 . 18.Qxc7+ Nd7 Aleksieva,S (2296)-Maiorov,N (2531)
19.Bg5+ f6 20.Rd1 Rhc8 21.Qg3 Vaujany op-A 8th 2017 (9.5) 21.f4 f6
R e a l l y s h a r p ! 21...Qb6⇆ Black is not 22.Bf3 Kg7 ½-½ Alexikov,A (2223)-
k e e p i n g s t i l l 22.Bf4 g6 23.Qf2 Bazzano,S (2280) Titled Tuesda y
Inhibits Rc2. intern op 15th Nov Late blitz 2022 (5) ]
 107

6...d6 7.0-0 a4 8.Qc2 White is slightly [ 25...c6= 0.01/22 ]

better. 8...Nc6 9.Ne4 Nxe4 10.Qxe4 26.Rd4 0.01/22
Qe7 11.a3 Ba5 12.Qc2 Bd7 13.d5 [ 26.Rc4 0.40/23 was preferrable. ]
exd5 14.cxd5 26...Rb6= 27.Rd2 Kd8 0.33/21
a b c d e f g h
[ 27...c5= -0.07/25 might be stronger. ]
28.Kg2 Ra8 29.Be2 Ra5 30.f4 Bb5
8 8 The position is equal. 31.Bg4 Be8
7 7 32.Be2 Against Rab5 32...Bb5
Weighted Error Value: White=0.12 (very
6 6 precise) /Black=0.12 (very precise)
5 5
½-½

4 4

3 3
C42
Wei,Yi 2751
2 2 Giri,Anish 2731
1 1
87th Tata Steel Masters (12.2) 01.02.25
[Kitty Kat]
a b c d e f g h

Black must now prevent Ng5! 14...Ne5 C42: Petroff Defence: 3 Nxe5 and
15.Bd2 Nxf3+ 16.Bxf3 Rfc8 17.Rac1 unusual White 3rd moves
Ra6 18.Rfd1 Qf6 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3
[ 18...Bxd2 s i m p l i f i e s 19.Qxd2 b6 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Bd6 7.0-0 0-0
20.e4 Ra5 ] 8.Re1 Bf5 9.Nc3
19.Bc3 Bxc3 20.Qxc3 Qxc3 21.Rxc3 [ 9.c4 c6 10.cxd5 cxd5 11.Nc3 Nxc3
Rb6 22.Rd2 Kf8 23.e4 Ke7 24.Bd1 12.bxc3 Bxd3 13.Qxd3 Nd7 14.Qf5
Ra6 Nb6 15.Ng5 g6 16.Qh3 h5 17.g4
a b c d e f g h
Qd7 18.gxh5 Qxh3 19.Nxh3 Rfe8
20.Bf4 Bxf4 21.Nxf4 g5 22.Nh3 Na4
8 8 23.Rac1 Rxe1+ ½-½ (56) Anand,V
7 7 (2783)-Kasparov,G (2812) Saint Louis
(blitz) 133/57 2017 ]
6 6 9...Nxc3 10.bxc3
5 5
(Diagram)
4 4

3 3
A n d n o w R b 1 w o u l d w i n . 10...Bxd3
11.cxd3N White has an edge.
2 2 [ 11.Qxd3 h6 ( 11...Nd7 12.Rb1 Nb6
1 1
13.Ng5 g6 14.Qh3 h5 15.g4 Qd7
16.gxh5 Rae8 17.Be3 Qxh3
a b c d e f g h
18.Nxh3 gxh5 19.Bf4 Kg7 20.Rxe8
25.h3 0.01/22 f6 0.40/23 Rxe8 21.Bxd6 cxd6 22.Nf4
 108

a b c d e f g h
30.Ra4 g5 31.Ra7+ Kg6 32.Ra6+
Kh5 33.a4 Re2 34.Rf6 Ra2 35.a5
8 8 Rxa5 36.g4+ fxg3+ 37.Kxg3 Ra3+
7 7 38.Kg2 A rather calm draw.
Weighted Error Value: White=0.04
6 6 (flawless) /Black=0.02 (flawless)
5 5
½-½

4 4

3 3
D36
Praggnanandhaa,R. 2741
2 2 Sarana,Alexey 2677
1 1
87th Tata Steel Masters (12.3) 01.02.25
[Kitty Kat]
a b c d e f g h

3.g3 b5 4.Bg2 Bb7/ 6.Na3-Dellenbach, D36: Queen's Gambit Declined:

J (ol) 121/114 2014) 12.c4 dxc4 Exchange Variation: Main line (5 Bg5 c6
13.Qxc4 Nd7 14.Rb1 b6 15.Qd3 6 Qc2)
Nf6 16.c4 Qd7 17.Be3 Rfe8 18.h3 Dokhoian,Y: 'Inf 61/(433)' 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4
Rad8 19.Rbd1 a6 20.Qc2 Qc8 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6
21.d5 Bb4 22.Rf1 Bc5 23.Bxc5 6.Qc2 Be6
bxc5 24.Rfe1 Rxe1+ 25.Nxe1 c6 [ 6...Na6 7.e3 Nb4 8.Qb1 g6 9.Qd1
0-1 (50) Durarbayli,V (2625)-Keymer, a5 10.a3 Na6 11.Bd3 Bg7 12.Nf3
V (2717) AI Cup Play In Match rapid 0-0 13.0-0 Dokhoian,Y (2580)-
20 23 ( 1. 2 ) 26.dxc6 Rxd1 27.Qxd1 Vaganian,R (2645) (m/4) 61/(433)
Qxc6 28.Qd8+ Kh7 29.Nd3 Qe4 1994 ]
30.Nxc5 Qe1+ 31.Kh2 Qe5+ 32.Kg1 7.e3 Nbd7 8.Be2N
Qxc5 33.Qd3+ g6 34.Qc3 Kg7 [ 8.Bd3 h6 9.Bh4 g5 10.Bg3 Nh5
35.g4 a5 36.h4 g5 37.h5 Qb4 11.Nge2 ( 11.Nf3 Nxg3 12.hxg3 Bg7
38.Qd4 Qe1+ 39.Kh2 Qe4 40.Qc3 13.Rb1 Qe7 14.b4 Rc8 D 36/01
Qf4+ 0-1 (50) Durarbayli,V (2612)- 2003 ) 11...Nxg3 12.Nxg3 Nf6
Paravyan,D (2586) Titled Tuesday ( 12...h5 13.0-0-0 h4 14.Nge2 Qe7
intern op 06th Dec Early blitz 2022 15.Kb1 Nb6 16.Rc1 0-0-0 17.Na4
(5) ] Nxa4 18.Qxa4 Kb8 19.Rc3 Qf6
11...Nc6 12.c4 Bb4 13.Bd2 Bxd2 20.f4 Bd6 21.Rf1 Rhe8 22.Qd1 Bc8
14.Qxd2 Qf6 15.cxd5 Nxd4 16.Nxd4 23.Bc2 Bg4 24.h3 Bxe2 25.Qxe2
Qxd4 17.Rac1 Rac8 18.Re7 Qxd5 gxf4 26.Qf2 Re7 27.exf4 0-1 (48)
19.Rcxc7 The position is equal. Cvitan,E (2259)-Injac,T (2425)
19...Rxc7 20.Rxc7= Endgame. KQR- Olympiad Women-45 2024 (3.19))
KQR 20...h6 21.h3 Rd8 22.Qe3 Qxd3 13.Rb1 h5 14.Nf5 Ne4 15.Bxe4
23.Rxb7 Qxe3 24.fxe3 KR-KR dxe4 16.Qxe4 Qf6 17.d5 cxd5
24...Rd1+ 25.Kh2 Rd3 26.Rxa7 Rxe3 18.Qa4+ Bd7 19.Qd4 Qxd4 20.Nxd4
27.Ra8+ Kh7 28.Ra7 f5 29.Ra6 f4 Bb4 21.Ke2 Bxc3 22.bxc3 b6
 109

½- ½ ( 60 ) K as h li n sk a ya ,A (2 4 41 ) - 22.Nxa6+!+- D e f l e c t i o n 22...bxa6
Kovalevskaya,E (2453) RUS-ch 23.Rxc6 Rd7 6.90/23
(Women) 65th 2015 (8) 23.Nb5 Ke7 [ 23...Ne4 4.26/21 24.Bxb5 axb5
24.Nc7 Rac8 25.Nxd5+ Ke6 25.Qxb5+ Ka8 ]
26.Rhd1 Rc5 27.e4 Rhc8 28.Rd4 24.Nf5 Qd8 25.Bxb5 axb5 26.a6
Bb5+ 29.Kd2 Bc4 30.Ne3 Bxa2 [ 26.Qxb5+ Rb7 27.Qd3 Bd7+-
31.Ra1 Ra5 32.c4 Rcc5 33.Kc3 ( 27...Ne4 28.a6 )]
Ra3+ 34.Kb2 Rca5 35.Rd5 Rb3+ 26...Ra7 27.Qxb5+ Ka8 28.Nd6 Bd7
36.Kc1 Ra4 37.Rxg5 Rbb4 a b c d e f g h
½-½ (60) Gligoric Taimanov Variation,
W (2441)-Dimitrijevic,N (2453) corr 8 8

BFM- 055 1998 (8) ] 7 7

8...Bd6 9.Bd3 The position is equal.
9...h6 10.Bh4 g5 11.Bg3 Bxg3 6 6
12.hxg3 Qe7 13.Nf3 White wants to 5 5
play Nxg5. 13...g4 0.68/21
[ 13...0-0-0= 0.17/19 ] 4 4
14.Nh4 White is more active. 14...Nb6 3 3
15.0-0 0-0-0 16.a4 Kb8 17.a5 Nc4
18.Na4 Nd6! 19.Nc5 2 2
[ 19.Rfc1 keeps more tension. Rc8 1 1
20.Qb3 Nfe4 21.Nc5 ]
a b c d e f g h
19...a6 20.Rfc1 0.07/22
[ 20.Ra3 0.48/21 might be stronger. ] 29.Qb7+!! Back Rank.
20...Bc8= 21.Qb3 Nb5? 5.03/21 Weighted Error Value: White=0.10 (very
[ 21...Ka8= 0.11/22 ] precise) /Black=0.87
1-0
a b c d e f g h

8 8 D31
7 7 Van Foreest,Jorden 2680
Gukesh,D. 2777
6 6 87th Tata Steel Masters (12.4) 01.02.25
5 5
[Kitty Kat]

4 4 D31: Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-

3 3
Slav without ...Nf6 (+ Marshall Gambit
and Noteboom) and Exchange Variation
2 2 lines without ...Nf6
1 1
R.Scherbakov: 'Hikaru refused to push
his K-side pawns forward here, an d
a b c d e f g h
instead chose a cautious set-up.
A m i s t a k e t h a t c o s t s t h e g a m e . However, Levon was equal to the task
 110

and gained the advantage with a series 15.exf7+ Kxf7 16.Be5 Rg8 17.f4
of concrete and strong moves. Later Bxh4 18.f5 Bxg3+ 19.Bxg3 Qg5
Black missed several promising options 20.0-0 Nf6 21.Bf4 Qg4 22.Nd1
and, even though White's play was also Re8 23.Ne3 Rxe3 ½-½ (78) Duda,
far from perfect, he eventually prevailed J (2610)-Solodovnichenko,Y (2592)
thanks to his material advantage. F R A - c h T T o p 1 2 2 0 1 5 ( 8 . 2 ))
' ' Hi k a r u r e f u s e d t o p u s h h i s K - s i d e 9...Nb6 ( 9...Ngf6 10.h4 h5 11.Bf3
pawns forward here, and instead chose Qa5 12.a3 Nb6 13.b4 Qa6
a cautious set-up. However, Levon was 14.Be2 Nc4 15.Bg5 Rd8 16.Ra2
equal to the task and gained the Rd6 17.Qb3 b5 18.a4 D 31/21
advantage with a series of concrete 2003 ) 10.Be5 Nf6 11.h4 h6 12.h5
and strong moves. Later Black missed Bh7 13.Bd3 0-0 14.Bxh7+ Kxh7
several promising options and, even 15.Qc2+ Kh8 16.Nf5 Nc4 17.b3
though White's play was also far from Nxe5 18.dxe5 Ng4 19.f4 Qd7
perfect, he eventually prevailed thanks 20.0-0-0 f6 21.e4 fxe5 22.Qe2
t o h i s m a t e r i a l a d va n t a g e . R R : ' R . Nf6 23.Nh4 1-0 (54) Nakamura,H
Scherbakov: 'Hikaru refused to push his (2758)-Aronian,L (2802) London
K-side pawns forward here, and instead Classic 3rd 2011 (2);
c h o s e a c a u t i o u s s e t - u p . H o we ve r , B) 8...Be6 9.Nh5 Bf8 10.Bg3
Levon was equal to the task and gained Ngf6 11.Bd3 Nxh5 12.Qxh5 Be7
the advantage with a series of concrete 13.0-0 Nf6 14.Qe2 0-0
and strong moves. Later Black missed Qgd Nc3-QGD 4.cxd5 − 6.e3 #28 ]
several promising options and, even [ 8.h4 Be6 9.h5 h6 10.Ng3 Ngf6
though White's play was also far from 11.Bd3 Nb6 12.Nf5 Bxf5 13.Bxf5
perfect, he eventually prevailed thanks Nc4 14.Qc2 Bd6 Qgd Nc3-QGD 4.
to hi s ma te r ia l a d van t ag e .' ' RR: ' R. cxd5 − 6.e3 #29 ]
Scherbakov: 'Hikaru refused to push his 8...Ngf6 9.Ng3 Bg6 10.h4 h5 11.Be2
K-side pawns forward here, and instead Qb6 12.Qd2 -0.01/19
chose a c autio us s et-up . However , [ 12.0-0 0.45/21 ]
Levon was equal to the task and gained 12...Ng4 0.78/19
the advantage with a series of concrete [ 12...0-0= -0.01/19 keeps the
and strong moves. Later Black missed balance. ]
several promising options and, even 13.Bg5 Bd6 14.Bf4 -0.01/20
though White's play was also far from [ 14.Bxg4 0.60/21 hxg4 15.a3 ]
perfect, he eventually prevailed thanks 14...Be7= 15.Bg5 -0.01/19
to his material advantage.''' 1.d4 d5 [ 15.e4! 1.03/18 ]
2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Be7 4.cxd5 exd5 15...Qd8 0.92/20
5.Bf4 c6 6.e3 Bf5 7.Nge2 Nd7 [ 15...Bd6!= -0.01/19 ]
8.Rc1N 16.f3 Bxe7 is the strong threat.
[ 8.Ng3 16...Ngf6 17.0-0 0.05/20 White is more
A) 8...Bg6 9.Be2 ( 9.h4 h5 active.
10.Bd3 Bxd3 11.Qxd3 g6 12.e4 [ 17.e4 0.87/20 ]
Ngf6 13.e5 Nh7 14.e6 Ndf8 17...Nh7= 18.Bxe7 Qxe7 19.f4
 111

-0.91/22 [ 36.a4! 0.45/22 ]

[ 19.Kf2= -0.09/21 ] 36...Rh1= White should prevent ...Rb1.
19...Qxh4 20.Qe1 37.Nd7 Qd8 Threatens to win with ...
a b c d e f g h
Re7. 38.Ne5 Re7 39.Qa6 -1.48/23
[ 39.Qa3= -0.01/26 Re6 40.Qa7 ]
8 8

7 7 a b c d e f g h

6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3

a b c d e f g h 2 2
And now f5 would win. 20...f5! 21.Nxh5 1 1
Discovered Attack 21...Qe7 22.Bf3
a b c d e f g h
[ 22.Qg3? Nhf8 23.Nxg7+ ( 23.Qh3?
Bxh5 24.Bd3 Rh6-+ ) 23...Qxg7-+ ] 39...Rxe5! 40.fxe5 Endgame.
22...Bxh5 23.Bxh5+ Kf8 24.Nd1 Nb6 a b c d e f g h
-0.36/21
[ 24...Kg8 -0.75/21 ] 8 8

25.Bg6 Qe6 26.Qb4+ Kg8 27.Bxh7+ 7 7

Rxh7 28.Rf3 Re8 29.Nf2 Nc4 30.Nd3
[ 30.Qxb7? g5 31.Qa6 gxf4-+ 6 6
( 31...g4 32.Rg3 )] 5 5
30...Rh4 0.01/24
[ 30...Nxe3? 31.Re1+- ( 31.Qxb7 4 4
Nxg2 32.Ne5 g5= )] 3 3
[ Black should play 30...Qh6 -0.58/22
31.Rxc4 dxc4 32.Qxc4+ Qe6 ] 2 2
31.Ne5 1 1
[ 31.Qxb7 is interesting. Nd2 32.Rg3
a b c d e f g h
Rg4 33.Rxc6 Qe4 34.Rxg4 fxg4
35.Rc8 ] KQR-KQR 40...f4! 41.Rh3
31...b5 32.Qc5 Qh6 33.Kf2 Re6 [ 41.exf4 i s a s e l f m a t e . Qxd4+
34.Rxc4 dxc4 0.79/24 42.Re3 Qxf4+ ( 42...Qxb2+
[ 34...bxc4= -0.01/23 remains equal. 43.Kg3 ) 43.Ke2 Qf1+ 44.Kd2 Qc1+
35.Rg3 Rh1 36.Qxa7 Qf6 ] ( 44...Qxg2+? 45.Kc3-+ ) 45.Ke2
35.Qxa7 Qf6! 36.Rg3 -0.01/23 Re1+ ( 45...Qxb2+? 46.Kf3-+ ) 46.Kf3
 112

Qxe3+ 47.Kg4 Qe4+ ( 47...Qxe5 [ 51.Rf3!? Qb1+ 52.Kd4 Qg1+

48.Qc8+ Kh7 49.Qf5+ Qxf5+ 53.Kc3 Qe1+ 54.Kd4 Qg1+
50.Kxf5 b4 51.g4 c3 52.bxc3 bxc3 55.Re3= ]
53.Kf4 c2 54.g5 c1Q+ 55.Kg4 Qc4+ ½-½
56.Kf3 Qd3+ 57.Kf4 Re4+ 58.Kf5
Qf3# ) 48.Kg5 Qxg2+ 49.Kf5 Rf1+
( 49...Qxb2 50.Ke6 Rxe5+ 51.Kd7 E38
Qd4+ 52.Kc8 Re8+ 53.Kc7 Re7+ Erigaisi,Arjun 2801
54.Kxc6 Re6+ 55.Kxb5 Qd5+ Abdusattorov,Nodirbek 2768
Deflection 56.Kb4 Rxa6 57.Kc3 Rb6 87th Tata Steel Masters (12.5) 01.02.25
58.Kc2 Qd3+ 59.Kc1 Rb1# ) 50.Ke6 [Kitty Kat]
Qd5+ ( 50...Qxb2? 51.Qb6-+ ) 51.Ke7
Rf7+ 52.Ke8 Qd7# ] E38: Nimzo-Indian: Classical: 4...c5
[ 41.Rg4 fxe3+ ] 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2
41...fxe3+ 42.Ke2 Rb1 0.71/24 d6
[ 42...Rxh3 -1.57/22 and life is bright. [ 4...0-0 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.Qxc3 b6
43.gxh3 Qxd4 44.Qc8+ Kf7 45.Qc7+ 7.Nf3 Bb7 8.e3 d6 9.b4 Nbd7
Kg6 46.Qd6+ Qxd6 47.exd6 Kf6 10.Bb2 c5 11.Be2 Qe7 12.0-0 Rfc8
48.Kxe3 Ke6 ] 13.dxc5 dxc5 14.Rfd1 Ne8 15.b5 f6
43.Qxc6 Intending Qe6+ and mate. 16.a4 a5 17.bxa6 Rxa6 18.a5 Rca8
43...Rxb2+ 44.Kf3! White threatens 19.Qd2 ½-½ (25) Hantel,T (2809)-Id2
Qe6+ and mate. The board is on fire. (2690) DSEM 30 Apolda 1996 (2.1) ]
44...Qf8+ 5.e3 0-0 6.Bd3 c5 7.Nf3N
[ Weaker is 44...Qxd4 45.Qe8# ] [ 7.Nge2 Nc6 8.0-0 Bxc3 9.Qxc3 b6
45.Ke4! Rf2! Strongly threatening ... 10.a3 a5 11.b3 Ba6 12.Bb2 cxd4
Qf4+. 46.Qe6+ Rf7? 1.93/22 13.Nxd4 Ne5 14.Bc2 Rc8 15.a4
[ 46...Qf7 0.42/23 47.Qxf7+ Kxf7 Nd5 16.Qd2 Nb4 17.Rfc1 Qh4 18.f4
48.Rxe3 Rxg2 ] Ng4 19.Nf3 Qe7 20.e4 Bb7 21.Re1
47.Rxe3? -0.01/17 e5 0-1 (53) Ortega Amarelle,M (2453)-
[ Only move: 47.Qg6!+- 1.93/22 Rf4+ Romanov,E (2567) Olympiad-45
48.Kxe3 ] Budapest 2024 (3.41) ]
47...Qa8+= The position is equal. 7...Nc6 8.0-0 Bxc3 9.Qxc3 Qe7
48.d5⇆ aiming for Rf3. White puts up 0.60/20
resistance 48...Qxa2 49.Qc8+ [ 9...e5= 0.18/19 10.d5 e4 11.dxc6
[ 49.Rf3!? Qb1+ 50.Kd4 Qg1+ exf3 ]
51.Kc3 Qe1+ 52.Kc2 Qe2+ 53.Kc1 10.dxc5 dxc5 11.Ne5 Nxe5
Qe1+ 54.Kc2 Qe4+ 55.Kc3 Qe1+ White is slightly better. 12.Qxe5 Rd8
56.Kb2 Qd2+ 57.Ka3 Qa5+ 58.Kb2 13.Bc2 Ng4 14.Qg3 e5 15.f3 Nf6
Qd2+ 59.Ka1 Qd4+ 60.Ka2 Qd2+ 16.b3 Nh5 17.Qf2 Bd7 18.Bb2 Bc6
61.Ka3 Qa5+ 62.Kb2 Qd2+= ] 19.Rad1 h6 20.h3 Nf6 21.Qg3 Rxd1
49...Rf8 50.Qe6+ Rf7 51.Qc8+ 22.Rxd1 Re8 23.a4 White is more
Weighted Error Value: White=0.25 active. 23...Nh5 24.Qf2 Qg5? 3.28/22
(precise) /Black=0.23 (precise) [ 24...b6 0.65/21 ]
 113

25.g4+- f5 26.h4 a b c d e f g h
[ 26.Bxf5 Rf8 27.Be6+ Kh8 ]
26...Qg6 27.Bxf5 Qf7 28.Rd6 Nf6 8 8

29.g5 hxg5 30.hxg5 Nh5 31.Bg4 7 7

[ 31.Bh7+ Kxh7 32.g6+ Qxg6+
33.Rxg6 Kxg6 ] 6 6
31...Qe7 32.Rxc6 0.87/23 5 5
[ 32.Rg6+- 3.38/25 has better winning
chances. ] 4 4
32...bxc6 33.Bxh5 Qxg5+ 34.Bg4 3 3
B l a c k m u s t n o w p r e ve n t K f 1 . 34...e4
...e xf3 wou ld now be dea dly. 35.Kf1! 2 2
Qg6 36.Qc2 Rf8? 3.93/23 1 1
[ 36...Re7 0.89/21 ]
a b c d e f g h

a b c d e f g h
[ 41.Kxf3 Qxh3+ 42.Bxh3 Rxb3 ]
41...g6 7.10/24
8 8 [ 41...Kg8 4.69/26 42.Be6+
7 7 ( 42.Kxf3 Qxh3+ 43.Bxh3 Rxb3+-;
42.Qxf3 Rxb3 43.Be5 Qh4+ 44.Qg3
6 6 Qxg3+ 45.Bxg3 Rb4 ) 42...Kh7
5 5
43.Qf5+ ( 43.Kxf3 Qxh3+ 44.Bxh3
Rxb3 ) 43...Kh8 ]
4 4

3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 8 8

1 1 7 7

a b c d e f g h 6 6
37.Qg2!+- 5 5
[ 37.Ke1 Qh6 38.Qxe4 ( 38.fxe4?
Qh4+ 39.Kd2 Qxg4-+ ) 38...Qh1+ 4 4
39.Ke2 ( 39.Kd2 Rd8+ 40.Bd4 3 3
cxd4= ) 39...Qg2+ 40.Ke1 Qg1+
41.Kd2 Rd8+= ] 2 2
37...exf3 1 1

a b c d e f g h
(Diagram)
42.Bxg6+! Decoy 42...Kxg6 43.Qe6+
38.Be6+! Deflection 38...Kh7 39.Qh3+ Kh5
Qh6 40.Kf2 Rb8 41.Bf5+ This pair of
bishops is nice. (Diagram)
 114

a b c d e f g h
Van Foreest,J (2644) Tata Steel-A
82nd 2020 (5) ]
8 8 3.cxd5 Qxd5 4.Nf3 Nc6N
7 7 [ 4...Qa5 5.Bg2 Bd6 6.0-0 c5 7.Ng5
Nf6 8.Qb3 0-0 9.Bxb7 Bxb7
6 6 10.Qxb7 Nbd7 11.d3 Rab8 12.Qg2
5 5
Qa6 13.Nd2 h6 14.Nge4 Nxe4
15.Nxe4 Bc7 16.Nc3 Qb7 17.b3
4 4 Ba5 18.Qxb7 Rxb7 19.Bb2
3 3
½ - ½ ( 8 8 ) P o l k l a e s e r , G - Da n n e r , H
H2045D corr 1999 (36) ]
2 2 [ 4...e4 5.Nc3 Qc6 6.Nd4 Qd7
1 1
7.Qa4 Qxa4 8.Nxa4 a6 9.Bg2 Nf6
10.Nc3 Bd6 11.Nxe4 Nxe4 12.Bxe4
a b c d e f g h
0-0 13.0-0 Re8 14.Bg2 c5 15.Nb3
44.Bf6! Qh7 Wards off Qf5+ 45.Qe5+ Rxe2 16.d4 cxd4 17.Nxd4 Re8
[ And not 45.Qxc6 Qf5 ( 45...Rxb3 18.Bd2 Nd7 19.Rfe1 1-0 (23)
46.Qxc5+ Kg6 47.Qd6= ) 46.Be7 Kandyba,L (1072)-7.e3 c5 8.  b5
a6 ( 46...Rxb3 47.Qe8+ Kh6 (1079) ch-Torre Blanca 2005 ]
48.Bf8+ Kh7 49.Qe7+ Kg6 50.Qd6+ [ 4...Bb4 5.a3 e4 6.axb4 exf3 7.e3
Qf6 51.Qxf6+ Kxf6 52.Bxc5=; ( 7.Nc3 Qh5 8.d4 1 c4 e5 2 g3
46...Kg4? 47.e4+- )] O t h e r s - 1 c 4 e 5 2 g 3 O t h e r s 1 2)
[ 45.Kxf3 Rg8 ] 7...Nf6 8.Nc3 Qf5 9.Ra5 Qg4 10.b5
45...Kg6 46.Qxb8 Qh5 11.Qa4 A 20/04 2000 ]
Weighted Error Value: White=0.09 5.d3 Nf6 6.Bg2 Be7 7.Nc3 Qd6
(flawless) /Black=0.33 8.Bg5 W h i t e h a s a n e d g e . 8...Nd4
1-0 9.Nd2 c6 10.0-0 0-0 11.Nc4 Qc7
12.e3 Nb5 13.Bxf6 Bxf6 14.Ne4
a b c d e f g h
A20
Warmerdam,Max 2646 8 8

Fedoseev,Vladimir3 2717 7 7
87th Tata Steel Masters (12.6) 01.02.25
[Kitty Kat] 6 6

5 5
A20: English Opening: 1...e5
1.c4 e5 2.g3 d5 4 4
[ 2...Nf6 3.Bg2 Bc5 4.Nc3 c6 5.Nf3 3 3
e4 6.Nh4 d5 7.cxd5 cxd5 8.d3 Ng4
9.0-0 g5 10.dxe4 gxh4 11.Bf4 hxg3 2 2
12.Bxg3 Bd6 13.Qd3 Bxg3 14.Qxg3 1 1
Be6 15.exd5 Bc8 16.Nb5 Na6
a b c d e f g h
17.Rac1 ½-½ (35) Caruana,F (2822)-
 115

Strongly threatening a4. 14...Be7 15.a4 C55

Nd6 16.Nexd6 Bxd6 17.a5 Rd8 Mendonca,Leon Luke 2639
18.Qc2 a6 19.Nb6 Rb8 20.Nxc8 Caruana,Fabiano 2803
Rbxc8 21.Ra4 Be7 22.Rd1 Rd6 87th Tata Steel Masters (12.7) 01.02.25
23.Qb3 Rcd8 24.h4 g6 25.Bf3 h5 [Kitty Kat]
26.Kg2 Kg7 27.Qc3 Bf6 Hoping for ...
e4! 28.Qc2 Qd7 29.Rb4 Be7 30.Qb3? C55: Two Knights: 4 d3, 4 d4 exd4 5 e5
-2.70/23 and Max Lange Attack
[ 30.d4= -0.01/21 ] 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3
Be7
a b c d e f g h
[ 4...d5 5.exd5 Nxd5 6.0-0
A) 6...Be7 7.Re1 f6 ( 7...Bg4
8 8 8.h3 Bh5 9.Bb5 0-0 10.Bxc6
7 7 bxc6 11.Rxe5 Bxf3 12.Qxf3 Bf6
13.Re2 Qd7 14.Nd2 Rab8 15.c3
6 6 Nxc3 16.bxc3 Bxc3 17.Rb1 Bxd2
5 5
18.Rxb8 Bxc1 19.Rxf8+ Kxf8
20.Qe4 Bb2 21.Qb4+
4 4 1-0 Tanenbaum,Z (2157)-
3 3
Osinovsky,S (2241) Titled Tuesday
intern op 22nd Nov Early blitz 2022
2 2 (7) ) 8.d4 Nb6 9.Bb5 0-0 10.dxe5
1 1
Qxd1 11.Rxd1 Nxe5 12.Nxe5 fxe5
13.Nc3 Bg4 14.Re1 Bh4 15.Be3
a b c d e f g h
Bf5 16.Na4 Bxc2 17.Nxb6 cxb6
Now White is beyond hope. 30...Rf6!-+ 18.Bc4+ Kh8 19.Bd5 Bd3
31.Rxb7? -4.62/23 20.Bxb7 Rab8 21.Bd5 0-1 (74) 3.
[ 31.Be4 -2.64/22 Bxb4 32.Qxb4 ] c3 g7 4.g5_30545 (2123)-Hauge,
31...Qf5! Black is clearly winning. L (2379) Cappelle op 25th 2009
32.Be4 -8.10/23 (3);
[ 32.Kg1 -4.58/22 Qxf3 33.Rf1 ] B) 6...Nb6 7.Bb5 Bd6 8.d4 e4
32...Qxf2+ 33.Kh3 g5 9.Re1 f5 10.Bg5 Qd7 11.c4 0-0
W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 7 8 / 12.c5 exf3 13.cxb6 Qf7 14.Bxc6
Black=0.05 (flawless) bxc6 15.Qxf3 axb6 16.Nc3 f4
0-1 17.Qxc6 Bd7 18.Qd5 Qxd5
19.Nxd5 1-0 (41) Rojas Keim,L
(2680)-Vasquez Bonifacio,L (2738)
Metz op 28th 2010 (5.5) ]
5.Nc3N
[ 5.c3 0-0 6.Nbd2 d6 7.Bb3 Na5
8.Bc2 c5 9.Nf1 Nc6 10.Ne3 h6
11.Nd5 Be6 12.Nxe7+ Qxe7 13.0-0
d5 14.exd5 Bxd5 15.Re1 Rfe8
 116

16.Bf4 Bxf3 17.Qxf3 Qd7 18.Bxh6 a b c d e f g h

gxh6 19.Qxf6 Re6 1-0 (22) Steinle,T
(2087)-Grill,M (2148) FRA-ch op-A Aix 8 8

les Bains 2003 (5) ] 7 7

[ 5.0-0 0-0 6.Nc3 d6 7.a3 Bg4 8.h3
Bxf3 9.Qxf3 Nd4 10.Qd1 c6 11.f4 6 6
exf4 12.Rxf4 d5 13.exd5 cxd5 5 5
14.Ba2 Bc5 15.Kh1 Re8 16.Rf1
Ne6 17.g4 d4 18.Na4 Be7 19.g5 4 4
Nd7 ½-½ (56) Edighoffer,H-Melton,R 3 3
APCT King ch-1 1996 ]
5...0-0 6.a4 Bb4 7.0-0 Bxc3 8.bxc3 2 2
White has an edge. 8...d6 9.Bg5 Be6 1 1
10.Bb5 Ne7 11.Bxf6 gxf6 12.d4 Ng6
a b c d e f g h
13.Re1 c6 14.Bf1 Qa5 15.Re3 Kh8
16.Nd2 0.28/17 29.Bxe6! fxe6 Endgame. KRN-KRN
[ White should play 16.c4 0.75/17 ] 30.Rc4 f5! 31.Rc7+ Skewer 31...Kf6!
16...Rg8 17.Rg3 Nf4 18.Nc4 Qc7 32.Nc8 0.47/23 White has more active
19.Ne3 d5 20.exd5 cxd5 pieces.
a b c d e f g h
[ 32.Rf7+ 0.89/23 Ke5 33.Nc4+ Kd4
34.Ne3 ]
8 8 32...Ne5 33.f3 h5! 34.Nxa7 Rd8
7 7 1.08/24
[ 34...Ng6 0.57/23 ]
6 6

5 5 a b c d e f g h

4 4 8 8

3 3 7 7

2 2 6 6

1 1 5 5

a b c d e f g h 4 4
21.c4 exd4 3 3
[ 21...dxc4 22.d5 ]
22.Qxd4 Qe5 23.Rd1 dxc4 24.Nxc4 2 2
Qxd4 25.Rxd4 Rxg3 26.hxg3 Ng6 1 1
27.Nd6 b6 28.Bc4 Kg7 1.09/22
a b c d e f g h
[ 28...Kg8= 0.30/23 remains equal. ]
35.Nc8! Rd7 1.62/27
[ 35...Rd1+ 0.94/26 keeps fighting.
(Diagram) 36.Kh2 Rd2 ]
 117

36.Rc3+- Rd1+ 37.Kh2 Nd7 38.Rc6 [ 3...c5 4.b3 ( 4.c4 cxd4 5.exd4 g6
0.74/25 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Qb3
[ W h i t e s h o u l d t r y 38.Rd3 1.41/24 Nxc3 9.bxc3 0-0 10.Bf4 Nc6 11.Be2
Rxd3 39.cxd3 ] b6 12.0-0 Bb7 13.Rfe1 Rc8 14.Qb2
38...Rd4 39.Nxb6 0.01/24 Na5 15.Nd2 Qd5 16.Bf1 Qf5
[ 39.Rc7 1.02/24 ] 17.Bg3 e6 18.Rad1 Rfd8
39...Nxb6= Remove Defender. The ½-½ (28) Kluegel,J (2500)-Nickel,A
position is equal. 40.Rxb6 a5 would now (2630) 30/A (SUI) ICCF 2015) 4...Bg4
be deadly. 40...Rxa4 KR-KR 41.Rc6 5.Be2 e6 6.0-0 Nc6 7.Bb2 Be7
Ra1 42.c4 Rc1 43.c5 Kf7 44.f4 Kf6 ( 7...cxd4 8.exd4 Bd6 9.h3 Bh5
45.Rc8 Kg7 46.c6 Kf7 47.c7 Kg7 10.Nbd2 0-0 11.Re1 a5 12.Ne5
a b c d e f g h
Bxe2 13.Qxe2 a4 14.c4 Bb4
15.Nxc6 bxc6 16.Rec1 Qa5 17.Nf3
8 8 a3 18.Ne5 axb2 19.Qxb2 Ba3
7 7 0 - 1 P r i mb e t o v, K ( 2 1 5 6 ) - A d i t ya , M
(2486) Speed Chess Q2 blitz 2022
6 6 (1) ) 8.Nbd2 0-0 9.c4 Rc8 10.dxc5
5 5
Bxc5 11.Rc1 Be7 D 04/01 2003 ]
[ 3...c6 4.Be2 Bg4 5.b3 Bxf3 6.Bxf3
4 4 e6 7.Bb2 Bd6 8.0-0 Nbd7 9.c4 Qe7
3 3
10.Nd2 0-0 11.Re1 Rad8 12.e4
dxe4 13.Nxe4 Nxe4 14.Bxe4 Nf6
2 2 15.Bd3 Ba3 16.Bc3 Bb4 17.Qd2
1 1
Bxc3 18.Qxc3 1-0 (37) 1.d4 d6/3.f3
e4 4.  g5_10 (2303)-Van Heeren,A
a b c d e f g h
(1893) Prague International Open
Dodges Rh8 48.g4! hxg4 49.Kg3 Rc2 2 0 2 0 ( 3 . 3 7 ) Qd6 19.Rad1 Kh8
50.Kh4 Rc3 51.Kg5 Rc1 52.g3 Rc2 20.Bc2 Rd7 21.Re3 Rfd8 22.b4 Qf4
53.Re8 Rxc7 54.Rxe6 Rc3! 55.Kxf5 23.g3 Qc7 24.Kg2 Qb6 25.Rf3 Kg8
Rxg3 56.Rg6+ Kf7 57.Rxg4 26.Rf4 e5 27.dxe5 Rxd1 28.Bxd1
Weighted Error Value: White=0.09 Rxd1 29.exf6 Qd8 30.Rg4 Rg1+
(flawless) /Black=0.11 (very precise) 31.Kh3 Qd7 32.Qe5 Re1 33.Qxe1
½-½ 1-0 (37) 1.d4 d6/3.Nf3 e4 4.Ng5
(2303)-Van Heeren,A (1893) Prague
International Open 2020 (3.37) ]
D04 4.h3 e6 5.b3 b6 6.Bb2 Bb7 7.Nbd2
Caruana,Fabiano 2803 Nbd7 8.Bd3 The position is equal.
Warmerdam,Max 2646 8...Bd6 9.c4 0-0 10.0-0 Qe7 11.Ne5
87th Tata Steel Masters (13.1) 02.02.25 Ne4 12.Rc1 Bxe5 0.58/22
[Kitty Kat] [ 12...Nxd2= 0.13/20 13.Qxd2 Nxe5
14.dxe5 Bb4 ]
D04: Colle System 13.dxe5 Ndc5 14.Bb1 Rfd8 15.cxd5
1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.e3 a6N Nxd2 0.50/21
 118

[ Black should try 15...Rxd5= 0.00/22 [ 37.Ra1 -1.36/20 keeps fighting. ]

16.Bd4 Nxd2 17.Qxd2 a5 ] 37...Nxe3 Double Attack
16.Qxd2 Bxd5 0.84/22 [ 37...exd5 38.Qe2-+ ]
[ 16...Rxd5 0.44/22 17.Qc2 g6 ] 38.Qc1 -4.14/20
17.Bd4 0.01/23 [ 38.Qe4 -2.87/20 Nxd5 ( 38...Qxd5
[ 17.Qe2 0.84/22 ] 39.Qxe3 c4 40.Bb4 ) 39.Bxh4 ]
17...Ne4= 18.Qe2 c5 19.Bb2 Qg5 38...Nxd5-+ 39.Bxh4
aiming for ...Nc3! 20.f4 Qe7 21.Rfd1 a b c d e f g h
a5 22.Bd3 -0.57/21
[ 22.Qf3= -0.16/22 Nc3 23.Bxh7+ Kf8 8 8

24.Rxd5 Nxd5 25.Bd3 ] 7 7

22...a4 23.bxa4 Rxa4 24.a3 Raa8
-0.48/20 Black is more active. 6 6
[ Better is 24...Bb3 -1.11/22 25.Bc2 5 5
Bxc2 26.Qxc2 b5 ]
25.Kh2 h6 26.Qc2 Qb7 27.Bb5 Rac8 4 4
28.Qe2 Qa8 29.a4 Bb3 30.Rd3 Rxd3 3 3
[ 30...Bxa4 31.Ra1 Bxb5
( 31...Rxd3? 32.Rxa4 Rd2 2 2
33.Rxa8+- ) 32.Rxa8 Bxd3 33.Rxc8 1 1
Bxe2 34.Rxd8+ Kh7 35.Rd7 ]
a b c d e f g h
31.Qxd3 Bd5
[ 31...Bxa4 32.Ra1 Bxb5 33.Rxa8 c4! 40.f5 exf5
Bxd3 34.Rxc8+ Kh7 35.Rf8 ] [ 40...gxf5? 41.Qg5+ Kh7 42.Qh5+
32.Qc2 g6 33.Rd1 h5 34.Bc1 -1.22/20 Kg7 43.Bf6+ Nxf6 44.Qg5+ Kh7
[ 34.Be2 -0.83/20 ] 45.exf6+- ]
34...h4 35.Bd2 41.Bd7
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

Ng3! 36.Be1 Nf5 37.Rxd5? -3.66/22 f4! Threatens to win with ...Ne3! 42.e6
 119

[ 42.Bxc8 Ne3 ] 50.Kg1 Qxf4-+ ) 49...Kh7 50.Bxf4

Nf1+ 51.Kg1 Nd2+ 52.Kh2= ]
a b c d e f g h
47.Qe1 -7.90/30
[ 47.e8Q -3.95/22 Qxe8 48.Bxf4 ]
8 8 47...Qc6
7 7 [ 47...c1B? 48.Bf6 g5 ( 48...Kg8?
49.Qxc1 Qe8 50.Qe1+- ) 49.Bxg5+- ]
6 6 48.Qh4+ Kg8 49.e8Q+ Qxe8 50.Bf6
5 5
Nf1+
[ 50...c1B 51.Qh8# ]
4 4 51.Kh1 Ng3+
3 3
[ 51...c1B 52.Qh8# ]
52.Kh2 Nh5
2 2 [ 52...c1B 53.Qh8# ]
1 1
53.Bb2 Kh7
[ And not 53...Qxa4 54.Qd8+ ]
a b c d e f g h
54.Qg5 Qe3
42...Ne3! 43.Qg1 [ 54...Qxa4? 55.Qd8 f6 ( 55...Ng7
a b c d e f g h
56.Qf6 Kh6 57.Qxg7+ Kg5 58.Qf6+
Kh5 59.Qh8+ Kg5 60.Qd8+ f6
8 8 61.Qxf6+ Kh5 62.Qe5+ Kh6
7 7 63.Qg7+ Kg5 64.h4+ Kh5 65.Qh7+
D e f l e c t i o n Kg4 66.Qxg6+ Kxh4
6 6 67.Bf6# ) 56.Qe7+ Kg8 57.Qd8+ Kh7
5 5
58.Qe7+ Kh6 59.Bxf6 Nxf6
( 59...c1B 60.Bg5# ) 60.Qxf6-+ ]
4 4 55.Qd5 Qg3+
3 3
[ Weaker is 55...c1B 56.Qxf7+ Kh6
57.Qf8+ Kg5 58.Qd8+ Kh6 59.Qf8+
2 2 Kg5 60.Qd8+ Kh6 61.Qh8+ Kg5
1 1
62.Qd8+= ]
56.Kg1 Qe1+ -2.83/5
a b c d e f g h
[ 56...c1Q+ -6.33/30 57.Bxc1 Qe1+
c3! ...c2! would now be deadly. 44.Bxc8 58.Kh2 Qxc1 59.Qxf7+ Ng7 ]
Qxc8 Endgame. KQB-KQN 45.e7 c2 57.Kh2 Qg3+? 0.01/21
46.Bg5 Kh7 [ Inferior is 57...c1B 58.Qxf7+ Kh6
[ 46...c1B 47.Qxc1 ( 47.Bxf4? Ng4+ 59.Qf8+ Kg5 60.Qd8+ Kh6 61.Qh8+
Di s c o ve r e d A t t a c k 48.Kg3 Bxf4+ Kg5 62.Qd8+ Kh6 63.Qh8+ Kg5
49.Kxf4 Nf6-+ ) 47...Qxc1 48.e8Q+ 64.Qd8+= ]
( 48.e8B? Nf1+ 49.Kh1 Ng3+ [ 57...f6-+ -5.56/23 58.Qf7+ Kh6
Discovered Attack (Double Check) 59.Qf8+ Kg5 ]
50.Kh2 Qh1# ) 48...Kg7 49.Qe5+ 58.Kg1!=
( 49.Bxf4? Nf1+ Discovered Attack (Diagram)
 120

a b c d e f g h
2023 (4) ) 10...Nbd7 11.Ne5 Nxe5
12.dxe5 Nd5 13.e4 Nb4 14.Qe2
8 8 Qc7 15.Nc3 Rfd8 16.Bf4 a5 17.h4
7 7 Rxd1+ 18.Rxd1 Rd8 19.a3 Na6
20.h5 h6 21.Rc1 Qd7 22.Be3
6 6 ½-½ (56) Pogonina,N (2432)-Lysenko,
5 5
M (2228) RUS-ch Blitz (Women) 2022
(7) ]
4 4 [ 7...Bd7 8.Qxc4 Bc6 9.Nc3 a6
3 3
10.a3 b5 11.Qd3 Bb7 12.Bg5 Nbd7
13.Rfd1 h6 14.Bxf6 Nxf6 15.b4 Qd6
2 2 16.Ne5 Bxg2 17.Kxg2 Nd7 18.Nf3
1 1
Qb6 19.d5 Nf6 20.dxe6 fxe6
21.Ne5 Rad8 22.Qg6 (23) Kazakov,
a b c d e f g h
K (2465)-4.e3  b4 5.  d5_37927
c1Q+! Decoy 59.Bxc1 Qe1+ 60.Kh2 (2526) (ol) 34/490 Luzern 1982 Bd6
Qg3+? 0.01/24 23.Nf3 Qb7 0-1 Borges Matos,J
[ 60...Qxc1-+ -5.55/23 61.Qxf7+ Ng7 ] (2385)-Ruban,V (2575) Santa Clara
61.Kg1! Qe1+ 62.Kh2 Qxc1 63.Qxf7+ 1991 (4) ]
Ng7 [ 7...Nbd7 8.Qxc4 c5 9.dxc5 Nxc5
W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 4 3 / 10.Nc3 Bd7 11.Ne5 Rc8 12.Nxd7
Black=0.18 (very precise) Nfxd7 13.Rd1 Qe8 14.Bf4 a6
0-1 15.Bd6 b5 16.Qb4 Nb6 17.Bxe7
Qxe7 18.Ne4 Nd5 19.Qa5 Na4
20.Qxa6 Nxb2 21.Rdb1 Qb4
E05 22.Qd6 1-0 (59) Enigl,K (2345)-
Fedoseev,Vladimir3 2717 Zavernyaev,V 37th Metz Open 2019
Wei,Yi 2751 (9) ]
87th Tata Steel Masters (13.2) 02.02.25 8.Qxc4 b5 9.Qc2 Bb7 10.Bd2 Bd6
[Kitty Kat] 11.Re1 Be4 12.Qc1 Bb7 13.Be3
Nbd7 14.Nbd2 Nd5 0.39/19
E05: Open Catalan: 5 Nf3 Be7 [ 14...a5= -0.07/18 ]
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5 3.c4 e6 4.g3 Be7 15.Nb3 Nxe3 16.Qxe3 Rc8 0.63/19
5.Bg2 0-0 6.0-0 dxc4 7.Qa4 a6N [ 16...a5= 0.21/18 ]
[ 7...c6 8.Qxc4 b5 9.Qc2 Bb7 17.Rec1 Bd5 18.Nfd2 Bxg2 19.Kxg2
10.Rd1 ( 10.a4 Nbd7 11.Ne5 Nxe5 c5 20.Ne4!
12.dxe5 Nd5 13.Rd1 Qb6 14.Nc3 [ 20.dxc5 Nxc5 21.Nd4 Qd7= ]
Nxc3 15.Qxc3 c5 16.Bxb7 Qxb7 20...cxd4 21.Nxd4 Nc5 22.Nxd6
17.axb5 Qxb5 18.Be3 a5 19.Rd2 c4 [ 22.Nxe6? Nxe6 23.Rd1 ( 23.Rxc8?
20.Rd4 Rfc8 21.Rc1 Bb4 22.Qc2 c3 Qxc8 24.Nxd6 Qc6+ 25.Ne4 f5-+
23.f4 h5 24.Kf2 Bc5 0-1 (44) Onslow, Pin ) 23...Rc6-+ ]
A ( 21 7 1) - S pr e na r , P ( 22 9 6 ) Tit l e d 22...Qxd6 23.Nf3 Na4 24.b3 Nb6
Tuesday intern op 28th Feb Early blitz 25.Qd4 Qb8 26.e4 Inhibits Nd5.
 121

26...Qb7 27.Ne5 f6 28.Nd3 Rfd8 a b c d e f g h

29.Rxc8 Qxc8 30.Qe3 Nd7 31.Rc1
Qb7 32.Qd4 Qa8 33.Qb4 8 8

a b c d e f g h 7 7

8 8 6 6

7 7 5 5

6 6 4 4

5 5 3 3

4 4 2 2

3 3 1 1

2 2 a b c d e f g h

1 1
Qg2+ 54.Ke3 Qg1+ 55.Ke2
Threatens to win with Nc6+. 55...Qg2+
a b c d e f g h
56.Ke3 a i m i n g f o r N c 6 + . 56...Qh3+
Q e 7 w o u l d n o w b e d e a d l y . 33...Nf8 57.Kd2! e5 Hoping for ...Qg2+. 58.Nd5+
34.Nc5 Rc8 35.Qd2 Dodges Nd7 Ke8 ...Qg2+ is the strong threat.
35...Rd8 36.Qe3 Kf7 37.Nd3 59.Qc8+ Kf7 60.f5 Qg2+ 61.Ke3
White is more active. 37...Rc8 38.Rd1 Qh3+ 62.Kd2 Qg2+ 63.Ke3 Qg1+
Nd7 39.Qd4 Rc7 40.Rd2 Qb7 41.Qe3 64.Ke2 Qh2+ 65.Ke3 Qg1+ 66.Ke2
Rc8 42.Nf4 Ne5 43.Rd6 Rc6 44.Rd8 Qg2+
Rc8 45.Rxc8 Qxc8= Endgame. KQN- Weighted Error Value: White=0.06
KQN 46.Qa7+ Nd7 47.Nd3 Qc6 (flawless) /Black=0.07 (flawless)
48.Kf3 Ke7 49.Ke3 Qc3 50.f4 ½-½
[ 50.Qxa6? is the wrong capture.
Qxd3+ 51.Kxd3 Nc5+ 52.Kc3
Nxa6-+ ] C44
[ 50.Qd4 simplifies Qxd4+ 51.Kxd4 Abdusattorov,Nodirbek 2768
Kd6 52.b4 ] Harikrishna,Pentala 2695
50...Qc2 51.Nb4! 87th Tata Steel Masters (13.3) 02.02.25
[ 51.Qxa6? perishes. Qxd3+ [Kitty Kat]
( 51...Qxh2 52.Qxb5 Qxg3+
53.Ke2 ) 52.Kxd3 Nc5+ 53.Kd4 C4 4 : P o n z i a n i O p e n i n g a n d S c o t c h
Nxa6-+ ] Gambit
51...Qxh2 52.Qc7! 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.d3 d5
5.exd5N
(Diagram) [ 5.Nbd2 Be7 6.Bg2 0-0 ( 6...dxe4
7.dxe4 0-0 8.0-0 b6 9.Re1 Bb7
White wants to mate with Nc6+. The 10.b3 Bc5 11.Bb2 Ng4 12.Rf1 Ba6
position is equal. 52...Qxg3+ 53.Ke2 13.c4 f6 14.a3 Bc8 15.h3 Nh6
 122

16.b4 Bd4 17.Qc2 Bxb2 18.Qxb2 22.Qxe3 Rd1 23.Rxd1 Rxd1 24.e5
Be6 19.c5 Qd7 20.b5 Na5 21.c6 Bh3! 25.e6
(24) Open Game-3.Nf3 Nf6 Survey a b c d e f g h
2004 ) 7.0-0 Be6 8.h3 a5 9.Re1 d4
10.a4 Nd7 11.b3 Nb4 12.g4 c6 8 8

13.Nf1 b5 14.Ng3 bxa4 15.bxa4 c5 7 7

16.Nf5 c4 17.h4 Rc8 18.Rf1 Re8
19.g5 Bf8 0-1 (27) Frutos Moreno,E 6 6
(1114)-Cantero,R (2083) Asuncion zt 5 5
2.5 2023 (1) 20.h5 Nc5 21.g6 Bxf5
22.Ng5 fxg6 23.exf5 gxf5 24.dxc4 4 4
Be7 25.Nf3 Bf6 26.Ba3 e4 27.Ne1 3 3
d3 0-1 Gligoric (1114)-Monostori,L
(2083) (Game 21) Oslo 2005 (1) ] 2 2
5...Qxd5 aiming for ...e4. 6.Bg2 e4 1 1
7.Nc3 Bb4 8.Nd2 Bxc3 9.bxc3 Bg4
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
e 7 w o u l d n o w b e d e a d l y . 25...Qxa4
8 8 0.62/26
7 7 [ Black should play 25...Qa6= -0.01/29
26.Qxc5+ Kb8 27.Qf8+ Kc7
6 6 28.Qxg7+ Kb6 29.a5+ Kc6 30.Qd7+
5 5
Rxd7 31.exd7 ( 31.Bxa6 Rd1+
32.Bf1 Kd6= ) 31...Qxa5 32.Bxh3
4 4 Kc7 ]
3 3
26.e7!
[ M u c h w e a k e r i s 26.Qxc5+ Qc6
2 2 27.Qf8+ ( 27.Qxa7? perishes. Qc4-+;
1 1
27.Qxc6+? bxc6 28.g4 f5-+ )
27...Kc7 28.Qe7+ ( 28.Qxg7+ Kb6= )
a b c d e f g h
28...Kc8= ]
10.Nxe4! 0-0-0 11.f3 Rhe8! 12.Qe2 26...Qe8! 27.Qxc5+ Kb8 28.Qe3
-0.34/25 Prevents Re1 28...a5 29.g4 a4 30.c4!
[ 12.fxg4= 0.04/21 should be Kc7 31.Qc5+ 0.01/20
considered. Nxe4 Pin 13.Be3 ] [ 31.f4 0.48/22 ]
12...Nxe4 31...Kb8!= 32.Qe3 Kc7! 33.f4
[ 12...Qa5!? 13.Bd2 Nxe4 14.dxe4 The board is on fire. 33...Bxf1 34.Rxf1
Be6 ] Rxf1+ 35.Kxf1 Endgame. KQ-KQ
13.dxe4 Qa5 14.0-0 Be6 Black has 35...Kd7 36.Qe4 Qa8 37.g5
compensation. 15.Qe1 Ne5 W h it e i s muc h mor e a ct ive . 37...fxg5
[ 15...Bxa2 16.Rf2 ] 38.fxg5 g6! 39.Qe5 The position is
16.Be3 Nc4 17.Bd4 f6 18.Rf2 Rd7 equal.
19.Bf1 Red8 20.a4 c5 21.Be3 Nxe3 [ 39.e8N simplifies Qxe8 40.Qxb7+
 123

Kd8 41.Qb6+ ] 17.g4 c4 18.f5 Bc5 19.Kh1 Qe7

39...Qe8 40.Qe4 Qf7+ 41.Kg2⇆ 20.h5 Rae8 21.Nh4 Ne5 22.Qh2
W h i t e i s n o t k e e p i n g s t i l l 41...Ke8 Qd6 23.Bf4 1-0 (39) Laux,D (2248)-
...Qf5 is the strong threat. Skrbec,L (2123) Wch U16 Mamaia
[ 41...Qxe7 simplifies 42.Qxb7+ Ke8 2022 (5) ]
43.Qa8+ Kf7 ] [ 8...Nbd7 9.d3 Bd6 10.g3 h5 11.h4
42.c5 Qf5 43.Qxa4+ Kxe7 44.h4 Ng4 12.Qg2 e5 13.Qh3 Ndf6
Qxc5 45.Qe4+ Kd6 46.Qf4+ Qe5 14.Nd2 Bc7 15.Nf3 Qd7 16.Nh2
47.Qb4+ Qc5 48.Qf4+ Qe5 49.Qb4+ Nxh2 17.Kxh2 Ng4+ 18.Kg1 g6
Qc5 50.Qf4+ 19.f3 Nh6 20.Qxd7+ Kxd7 21.g4 f6
Weighted Error Value: White=0.09 22.gxh5 gxh5 23.Kh2 1-0 (69)
(flawless) /Black=0.06 (flawless) Charpentier,R (2459)-10.c3 0-0 11.
½-½ bd2 g4 (2313) TCh-AUT 2016-17
(6) Nf7 24.Rg1 Rhg8 25.Bd2 Nh8
26.Rg3 Rxg3 27.Kxg3 Rg8+ 28.Kf2
B11 Ke7 29.f4 exf4 30.Bxh5 Rg7
Keymer,Vincent 2733 31.Rh1 Rh7 32.Bg4 Nf7 33.Bf5 Rh8
Praggnanandhaa,R. 2741 34.h5 Ng5 35.h6 Kf7 36.b4 Bd6
87th Tata Steel Masters (13.4) 02.02.25 37.a4 Bf8 38.Bxf4 0-1 (69) Blokh,M
[Kitty Kat] (2620)-Gottardi,G (2305) corr
Konstantinopolskij mem 1993 ]
B11: Caro-Kann: Two Knights Variation 9.c3 c5 10.cxd4 cxd4
1.e4 c6 2.Nf3 d5 3.Nc3 Bg4 4.h3 [ 10...Nc6 keeps more tension.
Bxf3 5.Qxf3 e6 6.Be2 Nf6 7.0-0 d4 11.dxc5 Nd4 12.Bb5+ Nd7 ]
[ 7...Bc5 8.Rd1 Bd4 9.Qf4 e5 11.Na3 0-0 12.Nc4 e5 is the strong
10.Qg3 dxe4 ( 10...0-0 11.d3 Kh8 threat. 12...Bc7 13.d3 Nc6 14.a4 a6
12.Bg5 Qd6 13.Bxf6 gxf6 14.exd5 15.g3 -0.31/18
cxd5 15.Nb5 Qb6 16.Nxd4 Qxd4 [ 15.Bg5= 0.18/20 ]
17.c3 Qb6 18.Bf3 Nd7 19.Bxd5 15...b5 16.Na3 Rb8 -0.03/19
Qxb2 20.Rab1 Qxc3 21.Rxb7 Rad8 [ 16...Nd7 -0.46/17 ]
22.Qf3 Qc5 23.Be4 Qc2 24.Qf5 17.axb5 axb5 18.Bg5 Bd6 19.Rfc1
1-0 Ochedzan,T (2236)-Gkavardinas, Ne5 20.Qg2 Ned7 21.Nc2 Qb6 22.b4
A (2101) Prague op 21st 2023 (5)) e5 23.h4 Ra8 24.Qf1 Rfc8 25.Rxa8
11.d3 exd3 12.Bxd3 Nbd7 13.Ne2 Rxa8 26.Ra1 Qc6 27.Rxa8+ Qxa8
0-0 14.Bf5 Nc5 15.Bh6 Nh5 16.Qg4 28.Qc1 Qb7 29.Bd1 Ne8 30.Bd2 Nb8
Qd6 17.Qxh5 Qxh6 18.Qxh6 gxh6 31.Ne1 Nc6 32.Bb3 Nxb4
19.c3 1-0 4.d4 f6 5.c4 (2775)- [ 32...Bxb4? 33.Bxb4 Nxb4
Ciocaltea,V (2734) USSR Cht9 bd04 34.Qc5+- ]
1988 ] 33.Bxb4 Bxb4 34.Nf3 Qe7 0.98/24
8.Nb1 Bd6N White is slightly better. [ 34...Bd6 35.Ng5 Qd7 36.Nxf7+-
[ 8...Be7 9.d3 0-0 10.Qg3 Kh8 ( 36.Bxf7+ Kf8+- )]
11.Nd2 c5 12.f4 Nc6 13.Qf2 b5 [ Better is 34...Qc7! 0.42/23 35.Qa1
14.Nf3 Nd7 15.Bd2 Nb6 16.h4 f6 ( 35.Qxc7 Nxc7 36.Nxe5 Ne6 )
 124

35...h6 ] a b c d e f g h
35.Qc6 Black is weak on the light
squares 35...h6 36.Qxb5 White is 8 8

much more active. 36...Bd6 37.h5 Nf6! 7 7

38.Nh4 Qd7 1.14/24 Repels Nf5
[ 38...Qc7! 0.68/25 ] 6 6
39.Qa6! Kh7 40.Qa2 Kg8 41.Qa8+ 5 5
Qe8 42.Qa6 Bf8 43.Qb6 Nh7? 2.89/23
[ 43...Qd7 1.08/22 was called for. ] 4 4
44.Qg6 1.16/24 3 3
[ 44.Ng6+- 2.89/23 is more deadly. ]
44...Ng5 ...Qb5 would now be deadly. 2 2
45.Qf5 Qb8 46.Bc4 Bd6 47.Kg2 Kf8? 1 1
3.27/28
a b c d e f g h
[ 47...Qe8 1.52/24 48.Qg6 Bf8 ]
48.Ng6+ 1.50/5 55.Bxf7+!+- Endgame. Deflection. KQB-
[ 48.Nf3+- 3.27/28 Kg8 49.Nxg5 hxg5 KQB 55...Kh8 56.Bb3 Be7 57.Qe6
50.Bxf7+ ( 50.Qxf7+ Kh8+- ) 50...Kh8 Bf6 58.Bc4 Kh7 59.Qf5+ Kh8 60.Qg6
51.h6 ( 51.Qxg5 Qf8+- )] Be7 61.Bf7 Bb4 62.Qf5 Bd6 63.Kh3
48...Kg8 49.Qd7 Bf8 2.12/25 Be7 64.Kg4 Bf6 65.Be6 Qe7 66.f4
[ 49...Ba3 1.46/26 might work better. gxf4 67.gxf4 Qd6 68.Bc4 Black must
50.Nh4 Bd6 ] no w p r eve nt fxe 5 . 68...Qb8 69.Bd5
exf4
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

50.Nh4!+- Bd6 51.Nf5 Bf8 52.Nh4? 70.e5 0.32/29

0.01/24 [ 70.Qe6! 1.45/23 f3 71.Kxf3 ]
[ 52.Bd5+- 2.06/24 ] 70...Bxe5 71.Be4 Kg8 72.Qe6+
52...Bd6!= 53.Nf3 Qf8 54.Nxg5 hxg5 W h i t e h a s c o m p e n s a t i o n . 72...Kh8
(Diagram) 73.Qg6
 125

[ 73.h6!? Bf6 74.Kf3 ] Zee 2017 ( 24...Kd6 25.Qb6+ Kd5

73...Qc8+ 74.Bf5 26.Re3 h2+ 27.Kh1 Qc6 28.Rb1
[ But not 74.Qf5 Qxf5+ 75.Kxf5 Qxb6 29.Rxb6 Bd6 30.Bb2 Rde8
Bd6 ] 0-1 (32) Salman,F (2702)-Chapter,W
74...Qg8 R e p e l s Q h 7 + 75.Kf3 Bf6 (2706) Cesko (ch) 70/512 1997 )]
76.Be4 Be5? 6.15/24 10...0-0-0 11.b4 d5 Threatens to win
[ 76...Bd8 0.44/28 ] with ...d4! 12.b5 Na5 White must now
77.h6+- Bb8 78.Qg5 Intending hxg7+ prevent ...d4. 13.d4 Bh3 14.Bxh3!
and mate. 78...Qf8 79.hxg7+ Qxg7 [ 14.Nexd5? Bxg2 15.Kxg2 Nxd5-+ ]
80.Qh4+ 14...Qxh3 15.Qf3 h5 16.Nexd5
Weighted Error Value: White=0.16 (very -0.35/23
precise) /Black=0.17 (very precise) [ 16.Ncxd5= 0.01/23 Ng4 17.Qh1
1-0 ( 17.Qxf7? Qxh2# ) 17...Nxe3
18.Nxe3 ( 18.Bxe3 h4 ) 18...Rxd4
19.Bb2 ]
C42 16...h4 17.Nxf6 gxf6 18.Rd1 -0.71/22
Gukesh,D. 2777 [ 18.Qg2!= -0.15/21 remains equal.
Erigaisi,Arjun 2801 Qf5 ( 18...Qxg2+ 19.Kxg2 Rxd4
87th Tata Steel Masters (13.5) 02.02.25 20.Be3= ) 19.Bf4 ]
[Kitty Kat] 18...hxg3 19.hxg3 Nc4→ Black has
some attack. 20.Bf4 -1.76/22
C42: Petroff Defence: 3 Nxe5 and [ 20.Rb1! -0.63/20 ]
unusual White 3rd moves
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nc4 a b c d e f g h
Nxe4 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.Ne3 Nf6 7.Nc3
Be6! 8.g3 Nc6 8 8

[ 8...d5 9.Bg2 c6 10.d4 g6 11.0-0 7 7

Bg7 12.f4 Na6 13.a3 Nc7 14.Bd2
0-0-0 15.Rae1 Rde8 16.Qd3 Qd8 6 6
17.f5 Bd7 18.Na4 Ne4 19.Bb4 Nb5 5 5
20.c3 Bh6 21.fxg6 fxg6 22.c4
Bxe3+ 23.Rxe3 1-0 (73) Kumari,P 4 4
(2664)-Zaltz,D (2549) Uxbridge 108/ 3 3
(288) 2009 (2.1) ]
9.Bg2 Against d5. The position is equal. 2 2
9...Qd7! 10.0-0N 1 1
[ 10.b4 d5 11.b5 Nd4 12.Qd3 c5
a b c d e f g h
13.0-0 0-0-0 14.Re1 h5 15.h4 g5
16.b6 a6 17.hxg5 Ng4 18.Ncxd5 h4 20...Bh6!-+ 21.Bxh6 Rxh6 22.Qg2
19.Nc7 h3 20.Bxb7+ Kxb7 21.Qxa6+ -2.50/21
Kc6 22.Nxg4 Bxg4 23.b7+ Kxc7 [ 22.Rab1 -1.49/23 is a better
24.Qa5+ Kb8 0-1 (32) Rapport,R defense. ]
(2702)-Wei,Y (2706) 131/109 Wijk aan 22...Qh5 23.Rab1 Rdh8 24.Rb4 Na3
 126

25.b6 cxb6 aiming for ...Qf5! C67

[ 25...axb6 26.Ra4 Nxc2 27.Ra8+ Giri,Anish 2731
Kd7 28.Rxh8 Rxh8 29.Qd5+ Qxd5 Van Foreest,Jorden 2680
30.Nxd5 ] 87th Tata Steel Masters (13.6) 02.02.25
26.Ra4 Nb5 [Kitty Kat]
[ 26...Nxc2 27.Rxa7 Qh1+ 28.Qxh1
Rxh1+ 29.Kg2 Ne1+ 30.Rxe1 C67: Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defence: 4 0-0
R8h2+ 31.Kf3 Rxe1 32.Ra8+ Kd7 Nxe4
33.Rf8 ] Inf 1 03/ (2 14 ) 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6
27.Rd3 -5.40/24 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.0-0 Nxe4 5.d4 Nd6
[ 27.g4 -3.74/23 was necessary. Qg5 6.Bxc6 dxc6 7.dxe5 Nf5 8.Qxd8+
( 27...Qh1+ 28.Qxh1 Rxh1+ Kxd8 9.Nc3 Ne7 10.h3 Bd7
29.Kg2= ) 28.Ne2 ( 28.Nxb5 [ 10...h6 11.Ne4 Ng6 12.b3 a5
i s a s e l f m a t e . Rh1+ 13.a4 Bb4 14.Bb2 Nf4 15.Rad1+
Skewer, Deflection 29.Qxh1 Qxg4+ Ke8 16.Nd4 Be6 17.Nxe6 fxe6
30.Qg2 Qxd1+ 31.Qf1 Rg8+ 18.Kh2 Rd8 19.Rxd8+ Kxd8 20.g3
Deflection 32.Kh2 Qxf1 )] Nd5 21.c4 Nb6 22.f4 Nd7 23.Bd4
27...Nxc3 28.Rxc3+ Kd8 29.f3 Qb5 Ke7 24.g4 h5 25.Kg2 Dominguez
30.Rxa7 Perez,L (2739)-Le,Q (2728) Chess.
a b c d e f g h
com INT 2023 0-1 (40) ]
11.Ne4 h6N
8 8 [ 11...Ng6 12.Nfg5 Ke8 13.f4 Nh4
7 7 14.Bd2 h6 15.Nf3 ½-½ (15) Yakovich,
Y (2172)-Mohr,C (2284) Hamburgo
6 6 2010 CYB 12 [FS 1979/6; Sh Riga]
5 5
Nxf3+ 16.Rxf3 Bf5 17.Re1 Rd8
18.Bc3 h5 19.Rg3 Guseinov,G
4 4 (2625)-Aleksandrov,A (2582) Baku
3 3
(open) 103/(214) 2008 CI1-130 [RR] ]
12.Re1 0.12/21 &Bianco is more active.
2 2 [ White should try 12.Nc5 0.69/19
1 1
Bc8 13.Nd3 ]
12...b6= 13.Bd2 -0.01/19
a b c d e f g h
[ 13.b3 0.34/18 ]
Rh1+! 31.Kf2 13...Kc8 14.Rad1 a5 15.Ng3 c5
[ 31.Qxh1 Qb1+ ] 16.Nh5 Nd5 17.a3 Inhibits Nb4.
31...R8h2 Pin. 17...Be6 18.g4 -0.50/20
W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =1 . 1 2 / [ 18.c4= -0.09/20 Ne7 19.Re4 ]
Black=0.03 (flawless) 18...b5 19.Kg2 Ra6 20.Kg3 b4
0-1 21.Ra1 a4 22.c3 -0.59/23
[ 22.Red1= -0.12/18 ]
22...bxc3 23.Bxc3 Nxc3
[ 23...g5 i s m o r e c o m p l e x . 24.h4
 127

gxh4+ 25.Nxh4 Rb6 ] 36.Ng7! a2! 37.Ne6 Rb1 Against Ra1

24.bxc3 Rb6 38.Rxc7+
[ 24...g5 feels hotter. 25.Nd2 Rb6 [ D o n ' t g o f o r 38.Rxc3? a1Q
26.f4 Rb2 ] 39.Rexc7+ ( 39.Rcxc7+? Kb8-+ )
25.Nf4 Bb3! 26.Nd2 -0.74/23 39...Kb8 40.Nxd8 Rg1+ 41.Kf3
[ 26.Ng2= -0.28/20 ] ( 41.Kh2? Rh1+ 42.Kg3 Qg1+
26...g5 27.Nh5 Be7 28.Re3 Rd8 43.Kf3 Rxh3+ 44.Ke4 Qe1+ 45.Kf5
29.Nxb3 Rxb3 30.Rf3 c4 31.Rxf7 Rxc3-+ ) 41...Qd1+ 42.Ke4 Qxd8-+ ]
a b c d e f g h
38...Kb8 39.R7xc3
[ Don't blunder 39.R1xc3?
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
Rxa3! 32.Rb1 Rxc3+ 33.Kg2 Rb3
a b c d e f g h
-0.27/21 34.Rc1=
a b c d e f g h
a1Q! 40.Nxd8 Rg1+ 41.Kf3
( 41.Kh2? Rh1+ 42.Kg3 Qg1+
8 8 43.Kf3 Rxh3+ 44.Ke4 Qe1+ 45.Kf5
7 7 Rxc3-+ ) 41...Qd1+ 42.Ke4 Qxd8-+ ]
39...a1Q 40.Rb3+ -0.33/26 Rxb3
6 6 41.Rxa1 Endgame KRR-KRN 41...Rd5
5 5
-0.01/23
[ 41...Rd2! -0.40/24 should be
4 4 considered. ]
3 3
42.Nf8 Rd8 43.Ne6 Rd5 Black has
compensation. 44.Rc1 Rb6
2 2 [ 44...Rxe5? 45.Nd4+- ]
1 1
45.Nf8 Rd8 46.Nh7 Re6 47.Re1 Rd4
48.Nf6 Kc8 49.Re3 Kd8 50.Kg3 Ke7
a b c d e f g h
51.Nh5 Rd5 52.f4 Kf7 53.Rf3
a3! 35.Rxe7 c3 Strongly threatening ... aiming for fxg5+. 53...gxf4+ 0.48/25
a2. [ 53...Ke7= 0.09/24 ]
[ 35...a2!? 36.Ra1 Rd2= ] 54.Nxf4 Rdxe5 55.Nxe6+ Kxe6=
 128

KR-KR 56.Kh4 Hoping for Rf8. 56...Ke7 Ronneland,D (2618) Buenos Aires
Inhibits Rf8. 57.Rf5 Re3 58.Rh5 Re6 2021 200 Traps In The Opening
59.Rf5 -0.01/26 [Harding/Busemann] ½-½ (44);
[ 59.Kg3 0.49/30 ] B) 12.Re1 Nc6 13.Ng3 Rfd8
59...Re3 60.Rh5 Re6! ( 13...Rad8 14.Bb2 e5 15.Qc2
Weighted Error Value: White=0.13 (very Rd7 16.Rad1 Rfd8 17.h3 c4
precise) /Black=0.07 (flawless) 18.a4 Re8 19.Ba3 e4 20.Bb1
½-½ Rd5 21.Ne2 Rg5 22.Nf4 Bc8
23.Qe2 Qd7 24.Qxc4 Na5
25.Qb4 Nd5 26.Nxd5 Qxd5 27.h4
E49 Rg4 28.Qb5 Strick,E (2670)-
Sarana,Alexey 2677 Levano Loayza,A (2710) Srbija 141/
Mendonca,Leon Luke 2639 169 2006 Telechess CBM 89
87th Tata Steel Masters (13.7) 02.02.25 [BCCA Magazine 19 p20] 0-1 (39))
[Kitty Kat] 14.Bb2 Na5 15.e4 Bc4 16.Bxc4
Nxc4 17.Bc1 Ne8 18.e5 cxd4
E49: Nimzo-Indian: Rubinstein: 5 Bd3 d5 19.cxd4 Rd5 20.Qg4 Qd7 21.Re4
6 a3 Bxc3+ 7 bxc3 Ncd6 22.Rf4 Nf5 23.Nxf5 exf5
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 24.Qxf5 Qxf5 Chapter-Ba2 ]
0-0 5.Bd3 d5 6.a3 Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 10...b6 11.f3 Bb7 Threatening ...cxd4.
dxc4 8.Bxc4 c5 9.Ne2 Qc7 10.Qc2N 12.Bd2 Nc6 13.Rc1 Rac8 0.08/20
[ 10.Ba2 b6 11.0-0 Ba6 [ 13...Na5 -0.25/18 deserves
A) 12.Bb2 Nc6 13.Rc1 Rfd8 consideration. 14.Ba2 Rfd8 ]
14.c4 Nimzo 4 e3 0-0 5 Bd3 d5-6 14.Qb2= e5 15.e4 exd4 16.cxd4
a3 Bxc3+ 7 bxc3 dxc4 ChessPub cxd4 17.Bb5 Qd7 0.51/23
Guide 2024 Nimzo & Benoni [John [ 17...Rfd8= 0.10/23 ]
Emms] cxd4 15.exd4 ( 15.Nxd4 18.0-0 Rfd8 19.Bg5 a6 0.80/25
e5 16.Nb5 Bxb5 17.cxb5 Rxd1 [ 19...Qe6 0.35/21 ]
18.Rfxd1 Ne4 19.bxc6 Nc5 20.Bxc6 &Bianco is more active.
20.Bd5 Rd8 21.Bc3 h6 22.Bb4 20...Rxc6 21.Rxc6 Bxc6 22.Rd1 d3
Na6 23.Bf3 f5 24.Rxd8+ Qxd8 23.Qxb6 h6 1.52/26
25.Rd1 Qc8 26.Bd5+ Kh7 27.Bd6 [ Better is 23...Ba4 0.81/23 24.Rd2
e4 28.Be5 Qe8 29.Bf4 Qc8 Bb5 ]
Kayser,P (2296)-Grabowski,B 24.Bxf6 gxf6
(1934) ICCF 2016 Kommentierte
P a r t i e n 2 0 2 4 [ B u r i c , S l a vk o ] 1 - 0 (Diagram)
(45) ) 15...Na5 16.d5 Bxc4
17.Bxc4 Nxc4 18.Bxf6 gxf6 25.Nf4 0.48/25
19.Ng3 exd5 20.Qg4+ Kh8 [ 25.Ng3! 1.59/25 ]
21.Rfe1 Rg8 22.Qd4 Qd8 23.Nf5 25...d2 26.Nd5! Bxd5 27.Rxd2 Pin
Ne5 24.Kh1 Rc8 25.Rxc8 Qxc8 27...Qe7 Strongly threatening ...Rd7!
26.Ne7 Qg4 27.Qxd5 Re8 28.Nc6 28.h3 0.10/24
Qf4 29.f3 Skalusevic,L (2664)- [ Wrong is 28.Rxd5? Rxd5 29.Qb8+
 129

a b c d e f g h
44...f5+ 45.Kf4 Kf6 46.g4 fxg4
47.Kxg4 Ke5
8 8 Weighted Error Value: White=0.07
7 7 (flawless) /Black=0.08 (flawless)
½-½
6 6

5 5
A13
4 4 Gukesh D 2615
3 3
Praggnanandhaa R 2717
Masters | Playoff (1.1) 02.02.2025
2 2 [Kitty Kat]
1 1
A13: English Opening: 1...e6
a b c d e f g h
1.Nf3 d5 2.c4 e6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 d4
Rd8 30.Qg3+ Kf8-+ ] 5.0-0 Nc6 6.d3 Bc5 7.a3N
[ 28.g4 0.55/25 is superior. ] [ 7.e3 0-0 8.exd4 Nxd4 9.Nxd4
28...Rd7!= And now ...Bc6! would win. Bxd4 10.Nc3 e5 11.Be3 Bg4
The position is equal. 29.Qb8+ Kh7 12.Qd2 c6 13.h3 Bf5 14.Rad1 Qd7
a b c d e f g h
15.g4 Bg6 16.Bg5 Qd6 17.Ne2 Bb6
18.b4 Bc7 19.c5 Qe6 20.Rfe1 Nd5
8 8 21.Ng3 h6 Campos,J (2206)-Guo,Q
7 7 (1412) Bydgoszcz 2023 0-1 (39) ]
[ 7.Nbd2 0-0 8.Nb3 Be7 9.h3 ( 9.e3
6 6 dxe3 10.Bxe3 Ng4 11.Bc5 Bxc5
5 5
12.Nxc5 b6 13.Ne4 Bb7 14.d4 Rb8
15.Re1 Nf6 16.Nc3 Ne7 17.Ne5
4 4 Bxg2 18.Kxg2 c6 19.Qd3 Qc7
3 3
20.Rad1 Rbd8 21.Qf3 Rd6 22.b4
Ng6 23.h4 Ne7 4.f3 g6 5.bd2
2 2 (2727)-Glaser,G (2664) London 2022
1 1
OPN, D00 [Borovikov] ½-½ (72) )
9...e5 10.e3 a5 11.exd4 exd4 12.a4
a b c d e f g h
Ra6 13.Re1 Bb4 14.Bd2 Rb6
...Qc5+ is the strong threat. 30.Rxd5 15.Bxb4 Rxb4 16.Ra3 Qd6 17.Qd2
Rxd5 31.exd5 Endgame With the idea Nd7 18.Ng5 Rb6 19.Bd5 Ne7
Qb4. KQ-KQ 31...Qc5+ 32.Kh1 Qxd5 20.Bg2 Nc6 21.Ne4 Qb4 Eljanov,P
33.Qb6 Qe6 34.Qb4 Qd5 35.a4 a5 (2 69 1) -E ri ga is i, A (2 72 7) Che nn a i
36.Qf4 Qe5 37.Qc4 Kg7 38.h4 Qe1+ 2023 [David Cummings] ½-½ (54) ]
39.Kh2 Qb4 40.Qg4+ Qxg4 41.fxg4 [ 7.Bg5 0-0 8.Nbd2 Be7 9.a3 a5
aiming for Kg3. KP-KP 41...Kg6 42.Kg3 10.Qa4 Ra6 11.Qc2 h6 12.Bxf6
B l a c k m u s t n o w p r e ve n t K f 4 . 42...f5 Bxf6 13.Rab1 Be7 14.c5 a4 15.Rfc1
43.Kf4 fxg4 44.Kxg4 Hoping for h5+. Ra5 16.b4 axb3 17.Nxb3 Rxa3
 130

18.Nfd2 Ra8 19.Ra1 Rb8 20.Bxc6 27...Ra8

bxc6 21.Nf3 Bf6 Donchenko,A a b c d e f g h
(2664)-Keymer,V (2700) Chess.com
INT 2023 0-1 (53) ] 8 8

7...a5 P r e v e n t s b 4 . 8.Bg5 h6 7 7
The position is equal. 9.Bxf6 Qxf6
10.Nbd2 Qe7 11.Ne4 a4 12.Nxc5 6 6
Qxc5 13.Nd2 0-0 14.Qc2 e5 15.Rfb1 5 5
Ra7 16.b4 axb3! 17.Rxb3 Qe7
18.Rb5 -0.34/21 4 4
[ 18.Bxc6= 0.12/22 bxc6 19.a4 ] 3 3
18...Rxa3 19.Re1 Ra7 20.Qb2 Rd8
21.h4 -0.77/22 2 2
[ 21.Ra1 -0.31/20 ] 1 1
21...Nb8 22.e3 c6 23.Rb3 Qc7 24.Nf3
a b c d e f g h
-1.07/22
[ 24.exd4 -0.76/21 exd4 25.Ne4 ] 28.Nxd4! Nc7 1.06/27
24...Na6 -0.01/25 [ 28...Qxd4? 29.Re8+!! Rxe8
[ 24...c5 -1.07/22 25.Nd2 Nc6 30.Qxd4+- ]
26.Bxc6 Qxc6 ] [ Black should play 28...Rb8 0.40/21 ]
25.Ra3 -0.38/23 [ 28...Bd7 29.Nc2 ]
[ 25.exd4= -0.01/25 deserves
consideration. exd4 26.Ra3 ] a b c d e f g h
25...Qd6 0.59/25
[ Better is 25...dxe3 -0.38/23 26.Rxe3 8 8

f6 ] 7 7
26.exd4 exd4
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
29.Rxa8 -0.01/22 &Bianco is much more
2 2 active.
1 1
[ 29.Nb5! 1.06/27 cxb5 30.Qxd6
Rxd6 31.Rxa8 Nxa8 32.Re8+ Kh7
a b c d e f g h
33.c5 ( 33.Rxc8 Nb6 )]
27.Qb6! Black must now prevent c5. 29...Nxa8= 30.Qa7 Nc7
 131

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

31.Qa5! Qxd4 A mistake that costs the game.

[ 31...Na6 32.Nf5 ] 36.Re8+!+- White is clearly winning.
32.Qxc7 Qxd3 0.81/24 36...Kh7
[ 32...Be6= 0.05/22 ] [ 36...Rxe8 37.Qxd6 ]
33.Re7? -0.78/24 37.Qxd8 Qe5 Against Be4+ 38.Rh8+
[ 33.Bd5! 0.81/24 Rf8 34.Bxf7+! Kg6 39.Qd3+ Bf5 40.Qe3 Qd6
Kh8 35.Qe7 ] 41.Re8 Be6 Prevents Bd5. 42.Be4+
W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 3 6 /
a b c d e f g h
Black=0.56
1-0
8 8

7 7
D03
6 6 Praggnanandhaa R 2717
5 5
Gukesh D 2615
Masters | Playoff (1.1) 02.02.2025
4 4 [Kitty Kat]
3 3
D03: 1 d4 d5 2 Nf3 Nf6 3 Bg5, including
2 2 Torre Attack with early ...d5
1 1
1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 d5 3.e3 g6 4.Nf3
Bg7 5.Nbd2 0-0 6.h3
a b c d e f g h
[ 6.Rc1 b6 7.c4 Ba6 8.Be2 Ne4
33...Be6 -0.14/24 9.Bh4 c5 10.0-0 Nc6 11.cxd5 Bxe2
[ 33...Rf8! -0.78/24 34.Qf4 Qa3 ] 12.Qxe2 Nxd2 13.Qxd2 Qxd5
34.Qxb7 c5 35.Qc7 Qd6? 5.20/25 14.dxc5 Njili,K (2460)-Juan Lepp,J
[ 35...Qd1+= -0.25/24 36.Kh2 Qd4 ] (2520) Prague 1990 Telechess CBM
89 [NV] ]
 132

[ 6.c4 c6 7.cxd5 cxd5 8.Bd3 Nc6 a b c d e f g h

9.a3 Bd7 10.0-0 Rc8 11.Qb3 e6
12.Ne5 h6 13.Bh4 g5 14.Bg3 b6 8 8

15.Nxd7 Qxd7 16.Nf3 Na5 17.Qa2 7 7

Nc4 18.b3 Na5 19.Rac1 Qe7 20.b4
Nb7 Kopylov,M (1523)-Parvanyan,A 6 6
(1199) Asuncion 2023 CT-1677 [John 5 5
Watson] 1-0 ]
6...c5N 4 4
[ 6...b6 7.Be2 Bb7 8.0-0 c5 9.c3 3 3
Nbd7 10.Re1 Re8 11.Bf4 Ne4
12.Nxe4 dxe4 13.Nd2 e5 14.dxe5 2 2
Nxe5 15.Bxe5 Rxe5 16.Qb3 Qh4 1 1
17.f4 exf3 18.Bxf3 Rd8 19.Qc4 Qe7
a b c d e f g h
20.Qe2 Bh6 21.Nf1 Preiswerk,W
(2141)-Marciniak,G (2321) 18...Nf8 0.32/21
Katrineholm 2003 200 Traps In The [ 18...Rcd8 -0.32/19 ]
Opening [ IainMackintosh] ½-½ (49) 19.Bf1 Ne6 20.e4! Inhibits f5. 20...d4
Bxf3 22.Qxf3 Re8 23.Rad1 Bxe3+ 21.Qc2 0.01/19
24.Nxe3 Rxe3 25.Rxe3 Qxe3+ [ 21.e5 0.38/21 ]
26.Qxe3 Rxe3 27.Kf2 Re7 28.a4 21...Ng5 22.Nh2 Rcd8 23.e5 Qc7
Kg7 29.a5 bxa5 30.Ra1 Rb7 0.50/21
31.Rxa5 Rxb2+ 32.Kf3 Kf6 33.Rxc5 [ Resist 23...Bxe5 24.f4 ]
Ra2 34.g4 a5 35.Ke4 a4 36.g5+ [ M u c h l e s s s t r o n g i s 23...Nxe5
Panic,M (2141)-Bakhmatov,E (2321) 24.h4 ]
B a d W i e s s e e 2 0 0 3 [ Black should play 23...Na5!= -0.06/20 ]
[ChessCalisthenics] ½-½ (49) ] 24.Ng4 -0.22/22
7.c3 b6 8.Bd3 The position is equal. [ 24.h4 0.50/21 Ne6 25.Ng4 ]
8...Nc6 9.0-0 h6 10.Bf4 Nd7 11.Bg3 24...Kh8 1.11/21
Bb7 12.Be2 e5 13.dxe5 Ndxe5 14.a4 [ Of course no t 24...Nxe5?! 25.Bb5
Nd7 0.09/21 Re6 26.Bxe5 Bxe5 27.Bc4 ]
[ 14...Nxf3+ -0.45/20 15.Bxf3 Re8 ] [ 24...dxc3= -0.22/22 remains equal.
15.Qc2 -0.34/21 25.Qxc3 Nd4 ]
[ 15.e4= 0.09/21 ] 25.Nc4 Ne6 26.Nd6 Rf8 27.Bc4
15...Re8 16.Rfe1 Rc8 17.Rad1 Qe7 A n d n o w B x e 6 w o u l d w i n . 27...Ne7
0.23/21 28.Qc1 1.11/22
[ 17...f5 -0.29/21 ] [ 28.Bxe6+- 1.86/20 fxe6 29.cxd4 ]
18.Qb1 -0.32/19 28...Qc6 1.46/21
[ 18.e4!= 0.23/21 dxe4 [ Black should try 28...Nf5 1.11/22 ]
29.Nxb7 Active counter play! 29...Qxb7
(Diagram) 30.Nxh6 Nd5 2.30/22
[ 30...Qc6 1.55/22 31.Bh4 g5 ]
19.Qxe4! ] 31.Ng4+- Qe7 32.Rd3 Qg5 3.27/23
 133

[ 32...Kh7 2.22/20 33.f4 Qd7 ] Nc6 8.Bg5 Be7 9.Nc3 d4 10.Bxf6

33.Qxg5 Nxg5 34.cxd4 Nb4 35.Rd2 gxf6 11.Ne4 Qb6 12.c3 f5 13.Ned2
Rxd4 36.Rxd4 cxd4 37.Rd1 Nc6 0-0 14.cxd4 Nxd4 15.e3 Nxb3
38.Bb5 Ne7 4.90/24 16.Nxb3 Bc4 17.Qf3 Bxf1
[ 38...Nb8 2.87/23 might work better. �-� (118) 10. e2 e6 11.0-0 (2426)-
39.Rxd4 Rc8 ] Bisguer,A (2278) Wichern op 5th 1999
(6.2) ]
a b c d e f g h
[ 3.e3 c5 4.c4 cxd4 5.exd4 g6
6.Nc3 Bg7 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Qb3
8 8 Nxc3 9.bxc3 0-0 10.Bf4 Nc6 11.Be2
7 7 b6 12.0-0 Bb7 13.Rfe1 Rc8 14.Qb2
Na5 15.Nd2 Qd5 16.Bf1 Qf5
6 6 17.Bg3 e6 ½-½ (28) Kluegel,J (2500)-
5 5
Ni c k e l , A ( 2 6 3 0 ) 3 0 / A ( S U I ) I C C F
2015 ]
4 4 [ 3.c4 c6 4.e3 e6 5.b3 Nbd7 6.Bd3
3 3
Bd6 7.Bb2 b6 8.0-0 Bb7 9.Nc3 0-0
10.Qe2 Re8 11.Rfd1 Rc8 12.Rac1
2 2 Qe7 13.cxd5 Nxd5 14.Ne4 Bb8
1 1
15.Ne5 Nf8 16.Qh5 f6 17.Nc4 Nb4
0-1 (53) Laxman,R (2378)-Swayham,
a b c d e f g h
P (1902) Bikaner op 1st 2022 (1) ]
39.Bh4 3...e6 4.e3 c5 5.Be2 Bd6 6.dxc5
Weighted Error Value: White=0.16 (very Bxc5 7.0-0 0-0 8.c4 White has an
precise) /Black=0.36 edge. 8...dxc4 9.Bxc4 a6 10.Qxd8
1-0 Rxd8 11.Nbd2 Bd7 12.Rac1 Be7
13.Be2 Nd5 14.Bg3 Bb5 15.Bxb5
axb5 16.a3 Nc6 17.Rfd1 Rac8 18.Kf1
D02 Nb6 -0.04/21
Praggnanandhaa R 2717 [ 18...f6 -0.59/20 ]
Gukesh D 2615 19.Ne4 Nc4 20.Rxd8+ Rxd8 1.09/22
Masters | Playoff (1.1) 02.02.2025 [ 20...Nxd8= -0.01/22 21.Ke1 Nc6 ]
[Kitty Kat] 21.Rc2? -0.49/22
[ White has to play 21.a4! 1.09/22 ]
D02: 1 d4 d5 2 Nf3 sidelines, including 21...Rd1+! 22.Ke2 Rb1 23.Nc3
2...Nf6 3 g3 and 2...Nf6 3 Bf4 -0.96/24
1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Bf4N [ 23.Nd4 -0.50/24 was preferrable. ]
[ 3.g3 c5 ( 3...g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.0-0 23...Rxb2 24.Rxb2 Remove Defender
0-0 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 cxd4 8.Nxd4 24...Nxb2 25.Nxb5 Nc4 Dodges Bd6
Re8 9.Nf3 Nc6 10.Ne5 Qc7 26.Kd3 Nxa3 27.Nxa3 Bxa3
11.Nxc6 bxc6 28) 1.d4 d5 - E n d g a m e . K B N - K B N 28.Kc4 Na7
Remaining Nonse-3.g3 & 6.b3) 4.Bg2 29.Bb8 Nc8 30.Kb5 -1.80/25
cxd4 5.Nxd4 e5 6.Nb3 Be6 7.0-0 [ 30.Nd2 -0.88/23 ]
 134

[ Better is 36...Nd2 -0.90/24

a b c d e f g h
And now ...Nf1 would win. 37.Kxb7
Nf1 ]
8 8 37.Kxb7= e5 38.Kc6 Nd1 39.Nc4 Ke6
7 7 40.e4 g6 41.Kc5 f5 42.Kb4 fxe4
43.fxe4 Nf2 44.Nd2 Kd6 45.Nc4+
6 6 Ke6 46.Nd2 Kf6 47.Kc4 Ng4 48.Nf1
5 5
Nf2 49.Kd5 Nd3 50.Ne3 Nf4+ 1.44/28
[ 50...Nf2= 0.01/26 remains equal. ]
4 4 51.Kd6 Black must now prevent Nd5+.
3 3
51...Nd3 52.Ng4+ Deflection 52...Kg5?
4.21/25
2 2 [ 52...Kg7 2.04/25 53.Nxe5 Nf2 ]
1 1
53.Nxe5+- Kf4? 16.85/29
[ 53...Nf2 3.44/24 54.Nf3+ Kf4 ]
a b c d e f g h
54.Nxd3+ Kxe4 KN-KPP 55.Nf2+ Ke3
30...f6 -0.80/24 56.Ng4+ Kf4 57.Nf6 h5 58.Ke6
[ 30...Bd6!-+ -1.80/25 has better White wants to mate with g3+. 58...h4
winni ng ch ances . 31.Bxd6 Nxd6+ 59.Kf7 Kf5 60.Kg7 19.44/29
32.Kb6 Kf8 ] [ 60.g4+ #19/27 hxg3 61.hxg3 g5
31.Nd2 Kf7 32.Nc4 Bf8 -0.51/22 62.g4+ Kf4 63.Kg6 Ke5 64.Nh5
[ Black should play 32...Be7 -0.96/25 ] ( 64.Kxg5 Ke6 65.Nh5 Ke5 66.Kh6
33.Na5 -0.89/25 Kd6 67.g5 Ke5 68.g6 Ke6 ) 64...Ke6
[ 33.Bg3! -0.51/22 might be 65.Kxg5 ]
stronger. ] 60...g5 61.h3 Kf4 62.Kg6
Weighted Error Value: White=0.17 (very
a b c d e f g h
precise) /Black=0.40
1-0
8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

33...Bd6! 34.Bxd6 Nxd6+ KN-KN

35.Kb6 Ne4 36.f3 Nc3 -0.01/26
 1

1 B54 Be7 11.a4 Ne5 12.a5 bxa5

Divya,Deshmukh 2490 13.Qa4+ Qd7 14.Qxa5 Nc6
Yakubboev,Nodirbek 2659 15.Qa2 Nxd4 16.Bxd4 0-0
Tata Steel Challengers (1.1) 18.01.2025 17.Rfd1 Qc7 18.Rac1 Nd7 19.b4
[Kitty Kat] Rfc8 20.Na4 Chapter-Games
Game 2 (42) ]

B55: Sicilian: 2...d6 3 d4 cxd4 4 Nxd4 a b c d e f g h

Nf6 5 f3 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4
4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.f3 e5N 8 8

[ 5...a6 6.c4 e6 7.Nc3 b6 7 7

A) 8.Be2 Bb7 9.0-0 Be7 10.Be3
0-0 11.Qd2 6 6
A1) 11...Qc7 12.Rfd1 ( 12.Rac1 5 5
Nbd7 13.Rfd1 Rac8 14.Bf1
Qb8 15.Nc2 Rfe8 16.Kh1 Bd8 4 4
17.Bf4 Ne5 18.Bxe5 dxe5 3 3
19.Qd6 Bc7 20.Qa3 Rcd8
21.b4 Bd6 22.Qb2 Nd7 23.Rd2 2 2
Qc7 24.Rcd1 Be7 25.Qb3 h5 1 1
26.Na4 h4 Chumichev,G
a b c d e f g h
(2416)-12.0-0 b6 13.Rad1
Bb7_107 (2599) Moscow 2012 6.Nb3 Be7 7.c4 a5 8.Be3 0-0 9.Be2
CBM 017 [Ham/Harding] 0-1 Nc6 10.0-0 The position is equal.
(46) ) 12...Re8 13.Rac1 Nbd7 10...Nh5
14.a3 Rac8 15.b4 Qb8 16.Kh1 a b c d e f g h
Bd8 17.Bg1 h5 18.Nc2 Bc7
19.Ne3 Ne5 20.Na4 h4 21.c5 8 8

dxc5 22.bxc5 b5 23.Nb6 Rcd8 7 7

24.Qe1 h3 25.a4 hxg2+
26.Nxg2 Ayyala,S (2018)-7.00 6 6
Na6 8. Re1 c6 (2361) Maia 2022 5 5
Telechess CBM 104 [John
Watson] 0-1 (53); 4 4
A2) 11...Nbd7 12.a4 Rc8 13.a5 3 3
Ne5 14.axb6 Nxc4 15.Bxc4
Rxc4 16.Nb3 Rb4 17.Na5 Ba8 2 2
18.Na4 Rb5 19.Nc3 Rb4 1 1
20.Na4 Rb5 21.Nc3 ½-½ (21)
a b c d e f g h
Ellithorpe,G (2680)-13.Rad1 Qb6
14.b3 (2655) Rehovot 83/244 11.Qd2 Nf4 12.Bxf4 exf4 13.Nc3 Bf6
1997 1 e4 e5 [John Watson]; 14.Rad1
B) 8.Be3 Bb7 9.Be2 Nbd7 10.0-0 [ 14.Qxf4? a4 15.Nd5 Bxb2-+ ]
 2

14...Be6 15.Nb5 [ 21.Nxe6 -0.75/21 fxe6 22.Kh1 ]

[ 15.Qxf4? a4 16.Nc1 ( 16.Rxd6? 21...g6 22.Rfd1 Ra6 23.Kf2 Kg7
Qe7-+ ) 16...Qb6+ 17.c5 dxc5-+ ] 24.Rg1 Kf6 25.g4 Raa8
[ 15.Qxd6 Qxd6 16.Rxd6 a4 ] a b c d e f g h
15...Be5
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
26.h3 -1.67/25
a b c d e f g h
[ 26.h4 -1.11/24 ]
16.N3d4 26...h5 -1.28/23
[ Wrong is 16.Nxd6? a4 17.Nc1 [ 26...Rfd8-+ -1.67/25 27.Rgd1 Rxd2
( 17.Nxb7? Qxd2 18.Nxd2 Rfb8-+ ) 28.Rxd2 h5 ]
17...Bd4+ 18.Qxd4 Nxd4 19.Rxd4 27.Rc1 -1.69/24
Qb6-+ ] [ 27.Rgd1 -1.28/23 ]
16...Nxd4 17.Nxd4 a4 18.Qb4 Qc7 27...Rh8-+ 28.Bf1 Rad8 29.Rcd1 Ra8
19.Rd2 Qc5 20.Qxc5 dxc5 0.01/19
a b c d e f g h
[ 29...Rxd2+-+ -1.63/22 30.Rxd2 hxg4
31.hxg4 Rh2+ 32.Ke1 Rxd2 33.Kxd2
8 8 Bxb2 ]
7 7

6 6 (Diagram)
5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

21.Nb5 -1.27/24
 3

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

30.Rc1!= This costs White the game. 36.Nd1 axb2 37.Nxb2 Ra8 38.a4 Bd4
30...hxg4 39.Be2 Ra6 And now ...Rb6 would win.
a b c d e f g h
40.Bd1 -3.16/23
[ 40.e5 -2.23/22 ]
8 8 40...Rb6
7 7 a b c d e f g h

6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3

a b c d e f g h 2 2
31.fxg4 Kg5 32.Rcc2 Rad8 33.Kf3 1 1
Rd7 34.Nc3 -3.06/26
a b c d e f g h
[ 34.Rxd7 -1.60/22 was worth a try.
Bxd7 35.Rd2 ] 41.Nd3 Bxc4
34...Rxd2-+ 35.Rxd2 a3
(Diagram)
(Diagram)
 4

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

...Be3 is the strong threat. 42.Nxf4 Kh4 W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 5 2 /

Threatens to win with ...Rf6. Black=0.19 (very precise)
[ Worse is 42...Rf6 43.Kg3 Rd6 0-1
44.Bc2 ]
43.Nd5 I n h i b i t s R f 6 + . 43...Rb1
Hoping for ...Bb3. 44.Kg2? -4.51/26
[ 44.Ne3 -2.35/22 was the only
chance. Bb3 45.Rd3 Bxd1+
46.Nxd1 ]
44...Ra1 45.Nb6 Ba6
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

This bishop pair is nice. 46.g5 -8.89/23

[ 46.Be2 -4.36/22 Bxe2 47.Rxe2 ]
46...Be3 47.Rd8 Bd4 48.Bg4 Ra2+
 5

2 A49 a b c d e f g h
Nguyen,Thai Dai Van 2668
Pijpers,Arthur 2474 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (1.2) 18.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
A49: 1 d4 Nf6 2 Nf3 g6 3 g3: Anti-King's
Indian systems Combinative liquidation 4 4
in the opening 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 3 3
Bg7 4.Bg2 c5 5.dxc5N
[ 5.d5 0-0 6.0-0 b5 ( 6...d6 7.Nc3 2 2
Na6 8.e4 Nc7 9.a4 Bg4 10.h3 Bxf3 1 1
11.Qxf3 a6 12.Qe2 Nd7 13.a5 b5
a b c d e f g h
14.axb6 Nxb6 15.Nd1 a5 16.h4
Qd7 17.c4 e6 18.Bh3 Qe7 19.Qc2 6.c3 Qxc5 7.Nd4 0-0 8.e4
exd5 20.exd5 Rfe8 21.Ne3 The position is equal. 8...Nc6 9.0-0 d6
Ha n s e n, C ( 2 47 5 ) - 1 0. 0 0 0 Be 7 1 1 . 10.h3 Bd7
g4_5565 (2490) Game No. 5 1996 a b c d e f g h
CBM 131 [Wade] 0-1 (43)) 7.Re1 d6
8.e4 Nbd7 9.a4 b4 10.Nbd2 a5 8 8

5.d5 #10 20. Fianchetto - White 7 7

Avoids c4 ]
[ 5.c3 cxd4 6.cxd4 0-0 7.Nc3 d6 6 6
8.0-0 Nc6 9.d5 Nb4 10.a3 Na6 5 5
11.Be3 Bf5 12.Nd4 Bd7 13.b4 Ng4
14.Qd2 Nxe3 15.Qxe3 Qb6 16.Rfd1 4 4
Rac8 17.b5 Nb8 18.a4 Rc4 19.a5 3 3
Bxd4 7.h3 Bf3 8.Qf3_58142 (2023)-
Sveshnikov with ...gxf6 (1859) 6.bxc3 2 2
Bg7 7. Qa4+ Nd7 8.Nf3 00 9.Bg5 c5 1 1
2023 Inf87 [John Watson] 0-1 (75) ]
a b c d e f g h
[ 5.0-0 cxd4 6.Nxd4 0-0 7.c4 Nc6
8.Nc3 Qa5 9.Nc2 d6 10.Bd2 Qh5 11.Be3 Qa5 12.Na3 Rac8 13.Qe2
11.e4 Ng4 12.h4 Qc5 13.b3 Be6 Qa6 14.Qxa6 bxa6 15.Rfd1 Rc7
14.Rb1 a6 15.Nd5 h5 16.Bg5
Combinative Liquidation-In The (Diagram)
Opening The MiddleGame - Two
[44: Combinative Liquidation] ]
5...Qa5+

(Diagram)
 6

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.Ne2 Rb8 17.Rab1 a5 18.b3 Nd8 22.Nd5 0.45/21

19.c4 Bc6 1.00/22 0x0.0021694cb1bfdp-1022s more active
[ 19...Ne6 0.41/21 ] pieces.
20.Nc3! Rcb7 [ 22.Rbc1! 1.01/21 ]
a b c d e f g h
22...Bxd5 1.14/22
[ 22...Nc5 0.45/21 ]
8 8 23.exd5 a6 1.75/21
7 7 [ 23...Nc5 1.22/22 ]
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
21.Nab5 Nd7
2 2
(Diagram) 1 1

a b c d e f g h

24.Na7!+- Ne5 25.Rbc1 a4 2.48/24

[ 25...Rc7 1.73/22 26.f4 Nd7 ]

(Diagram)
 7

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

26.bxa4 Rc7 27.a5 aiming for Bb6. 36.Rd8+ Bxd8 37.cxd8Q+ Rxd8
27...Rxc4 28.Nc6 Ndxc6 29.dxc6 Rc8 38.Bxd8
30.Bb6 A strong pair of Bishops. a b c d e f g h
30...e6? 6.48/31
[ 30...Rxc1 3.88/24 31.Rxc1 e6 ] 8 8

7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 0 9
1 1
(flawless) /Black=0.24 (precise)
1-0
a b c d e f g h

31.c7 d5 32.Bf1 Rxc1 33.Rxc1 Nc4

34.Bxc4 dxc4 35.Rd1 Intending Rd8+
and mate. 35...Bf6

(Diagram)
 8

3 C53 8.Be3 Bxe3 9.fxe3 0-0 10.Nbd2 Ne7

Suleymanli,Aydin 2623 a b c d e f g h
Bok,Benjamin 2583
Tata Steel Challengers (1.3) 18.01.2025 8 8

[Kitty Kat] 7 7

6 6
C54: Giuoco Piano: 4 c3 Nf6, main lines 5 5
with 5 d4 and 5 d3 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6
3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d3 d6 4 4

a b c d e f g h 3 3

8 8 2 2

7 7 1 1

6 6 a b c d e f g h

5 5
11.d4 Ng6 12.a4 b6 13.Qc2 Bb7
14.Rae1 Qe7 15.Bd3 h6
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
8 8
2 2
7 7
1 1
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
6.0-0 a5 7.h3
[ 7.Re1 0-0 8.Nbd2 h6 9.Nf1 a4 4 4
10.h3 Ra5 11.Bd2 b5 12.b4 axb3 3 3
13.Bxb3 Ra8 14.a4 b4 15.cxb4
Nxb4 16.Bc4 Be6 17.Qb3 Qd7 2 2
18.Reb1 Nc6 19.a5 Ra7 20.Ne3 1 1
Rb8 21.Bxe6 Rxb3 Kireev, S-Szabo,
a b c d e f g h
V corr 145/(104) 2020 Chess
Informant 145 [RR] ] 16.Rf2 Rfe8 17.Bb5 Rec8 18.Bc4
7...Ba7N Re8 19.Bb5 Rec8 20.Bc4 Re8
[ 7...h6 8.Re1 ( 8.d4 Ba7 9.dxe5
Nxe5 10.Nxe5 dxe5 11.Qxd8+ Kxd8 (Diagram)
12.Bxf7 Nxe4 #3 38) Italian 5.c3 −
White's -6.O-O a5 7.h3) 8...g5 9.d4
Ba7 10.dxe5 Nxe5 11.Nxe5 dxe5
12.Qxd8+ Kxd8 13.Bxf7 g4 14.hxg4
Ke7 #1 38) Italian 5.c3 − White's -6.O-
O a5 7.h3 ]
 9

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

21.Nh2 Nf8 0.50/21 26.Bb5

[ 21...exd4= -0.03/17 22.exd4 d5 ] [ 26.Bxe6 i s mo r e c o m p l e x. Qxe6
27.Rxf6 gxf6 28.Rf5 ]
a b c d e f g h
26...Rf8 27.d5 Bd7 The position is
equal. 28.Rxf6 Black must now prevent
8 8 Bxd7! 28...Bxb5
7 7 a b c d e f g h

6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3

a b c d e f g h 2 2
22.Ng4 0.10/20 1 1
[ 22.Rxf6! 0.50/21 gxf6 ( 22...Qxf6
a b c d e f g h
23.Rf1 ) 23.Rf1 ]
22...N8h7 23.Ref1 Bc8 24.Nxf6+ Nxf6 29.axb5 And now Qg4 would win.
25.Qd1 Be6 29...gxf6 30.Qg4+ Kh7

(Diagram) (Diagram)
 10

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.07

(flawless) / Black=0.08 (flawless)
½-½
 11

4 16.Kf2 Ne4+ 17.Kg1 D 37/16 ) 9.Bd3

D37
Gurel,Ediz 2624
c6 10.Ne5 Bf6 11.Nxd7 Bxd7 12.f3
Bulmaga,Irina 2386
Ng5 13.Bxg5 Bxg5 14.f4 Be7 15.a3
Tata Steel Challengers (1.4) 18.01.2025
b6 16.b4 g5 17.g3 Kh8 18.Be2
[Kitty Kat] gxf4 19.gxf4 Rg8 20.Kd2 Qf8
21.Rag1 bxc5 22.bxc5 Rb8
11...Qc7 12.Nbd2 cd4 13.c,4 (2752)-
D37: Queen's Gambit Declined: 5 Bf4 Grube,J (2711) Sollentuna 2012 A
1.c4 e6 2.Nc3 d5 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nf3 Ferocious Opening Rep. [Zsolt
Be7 5.Bf4 0-0 Karacsony] 1-0 (48) ]
a b c d e f g h
8...f5 9.Nxe4 The position is equal.
9...fxe4 10.Ng5 Nf6
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
6.e3 Nbd7 7.c5 Ne4 8.h4N
a b c d e f g h
[ 8.Rc1 f5 ( 8...Nxc3 9.Rxc3 c6
10.Bd3 b6 11.b4 a5 12.a3 axb4 11.g3 a5 12.Be2 h6 13.Nh3 Nd7
13.axb4 Ba6 14.0-0 Qc8 15.cxb6 14.Rc1 e5 15.Bxe5 Nxe5
Bxd3 16.Qxd3 Qb7 17.b5 Rfc8
18.bxc6 Rxc6 19.Rxc6 Qxc6 20.Rb1 (Diagram)
Nxb6 21.Ne5 Qb7 22.Qb5
Queen'S Gambit-7.c5 Ne4 8.Rc1
Survey 2020 Lexikon20 [Ftacnik]) 9.h3
c6 10.Be2 Bf6 11.0-0 Qe8 12.Bh2
b6 13.Nxe4 fxe4 14.Ne5 Bxe5
15.Bxe5 Nxe5 16.dxe5 Bd7 17.Qd4
b5 18.f4 exf3 19.gxf3 Qh5 20.Kh2
Be8 21.Rg1 Bg6 22.Rg3 Bf5 1
Chapter-Games Game - ]
[ 8.Qc2 f5 ( 8...g5 9.Bg3 f5 10.h3
Nxg3 11.fxg3 Nf6 12.Bd3 Ne4
13.g4 Ng3 14.Rh2 c6 15.Ne2 Qa5+
 12

a b c d e f g h
23...Rfd8! 24.Ke1 -0.62/20
[ 24.Rh1= 0.01/20 Bxc5 25.Kg2
8 8 ( 25.dxc5? Rxd1+ 26.Kg2 Rxh1-+ )
7 7 25...Rxd4 26.Rxd4 Rxd4 27.Qf7 ]
24...Qg6 25.Be2 Qe6
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
16.dxe5 Bxh3 17.Rxh3 Qd7 18.Bg4
Qc6 19.Qc2 -0.43/19 2 2
[ 19.Kf1= -0.08/16 might be stronger. ] 1 1
19...Rad8 0.01/17
a b c d e f g h
[ 19...Kh8 -0.43/19 was preferrable. ]
20.Kf1 -0.53/20 26.g4!
[ 20.a3= 0.01/17 ] a b c d e f g h
20...d4 -0.01/19
[ 20...Kh8 -0.53/20 ] 8 8

7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 Bxc5! ...b5! is the strong threat. 27.Re3

2

1 1
[ 27.Rb3 Qg8 ]
27...b5! 28.Qc2 -1.37/21
a b c d e f g h
[ 28.Qb3 -0.63/22 a4 29.Qc2
21.Qc4+= Kh8 And now ...dxe3 would ( 29.Qxb5? Bxd4 30.Rxd4 Rxd4-+ )
win. 22.exd4 Rd5! 23.Rd1 0.01/21 29...Bxd4 30.Rxe4 ]
[ 23.h5 0.46/19 ] 28...Bxd4 29.Rxe4 Qf7 0.52/22
 13

[ 29...Bxe5 30.f4 Rxd1+ 31.Bxd1= ] ( 33.Qxc7? Rxd3 34.Qxa7 Rd2-+ )

[ Black should play 29...c5! -0.66/20 33...Rxd5 ]
30.f4 h5 ]
30.f4 Qe7! a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
33.Rexd4!
31.g5 Qe6 Inhibits Qc6. Strongly a b c d e f g h
th r ea t en i ng .. . Qh 3 . 32.Rd3 0.33/19
Against Qh3 8 8

[ Not 32.Qxc7? Bb6 33.Qc3 Rxd1+ 7 7

34.Bxd1
6 6
a b c d e f g h

8 8 5 5

7 7 4 4

6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3
a b c d e f g h
2 2
Weighted Error Value: White=0.26
1 1 (precise) /Black=0.18 (very precise)
a b c d e f g h 1-0
Rxd1+! 35.Kxd1 Qd5+ 36.Rd4 Bxd4
37.Qc8+ Kh7 38.Qc2+ Kh8 39.Qc8+
Kh7 40.Qc2+ Kg8 41.Qc8+ Kh7-+ ]
[ 32.Qb3 1.04/19 a4 33.Qf3 ]
32...Qf5? 9.74/19
[ 32...Ba7 0.33/19 33.Rxd5
 14

5 B90 8...Be7 9.f4N

L'Ami,Erwin 2614 [ 9.f3 h5 10.Qd2 Nbd7 11.Nd5 Nxd5
Svane,Frederik 2664 12.exd5 Bf5 13.0-0 Rc8 14.c4 Nc5
Tata Steel Challengers (1.5) 18.01.2025 15.Nxc5 dxc5 16.Bd3 g6 17.Qe2
[Kitty Kat] Qd6 18.Bd2 Bxd3 19.Qxd3 f5
20.Bc3 Kf7 21.Rfe1 Bf6 22.Kh1
Rce8 23.Re2 Re7 Sharevich, A
B92: Sicilian Najdorf: 6 Be2 1.e4 c5 (2026)-3.Bg2 Bb7 4.0-0 (2162) Mexico
2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 City 2022 CBM 72 ext [John Watson]
5.Nc3 a6 0-1 (54) ]
a b c d e f g h
9...exf4 10.Bxf4 Nc6
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
6.Be3 e5 7.Nb3 Be6 8.Be2
[ 8.Qd2 Nbd7 9.0-0-0 Rc8 10.h3 11.Qd2 d5 12.exd5 Nxd5 13.Nxd5
Be7 11.g4 0-0 12.g5 Nh5 13.Be2 Qxd5 14.0-0-0 Qxd2+
Nf4 14.Bxf4 exf4 15.h4 Ne5 16.Nd4 [ 14...Qf5 keeps more tension. 15.Bd3
g6 17.Nd5 Bxd5 18.exd5 h6 Qh5 16.Be2 Qf5 ]
19.Qxf4 hxg5 20.Qe4 Re8 21.hxg5 15.Rxd2 h5
Bxg5+ 22.f4 Nd7 6.dc5___ (2643)-
Lunacek,J (2720) Chicago 2022 CBM (Diagram)
087 Extra [John Watson] 0-1 (75) ]
[ 8.f3 h5 9.Nd5 Bxd5 10.exd5 Nbd7
11.Qd2 g6 12.0-0-0 Nb6 13.Kb1
Nfxd5 14.Bg5 Be7 15.Bxe7 Qxe7
16.Qa5 Ne3 17.Qxb6 Nxd1 18.Bc4
Rc8 19.Nd2 Nxb2 20.Kxb2 Rc6
21.Qe3 Qc7 22.Qd3 Ke7
C 58/01 (2607)-10.Bd4 Be6 11.Kb1
Qc7 (2497) Al Ain 2023 200 Traps In
The Opening [Adly, Ahmed] 1-0 (34) ]
 15

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.Rhd1 Rc8 17.Bf3 g5 18.Bd6 g4 26.Rxe5 Endgame KRB-KRN 26...h4

19.Bxc6+ Rxc6 20.Bxe7 Kxe7 27.Rh5 g3 28.Rxh4 gxh2 29.Rxh2
a b c d e f g h
Kd6 30.Kd2 Bd5
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
21.Nd4 Rc7 22.b3 Rg8 23.Re1 Rc5
Prevents Re5. 24.Rde2 Rg6! 25.Re5 31.Nf3
-0.04/19 [ 31.g3!? ]
[ 25.Kb2 0.33/20 31...Kc5 32.c3 a5 0.72/22
is more appropriate. ] [ 32...b5 0.39/17 ]
25...Rxe5= 33.Ke3 b5! 34.Kf2 b4 35.cxb4+ axb4

(Diagram) (Diagram)
 16

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

36.Rh1 Ra6 37.Rc1+ Kd6 0.83/22 46.Rd2 Re4+ 47.Kg3 Re3 48.Rd8
[ 37...Kb5 0.47/23 ] 0.01/22
38.Rc2 Be4 39.Rd2+ Kc5 40.Ke3 [ 48.Rh2 0.38/21 should be
Bb1 considered. ]
a b c d e f g h
48...Be4!= The position is equal. 49.Kf4
Rd3 50.Rxd3 Bxd3
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
41.Rb2 Re6+ 42.Kf2 Bg6 43.g4 f6
a b c d e f g h
44.Kg3 Ra6 45.Kf4 Re6
KB-KN 51.Ke3 Bb1 52.Nd2 Bxa2
(Diagram) 53.Ke4 Kd6 54.Kd4 Ke6 55.Kc4 Ke5

(Diagram)
 17

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

56.Kxb4 Kf4 57.Ka3 Bxb3 58.Kxb3

f5 59.gxf5 Kxf5
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.06

(flawless) /Black=0.06 (flawless)
½-½
 18

6 D78 a b c d e f g h
Oro,Faustino 2447
Vaishali,Rameshbabu 2476 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (1.6) 18.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
D78: Fianchetto Grünfeld: 6 0-0 c6 1.Nf3
d5 2.g3 g6 3.Bg2 Bg7 4.d4 Nf6 4 4
5.0-0 0-0N 3 3
[ 5...c6 6.b3 0-0 7.c4 a5 8.Nc3 Ne4
9.Bb2 Nxc3 10.Bxc3 a4 11.cxd5 2 2
cxd5 12.bxa4 Bd7 13.Qb3 Bxa4 1 1
14.Qxb7 Nc6 15.Rfb1 Qd6 16.Qb2
a b c d e f g h
Winter (2791)-Deslandes,P (2835)
Paris 2020 200 Traps In The Opening 11.d5 The position is equal. 11...cxd5
[M.Botvinnik] Na5 17.Bb4 Qe6 18.e3 12.e5 b4! 13.exf6 Nxf6 14.Nb5 Bd7
Nc4 19.Qe2 Bb5 20.Qe1 Rfb8 Black has compensation. 15.Nbd4 Rc8
21.Nd2 Qd7 22.Nb3 e5 23.dxe5 a b c d e f g h
Nxe5 24.Bc3 Bc4 25.Qd2 Qf5
26.Rd1 h5 27.Nd4 Qd7 28.h4 Ra3 8 8

29.Rdc1 Rba8 30.Rc2 Bd3 31.Rcc1 7 7

Ding,L (2791)-Caruana,F (2835)
chess24.com (Int.-m/5-blitz) 146/(149) 6 6
2020 [Moradiabadi,Elshan] (36) ] 5 5

4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
8 8
2 2
7 7
1 1
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
16.Ne5 e6 17.Bh3 Re8 18.Qf3
4 4 -0.61/18
3 3
[ 18.Bg2!= -0.11/19 ]
18...c3 19.bxc3 Rxc3 20.Be3 -1.37/20
2 2 [ 20.Qf4! -0.53/21 h6 21.Nxd7 Nxd7
1 1
22.Qd2 ]
20...Ba4
a b c d e f g h

6.c4 c6 7.Nc3 dxc4 8.e4 b5 9.Qe2 (Diagram)

a5 10.Rd1 Nbd7
 19

a b c d e f g h
27.Bf1! e4
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
21.Rdc1 Qc7 22.Ng4 Nxg4 23.Qxg4
h5 -0.94/21 . . . e 3 ! i s t h e s t r o n g t h r e a t . 28.Bb5?
[ 23...e5 -1.56/21 24.Nb3 ( 24.Ne2? -1.94/20
Rc2-+ ) 24...d4 ] [ 28.Bf4= -0.14/22 and White is okay.
24.Qg5? -2.52/21 Qc8 29.Qxa5 Bxb3 30.axb3 ]
[ 24.Qh4 -0.94/21 is a better 28...Bxb5-+ 29.Qxb5 Rf8 -0.13/23
defense. ] [ 29...Re5-+ -2.28/21 30.Qf1 Rf5 ]
24...e5-+ 25.Nb3 d4 30.Rab1 -1.03/20
a b c d e f g h
[ 30.Bf4= -0.13/23 remains equal. Qc3
31.Rxc2 ( 31.Qxa5 e3= ) 31...Qxc2
8 8 32.Rf1 ]
7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

26.Bd2 Rc2 -0.61/19 2 2

[ 26...Bc6-+ -1.88/17 Strongly 1 1
thre aten ing ... Bb7 . 27.Bg2 Bxg2
a b c d e f g h
28.Kxg2 ( 28.Bxc3? Ba8-+ )
28...Rc2 ] 30...Kh7? 0.48/23
 20

[ 30...h4! -1.03/20 ] a b c d e f g h

8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
36.Nxc2= Bxd2 37.Nd4 -4.02/22
a b c d e f g h
Bxc1-+ 38.Rb3 -8.33/24
31.Qd5 -0.70/27 [ 38.Ne6 -4.45/22 d2 39.Nxc7
[ 31.Nxa5 e3 32.Nc4 ( 32.fxe3 dxe3 d1Q+ 40.Qxd1 Rxd1+ 41.Kg2 ]
33.Bxe3 Bd4 ) 32...Rb8 ] 38...d2 39.Rd3 Rd7 Hoping for ...Qc4.
[ White should try 31.Bf4! 0.48/23 40.Qa8 Bb2 -10.18/23
Qc3 32.Qxa5 ( 32.Nxa5 e3 )] [ 40...Qc4 -21.42/26 41.Qe8 Rb7
31...e3 32.fxe3 Rd8! 33.Qe4 42.Rxd2 Bxd2 ]
[ But not 33.Rxc2? Qxc2 34.Qxd8
Qxb1+ 35.Kf2 ( 35.Nc1? Qc2-+ ) a b c d e f g h
35...Qxa2 36.Qxa5 dxe3+ 37.Ke2
Qb2-+ ] 8 8

33...d3 aiming for ...f5. 34.Na1 -1.42/24 7 7

[ 34.Nd4 -0.45/25 Qc4 35.Rxc2
dxc2 36.Rc1 Qxa2 37.Qxc2 6 6
( 37.Rxc2? Qb1+ 38.Kf2 Rxd4-+ )] 5 5
34...f5↑ Black is really pushing. Dancing
on a razor blade. &Nero is much more 4 4
active. 35.Qf3 -3.65/23 3 3
[ 35.Qg2 -1.52/21 Bxa1 36.Rxa1 ]
35...Bc3? -0.20/21 2 2

1 1
(Diagram)
a b c d e f g h

41.Qe8 Bxd4 42.exd4 Re7 43.Qa4

Qc4

(Diagram)
 21

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =1 . 1 3 /
Black=0.58
0-1
 22

7 C44 a b c d e f g h
Lu,Miaoyi 2429
Nogerbek,Kazybek 2514 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (1.7) 18.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
C56: Two Knights: 4 d4 exd4 5 0-0 Nxe4
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d4 4 4
exd4 5.e5 3 3
[ 5.0-0 Be7 ( 5...d6 6.Nxd4 Be7
7.Nc3 0-0 8.Re1 Re8 9.h3 h6 2 2
10.a3 Bf8 11.Bf4 Ne5 12.Ba2 Ng6 1 1
13.Bh2 Bd7 14.Qf3 c6 15.Nf5 Bxf5
a b c d e f g h
16.Qxf5 Ne5 17.Rad1 Qc8 18.Qxc8
Raxc8 19.b4 Rcd8 20.Kf1 6.Qe2 Nc5
Minnekhanov,E (1750)-Demezhanov, [ 6...Bb4+ 7.Kd1 f5 8.exf6 ]
T (1776) Almaty KAZ 2024 0-1 (38)) 7.0-0 Be7 8.Rd1 Ne6 0.44/18
6.Nxd4 0-0 7.Nc3 Ne5 8.Bb3 d6 [ 8...d5= 0.10/18 was preferrable.
9.f4 Ned7 10.Qf3 Nc5 11.Bc4 Re8 9.exd6 cxd6 ]
12.Re1 Bg4 13.Qf2 Nfxe4 14.Nxe4 9.c3 White is slightly better. 9...d5
Nxe4 15.Rxe4 d5 16.Rxe7 Qxe7 10.exd6! Qxd6
17.Bf1 c5 18.Nf3 f6 19.Bd2 Bf5 a b c d e f g h
Chapter 10 C1 Reti Variation (2341)-2.
Nc3 Bb4 3.Qc2 Nf6_2 (2064) corr 8 8

2006 CBM 152 Extra [Dragan Solak] 7 7

1-0 (41) ]
5...Ne4N 6 6
[ 5...Ng4 6.0-0 d6 7.exd6 Bxd6 5 5
8.Re1+ Be7 9.h3 Nf6 10.c3 0-0
11.cxd4 h6 12.Nc3 Bf5 13.Bf4 #6 4 4
Italian Two Knights Side-Two Knights: 3 3
5...Ng4 ]
2 2

1 1
(Diagram)
a b c d e f g h

11.Na3 H o p i n g f o r N b 5 . 11...a6
Prevents Nb5. 12.Nc2 0-0 0.75/20
[ 12...Na5!= 0.27/19 ]
13.cxd4 d5 is the strong threat.
13...Nf4 14.Bxf4 Qxf4 15.d5↑
White is in control. 15...Na5
 23

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.Bd3 21.Qe5 Qxe5 22.Nxe5 Pair of Knights!

[ 16.Qxe7 Nxc4 17.Qb4 ( 17.Rd4 22...Ba4 23.Bf5
Qd6= ) 17...a5 ] 0x0.0021694cb1bfdp-1022s more active
16...Bf6 pieces. 23...Rfe8 24.f4 g6 25.Bh3 f6
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

17.b4 Bxa1 18.Rxa1 c6 19.bxa5 26.Nef3 f5 27.Ne5 Rac8 28.g4 Rc3

cxd5 20.Ncd4 1.33/19 29.Bg2 fxg4 30.Bxd5+ Kh8
[ White should try 20.Qe7+- 1.88/18
Bf5 21.Bxf5 Qxf5 22.Ne3 ] (Diagram)
20...Bd7

(Diagram)
 24

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

31.Rb1 Bc6 32.Bxc6 36.Nxb8 Rc1+ 6.97/25

[ Don't do 32.Ndxc6?! bxc6 33.Bf7 [ 36...g3 4.83/25 37.f6 ( 37.Nxa6
( 33.Nxc6 Rc5; 33.Bxc6 Rxe5 Rc1+ 38.Kg2 gxh2 ) 37...Rc1+
34.fxe5 Rxc6 ) 33...Rf8 ] 38.Kg2 gxh2 39.Kxh2 Kg8 40.Nxa6
32...bxc6 33.Ndxc6 aiming for Rb7. Re1 ]
33...g5? 4.55/22 37.Kf2 Rc2+ 38.Kg3 h5 39.f6 Rc1?
[ 33...Re3 1.42/20 is tougher. 34.Rb6 12.70/29
Ra8 ] [ 39...Rxa2 3.74/21 40.f7 Kg7 ]
40.f7 White is clearly winning. 40...Kg7
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

This costs Black the game. 34.f5!+- Rf8 41.Nbd7 Rf1 42.f8Q+ Rxf8 43.Nxf8
35.Rb8 Rxb8 Kxf8

(Diagram) (Diagram)
 25

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

44.Nxg4!
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.08

(flawless) /Black=0.29 (precise)
1-0
 26

8 C58 a b c d e f g h
Pijpers,Arthur 2474
Suleymanli,Aydin 2623 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (2.1) 19.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
C58: Two Knights: 4 Ng5 d5 5 exd5 Na5
sidelines 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 4 4
Nf6 4.Ng5N 3 3
[ 4.d3 d5 5.exd5 Nxd5 6.0-0
( 6.Bxd5 Qxd5 7.h3 Bb4+ 8.Bd2 0-0 2 2
9.0-0 Bd6 10.Nc3 Qe6 11.Re1 f6 1 1
12.Ne2 f5 13.Nf4 Qf7 14.Ng5 Qf6
a b c d e f g h
15.Nd5 Qg6 16.h4 f4 17.d4 exd4
18.Qf3 h6 19.Nh3 Bxh3 20.Qxh3 6.Bb5+ c6 7.dxc6 bxc6 8.Bd3
Qxc2 7.e3 Bd7 8.Nc3_57741-Witt,R The position is equal. 8...Nd5 9.h4
USSR 5/351 1913 200 Traps In The [ Stronger than 9.Qh5 g6 10.Nxf7
Opening [John Watson] 0-1) 6...Nb6 gxh5 ]
( 6...Bg4 7.Re1 Qd6 8.h3 Bh5 9...h6 10.Qh5 Qf6
9.Nbd2 0-0-0 10.Ne4 Qd7 11.Ng3 a b c d e f g h
Bxf3 12.Qxf3 Nd4 13.Qd1 Nb6
14.Rxe5 Bd6 15.Re1 Bxg3 16.fxg3 8 8

Nxc4 17.dxc4 Qf5 18.Rf1 Qe4 7 7

19.Qg4+ Qxg4 20.hxg4 Nxc2
21.Rb1 Lamping,M (2485)-9 Be2 NOT 6 6
9...Bb7 (2425) Poikovsky RUS 1998 5 5
MBM: The Réti [Mueller] 1-0 (53) ;
6...Be7 7.Re1 f6 8.h3 Nb6 9.Bb3 4 4
Bf5 10.d4 a5 11.a4 Nxd4 12.Nxd4 3 3
Qxd4 13.Qf3 Bd7 14.Nc3 0-0-0
15.Be3 Qb4 16.Bd5 c6 17.Bb3 Na8 2 2
18.Rad1 g5 19.Ne4 Rhf8 20.Re2 4 1 1
2) Italian 3...Nf6 - Daring d-Italian 3...
a b c d e f g h
Nf6 - Daring d5) 7.Bb5 Bd6 8.Re1 f6
9.Nc3 0-0 10.h3 Bd7 11.Na4 Na5 St ro ng ly t hr ea te ni ng . .. Nf 4 . 11.Ne4⇆
12.Nxb6 axb6 13.Bxd7 Qxd7 14.d4 White is not holding back 11...Qe6
exd4 15.Qxd4 Qc6 16.Bf4 Rad8
17.Bxd6 Rxd6 18.Qg4 Qd7 (Diagram)
Sedykh,M (2433)-3.c3 Nf6_25966
(2271) Tromso 2023 Chess Today CT-
733 [John Watson] 0-1 (46) ]
4...d5 5.exd5 Na5
 27

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

12.Ng5! Qf6 Threatens to win with ...

Nf4. 13.Ne4 Qe6 14.Ng5 Qf6
White must now prevent ...Nf4. 15.Ne4
Qe6
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

An even fight not without its subleties.

Weighted Error Value: White=0.04
(flawless) /Black=0.01 (flawless)
½-½
 28

9 E06 Deutschland 89/203 2023 Inf33 [John

Vaishali,Rameshbabu 2476 Watson] 1-0 (37) ]
Lu,Miaoyi 2429 7.0-0 c6 8.b3 b6N
Tata Steel Challengers (2.2)
19.01.2025 [ 8...Ne4 9.Bb2 Nxc3 10.Bxc3 Nd7
[Kitty Kat] 11.Qc2 b5 12.e4 bxc4 13.bxc4 Ba6
14.Nd2 dxc4 15.Rfd1 Qc7 16.Bf1
c5 17.d5 exd5 18.exd5 Ne5
E06: Closed Catalan: Early deviations 19.Bxe5 Qxe5 20.Bxc4 Bc8 21.Bd3
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.Bg2 Be7 E 06/12-N,N Survey 2008 ]
5.Nf3 0-0 9.Ne5 Ba6 10.Bb2 Nfd7
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

6.Nc3 a5 11.cxd5 cxd5 12.Rc1 Nxe5 13.dxe5

[ 6...dxc4 7.Ne5 c5 8.dxc5 Qxd1+ Ra7 14.Qd2 Rd7 15.Rfd1 Bb4
9.Nxd1 Bxc5 10.Nc3 Nc6 11.Nxc4 a b c d e f g h
Rd8 12.Be3 Bxe3 13.Nxe3 Rb8
14.f4 e5 15.f5 Nd4 16.g4 b6 8 8

17.Rc1 Bb7 18.Bxb7 Rxb7 19.Kf2 7 7

h6 20.h4 g5 21.fxg6
Grube,J (2793)-11...Qc7 12.Nbd2 cd4 6 6
13.c,4 (2780) Fort Lauderdale 2016 5 5
200 Traps In The Opening [NiC YB\
53-191 (Meulders)] ½-½ ] 4 4
[ 6...c6 7.0-0 Nbd7 8.Qd3 dxc4 3 3
9.Qxc4 c5 10.Rd1 cxd4 11.Nxd4 a6
12.a3 h6 13.b4 Nb6 14.Qb3 Nfd5 2 2
15.Nxd5 exd5 16.Bb2 Bf6 17.e4 1 1
Bd7 18.a4 Bxd4 19.Bxd4 Be6
a b c d e f g h
20.Bc5 Re8 21.exd5 Scholing,S
( 2 2 3 5 ) - 5 . . . Q c 7 6 . B e 2 b 5 ( 1 4 8 4 ) ...d4 is the strong threat. 16.e3 Qe7
 29

17.Qd4 Bc5 18.Qa4 Rc8 19.Nb5 Nc6 a b c d e f g h

20.Bf1
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
26.Qh4 g6 27.Rdc1 Strongly
a b c d e f g h
threatening b4. &Bianco is more active.
Black must now prevent Nd6! 20...Bxb5 27...Rbc8 28.Ba6 Ra8 29.b4 0.04/20
a b c d e f g h
[ 29.Be2 0.49/21 feels stronger. Rcc8
30.Ba6 ]
8 8 29...axb4= The position is equal.
7 7 30.axb4 Qa4!
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

21.Bxb5 Rdc7 22.a3 Na7 23.Ba6 Rb8 2 2

24.Bf1 This bishop pair is nice. 24...h5 1 1
25.Rc2 Qd7
a b c d e f g h

(Diagram) a i m i n g f o r . . . B e 7 . 31.bxc5 Qxa6

32.cxb6 Rxc2 33.Rxc2 Qxb6 34.Qd4
-0.36/23
[ 34.Qe7= -0.01/24 Nc6 35.Qd6 ]

(Diagram)
 30

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.05

(flawless) /Black=0.06 (flawless)
½-½
 31

10 D35 12.0-0 a5
Svane,Frederik 2664 [ 12...Bf8 13.h3 ( 13.Rae1 a5
Oro,Faustino 2447 14.Nc1 Na6 15.a3 b5 16.f3 b4
Tata Steel Challengers (2.3)19.01.2025 17.Na4 bxa3 18.bxa3 Bd7 19.Bxd6
[Kitty Kat] Bxd6 20.Bxa6 Rxa6 21.Nc5 Ra7
22.e4 dxe4 23.fxe4 Be6 24.Nxe6
Rxe6 25.Rf3 Bxh2+ 26.Kf1 Qxd4
D35: Queen's Gambit Declined: 27.Qf2 Qxf2+ Swati,M (2026)-
Exchange Variation 1.c4 e6 2.Nc3 d5 Flajsman,P (2188) Prague 2024 0-1
3.d4 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 (58) ) 13...a5 14.Kh1 Na6 15.a3 Nc7
a b c d e f g h
16.Ng1 b5 17.Nf3 Nc4 18.a4 b4
19.Ne2 Ba6 20.Rac1 Ne6 21.Nf4
8 8 Nxf4 22.Bxf4 Bb7 23.b3 Nd6
7 7 24.Ne5 Rc8 25.Qe2 Ne4 26.Rc2 c5
27.dxc5 Eljanov,P (2672)-Urazayev,A
6 6 (2466) Almaty KAZ 2024 1-0 (58) ]
5 5
13.Rad1 Bf8 14.h3N
[ 14.Rfe1 Na6 15.a3 Bd7 16.Nc1 b5
4 4 17.e4 b4 18.Bxd6 Bxd6 19.e5 Bf8
3 3
20.Na4 bxa3 21.bxa3 Bxa3 22.Bxa6
Bxc1 23.Rxc1 Rxa6 5) Exchange
2 2 Variation 4.cxd5-Exchange Variation 7.
1 1
Bh4 - 9. ]
[ 14.e4 dxe4 15.Nxe4 Nxe4 16.Bxe4
a b c d e f g h
Na6 17.Nf4 Nb4 18.Qb1 Nd5
6.e3 h6 7.Bh4 Be7 8.Bd3 0-0 9.Nge2 19.Nxd5 cxd5 20.Bh7+ Kh8 21.Rfe1
Ne8 10.Bg3 Nd6 Rxe1+ 22.Rxe1 Bd7 5) Exchange
a b c d e f g h
Variation 4.cxd5-Exchange Variation 7.
Bh4 - 9. ]
8 8 14...Nd7 15.Kh1 Nf6
7 7
(Diagram)
6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

11.Qc2 The position is equal. 11...Re8

 32

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.Be5 Nd7 17.Bf4 Nf6 18.Ng3 b5 25.Bxf8!+- Kxf8

19.Nb1 Qb6 20.Nd2 Ba6 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
26.Rfd1 0.65/21
21.Rc1 Rac8 22.Nf5 Nde4 23.Bxe4 [ 26.Nd6 1.27/22 ]
dxe4 0.77/21 26...Bd3 27.Qc5+ Qxc5 28.Rxc5
[ 23...Nxe4= 0.24/23 remains equal. A n d n o w N d 6 w o u l d w i n . 28...Nd7
24.Nxe4 Rxe4 ] 29.Rxa5 Ra8 I n h i b i t s Ra 7 . 30.Nb3
24.Bd6! b4 1.62/21 Rxa5 1.06/23
[ 24...Re6! 0.55/20 ] [ 30...Reb8 0.68/20 ]

(Diagram) (Diagram)
 33

a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
31.Nxa5 Ra8 32.Nxc6 Pair of Knights!
32...Rxa2 33.Nxb4 1.13/22 &Bianco is 39.Ra1! Nc3 40.Nxc3 Rxc3
more active. a b c d e f g h
[ W h i t e s h o u l d t r y 33.Rc1 1.44/22
S t r o n g l y t h r e a t e n i n g N e 5 . Nb6 8 8

34.Ne5 ( 34.Nxb4 Rxb2 35.Nd5 7 7

Rxf2= )]
33...Rxb2 34.Nxd3 exd3 6 6
Endgame KRN-KRN 35.Kg1 Rb3 5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4
8 8
3 3
7 7
2 2
6 6
1 1
5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4 KR-KR 41.Kf1 Ke6 42.Ke1 Rb3
3 3
43.Ra6+ Kd5 2.06/23
[ 43...Ke7 1.63/22 is a better defense.
2 2 44.Ra2 Rb1+ 45.Kd2 Rh1 46.Ra7+
1 1
( 46.Kxd3 Rxh3 47.Ra7+ Ke8+- )
46...Ke8 47.Kxd3 Rxh3 ]
a b c d e f g h
44.Ra5++- Ke6 45.Re5+ Kd6 2.37/23
36.g4 Nb6 37.Nd6 1.07/21 Against Nc4 [ 45...Kd7 1.75/24 46.Rf5 Ke7 ]
[ 37.Ng3 1.39/22 ]
37...Na4 38.Ne4 Ke7 1.47/20
[ 38...g6 0.94/20 ] (Diagram)
 34

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

46.Kd2 g6 47.f4 Rb2+ 48.Kxd3 Rh2 Weighted Error Value: White=0.19 (very
49.f5 g5? 5.95/24 precise) /Black=0.37
[ 49...Rxh3 2.72/21 is a better chance. 1-0
50.Rb5 Ke7 51.fxg6 fxg6 ]
50.Ra5 Rxh3
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

51.Ra6+ 2.77/22
[ 51.Ra7 6.63/23 Rh4 52.Rxf7 ]
51...Ke7? 6.21/26
[ 51...Kd7 2.77/22 52.d5 Rh4 ]
52.d5 White is clearly winning. 52...Rg3
53.f6+ Kd7 54.Ra7+ Ke8 55.Re7+

(Diagram)
 35

11 B92 City 2022 CBM 72 ext [John Watson]

Divya,Deshmukh 2490 0-1 (54) ]
Nguyen,Thai Dai Van 2668 9...exf4 10.Bxf4 Nc6
Tata Steel Challengers (2.4) 19.01.2025 a b c d e f g h
[Kitty Kat]
8 8

7 7
B92: Sicilian Najdorf: 6 Be2 1.e4 c5
2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 6 6
5.Nc3 a6 5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4
8 8
3 3
7 7
2 2
6 6
1 1
5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4 11.Qd2 0-0 12.0-0-0 Ne5 13.Rhg1 b5
3 3
14.g4 Ng6
[ 14...Nfxg4 15.Nd4 b4 16.Nd5 Bxd5
2 2 17.exd5 ]
1 1
15.g5 b4!
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

6.Be2 e5 8 8

[ 6...e6 7.0-0 Be7 8.a4 Nc6 9.Be3 7 7

0-0 10.f4 Qc7 11.Kh1 Re8 12.Bd3
Nb4 13.a5 Bd7 14.Nf3 Rac8 15.Bb6 6 6
Qb8 16.Bd4 Bc6 17.Qd2 Nxd3 5 5
18.cxd3 Nd7 19.Bg1 Qc7 20.Nd4
½-½ (20) 10.Kb1 b5 11.c5_7382 4 4
(2795)-Buchicchio,G (2725) Paris 3 3
1995 Mega2023 Update 24 [BCM 8/
1990] ] 2 2
7.Nb3 Be7 8.Be3 Be6 9.f4N 1 1
[ 9.f3 h5 10.Qd2 Nbd7 11.Nd5 Nxd5
a b c d e f g h
12.exd5 Bf5 13.0-0 Rc8 14.c4 Nc5
15.Nxc5 dxc5 16.Bd3 g6 17.Qe2 16.gxf6 bxc3 17.bxc3 Bxf6 18.Bxd6
Qd6 18.Bd2 Bxd3 19.Qxd3 f5 Rc8 Against c4 19.c4
20.Bc3 Kf7 21.Rfe1 Bf6 22.Kh1 [ 19.Bxa6 Rc6 20.Bb5 ( 20.Bxf8
Rce8 23.Re2 Re7 Sharevich,A Qxf8 21.Be2 Qa3+ 22.Kb1 Rxc3= )
(2026)-3.Bg2 Bb7 4.0-0 (2162) Mexico 20...Bxc3 ]
 36

19...Bxc4 20.Bxc4 29.Qd1 -0.01/21

[ Don't blunder 20.Bxf8? Qxf8 21.Kb1 [ 29.e6 0.38/20 ]
Qa3-+ ] 29...Qf8 The position is equal.
20...Rxc4 [ 29...Rxe5? 30.Rd8+- ]
a b c d e f g h
[ 29...Qb5 looks sharper. 30.Rd5 Qc6
31.Rd6 Qb5 ]
8 8 30.Rxa6 Nxe5
7 7 a b c d e f g h

6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3

a b c d e f g h 2 2
21.e5⇆ White is fighting back 21...Be7 1 1
22.Qe2
a b c d e f g h
[ 22.Qd3!? Ra4 23.Kb1= ]
22...Ra4 23.Rg4 Qe8 White must now prevent ...Nc4+. 31.Qd5
[ 23...Rxa2? 24.Kb1+- ] Inhibits Nc4+. 31...Re8! Inhibits Ra8.
24.Rxa4 Qxa4 25.Kb2 Re8 32.a4 g6
a b c d e f g h
[ Don't take 32...Qb4 33.Ra8 Rxa8
34.Qxa8+ Qf8 35.Qd5 ]
8 8 33.Ka2 Ng4 34.Rc6 Ne3 0.53/20
7 7 [ 34...Nxh2= -0.01/19 35.a5 Ng4 ]
6 6

5 5
(Diagram)

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

H o p i n g f o r . . . B f 6 ! 26.Bxe7 Rxe7
27.Rd4 Qc6 28.Rd6! Qe8
[ 28...Qxd6? 29.exd6 Rxe2 30.d7+- ]
 37

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.04

(flawless) /Black=0.06 (flawless)
½-½
 38

12 B90 11.exd5 Bf5 12.Be2 Nd7 13.0-0 0-0

Bok,Benjamin 2583 White is slightly better. 14.Na5 Qc7
Gurel,Ediz 2624 15.c4 h4
Tata Steel Challengers (2.5) 19.01.2025 [ 15...Bg6 16.b4 Rae8 17.Rac1 Bd8
[Kitty Kat] 18.Nb3 f5 19.c5 f4 20.Bf2 e4
21.fxe4 Bxe4 22.Nd4 Ritzen,A
(2650)-Panov Botvinnik Attack (2732)
B90: Sicilian Najdorf: Unusual White 6th Tallinn 2014 Telechess CBM 89 [Adly,
moves, 6 Be3 Ng4 and 6 Be3 e5 1.e4 Ahmed] ]
c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6
5.Nc3 a6 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
16.b4 h3N
6.Be3 e5 7.Nb3 Be7 8.f3 Be6 9.Qd2 [ 16...Bg6 17.Rac1 Rad8 18.Rfd1
h5 10.Nd5 Nxd5 Nf6 19.Bf1 Bh5 20.Qf2 Qc8 21.Bb6
a b c d e f g h
e4 22.Bxd8 Bxd8 The Centre Game
Iii-Egreteau,E ICCF 2017 CBM 093
8 8 Extra [Lane, CCYB6] ]
7 7 [ 16...Nf6 17.h3 Rfc8 18.Rfd1 Nh5
19.Rac1 Ng3 20.Re1 e4 21.c5
6 6 Nxe2+ 22.Rxe2 exf3 23.Rf2 dxc5
5 5
24.bxc5 Qd7 25.d6 b6 26.Nc4 Bd8
27.Rxf3 1-0 (27) Slawisches Gambit
4 4 (2312)-9.Qf3 e6 10.b3 (2320) USSR
3 3
33/668 2010 CYB 12 [Marcinkiewicz] ]
17.g4 Bg6 18.Rac1 f5 19.c5
2 2 &Bianco is more active. 19...f4 2.35/19
1 1
[ 19...dxc5? 20.d6 Bxd6 21.Rcd1
( 21.Nxb7 Qxb7 22.Qxd6 Rf6= )]
a b c d e f g h
[ 19...Bd8 1.33/19 was worth a try. ]
 39

a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
25.Nxb7 White is clearly winning.
20.cxd6!+- Qxd6 25...Qa4
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

21.Bc5 Nxc5 22.bxc5 Qd7 23.d6 26.c6 e4 27.Qc4 Qxc4 28.Rxc4 Bf7
S t r o n g l y t h r e a t e n i n g Q d 5 + . 23...Bh4 29.Rxe4 Bf6 30.Rd1
24.Qd5+ Kh8? 5.13/18
[ 24...Bf7 3.15/19 25.Qe4 ( 25.Qxb7 (Diagram)
Qa4; 25.Qxe5 Rae8 ) 25...Rab8 ]

(Diagram)
 40

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.09

(flawless) /Black=0.37
1-0
 41

13 D37
[ 12...Nh5 13.0-0 Nxf4 14.exf4 g6
Yakubboev,Nodirbek 2659
15.g3 a6 16.Ne4 b5 17.Be2 Qb6
Nogerbek,Kazybek 2514
18.Qc3 f6 19.b4 a5 20.Rc1 Ra6
Tata Steel Challengers (2.6) 19.01.2025
21.Nc5 axb4 22.axb4 Ra7 23.Qb3
[Kitty Kat] Kf7 24.Rfe1 Rc7 25.Bf1 Nd8
26.Nd2 Bxc5 27.bxc5 Kaiser,W
( 2 7 2 4 ) - 4 . Nf 3 B g 7 5 . B c 4 c 6 _ 3 5 9 0
D37: Queen's Gambit Declined: 5 Bf4 (2672) Moscow 2012 Telechess CBM
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 89 [Postsjakk 4/98] 1-0 (32) ]
Be7 5.Bf4 0-0 13.0-0 White is slightly better. 13...Rfd8
a b c d e f g h
14.Ne4N next b4 is good for White.
[ 14.Bd3 Rac8 15.h3 Be8 16.Qb3
8 8 Nd7 17.Bb1 Qb6 18.Qc2 Nf8
7 7 19.Bg5 f6 20.Bf4 Rxd1 21.Rxd1
Na5 22.Nd2 Bg6 23.e4 Bc5 24.Nf3
6 6 Nb3 25.Na4 Qb5 26.Nxc5 Rxc5
5 5
27.Qd3 Qxd3 28.Bxd3 Rc8
Makhnev,D (2551)-Dubov,D (2701)
4 4 Almaty KAZ 2024 ½-½ (34) ]
3 3
14...Nxe4 15.Qxe4 Be8
a b c d e f g h
2 2
8 8
1 1
7 7
a b c d e f g h

6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.Qc2 Nc6 6 6

9.Rd1 Qa5 10.a3 Be7 5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4
8 8
3 3
7 7
2 2
6 6
1 1
5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4 16.Qb1 Rxd1 17.Rxd1 Rd8 18.g4 h6
3 3
19.Rc1 Bd6 20.Qe4 Bxf4

2 2 (Diagram)
1 1

a b c d e f g h

11.Be2 dxc4 12.Bxc4 Bd7

 42

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

21.Qxf4 Ne7 22.Be2 Bc6 23.Ne5 Qd2 26.Ng6+ Kh7 27.Nf4 0.35/24
0.92/24 [ White should try 27.Bf3 0.74/24 ]
[ 23...Be8= 0.01/23 ] 27...Ne5 28.Qxe6 -0.01/24
24.Qxf7+ Kh8 [ 28.Qxb7 0.42/25 Qc1+ 29.Kg2
a b c d e f g h
Qc6+ 30.Qxc6 Nxc6 31.Nxe6 ]
28...Qc1+= The position is equal.
8 8 29.Bf1! Nf3+ 30.Kg2
7 7 a b c d e f g h

6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3

a b c d e f g h 2 2
25.Rxc6 &Bianco is more active. 1 1
25...Nxc6
a b c d e f g h

(Diagram) Black must now prevent Qe4+. Dancing

on a razor blade. 30...Nh4+

(Diagram)
 43

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

31.Kg1 Nf3+
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.10 (very

precise) /Black=0.11 (very precise)
½-½
 44

14 B52 a b c d e f g h
Bulmaga,Irina 2386
L'Ami,Erwin 2614 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (2.7) 19.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
B52: Sicilian: Moscow Variation with 3...
Bd7 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+N 4 4
[ 3.d4 cxd4 4.c3 dxc3 ( 4...Nf6 5.e5 3 3
dxe5 6.Nxe5 Nc6 7.Nxc6 bxc6
8.cxd4 e5 9.dxe5 Qxd1+ 10.Kxd1 2 2
Ng4 11.Be3 Nxe3+ 12.fxe3 Bc5 1 1
Rare 3rd moves ----- for 2...-Rare 3rd
a b c d e f g h
moves ----- for 2...) 5.Nxc3 Nf6 6.Bc4
e6 7.0-0 Be7 8.Qe2 a6 9.Rd1 Qc7 6.Re1 Nc6 7.c3 e6 8.d4 cxd4 9.cxd4
10.Bf4 Nh5 11.Be3 Nc6 12.Rac1 d5 10.e5 Ne4
Qb8 13.Bb3 Nf6 14.Na4 Nd7 a b c d e f g h
15.Nb6 Nxb6 16.Bxb6 0-0 17.e5
dxe5 9.Bg5 a5 10.a4 Be6/12.K (1561)- 8 8

Suchting Hugo (2033) Fagernes 2005 7 7

CCYB 4 [Dragan Solak] 0-1 (33) ]
[ 3.g3 e5 4.Bg2 Nc6 5.d3 g6 6.0-0 6 6
Bg7 7.c3 Nge7 8.a3 0-0 9.b4 h6 5 5
10.Nbd2 Be6 11.Nb3 c4 12.dxc4
Bxc4 13.Re1 Qc7 14.Nfd2 Be6 4 4
15.a4 a5 16.b5 Nb8 17.Ba3 Rd8 3 3
Sorensen,S (2188)-5... exd4 #8: 6...
d5 (2 413) Banja luka 27/36 2 202 2 2 2
ICCF 2019 [John Watson] ½-½ (39) ] 1 1
[ 3.c3 Nf6 4.Be2 Nc6 5.d4 g6 6.0-0
a b c d e f g h
cxd4 7.cxd4 Bg7 8.Nc3 0-0 9.h3 a6
10.Be3 e6 11.Rc1 Bd7 12.a3 Rc8 11.Re3 Bb4 12.Ne1 h6 13.f3
13.b4 e5 14.dxe5 dxe5 15.Qc2 Be6 The position is equal. 13...Ng5 14.Re2
16.Rfd1 Nd7 17.Bc5 Re8 0-0 15.h4 Nh7
6.Qc2 dc4 7.Bg5_52242 (1483)-Potkin,
V (1417) Warsaw 2023 Inf 73 [John (Diagram)
Watson] 1-0 ]
3...Bd7 4.Bxd7+ Qxd7 5.0-0 Nf6

(Diagram)
 45

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.Be3! f6 17.Nd3 Be7 18.Qe1 fxe5 h5 -0.01/19

19.dxe5 Rf5 20.Bf2 Nf8 [ 22...Bxh4! -0.48/19
a b c d e f g h
is more appropriate. 23.gxh4 Nxf4
24.Nxf4 Rxf4 ]
8 8 23.a3 -0.44/21
7 7 [ 23.Nd2= -0.01/19 feels stronger. ]
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
21.f4 -0.61/19
[ 21.Nd2= -0.26/18 ] 2 2
21...Ng6 22.g3 1 1

a b c d e f g h
(Diagram)
23...Nh8 0.58/19
[ 23...Bxh4! -0.44/21 24.gxh4 Nxf4
25.Nxf4 Rxf4 ]
24.Nd2 Nf7 25.b4 Nh6

(Diagram)
 46

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

26.Nb3 a6 27.Rc1 Qe8 28.Nd4 Rac8

-0.19/21 a b c d e f g h
[ 28.Ndc5 0.49/17 ]
28...Nxd4= 29.Bxd4 Qg6 30.Rg2 Rff8 8 8

a b c d e f g h 7 7

8 8 6 6

7 7 5 5

6 6 4 4

5 5 3 3

4 4 2 2

3 3 1 1

2 2 a b c d e f g h

1 1
36.Rxc6 Rxc6 37.Kh1 Qe4 38.Bg1
Nf5 Strongly threatening ...Nxg3+.
a b c d e f g h
39.Kh2 d4 &Nero is more active. 40.b5
31.Qd2 Rfc8 32.Bc5 Bd8 33.Rc3 -2.28/23
-1.00/20 [ 40.Qe2 -1.42/22 Qxe2 41.Rxe2 ]
[ 33.f5! -0.39/19 Nxf5 34.Nf4 ] 40...axb5-+
33...Rc6 White is now going downhill. [ Wrong is 40...Rc3? 41.Ne1 axb5
34.a4 b6 Against a5 35.Bd4 42.axb5 ]

(Diagram)
(Diagram)
 47

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

41.axb5 Rc3 42.Nb4? -5.19/23 46.Qxe6+ Kh7 47.Qf7 d3

[ 42.Ne1 -2.25/23 ] [ Not 47...Kh6 48.Qg8= ]
48.Qxh5+ Nh6 49.f5 Qxf5 50.Qxf5+
a b c d e f g h
Nxf5
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
42...Bxh4! Black is clearly winning.
43.Bf2 Be7 44.Nc6 Bc5 ...Rc2 is the 51.Be1 Ne3
strong threat. 45.Qa2 Rc2
(Diagram)
(Diagram)
 48

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 5 3 /
Black=0.11 (very precise)
0-1
 49

15 B76 Qb6 14.Na4 Qc7 15.Nc5 Rd8

Gurel,Ediz 2624 a b c d e f g h
Pijpers,Arthur 2474
Tata Steel Challengers (3.1) 20.01.2025 8 8

[Kitty Kat] 7 7

6 6
B76: Sicilian Dragon: Yugoslav Attack, 9 5 5
g4 and 9 0-0-0 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4
cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6 4 4

a b c d e f g h 3 3

8 8 2 2

7 7 1 1

6 6 a b c d e f g h

5
16.Bc4 5
Bf5 White is slightly better.
17.Bb3! Nb6 18.Qc3 0.28/20
4 4 [ 18.Qe3 0.59/19 Rxd1+ 19.Rxd1
3 3
Qxh2 20.g4 Nd5 21.Qd4 e5 22.Qd2
Qxd2+ 23.Rxd2 Be6 24.Re2 Kg7
2 2 25.g5 Bf5 26.Bxd5 cxd5 27.Rxe5
1 1
Rd8 28.b4 Kf8 29.Kd2 Rd6 30.f4 f6
31.Re3 Rb6 32.a3 d4 33.Re1
a b c d e f g h
Deslandes,P (2766)-6.Na3 cd4 7.cd4
6.Be3 Bg7 7.f3 Nc6 8.Qd2 0-0 Bd7 (2718) Moscow 2022 CBM 72 ext
9.0-0-0 d5 10.exd5 Nxd5 [John Watson] 0-1 (56) ]
a b c d e f g h
18...Qf4+N
[ 18...h5 19.g3 e6 ( 19...Nd5 20.Qc4
8 8 e6 21.Rhe1 Qe7 22.Nd3 Nb6
7 7 23.Qc5 Rd6 24.Rd2 Nd7 25.Qc3
Bxd3 26.Rxd3 Rxd3 27.Qxd3 Nc5
6 6 28.Qc3 Rd8 29.a3 Qd6 30.Bc4 Na4
5 5
31.Qe3 Nb6 32.Be2 Qe7
½-½ (32) Adams,M-Nakamura,H
4 4 London 2017) 20.a3 Nd5 21.Qd4
3 3
Nb6 22.Qf2 Rxd1+ 23.Rxd1 Rd8
24.Rxd8+ Qxd8 25.Qe3 6) Dragon-
2 2 6...Bg7 7.f3 O-O 8.Qd2 Nc6 9. Gori
1 1
2023 ]
19.Kb1 g4 is the strong threat. 19...Nd5!
a b c d e f g h
20.Bxd5 cxd5
11.Nxc6 bxc6 12.Bd4 Bxd4 13.Qxd4 (Diagram)
 50

a b c d e f g h
26...Qb6 27.Qe2 a5 28.Rxd8+ Rxd8
29.a4 Qf6 30.Rd1 Rxd1+
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
21.g4 d4 22.Qd2 Qc7 23.Nb3
a b c d e f g h
[ 23.Na6 feels hotter. Qc4 24.gxf5
Qxa6 25.fxg6 hxg6 26.h4 ] 31.Qxd1 Kg7 32.Nd2 Qf4! 33.Qe2 h5
23...Bc8 24.Nxd4 Black must now 34.gxh5 gxh5 35.Ne4 h4
p r e v e n t N b 5 . 24...Bb7 aiming for ... a b c d e f g h
Bxf3! 25.Qe3 e5 0.33/22
[ 25...Rac8= 0.01/20 26.c3 ( 26.Rhe1 8 8

e5= ) 26...e5 ] 7 7

6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
36.b4 f5
2 2

1 1
(Diagram)
a b c d e f g h

26.Nb3!
[ Don't play 26.Nb5 Qb6 27.Rxd8+
( 27.Qxe5? Re8-+ ) 27...Rxd8
28.Qxe5 Bxf3 ]
 51

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

37.Qb5! Bxe4 38.fxe4 fxe4 39.bxa5 Against Qf8+. White mates. 45.Qh8+!
Endgame KQ-KQ 39...e3 40.a6 Qxh2? Kg5
16.61/23 a b c d e f g h
[ 40...Qd4 1.25/18 ]
8 8

a b c d e f g h 7 7

8 8 6 6

7 7 5 5

6 6 4 4

5 5 3 3

4 4 2 2

3 3 1 1

2 2 a b c d e f g h

1
46.Qbg7+ Kf4 47.Qhf8+ 11.11/5
1
[ 47.Qhh6+ #5/12 Ke4 48.Qb7+
a b c d e f g h
Kd4 49.Qhb6+ Kc4 50.Q7c6+ Qc5
Black cannot hold the game after this. 51.Qcxc5# ]
41.Qb7++- Kh6 42.a7 e2 43.a8Q
e1Q+ 44.Kb2 Dancing on a razor blade.
44...Qhf2 (Diagram)

(Diagram)
 52

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.04

(flawless) /Black=0.27 (precise)
1-0
 53

16 D43 0.65/20
Nogerbek,Kazybek 2514 [ 13...0-0 0.34/17 feels stronger. 14.b4
Vaishali,Rameshbabu 2476 Qe7 15.b5 c5 16.dxc5 Qxc5
Tata Steel Challengers (3.2) 20.01.2025 17.Rac1 Be6 Cambridge Springs-
[Kitty Kat] Cambridge Springs With Cxd ]
14.e4 &Bianco is more active. 14...g4
a b c d e f g h
D35: Queen's Gambit Declined:
Exchange Variation 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 8 8

3.c4 e6 4.Nc3 c6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 7 7

a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 15.Nh4
1 1
[ 15.Ne5 dxe4 16.Bxe4 h4= ]
15...Bxd4 1.19/23
a b c d e f g h
[ 15...dxe4 0.63/21 16.Nxe4 Bxd4 ]
6.cxd5 exd5 7.e3 h6 8.Bh4 g5 9.Bg3
Nh5 White has an edge. 10.Bd3 Nxg3 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
16.exd5 0-0 17.dxc6 bxc6 18.Rad1
11.hxg3 Bg7 12.Qc2 Nb6 13.0-0 h5N N e 2 i s t h e s t r o n g t h r e a t . 18...c5?
 54

3.26/21 [ 25.Nd5 5.91/24 Qd6 26.gxh4 ]

[ 18...Qf6 1.23/22 ] 25...Ne6
19.b4+- Qc7 a b c d e f g h
[ 19...cxb4? 20.Ne2+- ]
20.Ne2 Bf6 8 8

a b c d e f g h 7 7

8 8 6 6

7 7 5 5

6 6 4 4

5 5 3 3

4 4 2 2

3 3 1 1

2 2 a b c d e f g h

1 1
White must now prevent ...Qxc1.
26.Nxh5 Qxc1 27.Nf6+ Kf8 28.Rxc1
a b c d e f g h
Rd8 29.Be4
21.bxc5 Nd7 22.Qc1 [ 29.Nxg4 Nd4 30.Ne3 Ne2+ 31.Kh2
a b c d e f g h
Nxc1 32.Rxc1 Be6= ]
29...Rb8 30.Rb1 1.20/23
8 8 [ 30.Nxg4?! Nd4 31.Bf3 Nxf3+
7 7 32.gxf3 Rb4 ]
[ 30.Bf5+- 1.75/22 ]
6 6 30...Rxb1
5 5 a b c d e f g h

4 4 8 8

3 3 7 7

2 2 6 6

1 1 5 5

a b c d e f g h 4 4
I n t e n d i n g Q h 6 a n d m a t e . 22...Nxc5 3 3
23.Bb1
[ 23.Qh6 Nxd3 24.Qxf6 Qe5 2 2
25.Qxe5 Nxe5 ] 1 1
23...Re8 5.00/23
a b c d e f g h
[ 23...Bxh4 3.13/21 24.gxh4 Ne6 ]
24.Nf4 Bxh4 25.gxh4 2.51/23 31.Rxb1
 55

[ 31.Bxb1 Nf4 ] a b c d e f g h
31...Nf4 Strongly threatening ...Kg7.
32.Rb5 Be6 33.Nh7+ Ke7 1.54/23 8 8

[ 33...Kg7 1.04/23 ] 7 7
34.Ng5
[ 34.Rb7+?! Rd7 ] 6 6
34...Bxa2 35.Ra5 Bc4 2.04/23 5 5
[ 35...Be6 1.41/21 36.Rxa7+ Rd7 ]
4 4

a b c d e f g h 3 3

8 8 2 2

7 7 1 1

6 6 a b c d e f g h

5 5
41.Ne4+ White has a decisive
a d va n t a g e . 41...Kg6 42.Rxe5 Rxb7
4 4 43.Rg5+
3 3
[ Not 43.Kxg4 f5+ 44.Rxf5 Be6 ]
43...Kh6 44.Nf6
2 2 [ Resist 44.Kxg4 Rb2 45.g3 Bd3+- ]
1 1
44...Rb3+ 45.Kh2
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

36.Rxa7++- Kf6 37.Kh2 Ng6 38.Kg3 8 8

Ne5 39.Ra5 Rd2 40.Bb7 1.91/22 7 7

[ 40.f3 3.23/24 ]
40...Rb2 2.78/23 6 6
[ 40...Rd8 1.91/22 was worth a try. 5 5
41.Be4 Rb8 42.Nh7+ Ke6 ]
4 4

3 3
(Diagram)
2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.22

(precise) /Black=0.27 (precise)
1-0
 56

17 E54 10...Qc7
Nguyen,Thai Dai Van 2668 a b c d e f g h
Yakubboev,Nodirbek 2659
Tata Steel Challengers (3.3) 20.01.2025 8 8

[Kitty Kat] 7 7

6 6
D40: Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi- 5 5
Tarrasch with 5 e3 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6
3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 0-0 5.Bd3 d5 4 4

a b c d e f g h 3 3

8 8 2 2

7 7 1 1

6 6 a b c d e f g h

5 5
11.a3 a6 12.b4 Bd6 13.Bb2 Bd7
W h i t e h a s a n e d g e . 14.Rac1 Rac8
4 4 15.Bd3 Qb8
3 3
[ 15...Ne5? 16.Ne4 Qb8 17.Nxe5
Bxe5 18.Nxf6+ Bxf6 19.Bxf6 gxf6
2 2 20.Qg4+ ( 20.Qh5 f5 ) 20...Kh8
1 1
21.Qh4+- ]
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
6.Nf3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 c5 8.0-0 Nc6
9.dxc5 8 8

[ 9.Bd3 h6 10.Ne4 cxd4 11.exd4 7 7

Be7 12.Be3 Nd5 13.Rc1 e5
14.Nxe5 Nxe5 15.dxe5 Nxe3 6 6
16.fxe3 Be6 17.Bc4 Qb6 18.Qd4 5 5
Rfc8 19.Qxb6 axb6 20.Bxe6 fxe6
21.Rxc8+ Rxc8 22.Rd1 Rc2 23.Rd2 4 4
Rc4 Perez Berenguer,V (2652)-5.Be2 3 3
0-0-0 6.Be3_46143 (2687) Karditsa
2022 200 Traps In The Opening 2 2
[Krasenkov Mikhalchishin Beliavsky 1 1
Neven] 1-0 (39) ]
a b c d e f g h
9...Bxc5 10.Qe2N
[ 10.Qc2 b6 11.a3 Bb7 12.b4 Bd6 16.Na4 0.16/17
13.Rd1 Qe7 11) 4.e3 / 7.O-O [ 16.Ne4 0.87/20 Nxe4 17.Bxe4 ]
(Rubinstein-Rubinstein Mainline: 9. 16...Nd4 17.exd4
dxc5 ] (Diagram)
 57

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

A n d n o w R x c 8 w o u l d w i n . 17...Bxa4 26.Rc1 Qb7 27.Rc6 Rd8 Hoping for ...

18.d5 e5 19.Nxe5 aiming for Rxc8. Bxe5. 28.Nf3
19...Rxc1 20.Rxc1 Threatens to win 0x0.0021694cb1bfdp-1022s more active
with Ng4. 20...Re8 pieces. 28...Bxf4 29.Bxf6 gxf6
a b c d e f g h
30.Qe4↑ White is really pushing.
[ 30.Rxf6?! Rxd5 31.Qc2 Be3+
8 8 32.Kf1 Rd8= ]
7 7 30...Qa7+
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

21.f4 Bb3 22.Bc4 Bxc4 23.Qxc4 Qd8 2 2

24.Rd1 Qc8 0.89/20 1 1
[ 24...Qb6+= 0.25/17 remains equal.
a b c d e f g h
25.Bd4 Qc7 ]
25.Qd3 b5 31.Kf1 Qe3 32.Qxe3 Bxe3
Endgame KRB-KRN 33.Nh4 1.03/22
(Diagram) [ 33.Rxa6 Rxd5 34.Rxf6 Bc1 ]
[ 33.Ke2 1.57/19 Bf4 34.Kd3
( 34.Rxa6 Rxd5 35.Rxf6 Bc1;
 58

34.Rxf6 Bd6 )] a b c d e f g h
33...h5? 2.89/23 This move loses the
game for Black. 8 8

[ 33...Rxd5 1.03/22 was necessary. 7 7

34.Rc8+ Kg7 ]
34.Nf5+- 6 6
[ 34.Rxa6 Rxd5 35.Ke2 Bf4 ] 5 5
[ 34.Rxf6 Bg5 35.Rxa6 Bxh4 ]
34...Bf4 35.Rxa6 Black must now 4 4
prevent Rb6. 3 3
[ Not 35.Rxf6 Bg5 36.Rxa6 ( 36.Rd6
Rxd6 37.Nxd6 Bc1= ) 36...Rxd5 ] 2 2
35...Kh7 1 1
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
8 8 41.Nxh4! White has a decisive
7 7 a d va n t a g e . 41...Bxh4 42.Rh5+ Kg6
43.Rxh4 Rxd6 44.Ke2
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
36.Rxf6 Bg5 37.Rd6
[ In fe r io r i s 37.Rxf7+ Kg6 38.Rb7 2 2
Kxf5 39.Rxb5 Ke4= ] 1 1
37...Ra8 38.Rb6 Rxa3 39.Rxb5 h4
a b c d e f g h
40.d6 Rd3
Weighted Error Value: White=0.13 (very
(Diagram) precise) /Black=0.19 (very precise)
1-0
 59

18 D30 dxe4 9.Nxe4 Nd7 10.Bd3 c5

L'Ami,Erwin 2614 11.dxc5 Nxc5 12.Nxc5 Bxc5 13.0-0
Bok,Benjamin 2583 a5 14.Qe2 D 30/16 ]
Tata Steel Challengers (3.4) 20.01.2025 7.e3 Nd7 8.Be2 dxc4 9.Bxc4 g6
[Kitty Kat] 10.0-0 Bg7
a b c d e f g h

D43: Semi-Slav: 5 Bg5 h6 1.d4 Nf6 8 8

2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Bg5 h6 5.Bxf6 7 7

Qxf6
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
11.e4 0-0 12.e5 Qe7 13.Re1 Rd8
2 2 14.Qe2 b5 15.Bd3 b4
1 1 a b c d e f g h

a b c d e f g h 8 8

6.Nc3 7 7
[ 6.Nbd2 Be7 7.Qc2 0-0 8.e3 c5
9.dxc5 Nd7 10.cxd5 exd5 11.Nb3 6 6
a5 12.a4 b6 13.c6 Bb4+ 14.Kd1 5 5
Nc5 15.Nbd4 Ne4 16.Bb5 g5 17.h3
h5 18.Kc1 Bc5 19.Kb1 Re8 20.Ka2 4 4
Ra7 Buese,R (2709)-11...Qc7 12. 3 3
Nbd2 cd4 13.c,4 (2785) Cappelle la
Grande 2014 OR: The Petroff 2 2
Defence [Yudasin,Leonid] 1-0 ] 1 1
6...c6N
a b c d e f g h
[ 6...Qd8 7.a3 ( 7.e3 Be7 8.Qc2 c6
9.0-0-0 Nd7 10.h4 Qa5 11.Kb1 Th e p o s i t i o n i s e q u a l . 16.Na4 c5
dxc4 12.Bxc4 b5 13.Bd3 Bb7 17.Rac1 Bb7
14.Nd2 Rc8 15.Nb3 Qb6 16.Rc1 [ M u c h l e s s s t r o n g i s 17...cxd4
Surveyuebersicht-6.Nc3 Qd8 18.Rc7 ]
Opening Encyclopaedia 21 [ 17...cxd4 looks sharper. 18.Rc7 Rb8
[Konikowski,Jerzy]) 7...Be7 8.e4 19.Qe4 Qe8 ]
 60

18.Nxc5 Nxc5 19.dxc5 Strongly a b c d e f g h

threatening c6.
[ M u c h w e a k e r i s 19.Rxc5 Rxd4 8 8

20.Nxd4 Qxc5 ] 7 7
19...Bxf3 20.Qxf3 Rac8
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
31.Rd3 Ra2 0.91/20
2 2 [ 31...Kg7 0.44/18 ]
1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

21.c6 Rd5 22.Ba6 Rc7 23.Qg3 Ra5 8 8

24.Bb7 Rxa2 25.Qb3 Ra5 7 7

a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 32.Qf2 0.57/19
2

1 1
[ Better is 32.Rd2! 0.91/20 ]
32...b3 1.48/18
a b c d e f g h
[ Black should try 32...g4 0.57/19 ]
26.f4↑ White is pushing. 26...g5 27.g3 33.fxg5 Bxg5 3.02/23
Bf8 28.Red1 0.01/20 [ 33...hxg5 1.68/23 34.Rf1 Qb6 ]
[ 28.Kg2 0.50/20 ] 34.Rf1+- h5? 7.66/26
28...Rxb7= 29.cxb7 Qxb7 ...Bc5+ is [ 34...Qb6 3.21/23 35.Kg2 Qxf2+
the strong threat. 30.Qe3 Prevents Bc5. 36.Rxf2 Ra6 ]
30...Be7
 61

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

35.Rxb3!! White is clearly winning. W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e = 0 . 2 6

35...Qd7 (precise) /Black=0.23 (precise)
[ 35...Qc7 36.Qf3 ] 1-0

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

36.Rf3 4.27/23
[ 36.Rb8+ 10.83/25 Kh7 37.h4 ]
36...f5 7.53/22
[ 36...Qd2 4.27/23 37.Qxd2
( 37.Rxf7 Be3= ) 37...Bxd2 38.Rxf7
Be3+ 39.Kh1 Rxb2 ]
37.exf6

(Diagram)
 62

19 D35 [ 11.Rd1 Nd7 12.Bd3 Nb6 13.Nge2

Oro,Faustino 2447 Bd6 14.Rh3 a5 15.Rf3 Ke7 16.e4
Bulmaga,Irina 2386 dxe4 17.Nxe4 Bxe4 18.Bxe4 Rad8
Tata Steel Challengers (3.5) 20.01.2025 19.Rb3 Bb4+ 20.Kf1 Nc4 21.Kg1 c5
[Kitty Kat] 22.a3 a4 23.Rf3 Ba5 24.Bxb7 Rb8
25.Bd5 Nxb2 Vakhidov,J (2571)-Ju,W
(2563) Almaty KAZ 2024 1-0 (41) ]
D 3 5 : Q u e e n ' s G a m b i t D e c l i n e d : 11...Nd7 12.Bd3 Bd6 The position is
Exchange Variation 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 equal. 13.Nh3 a5N
3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 [ 13...Nb6 14.Nf4 Bxf4 15.exf4 Bxd3
a b c d e f g h
16.Kxd3 Nc4 17.b3 Nd6 18.Rhe1+
Kd7 19.Re2 f5 20.g3 Ne4 21.f3
8 8 Nd6 22.Rg1 Rhg8 23.Nd1 a5 24.a4
7 7 b6 25.Ne3 Rae8 26.Reg2 Re6
27.g4 fxg4 28.fxg4 14.Bc4 Rc4 15.
6 6 g4_14443 (2525)-Ojasuo,A (2698)
5 5
Belgrad 2023 TD 92\01 [John Watson]
0-1 (82) ]
4 4 14.Ne2 Ke7 15.Nhf4 Bxf4
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 8 8

1 1 7 7

a b c d e f g h 6 6
6.e3 Bf5 7.Qf3 Bg6 8.Bxf6 Qxf6 5 5
9.Qxf6 gxf6 10.h4 h5
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
8 8
2 2
7 7
1 1
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
16.Nxf4 Bxd3 17.Kxd3 Nb6 0.62/19
4 4 [ 17...Nf8= 0.30/20 is superior. ]
3 3
18.Rac1 Nc8 1.23/22
[ 18...a4 0.43/19 ]
2 2 19.e4! dxe4+ 20.Kxe4 f5+
1 1
(Diagram)
a b c d e f g h

11.Kd2
 63

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

21.Ke3 0.95/20 26.Rd1 Nf8 1.14/23

[ 21.Kxf5? Nd6+ 22.Kg5 f6+ 23.Kg6 [ 26...c5 0.59/21 ]
Rag8# ] 27.d5 c5 28.g3
[ 21.Kf3 1.29/21 ] [ I n f e r i o r i s 28.Rxc5 Nd7 29.Nd3
21...Nb6 22.Rc5 Kf6 23.Rhc1 Nd7 ( 29.Rxa5? Ne5+ 30.Kg3 Rg8+
24.R5c3 Rae8+ 31.Kh3 Rxf4-+ ) 29...Nxc5 30.Nxc5
a b c d e f g h
Rb4 ]
28...Nd7 29.d6 b5 1.52/22
8 8 [ 29...b6 1.07/22 ]
7 7 30.Rd5 Re5
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

25.Kf3! Re4 2 2

1 1
(Diagram)
a b c d e f g h

31.Re3 a4 32.Ke2 And now Rexe5

wo u l d wi n . & B i a n c o i s mo r e a c t i ve .
32...Rxe3+ 33.fxe3 0.98/21
 64

Endgame KRN-KRN a b c d e f g h
[ 33.Kxe3 1.53/24 Re8+ 34.Kd2 ]
33...b4 1.34/22 8 8

[ Black should try 33...a3 0.98/21 ] 7 7

34.Kd2 0.88/20
[ 34.e4 1.34/22 fxe4 35.Nxh5+ Ke6 6 6
36.Nf4+ Kf6 37.Ke3 ] 5 5
34...Rh6 1.30/20
[ 34...Rg8 0.88/20 ] 4 4
35.a3 b3 2.06/25 3 3
[ 35...Rh8 1.38/18 was called for.
36.axb4 cxb4 ] 2 2

1 1
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
8 8 41.Ne2 Ke6 42.Nf4+ 0.01/5
7 7 [ Better is 42.Rd1+- 2.03/22 ]
42...Kf6= 43.Rd1 c4 44.Nd5+
6 6 [ D o n ' t t a k e 44.Kxa4 Rb8 45.Ka5
5 5
Rb7 ]
44...Ke5 45.Nc3 Rg8
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
8 8
2 2
7 7
1 1
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
36.Kc3 1.05/24
[ 36.Kd3!+- 2.06/25 ] 4 4
36...Rh8 37.Kc4 Re8? 3.43/25 3 3
[ 37...Nb6+ 1.45/22 was necessary.
38.Kxc5 Nxd5 39.Nxd5+ Ke6 ] 2 2
38.Nxh5+ Kg6 aiming for ...Nb6+. 1 1
39.Nf4+ Kf6 40.Kb5 Kc6 is the strong
a b c d e f g h
threat. 40...Rc8
46.Nxa4 White is clearly winning.
(Diagram) 46...Rxg3 6.74/24
[ 46...Rc8 4.26/20 47.h5 Ke6 ]
47.Kxc4 Rxe3 8.07/23
[ 47...Ke6 4.26/23 48.Nc5+
( 48.Kxb3 f4+- ) 48...Nxc5 49.Kxc5
Kd7 ]
 65

48.Nc5+- Re4+ 49.Kb5 Rd4

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 3 2 /
Black=0.34
1-0
 66

20 C01 a b c d e f g h
Lu,Miaoyi 2429
Svane,Frederik 2664 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (3.6) 20.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
C01: French: Exchange Variation One of
the problems with playing the French as 4 4
Black, especially against weaker 3 3
opponents, is the boring French
Exchange. 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 2 2
exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bd3 Bd6 1 1
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
8 8 The position is equal. 11.Nxc4 Nb6
7 7 12.Ne3 Be6 13.Bc2 Re8 14.Qd3 c6
15.Rfe1 Nbd7
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
6.0-0 0-0 7.Bg5 Bg4 8.Nbd2 h6
[ 8...Nbd7 9.c3 c6 French Exchange 2 2
ChessPub Guide 2024 French [John 1 1
Watson] ]
a b c d e f g h
9.Bh4 Nbd7N
[ 9...Bf4 10.Re1 g5 11.Bg3 Nh5 16.Nf5 Bf8 17.Ne5→ White is up to no
12.Nf1 Qf6 13.h3 C 01/16-N,N ] good. 17...Nxe5 18.Rxe5 g6 19.Ng3
10.c4 dxc4 Black must now prevent Nh5! 19...Bg7
20.Ne4 Bf5? 4.50/23
(Diagram) [ 20...g5 0.50/19 21.Nxf6+ Qxf6
22.Qh7+ Kf8 ]

(Diagram)
 67

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

Black cannot hold the game after this. 26.Bc3 Rae8 27.Kf1 Bc5 28.Re1
21.Bxf6+- White is clearly winning. a b c d e f g h
21...Bxe4 22.Bxd8 Rxe5
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
Weighted Error Value: White=0.01
a b c d e f g h
(flawless) /Black=0.45
23.Qc3 Re6 24.Ba5 Bxc2 25.Qxc2 1-0
Bxd4

(Diagram)
 68

21 D00 a b c d e f g h
Suleymanli,Aydin 2623
Divya,Deshmukh 2490 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (3.7) 20.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
D02: 1 d4 d5 2 Nf3 sidelines, including 2.
..Nf6 3 g3 and 2...Nf6 3 Bf4 1.d4 d5 4 4
2.Bf4 Nf6 3.e3 e6N 3 3
[ 3...Bg4 4.f3 Bf5 5.c4 c6 6.Nc3 e6
7.Qb3 Qb6 8.c5 Qxb3 9.axb3 Be7 2 2
10.b4 0-0 11.b5 Rc8 12.g4 Bg6 1 1
13.h4 h5 14.g5 Nfd7 15.Nge2 ]
a b c d e f g h
4.Nf3 Bd6 5.Ne5 0-0
a b c d e f g h
11.h5 Nd7 0.41/20
[ 11...h6= -0.11/18 ]
8 8 12.h6 g6 13.Nxd7 Qxd7 14.Qf3 f6
7 7 15.0-0 Nc7
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

6.Nd2 c5 7.c3 Qc7 8.Bd3 b6 9.h4 2 2

The position is equal. 9...Ba6 10.Bxa6! 1 1
Nxa6
a b c d e f g h

(Diagram) 16.Bxd6 Qxd6 17.dxc5 bxc5 18.c4

a5 19.cxd5 exd5 20.Rfd1 a4

(Diagram)
 69

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

21.Rac1 Rad8 1.15/19 28.Nxd5 Qxd5 29.Qxd6

[ 21...Rfe8 0.56/17 ] [ Weaker is 29.Rxd5 Rxb4 30.Rxd6
22.Nb1 Nb5 1.55/21 g5+- ]
[ 22...Rfe8 1.01/18 ] 29...Qg5 6.05/21
23.Qe2 Qc6 24.Qc2 c4 25.Qxa4 [ 29...Qxd6 3.85/21 30.Rxd6 Rxb2
Nc3 is the strong threat. 25...Ra8 31.Rxc4 Rb7 ]
a b c d e f g h
30.Rxc4 Rxb2
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
26.Qb4 Nd6? 4.13/23
[ 26...Rfb8 2.10/22 27.e4 ( 27.Qe7 31.Rc8!!
Rb7 ) 27...Nd6 28.exd5 Qd7 ]
27.Nc3+- Rab8 (Diagram)

(Diagram)
 70

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Black got outplayed after the opening.

Weighted Error Value: White=0.01
(flawless) / Black=0.70
1-0
 71

22 C88 13.axb5 axb5 14.Rxa8 Bxa8 15.Bg5

Svane,Frederik 2664 b4 A8) RL – 8th Move Alternati-8th
Nogerbek,Kazybek 2514 Move Alternatives – 8. ]
Tata Steel Challengers (4.1) 21.01.2025 8.a4 Bb7 9.d3 d6 10.Bd2 b4
[Kitty Kat] a b c d e f g h

8 8

C88: Closed Ruy Lopez: Anti-Marshall 7 7

Systems 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6
4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6 6

a b c d e f g h 5 5

8 8 4 4

7 7 3 3

6 6 2 2

5 5 1 1

4 4 a b c d e f g h

3 3
11.a5 h6 12.c3 d5 13.cxb4 dxe4
14.dxe4 Bxb4
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
6.Re1
[ 6.d3 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.a3 0-0 9.Nc3 6 6
Na5 10.Ba2 Be6 11.b4 Bxa2 5 5
12.Rxa2 ( 12.Nxa2 Nc6 13.c4 Nd4
14.Nc3 c6 15.Be3 Nxf3+ 16.Qxf3 4 4
Qd7 17.a4 Rfd8 18.Bg5 bxc4 3 3
19.dxc4 h6 20.Bxf6 Bxf6 21.Rfd1
Qb7 22.Rab1 Be7 23.g3 Rdc8 2 2
24.h4 Rab8 25.a5 S,L (2626)- 1 1
Wagner,D (2578) Sitges 144/(109)
a b c d e f g h
2019 ) 12...Nc6 13.Bg5 Nd7 14.Bd2
Nf6 15.Nd5 Nxd5 16.exd5 Nb8 15.Nxe5! Nxe5
17.c4 Nd7 18.Qb3 f5 19.Rc2 Bf6
20.Be3 g5 Anand,V (2786)-Aronian,L (Diagram)
(2854) [GM Dejan Bojkov] 0-1 (38) ]
6...b5 7.Bb3 0-0N
[ 7...d6 8.d4 Nxd4 9.Nxd4 exd4
10.c3 dxc3 11.Nxc3 0-0 12.a4 Bb7
 72

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.Bxb4 Re8 17.Qxd8 0.33/23 26.f5 Ke7 27.Kf2 Nd6 28.Nxd6

[ Better is 17.Ba4 1.06/22 ] Kxd6= KB-KN 29.Kg3 c5 30.Kg4
17...Raxd8 18.Bc2 Threatening f3. A Ne5+
strong pair of Bishops. 18...Bxe4 Decoy a b c d e f g h
19.Bxe4 Rd4 20.Bc3 Rxe4
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
31.Kh5 Ke7! 32.b4 cxb4 33.Bxb4+
a b c d e f g h
Kf7 34.Kh4 Nc4 35.g4 g6
21.Nd2 Rxe1+ 22.Rxe1 Ned7
23.Rxe8+ Nxe8 Endgame KBN-KNN (Diagram)
24.f4 f6 25.Nc4 Kf7

(Diagram)
 73

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

36.fxg6+ Kxg6 37.Be1 Ne3 46.Bxa5 0.00/94

Strongly threatening ...Ng2+. 38.Kg3 [ 46.Kd3! 0.37/41 deserves
A g a i n s t N g 2 38...f5 39.h3 fxg4 consideration. ]
40.hxg4 h5
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

41.gxh5+ Kxh5 42.Kf3 Nc4 43.Ke4 W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e = 0 . 0 7

Nxa5 1.24/36 44.Bxa5 Kg6 45.Be1 (flawless) /Black=0.09 (flawless)
0.45/34 ½-½
[ 45.Kd3 1.23/33 ]
45...a5!

(Diagram)
 74

23 C45 a b c d e f g h
Bulmaga,Irina 2386
Lu,Miaoyi 2429 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (4.2) 21.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
C45: Scotch Game 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6
3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nxc6 bxc6 4 4

a b c d e f g h 3 3

8 8 2 2

7 7 1 1

6 6 a b c d e f g h

5 5
11.0-0 Qd6 aiming for ...Ng4. 12.Bb5
[ 12.Bf3 Ba6 13.Qd1 Bxf1 14.Qxf1
4 4 Bxc3 15.bxc3 Nd7 ]
3 3
12...Ng4! 13.g3 Bxc3 14.bxc3 Ne5
15.Bf4! Rxb5
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
6.Bd3 d5 7.Qe2
[ 7.e5!? Ng4 8.0-0= ] 6 6
7...dxe4 White should prevent ...Bg4. 5 5
8.Nc3 Bb4 White must now prevent ...
Bg4. 9.Bxe4 0-0 The position is equal. 4 4
10.Bxc6 Rb8 3 3

(Diagram) 2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

16.Qxb5 Nf3+ 17.Kg2 Qe6 Threatens

to win with ...Qe4. 18.Rfd1 -0.37/23
[ 18.Rad1!= -0.01/23
is more appropriate. Ba6 19.Qd5
Bxf1+ 20.Kxf1 Qh3+ 21.Ke2 Nxh2
22.Kd2 ]

(Diagram)
 75

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

18...c6! 19.Qa4 -0.33/23 21.Kg1 Qg4+ 22.Kf1

[ 19.Qh5? Qe4! 20.Qxf3 ( 20.Kh1? [ 22.Kh1? Qf3+ 23.Kg1 Bh3
g6-+ ) 20...Bh3+! 21.Kxh3 Qxf3-+ ] 24.Qxc6 Qxc6-+ ]
[ 19.Qb4= -0.01/23 Re8 20.Be3 22...Qf3 Strongly threatening ...Bg4.
( 20.Kxf3? c5-+ )] 23.Rd3
[ 19.Qf1 Qh3+ ] [ Don't go for 23.Qc4? Bg4 24.Ke1
( 24.Kg1? Bh3-+ ) 24...Re8+ 25.Kd2
a b c d e f g h
( 25.Be3? Rxe3+ 26.Kd2 Qxf2+
27.Kc1 Bxd1-+ ) 25...Re4 26.Qxe4
8 8 Qxe4-+ ]
7 7 23...Qh1+ 24.Ke2 Qxa1 25.Re3
Bd6 is the strong threat.
6 6 [ 25.Bd6 Re8+ 26.Re3 Rxe3+
5 5
27.fxe3 Qxc3 28.Qe4 Be6 29.a3 h5
30.Kd1 Bg4+ 31.Kc1 Qa1+ 32.Kd2
4 4 Qd1+ 0-1 (31) 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.
3 3
Bg2 Bg7 (2683)-Storme,I (2608)
Stary Smokovec 2017 200 Traps In
2 2 The Opening [Grob NZZ-3 p17
1 1
FSZ#721] ]
25...Bg4+N
a b c d e f g h
[ 25...Qb1 26.Qe4 Bg4+ 27.f3 Be6
19...Nh4+! 20.gxh4 28.a3 Bd5 29.Qd3 Qa2 30.Kf2 h6
[ 20.Kg1 Qh3 ] 31.c4 Bxc4 32.Qc3 f6 The Scotch
20...Qh3+ Game-9...0-0/13...Bc3 _2486 2022
[Szabo,Krisztian] (32) ]
(Diagram)
(Diagram)
 76

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

26.f3 31.Be5 Qc5+ 0.01/18

a b c d e f g h
[ 31...Qd2+ -0.37/21 32.Re2 Qc1 ]
32.Bd4!= Qd6 33.Be5 Active counter
8 8 play! 33...Qc5+ -0.01/27
7 7 [ 33...Qh6 -0.47/21 might be
stronger. ]
6 6

5 5 a b c d e f g h

4 4 8 8

3 3 7 7

2 2 6 6

1 1 5 5

a b c d e f g h 4 4
Be6 3 3
[ Don't play 26...Bh3?! 27.Kd2= ]
27.Kf2 Bh3 -0.36/22 2 2
[ Better is 27...h6 -0.74/18 ] 1 1
28.Re1 Qxc3 29.Be5 Qc5+ 30.Bd4
a b c d e f g h
Qd6
Weighted Error Value: White=0.05
(Diagram) (flawless) /Black=0.06 (flawless)
½-½
 77

24 C42 14.Re2
Pijpers,Arthur 2474 [ 14.Re3 Rae8 15.Rae1 Bd8 16.h3
L'Ami,Erwin 2614 Rxe3 17.Rxe3 f6 18.Re2 Rf7
Tata Steel Challengers (4.3) 21.01.2025 19.Nd2 Be7 20.Nf1 Bf8 21.Qf3 Re7
[Kitty Kat] 22.Ne3 Nd8 23.Bxc7 Qxc7 24.Nxd5
Qd6 25.Nxe7+ Bxe7 26.Qe4 Bf8
27.Qe8 g6 28.a4 Kg7 10.Kb1 b5 11.
C42: Petroff Defence: 3 Nxe5 and c5_7382 (2625)-11.Bd2_10022 (2690)
unusual White 3rd moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Subotica 1981 Mega2014 Update 23
Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 [FS 106] ½-½ (41) ]
a b c d e f g h
[ 14.Ne5 Nxe5 15.Bxe5 f6 16.Bg3
Rfe8 17.Re2 Bf8 18.Rae1
8 8 Petroff Defence-11.Qd3 0-0 12.c3
7 7 Survey 2023 Lexikon23 [Jussupow,
Ftacnik] ]
6 6 14...Rae8 15.Rae1 Bd8
5 5 a b c d e f g h

4 4 8 8

3 3 7 7

2 2 6 6

1 1 5 5

a b c d e f g h 4 4
6.Bd3 Bf5 7.0-0 Be7 8.Re1 Nc6 3 3
9.Nbd2 Nxd2 10.Qxd2 Bxd3
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
16.h3N &Bianco is more active. White is
6 slightly better.
6

5 5
[ 16.h4 Rxe2 17.Qxe2 f6 18.Nd2
Rf7 ( 18...a5 19.Nb3 b6 20.Na1 Rf7
4 4 21.Qb5 Ne5 22.Qxd7 Nxd7 23.Nc2
3 3
Petroff Defense-Petroff Nc6) 19.Nb3
Re7 20.Be3 Chapter 17: Petroff: 5.d4
2 2 d5 -B6 ]
1 1
[ 16.Nd2 Rxe2 17.Qxe2 a5 18.Nb3
b6 19.Nc1 f6 20.a4 Ne7 21.Nd3 g5
a b c d e f g h
22.Bc1 Ng6 23.b3 Be7 24.h4 gxh4
11.Qxd3 0-0 12.c3 Qd7 13.Bf4 a6 25.Nf4 Rf7 26.Qe6 Qxe6 27.Rxe6
 78

Nxf4 28.Bxf4 Bd8 29.b4 Kg7 a b c d e f g h

30.bxa5 bxa5 Chapter Part-Games
Game 8 (83) ] 8 8

16...Rxe2 17.Qxe2 f6 18.Nh2 Rf7 7 7

19.Qe8+ Qxe8 20.Rxe8+ The position
is equal. 20...Rf8 6 6

a b c d e f g h 5 5

8 8 4 4

7 7 3 3

6 6 2 2

5 5 1 1

4 4 a b c d e f g h

3 3
Weighted Error Value: White=0.06
(flawless) /Black=0.03 (flawless)
2 2 ½-½
1 1

a b c d e f g h

21.Rxf8+ Kxf8= Endgame KBN-KBN

22.g4 Kf7 23.Kf1 Ke6 24.Ke2 Ne7
25.Nf1 c6
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

26.Ng3 g6 27.f3 Nc8 28.Kd3 Nb6

29.h4 Nd7 30.h5 Be7

(Diagram)
 79

25 C77 Kavakul,M (2731)-Osnos,V (2772)

Nguyen,Thai Dai Van 2668 World Ch Match 2013 Telechess CBM
Suleymanli,Aydin 2623 89 [Hunter; FS] ]
Tata Steel Challengers (4.4) 21.01.2025
[Kitty Kat] a b c d e f g h

8 8

C7 7 : R u y L o p e z : 3 . . . a 6 4 B a 4 N f 6 , 7 7
unusual lines 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6
3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.d3 d6 6 6

a b c d e f g h 5 5

8 8 4 4

7 7 3 3

6 6 2 2

5 5 1 1

4 4 a b c d e f g h

3 3
11.Be3 Re8 12.Nbd2 dxe4 0.68/20
[ 12...a5= 0.19/17 ]
2 2 13.dxe4 Nh5 14.a4 Threatens to win
1 1
with axb5. 14...Rb8 15.axb5 axb5
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

6.c3 g6 7.0-0 Bg7 8.Re1 0-0 9.h3 b5 8 8

[ 9...h6 10.a3 b5 11.Bc2 d5 12.Be3 7 7

a5 13.Nbd2 Re8 14.Qc1 Kh7 15.d4
dxe4 16.Nxe4 Bf5 17.Nc5 exd4 6 6
18.cxd4 Bxc2 19.Qxc2 Qd5 20.Rac1 5 5
Nh5 21.Qb3 Rad8 22.Qxd5 Rxd5
23.Na6 Rd6 24.Nxc7 16.Na4 Qb5 17. 4 4
a3 Nb8 (2624)-Dorin,M (2200) 3 3
Banjaluka 27/362 2022 ICCF 2019
[John Watson] 1-0 (31) ] 2 2
10.Bc2 d5N 1 1
[ 10...Bb7 11.Nbd2 ( 11.a4 b4 12.a5
a b c d e f g h
bxc3 13.bxc3 Na7 14.Na3 Nb5
15.Bd2 22. Alternative: Anderssen V, 16.Nb3 Qf6 17.Bg5 Qd6 18.Qc1 Nf4
5-6...g6 7.O-O Bg7 8.Re1 O-O 9.) 19.Qe3 Ne6 20.Bh6 b4
11...Re8 12.a4 Nb8 13.b4 c5
14.bxc5 dxc5 15.Rb1 Bc6 16.Bb2 (Diagram)
Nh5 17.g3 Bd7 18.h4 Nc6
 80

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

21.Bxg7 Kxg7 22.Red1 Qe7 23.Nc1 31.Qxa1

bxc3 24.bxc3 Nf4 25.Ba4 Rd8 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
Weighted Error Value: White=0.06
26.Nd3 (flawless) /Black=0.06 (flawless)
[ 26.Ne2!? Rxd1+ 27.Rxd1 Nxe2+ ½-½
28.Qxe2= ]
26...Nxd3 27.Rxd3 -0.35/22
[ 27.Bxc6= -0.01/21 Rd6 28.Bd5
( 28.Rxd3 Rxc6 29.g4 f6 )]
27...Rxd3 28.Qxd3 The position is
equal. 28...Ra8 29.Qd1 Qc5 30.Bxc6
Rxa1

(Diagram)
 81

26 C53 Nc6_275 (1361) corr LSS 2023

Bok,Benjamin 2583 Schlechter-Tarrasch [John Watson]
Oro,Faustino 2447 ½-½ ]
Tata Steel Challengers (4.5) 21.01.2025 7...Be7 8.Qb3N
[Kitty Kat] [ 8.Bb2 a6 ( 8...d6 9.a4 #3
2) Italian - Fast & Furious-3...Bc5 4.d3
h6 ) 9.a4 d5 10.exd5 Nxd5 11.b5
C54: Giuoco Piano: 4 c3 Nf6, main lines Na5 12.Bxd5 Qxd5 13.c4 Qd8
with 5 d4 and 5 d3 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 14.Nxe5 #2 Italian Fast Furious-3...
3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d3 0-0 Bc5 4.d3 h6 ]
a b c d e f g h
8...a5 9.b5 a4 The position is equal.
10.Qc2 Na5
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
6.0-0 h6 7.b4
a b c d e f g h
[ 7.Nbd2 a6 8.Bb3 d6 9.Re1 Bg4
10.h3 Bd7 11.Nf1 Nh5 12.d4 exd4 11.Nxe5 Nxc4 12.dxc4 Bc5 13.Nd2
13.g4 Nf6 14.cxd4 Bb6 15.Ng3 Nh7 d6 14.Nd3 Bb6 15.Ba3 Re8
16.Be3 Ne7 17.Qd2 Ng6 18.Nf5
Bxf5 19.gxf5 Nh4 20.Nh2 Ng5 (Diagram)
21.Bxg5 hxg5 6... Bb6 7... Ne4 11....
h6! (2200)-Smith,V (1854) Jugoslavija
81/403 2014 The Benko Gambit: MBM
[Budovskis, Latvian CC mag 5/95 p20]
1-0 (32) ]
[ 7.Re1 d6 8.h3 a6 9.Bb3 Na5
10.Bc2 Ba7 11.Nbd2 c5 12.Nf1 b5
13.Ng3 Nc6 14.Nh2 c4 15.Qf3 cxd3
16.Bxd3 b4 17.Nhf1 bxc3 18.bxc3
Na5 19.Ne3 Bxe3 20.Bxe3 Be6
21.Nf5 Bxf5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Bd2
Bg4_3395 (1262)-3.Nf3 Bc3 4.dc3
 82

a b c d e f g h
& B i a n c o i s m o r e a c t i v e . 24...Ba5
25.Ng4 White has strong compensation.
8 8 25...Qg6 1.93/21
7 7 [ 25...Qe7 1.19/20 ]
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
16.Rae1 Ng4 0.44/19
[ 16...Nh5= 0.01/19 2 2
is more appropriate. ] 1 1
17.Nf3 Be6 18.h3 Nxf2 0.86/21
a b c d e f g h
[ 18...Nf6 0.32/20 ]
19.Nxf2 0.38/19 26.Qc4+-
[ 19.Rxf2 0.86/21 aiming for c5. [ 26.Qxa4?! Qd3 27.Rd1 Qe2 ]
Bxf2+ 20.Nxf2 ] [ 26.Qxg6 fxg6 27.Ngxe5 ( 27.Nfxe5?
19...Bxc4 20.Kh1 Bxf1 h5-+ ) 27...Bc3 ]
a b c d e f g h
26...Rae8 1.87/20
[ 26...Ree8 1.34/23 ]
8 8 27.Bb2
7 7 [ 27.Qxa4?! Bc3 ]
27...f6 28.Nh4
6 6 [ Don't take 28.Qxa4?! b6 ]
5 5
28...Qf7 29.Nf5 Kh7 2.71/21
[ 29...Bd2 1.62/21 ]
4 4 30.Qxa4 b6
3 3
(Diagram)
2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

21.Rxf1 Qf6! 22.c4 Re6 1.15/22

White now steadily converts the win.
[ 22...Qg6! 0.43/20 ]
23.e5 dxe5 24.c5↑ White is in control.
 83

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

31.Qe4 Threatens to win with Nfxh6+. 37.Qh4! White is clearly winning.

31...Kh8 3.91/20 37...Qf7
[ 31...g6 2.53/21 32.Nfxh6 Qe7 ] [ 37...Qxb2 leads to mate. 38.Qxh5+
32.c6 h5 33.Nge3 Rd8 34.Nc4 Ree8 Kg8 39.Qg6 ]
35.Nxa5 bxa5 38.Bc3 Rd3 39.Bxa5 e4
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

36.a4 Qb3 40.Bxc7! g5

(Diagram) (Diagram)
 84

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

41.Nh6! Qg6 46.Bxe1 Rxe1+ 47.Kh2 Rdd1

a b c d e f g h
48.Nxh4
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
42.Rxf6!! gxh4
[ 42...Qxf6 43.Qxh5 ] Weighted Error Value: White=0.09
43.Rxg6 e3 44.Nf5 e2 45.Ba5 e1Q+ (flawless) /Black=0.28 (precise)
1-0
(Diagram)
 85

27 E36 a b c d e f g h
Divya,Deshmukh 2490
Gurel,Ediz 2624 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (4.6) 21.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
E36: Nimzo-Indian: Classical: 4...d5 5 a3
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 4 4
d5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 3 3
a b c d e f g h
2 2
8 8
1 1
7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6 11.e3 h6 12.Bh4 Nbd7 13.Bb5 Qc8
5 5
14.Rc1 c5 15.Bxf6 Nxf6
a b c d e f g h
4 4
8 8
3 3
7 7
2 2
6 6
1 1
5 5
a b c d e f g h

6.Qxc3 0-0 7.Nf3 b6 8.Bg5N 4 4

[ 8.e3 Bb7 9.b3 ( 9.b4 c5 10.dxc5 3 3
Ne4 11.Qc2 bxc5 12.cxd5 Qxd5
13.Bc4 Qh5 Nimzo 4 Qc2 0-0 5 a3 2 2
Bxc3+-6 Qxc3 d5: Introduction 1 1
ChessPub Guide 2023 Nimzo &
a b c d e f g h
B e n o n i [ J o h n E m m s ]) 9...Nbd7
10.Be2 c5 11.0-0 Rc8 Quickstarter 16.dxc5 bxc5 17.b4 Ne4 0.51/21
Guide-Classical Variation 4.Qc2 d5 [ 17...a6= 0.14/21 18.Be2 Qd7
12.a4 dxc4 13.bxc4 Qc7 14.Rd1 19.Qxd7 Nxd7 ]
Rfd8 15.Bb2 cxd4 16.exd4 Qf4 18.0-0 Strongly threatening bxc5.
17.Qe3 Qxe3 18.fxe3 a5 19.Nd2 18...Qc7 19.Bd3 Rfd8 20.Bxe4 Bxe4
Ne4 20.Nxe4 Bxe4 Carlsen,M (2772)-
Bacrot,E (2721) Dortmund 2009 (Diagram)
CI1-130 [RR] ]
8...dxc4 9.Qxc4 Ba6 The position is
equal. 10.Qa4 Bb7
(Diagram)
 86

a b c d e f g h
E n d g a m e K R B - K R N 28.Rd8+ Kh7
(  ...Rc1+) 29.h4 Bd5 30.Nxa7 Rc5
8 8 0.77/20
7 7 [ 30...g5= 0.27/21 remains equal. ]
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
21.bxc5 Bc6 22.Qc2 Rac8 23.Nd4
Ba8 0.92/19 2 2
[ 23...Rd5 0.48/19 ] 1 1
24.Rfd1
a b c d e f g h
[ Of course not 24.c6?! e5 25.Nb5
Qxc6 26.Qxc6 Rxc6= ] 31.Nc8! Ra5 32.Rd7 Rxa3 1.22/25
24...Rd5 25.Nb5 -0.20/23 [ 32...Kg6 0.91/22 ]
[ Better is 25.c6 0.77/21 ] 33.Rxf7 Ra4 34.f3 Rxh4 35.e4 Bb3
25...Qxc5 0.26/21 a b c d e f g h
[ 25...Rxd1+! -0.20/23 feels stronger.
26.Qxd1 Qa5 ] 8 8

7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 36.Rb7 Ba4 37.Nb6 Bc2 2.55/24

1 1
[ 37...Bc6 1.52/23 keeps fighting.
38.Re7 Rh5 39.Rxe6 Rc5 ]
a b c d e f g h
38.Nd7+-
26.Rxd5= Qxc2 27.Rxc2 Rxc2 (Diagram)
 87

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

T h r e a t e n s t o w i n w i t h g 3 . 38...Rf4 46.e5 Re8 47.Nd6 Re6 48.f4

39.Nc5 Hoping for f5. 48...Kg8 49.Rb8+ Kh7
[ But not 39.Rb8?! Rf7 ] 50.Ne4 Re8 6.55/21
39...Rf8 40.Nxe6 Rg8 [ 50...Kg6 4.03/24 51.Nc5 Re8 ]
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
41.Nc5 Rc8 42.Ne6 0.01/19
[ White should try 42.Nd7+- 1.77/19 ] 51.Rxe8+- White is clearly winning.
42...Rg8!= This move loses the game for 51...Bxe8 52.e6 Bc6 53.Nd6
Black. 43.Nd4 Ba4 44.Nf5 h5 45.Kf2 A n d n o w K g 3 w o u l d w i n . 53...g5
Kh8 54.fxg5 Kg6 55.e7 Kxg5

(Diagram) (Diagram)
 88

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

56.Kg3
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.16 (very

precise) /Black=0.22 (precise)
1-0
 89

28 D52 11.f4 0-0 12.Bd3 Be7 The position is

Yakubboev,Nodirbek 2659 equal. 13.0-0 c5 14.Qe2N
Vaishali,Rameshbabu 2476 [ 14.dxc5 Bxc5 15.Kh1 Qe7 16.Qe2
Tata Steel Challengers (4.7)21.01.2025 Bd7 ( 16...b6 17.e4 Bb7 18.e5 Nd5
[Kitty Kat] 19.Ne4 5) Semi-Slav: Cambridge
Sprin-Cambridge Springs: 7... dxc4
w L i f e t i me Re p e r t o i r e s : P l i c h t a ' s
D52: Queen's Gambit Declined: Queen's 2023) 17.a3 a5 18.e4 b5
Cambridge Springs Variation 1.d4 d5 19.Nxa5 Rxa5 20.b4 Rxa3 21.bxc5
2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 e6 4.Nc3 c6 5.Bg5 b4 22.Nb1 5) Semi-Slav: Cambridge
Nbd7 Sprin-Cambridge Springs: 7...dxc4 w
a b c d e f g h
Lifetime Repertoires: Plichta's
Queen's 2023 ]
8 8 14...Bd7 15.dxc5 Qxc5
7 7 a b c d e f g h

6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3

a b c d e f g h 2 2
6.e3 Qa5 7.Nd2 dxc4 8.Bxf6 Nxf6 1 1
9.Nxc4 Qc7 10.Rc1 Bd6
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
16.Ne5
8 8

7 7 (Diagram)

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h
 90

a b c d e f g h
25.Nb3 h5
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
N e 4 i s t h e s t r o n g t h r e a t . 16...Rfc8
17.Rc2 H o p i n g f o r N e 4 . 17...Be8 26.Bc4 Rd7 27.Nd4 Ng4 28.Ba6
18.Rfc1 Rd8 19.Nb5 Pair of Knights! Rcc7 Threatens to win with ...Nxe3!
19...Qb6 White must now prevent ... 29.Rxc6 -0.46/20
Rxd3! 20.Nc7 Rab8 [ But not 29.Nxc6 Bf6= ]
a b c d e f g h
[ 29.Rc3= 0.01/20
is more appropriate. ]
8 8 29...Bf6 30.Bc8 -2.04/23
7 7 [ Better is 30.h3 -0.66/21 Nxe3
31.Rxb6 ( 31.Rxc7 Rxc7 32.Rxc7
6 6 Qxc7 ) 31...Rxc1+ 32.Kh2 Nf1+
5 5
33.Qxf1 Rxf1 34.Rb8+ Bd8 35.Bxf1
Rxd4 36.b3 ]
4 4 30...Rxc6-+
3 3
(Diagram)
2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

21.Kh1 -0.51/17
[ White should play 21.Nxe8= 0.01/15
Rxe8 22.Nc4 ( 22.Rc7 Nd5= )]
21...Bc6 22.Nxc6 bxc6 23.Na6 Rbc8
-0.31/17
[ 23...Rb7 -0.68/21 ]
24.Nc5 Rd5 -0.01/16
[ 24...Nd5 -0.39/18 25.Rc4 Rb8 ]
 91

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

R e m o v e D e f e n d e r 31.Rxc6 Rc7 W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 3 7 /
32.Bd7? -5.80/22 Black=0.07 (flawless)
[ 32.Rxc7 -2.19/21 is tougher. Qxc7 0-1
33.Qc2 ]

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

32...Bxd4!

(Diagram)
 92

29 B51 a b c d e f g h
Suleymanli,Aydin 2623
Yakubboev,Nodirbek 2659 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (5.1) 22.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
B51: Sicilian: Moscow Variation (3
Bb5+) without 3...Bd7 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 4 4
3.Bb5+N 3 3
[ 3.d4 cxd4 4.c3 dxc3 ( 4...Nf6 5.e5
dxe5 6.Nxe5 Nc6 7.Nxc6 bxc6 2 2
8.cxd4 e5 9.dxe5 Qxd1+ 10.Kxd1 1 1
Ng4 11.Be3 Nxe3+ 12.fxe3 Bc5
a b c d e f g h
Rare 3rd moves ----- for 2... -Rare
3rd moves ----- for 2...) 5.Nxc3 Nf6 6.Be2 b6 7.d4 cxd4 8.Qxd4
6.Bc4 e6 7.0-0 Be7 8.Qe2 a6 The position is equal. 8...Bb7 9.0-0 e6
9.Rd1 Qc7 10.Bf4 Nh5 11.Be3 Nc6 10.Rd1 Qc7
12.Rac1 Qb8 13.Bb3 Nf6 14.Na4 a b c d e f g h
Nd7 15.Nb6 Nxb6 16.Bxb6 0-0
17.e5 dxe5 9.Bg5 a5 10.a4 Be6/12.K 8 8

(1561)-Suchting Hugo (2033) 7 7

Fagernes 2005 CCYB 4 [Dragan
Solak] 0-1 (33) ] 6 6
[ 3.g3 e5 4.Bg2 Nc6 5.d3 g6 6.0-0 5 5
Bg7 7.c3 Nge7 8.a3 0-0 9.b4 h6
10.Nbd2 Be6 11.Nb3 c4 12.dxc4 4 4
Bxc4 13.Re1 Qc7 14.Nfd2 Be6 3 3
15.a4 a5 16.b5 Nb8 17.Ba3 Rd8
Sorensen,S (2188)-5...exd4 #8: 6... d5 2 2
(2413) Banjaluka 27/362 2022 ICCF 1 1
2019 [John Watson] ½-½ (39) ]
a b c d e f g h
[ 3.c3 Nf6 4.Be2 Nc6 5.d4 g6 6.0-0
cxd4 7.cxd4 Bg7 8.Nc3 0-0 9.h3 a6 11.Bg5 h6 12.Bh4 Be7 13.Bg3 e5
10.Be3 e6 11.Rc1 Bd7 12.a3 Rc8 14.Qe3 0-0 15.Nd2 Rfe8
13.b4 e5 14.dxe5 dxe5 15.Qc2 Be6
16.Rfd1 Nd7 17.Bc5 Re8 (Diagram)
6.Qc2 dc4 7.Bg5_52242 (1483)-Potkin,
V (1417) Warsaw 2023 Inf 73 [John
Watson] 1-0 ]
3...Nd7 4.a4 Ngf6 5.Nc3 a6

(Diagram)
 93

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.Bc4 Nc5 17.Qe2 Ne6 18.Rac1 26.c4 Bg3 27.Bxg3 Nxg3 28.Qe3
Rec8 19.f3 Nh5 20.Bf2 Bg5 -0.94/20
a b c d e f g h
[ 28.Qe1! -0.53/22 Qc5+ 29.Kh2 ]
28...Qc5 -0.31/21
8 8 [ 28...Qe7 -0.94/20 29.Nf1 Nxf1
7 7 30.Kxf1 Rab8 ]
29.Kf2 Nh5! 30.b4! axb3
6 6 [ 30...Qxb4 31.Rb1 Qc5 32.Rxb7 ]
5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4
8 8
3 3
7 7
2 2
6 6
1 1
5 5
a b c d e f g h

21.Ba2 -0.32/18 4 4
[ 21.g3= 0.11/21 ] 3 3
21...Nd4! 22.Qf1 b5 23.h4 Bf4
24.Ne2 Prevents Ng3. 24...Nxe2+ 2 2
[ 24...Nxc2? 25.Bb3+- ] 1 1
25.Qxe2 bxa4
a b c d e f g h

(Diagram) 31.Nxb3 Qa3↑ Black is in control.

32.Rc2 Nf6 33.Qc1 Qb4 34.Qd2 a5
35.Qxb4 axb4
(Diagram)
 94

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

36.Rb2 -1.64/21 41.Nd3 Prevents Re1+. 41...b3

[ 36.Nc1 -1.24/21 ] [ Worse is 41...Rxa2 42.Rxa2 Nxa2
43.Rxa2 ]
a b c d e f g h
[ Inferior is 41...Rxh4 42.Nxb4 Rxb4
43.Rxb4 Rxa2 44.Rxa2 Nxa2
8 8 45.Rb8+ Kh7 46.Rd8 ]
7 7 42.Bxb3 Ra1+
[ Weaker is 42...Rxh4 43.Rdc2 Ra1+
6 6 44.Rc1 Rxc1+ 45.Nxc1= ]
5 5
43.Kh2 Rxh4+ 44.Kg3 Rd4
White must now prevent ...Ne4+. 45.Kh2
4 4 Rh4+? -0.01/5
3 3
[ 45...g5!-+ -2.19/22 Strongly
threatening ...Rh4+. 46.g3 Ne4 ]
2 2

1 1
(Diagram)
a b c d e f g h

36...Bxe4!-+ 37.fxe4
[ 37.Nc1 Bf5 ]
37...Nxe4+ 38.Kg1 -2.12/23
[ 38.Ke1 -1.64/21 ]
38...Nc3
[ 38...Rxc4 39.Nc1 Rcc8 40.Rf1 ]
39.Rdd2 Rxc4
[ 39...Rxa2 40.Rxa2 Nxa2 41.Rxa2 ]
40.Nc1 Re4
(Diagram)
 95

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

46.Kg3= 51.Ke2 Rxf2+ 52.Nxf2 Kg7 -0.01/20

a b c d e f g h
[ 52...h5 -1.04/21 ]
53.Ba2 -1.10/22
8 8 [ 53.g4= -0.01/20 Nd4+ 54.Kf1 ]
7 7 53...Rf4 -0.67/22
[ 53...Ra4 -1.10/22 And now ...g4
6 6 would win. 54.Nd1 Ra3 ]
5 5
54.Rb7 Ng3+! 55.Ke1 -1.79/23
[ 55.Ke3! -0.40/24 ]
4 4

3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 8 8

1 1 7 7

a b c d e f g h 6 6
g5 ...Ne4+ is the strong threat. &Nero is 5 5
m u c h m o r e a c t i v e . 47.Rdc2 Ne4+
48.Kf3 Rf1+ 49.Ke3 Ng3 50.Rf2 Nf5+ 4 4

3 3
(Diagram)
2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

This move loses the game for White.

55...h5!-+
(Diagram)
 96

a b c d e f g h
66.Bc4 ]
64...d3 65.Re6+ Kd4
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
56.Bd5 -1.95/24
a b c d e f g h
[ 56.Be6 -1.37/21 ]
56...g4 57.Rb3 -2.09/22 aiming for ... d2+! 66.Rd6+ Black is
[ 57.Bc6 -1.71/23 might work better. ] clearly winning. 66...Kc3 67.Bf7 h3
57...h4 58.Rb7 e4 Threatens to win 68.gxh3 gxh3 69.Rc6+ Kd4 70.Rc4+
with ...e3. 59.Rb4 f5 60.Rb7+ Kf6 Ke3
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

Hoping for ...e3. 61.Rf7+ Ke5 62.Bb3? 71.Nd1+ Kf3

-5.85/22
[ 62.Bc4 -3.06/23 ] (Diagram)
62...d5 63.Ra7 d4 -3.00/23
[ 63...h3 -6.93/22 64.gxh3 Rf3 ]
64.Ra6? -7.80/23
[ 64.Ra5+ -3.00/23 Kf6 65.Ra6+ Ke7
 97

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.18 (very

precise) /Black=0.15 (very precise)
0-1
 98

30 E00 Bd7 18.Nf4 hxg3 19.hxg3 Rfc8

Vaishali,Rameshbabu 2476 20.Bf3 a4 21.bxa4 Ra8 22.Nd3
Svane,Frederik 2664 Chapter-Games Game 4 (42) Qxa4
Tata Steel Challengers (5.2) 22.01.2025 23.Qxa4 Rxa4 24.Nc5 Ra5 25.a4
[Kitty Kat] Rca8 26.Bd1 Be8 Winter (2805) -
Grube,J (2763) Dubai 2020 200 Traps
In The Opening [HB] ]
E11: Bogo-Indian 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 8.0-0 c6 9.Bg5 Nbd7 The position is
3.g3 Bb4+ 4.Bd2 a5 5.Bg2 d5 equal. 10.Nbd2 h6
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

6.Nf3 0-0 7.Qc2 Bd6N 11.Bxf6 Nxf6 12.e4 dxe4 13.Nxe4

[ 7...c5 8.cxd5 ( 8.dxc5 d4 9.Bxb4 Nxe4 14.Qxe4 c5 15.Rad1
axb4 10.Nbd2 Nc6 11.0-0 Qe7 a b c d e f g h
12.Ng5 h6 13.Nge4 Nd7 14.Nb3 f5
15.Nd6 Nxc5 16.Nxc5 Qxd6 17.Nd3 8 8

e5 18.c5 Qe7 19.Nxb4 Nxb4 7 7

20.Qc4+ Be6 21.Qxb4 Rac8
22.Rac1 b6 6.Nbd2 h6 (2264) -Krug, 6 6
P (1926) corr LIPEAP 2023 CBM 068 5 5
ext [John Watson] 1-0 (45)) 8...cxd4
9.Nxd4 Qb6 10.e3 exd5 11.0-0 Nc6 4 4
12.Nxc6 bxc6 13.Rc1 Rb8 14.Bxb4 3 3
Qxb4 15.b3 h5 16.Nc3 ( 16.Nd2
Bd7 17.Nf3 Rfc8 18.Ne5 Qd6 2 2
19.Nxd7 Qxd7 20.h3 c5 21.Rd1 d4 1 1
22.Qd2 a4 23.exd4 ½-½ (23) 6.Bg5
a b c d e f g h
Na6 7 .B d3 e5 ( 244 5) -G uti er re z, R
(2574) USSR 37/292 2023 CBM 053 Hoping for dxc5. 15...Qc7
ext [John Watson]) 16...h4 17.Ne2 (Diagram)
 99

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.Qe2 Bd7 17.Rfe1 Rad8 18.Ne5 26.Kg2 Qd6 27.b3 f5 28.Bf3 Qc5
cxd4 19.Nxd7 Rxd7 20.Rxd4 Rfd8 0.01/18
a b c d e f g h
[ 28...Bc5 -0.40/22 29.Qxd6 Bxd6 ]
29.Qe2 Kf7 30.h4 Kf6
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
Threatens to win with ...Bxg3! 21.Red1
a b c d e f g h
Bc5 22.Rxd7 Rxd7 23.Rxd7 Qxd7
24.Be4 b6 25.Qd3 Bd4 31.h5 Qd6 32.Qd3 Qe5 -0.01/18
[ 32...Bc5 -0.32/23 33.Qxd6 Bxd6 ]
(Diagram) 33.Qe2 -0.71/22
[ 33.Bc6= -0.01/18 ]
33...Qd6 0.01/24
[ Better is 33...Qxe2 -0.71/22
34.Bxe2 e5 ]
34.Qd3= Ke7 35.Qe2 Bc5
(Diagram)
 100

a b c d e f g h
45.Bd3 f4
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
36.g4 Kf6 37.gxf5 exf5 38.Bd5 Kg5
39.Qe6 -1.05/25 Weighted Error Value: White=0.23
[ 39.Bf3= -0.01/24 ] (precise) / Black=0.14 (very precise)
39...Qf4 -0.10/27 ½-½
[ 39...Qxe6 -1.05/25 40.Bxe6 Kxh5
41.Bxf5 Kg5 ]
40.Bf3 Kh4
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

41.Qg6 -1.49/29
[ 41.Qe1= -0.11/26 ]
41...Qg5+ 42.Qxg5+ hxg5 43.Be2 g4
44.f3 -2.12/33
[ 44.Bd3 -1.27/33 ]
44...g3 White must now prevent ...f4.
 101

31 A34 Qd5 44.Qxd5 exd5 45.Kf3 Kf6

Oro,Faustino 2447 46.Kg4 Ke7 47.Bb5 Kf6 48.Kh5 Kg7
Pijpers,Arthur 2474 49.Bf1 Nb3 Delabbey,F-Markus,R Tel
Tata Steel Challengers (5.3) 22.01.2025 Aviv (Israel) 200 Traps In The
[Kitty Kat] Opening [John Watson] (63) ]
5...Nxc3
a b c d e f g h
D85: Exchange Grünfeld: Unusual White
7th moves and lines with 7 Nf3 1.Nf3 8 8

Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 7 7

5.d4N
[ 5.g3 Nc6 6.Bg2 Nxc3 7.bxc3 e5 6 6
8.0-0 Be7 9.Rb1 0-0 10.d3 Qc7 5 5
11.Be3 Be6 12.Qa4 Rac8 13.Ng5
Bxg5 14.Bxg5 b6 15.Rfd1 Qd7 4 4
16.Rb2 f6 17.Bc1 Rfd8 18.Rbd2 3 3
Bd5 19.Bf1 Be6 11.d5 c4 12.Bc2
Qc7 (2545)-Strichalski,J (2530) Bad 2 2
Woerishofen 1996 CBM 095 1 1
[Charpentier,D/ Blondel,F] 0-1 (38) ]
a b c d e f g h
[ 5.e3 e6 6.Bc4 ( 6.Nxd5 exd5 7.b4
Qf6 8.Rb1 Qg6 9.Bb2 c4 10.Bc3 6.bxc3 g6 7.e4 Bg7 8.Bb5+ Nc6
2a2) Symmetry 2...c5: 5...e6- 9.0-0 cxd4 10.cxd4 0-0
Symmetrical With 3...d5 and 5 a b c d e f g h
Lifetime Repertoires: Modern Reti -
Par 2024 ) 6...Be7 7.0-0 0-0 8.Qe2 8 8

Nc6 9.Rd1 b6 10.d4 Nxc3 11.bxc3 7 7

Qc7 12.e4 Rd8 13.Be3 Na5 14.Bd3
Bb7 15.h4 b5 16.Bxb5 Bxe4 6 6
17.dxc5 Bxf3 18.Qxf3 Bxc5 19.Bf4 5 5
Qb7 Ernst,H (2764)-4.d4 Nf6 5.Bc4
(2777) Thessaloniki 2019 CBM 94 4 4
[ Zs o l t K a r a c s o n y] 1 - 0 ( 6 3 ) 20.Qe2 3 3
Qe7 21.h5 Bd6 22.Bxd6 Rxd6
23.Rxd6 Qxd6 24.Rd1 Qc5 25.Rd7 2 2
Qxc3 26.Qd1 h6 27.g3 Rf8 28.Rxa7 1 1
Nc6 29.Rd7 Ne5 30.Rd8 Qc7
a b c d e f g h
31.Rxf8+ Kxf8 32.a4 Ke7 33.Be2
Qc3 34.Qb1 Nc6 Chapter Best Tn- 11.Bxc6 bxc6 12.Qc2 -0.35/21
Games Game 7 (63) 35.Qb7+ Kf6 [ Better is 12.Be3= 0.23/19 ]
36.Bf1 Na5 37.Qd7 g5 38.hxg6 12...Bg4!
Kxg6 39.Kg2 Kg7 40.Bb5 Qe5 [ 12...Bxd4 13.Nxd4 Qxd4 14.Be3= ]
41.Qd3 Qc5 42.Qf3 Qd4 43.Be8 13.Ne5! The position is equal. 13...Qxd4
 102

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

14.Bb2! Qb6 21.Bc5 Rd7 22.h3 Rcd8 23.Be3 c5

[ 14...Qb4 15.Rfb1 ] 24.Qxc5 Qxa4 25.Qe5 Qa6
15.Rab1 Bxe5 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
26.Ra1
16.Bxe5 Qa5⇆ Black is not holding [ Reject 26.Bh6 f6 27.Qc5 Kf7 ]
back 17.Bd4 Rfd8 18.Be3 Be6 19.a4 26...Qd6 27.Qxd6 Rxd6 28.Rxa7
Qa6 Inhibits Rb7. 20.Rfc1 -0.16/23 Rd1+ 29.Rxd1 Rxd1+ 30.Kh2
[ 20.Ra1 0.18/20 ] And now Bh6 would win. 30...Rd7
20...Rac8
(Diagram)
(Diagram)
 103

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

31.Rxd7
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

An even fight not without its subleties.

Weighted Error Value: White=0.09
(flawless) /Black=0.04 (flawless)
½-½
 104

32 B67 11.f3 Qc7 White has an edge. 12.Qd2

Lu,Miaoyi 2429 0.17/14
Bok,Benjamin 2583 [ 12.g4 0.48/18 ]
Tata Steel Challengers (5.4) 22.01.2025 12...b5 13.Bd3 b4 14.Ne2 a5 15.c4N
[Kitty Kat] -0.24/15
[ White should play 15.g4 0.30/16 0-0
16.h4 Bc6 17.h5 Rfc8 18.Nd4 Be8
B67: Sicilian: Richter-Rauzer: 7...a6 8 19.Be3 Nd7 20.g5 Nf8 21.f4 a4
0-0-0 Bd7, lines without 9 f4 Be7 1.e4 22.g6 b3 23.cxb3 axb3 24.a3 Bf6
c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 25.gxh7+ Kh8 26.h6 g6 27.f5 e5
5.Nc3 Nc6 28.fxg6 fxg6 29.Ne2 Nxh7 30.Rhf1
a b c d e f g h
Adireddy,A (2301)-Nandish,V (2185)
Chennai 2024 1-0 (67) ]
8 8 15...bxc3=
7 7 a b c d e f g h

6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3

a b c d e f g h 2 2
6.Bg5 e6 7.Qd2 a6 8.0-0-0 Bd7 1 1
9.Kb1 Nxd4 10.Qxd4 Be7
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
16.Nxc3 Qb7 Prevents Bb5. 17.a4 0-0
8 8 18.Nb5 d5 19.Rc1 Qb8 0.29/19
7 7 [ 19...Rfc8 -0.06/18 deserves
consideration. ]
6 6 20.e5 Bxb5 0.71/22
5 5
[ 20...Qxe5= 0.17/20 21.Bf4 Qh5 ]

4 4

3 3
(Diagram)

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h
 105

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

21.axb5 Bb4! ...a3 is the strong threat. 26.b6 Qa5

a b c d e f g h
0.38/19
[ 26...Nxb6= -0.01/18 27.Bxg6 fxg6
8 8 28.Qxe6+ Rf7 29.Rxb6 a3 ]
7 7 27.b7? -2.66/20
[ 27.f5! 0.38/19 exf5 28.b7 ]
6 6

5 5 a b c d e f g h

4 4 8 8

3 3 7 7

2 2 6 6

1 1 5 5

a b c d e f g h 4 4
22.Qe3 Nd7 23.f4 Qa7 24.Qh3 3 3
-0.01/17
[ 24.Qxa7 0.45/18 was preferrable. 2 2
Rxa7 25.Rc6 ] 1 1
24...g6= 25.Rc6⇆ White is not keeping
a b c d e f g h
still 25...a4
This costs White the game. 27...a3!-+
(Diagram) And now ...axb2! would win. 28.bxa8Q
[ 28.bxa8N Rxa8 ]
28...Rxa8 29.Ra6
[ 29.b3 a2+ 30.Kc2 Be1 ]
29...Rxa6 30.Bxa6 axb2
 106

[ 30...Qxa6 31.Qb3 axb2 32.Qxb2 ] a b c d e f g h

8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 9 0 /
a b c d e f g h
Black=0.10 (very precise)
31.Kxb2 Qxa6 Really sharp! 32.Qb3? 0-1
-5.55/18
[ 32.Rc1 -2.88/18 was called for. ]

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

32...Nc5! 33.Qc2
[ 33.Qa2 Na4+ ]
33...d4 34.Rb1 Qa3#

(Diagram)
 107

33 A14 is equal. 13.Qe3 Ng4 14.Qd3 Bc4

L'Ami,Erwin 2614 15.Rxc4 bxc4
Divya,Deshmukh 2490 a b c d e f g h
Tata Steel Challengers (5.5) 22.01.2025
[Kitty Kat] 8 8

7 7

E05: Open Catalan: 5 Nf3 Be7 1.Nf3 d5 6 6

2.c4 e6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.0-0 5 5
0-0
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
8 8
2 2
7 7
1 1
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
16.Qxc4 Strongly threatening d5!
4 4 16...Nf6 Inhibits d5. 17.Nc3 White has
3 3
c o m p e n s a t i o n . 17...Nbd7 18.b4
Inhibits c5. 18...Qb8N
2 2 [ 18...c6 19.Na4 Qb8 20.Nc5 Qb5
1 1
21.Rc1 Rc8 22.e3 Qxc4 23.Rxc4
Bd8 24.Nb3 Ne4 25.Be1 Nd6
a b c d e f g h
26.Rc2 a5 27.Ne5 a4 28.Nc5 Nxe5
6.d4 dxc4 7.Qa4 a6 8.Qxc4 b5 29.dxe5 Nb5 30.Kf1 Be7 31.Ke2
9.Qc2 Bb7 10.Bd2 Ra7 Kf8 32.f4 Sakaev,K (2649)-Karjakin,S
a b c d e f g h
(2732) Russia 2008 CI1-130 [RR]
(32) ]
8 8 19.a3 a5 20.b5 Bd6 1.09/18
7 7 [ 20...h6 0.68/18 ]

6 6

5 5
(Diagram)

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

11.Rc1 Be4 12.Qb3 Bd5 The position

 108

a b c d e f g h
27...Re7
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
21.e4 e5 22.h3 Rb7 1.12/21
[ Black should try 22...Nb6 0.77/19 28.Nh4! Rb6 29.Nf5→ White goes for
23.Qa2 Nbd7 ] the king. 29...Re6 30.Nxg7 Re5
23.Be3 &Bianco is more active. 23...Re8 a b c d e f g h
24.a4 exd4 1.52/20
[ 24...Nb6 1.10/17 25.Qb3 Nfd7 ] 8 8

25.Bxd4 Nxe4 2.28/21 7 7

[ 25...Rb6 1.40/20 ]
6 6

a b c d e f g h 5 5

8 8 4 4

7 7 3 3

6 6 2 2

5 5 1 1

4 4 a b c d e f g h

3 3
31.Bxe5 Bxe5

2 2 (Diagram)
1 1

a b c d e f g h

26.Nxe4 Remove Defender 26...Rxe4

27.Qd5
[ Don't pla y 27.Ng5?! Ne5 28.Qd5
Rxd4 29.Qxd4 Rb6+- ]
 109

a b c d e f g h
Endgame KRB-KBN 40.Nc6 Bc3
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
32.Qxd7 Bxa1
[ 32...Rd6 33.Qe8+ ] 41.Kf3 Kg7 42.Ke2 h6 43.f4 Kf7
33.Nf5 H o p i n g f o r B c 6 . 33...Bf6? 44.Bd5+ Kg6 45.g4 Bf6
4.87/25 a b c d e f g h
[ 33...Rf6 2.21/22 was called for.
34.Bd5 Kh8 ] 8 8

34.Bd5+- Qd8 6.07/24 7 7

[ 34...Qf8 4.08/26 35.Nh6+ Kg7 ]
35.Qxf7+ Kh8 6 6

a b c d e f g h 5 5

8 8 4 4

7 7 3 3

6 6 2 2

5 5 1 1

4 4 a b c d e f g h

3 3
46.Kf3 Bh4? 5.19/25
[ 46...Bc3 3.13/22 47.Be4+ Kf7 ]
2 2 47.Nxa5 White is clearly winning.
1 1
47...Rd6 48.Ke4 Rd8 49.Nc6 Re8+
50.Ne5+ Kf6
a b c d e f g h

36.Be4 Threatens to win with Bc6. (Diagram)

36...Rb8 37.Kg2 Rb6 5.83/24
[ 37...Qf8 3.96/23 38.Qxc7 Re8 ]
38.Nd4 2.73/26 Qg8 39.Qxg8+ Kxg8
 110

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

51.a5 Bf2 52.a6 Ke7 53.h4

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.16 (very

precise) /Black=0.36
1-0
 111

34 C65 0.38/19
Gurel,Ediz 2624 [ 13...Bxb3= 0.00/19 14.Qxb3 Na5 ]
Nguyen,Thai Dai Van 2668 14.Bxe6! Rxe6 White is slightly better.
Tata Steel Challengers (5.6) 22.01.2025 15.d4! d5
[Kitty Kat] a b c d e f g h

8 8

C90: Closed Ruy L opez with 7...d6 : 7 7

Early deviations 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6
3.Bb5 Nf6 4.d3 d6 5.0-0 Be7 6 6

a b c d e f g h 5 5

8 8 4 4

7 7 3 3

6 6 2 2

5 5 1 1

4 4 a b c d e f g h

3 3
16.dxe5 Nxe4 0.52/22
[ 16...Nxe5= 0.20/21 17.Nxe5 Rxe5 ]
2 2 17.c4! Nxe5 18.cxd5 Nxf2 19.Kxf2
1 1
Ng4+ 20.Kf1 Rxe1+
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

6.Re1 0-0 7.c3 a6 8.Ba4 Re8 9.Nbd2 8 8

Bf8 10.Nf1 h6 7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 21.Qxe1 0.33/21
1 1
[ 21.Nxe1?! Qf6+ 22.Nf3 Bc5= ]
[ Better is 21.Kxe1 0.74/20 Bc5
a b c d e f g h
22.Qd3 ]
11.Ng3 b5 12.Bb3 Be6 13.a4 b4 21...Qf6N 0.73/24
 112

[ 21...Qxd5 0.33/21 feels stronger. a b c d e f g h

22.h3 ( 22.Qe4 Qd1+ 23.Qe1
½-½ (25) 4.d4 Nf6 5.Bc4 (2780)-Coll 8 8

Sola,J (2721) Moscow 2018 200 7 7

Traps In The Opening [Grob NZZ-3
p17 FSZ#721] ) 22...Nf6 ] 6 6
22.Qe4! Nxh2+ 23.Kg1 Nxf3+ 5 5
24.gxf3
[ 24.Qxf3 Bc5+ 25.Kf1 Qd4= ] 4 4
24...Bd6 1.31/21 3 3
[ 24...Rd8 0.54/21 ]
25.Nf5 Rd8 2 2

a b c d e f g h 1 1

8 8 a b c d e f g h

7 7 31.Bd2
[ 31.Qxb4 Rc2+ 32.Ke3 Qg5+
6 6 33.Kd3 Rxc1 34.Rxc1 Qxc1 ]
5 5
31...Qd6 0.96/22
[ 31...Re6!= 0.01/25 32.Qf4 ( 32.Qxb4
4 4 Qe5= ) 32...Qxb2 ]
3 3
32.Bf4!
[ 32.Bxb4? Qh2+ 33.Ke3 Re6
2 2 34.Qxe6 fxe6-+ ]
1 1
32...Qc5+ 33.Kf1 0.01/23
[ 33.Be3 1.06/23 Qc2+ 34.Kf1 ]
a b c d e f g h
33...Re6= 34.Qd3 Rg6! (  ...Qg1+)
26.Nxd6 0.69/23 35.Re1! Qg1+
[ White should play 26.Kg2 1.12/20 ] a b c d e f g h
26...Rxd6 27.Qe8+ -0.01/5
[ 27.Rb1 0.55/25 ] 8 8

27...Kh7= 28.Qe4+ Kg8! 29.Kf2 c6 7 7

30.dxc6 0.01/21
[ 30.Qxb4 0.44/21 Rxd5 31.Be3 ] 6 6
30...Rxc6 5 5

(Diagram) 4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h
 113

36.Ke2 Qg2+ 37.Kd1 Qxb2 a b c d e f g h

B l a c k wa n t s t o p l a y . . . Q a 1 + . 38.Qc2
-0.54/23 8 8

[ 38.Re8+= -0.01/23 Kh7 39.Re7 ] 7 7

38...Qd4+ -0.21/21
[ 38...Qa1+ -0.54/23 39.Bc1 Qd4+ 6 6
40.Bd2 Qd7 ] 5 5
39.Bd2 Qa1+ 40.Ke2!⇆ White is not
holding back 40...Qd4 4 4

a b c d e f g h 3 3

8 8 2 2

7 7 1 1

6 6 a b c d e f g h

5
Hoping for ...b2+. 46.Bb2 -0.57/22
5
[ 46.Re4!= 0.01/23 Qc6 47.Kc1 ]
4 4 46...Qh4 -0.01/23
3 3
[ 46...a5 -0.57/22 ]
47.Re8+ Kh7 48.Re4 -0.51/21
2 2 [ 48.Bd4= -0.01/23 ]
1 1
48...Qh2 49.Re2 -0.01/24
[ 49.Be5 -0.44/24 Qg1+ 50.Re1 ]
a b c d e f g h
49...Qd6= 50.Kd2 -1.32/22
41.Kd1 Qa1+ 42.Ke2 Qf6 43.Qd3 b3 [ 50.Rd2! -0.63/24 Qxd3 51.Rxd3 ]
-0.20/22 50...Qb4+ -0.13/22
[ 43...a5 -0.60/21 ] [ 50...a5! -1.32/22 aiming for ...Qf4+.
44.Bc3! 51.Qxd6 Rxd6+ 52.Kc3 g5 ]
[ 44.Qxb3? Rg2+ 45.Kf1 Rxd2-+ ]
44...Qh4 45.Kd1 Qxa4
(Diagram)
(Diagram)
 114

a b c d e f g h
58.Kc3 Qb8 ]
57.Bc3 Qh2 58.Bxa5 f5 0.39/23
8 8 [ 58...Qa2!= 0.01/25 59.Bc3 Qa3+
7 7 60.Bb2 Qa5 61.Qxb3 ( 61.Kd1
Qa2= ) 61...Rg1+ 62.Rd1 Qg5+
6 6 63.Kc2 Rg2+ 64.Kb1 Qg6+ 65.Ka1
5 5
Qa6+ 66.Qa3 Qxa3+ 67.Bxa3 g5 ]
59.Bd2!
4 4 [ 59.Qxf5? b2+ 60.Kb1 Qg1+
3 3
61.Kxb2 Qxd4+-+ ]
59...Qe5 60.Bc3 Qe6
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
51.Kd1
[ 51.Bc3!? Qf4+ 52.Re3 ( 52.Kd1 6 6
f5 )] 5 5
51...Qd6 52.Kd2 Qb4+? 0.01/20
[ 52...a5-+ -1.62/22 53.Qxd6 Rxd6+ 4 4
54.Kc3 g5 ] 3 3
53.Kd1 a5 ...a4 is the strong threat.
54.Re4! Qd6 55.Rd4 Qh2 -0.01/23 2 2
[ 55...Qe6 -0.58/20 56.Bc3 Qa6 1 1
57.Qxa6 Rxa6 ]
a b c d e f g h

a b c d e f g h
61.Rd5 Rg2 White must now prevent ...
Rc2+. 62.Bd2
8 8 [ 62.Rxf5 Rc2+ 63.Kd1 Rxc3!
7 7 64.Qxc3 Qxf5 65.Qxb3 h5 ]
62...Qf6 63.Qxb3
6 6 [ 63.Qxf5+? Qxf5 64.Rxf5 b2+
5 5
65.Kxb2 Rxd2+ 66.Kc1 Rd6-+ ]
63...Rg1+ 0.79/21
4 4 [ 63...Rf2 0.44/22
3 3
is more appropriate. ]
64.Kc2 Qc6+ 65.Kd3 Qa6+
2 2

1 1
(Diagram)
a b c d e f g h

56.Kc1! Qc7+ 0.50/21

[ 56...Qh1+= -0.01/20 57.Kd2 Qh2+
 115

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

66.Ke3 Qa7+ 67.Rd4 0.52/21 71.Qc5 Rb3+ 72.Bc3!

[ 67.Kf4 0.95/19 ] [ 72.Kc2?! Rxf3 73.Kb2 Rh3= ]
67...Qe7+ 1.13/23 72...Qe1 73.Qd4 Qf1+ 74.Kc2 Rb7
[ 67...Rg2 0.52/21 68.Qd5 ( 68.Bb4 a b c d e f g h
f4+ 69.Kd3 Qa6+ 70.Kc3 Qa1+
71.Kc4 Qa6+ 72.Kc3 Qa1+ 73.Kc4 8 8

Qa6+ 74.Kc3= ) 68...Qa3+ 69.Rd3 7 7

( 69.Kf4 Rg5 ) 69...Qe7+ 70.Kd4
Qf6+ 71.Kc4 Re2 ] 6 6
68.Kd3 Qe5 1.81/22 5 5
[ 68...Rg6 1.29/19 was worth a try.
69.Qd5 Qf6 ] 4 4
69.Rd5 1.09/23 3 3
[ 69.Rd8 Rf1 70.Qd5 ( 70.Qf7 Qb5+
71.Ke3 Qe5+ 72.Kd3 Qb5+ 73.Ke3 2 2
Qe5+ 74.Kd3= ) 70...Qxd5+ 71.Rxd5 1 1
Rxf3+ 72.Ke2 Rb3= ]
a b c d e f g h
[ 69.Qd5+- 1.81/22 Qxd5 70.Rxd5 ]
69...Qe6 70.Qb5 0.71/21 75.Qd3! Qxd3+
[ White should try 70.Rb5 1.08/23 Qa6
71.Bc3 ] (Diagram)
70...Rb1 1.43/23

(Diagram)
 116

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

76.Kxd3 E n d g a me K R B - K R 76...Rf7 86.Bd4 Rb3 87.Ke4 Rb4 88.Rc6 Ra4

77.Ke3 Kg6? 3.37/24 89.Ke3 Ra3+ 90.Kf2 Ra2+
[ 77...g5 1.35/23 78.f4 Ra7 ] a b c d e f g h
78.Kf4+- Rc7 79.Bd4 Rf7 80.Bf2 Rb7
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
91.Kg3 Intending Bg7 and mate.
a b c d e f g h
91...Ra3 92.Re6
81.Rd6+ [ Less strong is 92.Bg7 g4 ]
[ 81.Rxf5? Rb4+ 82.Ke5 Rb5+ 92...Rb3 93.Bc5
83.Ke4 Rxf5-+ ] [ Weaker is 93.Bg7 g4 ]
81...Kh5 82.Kxf5 Rf7+ 83.Ke4 Re7+ 93...Rb8 94.Rf6 Threatens to win with
84.Kf4 g5+ 85.Kf5 Rb7 Bf8. 94...Rg8 95.Re6? 0.01/22
[ 95.Ra6+- 2.78/23 ]
(Diagram) 95...Rg6? 2.70/24
[ 95...Rb8!= 0.01/22 96.Ra6 Rc8 ]
 117

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

96.Re5 Strongly threatening f4. 96...Rf6 106.Be5 Rb7 107.Ke4 Kh5 108.Rd6
I n h i b i t s f 4 . 97.Be3 And now f4 would Rb4+ 109.Kf5 Threatening mate with
win. 97...Kg6 98.Rd5 Re6 99.Bd4 Rd2. 109...Rb3
Kh5 4.24/28 a b c d e f g h
[ 99...Rc6 2.71/25 100.Ba7 Ra6 ]
100.Kf2 Kg6 8 8

a b c d e f g h 7 7

8 8 6 6

7 7 5 5

6 6 4 4

5 5 3 3

4 4 2 2

3 3 1 1

2 2 a b c d e f g h

1
110.f4!
1
[ Much less strong is 110.Ke4 Ra3
a b c d e f g h
111.Rb6 Ra2+- ]
101.Be5 Kf5 102.Bb2+ Kg6 103.Bd4 110...gxf4
Ra6 104.Ke3 Re6+ 105.Kd3 Re7
(Diagram)
(Diagram)
 118

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

111.Bxf4 Rb5+ 112.Be5 Rb1 2.65/29 Weighted Error Value: White=0.13 (very
[ 112...Rb7 4.46/26 113.Rd2 Rb4 precise) /Black=0.27 (precise)
114.Rh2+ Rh4 ] ½-½
113.Rd3 Rb4 114.Ra3 Rc4 115.Bd6
Rd4? #23/27
[ 115...Ra4+- 2.50/27 116.Rh3+ Rh4 ]

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

116.Bf4 Kh4 117.Ra6? 2.47/27

[ 117.Be5 #19/23 mates Rd5
118.Ra4+ Kh3 119.Ra2 Rxe5+
120.Kxe5 Kg3 121.Kf5 h5 122.Ra4 ]
117...h5 118.Ra3 Rxf4+! 119.Kxf4
(Diagram)
 119

35 E97 11.bxa5 Rxa5 12.a4 f5 13.Ra3 fxe4N

Nogerbek,Kazybek 2514 [ 13...Nf6
Bulmaga,Irina 2386 A) 14.Bf1 h6 ( 14...fxe4 15.Nxe4
Tata Steel Challengers (5.7) 22.01.2025 Nxe4 16.Rxe4 Bf5 17.Re1 Qd7
[Kitty Kat] 18.Bd2 Ra7 19.h3 h6 20.g4 Bxg4
21.hxg4 Qxg4+ 22.Bg2 Qxc4
23.Rc3 Qxa4 24.Qxa4 Rxa4
E97: King's Indian: Classical Main Line 25.Rxc7 Nxd5 26.Rxb7
(6...e5 7 0-0 Nc6): 8 Be3 and 8 d5 Ne7, ½-½ (26) Lemos,J (2531)-16.Na4
not 9 Ne1 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3.Nf3 Qb5 17.a3 Nb8 (2383) Baku 2008
Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.d4 0-0 ICCF Telechess [Westminster
a b c d e f g h
Papers xi Feb 1879 p221]) 15.Bd2
c5 16.exf5 Nxf5 17.Nb5 Ra6
8 8 18.h3 e4 19.Nh2 Re8 20.Ng4
7 7 Nh7 21.Bc3 Bxc3 22.Nxc3 h5
23.Ne3 Nh4 24.Nc2 Ng5 25.Nb5
6 6 Re5 26.Ree3 Bd7 27.Qa1 Qf6
5 5
28.Nc7 Ra7 Yuffa,D (2571)-Salem,
A (2668) Abu Dhabi UAE 2019
4 4 [Vigorito,D] 1-0 (55);
3 3
B) 14.Nd2 c5 15.Bf1 Ra6 16.Rb3
Bh6 17.exf5 gxf5 18.Nb5 Ng6
2 2 19.Rh3 Ng4 20.Be2 Bg7 21.Nf1
1 1
Nf6 22.Bg5 f4 23.g4 e4 24.Nd2
f3 25.Bf1 Bxg4 26.Rg3 Bf5
a b c d e f g h
27.Nxe4 Bxe4 28.Rxe4 Ne5
6.Be2 e5 7.0-0 Nc6 8.d5 Ne7 9.b4 Mathurin,N (1872)-Baules
Nh5 10.Re1 a5 Rodriguez,J (2343) San Salvador
a b c d e f g h
2023 0-1 (40);
C) 14.Bd2 h6 15.exf5 Nxf5
8 8 16.Bd3 Ra8 17.c5 g5 18.cxd6
7 7 cxd6 19.Qc2 Nh5 20.g4 Ne7
21.Nxg5 Bxg4 22.Ne6 Bxe6
6 6 23.dxe6 Qb6 24.Nd1 Nf4 25.a5
5 5
Qc6 26.Qxc6 bxc6 27.Bxf4 exf4
28.a6 Gharibyan,M (2500)-Murzin,V
4 4 (2604) Dubai 2023 Mega2023
3 3
Update 31 [Petrov,Marian] ½-½
(39) ]
2 2 14.Nxe4 White is better. 14...Nf4 15.Bf1
1 1
b6
a b c d e f g h
(Diagram)
 120

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.Nfd2 Bd7 17.g3 Nh5 26.Rxe4 Nf5 27.Bc3 Ra6 28.Be1 h5

[ 17...Nh3+? 18.Bxh3 Bxh3 19.g4+- ] 29.Bf2 Ra5 30.h3 Raa8 0.47/19
18.Nb1 Nf6 19.Bg2 -0.01/22 [ 30...Bh6= 0.06/20 feels stronger. ]
[ 19.Nxf6+ 0.39/17 is superior. Bxf6
20.Nc3 ] a b c d e f g h
19...Nxe4= 20.Bxe4 Nf5
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
31.g4 Nh6 32.Qd3 Kh8 33.Re2 Ng8!
a b c d e f g h
34.g5 0.01/23
21.Nc3 Qf6 [ 34.Bg3 0.33/18 ]
[ 21...Nd4 22.f3 ] 34...Kh7= 35.Rea2 Qe7
22.Nb5! Nd4 23.f3 -0.29/21
[ White should play 23.Rf1 0.28/20 ] (Diagram)
23...Bf5 0.30/20
[ 23...Bxb5 -0.29/21 24.cxb5 Rfa8 ]
24.Kg2 Qf7 25.Bb2 Bxe4
 121

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

36.h4 Rf7 37.a5 bxa5 38.Rxa5 Raf8 41.Kxf3 Qd7 And now ...Qg4+ would
a b c d e f g h
win. 42.Rxc7 Active counter play!
42...Qg4+ 43.Ke3 Really sharp!
8 8 43...Qf4+? 2.13/25 Loses the game.
7 7 [ 43...Ne7!= 0.18/23 and Black has
nothing to worry. 44.Rxe7 ( 44.Nxd6
6 6 e4 ) 44...Qf4+ 45.Kd3 Qf3+ 46.Kc2
5 5
( 46.Be3 e4+ 47.Kc2 Qe2+ 48.Kb3
Qd3+ 49.Kb4 Qb1+ 50.Ka3 Qd3+
4 4 51.Kb4 Qb1+ 52.Ka3 Qd3+
3 3
53.Kb4= ) 46...Qxf2+ 47.Kb3 Qg3+
48.Ka4 Qxh4 ]
2 2 44.Ke2+- Ne7? 4.18/24
1 1
[ 44...Qe4+ 1.93/25 was called for.
45.Kd2 Qf3 ]
a b c d e f g h
45.Nxd6 Nf5 11.50/26
Threatens to win with ...Qd7. 39.Ra7⇆ [ 45...e4 4.16/24 46.Rxe7 Qf3+
W h i t e i s n o t k e e p i n g s t i l l 39...Rxf3 47.Ke1 Qh1+ 48.Kd2 Qb1 49.Rxg7+
40.Qxf3 Rxf3 Kxg7 50.Bd4+ Kf8 ]

(Diagram)
(Diagram)
 122

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

46.Nxf5 Qxf5 47.Raa7 Qe4+ 48.Kd2 51.Kc1

Kh8 49.Rxg7 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
Weighted Error Value: White=0.19 (very
Threatening mate with Rh7+. 49...Qxc4 precise) /Black=0.52
50.Rgc7 Qxd5+ 1-0

(Diagram)
 123

36 E48
[ 11.0-0 Ng6 ( 11...h6 12.h3 a6
Suleymanli,Aydin 2623
13.Be3 Bd7 14.Qc2 Ng6 15.Rfd1
Gurel,Ediz 2624
Nh5 16.Bf1 Nhf4 17.Rac1 f5
Tata Steel Challengers (6.1) 24.01.2025
18.exf5 Bxf5 19.Ne4 Qd7 20.Kh2
[Kitty Kat] Rf7 21.Nfd2 Raf8 22.Qb3 b5
23.Rc6 Nh4 24.Nxd6 cxd6 25.Bxf4
exf4 26.Rxa6 Eljanov,P (2716) -
E51: Nimzo-Indian: Rubinstein: 4...0-0 5 Karjakin,S (2717) Jermuk 106/160
Nf3 d5 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 20 09 CI1 -1 30 [ Cvet ko vi c, Sr dj an ])
4.e3 0-0 5.Bd3 d5 12.Re1 h6 13.Bf1 a6 14.b4 Bg4
a b c d e f g h
15.h3 Bd7 16.Be3 Nh7 17.Rc1 Qf6
18.g3 Berkes,F (2578)-Sax,G (2511)
8 8 Magyarorszag (ch) 87/(461) 200 3
7 7 CI1-130 [RR] ]
[ 11.Be3 Ng6 12.0-0 a6 13.h3
6 6 Nimzo Indian Alternative-6...Bxc3 7.
5 5
Bxc3 Ne4 8.Ne2 b6 Lifetime
Repertoires: Swiercz's 1. d4 - 2023 ]
4 4 11...Ng6 12.0-0 White is slightly better.
3 3
12...a6 13.Re1 0.15/20
[ 13.a4 0.48/19 ]
2 2 13...Bd7 14.Be3 Qe7 15.Rc1 b5
1 1 a b c d e f g h

a b c d e f g h 8 8

6.a3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 Bd6 8.Nf3 Nc6 7 7

9.e4 e5! 10.d5 Ne7
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
16.Ba2 a5 17.Nd2 b4 18.Ncb1 h6
2 2 19.axb4 axb4 20.Bc4 Rfc8
1 1
(Diagram)
a b c d e f g h

11.h3N
 124

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

21.Qe2 Qe8 22.Bd3 Nh7 0.62/19 26.Qxe3 Qe7! 27.h4 Nf6 28.g3 Ng4
[ 22...Qe7= 0.01/22 ] 29.Qd2 Nf6 30.Nh2 Bh3
23.Nc4 Be7 0.78/20 a b c d e f g h
[ 23...Bf8 0.47/20 ]
24.Nbd2 Bg5 8 8

a b c d e f g h 7 7

8 8 6 6

7 7 5 5

6 6 4 4

5 5 3 3

4 4 2 2

3 3 1 1

2 2 a b c d e f g h

1 1
31.Rc2 Bd7 32.Rcc1 0.01/17
[ 32.Rec1 0.98/18 ]
a b c d e f g h
32...Bh3!= 33.Rc2 -0.01/17
25.Nf3! Bxe3 [ 33.b3! 0.69/17 ]
33...Bd7! 34.Nf1 Ba4 35.Rcc1 Nd7
(Diagram) 1.30/18
[ 35...Qf8 0.96/18 ]

(Diagram)
 125

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

36.Bc2 0.97/18 46.Qe1 0.76/18

[ Better is 36.h5 1.30/18 Threatens to [ 46.Kg2 1.19/18 ]
win with d6. Ngf8 37.Nfe3 ] 46...R6a7 1.15/18
36...Bxc2 37.Rxc2 Nf6 38.Qe3 Nf8 [ 46...Nxe4? 47.Nf5 Qf8 48.Qxe4+- ]
39.Rec1 N8d7 Ag ai n st Nb 6 40.Nfd2 [ 46...Rb6 0.76/18 ]
Ra6 47.Nc4 0.72/18
a b c d e f g h
[ 47.Nc5 1.15/18 ]
47...Nd6 48.Ncd2 Rb8 49.Qe3 Rba8
8 8 50.Rc6 Nfe8
7 7 a b c d e f g h

6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3

a b c d e f g h 2 2
41.Qe2 Rca8 42.Ne3 Ne8 43.Qb5 1 1
Rb6 44.Qe2 -0.01/15
a b c d e f g h
[ 44.Qd3 1.06/19 ]
44...Rba6! 45.Nb3 Ndf6 51.Nc5 Nb5 52.Nd3 0.55/18
&Bianco is much more active.
(Diagram) [ 52.Nf3 0.91/19 ]
52...Nd4 53.R6c5 Ra1 1.01/21
 126

[ 53...f6 0.63/19 ] a b c d e f g h
54.Kg2 b3 55.R5c3 Nc2 1.25/20
[ Black should try 55...Rxc1 0.81/19 8 8

56.Nxc1 Nd6 ] 7 7

6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
66.Nc5 Rb8 67.b3 Rb5 68.Ne6 c6
2 2 69.h5 Black must now prevent g4.
1 1
69...Re5 2.28/24
[ 69...Rb7 1.87/23 is a better defense.
a b c d e f g h
70.Nd8 Rb6 ]
56.Qe2 Nd4 57.Qd1 Rxc1 58.Nxc1 70.Nf4+- Kf7
Nd6 59.Ncxb3 f5 60.exf5 Qf7 1.34/18 a b c d e f g h
[ 60...N6xf5 0.89/18 61.Nxd4 exd4 ]
8 8

a b c d e f g h 7 7

8 8 6 6

7 7 5 5

6 6 4 4

5 5 3 3

4 4 2 2

3 3 1 1

2 2 a b c d e f g h

1
71.Ng6 Rd5 72.Rxd5 cxd5 KN-KN
1
73.Nf4 Ne7 4.06/26
a b c d e f g h
[ 73...d4 2.82/25 was necessary.
61.Nxd4 exd4 62.Rf3 Qxd5 63.Qb3 74.Kf3 d3 75.Nxd3 Nd4+ 76.Ke4
Qxb3 64.Nxb3 Endgame KRN-KRN Nxb3 ]
64...d3 65.Rxd3 Nxf5 74.b4 Ke8 75.Ne6 Kf7
(Diagram) (Diagram)
 127

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

76.Nd4 g6 77.hxg6+ Kxg6 78.b5 86.Kf5 And now Ke6 would win. 86...Kf8
Strongly threatening b6. 78...Nc8 79.f4 87.Ke6 White threatens Nd7+ and mate.
h5 80.Kh3 Nb6 87...d4 88.f5 #18/23
a b c d e f g h
[ 88.Nd7+ Nxd7 89.Kd5 d3 90.Kd6
Ke8 91.Kd5 d2 92.Kd4 d1Q+
8 8 93.Kc3 Ke7 94.f5 Nc5 95.f6+ Kd6
7 7 96.f7 Qd3+ 97.Kb2 Qd2+ 98.Kb1
Ke7 99.f8R Kxf8 100.b6 Nd3
6 6 101.b7 Qb2# ]
5 5
[ 88.Kd6+- 13.00/24 d3 89.Nxd3 ]
88...Na8 89.Kd6 Intending f6 and mate.
4 4 89...Nb6 90.f6 White wants to mate with
3 3
Ke6.
[ But not 90.Nd7+? Nxd7 91.Ke6
2 2
a b c d e f g h

1 1 8 8

a b c d e f g h 7 7

81.Kh4 Nc4 82.Nc6 Kh6 7.98/30 6 6

[ 82...Nb6 4.37/25 83.Nb4 Kh6 ] 5 5
83.g4 hxg4 84.Kxg4 Kg7 7.65/27
[ 84...d4 4.78/28 85.Ne5 Nd6 ] 4 4

85.Ne5 Nb6 3 3

2 2
(Diagram)
1 1

a b c d e f g h

d3! 92.Kxd7 d2 93.Kd6 d1Q+

 128

94.Kc6 Qf3+ 95.Kd6 Qxf5 96.Kc6

Ke7 97.b6 Qe4+ 98.Kc5 Kd7 99.b7
Kc7 100.b8R Kxb8 101.Kd6 Kb7
102.Kc5 Qd3 103.Kb4 Kc6 104.Ka4
Kc5 105.Ka5 Qb5# ]
90...d3
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

91.Nxd3 Kf7 92.Ne5+

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.18 (very

precise) /Black=0.10 (very precise)
1-0
 129

37 C11 a b c d e f g h
Bulmaga,Irina 2386
Vaishali,Rameshbabu 2476 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (6.2) 24.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
C11: French: Classical System: 4 e5 and
4 Bg5 dxe4 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 4 4
Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 3 3
a b c d e f g h
2 2
8 8
1 1
7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 11.Nxc6 6

5 5
[ 11.f5 seems wilder. Nxd4 12.Bxd4
Bxd4 13.Qxd4 Qb6 14.Qxb6 Nxb6
4 4 15.0-0-0 ]
3 3
11...Bxe3 White is slightly better.
12.Nxd8 0.37/19 Pair of Knights!
2 2 [ 12.Qxe3 0.74/20 bxc6 13.fxg5 ]
1 1
12...Bxd2+ 13.Kxd2 gxf4N
[ 13...Kxd8 14.g3 b5 15.Bd3 Bb7
a b c d e f g h
16.Ne2 Ke7 17.Nd4 Rag8 18.Rhg1
6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 a6 8.a3 cxd4 Rg7 19.Nf3 h6 20.f5 exf5 21.Nd4
9.Nxd4 Bc5 10.Qd2 g5 0.60/17 Rgg8 22.Rae1 Kd8 23.e6 fxe6
[ 10...0-0= 0.06/18 ] 24.Nxe6+ Kc8 25.Bxf5 Kb8 26.Rgf1
Re8 27.Ng7 Rxe1 28.Rxe1
Muzychuk,A (2525)-Agmanov,Z
(Diagram) (2458) Almaty KAZ 2024 1-0 (60) ]

(Diagram)
 130

a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
14.Nxf7 Kxf7 15.Re1 Rg8 1.09/20
[ 15...Ke7! 0.34/18 ] 21.Rxf4+ Ke5 22.Rf7 -0.18/21
[ 22.Rf2 0.25/21 ]
a b c d e f g h
22...Raf8= 23.Re7+ Kd6 24.Rxb7
Rf2+ 25.Ke3 Rxc2
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
A g a i n s t g 3 16.Nxd5! 0.66/19 exd5
a b c d e f g h
17.e6+ Kf6 1.16/19
[ 17...Ke8 0.59/20 18.exd7+ Kxd7 ] Ho p i n g f o r . . . Re 8 . 26.Bxa6 Rgxg2
18.exd7 &Bianco is more active. 27.Bd3 Bxd3
18...Bxd7 19.Re2 -0.06/21 [ 27...Kc6 feels hotter. 28.Rb8 Bxd3
[ 19.g3! 0.53/19 ] 29.Kxd3 Rgd2+ ]
19...Bf5↑ ...Rac8 is the strong threat. 28.Kxd3 Rgd2+ 29.Ke3 Re2+
B l a c k i s mo r e a c t i ve . 20.Rf2 Be4 The position is equal. 30.Kd3 Rcd2+
0.35/22
[ 20...Ke5= 0.01/19 ] (Diagram)
 131

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

31.Kc3 Rc2+ 32.Kd3 Rcd2+

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.11 (very

precise) /Black=0.17 (very precise)
½-½
 132

38 D35
[ 11.0-0 Re8 12.Rc1 a5 13.Bf4 Bf8
Bok,Benjamin 2583
14.Ng3 Na6 15.b3 Nc7 16.Be5
Nogerbek,Kazybek 2514
Ncb5 17.Nxb5 Nxb5 18.Bxb5 cxb5
Tata Steel Challengers (6.3) 24.01.2025
Good Positions-Introduction Parkhov,
[Kitty Kat] Y Grandmaster Training: Decision-
Making 2023 ]
[ 11.Qc2 Re8 12.0-0 Bf8 13.Rae1
D35: Queen's Gambit Declined: ( 13.h3 a5 14.Kh1 Na6 15.a3 Nc7
Exchange Variation 1.c4 e6 2.Nc3 d5 16.Ng1 b5 17.Nf3 Nc4 18.a4 b4
3.d4 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 19.Ne2 Ba6 20.Rac1 Ne6 21.Nf4
a b c d e f g h
Nxf4 22.Bxf4 Bb7 23.b3 Nd6
24.Ne5 Rc8 25.Qe2 Ne4 26.Rc2 c5
8 8 27.dxc5 Rxc5 Eljanov,P (2672)-
7 7 Urazayev,A (2466) Almaty KAZ 2024
1-0 (58) ) 13...a5 14.a3 Na6 15.Nf4
6 6 ( 15.Bf4 b5 16.Ng3 Nc4 17.e4 Be6
5 5
18.exd5 Bxd5 19.Rxe8 Qxe8
20.Nxd5 cxd5 21.Nf5 Qe6 22.h3 a4
4 4 23.Bc1 Re8 24.Qd1 Nb8 25.b3
3 3
axb3 26.Qxb3 Qc6 27.Bb1
Situru,N-Bandza,A Italy CBM 13 8
2 2 [John Watson]) 15...Bd7 16.f3 b5
1 1
17.Qf2 ( 17.e4 b4 18.Nb1 Qb6
19.Bf2 Nb5 20.exd5 Nxd4 21.Qd1
a b c d e f g h
c5 5) Exchange Variation 4.cxd5-
6.e3 h6 7.Bh4 Be7 8.Bd3 0-0 9.Nge2 Exchange Variation 7.Bh4 - 9.) 17...b4
Ne8 10.Bg3 Nd6 18.axb4 Nxb4 19.Bb1 a4 20.e4 a3
a b c d e f g h
21.bxa3 Rxa3 22.Rc1 Nc4 23.Rfe1
Rb3 24.exd5 Rb2 25.Rxe8 Bxe8
8 8 Lu,S (2605)-Li,D (2539) Chiva 2022
7 7 (31) ]
11...Bf5 12.Bxd6 Bxd3 13.Bxe7 Bxe2
6 6 14.Bxd8 Bxd1 15.Bh4 Bh5
5 5
(Diagram)
4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

11.Bf4N The position is equal.

 133

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.Kd2 Nd7 17.Na4 Rfe8 18.Bg3 Bg6 26.Rd1 Bc8 27.Nb4 Bb7 28.f3 f6
19.Rac1 Nb6 0.50/22 White is slightly better. 29.Nd3 g5
[ 19...a5= 0.18/19 ] 30.Rc2 Bc8
20.Nc5 Nc4+ a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
Weighted Error Value: White=0.06
21.Kc3! b6 22.Na6 Hoping for Nc7. (flawless) /Black=0.09 (flawless)
22...Rac8 23.b3 Na5 24.Kd2 Bf5 ½-½
25.Rc3 Rcd8

(Diagram)
 134

39 B90 W h i t e h a s a n e d g e . 11.Bc4 Rc8

Nguyen,Thai Dai Van 2668 12.Qe2 Nb6 13.Nxf6+ Qxf6 14.Bxe6
L'Ami,Erwin 2614 Qxe6 15.0-0N 0-0
Tata Steel Challengers (6.4) 24.01.2025 a b c d e f g h
[Kitty Kat]
8 8

7 7
B90: Sicilian Najdorf: Unusual White 6th
moves, 6 Be3 Ng4 and 6 Be3 e5 1.e4 6 6
c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5 5
5.Nc3 a6
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
8 8
2 2
7 7
1 1
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
16.Rfd1 Rc6 17.b3 Nd7 18.Rd2 Nf6
4 4 19.Rad1 Qg4 0.82/22
3 3
[ 19...Rd8!= 0.22/18 remains equal. ]
20.Rxd6 Rxd6
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
6.a4 e5 7.Nf3 Be7 8.Bg5 Be6 9.Bxf6
Bxf6 10.Nd5 Inhibits Qb6. 10...Nd7 6 6

a b c d e f g h 5 5

8 8 4 4

7 7 3 3

6 6 2 2

5 5 1 1

4 4 a b c d e f g h

3 3
21.Rxd6 Nxe4

2 2 (Diagram)
1 1

a b c d e f g h
 135

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

22.h3! Qf4 23.g3 0.25/24 Qc1+!= 31.Nd2 Nb4 32.Ne4 f5 33.Ng5+ Kg6
24.Qd1! Qxd1+ 25.Rxd1 -0.06/23
Endgame White wants to play Rd7. KRN- [ 33...Ke7 -0.52/25 ]
KRN 25...f6 34.Ne6 The position is equal. 34...Re7
a b c d e f g h
35.Nc5 Rc7
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
26.a5 Rc8 27.c4 Rc7 28.Kf1 Kf7
29.Rc1 Nc5 30.Rb1 Nd3 36.Ne6 Re7 37.Nc5 Rc7

(Diagram) (Diagram)
 136

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.08

(flawless) /Black=0.07 (flawless)
½-½
 137

40 A05 0-1 (74) ]

Divya,Deshmukh 2490
Oro,Faustino 2447 a b c d e f g h
Tata Steel Challengers (6.5) 24.01.2025
[Kitty Kat] 8 8

7 7

A05: Réti Opening: 1 Nf3 Nf6 Korchnoi, 6 6

V: 'Inf 47/1' 1.Nf3 Nf6 2.g3 b5 3.Bg2 5 5
Bb7 4.a4 b4 5.0-0 e6
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
8 8
2 2
7 7
1 1
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
11.Bf4N
4 4 [ 11.a5 Rb8 12.a6 Ba8 13.Bf4 Rc8
3 3
14.e5 ( 14.c3 d5 15.exd5 Nxd5
16.Bd2 Bf6 17.Qc2 Rc7 18.h4 Rd7
2 2 19.Ng5 h6 20.Ne4 Be7 21.f4 Nb6
1 1
22.Nxb6 axb6 23.Nf2 Na5 24.Bxa8
Qxa8 25.Re4 Qxa6 26.cxb4 cxb4
a b c d e f g h
27.Bxb4 Qb5 28.Bxe7 Rxe7
6.d3 c5 7.e4 d6 8.Nbd2 Be7 Speelman,J (2645)-Kortschnoj,V
[ 8...Nbd7 9.Nc4 Be7 10.Bf4 e5 (2595) Hastings 1988 CI1-130
11.Bg5 0-0 12.Nh4 Ne8 13.Bxe7 [Kortschnoj,Viktor] 0-1 (71) 29.Rc1
Qxe7 14.Nf5 Qe6 15.Bh3 Bc8 Qd5 30.Re5 Qf3 31.Kh2 Nb3
16.Kg2 Nb6 17.Nce3 a5 18.f4 Kh8 32.Qxb3 Qxf2+ 33.Kh3 Rd7
19.Qh5 d5 20.Bg4 dxe4 21.dxe4 34.Rce1 Rfd8 35.R5e2 Qc5 36.Re5
Bb7 22.Rad1 Bxe4+ 23.Kg1 Qc6 37.R1e3 Rd4 38.h5 Qc1
Malikentzos,S (2443)-Giannoulakis,L 39.Re1 Qd2 40.R1e2 Qxd3 41.Qxd3
(2334) Nikaia 2023 1-0 (36) ] Rxd3 42.f5 exf5 43.Rxf5 R8d5
9.Nc4 0-0 10.Re1 Nc6 Speelman,J (2645)-Kortschnoj,V
[ 10...Nbd7 11.Bf4 d5 12.Nd6 Bc6 (2595) CI1-130 [Kortschnoj,Viktor] 0-1
13.Ng5 Nb6 14.Ndxf7 Rxf7 15.Bh3 (71) ) 14...dxe5 15.Nfxe5 A 05/08 ]
Bd7 16.a5 e5 17.axb6 Bxh3 18.b7 11...Rc8 12.h4 Re8 The position is
Rb8 19.Bxe5 Rxb7 20.Nxh3 Qd7 equal. 13.e5 dxe5 14.Nfxe5 Nd5
21.Nf4 dxe4 22.dxe4 Ng4 23.Qd5 15.Qg4 And now Nxf7! would win.
Nxe5 24.Qxe5 Bd6 25.Qd5 15...Nd4
Carlsen,M (2933)-Vachier Lagrave,M
(2886) Stavanger 2015 [Albert Silver] (Diagram)
 138

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.c3 21.h5 Nd6 22.Rad1 Rcd8 0.31/20

a b c d e f g h
[ 22...Qb7= -0.19/17 ]
23.Na5 Rc8 1.00/20
8 8 [ 23...Qa8= 0.13/21 keeps the
7 7 balance. ]

6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
Nf6! 17.Qd1 Bxg2 18.Kxg2 Qd5+
19.Kh2 Nf5 20.Qe2 h6 2 2

1 1
(Diagram)
a b c d e f g h

A g a i n s t N a c 6 24.Nac6! Black must

now prevent c4. 24...bxc3 1.22/21
[ 24...Rxc6? 25.c4 Qxe5 26.Bxe5+- ]
[ Black should play 24...Nf5 0.88/22 ]
25.bxc3 c4 is the strong threat.
[ 25.Nxe7+?! Rxe7 26.bxc3 Qb7= ]
25...Qb3
 139

[ 25...Rxc6? 26.c4 Qxe5 27.Bxe5+- ] [ 33...Qa6! -0.50/20 34.Rf7 Qe6 ]

34.Qb2! a i m i n g f o r R a 1 . 34...Qc6
a b c d e f g h
35.Ra1
[ Do n 't pl a y 35.Rxa7 exd3 36.Bd2
8 8 c4 ]
7 7 35...a6
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

26.Rb1! Qxc3 27.Nxe7+ -0.24/21 2 2

[ 27.Rec1+- 1.89/21 Qa3 28.Nc4 1 1
Nxc4 29.Rxc4 ]
a b c d e f g h
27...Rxe7= 28.Ng6! fxg6
[ 28...Rd7? 29.Bxd6 Re8 30.Be5 36.Rb6 -1.38/21
Qxd3 31.Bxf6 Qxe2 32.Rxe2+- ] [ 36.dxe4= -0.28/21 remains equal.
29.Bxd6 Ree8 30.hxg6 Qd4 Rxe4 37.Ra7 ]
a b c d e f g h
36...Ng4+ 0.01/24
[ 36...Qd5 -1.38/21 37.dxe4
8 8 ( 37.Rxf6? gxf6 38.dxe4 Rxe4-+ )
7 7 37...Ng4+ 38.Kg1 Qxe4 ]
37.Kh3⇆ White has counterplay
6 6 37...Qd7
5 5
(Diagram)
4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

31.Bf4 e5 32.Be3 Qxa4 33.Rb7

-0.50/20
[ 33.Rbc1= -0.15/20 ]
33...e4 -0.01/20
 140

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

Really sharp! 38.Rb7! Nxf2+! 39.Kg2 46.Kf2 Re6 47.Ke3 Rxg6 48.Kxe4
Nxd3 40.Rxd7 Nxb2 Re6+ 49.Kf5 Rf6+ 50.Ke4 Nd7
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

41.Rxa6 Intending Raa7 and mate. 51.Ra5 Nf8 52.Be5 Rf7 53.Bd6 Ne6
41...Nc4 42.Bf4 White wants to mate 54.Bf4 Kh7 55.Be3 Nf8 -0.33/16
with Raa7. 42...Ra8 43.Rxa8 [ 55...Kg6 -0.65/23 ]
[ 43.Re7 feels hotter. Kf8 44.Rf7+
Kg8 45.Rc6 ]
43...Rxa8 Endgame KRB-KRN 44.Rc7 (Diagram)
Re8 45.Rxc5 Nb6

(Diagram)
 141

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

56.Rb5 -0.80/20 66.Ke4 Re2+ 67.Kd5 g5 68.Bf8 Ng4

[ 56.Ra1 -0.33/16 ] 69.Bd6 -2.45/20
56...Rf1 57.Rb7 Kg6 58.Ra7 Nh7 [ 69.Bc5 -1.40/21 might work better. ]
59.Bf4 Nf6+ 60.Ke3 Rb1 69...Nf6+-+ 70.Kc6 Rc2+
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

61.Kf3 Rb3+ 62.Kg2 Ng4 63.Ra6+ 71.Kb5? -4.40/22

Kh5 64.Bd6 Rb2+ 65.Kf3 Nh2+ [ 71.Kb6 -2.37/23 keeps fighting. ]
71...Ne8
(Diagram)
(Diagram)
 142

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Never resign too early! Weighted Error

V a l u e : W h i t e = 0 . 1 6 ( ve r y p r e c i s e ) /
Black=0.15 (very precise)
0-1
 143

41 C67 12.Be3
Pijpers,Arthur 2474 [ 12.Ne2 Bf5 13.Nd4 Bd7 14.f4 Be7
Lu,Miaoyi 2429 15.f5 Bc5 16.Be3 Re8 17.e6 fxe6
Tata Steel Challengers (6.6)24.01.2025 18.Nxe6+ Bxe6 19.Bxc5 Bd5
[Kitty Kat] 20.Rad1 b5 21.b3 Kc8 22.Rde1
Kd7 23.Bd4 g6 24.f6 Rxe1 25.Rxe1
Re8 26.Rxe8 Kxe8 Grischuk,A
C67: Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defence: 4 0-0 (2750) -Eljanov,P (2753) Reykjavik
Nxe4 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 ISL 2015 [Mikhalevski, V] ½-½ (40) ]
4.0-0 Nxe4 5.d4 Nd6 12...h5 0.57/18
a b c d e f g h
[ 12...Bf5= 0.09/19 ]
13.Ne4N
8 8 [ 13.Rad1+ Ke8 14.Ne4 ( 14.Ne2
7 7 Be7 15.f4 f5 16.exf6 gxf6 17.f5 Kf7
18.g3 b6 19.Nc3 Re8 20.Rf3 Bd6
6 6 21.Kf2 Bb7 22.Bf4 c5 23.Rfd3 Bxf4
5 5
24.gxf4 Bc6 25.Nd5 Re4 26.Nxc7
Rg8 27.Ne6 Ke7 28.Rd6 Bb5
4 4 Vachier Lagrave,M (2736)-So,W
3 3
(2760) Chess.com INT 2022 1-0 (39))
14...Bf5 15.Ng5 Bxc2 16.Rd4 Bxg5
2 2 17.Bxg5 c5 18.Rd2 Ba4 19.b3 Bc6
1 1
20.Rfd1 f6 21.exf6 gxf6 22.Bxf6
Rg8 23.f4 Kf7 24.Bg5 a5 25.Rc1
a b c d e f g h
b6 26.Kf2 Rae8 27.Kg3 Rg6
6.Bxc6 dxc6 7.dxe5 Nf5 8.Qxd8+ Juilfs,G (2585)-10.Be7 Qe7 11.
Kxd8 9.h3 Be7 10.Nc3 Nh4 Ne2_13982 (2637) Jugoslavija (ch) 63/
a b c d e f g h
501 2023 200 Traps In The Opening
[Nyback/Meyer,CD] 1-0 (42) ]
8 8 [ 13.f3 Bf5 14.g4 Bxc2 15.Rac1 Bh7
7 7 16.f4 Re8 17.Rcd1+ Kc8 18.Bf2
Be7 19.f5 b6 20.Bg3 Kb7 21.Kg2
6 6 Rad8 22.Rxd8 Rxd8 23.Rd1 Rxd1
5 5
24.Nxd1 c5 25.Kf3 Kc6 26.Ne3
hxg4+ 27.hxg4 b5 Dominguez Perez,
4 4 L (2678)-Eljanov,P (2686) Foros 2007
3 3
CBM 119 [Marin,Mihail] ½-½ (62) ]
13...Bf5 14.Rad1+ The position is
2 2 equal. 14...Kc8 15.f3 Re8
1 1
(Diagram)
a b c d e f g h

11.Nxh4 Bxh4 White is slightly better.

 144

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.g4 Bg6 17.Bd4 b6 18.Bc3 c5 26.Rff2! Bh4

19.Rd2 Kb7 20.Kg2 Rad8 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 0 4
And now ...Rxd2+ would win. 21.Re2 f5 (flawless) /Black=0.06 (flawless)
22.exf6 gxf6 next ...f5 is good for Black. ½-½
23.Be1 Bg5 24.Rff2! Bh4 25.Rf1 Bg5

(Diagram)
 145

42 A46 a b c d e f g h
Yakubboev,Nodirbek 2659
Svane,Frederik 2664 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (6.7) 24.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
A46: 1 d4 Nf6 2 Nf3 e6: Torre, London
and Colle Systems Inf 103/(31) 1.d4 Nf6 4 4
2.Nf3 e6 3.Bf4N 3 3
[ 3.Bg5 h6 4.Bxf6 Qxf6 5.e4 d6
6.Nc3 c6 7.Qd2 e5 8.0-0-0 Be7 2 2
9.Kb1 Nd7 10.h4 exd4 11.Nxd4 1 1
Ne5 12.f4 Ng4 13.h5 Hodgson,J
a b c d e f g h
(2535)-Polgar, Z (2520) Haifa 48/(78)
1989 ] 6.Nc4 d5 7.Nce5 Bd6 8.c3 Qc7
[ 3.c4 c5 4.Nc3 cxd4 5.Nxd4 Nc6 9.Bb5 Black must now prevent dxc5.
6.a3 Nxd4 7.Qxd4 b6 8.Nb5 Ba6 9...Nd7 10.Qa4
9.Qe5 d6 10.Qg3 Qd7 11.e3 Rc8 [ 10.Bxc6 i s m o r e c o m p l e x . bxc6
12.Be2 d5 13.0-0 dxc4 14.a4 Ne4 11.Qa4 cxd4 12.cxd4 Nxe5 13.Bxe5
15.Qg4 f5 16.Qh3 Qf7 17.Rd1 Bb4 f6 14.Bxd6 Qxd6 15.0-0 ]
Gubajdullin,A (2504)-Oleksienko,M 10...Ncxe5
(2590) Moscow 2008 CI1-130 [RR] ] a b c d e f g h
[ 3.g3 c5 4.Bg2 Nc6 5.0-0 cxd4
( 5...a6 6.c4 cxd4 7.Nxd4 Qc7 8 8

8.Nc3 Be7 9.b3 0-0 10.Bb2 d6 7 7

11.Rc1 Nxd4 12.Qxd4 Bd7 13.Rfd1
Rfd8 14.Qe3 Be8 15.h3 Bf8 16.g4 6 6
h6 17.Qg3 Qe7 18.h4 Bc6 19.g5 5 5
Bxg2 20.Kxg2 Sundararajan,K (2446)-
Aroshidze,L (2547) Sants 106/(180) 4 4
2008 CI1-130 [RR]) 6.Nxd4 Bc5 3 3
7.Nb3 Be7 8.c4 0-0 9.Nc3 Na5
10.Nxa5 Qxa5 11.Bd2 Qc7 12.Rc1 2 2
a6 13.Bf4 e5 14.Bg5 Rb8 15.Bxf6 1 1
Bxf6 16.Nd5 Qd8 17.c5 Bg5
a b c d e f g h
Gonzalez Martin,P (2315)-11.Bg2 f6
12.0-0 Nc5 (1961) Taastrup 97/(200) 11.Nxe5 a6 12.Nxd7 Bxd7
2023 Inf55 [John Watson] 1-0 ]
3...c5 4.e3 Nc6 5.Nbd2 h6 (Diagram)

(Diagram)
 146

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

Pin 13.Bxd6 Qxd6 14.Bxd7+ Qxd7 21.Rxb4 Kxc5 22.Kc2 b6 23.Kb3 Kc6
15.Qxd7+ Kxd7 24.c4 Rd7 25.Rd1 Rad8
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.dxc5= Endgame KRR-KRR 16...Kc6 26.cxd5+ Rxd5 The position is equal.

17.b4 a5 18.a4! Ra7! 19.Kd2 Rha8! 27.Rc4+ Kb7 28.Rcd4 Rxd4 29.Rxd4
Strongly threatening ...axb4. 20.Rhb1 Rxd4 30.exd4 h5
axb4
(Diagram)
(Diagram)
 147

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

31.h4
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

A balanced but interesting game.

Weighted Error Value: White=0.04
(flawless) /Black=0.04 (flawless)
½-½
 148

43 C50 [GM Luis Supi] 1-0 (64) ]

Svane,Frederik 2664 7.Be3N
Bulmaga,Irina 2386 [ 7.a4 d6 8.Be3 ( 8.Ne2 Ne7 9.Ng3
Tata Steel Challengers (7.1)
25.01.2025 Ng6 10.0-0 0-0 11.c3 c6 12.d4 Ba7
[Kitty Kat] 13.Bd3 Chapter-B6) 8...Bxe3 ( 8...0-0
9.0-0 Bxe3 10.fxe3 a5 11.d4 exd4
12.exd4 Nxe4 13.Nxe4 d5 14.Bd3
C50: Hungarian Defence and Giuoco dxe4 15.Bxe4 Qd6 16.c3 Be6
Pianissimo 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 17.Nh4 Qg3 18.Nf5 Bxf5 19.Bxf5
Bc5 4.d3 Nf6 5.Nc3 h6 Rae8 20.Rf3 Qg5 21.Qb3 Re3
a b c d e f g h
22.Qd5 Re2 23.Rff1 Larand,M
(2620)-3.g3 b5 4.Bg2_26933 (2560)
8 8 Merida 2022 MAINB (21) [John
7 7 Watson] 0-1 (38)) 9.fxe3 Be6 10.Nd2
Bxc4 11.Nxc4 0-0 12.0-0 d5
6 6 13.exd5 Nxd5 14.e4 Nxc3 15.bxc3
5 5
b5 16.Ne3 Ne7 17.Rf3 Qd7 18.Rg3
Qe6 19.Qh5 Kh7 20.Kh2 g6 21.Qg4
4 4 Qc6 Alekseenko,K (2708)-Pranav, A
3 3
(2463) Biel 2022 CBM 209 Extra [GM
Luis Supi] 1-0 (37) ]
2 2 7...Bxe3 8.fxe3 d6 The position is
1 1
equal. 9.a3 Be6 10.Nd2 0-0
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

6.h3 a6 8 8

[ 6...d6 7.Na4 Bb6 8.a3 Be6 7 7

( 8...Ne7 9.Nxb6 axb6 10.Ba2 Ng6
11.0-0 0-0 12.Re1 Be6 13.Bb1 Re8 6 6
14.d4 c6 15.c3 Qc7 16.Be3 Rad8 5 5
17.a4 d5 18.Nxe5 Nxe5 19.dxe5
dxe4 20.Qc2 Qxe5 21.Bxb6 Qg5 4 4
22.Bxd8 Rxd8 23.Qc1 3 3
Qu is t ,J ( 2 42 7) - 14 .Ne 4 Rb 8 1 5. c 4
Re8_14 (2165) London 2023 2 2
Steinitz/Blackburne [John Watson] 1-0 1 1
(38) ) 9.Bxe6 fxe6 10.b4 0-0 11.0-0
a b c d e f g h
Qe8 12.c4 Nd4 13.Nxb6 Nxf3+
14.Qxf3 axb6 15.Qe2 Qg6 16.Ra2 11.Qe2 Re8 12.Rf1 Nb8 13.0-0-0
Nh5 17.Qg4 Kh7 18.Qxg6+ Kxg6 Bxc4 14.dxc4 Nbd7 15.g4 Nh7
19.a4 Nf6 20.Be3 Nd7 21.Rfa1
Nepomniachtchi,I (2792)-Caruana,F (Diagram)
(2820) Paris 2021 CBM 203 Extra
 149

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.Rf2 Nc5 17.Rh1 c6 18.h4 Ne6 25.Nd5!+- Qf7

0.60/20 Prevents g5. a b c d e f g h
[ 18...f6!= 0.22/18 deserves
consideration. ] 8 8

19.g5 7 7
[ 19.Qf3 f6= ]
19...hxg5 20.Qh5 g6 6 6

a b c d e f g h 5 5

8 8 4 4

7 7 3 3

6 6 2 2

5 5 1 1

4 4 a b c d e f g h

3
26.Nh2 cxd5 27.cxd5 Re7 28.Ng4
3
Rc7
2 2 [ 28...f5? 29.exf5 gxf5 30.Rxf5+- ]
1 1
29.Qh4
[ 29.gxf6?! Kh8 ]
a b c d e f g h
[ 29.Nxf6+?! Nxf6 30.gxf6 ( 30.Rxf6
21.Qh6 Nef8 22.Rhf1 &Bianco is more Qg7= ) 30...Qh7= ]
active. 22...f6 1.19/22 29...Qe8 1.94/24
[ 22...Re7! 0.58/21 ] [ 29...Kh8 1.50/21 ]
23.hxg5 Re6 24.Nf3 Qe7? 3.06/22 30.gxf6 1.06/25
[ 24...Qc7 1.19/21 ] [ White should try 30.Rh1+- 1.94/24
Kh8 31.Nxf6 ( 31.gxf6 b5 )]
 150

30...Kh8 1.54/22 38...Rh2+ 39.Kd3 White wants to mate

[ 30...g5? 31.f7+ Rxf7 32.Nh6+ Kh8 w i t h Q f 7 + . 39...Qe7 Against Qf7+
33.Nxf7++- ] 40.Rc8 Rh8
[ 30...Rf7 1.06/25 ] a b c d e f g h

8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
41.Rxh8 Kxh8 KQ-KQ 42.Qh3+ Kg7
a b c d e f g h
43.Qc8 Kh6 1.57/22
31.f7 Qd8 32.Qh3 Qg5 33.Nf6 [ 43...Qf7 1.25/22 ]
The board is on fire. 33...Rxf7 34.Nxh7 44.b4 Kg7 2.22/21
Remove Defender, Deflection 34...Rxh7 [ 44...Kg5 1.75/21 was called for.
35.Rxf8+ Rxf8 45.Kd2 Kh5 ]
a b c d e f g h
45.a4+- Qf7
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
36.Rxf8+ Endgame KQR-KQR 36...Kg7
37.Qf3→ White attacks with force. 46.Ke2 P r e v e n t s Q f 1 + . 46...Qe7
37...Rh1+ 38.Kd2 Against Qd8 47.a5 Kh7 2.31/26
[ 38.Qxh1?! Qxe3+ 39.Kb1 Kxf8= ] [ 47...Kf6 1.64/26 48.c3 g5 ]
 151

48.Kd3 Qf7 2.52/24 a b c d e f g h

[ 48...Kh6 1.87/24 was necessary.
49.c4 Qf7 ] 8 8

49.Ke2? 0.01/19 7 7
[ 49.Kc3+- 2.52/24 ]
49...Qe7!= 50.c4 Qh4 4.25/26 6 6
[ 50...Kg7 2.75/25 51.c5 Qg5 5 5
52.Qd7+ ( 52.cxd6 Qg2+ 53.Kd3
Qf1+ 54.Kc2 Qe2+ 55.Kb3 Qd3+ 4 4
56.Qc3 Qxe4 ) 52...Kg8 ] 3 3

2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
56.Kd3 Qf1+ 57.Kd2 Qf2+ 58.Kd1
6 6 [ 58.Kd3?! Qf1+ ]
5 5
58...Qf1+ 59.Kc2
[ 59.Kd2 Qf2+ ]
4 4 59...Qe2+! 60.Kb3 Qd1+
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 8 8

1 1 7 7

a b c d e f g h 6 6
51.Qc7+? 0.01/25 5 5
[ 51.Qxb7++- 4.25/26 Kh6 52.Qxa6
Qh2+ 53.Kd3 ] 4 4
51...Kh6 52.Qxd6 Qh2+ 53.Kd3 3 3
Hoping for Qf8+. 53...Qf2 Inhibits Qf8+.
54.Qxe5 Qf1+ 55.Kd2 aiming for Qf4+. 2 2
55...Qf2+ 1 1

a b c d e f g h
(Diagram)
61.Kb2 Qd2+ 62.Kb3 Qd1+ 63.Kb2
Qd2+ 64.Ka3 Qd3+ 65.Ka2 Qc2+

(Diagram)
 152

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

66.Ka3 Qd3+ 67.Ka2 Threatens to win 76.Kd2 Qxe4 77.Qc5 Qf5 78.Qd4
with Qd4. 67...Qc2+! 68.Qb2 Qa4+! Qf2+ 79.Kc3 Qe1+ 80.Qd2 Qa1+
69.Kb1 Qd1+ 70.Ka2 Qa4+ a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
81.Kb4 Kc5 is the strong threat.
71.Kb1 Qd1+ 72.Qc1 Qb3+ 73.Ka1! 81...Qb1+ 1.49/22
Strongly threatening Qd2. [ 81...Qe5 0.98/22 ]
[ 73.Qb2 Qd1+ ] 82.Kc5 And now Kd6 would win.
73...Qa4+ 74.Kb2 Qxb4+ 75.Kc2! 82...b6+ 83.Kd4 0.29/18
Qxc4+ [ Much less strong is 83.axb6 Qb5+
84.Kd6 Qxb6+ 85.Ke7 Qc7+ 86.Ke6
(Diagram) Qc8+ 87.Ke5 Qe8+ 88.Kd6 g5 ]
[ 83.Kd6! 1.57/21 bxa5 84.Qxa5
( 84.e4+ g5= )]
83...Qa1+ 1.26/23
 153

[ 83...bxa5!= 0.29/18 84.d6 ( 84.Qxa5 a b c d e f g h

Qb8 ) 84...Qb6+ 85.Ke5 Qd8 ]
84.Ke4 Black must now prevent Qh2+. 8 8

84...Qb1+ 1.92/21 7 7
[ 84...bxa5 1.03/22 might work
better. 85.d6 Qh1+ 86.Kd4 Qc6 6 6
87.Qh2+ Kg7 ] 5 5
85.Kd4? -0.01/17
[ 85.Ke5!+- 1.92/21 ] 4 4
85...Qa1+= 3 3
a b c d e f g h
2 2
8 8
1 1
7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6 88.Kd6! e4+ would kill now. 88...bxa5?
5 5
13.29/19
[ 88...Qf6+ 2.19/20 89.Kc7 Qe7+
4 4 90.Kxb6 Qd6+ 91.Kb7 g5 ]
3 3
89.e4+!+- Discovered Attack 89...Qg5
a b c d e f g h
2 2
8 8
1 1
7 7
a b c d e f g h

86.Ke4 0.01/18 6 6
[ 86.Qc3 1.01/21 Qa4+ 87.Qc4 5 5
Qxa5 88.Ke5 ]
86...Qb1+! 87.Ke5 Qf5+ 4 4

3 3
(Diagram)
2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

90.Qxg5+! Kxg5

(Diagram)
 154

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

91.Kc7 10.32/24
[ 91.Ke5 #15/22 Kg4 92.d6 Kg3
93.d7 a4 94.d8Q Kf3 95.Qd3+ Kg4
96.Qd1+ Kg3 97.Kf6 ]

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.24

(precise) /Black=0.15 (very precise)
1-0
 155

44 B30 4...Nd5 5.Nc3 Nc7

Lu,Miaoyi 2429 a b c d e f g h
Divya,Deshmukh 2490
Tata Steel Challengers (7.2) 25.01.2025 8 8

[Kitty Kat] 7 7

6 6
B31: Sicilian: 2... Nc6 3 Bb5 g6 1.e4 c5 5 5
2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6
[ 3...e6 4.d4 Nge7 5.c3 cxd4 6.cxd4 4 4
d5 7.exd5 Nxd5 8.0-0 Bd7 9.Nc3 3 3
Be7 10.Re1 0-0 11.a3 Rc8 12.Bd3
Re8 13.Be4 Nxc3 14.bxc3 Bf6 2 2
15.Qd3 g6 16.Bh6 Qc7 17.c4 Red8 1 1
18.Rad1 Hanke,L (2709)-10.Bc2 c5
a b c d e f g h
11.Nbd2 (2728) corr ICCF 2006 200
Traps In The Opening [CPC 1879 p37; 6.Bxc6 dxc6 7.d3 g6 8.h3 Bg7 9.0-0
ACJ March 1879] 1-0 (72) ] 0-0 10.Re1 Ne6
4.e5N a b c d e f g h
[ 4.Bxc6 bxc6 5.e5 Nd5 6.0-0 g6
7.c4 Nc7 8.d4 cxd4 9.Qxd4 Bg7 8 8

10.Qh4 Ne6 ( 10...Ba6 11.Nc3 Ne6 7 7

12.Re1 Qc7 13.Bd2 f6 14.Bh6 Bxh6
15.Qxh6 0-0-0 16.Rac1 Rdf8 6 6
17.Nd5 Qd8 18.exf6 exf6 19.b4 5 5
Kb8 20.b5 cxb5 21.cxb5 Bb7
22.Qd2 Re8 23.a4 g5 24.Red1 d6 4 4
25.b6 5.Bg2 Bb4 6.Nbd2 (2611)- 3 3
Nedev,T (2574) USSR 37/(431) 2002
Te l e c h e s s C B M 8 9 [ W e e k l y I r i s h 2 2
Times 14 Aug 1909 ] 1-0) 11.Bh6 1 1
( 11.Nc3 h6 12.Re1 Rb8 13.b3 a5
a b c d e f g h
14.Bd2 Ba6 15.Rad1 Qc7 16.Bc1
Bc8 17.Ba3 g5 18.Qg3 Nf4 19.Bd6 11.a4 a5 12.Ne2 b6 13.Nf4 Ra7
Qb7 20.Bxb8 Qxb8 21.Ne2 Ne6 The position is equal. 14.b3 h6 0.43/16
22.Ned4 Nf4 23.Nf5 Kf8 24.Nxg7 [ 14...Nd4= 0.08/18 deserves
Kxg7 25.h4 f6 8.0-0 Nbc6 9.Bb5 consideration. ]
a6_61385 (2441) -Cullip,S (2230) 15.Nxe6 Bxe6
Gothenburg 2022 Telechess CBM 104
[John Watson] 1-0 (32)) 11...0-0 (Diagram)
12.Nc3 f6 13.Bxg7 Kxg7 14.Rad1
fxe5 15.Nxe5 Qe8 16.Rfe1 Rf5
17.Nf3 1 Chapter-Games Game ]
 156

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.Bb2 Qc8 17.Qe2 -0.08/17 26.exf6 &Bianco is more active.

[ White should play 17.Nd2 0.53/19 ] 26...exf6 27.g4 Qc7 28.Ng2 Bd5
17...Rd8 0.73/19 29.gxh5 g5
[ 17...Rd7!= -0.08/17 ] [ Weaker is 29...Re2 30.Rf2 g5
18.Bc3 Rad7 19.Nh2 Rd5 20.f4! h5 31.Qg4 Rxf2 32.Kxf2 ]
a b c d e f g h
30.Qg3 0.47/20
[ 30.Qg4 0.79/22 ]
8 8 30...Kh7 1.08/20
7 7 [ 30...Re7 0.47/20 31.Qg4 Qd7 ]
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
21.Nf1 Bh6 22.Qf2 Prevents Rd4.
22...Rf8 23.Ne3 Rdd8 24.Qh4 Rde8 2 2
1.45/19 1 1
[ 24...Qd7 0.92/18 ]
a b c d e f g h
25.Rf1 0.85/21
[ 25.Re2 1.45/19 ] 31.Rae1 Hop ing fo r Rxe8 . 31...Rxe1
25...f5 1.43/20
(Diagram) [ 31...f5 0.77/21 ]
 157

32.Rxe1 Rg8? 5.19/23 This costs Black 39.Qxf6 Rxf6 ]

the game. 38.Ne6
[ 32...Qd6 1.52/19 is a better chance. [ But not 38.Re7? Qxe7 39.Kf2
33.Ne3 Be6 ] Bd1-+ ]
33.Qg4+- 38...Qxh5
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

White threatens Qf5+ and mate. 33...Rf8 a i m i n g f o r . . . R x f 6 ! 39.Nxf8 Qh4

34.Qf5+ Kg8 35.Bxf6 Qf7 40.Qe6+
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

36.fxg5 Threatens to win with Re7. W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 3 0 /

36...Bg7 37.Nf4? 3.24/23 Black=0.81
[ Not 37.Re7 Qxe7 38.Qxd5+ cxd5 ] 1-0
[ 37.Qg4 9.10/22 ]
37...Bf3? 7.47/23
[ 37...Bxf6 3.24/23 38.gxf6 Qxf6
 158

45 B23 [John Watson] 1-0 (57) ]

Oro,Faustino 2447 7.Nxd4N
Nguyen,Thai Dai Van 2668 [ 7.0-0 d5 8.exd5 exd5 9.Nxd5 Nxd5
Tata Steel Challengers (7.3) 25.01.2025 10.Nxd4 cxd4 11.Qh5 Be6 12.Re1
[Kitty Kat] Be7 13.Rxe6 Nf4 14.Rxe7+ Qxe7
15.Qf3 ( 15.Qg4 d3 16.h3 Qe1+
17.Kh2 Qxf2 18.Qxg7 0-0-0
B23: Closed Sicilian: Lines without g3 19.Qg4+ Kb8 20.Qg3 Qxg3+
Re2+ was a nice touch, converting the 21.Kxg3 Rd4 22.b3 Rg8+ 23.Kf3
advantage from an exchange up to a Nxg2 24.cxd3 Ne1+ 25.Ke2 Nxd3
piece up. Black's play was tactically 26.Bxf7 Rg3 27.Ba3 Re4+ 28.Kd1
powerful throughout the game. Re2+ Rg1+ 0-1 (28) Matei,A (1627)-15.Nd4
was a nice touch, converting the d5 16.e5 Ne4_15226 (2518) Khanty
advantage from an exchange up to a Mansiysk 2023 Inf 73 [John Watson])
piece up. Black's play was tactically 15...Ng6 16.Qa3 Qxa3 17.Rxa3 0-0
powerful throughout the game. B23: 18.Ra1 b5 19.Bf1 Rac8 20.c3 Rfe8
Closed Sicilian: Lines without g3 1.e4 21.f3 Nf4 Reference Games-Ajak,M
c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nd4 4.Bc4 a6 [Mickey Mouse] (50) ]
5.a4 e6 7...cxd4 8.Ne2 The position is equal.
a b c d e f g h
8...Nc6 9.0-0 Bc5 10.d3 0-0
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
6.Nge2 Ne7
[ 6...Nf6 7.0-0 d5 8.exd5 exd5 11.Ng3 b6 12.Qh5 g6 13.Qe2
9.Ba2 Ne6 10.d3 Bd6 11.Ng3 h5 [ 13.Qh6 feels hotter. Be7 14.f4 d5
12.Re1 Kf8 13.h3 Bc7 14.d4 h4 15.Ba2 ]
15.Nf1 cxd4 16.Ne2 Ne4 17.c3 Qd6 13...d5 14.Bb3 Re8 15.Re1
18.cxd4 N6g5 19.Nf4 Bf5 20.Qb3 Threatening exd5. 15...Bb7
Rd8 21.Qa3 Holtman, T (2562)-10.
Bf6 Bf6 11.c3 00 12N (2473) USSR (Diagram)
37/292 2023 The Week in Chess 404
 159

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.Bd2 With the idea exd5. 16...dxe4 a i m i n g f o r B h 6 . 22...Bxe4 23.Qxe4

17.Nxe4 Be7 18.Qf3 Rc8 19.Rac1 -0.70/20
Ba8 20.Qg3 Na5 [ 23.Rxe4= -0.01/22 Qxa4 24.Bxe6
a b c d e f g h
( 24.Bh6 Bf8 ) 24...fxe6 25.Rxd4
( 25.Bh6 Bf8; 25.Qxe6+ Kg7 )]
8 8 23...Qxa4 24.Bxa5 -1.41/22
7 7 [ 24.Ra1 -0.69/21 Qd7 25.Bxa5
bxa5 26.Bb3 ]
6 6 24...Qxa5 25.Bb3 Qc5 -1.30/18
5 5
[ 25...Bb4-+ -1.63/21 26.Re2 Qc5 ]

4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
8 8
2 2
7 7
1 1
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
21.Ba2 Qd7 22.Qe5
4 4
(Diagram) 3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

26.Ra1 a5 27.Ra4 Bf6 28.g3 Qd6

29.Rea1 Rc5 30.Rc4 -1.84/22
 160

[ 30.Qb7 -1.48/19 ] [ 39...Qxc2 40.Qe5 Rf8 41.Qxb5

30...Rxc4-+ ( 41.Qxg5? Qxb2 42.Bb1 b4 )]
a b c d e f g h
40.Qe2 Rc8
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
31.Bxc4 Rb8 32.Bb3 Qc7 33.Qe1
Be7 34.Qe4 Bf6? 0.01/21 41.Rc1 Bg5 42.f4 Bf6 43.Qe4 -3.85/20
[ Better is 34...b5-+ -2.04/23 [ 43.h4 -2.58/19 ]
White must now prevent ...a4. 35.Re1 43...Qc6 44.Qxc6 Rxc6-+
( 35.Qxd4? a4-+ ) 35...Bf8 ] Endgame KRB-KRB 45.Kf1 g5
35.Qe1!= Be7? 0.01/19 a b c d e f g h
[ 35...Kg7-+ -1.82/20 And now ...Rd8
would win. 36.Ra4 Ra8 ] 8 8

7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 46.Ke2 Rc5 47.Kd2? -4.25/23

1 1
[ 47.Kf2 -2.62/21 was called for. ]
47...gxf4 48.gxf4 Rf5 49.Rf1
a b c d e f g h

36.Qe4 b5 37.Rc1 a4 38.Ba2 Bg5 (Diagram)

39.Re1 Bf6
 161

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Rxf4!! 50.Rxf4 Bg5

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.18 (very

precise) / Black=0.22 (precise)
0-1
 162

46 Steinitz/Blackburne [John Watson] 1-0

C50
L'Ami,Erwin 2614
(48) ) 8...Nxd5 9.Bxd5 Ne7 10.Bb3
Suleymanli,Aydin Ng6 2623
11.0-0 0-0 12.Rf2 Be6
Tata Steel Challengers (7.4) 25.01.2025
Chess Informant ECO Survey 2006 ]
[Kitty Kat] [ 6...Bb6 7.Nd5 d6 8.0-0 0-0 9.h3
Na5 10.Bb3 Nxd5 11.Bxd5 c6
12.Bb3 Nxb3 13.axb3 Bc7 #1
C50: Hungarian Defence and Giuoco B5) Italian – 4.d3 h6 5. Nc3-Italian – 4.
Pianissimo 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 d3 h6 5.Nc3 ]
Nf6 4.d3 Bc5 5.Nc3 h6 7.Nd2 Ne7 8.Bb3 c6 The position is
a b c d e f g h
equal. 9.d4 d6 10.a3 Bxc3
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
6.Be3
[ 6.Nd5 d6 7.c3 a6 8.b4 Ba7 9.Be3 11.bxc3 0-0 12.0-0 Ng6 13.f3 Qe7
Be6 10.0-0 Bxd5 11.Bxd5 Nxd5 14.Re1 Be6 15.dxe5 dxe5
12.exd5 Ne7 13.Bxa7 Rxa7 14.c4 a b c d e f g h
0-0 15.Re1 f5 16.Qd2 Ra8 17.Qe3
Qd7 18.a4 Rae8 19.b5 a5 20.Nd2 8 8

b6 3.e5 Bf5 4.Nc3 a6 (2245)-Chapter 7 7

1 (B311) (2370) corr 2014 CBM
91-C47 [Dragan Solak] ½-½ (36) ] 6 6
6...Bb4N 5 5
[ 6...Bxe3 7.fxe3 d6 8.Nd5 ( 8.0-0
Na5 9.Bb3 Nxb3 10.axb3 c6 11.d4 4 4
0-0 12.Qd3 Qe7 13.Rad1 Bg4 3 3
14.h3 Bxf3 15.Rxf3 d5 16.dxe5 Nd7
17.Qd4 dxe4 18.Rf5 g6 19.Rf2 2 2
Nxe5 20.Qxe4 f5 21.Qf4 g5 22.Qg3 1 1
Rad8 Priyanka,N (2148)-2...d6 3 Bb5+
a b c d e f g h
Nc6/ 2...Nc6 (1873) SFN-3284 2023
 163

16.Bxe6 Qxe6 17.Qb1 b5 18.Qb3 a b c d e f g h

Qc8 19.c4 a6 20.cxb5 cxb5
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
26.Nb3 Rfc8
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
21.c4 Rb8 22.Rac1
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
27.Qxc8+! Qxc8 28.Rxc8+ Rxc8=
a b c d e f g h
E n d g a m e K R N - K R N 29.Nd4 Rc3
aiming for cxb5. 22...Qd7 23.Red1 Nf4 30.Ne2 Rxa3
24.Bxf4 bxc4 25.Qxc4 exf4
(Diagram)
(Diagram)
 164

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

31.Nxf4 Strongly threatening Rd8+. 41.Kh2 Rb5

31...g5 32.Ne2 Nh5 33.Rd6 Nf4 a b c d e f g h
0.50/27
[ 33...Kh7= 0.14/20 ] 8 8

34.Nxf4 KRN-KR. White is slightly 7 7

better. 34...Ra1+ 35.Kf2 gxf4
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 0 4
2 2 (flawless) /Black=0.05 (flawless)
1 1
½-½
a b c d e f g h

KR-KR 36.h4 Kg7 37.Rd5 Rb1

38.Ra5! Rb6 39.Kg1 f6 40.h5 Rb1+

(Diagram)
 165

47 B22 [ 8...g6 9.Qe2 Be6 10.b3 cxb3

Vaishali,Rameshbabu 2476 11.axb3 Bg7 12.Nf3 0-0 13.0-0 Nc6
Bok,Benjamin 2583 14.d4 Bd5 15.Re1 Bxf3 16.Qxf3 e5
Tata Steel Challengers (7.5) 25.01.2025 17.Nb5 Qd7 18.Ba3 Rfd8 19.Rad1
[Kitty Kat] exd4 20.Nxd4 Nxd4 21.cxd4 Nd5
22.Be4 Bf8 23.Bxf8 Reference
Games-Kazoks,A [Mickey Mouse] ]
B22: Sicilian: 2 c3 1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 9.b3 Ne5 10.Nxc4 Nbxc4
3.e5 Nd5 4.Bc4 Nb6 5.Bb3 c4 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
11.d4 Nb6
6.Bc2 d5 [ But not 11...Bg4 12.f3 Bd7
[ 6...Nc6 7.Nf3 Qc7 8.Qe2 g5 9.h3 13.Ne2 ]
Bg7 10.0-0 Nxe5 11.Nxg5 d5 12.a4 12.dxe5 Qxe5+ 13.Ne2 Bg4
Bd7 13.a5 Nc8 14.Nf3 Ng6 15.d4 aiming for ...Bxe2. 14.Bf4
cxd3 16.Bxd3 e5 17.a6 Nce7 a b c d e f g h
18.axb7 Qxb7 19.Ba6 Qc7 20.Na3
0-0 21.Nb5 Dauvergne,D (2700)-6. 8 8

Nb3 Bb4 7.Bg5 (2668) Linz 2005 IZT 7 7

[CPQC April 1875] 0-1 (53) ]
7.exd6 Qxd6 8.Na3 6 6
[ 8.Nf3 Qe6+ 9.Kf1 Nc6 10.d4 cxd3 5 5
11.Qxd3 Bd7 12.Bf4 f6 13.a4 Rc8
14.Nbd2 Nd5 15.Bg3 Ndb4 16.Qe4 4 4
Nxc2 17.Qxc2 Nb4 18.Qe4 Qxe4 3 3
19.Nxe4 Nd3 20.Ke2 Nxb2 21.Rhb1
Nc4 22.Ned2 Nxd2 Kracht,R (2177)- 2 2
Kocak,E (2173) Bad Wildungen 2024 1 1
0-1 (40) ]
a b c d e f g h
8...Nc6N
 166

Qxf4 15.Nxf4 Bxd1 a b c d e f g h

a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
26.g3 f5 27.Rc2 -0.51/23
16.Rxd1 Rc8 17.Be4 Rxc3 18.Bxb7 [ 27.g4= -0.20/22 ]
e6 19.0-0 Ba3 20.Rfe1 Ke7 27...e5 White must now prevent ...
[ 20...g6 is more complex. 21.g3 Ke7 Rd1+. 28.Bc6 Rd2 29.Rxd2 Bxd2
22.Re5 Bc5 ] Endgame KBN-KBN 30.a3 Kd6
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
31.Bb5 Kc5 32.Be8 a5 33.Kg2 Nd5
21.Ne2 34.h3 Nf6 35.Bf7 Kd6
[ 21.g3 looks sharper. g6 22.Re5
Bc5 23.Ne2 ] (Diagram)
21...Rc7 22.Bf3 Bb4 23.Rc1 Rd7
24.Red1 Rhd8 25.Rxd7+ Rxd7

(Diagram)
 167

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

36.Bc4 g5 37.Ba6 Nd5 38.Bc8 Ne7 41.Bb7!= Nd5 0.01/23

39.Bb7 [ 41...Kc5 -0.56/23 ]
a b c d e f g h
42.Bc8! f4 43.Kf3 Nf6 44.gxf4 gxf4
45.Bb7 Inhibits e4+. 45...h6
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
Kc7 -0.30/23
a b c d e f g h
[ 39...h5! -0.97/25 ]
40.Ba6 Kd6 -0.01/24 46.Ba8 Kc5 47.Bb7 Kb5 48.Kg2
[ 40...h5 -0.51/24 ] -0.59/23
[ 48.Be4= -0.19/27 ]
48...a4! 49.bxa4+ Kxa4 50.Ng1 Bc1
(Diagram) -0.07/26
[ 50...Kxa3 -0.39/23 51.Nf3 Bc3 ]

(Diagram)
 168

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

51.Nf3= The position is equal. 51...e4

[ Don't take 51...Bxa3 52.Nxe5 Nh7
53.h4 ]
52.Ne5 Bxa3 53.Ng4 Nxg4 54.hxg4
e3
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.06

(flawless) /Black=0.09 (flawless)
½-½
 169

48 C65 Bf8 24.Bd2 Nd6 25.Nc3 Deslandes,

Gurel,Ediz 2624 P (2772)-10.Ba3 b6 11.ba5 Nh5_7469
Yakubboev,Nodirbek 2659 (2786) Minsk 2013 CBM 116 Extra
Tata Steel Challengers (7.6) 25.01.2025 [FS 106] ½-½ (60) ]
[Kitty Kat] [ 10...f6 11.Be3 Bf8 12.Nfd2 Nc5
Lesson 18: Spanish,B-Spanish Berlin
4. d3 Bc5 5. ]
C65: Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defence (3...Nf6),
unusual lines and 4 0-0 Bc5 1.e4 e5 a b c d e f g h
2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.d3 Bc5
5.Bxc6 dxc6 8 8

a b c d e f g h 7 7

8 8 6 6

7 7 5 5

6 6 4 4

5 5 3 3

4 4 2 2

3 3 1 1

2 2 a b c d e f g h

1 1
11.Be3 b6 12.Nfd2 Nc5 13.f4 exf4
14.Bxf4 f6 15.Qf3 Be6
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
6.Nbd2 Nd7 7.0-0 0-0 8.Nc4
The position is equal. 8...Re8 9.a4 a5 8 8

10.Kh1 7 7
[ 10.Be3 Bxe3 11.fxe3 b6 12.Qe1
Ba6 13.Ncd2 Qe7 14.Nh4 g6 6 6
15.Qg3 Kh8 16.Rf2 Rg8 17.h3 Raf8 5 5
18.Raf1 f6 19.Ndf3 Nc5 20.b3 Qg7
21.Nh2 Bc8 22.Ng4 Bxg4 23.hxg4 4 4
h6 24.Nf3 Qe7 Dragnev, V (2557)- 3 3
Blohberger,F (2527) Linz 2024 1-0
(59) ] 2 2
10...Bf8N 1 1
[ 10...b6 11.g3 Nf8 12.Ncxe5 f6
a b c d e f g h
13.d4 Bd6 14.Nxc6 Qd7 15.d5
Rxe4 16.Nd2 Re8 17.Nc4 Ba6 16.Ne3 Qd7 0.34/19
18.b3 Bxc4 19.bxc4 Ng6 20.Nd4 [ 16...b5= -0.01/19 ]
Ne5 21.f4 c5 22.Nb5 Nf7 23.Qd3 17.Qg3 Re7 18.e5 f5 19.Nf3 Bd5
 170

0.72/21 [ 28...Re8!= 0.05/21 ]

[ 19...Rae8= 0.13/17 remains equal. ] 29.R4f3 White has compensation.
20.Nh4 Rf7! 29...Qg6 30.Qf2 0.01/21
a b c d e f g h
[ 30.d4 0.36/21 Nxa4 31.Ne3 ]
30...Ne6
8 8 [ 30...Nxa4? 31.Nh4 Qe8 32.Qd4 ]
7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

21.Bg5 Be6 22.Rf4! g6 23.Bf6 2 2

N h x f 5 i s t h e s t r o n g t h r e a t . 23...Rg7 1 1
1.13/18 24.Raf1 g5 2.37/22
a b c d e f g h
[ 24...Re8 0.97/19 ]
25.Bxg5+- h6 31.d4! Kh8 32.Nh4 -0.20/20
a b c d e f g h
[ 32.c3 0.24/21 ]
32...Qg8 0.51/19
8 8 [ 32...Qe4= -0.20/20 ]
7 7 33.Nf5 -0.01/20
[ White should play 33.c3 0.51/19 ]
6 6 33...Rd8 34.Qh4 Kh7 4.50/21
5 5
[ 34...Rxg2? 35.Nxh6 Bxh6
36.Qxh6+ Qh7 37.Qxh7+ Kxh7
4 4 38.Rh3+ Kg8 39.Kxg2+- ]
3 3
[ 34...Rg6= -0.01/19 and Black stays
safe. ]
2 2 35.Nxh6+- Threatening mate with Nf7+.
1 1
35...Bxh6 8.98/23
[ 35...Qg6 4.49/25 ]
a b c d e f g h

26.Nhxf5! 0.84/22 Rxg5 27.Qh4

0.12/20 (Diagram)
[ 27.Rg4 0.59/22 Qd8 28.h4 Rxg4
29.Nxg4 ]
27...Bxf5= 28.Nxf5 Qh7 0.53/20
 171

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

36.Rf7+ Ng7 37.R1f6 Rg6 38.Rxg6

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.13 (very

precise) /Black=0.63
1-0
 172

49 B50 a b c d e f g h
Nogerbek,Kazybek 2514
Pijpers,Arthur 2474 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (7.7) 25.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
B51: Sicilian: Moscow Variation (3
Bb5+) without 3...Bd7 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 4 4
3.Nc3 Nc6 4.Bb5N 3 3
[ 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.0-0 Nf6 7.d3
0-0 8.Bf4 ( 8.Bg5 Rb8 9.a4 a6 2 2
10.Qd2 b5 11.axb5 axb5 12.Bh6 1 1
Bg4 13.Bxg7 Kxg7 14.Nh4 b4
a b c d e f g h
15.Nd1 Bxd1 16.Raxd1 e5 17.f4
exf4 18.gxf4 Nh5 19.Qe1 Nd4 6.a4 Be7 7.h3 0-0 8.Bc4 Be6 9.Ng5
20.Rd2 f5 21.c3 bxc3 22.bxc3 Ne6 Qd7 10.0-0 Bxc4
Nedev,T (2575)-5.Bg2 Bb4 6.Nbd2 a b c d e f g h
(2525) BUL 1998 Telechess CBM 89
[Elburg, Shaak'ringen331p185] ½-½ 8 8

(43) ) 8...Nd7 9.Re1 Rb8 10.a4 a6 7 7

11.Qd2 Re8 12.Be3 b5 13.axb5
axb5 14.d4 b4 15.Na4 cxd4 6 6
16.Nxd4 Bb7 17.c3 Nde5 18.Qe2 5 5
bxc3 4.Nd4 Nf6 5.f3_35817 (2435)-4.
Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bg5 c6_359 (2540) 4 4
Leningrad 2022 Inf 70 [John Watson] 3 3
0-1 (44) ]
4...e5 5.d3 Nf6 2 2

1 1
(Diagram)
a b c d e f g h

11.dxc4 h6 12.Nf3 Nd4 13.Be3 Qc6

14.Re1 Bd8 15.Nd2 Nh7

(Diagram)
 173

a b c d e f g h
24...Qa5 25.Nf3
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
16.Nd5 Qd7 17.Ra3 Ne6 18.Qh5
0.42/20 Ng5!
[ 18.a5 0.82/18 ] a b c d e f g h
18...Kh8 19.h4
0x0.0023119be9f4dp-1022s more active 8 8

pieces. 19...Nd4 20.Bxd4 cxd4 7 7

a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 26.b4 Nxf7 27.bxa5 Bf6 28.Rb1 Nd8

1 1
29.c5 -0.88/20
[ Better is 29.Rb4! -0.34/21 ]
a b c d e f g h
29...dxc5 30.Nd2 Rc8 -0.50/22
21.Rf3 -0.14/21 [ 30...Kg8 -1.05/19 ]
[ 21.g3 0.21/19 ]
21...Qxa4= 22.Rxf7
[ 22.Rc1!? ] (Diagram)
22...Rxf7 23.Qxf7 Bxh4 24.b3!
[ Much weaker is 24.Qxb7 Rf8 25.Rf1
Qxc2 ]
 174

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

31.Nc4 Rc6 32.g3 g5 0.02/22 36.Kg2 Kg7 37.f4 gxf4 38.gxf4 Ne6
[ 32...Re6! -0.54/21 ] 39.Kf3 White has compensation. 39...c4
33.Nxf6= 0.63/20
a b c d e f g h
[ 39...Kf6= 0.01/19 ]
40.Rb4 -0.01/22
8 8 [ 40.Rd5 0.63/20 ]
7 7 40...d3
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

R e m o v e D e f e n d e r 33...Rxf6 2 2
Endgame KRN-KRN 34.Rb5 Rc6 1 1
[ 34...Rf3!? ]
a b c d e f g h
35.Nxe5 Rc7
The position is equal. 41.c3
(Diagram) [ Wrong is 41.cxd3? c3 42.Rb1 c2
43.Rg1+ Kf8 44.Ng6+ Ke8-+ ]
41...d2 42.Rb1 Threatens to win with
Rd1. 42...Nc5! 43.Ke3 Nb3 44.Ke2
Nc5 45.Ke3 Nb3
 175

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

46.Ke2 Nc5 47.Ke3!

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.10 (very

precise) /Black=0.12 (very precise)
½-½
 176

50 C60 [ 9.Qd3 Be7 10.0-0 0-0 11.a4 d6

Pijpers,Arthur 2474 12.Be3 ( 12.a5 Qc7 13.Be3 Bd7
Vaishali,Rameshbabu 2476 14.f4 Rfe8 15.Bd4 b5 16.axb6 axb6
Tata Steel Challengers (8.1) 26.01.2025 17.Rad1 d5 18.Qd2 dxe4 19.f5 Nh4
[Kitty Kat] 20.f6 Bd6 21.Kh1 Nf5 22.Bg1 Rad8
23.g4 e3 24.Qd3 Nd4 25.Qxd4 c5
26.Qc4 Bc6+ Chapter An Intriguing
[%ep 9,80,34,31,29,26,23,36,33,27,23, Mixt-Cozio Defence 4.Nc3 Ng6 5.d4
19,11,23,11,11,8,11,16,12,7,12,1,18,14, (31) ) 12...Qc7 13.f4 Bd7 14.Rad1
16,10,17,9,9,-10,-8,-49,-59,-59,-85,-55,- Rad8 15.Bd4 Rfe8 16.Qg3 Bh4
39,-72,-63,-97,-74,-87,-116,-93,-112, 17.Qf3 Be7 18.Qg3 Bf8 19.h4 c5
-100,-71,-98,-12,-100,-36,-22,-1,-76,-6, 20.Nd5 Qc8 21.Bc3 Rxe4 22.Bd3
-15,-20,-8,82,-1,57,79,58,1,28,15,52,1, 1, Bf5 23.Bxe4 Bxe4 2.d3 Nc6 3.g3 g6
-1,14,-1,1] C60: Ruy Lopez: Unusual 4.Bg2 î€ (2590)-Pirk,H (2670) San
B l a c k 3 r d m o ve s a n d 3 . . . g 6 I n t h i s Luis 2023 15 1... c5: model games
course we will have an in-depth look at [John Watson] 1-0 ]
the Cozio Defence, named after Carlo 9...Qxb2 10.Rb1 Qa3
Cozio, Count of Montiglio and Salabue [ 10...Qxc2? 11.Rb3 b6 12.Bd1+- ]
îîStartBracketîîItaly,
1715-1780îîEndBracketîî. After a b c d e f g h
publishing his manuscript Il giuoco degli
scacchi in 1766, where he explained the 8 8

ideas behind 3...Nge7, this line received 7 7

his name. It all starts with the following
moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 6 6
Nge7 4.Nc3 Ng6 5.d4 Nxd4 5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4
8 8
3 3
7 7
2 2
6 6
1 1
5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4 11.0-0 Qd6 Inhibits e5. 12.f4 Qxd4
3 3
13.Bxd4 d6 14.h4 White has
compensation. 14...h5! 15.g3 f6
2 2

1 1
(Diagram)
a b c d e f g h

6.Nxd4 exd4 7.Qxd4 c6 8.Be2

White is slightly better. 8...Qb6 9.Be3N
 177

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.Bd3 Kd8 17.Bc4 Be7 18.Ne2 Kc7 26.f5

19.Bf7 Bg4 20.Bxg6 -0.49/22 a b c d e f g h
[ 20.Rfe1= -0.08/19 might be stronger.
Nf8 21.Bc3 ] 8 8

20...Bxe2 7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 Rxg6 27.fxg6 Bd7 28.a5 Bc6 -0.12/19

2

1 1
[ 28...Be8 -0.98/20 ]
29.Re1 -1.00/20
a b c d e f g h
[ 29.Bf4!= -0.12/19 ]
21.Rfe1 Bc4 22.a4 b6 29...b5 -0.36/19
[ 22...Rh6 is interesting. 23.Bf5 c5 [ Much weaker is 29...bxa5?! 30.Bf4
24.Bc3 b6 ] Kd7 31.Kf2 ]
23.Re3 -0.72/19 [ 29...Be8 -1.00/20 ]
[ 23.Kh2 -0.39/18 ] 30.Bf4 Strongly threatening Rxc5.
23...c5 24.Rc3 -0.97/21 Be6 25.Be3 30...Kd7
Rh6
(Diagram) (Diagram)
 178

a b c d e f g h
36.g7 0.01/23
[ 36.Kf2 0.58/20 ]
8 8 36...Kf7 37.Bh6 Bb5 38.Ra1 0.01/18
7 7 [ 38.Rc1! 0.52/23 ]
38...Bc6= The position is equal. 39.Re1
6 6 Bb5! 40.Ra1 Bc6!
5 5 a b c d e f g h

4 4 8 8

3 3 7 7

2 2 6 6

1 1 5 5

a b c d e f g h 4 4
31.g4 -0.76/22 3 3
[ 31.Kf2= -0.01/21 keeps the
balance. ] 2 2
31...Rh8 -0.06/20 1 1
[ 31...hxg4 -0.76/22 Hoping for ...
a b c d e f g h
Rh8. 32.h5 Ke6 ]
32.g5!= Ke6 33.gxf6 gxf6 0.82/22 Weighted Error Value: White=0.25
[ 33...Bxf6= -0.08/24 34.e5 Bxh4 ] (precise) /Black=0.18 (very precise)
34.a6 -0.01/23 &Bianco is more active. ½-½
[ 34.Kf2 0.82/22 ]
34...Rg8 0.57/24
[ 34...b4= -0.01/23 35.Rg3 Rg8 ]
35.Rg3 b4
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h
 179

51 C65 a b c d e f g h
Gurel,Ediz 2624
L'Ami,Erwin 2614 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (8.2) 26.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
C65: Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defence (3...Nf6),
unusual lines and 4 0-0 Bc5 1.e4 e5 4 4
2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.d3 d6 5.d4N 3 3
[ 5.c3 g6 6.0-0 ( 6.d4 Bd7 7.Nbd2
Bg7 8.0-0 0-0 9.Ba4 exd4 10.cxd4 2 2
Re8 11.Re1 Nb4 12.Bb3 Re7 13.e5 1 1
dxe5 14.dxe5 Ng4 15.Ne4 h6
a b c d e f g h
16.Bf4 Be8 17.h3 Nd3 18.hxg4
Nxf4 19.Nf6+ Kh8 20.Qxd8 Rxd8 6.Nxd4 Bd7 7.Nc3 Nxd4 8.Bxd7+
9. f4 Qb 6 1 0. Q d3 _ 68 2 53 -P i ll h of e r Qxd7 9.Qxd4 Be7 10.Bf4 Qg4
Schneider,J Bognor 2008 Inf 47 a b c d e f g h
[Westera,Bert]) 6...Bg7 7.Nbd2 0-0
8.Re1 Re8 9.d4 Bd7 10.d5 Ne7 8 8

11.Bxd7 Nxd7 12.a4 h6 13.a5 a6 7 7

14.b4 f5 15.c4 Nf6 16.Bb2 Qd7
17.Rb1 g5 18.exf5 Qxf5 19.Nf1 Qh7 6 6
Smerdon,D-10.Kb1 b5 11.c5_7382 5 5
(2830) Jermuk 106/156 2003 CBM
118 [Mchedlishvili,M; Izoria,Z] 1-0 (39) 4 4
20.N3d2 Nf5 21.Ne4 Nxe4 22.Rxe4 3 3
h5 23.Qd3 Rf8 24.Rbe1 Rf7
25.R1e2 g4 26.Qb3 Raf8 27.c5 2 2
Qg6 28.cxd6 cxd6 29.b5 axb5 1 1
30.Qxb5 Bh6 31.Qb6 Kh7 32.Qb4
a b c d e f g h
Rg7 33.Rxe5 dxe5 34.Qxf8 Nd4
Palma,T-10.Ba3 b6 11.ba5 Ra5_7468 11.Be3 c6 12.h3 Qe6 13.0-0-0 0-0
Skelleftea SWE 2001 200 Traps In 14.g4 Nd7 15.f4 Nb6 0.69/18
The Opening [Massetti, INF 84/290] [ 15...b5 0.38/17 feels stronger. ]
1-0 (39) ]
5...exd4
[ D o n ' t p l a y 5...Nxe4 6.Qe2 Nf6 (Diagram)
7.dxe5 dxe5 8.Nxe5 ]

(Diagram)
 180

a b c d e f g h
[ 22...Rxf4= 0.20/22
is more appropriate. 23.Re7 Na4 ]
8 8 23.Re2 0.23/22
7 7 [ 23.h4! 0.60/19 should be
considered. ]
6 6 23...Nd7 24.Bd6 Nf8
5 5 a b c d e f g h

4 4 8 8

3 3 7 7

2 2 6 6

1 1 5 5

a b c d e f g h 4 4
16.g5 0.26/21 3 3
[ 16.f5 0.69/18 Qc4 17.g5 ]
16...f5= 17.Kb1 Qc4 2 2
[ 17...fxe4 feels hotter. 18.Nxe4 Qc4 1 1
19.Rhe1 Qxd4 20.Bxd4 Rxf4
a b c d e f g h
21.Nxd6 Bxd6 22.Bxb6 Bb4 ]
18.Rhe1 -0.01/21 25.Rde1 -0.01/22 &Bianco is much more
[ 18.exf5 0.33/19 might be stronger. active. The black rooks are badly placed.
Rxf5 19.Qd2 ] [ 25.Rf1! 0.71/21 ]
18...fxe4! 19.Qxe4 Qxe4 -0.16/19 25...Rd8!
[ 19...Rae8 0.15/21 is superior. ] a b c d e f g h
20.Nxe4 d5
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
26.Be7 Re8 27.Bd6 Rd8 28.Be7 Rd7
a b c d e f g h
29.Bxf8 -0.01/23
21.Nc5 Bxc5 22.Bxc5 Rf7 0.60/19 [ 29.Bc5 0.30/19 ]
 181

29...Rxf8 The position is equal. 30.Re7 a b c d e f g h

Rxe7
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
Weighted Error Value: White=0.12 (very
a b c d e f g h
precise) /Black=0.08 (flawless)
31.Rxe7 Rxf4 ½-½
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

(  ...Rf1+). KR-KR 32.b3 Rf7

33.Re8+ Rf8 34.Re7 Rf7 35.Re8+ Rf8

(Diagram)
 182

52 E32 11.g3 Qh5 12.0-0 g5

Bok,Benjamin 2583 a b c d e f g h
Svane,Frederik 2664
Tata Steel Challengers (8.3) 26.01.2025 8 8

[Kitty Kat] 7 7

6 6
E32: Nimzo-Indian: Classical (4 Qc2): 4... 5 5
0-0 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4
4.Qc2 0-0 5.e4 d5 4 4

a b c d e f g h 3 3

8 8 2 2

7 7 1 1

6 6 a b c d e f g h

5 5
13.cxd5! Bxc3
[ 13...gxf4 14.dxe6 ]
4 4 14.bxc3 exd5 15.Be3 Nxe5
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 8 8

1 1 7 7

a b c d e f g h 6 6
6.e5 Ne4 7.Bd3 c5! 8.Nf3 cxd4 5 5
9.Nxd4 The position is equal. 9...Nd7
10.Bf4 Qh4 4 4

a b c d e f g h 3 3

8 8 2 2

7 7 1 1

6 6 a b c d e f g h

5 5
White must now prevent ...Ng4. 16.f3
Inhibits Ng4.
4 4 [ M u c h w e a k e r i s 16.Bxe4 dxe4
3 3
17.Qxe4 Re8 ]
16...Nc5 17.Bf5 Ne6 18.Rae1! Nxd4
2 2 19.Bxd4 Nc6 20.Bf6 A strong pair of
1 1
Bishops.
[ 20.Bc5 Bxf5 21.Qxf5 Rfe8
a b c d e f g h
22.Rxe8+ Rxe8 23.Qd7 Re2
 183

24.Qc8+ Kg7 25.Qf8+ Kg6 26.Qg8+ a b c d e f g h

Kf6 27.Qh8+ Kg6 28.Qg8+ Kf6
29.Qh8+ Kg6 30.Qg8+ Kf6 8 8

Vasquez Bonifacio,L (2767)-Ciocaltea, 7 7

V (2717) Armenia 2019 200 Traps In
The Opening [Harding/Busemann] ] 6 6
20...Qh6 5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4
8 8
3 3
7 7
2 2
6 6
1 1
5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4 26.Rd1 Rfd8 27.Kf2 Ne5 28.Bd4 Nc6
3 3
29.Be3! Ne5 30.Bd4 Nc6
a b c d e f g h
2 2
8 8
1 1
7 7
a b c d e f g h

21.Bxc8 Raxc8N 6 6
[ 21...Qxf6 22.Bxb7 Rad8 Classical 5 5
Variation Qc-4.Qc2 O-O 5.e4 d5 6.e5
Ne4 7. ] 4 4
22.Qf5 Qg6⇆ Black is fighting back 3 3
23.Qxg5 Qxg5 24.Bxg5 f6 25.Be3
Kf7 2 2

1 1
(Diagram)
a b c d e f g h

A balanced but interesting game.

Weighted Error Value: White=0.04
(flawless) / Black=0.01 (flawless)
½-½
 184

53 D73 6.0-0 0-0 7.Na3 c5 8.dxc5 c3 9.Nb5

Nguyen,Thai Dai Van 2668 Na6 10.Nxc3 Nxc5
Lu,Miaoyi 2429 a b c d e f g h
Tata Steel Challengers (8.4) 26.01.2025
[Kitty Kat] 8 8

7 7

D77: Fianchetto Grünfeld: 6 0-0: Replies 6 6

other than 6...c6 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 g6 5 5
3.Bg2 Bg7 4.d4
[ 4.0-0 e5 5.d3 Nc6 6.e4 Nf6 7.Nc3 4 4
dxe4 8.dxe4 Bg4 9.Be3 Qc8 3 3
10.Qc1 0-0 11.Ne1 Nd4 12.f3 Be6
13.Rf2 c6 14.Nb1 Rd8 15.c3 Nb5 2 2
16.Nd2 Nd6 17.Qc2 Qc7 18.b3 a5 1 1
Anton Guijarro,D (2655)-Warmerdam,
a b c d e f g h
M (2612) Deutschland 155/(2) 2023 ]
4...Nf6 5.c4N The position is equal. 11.Be3 Nfe4
[ 5.0-0 c6 6.b3 0-0 7.c4 a5 8.Nc3 12.Nxe4 Nxe4 13.Nd4 Nd6 14.Rc1
Ne4 9.Bb2 Nxc3 10.Bxc3 a4 Inhibits Nc4. 14...Qa5 15.a3 Rd8
11.cxd5 cxd5 12.bxa4 Bd7 13.Qb3 a b c d e f g h
Bxa4 14.Qxb7 Nc6 15.Rfb1 Qd6
16.Qb2 Na5 17.Bb4 Qe6 18.e3 Nc4 8 8

19.Qe2 Bb5 Ding,L (2791)-Caruana,F 7 7

(2835) chess24.com (Int.-m/5-blitz)
146/(149) 2020 [Moradiabadi,Elshan] 6 6
(36) ] 5 5
5...dxc4
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
8 8
2 2
7 7
1 1
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
16.b4 Qa6 17.Qb3 e5
4 4

3 3
(Diagram)

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h
 185

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

18.Nc6 bxc6 24.Re1 Bb5 Inhibits Bc6. 25.Bg2 a6!

[ 18...Be6 19.Ne7+ ] a b c d e f g h
19.Rxc6 Qxe2 aiming for ...Be6.
20.Qd1! Bg4 8 8

a b c d e f g h 7 7

8 8 6 6

7 7 5 5

6 6 4 4

5 5 3 3

4 4 2 2

3 3 1 1

2 2 a b c d e f g h

1 1
26.Rc1 e4! 27.Bxe4 next Rc2 is good
f o r W h i t e . 27...Bb2 28.Rb1 Bxa3
a b c d e f g h
29.Kg2 Hoping for Rb3. 29...Rc8 30.Bf3
21.Rxd6 Qxd1 22.Rdxd1 Bxd1 Bc6
23.Bxa8 Be2
(Diagram)
(Diagram)
 186

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

31.Bxc6 Rxc6= Endgame KRB-KRB 41.Kc4 Be3 Inhibits Bf2. 42.Bc3 Kf8
32.Kf3 Ke2 is the strong threat. 32...Rc8 43.Be5 Rc6+ 0.85/22
0.73/22 [ 43...Re6 0.49/23 deserves
[ 32...Rc2! 0.32/25 ] consideration. ]
33.Bd2! Rc2 34.Ke3 Ra2! 35.Bc3!
Prevents Bb2. 35...Rc2 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
44.Kd5! Rb6 45.Bc7 0.69/22
36.Bd2 -0.01/21 [ 45.Rb2 1.01/21 ]
[ 36.Kd4 0.58/22 ] 45...Rb5+!
36...Ra2!= 37.Bc3 0.01/17
[ 37.Kd3 0.75/21 ] (Diagram)
37...Rc2 38.Be1 0.30/20
[ Better is 38.Kd4 1.10/22 ]
38...Bc1+ 39.Kd3 Rc6 40.f4 Rd6+!
 187

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

46.Kc6 Bc5 KR-KB 48.Kd7 h5? 7.29/28

a b c d e f g h
Black cannot hold the game after this.
[ 48...Rh1 1.43/24 49.h4 ( 49.Bd6+
8 8 Kg7 ) 49...Rc1 ]
7 7 49.c6 Kg7 50.Be5+ f6
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

47.bxc5! Rxb1 2 2

1 1
(Diagram)
a b c d e f g h

51.c7 Rc1 52.Bb2 Rc2 53.c8Q

Rxb2+- KQ-KR 54.Qc7 White threatens
Ke6+ and mate. 54...Re2 55.Kd6+ Kf8

(Diagram)
 188

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

56.Qh7 White wants to mate with f5.

56...a5 57.Qxg6 White mates. 57...a4
58.Qxf6+ Kg8 59.Qg6+ Kf8 60.f5
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.13 (very

precise) /Black=0.20 (precise)
1-0
 189

54 A45 a b c d e f g h
Suleymanli,Aydin 2623
Oro,Faustino 2447 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (8.5) 26.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
A45: Trompowsky Attack 1.d4 Nf6
2.Bf4 c5 3.d5 Qb6 4.Nc3 d6 5.Qc1N 4 4
[ 5.Bc1 g6 6.Nf3 Bg7 7.e4 0-0 3 3
8.Bc4 1 Benoni Setups-3...Qb6
Variation ] 2 2
5...Bf5 1 1
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
8 8 11.e4 e6 12.Nge2 exd5 13.exd5
7 7 Nbd7 14.Bg2 0.42/17 &Bianco is more
active.
6 6 [ 14.Ng3 0.74/18 ]
5 5
14...Ne5 0.87/18
[ 14...b5 0.42/17 ]
4 4 15.0-0 Ng8
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 8 8

1 1 7 7

a b c d e f g h 6 6
6.f3 g6 7.a4 Bg7 8.a5 White is slightly 5 5
better. 8...Qd8
[ 8...Qb4? 9.Ra4+- ] 4 4
9.g4 Bc8 10.Bh6 Kf8 3 3

(Diagram) 2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

16.Bxg7+ Kxg7 17.h3 h5 18.g5 Bf5

19.f4 Nd7 20.Ne4 Bxe4

(Diagram)
 190

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

21.Bxe4 Ne7 22.f5 gxf5 23.Bxf5 Ne5 29.Qc3+ Ne5 30.Ng2 0.53/21
24.Be4 h4 25.Nf4 N7g6 [ 30.Rf2 1.37/21 ]
a b c d e f g h
30...Rh5
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
26.Bxg6 Nxg6
[ 26...Qxg5+? 27.Kh1 Qh6 31.Qd2! Kh7 32.Qf2 Threatens to win
28.Be4+- ] with Nf4. 32...Qe7 33.Nf4 Rxg5
27.Kh2! Qd7 H o p i n g f o r . . . R f 5 . 34.Qxh4+ Kg8
[ 27...Qxg5 28.Ne6+! fxe6 29.Qxg5 35.Rae1 Qf6
Rhf8 30.dxe6 Rae8 31.Rxf8 Rxf8
32.Rg1 Rf2+ 33.Kh1 ] (Diagram)
28.Qd2 Rae8

(Diagram)
 191

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

36.Kh1 Rf5 37.Qxf6 Rxf6 38.Nh5 46.h4 Rh5! 47.c4 Ke8 1.04/27
Rxf1+ 39.Rxf1 Endgame KRN-KRN [ 47...Kc7 0.73/21 ]
39...Kf8 40.b3 -0.24/22 Inhibits Nc4. 48.Re1 Kf7 49.Ng2 Re6 is the strong
[ 40.Nf6 0.20/22 Ra8 41.b3 ] threat. 49...Rh6 1.78/23 Prevents Re6.
40...Ke7 0.55/23 [ 49...Ng6 1.04/24 ]
[ Black should play 40...Ng6= -0.24/22 ] 50.Nf4+- aiming for h5. 50...Ng6
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
51.Nxg6 Rxg6+ KR-KR 52.Kf4 Rg4+
41.Ng7 Rh8 42.Nf5+ Kd7 43.Kg2 53.Kxf5 Rxh4 54.Re6 Rh3 55.Rxd6
Ng6 0.98/23 Strongly threatening Rd7+. 55...Ke7
[ 43...Kc7 0.57/20 ]
44.Kg3 Ne7 45.Ne3 f5 (Diagram)

(Diagram)
 192

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

Prevents Rd7+. 56.Rg6 1.36/25 Weighted Error Value: White=0.07

[ 56.Re6++- 2.37/27 Kd7 57.a6 ] (flawless) /Black=0. 09 (flawless)
56...Rxb3 1-0
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

57.a6! bxa6 58.Rc6

[ Much less strong is 58.Rxa6 Rf3+
59.Ke5 Re3+ 60.Kf5 Rf3+ 61.Ke5
Re3+ 62.Kf5 Rf3+ ]
58...Kd7 59.Ke4

(Diagram)
 193

55 Rxe4
A22 18.Bc5 Na4 19.Qd7 a6
Divya,Deshmukh 2490
20.Qxb7 Ree8 21.Rb6 Nxb6
Nogerbek,Kazybek 2514
22.Qxb6 Qxc3 23.Qxc6 Rec8
Tata Steel Challengers (8.6) 26.01.2025
English With E5-6.cd5 Qa5 7.
[Kitty Kat] e4_52562 Survey 2018 Lexikon18
[Psakhis,Ribli,Ftacnik] ]
9...exd4 10.0-0 The position is equal.
A22: English Opening: 1...e5 2 Nc3 Nf6 [ Of course not 10.Qxd4 Nc6 11.Qd2
1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.g3 Bb4 4.Bg2 dxc4 ]
0-0 5.e4 Bxc3 10...dxc4
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

6.bxc3 c6 7.Ne2 d5 8.exd5 cxd5 White must now prevent . ..d3. 11.Ba3
9.d4N -0.64/21
[ 9.cxd5 Nxd5 10.0-0 Nc6 11.Rb1 [ 11.Nxd4= 0.08/19 Qa5 12.Bf4 ]
( 11.d3 Bg4 12.Bb2 Qd7 13.Re1 11...d3 Threatens to win with ...Bg4.
Nb6 14.a4 Rad8 15.a5 Nc8 16.d4 12.Bxf8 Qxf8 13.Nd4 Qa3 -0.52/21
N8e7 17.Qa4 Bh3 18.Bxh3 Qxh3 Inhibits Qa4.
19.Ba3 Rfe8 20.a6 Qc8 21.axb7 [ 13...Qc5 -0.89/19 ]
Qxb7 22.Bc5 Ng6 23.Qa6 Qd7 14.Qd2 Nbd7 15.Rab1 Nb6
24.Red1 e4 25.Qa4 Qe6 6.Ne7 Qe7
7.f3 (2630)-Campos,J (2686) Carlow (Diagram)
Sao 2013 200 Traps In The Opening
[Ruester] ½-½ (49) ) 11...Nb6
( 11...Re8 12.d3 Bg4 13.f3
King,S-Moves other than 3 Nf3
ChessPub Guide 2024 Flank
Openings [ChessPublishing.com])
12.Ba3 Re8 13.d3 Bf5 14.Nc1 e4
15.Rb5 Qf6 16.dxe4 Bxe4 17.Bxe4
 194

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.Rb4 -1.21/21 21.Rc1 -1.85/22

[ 16.Rfe1 -0.72/19 ] [ 21.Qf4 -1.15/19 c3 22.Qd4 ]
16...Bd7 17.Bxb7 Re8 18.Bf3 -1.27/22
[ 18.Nb5 -0.74/23 Bxb5 19.Rxb5 ] a b c d e f g h
18...h6 19.Nb5
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
21...Rc8 -0.92/22
a b c d e f g h
[ 21...Ne4!-+ -1.85/22 is more deadly.
Qxb4 Remove Defender 20.cxb4 Bxb5 22.Bxe4 Rxe4 ]
22.Qf4 c3 Strongly threatening ... d2.
(Diagram) 23.Qe5

(Diagram)
 195

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

Nbd5 24.Qd4 26.Rxc8+ Be8 -0.44/24

[ Don't go for 24.Bxd5? d2 25.Bxf7+ [ Better is 26...Kh7 -1.19/24 27.Rc2
Kxf7-+ ] Nxb4 28.Rxd2 a5 ]
27.Kf1 -1.92/23 This move loses the
a b c d e f g h
game for White.
[ White should play 27.Rc4! -0.44/24 ]
8 8 27...Nxb4-+ 28.Ke2 Nxa2 29.Kxd2
7 7 Nb4 30.Kc3 a5
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

24...d2! &Nero is much more active. 2 2

25.Qxd2 cxd2 1 1

a b c d e f g h
(Diagram)
31.Rc5
[ Reject 31.Ra8 Kf8 32.Rxa5 Nc6 ]
31...Na6 32.Rxa5 Nc7 33.Kd4 Ne6+
34.Ke3 g5 35.h4 gxh4
(Diagram)
 196

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

36.gxh4 Kg7 37.Bb7 Bd7 38.Bf3 Nf8 46.Re1 -2.42/23

39.Kf4 Ng6+ 40.Kg3 Be6 [ 46.Ra1 -1.99/20 ]
a b c d e f g h
46...Kf6 47.Kh3 Bd5 48.Ra1 Ng6
49.h5 -3.22/24
8 8 [ 49.Ra3 -2.20/21 was called for. ]
7 7 49...Nf4+ 50.Kh4 Ke5
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

41.Ra1 Ne7 42.Rh1 Ne8 43.Bg4 Bd5 2 2

44.Bf3 Bc4 45.Bg4 Nd6 1 1

a b c d e f g h
(Diagram)
51.Ra6? -4.52/24
[ 51.Ra3 -2.74/23 ]
51...Nd3 52.Ra5 Nxf2 53.Bd7 f6
54.Kg3 Nfe4+ 55.Kh4 Nc4

(Diagram)
 197

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

56.Ra7 Kf4 57.Bc8 Ne5 58.Bb7 61.Ra4+ Bc4 62.Bc8 Nf3+ 63.Kh3
-7.10/35 Kg5 64.Bg4 Ne5 65.Bd1 Ne4
[ 58.Kh3 -4.75/23 ] a b c d e f g h
58...Nf3+ 59.Kh3 Nfg5+ Black is
clearly winning. 60.Kh4 8 8

a b c d e f g h 7 7

8 8 6 6

7 7 5 5

6 6 4 4

5 5 3 3

4 4 2 2

3 3 1 1

2 2 a b c d e f g h

1 1
66.Kg2 Inhibits Nf2. 66...Nc3
a b c d e f g h
(Diagram)
Nd6!

(Diagram)
 198

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.28

(precise) /Black=0.12 (very precise)
0-1
 199

56 A48 Nd6 15.Nf2 Qd7 16.Re1 Qe6

Yakubboev,Nodirbek 2659 17.Kg1 Nfe4 18.Ndxe4 Nxe4
Bulmaga,Irina 2386 19.Nxe4 Qxe4 20.Kf2 Rfd8 21.Qf3
Tata Steel Challengers (8.7) 26.01.2025 Qxf3+ 22.Kxf3 Rac8 Chapter-Rare
[Kitty Kat] Rd Moves 8.Ne5 (71) ]
4.b4 Bg7 5.Bb2 0-0
a b c d e f g h
D02: 1 d4 d5 2 Nf3 sidelines, including
2...Nf6 3 g3 and 2...Nf6 3 Bf4 1.d4 Nf6 8 8

2.Nf3 g6 3.Nbd2 7 7
[ 3.g3 c5 4.Bg2 cxd4 5.Nxd4 Bg7
6.c4 Nc6 7.Nc3 Nxd4 8.Qxd4 0-0 6 6
9.0-0 d6 10.Qd3 Bf5 11.e4 Be6 5 5
12.b3 a6 13.Bb2 Nd7 14.Qd2 Nc5
15.f4 Rc8 16.f5 Bd7 17.f6 exf6 4 4
5..dxe4 (2545)-Henzler,S (2620) Novi 3 3
Sad 1981 Mega2014 Update 23
[Wojtkiewicz,Aleksander] 1-0 (31) ] 2 2
[ 3.c4 Bg7 4.g3 c5 5.Bg2 0-0 6.0-0 1 1
cxd4 7.Nxd4 Nc6 8.Nc3 Qa5 9.e3
a b c d e f g h
d6 10.Bd2 Qc5 11.Nxc6 bxc6
12.Rc1 Rb8 13.Na4 Qh5 14.Qxh5 6.e3 Bf5 7.c4 c6 8.Rc1 -0.19/19
Nxh5 15.b3 c5 16.Nc3 f5 17.Rfe1 [ 8.a4 0.13/17 ]
Nf6 Da Silva,J (2218)-6.Qd1 ed5 7.e3 8...a5= 9.b5 Ne4 10.cxd5 Nxd2
(2291) Fredeburg 2016 CYB 12 [ 10...cxb5 s e e m s w i l d e r . 11.Bxb5
[ F t a c n i k M i k h a l c h i s h i n B e l i a vs k y Qxd5 12.Bc4 Qd7 ]
Neven] ½-½ ]
3...d5N a b c d e f g h
[ 3...c5 4.e3 Bg7 5.c3 Qc7 6.Bd3
0-0 7.0-0 d5 Chapter-Rare Rd Moves 8 8

5.c3 Qc7 6.Bd3 0-0 7.0-0 d5 8.Ne5 7 7

b6 ( 8...Nfd7 9.f4 Nxe5 10.dxe5
Nc6 11.Nf3 Bg4 12.h3 Bxf3 13.Qxf3 6 6
Rad8 14.Bd2 Qb6 15.Rab1 f6 5 5
16.exf6 Rxf6 17.Qe2 e5 18.c4 exf4
19.cxd5 fxe3 20.Rxf6 Bxf6 21.Bxe3 4 4
Re8 22.Qf2 Rxe3 23.Qxf6 3 3
2.Nc3 Bb4 3.Nd5 Bc5 (2446)-Sybil
(2581) Leningrad-Moscow m., 2 2
Leningrad (Game 2) 2012 Telechess 1 1
CBM 89 [Runting; Marin] 0-1 (42)) 9.f4
a b c d e f g h
Ba6 10.Bxa6 Nxa6 11.Qe2 Qb7
12.Kh1 Nc7 13.a3 Nce8 14.Ng4 11.Qxd2 cxd5
 200

[ 11...Qxd5 l o o k s s h a r p e r . 12.Bc4 [ 22...Bg7 1.19/19 ]

Qd6 13.0-0 cxb5 14.Bxb5 Na6 ] 23.Nf3+- e5 24.Nh4 Qc8 25.Bb5 Rd8
12.Be2 Nd7 13.0-0 Nf6 14.Ba3 Re8 3.39/19
15.Qb2 Nd7 [ 25...Bd7 2.25/20 26.Nxg6 Bxb5 ]
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
16.Qb3 Nb6 17.h3 h5 18.Bc5 a4
Black is on the road to losing. 19.Qb4 26.Bxa4 Kg7 3.91/20
Bf8 20.Ne5 Nd7 [ 26...Bd7 2.53/19 27.Bxd7 Rxd7
a b c d e f g h
28.Nxg6 Rg7 ]
27.Nxf5+ Qxf5 28.Qb5 h4 3.98/19
8 8 [ 28...Qe4 2.58/18 ]
7 7 29.c6 bxc6 30.Rxc6 d4
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

21.b6 0x0.0023119be9f4dp-1022s more 2 2

active pieces. 21...Nxc5 1.31/21 1 1
[ 21...Bg7 0.99/20 ]
a b c d e f g h
22.dxc5 Strongly threatening c6.
[ Much less strong is 22.Qxc5?! f6 ] 31.Bb3 Qe4? 6.61/22
22...f6 2.16/20 [ 31...e4 3.31/18 32.Qc4 Kh6
 201

33.exd4 Rab8 34.Qc1+ Qg5 ] a b c d e f g h

32.Qc4
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
Weighted Error Value: White=0.13 (very
a b c d e f g h
precise) /Black=0.39
Threatening mate with Qg8+. White is 1-0
clearly winning. 32...Kh6 33.Bc2 Qd5
34.Qxd5 Rxd5 35.Be4 Rdd8
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

36.b7 Rab8 37.Rxf6

(Diagram)
 202

57 B77 Nd7 14.Bxg7 Kxg7 15.e5 White has

Svane,Frederik 2664 an edge. 15...d5
Pijpers,Arthur 2474 a b c d e f g h
Tata Steel Challengers (9.1) 28.01.2025
[Kitty Kat] 8 8

7 7

B77: Sicilian Dragon: Yugoslav Attack, 9 6 6

Bc4 sidelines 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 5 5
Nf6 4.Nc3 cxd4 5.Nxd4 g6
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
8 8
2 2
7 7
1 1
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
16.a3 Rac8 17.Ne2 Qxd2+ 18.Rxd2
4 4 Nb8 0.37/19
3 3
[ M u c h l e s s s t r o n g i s 18...Nxe5
19.Nd4 Kf6 20.f4 ]
2 2 [ 18...Rf5= 0.00/20 ]
1 1
19.Nd4 Kf7 20.f4 Nc6
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

6.Be3 Bg7 7.f3 Nc6 8.Qd2 0-0 9.Bc4 8 8

Qa5 10.0-0-0 Nxd4 7 7

a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 21.Nf3
1 1
(Diagram)
a b c d e f g h

11.Bxd4 Be6 12.Bxe6 fxe6 13.Rhe1

 203

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

S t r o n g l y t h r e a t e n i n g N g 5 + . 21...h6 31.a4 Ra8 32.c4 0.01/23

Against Ng5+ 22.h4 Ke8 23.g3 Kd7 [ 32.Nd2 0.32/23 ]
24.Re3 h5N 32...bxc3!= The position is equal.
[ 24...b5 ] 33.Rdxc3 Rab8! 34.Kb2 R8b7!
25.b3 b5 [ 34...d4 35.Rd3 ]
a b c d e f g h
35.Ka3 Rb8!
[ Resist 35...d4 36.Rd3 ]
8 8

7 7 a b c d e f g h

6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3

a b c d e f g h 2 2
26.Kb2 Rb8 27.Rc3 a5 28.Rc5 Rb6 1 1
0.69/22
a b c d e f g h
[ 28...Rfc8 0.36/19 is superior. ]
29.Rd3 &Bianco is more active. 36.Nd2 R8b7 37.Kb2 Rb8 38.Kc2
29...Rfb8 30.Kc1 0.20/25 Nd4+ 39.Kb2 Nc6 40.Ka2 Nb4+
[ 30.Rd1 0.54/21 ]
30...b4 (Diagram)
(Diagram)
 204

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

41.Ka3 Nc6 42.Rf3 R8b7 43.Rc1 Rc7 aiming for ...Rxa4. 47.Ka2 Rb8 48.Ka3
44.Rfc3 Rcb7 45.Rd1 Nd4 R8b7 49.Ka2 Rb8 50.Ka3 R8b7
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

46.Kb2 Rb4 51.Re1 Nf5 52.Rec1 Rd4 53.R1c2

Ra7 54.Kb2 Rb7 Threatens to win with
(Diagram) ...Rxa4. 55.Ka2 Ra7

(Diagram)
 205

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

56.Kb2 Rb7 57.Ka3 Ra7 58.Kb2

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.04

(flawless) /Black=0.03 (flawless)
½-½
 206

58 B90 Re8 21.Rd2 d5 22.exd5 Nxd5

L'Ami,Erwin 2614 23.Nxd5 Bxd5 24.Nf5 Qe6 25.g4
Yakubboev,Nodirbek 2659 Bc7 26.Rad1 Bc6 27.Bc5 f6 28.Qe3
Tata Steel Challengers (9.2) 28.01.2025 Winkler,C (2200)-Darmaeva,N (2242)
[Kitty Kat] c o r r 1 9 9 8 Z U S C 7 3
[Stockfish15(10sek.Zug)(CB16 14
CPU)] ½-½ (58) h5 29.h3 hxg4
B90: Sicilian Najdorf: Unusual White 6th 30.hxg4 Rcd8 31.c4 Rxd2 32.Rxd2
moves, 6 Be3 Ng4 and 6 Be3 e5 1.e4 e4 33.f4 Bd7 34.Qg3 Bc8 35.Ne3
c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 Qf7 36.Nd5 Be6 37.Nxc7 Qxc7
5.Nc3 a6 38.Bd4 Qa5 39.Re2 Bc8 40.f5 Qd8
a b c d e f g h
41.Qe3 Kf7 42.Rd2 Kg8 43.Bb6
Sutton,A (2200)-Carroll,J (2242) corr
8 8 ENG 1998 UltraCorr3a [Michael
7 7 Blake] ½-½ (58) ) 14.Nd2 Be6 15.Nc4
Qc6 16.Nb6 Rad8 17.Qd3 Rfe8
6 6 18.Ra5 Nd7 19.Nxd7 Qxd7 20.h3
5 5
Rf8 21.Qe2 Qc7 22.Raa1 Kh8
23.Kh1 Kg8 24.Kg1 Kh8 25.Kh1
4 4 Cabezas Ayala,I (2231)-Portero Rubio,
3 3
M (2122) Roquetas de Mar 2025
½-½ ]
2 2

1 1 a b c d e f g h

a b c d e f g h 8 8

6.Be3 e5 7.Nf3 Be7 8.Bc4 0-0 9.0-0 7 7

Nc6
[ 9...Be6 10.Bb3 Nc6 11.Qe2 Na5 6 6
12.Rfd1 Qc7 13.Bg5 Rac8 14.Bxf6 5 5
Bxf6 15.Rac1 Nxb3 16.axb3 Qc6
17.Nd5 Bd8 18.c4 f5 19.exf5 Bxf5 4 4
20.h3 Qe8 21.Rc3 Qg6 22.Kh2 Kh8 3 3
23.b4 Be6 24.Re3 9.Nd2 a5/ 14.Qc2
Ngf6 1 (2732)-Grankin, F (2733) 5. 2 2
Bd2 - Main line 10.Nc3 g5 11.Bc1 1 1
2011 CBM 34 [FS 12/1979 p311]
a b c d e f g h
½-½ ]
10.Qe2 b5N 11.Bb3 Be6 12.Rfd1 h6 White is
[ 10...Na5 11.Bb3 Nxb3 12.axb3 h6 slightly better. 13.Ne1 -0.08/19
13.Rfd1 Qe8 ( 13...Qc7 14.Nd2 Rb8 [ 13.Nd5 0.43/19 ]
15.f3 Be6 16.Nf1 Rbd8 17.Qf2 Qc6 13...Qc7 0.32/20
18.Ra5 Rc8 19.Ng3 Bd8 20.Raa1 [ 13...Na5= -0.08/19 ]
 207

14.Nd5 Bxd5 15.Bxd5 Nxd5 a b c d e f g h

a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
26.Re2 Rc6 27.Qd3 Qc5 28.g3 Rd8
16.Rxd5 Nb8 17.f3 Nd7 18.Rad1 b4 29.Rd1 d5 0.01/22
19.R5d2 Rfc8 20.Qd3 a5 [ 29...h5 -0.53/20 ]
a b c d e f g h
30.exd5= The position is equal.
30...Rcd6
8 8 [ 30...Bf6 is interesting. 31.b3 g6
7 7 32.dxc6 Rxd3 33.Nxd3 Qxc6 34.Kg2
Kg7 ]
6 6

5 5 a b c d e f g h

4 4 8 8

3 3 7 7

2 2 6 6

1 1 5 5

a b c d e f g h 4 4
21.Rc1 Nc5 22.Qd5 Na4 23.Rb1 Nb6 3 3
24.Bxb6 Qxb6+ 25.Kh1 Bg5
2 2
(Diagram) 1 1

a b c d e f g h

31.Qe4 Rxd5 32.Rxd5

[ 32.Rd3 keeps more tension. Bf6
33.Kg2 h5 34.Rxd5 Rxd5 35.Nd3 ]
32...Qxd5 33.Qxd5 Rxd5 34.Nd3 Bf6!
 208

35.Re4 g6
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

36.Rc4 Be7
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.09

(flawless) /Black=0.10 (very precise)
½-½
 209

59 E04 a b c d e f g h
Oro,Faustino 2447
Gurel,Ediz 2624 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (9.3) 28.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
E04: Open Catalan: 5 Nf3 1.d4 d5 2.c4
e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 Nc6 4 4

a b c d e f g h 3 3

8 8 2 2

7 7 1 1

6 6 a b c d e f g h

5
16.e4N
5
[ 16.Kg1 Nd7 17.Ne4 f6 18.Nf3 e5
4 4 19.dxe5 fxe5 20.Rd1 Qc8 21.Rac1
3 3
c5 22.Ne1 Nf6 23.Nxf6+ Bxf6
24.Ba3 Qe6 25.Rxc5 Qxb3 26.Bxb4
2 2 Qxb4 27.Nd3 Qa3 28.Qc2 Rd6
1 1
29.Rc3 Qa4 30.Qxa4 bxa4
Erigaisi, A (2563)-Adhiban,B (2654)
a b c d e f g h
Moscow 2020 CBM 196 [Schandorff,
6.0-0 Rb8 7.e3 Be7 8.Qe2 b5 9.b3 Lars] 0-1 (60) 31.e4 Rfd8 32.Kf1
cxb3 The position is equal. 10.axb3 a6 Rd4 33.f3 Be7 34.Ke2 Bb4 35.Rc2
a b c d e f g h
a5 36.Nf2 Rxd1 37.Nxd1 a3 38.Nc3
Bc5 39.Nd5 Bd4 40.Ra2 Bb2
8 8 41.Kd3 Kf7 42.Kc4 Rc8+ 43.Kb5
7 7 Rc2 44.Nb6 Rxh2 45.Nc4 Rh3
Erigaisi,A (2701)-Grandelius,N (2660)
6 6 Malmoe 156/103 2023 [Arsovic,
5 5
G o r a n ] 0 - 1 ( 6 0 ) 46.Nxa3 Bxa3
47.Rxa3 Rxg3 48.Kc4 h5 49.Kd5 h4
4 4 50.Rxa5 h3 51.Ra8 Rxf3 52.Kxe5
3 3
g5 53.Kd5 g4 54.Rh8 Rf1 55.e5
Rd1+ 56.Ke4 g3 57.Rh7+ Ke8
2 2 58.Rh8+ Kd7 59.Rh7+ Kc6 60.Rh6+
1 1
Kc5 6.Na3 cd4 7.cd4 Bd7 (2563)-
Brachtel,R (2654) Frankfurt 2020 Bird-
a b c d e f g h
Defence [Reppmann (Re) und
11.Bb2 0-0 12.Rc1 Bb7 13.Nbd2 Nb4 Rümmele (Rü)] 0-1 (60) ]
14.Ne5 Bxg2 15.Kxg2 Rb6 16...Qb8 17.Kg1 -0.61/19
 210

[ 17.g4= -0.28/18 ] 26...Ne8 -0.64/20

17...Qb7 18.Rd1 -0.93/18 [ 26...c5 -1.14/19 ]
[ 18.g4 -0.50/19 might be stronger. ] 27.Kg2 Qa8 28.Ra1 Bd6 29.Rcc1
18...Rd8 19.Rac1 Prevents Nc2. 19...a5 Rdb8 30.Qe2 c5
20.Nef3 h6 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
31.Nc4 -0.89/22
21.h3 a4 &Nero is more active. 22.bxa4 [ White should play 31.Qd1 -0.39/20 ]
bxa4 23.Ba3 Bf8 -0.91/19 31...Bf8 32.Bb2 cxd4 33.Nxd4 R5b7
[ 23...Nc6 -1.29/19 24.Bxe7 Nxe7 ] 34.Ba3 Rc7 35.Ne5 Rxc1 -0.87/21
24.Rc4 Qa6 -0.69/18 [ 35...Bd6 -1.22/21 36.Nef3 Rxc1
[ 24...Nd7 -1.05/19 ] 37.Rxc1 Rb6 ]
25.Qe3 Rb5
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

26.Rdc1 -1.14/19 36.Rxc1 Nf6 37.f3 -1.79/19

[ 26.Ra1 -0.82/17 ] [ 37.Rc4 -1.01/20 is a better
 211

defense. ] 41.hxg4 Qb7 White must now prevent ..

37...Rb7 -1.01/20 .Be7. 42.Nc2 -1.91/24
[ 37...Bd6-+ -1.79/19 38.Nc4 Bc5 ] [ 42.g5 -0.76/22 ]
38.Rc4 -1.72/21
[ 38.Qc4 -1.01/20 ] a b c d e f g h

8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
42...Nxc2 -1.45/25
a b c d e f g h
[ 42...Rc6!-+ -1.91/24 43.Rxb4 Bxb4
38...Rb6 -1.23/21 44.Nxb4 Rc4 ]
[ 38...Nc6!-+ -1.72/21 39.Nexc6 43.Bxf8
( 39.Rxc6 Bxa3 ) 39...Bxa3 ] a b c d e f g h
39.Qd2 Qb8 40.Ng4 Nxg4 -0.97/21
[ Better is 40...Nh5 -1.34/21 41.f4 8 8

Qb7 ] 7 7

6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
Ne1+ 44.Qxe1 Hoping for Qc3!
2 2 44...Kxf8 45.Rxa4 Endgame KQR-KQR
1 1
45...Rb2+
a b c d e f g h
(Diagram)
 212

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

46.Kh3 Kg8 47.Ra3 Qb5 48.e5 Re2 56.Ra7!= g6 57.Rb7 Kg7 58.Rb5 Rd2
-0.85/21 59.Ra5 Kf6 60.Rb5 g5
[ 48...g5-+ -1.72/21 and Black stays a b c d e f g h
clearly on top. 49.Rc3 Re2 ]
49.Qc3 Rxe5 (  ...Qf1+) 50.Qd3 8 8

Inhibits Qf1+. 50...Qxd3 7 7

a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 61.Rb4 Rf2 62.Ra4 Re2 63.Rb4 Kg6

1 1
64.Ra4 Rf2 65.Rb4 h5
a b c d e f g h
(Diagram)
51.Rxd3 KR-KR 51...Re2 52.f4 Rf2
53.Rd7 Kf8 54.Ra7 Rb2 55.Rc7 Rf2
0.01/22
[ 55...Rd2 -0.87/24 ]

(Diagram)
 213

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

66.fxg5 hxg4+! 71.Ra4

[ 66...Kxg5?! 67.Rb5+ f5 68.gxf5= ] [ 71.Rf4+ Rf5 72.Ke4 Rxf4+ 73.gxf4
67.Kxg4 Ke7-+ ]
a b c d e f g h
71...Rb3+ 72.Kf2 Kg5
[ Stronger than 72...e5 73.Ra2 ]
8 8 73.Ra7 Kg6 74.Ra5 f6 75.Ra6 Kf5
7 7 a b c d e f g h

6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3

a b c d e f g h 2 2
Rf5! 68.Ra4 Rxg5+ 69.Kf3 Rb5 1 1
70.Rg4+ Kf6
a b c d e f g h

(Diagram) 76.Ra8 Rd3

[ Inferior is 76...e5 77.Ra5 ]
77.Ra4 e5 78.Ra6 Rb3 79.Rc6 Rb2+
80.Ke3 Rb3+ 0.01/26
[ Black should try 80...Rb8 -1.01/25
81.Rc4 Rb3+ 82.Kf2 Kg5 ]
 214

a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
81.Kf2! e4 -0.64/27
[ 81...Rb4 -1.15/24 82.Ke3 Ra4 ] 88...Rg2! 89.Ra5+ Kf6
82.Rc4 Rf3+ 83.Kg2 Ke5 84.Ra4 Rd3 a b c d e f g h
85.Kf2 f5 -0.46/23
[ 85...Kf5 -0.81/26 86.Ra8 Rf3+ 8 8

87.Kg2 Rd3 ] 7 7

6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
Weighted Error Value: White=0.15 (very
2 2 precise) / Black=0.16 (very precise)
1 1
0-1
a b c d e f g h

86.Ra5+ -0.99/27
[ 86.Ra8 -0.46/23 ]
86...Rd5 87.Ra4? -4.20/26
[ 87.Ra2 -0.97/25 is more resistant. ]
87...Rd2+-+ 88.Ke3? -6.90/26
[ 88.Kf1 -2.52/26 ]
 215

60 B50 a b c d e f g h
Nogerbek,Kazybek 2514
Nguyen,Thai Dai Van 2668 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (9.4) 28.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
B50: Sicilian: 2...d6, Miscellaneous 1.e4
c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Nc3 4 4
[ 3.d3 g6 4.g3 Bg7 5.Bg2 Nc6 3 3
6.0-0 e5 7.Be3 Nge7 8.c4 0-0
9.Qd2 f5 10.Nc3 Nd4 11.Nh4 f4 2 2
12.gxf4 Nec6 13.Nf3 Nxf3+ 14.Bxf3 1 1
exf4 15.Bxf4 Bxc3 16.bxc3 Qf6
a b c d e f g h
17.Bxd6 Qxd6 Asante,D (1908)-
Ortega Amarelle,M (2453) Budapest 6.Bxd7+ Nbxd7 7.0-0 g6 8.a4 Bg7
2024 0-1 ] 9.a5 Ng4 10.Nd1 0-0
3...Nf6 4.Bb5+N a b c d e f g h
[ 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.0-0 0-0 7.d3
Nc6 8.Re1 e5 9.a3 Nd4 10.h3 h6 8 8

11.Nd2 Kh7 12.b4 b6 13.Bb2 Be6 7 7

14.Nd5 Rc8 15.c3 Nc6 16.c4 Nd4
17.Bxd4 cxd4 18.a4 Nxd5 6 6
Mamedov,R (2646)-Sarana,A (2668) 5 5
Chess.com INT 2022 0-1 (45) 19.exd5
Bf5 20.Qb3 a5 21.c5 bxc5 22.b5 4 4
Ra8 23.Nc4 Qe7 24.Qc2 Rfb8 3 3
25.Qd2 Qd8 26.Rab1 h5 27.Red1
Bh6 28.Qe1 Bc8 29.b6 Ba6 2 2
30.Nxa5 Rxb6 31.Nc6 Qc7 32.Qe2 1 1
Re8 33.Qc2 f5 Mendez Fortes,E
a b c d e f g h
(2646) -Sivenkov,O (2668) Tilburg
2022 ICCF 2019 [John Watson] 0-1 11.d3 Nge5 12.Ne3 Nxf3+ 13.Qxf3
(45) ] Ne5 14.Qh3 Nc6 15.Nc4 Rb8
4...Bd7 5.Qe2 a6
(Diagram)
(Diagram)
 216

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.c3 E n d g a m e K R N - K R N 26.Nc4 Rf8

[ 16.Bg5 is more complex. Re8 17.f4 0.55/23
d5 18.exd5 Qxd5 19.f5 ] [ 26...Kf7= 0.09/23 ]
16...Qc8 17.Qxc8 Rbxc8 18.Bf4 f5 27.Ra3 Rd8 28.Kf2
19.f3 Rcd8 20.Nb6 fxe4 [ 28.Rb3!? ]
a b c d e f g h
28...e6 29.Ke2 0.07/20
[ 29.Ke3 0.43/19 is superior. ]
8 8 29...Kf8= 30.Nd2 Ke7
7 7 a b c d e f g h

6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3

a b c d e f g h 2 2
21.fxe4 Be5 22.Bg5 Rxf1+ 23.Rxf1 1 1
Rf8 0.37/21
a b c d e f g h
[ 23...Bg7= 0.01/21 ]
24.Ra1 0.03/20 31.Nf3 h6 32.h3 g5 33.Ke3 Kd7
[ 24.Rxf8+ 0.37/21 Kxf8 25.Nc4 ] 34.Ra1 Ke7 35.b4 cxb4
24...Bf4 25.Bxf4 Rxf4=
(Diagram)
(Diagram)
 217

a b c d e f g h
[ 44.Kd4= -0.01/21 ]
44...Rxh3 aiming for ...g4. 45.Kf2 Rh2+
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
36.cxb4 d5 37.Rb1 dxe4 38.dxe4 Kf6
a b c d e f g h
39.Ne1 -0.34/23
[ 39.g3= -0.01/21 might be stronger. ] 46.Ke3 Rb2 47.Rxb7 h5 -0.17/24
39...Ne5 40.Rc1 Prevents Nc4+. [ 47...Ke5! -0.56/24 deserves
40...Rd7 consideration. ]
a b c d e f g h
48.Rb6= Ke5 49.Rxa6 Rb3+ 50.Kf2
Rxb4 -0.01/25
8 8 [ Better is 50...h4 -0.52/22 ]
7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

41.Rc8 Rd1 42.Nf3 -0.46/22 2 2

[ 42.Nc2!= -0.01/21 1 1
is more appropriate. ]
a b c d e f g h
42...Nxf3 -0.07/24
[ 42...Rd3+! -0.46/22 43.Kf2 51.Ra8! The position is equal. 51...Rb2+
( 43.Ke2 Rb3 ) 43...Rb3 ] 52.Kg3 h4+ 53.Kh3
43.gxf3 KR-KR 43...Rh1 44.Rc7 [ But not 53.Kg4 Rg2+ 54.Kh3 Rg3+
-0.36/24 55.Kh2 Rxf3 ]
 218

53...Rf2 54.Rf8
[ Much worse is 54.Kg4 Rg2+ 55.Kh3
Rg3+ 56.Kh2 Rxf3 ]
54...Ra2 55.Kg4 Rg2+
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

56.Kh3 Ra2 57.Kg4! Rg2+ 58.Kh3

Ra2
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.06

(flawless) /Black=0.07 (flawless)
½-½
 219

61 B49 Rae8 34.Rxe5 Qd8 35.Rf5 Rg8

Bulmaga,Irina 2386 Damjanovic,M-Browne,W San Juan
Bok,Benjamin 2583 1969 CI1-130 [Byrne,Robert Eugene]
Tata Steel Challengers (9.5) 28.01.2025 ½-½ (37) ]
[Kitty Kat] 6...a6 7.Be2 Nf6 8.a3 Be7 9.g4 d5
10.exd5 Nxd5
a b c d e f g h
B48: Sicilian: Taimanov: 5 Nc3 Qc7 6
Be3 a6 without Be2 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 8 8

3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 7 7

[ 5.g3 Qb6 6.Nb3 Nf6 7.Bg2 Be7
8.0-0 0-0 9.Nc3 a6 10.Be3 Qc7 6 6
11.a4 Ne5 12.Bf4 d6 13.a5 Bd7 5 5
44/01 ]
5...Qc7 4 4

a b c d e f g h 3 3

8 8 2 2

7 7 1 1

6 6 a b c d e f g h

5 5
11.Nxd5 The position is equal. 11...exd5
12.Qd2 0-0 13.0-0-0 Ne5 14.Rhg1
4 4 [ 14.Nf5 seems wilder. Bxf5 15.gxf5
3 3
Rad8 16.Rhg1 ]
14...Nc4
2 2 [ 14...Re8 is more complex. 15.Nf5
1 1
Bf8 16.h4 Nc4 ]
a b c d e f g h

6.Be3N (Diagram)
[ 6.g3 a6 7.Bg2 Nf6 8.0-0 Be7
9.Nce2 0-0 10.c4 Nxd4 11.Qxd4 d6
12.b3 Bd7 13.Bb2 Bc6 14.Rac1 b6
15.Nc3 Qb7 16.Rfe1 Rfd8 17.Qe3
Re8 18.Qd2 b5 19.Nd5 exd5
20.cxd5 Bd7 Damjanovic,M-
Langeweg,K Beverwijk 1966 CI1-130
[RR] ½-½ (37) 21.e5 Ng4 22.h3 Nh6
23.e6 Bc8 24.g4 Qb8 25.g5 Nf5
26.Be4 fxe6 27.Bxf5 e5 28.Qd3
Bxf5 29.Qxf5 Qd8 30.h4 Rf8
31.Qe6+ Kh8 32.Re4 Qb6 33.Rc2
 220

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

15.Bxc4 -0.21/22 21.Rxd1 Bxf5 22.gxf5 Bf6 Prevents

[ 15.Bf4! 0.13/19 Qb6 ( 15...Qc5 Qe5. 23.Qb4 h5 24.Qc5
16.Qc3 ) 16.Qc3 ] a b c d e f g h
15...dxc4=
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
Inhibits Qc6. 24...Qb7 25.Qb6 -2.87/23
a b c d e f g h
[ 25.Rg1 -1.85/21 ]
16.Bf4 Qc5 17.Qc3 Rd8 18.Be3 25...Qe4
Black must now prevent Nf5! 18...Qc7!
19.f4 -0.66/20 (Diagram)
[ 19.h4= -0.17/19 ]
19...b5 20.Nf5 -1.48/24 White is on the
road to losing.
[ 20.h3 -0.67/19 ]
20...Rxd1+
(Diagram)
 221

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

26.Qc5 Re8 27.Bd2 Qg2 28.a4 Qxh2 36.Bxf6 Rxf6 KR-KR 37.Rd4 -7.26/22
29.axb5 axb5 aiming for ...Ra8. [ 37.Rh1 -4.84/22 Rh6 38.Kc1 ]
30.Qxb5 -7.03/24 37...g5 And now ...g4 would win.
[ 30.Qg1 -4.06/21 Qh3 31.Bb4 ] 38.Rxc4 g4 39.Rc5 g3 40.Rxh5 g2
30...Ra8-+ a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 6 0 /
Black is clearly winning. 31.Ba5 Qxf4+ Black=0.17 (very precise)
32.Kb1 Rb8 33.Bb6 Qe3 34.Bxe3 0-1
Rxb5 35.Bd4 Rxf5

(Diagram)
 222

62 C44 a b c d e f g h
Lu,Miaoyi 2429
Suleymanli,Aydin 2623 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (9.6) 28.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
C56: Two Knights: 4 d4 exd4 5 0-0 Nxe4
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d4 4 4
exd4 5.e5 3 3
[ 5.0-0 d6 6.Nxd4 Be7 7.Nc3 0-0
8.h3 ( 8.Re1 Ne5 9.Bf1 c6 10.a4 2 2
Bg4 11.f3 Bd7 12.Qd2 Qc7 13.Qf2 1 1
Rfe8 14.g3 Rad8 15.a5 a6 16.Be3
a b c d e f g h
c5 17.Nb3 Bc6 18.Be2 Qc8 19.Nd2
h6 20.Nc4 Nxc4 21.Bxc4 d5 6.Bb5 Ne4 7.Nxd4 Bc5 8.Be3 Bd7
22.exd5 Nxd5 Fernandez Muixi,F 9.Bxc6 bxc6 10.Nd2 Nxd2
(1953)-Ritter Aguilar,J (1724) Malgrat a b c d e f g h
2023 1-0 (53)) 8...Re8 9.Re1 Bd7
10.Bg5 h6 11.Bh4 Nxd4 12.Qxd4 8 8

Bc6 13.b4 a6 14.a4 Nh5 15.Bxe7 7 7

Qxe7 16.b5 axb5 17.axb5 Rxa1
18.Rxa1 Bd7 19.Nd5 Qg5 6 6
B d 2 Re 1 ( 2 4 0 5 ) - G a z o l a , V ( 2 4 9 0 ) 5 5
Budapest 1996 EXP 52 [Mueller] ½-½
(47) ] 4 4
5...d5N 3 3
[ 5...Ng4 6.0-0 d6 7.exd6 Bxd6
8.Re1+ Be7 9.h3 Nf6 10.c3 0-0 2 2
11.cxd4 h6 12.Nc3 Bf5 13.Bf4 #6 1 1
16) Italian: Two Knights Side-Two
a b c d e f g h
Knights: 5...Ng4 ]
11.Qxd2 Bb6 12.Nb3 Prevents c5.
12...0-0 13.0-0 Re8 0.28/19
(Diagram) [ 13...a5 -0.07/19 deserves
consideration. ]
14.Qc3 White has an edge. 14...f6 15.f4
fxe5!

(Diagram)
 223

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.fxe5 Qg5 0.32/21 21.Rf1 Strongly threatening Qxe5!

[ 16...Qh4= -0.12/20 ] 21...Qc4 22.Qxc4
17.Nc5! Bxc5 18.Bxc5 Rxe5 19.Rf3! [ 22.Rgf3 keeps more tension. h6
[ Reject 19.Qf3 Rf5 20.Qd3 h6= ] 23.Rf7 Rg5 24.Qxc4 dxc4 25.Rxd7
19...Rae8 0.75/21 Rxc5 26.Rff7 ]
[ 19...Re2? 20.Rg3 Qh6 21.Rf1+- ] 22...dxc4 23.Bd4 R5e7 24.Bxa7 Re2
[ 19...Qh5!= 0.30/22 ] 25.Bd4 g6
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
26.Rf2 0.01/21
20.Rg3! [ 26.h4! 0.38/24 is superior. ]
[ Of course not 20.Raf1 Rf5= ] 26...Re1+= 27.Rf1 R1e2 28.Rf2
20...Qh4 0.01/21
[ 28.h4! 0.56/21 ]
(Diagram) 28...Re1+ 29.Rf1 R1e2 30.Rf2 -0.01/31
 224

[ White should try 30.h4 0.71/23 ]

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.10 (very

precise) /Black=0.07 (flawless)
½-½
 225

63 C50 a b c d e f g h
Vaishali,Rameshbabu 2476
Divya,Deshmukh 2490 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (9.7) 28.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
C50: Hungarian Defence and Giuoco
Pianissimo 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 4 4
Bc5 4.d3 Nf6 5.Bg5 Be7 3 3
a b c d e f g h
2 2
8 8
1 1
7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6 Hoping for Bxf6. 9...Bxf3 10.Qxf3 Nd4
5 5 a b c d e f g h

4 4 8 8

3 3 7 7

2 2 6 6

1 1 5 5

a b c d e f g h 4 4
6.a4 h6 7.Bh4 d6N 3 3
[ 7...a5 8.Bg3 d6 9.Nbd2 0-0 10.c3
Nd7 11.Nf1 Nb6 12.Bb3 Bf6 13.Ne3 2 2
Re8 14.0-0 Be6 15.Bxe6 Rxe6 1 1
16.Nd5 Nd7 17.Nd2 Ne7 18.Ne3
a b c d e f g h
Bg5 19.f4 exf4 20.Bxf4 Bxf4
21.Rxf4 Nf6 22.Ng4 So,W (2757)- 11.Qd1 c6 12.Ba2 Qb6 13.Rb1 a5
Carlsen,M (2830) Chess. com INT 14.0-0 g5 15.Bg3 h5
2024 Mega2024 Update 14 [Kitty Kat]
½-½ (57) ] (Diagram)
8.Nc3 Bg4 9.h3

(Diagram)
 226

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.Kh1 h4 17.Bh2 Rg8 26.d5 0.33/20

[ 17...Qb4 with more complications. [ 26.Qd2 0.69/17 is superior. ]
18.Nd5 cxd5 19.c3 Qb6 ] 26...exd5 27.Nxf4
18.Ne2 Ne6 19.Bxe6 fxe6 20.f3 a b c d e f g h
Against g4 20...Nh5
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
Remove Defender 27...gxf4 28.Qxd5+
a b c d e f g h
Kg7 29.Rfd1 Raf8 30.Bf2 Kh7
21.c3
[ 21.d4!? ] (Diagram)
21...Nf4 22.b4 Kf7 23.b5 c5 24.Bg1
Qc7 25.d4 b6

(Diagram)
 227

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

31.Rb2 Rg6 32.Be1 Rfg8 33.c4 Qc8 W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e = 0 . 0 6

A n d n o w . . . Rxg 2 ! wo u l d wi n . 34.Kh2 (flawless) /Black=0.05 (flawless)
R8g7 35.Rdd2 Active counter play! ½-½
35...Qg8
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

36.Qxg8+ Rxg8 37.Rd3

(Diagram)
 228

64 C65 13.Nf5 Bxf5 14.exf5 e4 15.d4 Nxa4

Gurel,Ediz 2624 16.Rxa4 b5 17.Rxa5 bxc4 18.Qd2
Lu,Miaoyi 2429 Rxa5 19.Qxa5 Qd5 20.Qxc7 Bd6
Tata Steel Challengers (10.1) 29.01.2025 21.Qd7 Ra8 22.g4 h6 23.Kg2 Bf8
[Kitty Kat] 24.Qe6+ Qxe6 25.fxe6 Ivic,V (2561)-
Kramnik,V (2753) Chess.com INT
2023 ½-½ (76) Bd6 26.Re1 Ra2
C65: Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defence (3...Nf6), 27.Bc1 c3 28.bxc3 Rxc2 29.Be3
unusual lines and 4 0-0 Bc5 1.e4 e5 Kf8 30.Ra1 g5 31.Ra7 Ke8 32.Rd7
2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.d3 Bc5 Bf4 33.Kf1 Rxc3 34.Ke2 Bxe3
5.Bxc6 dxc6 35.fxe3 Rc2+ 36.Kd1 Rxh2 37.Rc7
a b c d e f g h
Rh1+ 38.Kd2 Rh2+ 39.Kc3 Rh1
40.Kb4 Juilfs,G (2561)-Hantel,T
8 8 (2753) Imperatriz 2023 Inf 94 [John
7 7 Watson] ½-½ (76) ]
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
6.Nbd2 Nd7 7.Nc4 f6 8.a4
[ 8.c3 Nb6 9.Na5 0-0 10.b4 Be7 2 2
11.Be3 Rb8 12.h3 Be6 13.0-0 Qc8 1 1
14.a4 Rd8 15.Qe2 Bf7 16.Nh4 Bf8
a b c d e f g h
17.Rfd1 Qe6 18.Kh2 Nc8 19.g3 b6
20.Nc4 Nd6 21.Nd2 Nb7 22.f4 a5 11.Nxe3 Nc5 12.Nh4 g6 13.Nf3 Ne6
Dud a, J ( 27 31) -G ris ch uk, A (27 45 ) 14.Kh1 b6 15.Ng1 c5
Chess.com INT 2022 ½-½ (65) ]
[ 8.0-0 Nf8 9.Be3 Bxe3 10.Nxe3 (Diagram)
Ne6 11.Nh4 0-0 12.Nhf5 c5 13.Kh1
Nd4 14.Ng3 Be6 15.Ne2 Qd6 16.a4
a5 17.b3 Rad8 18.f3 b6 19.Rb1
Qd7 20.f4 Nxe2 21.Qxe2 exf4
22.Rxf4 c6 Kokarev,D (2538)-Lazavik,
D (2578) Sochi 2024 ½-½ (32) ]
8...a5 9.0-0 0-0 10.Be3 Bxe3N
[ 10...Re8 11.Kh1 Bf8 12.Nh4 Nc5
 229

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.Ne2 c6 17.b3 Ra7 18.f4 exf4 26.Ne3 Rxf6! is the strong threat.
19.Nxf4 Nxf4 20.Rxf4 Qd4 26...Kg7 27.h4 bxa4 28.bxa4 Rb4
a b c d e f g h
29.Ng4 Bxg4 30.Qxg4 Rf7
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
21.Qg1 Be6 22.Raf1 b5 23.Qf2 Raf7
24.Qg3 Strongly threatening Nf5. 31.Rf5 Qd4 32.R5f4 Qe5 Inhibits h5.
24...Qe5 25.Nf5 Rb7 33.Rf5 Qc3 34.Qg3 -1.04/22
[ 34.h5 0.31/21 keeps the upper
(Diagram) hand. ]

(Diagram)
 230

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

34...Rxa4 -0.01/18 36.exf6+ Rxf6 37.Qc7+ Kh6 38.Qf4+

[ 34...Qxc2? Kg7 39.Qc7+ Kh6
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4

3 3 4 4

2 2 3 3

1 1 2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
35.Rxf6! Rxf6 36.Qe5+- ]
a b c d e f g h
[ 34...Rxe4! -1.04/22 35.Qf2 gxf5
36.dxe4 fxe4 ] Weighted Error Value: White=0.12 (very
35.e5= The position is equal. 35...Ra1! precise) /Black=0.10 (very precise)
½-½
(Diagram)
 231

65 C55 [ 6.Nc3 d6 7.a3 Bg4 8.h3 Bxf3

Suleymanli,Aydin 2623 9.Qxf3 Nd4 10.Qd1 c6 11.f4 exf4
Nogerbek,Kazybek 2514 12.Rxf4 d5 13.exd5 cxd5 14.Ba2
Tata Steel Challengers (10.2) 29.01.2025 Bc5 15.Kh1 Re8 16.Rf1 Ne6 17.g4
[Kitty Kat] d4 18.Na4 Be7 19.g5 Nd7 20.Rxf7
Bd6 Edighoffer,H-Melton,R corr 1996
½-½ (56) ]
C55: Two Knights: 4 d3, 4 d4 exd4 5 e5 6...d6 7.a4 Be6 8.Nbd2 Bxc4 9.Nxc4
and Max Lange Attack 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 h6 10.c3 Re8
Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 Be7 a b c d e f g h
[ 4...h6 5.Nc3 Bc5 6.h3 d6 7.Na4
Bb6 8.a3 Be6 9.Bxe6 fxe6 10.b4 8 8

0-0 11.0-0 Qe8 12.c4 Nd4 13.Nxb6 7 7

Nxf3+ 14.Qxf3 axb6 15.Qe2 Qg6
16.Ra2 Nh5 17.Qg4 Kh7 18.Qxg6+ 6 6
Kxg6 19.a4 Nepomniachtchi,I (2792)- 5 5
Caruana,F (2820) Paris 2021 CBM
203 Extra [GM Luis Supi] 1-0 (64) ] 4 4
[ 4...d5 5.exd5 Nxd5 6.0-0 Be7 3 3
7.Re1 f6 8.Bb3 a5 9.c3 Nb6
10.Nh4 g6 11.a4 Bd6 12.d4 Qe7 2 2
13.Be3 Bd7 14.dxe5 fxe5 15.Nf3 h6 1 1
16.Nbd2 0-0-0 17.Ne4 Bf5 18.Nfd2
a b c d e f g h
Nd7 19.Bd5 Abdusattorov, N (2727)-
Van Foreest,J (2682) Scheveningen White has an edge. 11.b4 Bf8 12.b5
2024 1-0 ] Nb8 13.Qb3 a5 14.Ba3 Re6 15.Ncd2
5.0-0 0-0 Nbd7
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

6.Re1N 16.d4 Nh7 17.h4 Nhf6 18.g3 Ng4

 232

19.Kg2 Ndf6 20.Qd1 Nd7 [ 26...Qf6= 0.07/19 ]

a b c d e f g h
27.Rce2 Re6 28.dxe5 Rg6
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
21.Qb3 0.01/15
[ 21.d5 0.55/18 Re8 22.Nc4 ] St r o n gl y t h re a t e ni n g . .. Nf 4 +! 29.Bc1
21...Ndf6= 22.Qd1 -0.01/16 Inhib its Nf4+. 29...Nxe5 aiming for ...
[ 22.d5 0.50/16 Re8 23.b6 ] Nd3. 30.c4 Qe7
22...Nd7! 23.Ra2 Re8 24.Qb3 Ndf6 a b c d e f g h
25.Rc2 Nh5 0.65/19
[ 25...c6 0.31/19 ] 8 8

7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 31.N1h2 Re8 32.Kh1 Qe6 0.45/23

1 1
[ 32...Nf6= 0.01/19 should be
considered. ]
a b c d e f g h
33.Nxe5 dxe5 34.Qf3 Rc2 is the
26.Nf1 0.07/19 Active counter play! strong threat. 34...Nf6 35.h5 Nxh5
[ White should try 26.dxe5 0.65/19
Nxe5 27.Nxe5 Rxe5 28.Nf3 ] (Diagram)
26...Qd7 0.48/16
 233

a b c d e f g h
47.Bxb6 f6 ]
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
36.Qxh5 Qxc4 37.Rb2 Qxa4 38.Qe2
a b c d e f g h
Bb4 1.24/20
[ 38...Bc5 0.78/19 ] 46.Kf3 h5 2.09/20
39.Rd1 Rb6 40.Rd5 c6 [ 46...Bc3 1.55/20 ]
a b c d e f g h
47.Nf1+-
[ 47.Rxb7 Bc3 ]
8 8 47...Re6 48.Nd2
7 7 [ But not 48.Rxb7 Rd6 49.Rb8+
Kh7 ]
6 6 48...Bxd2 49.Bxd2
5 5
[ Don't take 49.Rxd2?! a4 50.Rxb7
( 50.Rd8+ Kh7 ) 50...Rf6+ 51.Ke2
4 4 Rxe4 ]
3 3
49...b6 50.Rxb6 Rxb6

2 2 (Diagram)
1 1

a b c d e f g h

41.bxc6 Rxc6 1.32/20

[ 41...bxc6 0.99/20 42.Rd3 Bc5 ]
42.Be3 Rd6 43.Qb5 Qxb5 44.Rxb5
Rc6 2.04/22
[ 44...b6 1.62/18 might work better.
45.Rc2 ( 45.Bxb6 Rb8; 45.Rxb6
Rxb6 46.Bxb6 Ra8 ) 45...f6 ]
45.Kg2 Rc4 2.09/21
[ 45...b6 1.74/22 46.Rxb6 Rxb6
 234

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

51.Rxb6 E n d g a m e K R B - K R 51...a4 61.Kf5 h4 62.Bb4 3.04/26 Inhibits Rd6.

52.Ra6 f6 53.Ke3 Kf7 54.Ra7+ Kg8 [ 62.Bf4 2.05/25 ]
55.Rd7 1.54/24 62...Ra7? 4.95/28
[ 55.f4+- 2.63/23 ] [ 62...Ra8 3.04/26 63.Bc3 Ra6 ]
55...Rc6 2.64/23 63.Be1 Ra6 64.Bb4? -0.01/21
[ 55...Rc8 1.54/24 ] [ Better is 64.Bxh4+- 4.78/27 Ra5+
65.Kf4 ]
a b c d e f g h
64...Ra7!= 65.Be1? -0.01/22
[ 65.Bc3+- 3.08/21 ]
8 8 65...Ra6!
7 7 a b c d e f g h

6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3

a b c d e f g h 2 2
56.Rd3 Ra6 57.Ra3 g5 58.f4 exf4+ 1 1
59.gxf4 gxf4+ 3.10/26
a b c d e f g h
[ 59...Kh7 1.71/22 was called for.
60.Kf3 Kg6 ] 66.Bxh4 Ra5+ 67.Kf4 Ke6? 1.38/22
60.Kxf4 Kf7 [ 67...Ra8+- 3.93/28 68.Be1 Ke6 ]
(Diagram) 68.Be1? 5.43/28
 235

[ 68.Kg4 1.38/22 ] 76.Rc5 Ra7 77.Rb5 Kg7 12.19/24

68...Ra8+- 69.Bc3 Ra6? 4.83/20 [ 77...Ra6 5.02/24 78.Rb7+ Ke8
[ 69...Rc8 2.82/24 was worth a try. 79.Re7+ Kd8 ]
70.Ba1 Ra8 ] 78.Bb2
70.Bb4 Ra7 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
Weighted Error Value: White=0.15 (very
71.Rd3 Ra6 72.Ba3 And now Rd4 precise) /Black=0.16 (very precise)
would win. 72...Rb6 73.Rd4 Hoping for 1-0
Rb4. 73...Ra6? 7.16/26
[ 73...Rb1 3.98/26 74.Rxa4 Rf1+
75.Ke3 Re1+ 76.Kf3 Rf1+ 77.Ke2
Rb1 ]
74.Rc4 White is clearly winning. 74...Kf7
75.Kf5 Ra5+
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h
 236

66 C53 [ 11...0-0 12.Re1 Bg4 13.Nf1 Bh5

Yakubboev,Nodirbek 2659 14.Ne3 Bxe3 15.Rxe3 Kg7 16.Qb3
Bok,Benjamin 2583 Nd8 17.h3 Nd7 18.d4 f6 19.Nd2
Tata Steel Challengers (10.3) 29.01.2025 Nb6 20.Ree1 Bf7 21.Bxf7 Qxf7
[Kitty Kat] 22.Qxf7+ Rxf7 23.f3 Ne6 24.Nb3
Nc4 25.Re2 Ra6 26.d5 Vaishali,R
(2475)-Muzychuk,A (2520) Toronto
C54: Giuoco Piano: 4 c3 Nf6, main lines CAN 2024 The Week in Chess 1536
with 5 d4 and 5 d3 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 [Kitty Kat] ½-½ (48) ]
3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d3 d6 12.d4 -0.04/19
a b c d e f g h
[ 12.Bb5 0.43/18 ]
12...h5= 13.h4 -0.30/18
8 8 [ 13.d5 0.03/17 h4 14.dxc6 bxc6
7 7 15.Bxe5! Nxe5 16.Nxe5 Qxe5
17.Nf3 ]
6 6 13...g4 14.Ne1 exd4 15.Nd3 dxc3
5 5 a b c d e f g h

4 4 8 8

3 3 7 7

2 2 6 6

1 1 5 5

a b c d e f g h 4 4
6.Bg5 h6 7.Bh4 a5 8.Nbd2 Ba7 9.a4 3 3
Qe7 The position is equal. 10.0-0 g5
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
16.bxc3 Nce5 17.Nf4 c6
6 6 [ 17...Nxc4 18.Nxc4 Bb8 19.Qd4 ]
5 5
18.Ba2 Nc5 19.Nc4 -0.85/23
[ 19.Re1 -0.43/19 is superior. ]
4 4 19...Nxc4 -1.16/18
3 3
[ 19...Nxe4 -0.85/23 20.Re1 Nxc4
21.Bxc4 Bf5 ]
2 2 20.Bxc4 Nxe4
1 1
(Diagram)
a b c d e f g h

11.Bg3 Nd7N
 237

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

21.Re1 Black must now prevent Rxe4! 0-0-0!

21...Bf5 [ 26...Qxh4 leads to mate. 27.Bb5+
[ 21...d5? 22.Bxd5! ( 22.Nxd5 cxd5 Kd8 28.Be5+ Ke7 29.Qd7+ Kf8
23.Qxd5 f5 ) 22...Bf5 23.Bxe4 Bxe4 30.Qg7# ]
24.Nxh5! Bxf2+ 25.Bxf2+- ] 27.Bxe4 Intending Qc4+ and mate.
22.Nd5 cxd5 23.Qxd5 Bg6 [ D o n ' t b l u n d e r 27.Qc4+? Bc5
Strongly threatening ...0-0. 24.Bd3 f5 28.Qxc5+ Nxc5-+ ]
aiming for ...Bc5. 25.Bxd6 -1.40/24 27...Rxd6 28.Bxf5+ Kb8 29.Rxe7
[ 25.Rxe4 -1.02/23 fxe4 26.Bxd6 Rxd5 30.Bxg6 Bxh4
Bxf2+ 27.Kxf2 Qf7+ 28.Qxf7+ Kxf7 a b c d e f g h
29.Bc4+ Kf6 30.Bc5 ]
25...Bxf2+ 8 8

a b c d e f g h 7 7

8 8 6 6

7 7 5 5

6 6 4 4

5 5 3 3

4 4 2 2

3 3 1 1

2 2 a b c d e f g h

1 1
Weighted Error Value: White=0.12 (very
precise) /Black=0.03 (flawless)
a b c d e f g h
½-½
26.Kf1
 238

67 A13 11.Bc5 Bxc5 12.Nxc5 b6 13.Ne4 Bb7

Nguyen,Thai Dai Van 2668 14.d4 Prevents Nge5. 14...Rb8 15.Re1
Vaishali,Rameshbabu 2476 Nf6
Tata Steel Challengers (10.4) 29.01.2025 a b c d e f g h
[Kitty Kat]
8 8

7 7
A13: English Opening: 1...e6 1.c4 e6
2.g3 d5 3.Bg2 d4 4.Nf3 Nc6 5.0-0 6 6
Bc5 5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4
8 8
3 3
7 7
2 2
6 6
1 1
5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4 16.Nc3 Ne7 17.Ne5 Bxg2 18.Kxg2
3 3
a6N
[ 18...c6 19.Qd3 #11 2) ...e6 -...d5
2 2 Setups-1...e6 - 2...d5 ]
1 1
19.Qd3 b5 20.b3 bxc4
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

6.d3 Nf6 7.Nbd2 0-0 8.Nb3 8 8

The position is equal. 8...Be7 9.e3 7 7

dxe3 10.Bxe3 Ng4
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
21.Qxc4 Qd6 22.Rad1 Rfd8 23.Kg1
2 2 Rb4 24.Qe2 h6 0.26/20
1 1
[ 24...Rxd4? 25.Rxd4 Qxd4
26.Rd1+- ]
a b c d e f g h
[ 24...Nf5 -0.15/21 should be
 239

considered. ] a b c d e f g h
25.Qc2 c6
[ 25...Rxd4? 26.Rxd4 Qxd4 8 8

27.Rd1+- ] 7 7

6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
36.Red1 Rcd8 37.Kg2 h5 0.97/22
2 2 [ Better is 37...Ra8! 0.41/21 ]
1 1
38.Nab3 0.37/21
[ White should play 38.Qxa6 0.97/22
a b c d e f g h
Qxa6 39.Nxa6 ]
26.Nc4 Qb8 27.Na4 Nf5 28.Qc3 Nd5 38...Ra8 39.Rc1 Qb6 40.Na5 Nd6
29.Qc1 Rc8 30.Nc5 Qa7 0.41/20 a b c d e f g h
[ 30...Rb5= 0.01/20 deserves
consideration. ] 8 8

7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 41.Qc2 Ndf5 42.Rcd1 Rad8 43.Qc4

2

1 1
0.01/19
[ 43.Nc4 0.57/19 Qa7 44.Qb2 ]
a b c d e f g h
43...Ra8 0.39/20
31.a3 Rbb8 32.b4 Rd8 33.Na5 Rbc8 [ 43...Qa7!= 0.01/19 ]
34.Rd3 Nde7 35.Qc4 Rd5 44.Na4 Qc7 45.Rc1 Rd6
(Diagram) (Diagram)
 240

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

46.Nc5 Qb6 47.h4 Qa7 48.Re1 56.Kg1 Rd8 57.Qd1 Nd6

0x0.0021618a2b75dp-1022s more active [ 57...e5!? ]
pieces. 48...Rd5 49.Re5 Qb6 50.Rd2 58.Re2 Nf5 0.35/19
Qb5 [ 58...Nc4= -0.23/20 ]
a b c d e f g h
59.Red2 Nd6 Prevents Ne4. 60.Rc2
Nf5
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
51.Qc3 Rad8 52.Nab3 R8d6 0.81/20
a b c d e f g h
[ 52...Nd6 0.31/17 ]
53.Rd3 0.42/19 61.Rdd2
[ 53.a4 0.81/20 Qb6 54.Qc4 ] [ Reject 61.Qxh5 Ne3! 62.Qe2 Nxc2
53...Qb6 54.Qd2 Ng6 55.Re4 Qb5 63.Qxc2 Ne7 ]
61...Nd6 A g a i n s t N e 4 62.Na5
(Diagram) Against Nc4. Strongly threatening Nxc6!
62...Nf5 63.Nab3 -0.01/18
[ 63.Ncb3! 0.34/22 ]
 241

63...Nd6!= 64.Qf1 Ra8 65.Na5 Nf5 70...Nxd4? 2.95/25

a b c d e f g h
[ 70...Nf8 1.28/20 was worth a try. ]
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
66.Nab3 Nge7 67.Qd1 Rad8 0.66/20
a b c d e f g h
[ 67...Nd6= 0.26/20 feels stronger. ]
68.Rc3 0.22/18 This move loses the game for Black.
[ 68.Ne4! 0.66/20 might be stronger. ] 71.Nxd4+-
68...Ng6 0.80/19 [ Not 71.Qxh5 Nxb3 72.Rxd5 Rxd5 ]
[ 68...Qb6= 0.22/18 ] 71...Rxd4 72.Rxd4 Rxd4 73.Qxh5
R f 3 i s t h e s t r o n g t h r e a t . 73...Rd2?
a b c d e f g h
13.93/22
[ 73...Rd5 2.89/23 74.Rf3 Rf5
8 8 75.Rxf5 exf5 76.Nxf7 c5 ]
7 7 74.Rf3 Ne5 75.Rxf7 Rd1+
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

69.Ne4! Qb6 1.36/20 2 2

[ 69...Nh6! 0.56/20 ] 1 1
70.Ng5
a b c d e f g h
[ Worse is 70.Qxh5 Nxg3 71.Qg4
Nxe4 72.Qxe4 Ne7 ] 76.Kg2
 242

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.10 (very

precise) /Black=0.10 (very precise)
1-0
 243

68 A14 a b c d e f g h
L'Ami,Erwin 2614
Oro,Faustino 2447 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (10.5) 29.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
A14: English Opening: 1...e6 with b3 by
White 1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4 4
[ 3...a6 4.Bg2 b5 5.b3 Bb7 6.0-0 3 3
Be7 7.Bb2 0-0 8.Nc3 b4 9.Na4 d6
10.d4 Be4 11.a3 a5 12.Ne1 Bxg2 2 2
13.Kxg2 d5 14.Qc2 bxa3 15.Bxa3 1 1
Bxa3 16.Rxa3 Nc6 17.e3 e5
a b c d e f g h
18.dxe5 Espig,L (2429)-Van Wely,L
(2 65 4 ) Deu ts c hl a nd 91 /( 2 5) 20 0 3 6.b3 d4 7.e3 c5 8.exd4 cxd4 9.d3
CI1-130 [RR] ] Nc6 Black has an edge. 10.Re1 Re8
4.Bg2 Be7N a b c d e f g h
[ 4...g6 5.b3 Bg7 6.Bb2 0-0 7.0-0
b6 8.d3 Bb7 9.Qc2 c5 10.Nbd2 8 8

Nc6 11.a3 d4 12.Rfe1 e5 13.e3 7 7

Qd7 14.exd4 exd4 15.Re2 Rfe8
16.Rae1 Rxe2 17.Rxe2 Re8 6 6
18.Rxe8+ Qxe8 19.Kf1 Legendmike 5 5
(2089)-Greecechess22 (2061) lichess.
org 2020 [GM Ioannis Papaioannou] 4 4
½-½ (39) ] 3 3
[ 4...Bd6 5.0-0 0-0 6.b3 d4 7.Bb2
c5 8.e3 e5 9.exd4 cxd4 10.d3 Nc6 2 2
11.Ba3 Re8 12.Bxd6 Qxd6 13.Nbd2 1 1
Bf5 14.Qb1 h6 15.a3 a5 16.Rc1
a b c d e f g h
Nd7 8) Catalan-Catalan Reti 1… e6
Against Everything 2024 ] 11.Ne5 -0.35/19
5.0-0 0-0 [ 11.a3= -0.04/19 ]
11...Nxe5 12.Rxe5 Nd7 13.Re1 Bf8
(Diagram) 0.26/20
[ 13...a5 -0.14/17 ]
14.Nd2 e5 15.Rb1 a5

(Diagram)
 244

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.a3 Rb8 17.b4 axb4 18.axb4 b6 26.Qh5! Qc7 27.Nd2 Bd6 28.Ne4
Against c5 19.Ne4 Nf6 0.56/19 -0.01/19
[ 19...Bb7= 0.18/18 was preferrable. ] [ 28.Nc4! 1.11/20 ]
20.Bg5 Be7 28...Bf8 1.06/21
a b c d e f g h
[ 28...Be7!= -0.01/19 remains equal. ]
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
21.Bxf6 Bxf6 22.c5 Be7 Against Nd6
a b c d e f g h
23.c6 Be6 24.b5 Ra8 25.h4 h6
1.06/19 29.Ra1 0.60/21
[ 25...Ra3 0.59/19 should be [ 29.g4! 1.06/21 ]
considered. ] 29...Red8 30.Qe2 &Bianco is more
active. 30...Ba3 0.89/19
[ 30...Bb4 0.56/18 ]
(Diagram)
(Diagram)
 245

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

31.Nd2 Bb4 32.Reb1 Ra5 1.35/21 Prevents Qc1. 39.Qb4 0.74/22

33.Qd1 0.70/20 [ 39.Qb2! 1.25/23 ]
[ 33.Rxa5 1.35/21 Bxa5 34.Ra1 ] 39...Qc1+ 40.Kh2 And now Ra6 would
33...Bc3 1.47/21 win. 40...Qc2
[ 33...Qe7 0.70/20 ] a b c d e f g h
34.Rxa5 Bxa5 35.Ra1 Bb4
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
41.Qe7!↑ Black is under strong pressure.
a b c d e f g h
41...Rc8 42.Ra7 aiming for Qd6.
36.Ra4 Qe7 37.Qc2 Bxd2 38.Qxd2 42...Qxf2 43.Qd6 Inhibits Bd5. 43...e4
Qc5 44.dxe4 Bc4 (  ...Bf1) 45.e5! Bxb5?
2.88/24
(Diagram) [ Better is 45...Kh7 0.45/22 ]

(Diagram)
 246

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

Black cannot hold the game after this. W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 1 2

46.e6+- Bf1? 7.35/25 (very precise) /Black=0.28 (precise)
[ 46...Bxc6 2.65/20 47.exf7+ Kh8 1-0
48.Qxc6 Rxc6 49.Ra8+ Kh7 ]
47.exf7+ White is clearly winning.
47...Kh7 48.Qd5 Re7 is the strong
threat. 48...Bxg2 49.Qxg2 Qf5 50.Re7
Rf8
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

51.c7 d3 52.Re8 Qxf7 53.Qe4+

(Diagram)
 247

69 E60 (2610) Biel 1991 CBM 025 [Ftacnik,

Divya,Deshmukh 2490 Lubomir] 0-1 (61)) 7.Nf3 d4 8.0-0
Svane,Frederik 2664 Nc6 9.e3 Bg4 10.Qb3 Bxf3 11.Bxf3
Tata Steel Challengers (10.6) 29.01.2025 Qd7 12.Bxc6 bxc6 13.exd4 exd4
[Kitty Kat] 14.Bg5 Be7 15.Qf3 Ng8 16.Re1
0-0-0 17.Bxe7 Nxe7 18.Qxf7 Nf5
Tukmakov,V-Beliavsky,A Vilnius 1978
E60: King's Indian: Unusual lines and CI 1 - 1 3 0 [ Tu k ma k ov, V l a d i mi r ] 1 - 0
Fianchetto Variation without Nc3 (41) ]
Tukmakov,V: 'Inf 26/693' 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 4...Bg7 5.Bg2 Qa5+
g6 3.g3 c5 4.dxc5N a b c d e f g h
[ 4.Nf3 cxd4 ( 4...Nc6 5.Bg2 d6
6.0-0 cxd4 7.Nxd4 Bd7 8.Nc3 Bg7 8 8

9.Nc2 h5 10.h4 0-0 11.Bg5 Ne5 7 7

12.b3 Bc6 13.Qd2 Qd7 14.Rac1
Rfc8 15.Rfd1 Qd8 16.Nb4 Bxg2 6 6
17.Kxg2 Nh7 18.Bh6 Bh8 19.f3 5 5
Grasser,J (2595)-3.Nf3 d6_31964
(2478) Rio de Janeiro 2006 French 4 4
[Nastasio,Davide] ½-½ (51) ) 5.Nxd4 3 3
d5 ( 5...Bg7 6.Bg2 0-0 7.Nc3 Nc6
8.0-0 Nxd4 9.Qxd4 d6 10.Qd3 a6 2 2
11.Bg5 Rb8 12.a4 Be6 13.b3 Qa5 1 1
14.Qd2 Rfd8 15.Rfd1 Ng4 16.Rac1
a b c d e f g h
Qb6 17.Ne4 f6 18.Bf4 Qxb3 19.h3
Ne5 20.Bxe5 Edouard,R (2652)-Short, 6.Nc3 Qxc5 7.Qa4 Ng4 8.Ne4
N ( 2 6 9 8 ) I s t a n b u l 2 0 1 2 CB M 1 5 1 -0.13/20
[Edouard,Romain] ½-½ (59) dxe5 [ 8.Nh3! 0.32/19 ]
21.Qxd8+ Rxd8 22.Rxd8+ Kf7 8...Qc6= 9.Qxc6 dxc6 10.Nf3 Na6
23.Rdd1 Bh6 24.e3 Bc8 25.Nc5
Qb6 26.Nxb7 e4 27.Nd8+ Kg7 (Diagram)
28.c5 Qc7 29.Rc3 f5 30.c6 Bg5
31.h4 Bf6 32.Rc5 e6 33.Nb7 Be7
34.Rcc1 h6 35.Nc5 Campos,J (2653)-
Spens,W (2582) London 2013 MBM:
Réti [Liberzon,Vladimir] 1-0 (59) )
6.Bg2 e5 ( 6...Bg7 7.Nc2 Qa5+ 8.b4
Qc7 9.cxd5 Ng4 10.0-0 Bxa1
11.Nxa1 0-0 12.Nb3 Nd7 13.Qd4
Ngf6 14.Bb2 Qb6 15.Qc3 e5
16.dxe6 fxe6 17.N1d2 e5 18.Nc4
Qe6 19.Nc5 Qe7 20.Rd1 Nxc5
21.Nxe5 Adams,M (2615)-Shirov,A
 248

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

11.Rb1 Bf5 12.Nh4 Bxe4 13.Bxe4 21.b4 Rhd8 22.Kg2 Kb8 0.68/19
0-0-0 14.0-0 Nc5 15.Bc2 Ne6 [ 22...Bf6= 0.30/19
a b c d e f g h
is more appropriate. ]
23.c5 Nc7 24.Bf4 Kc8 25.Bb3
8 8 A strong pair of Bishops. 25...e6
7 7 a b c d e f g h

6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3

a b c d e f g h 2 2
16.Nf3 Ne5 17.Nxe5 Bxe5 18.Be3 1 1
-0.01/20
a b c d e f g h
[ 18.b4 0.43/17 ]
18...Bd4 19.Bc1 h5 20.h4 26.Bc4 Bf6 27.Rfc1 Nd5 28.Bxd5
[ 20.Rd1 seems wilder. h4 21.b4 Kc7 0.27/23
22.b5 ] [ 28.Bh6 0.68/19 should be
20...Rd7 considered. ]
28...Rxd5= 29.a4 Be5 30.Bxe5
(Diagram) -0.36/20
[ 30.Be3= 0.06/21 deserves
consideration. ]
 249

30...Rxe5 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
41.Kxg4 R7d2 42.Raa2 -1.49/27
E n d g a m e K R R - K R R 31.Rb2 Red5 [ 42.Rxd2 -0.90/22 Rxd2 43.f4 ]
32.Rcc2 Kc7 33.Kf3 -0.37/21 42...Rg1+ 43.Kf4 -1.76/23
[ 33.b5= -0.05/20 ] [ 43.Kh3 -1.39/27 was called for.
33...Rd1 34.b5 R8d7 35.b6+ Kb8! Rxc2 44.Rxc2 ]
a b c d e f g h
43...Rxc2 -1.33/25
[ 43...e5+-+ -1.76/23 44.Kxe5 Rg4 ]
8 8 44.Rxc2-+ KR-KR 44...Ra1 45.f3 Rxa5
7 7 a b c d e f g h

6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3

a b c d e f g h 2 2
36.a5 a6 37.Ra2 -0.62/20 1 1
[ 37.g4= -0.27/20 ]
a b c d e f g h
37...Kc8 38.e3 -1.03/22
[ 38.Kf4 -0.58/20 is superior. ] 46.e4 Rb5 47.Ke5 Rb4 48.Rc1
38...Kd8 39.Ra4 Ke7 40.g4 hxg4+ -2.30/25
[ 48.Rc3 -1.78/23 ]
(Diagram) 48...a5 49.Kf4 a4 50.Kg5 a3
(Diagram)
 250

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

51.Ra1 Ra4 Threatens to win with ...a2. 56.Rg1+ Kf8? -0.01/22

52.e5? -5.03/27 [ 56...Kh7-+ -4.20/30 57.Ra1 Kg7
[ 52.Ra2 -2.80/25 ] 58.Rg1+ Kf8 ]

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

52...a2 53.f4 Kf8 54.h5 gxh5 55.Kxh5 57.Ra1= Ke7 58.Kg5 Ra3 59.Kh5 f6
Kg7 60.Kg6 Rg3+

(Diagram) (Diagram)
 251

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

61.Kh5 Ra3? 0.01/26 Weighted Error Value: White=0.18 (very

[ Black should play 61...Rg2-+ -7.18/30 precise) /Black=0.26 (precise)
62.Kh4 Kf7 ] 0-1
62.Kg6! Rg3+? 0.01/31
[ 62...fxe5-+ -2.77/35 63.fxe5 Rg3+
64.Kh6 Rg2 ]
63.Kh5 Rg2 Black is clearly winning.
64.Kh4 Kf7 65.Kh3 Rb2
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

66.Kg4 Kg6 67.f5+ exf5+ 68.Kf4

Rb4+

(Diagram)
 252

70 C65 a b c d e f g h
Pijpers,Arthur 2474
Bulmaga,Irina 2386 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (10.7) 29.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
C65: Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defence (3...Nf6),
unusual lines and 4 0-0 Bc5 1.e4 e5 4 4
2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.d3 Bc5 3 3
5.Nbd2 0-0
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
11.Rg1 b6N
6 6 [ 11...Qd6 12.Qd2 a5 13.Nh4 Ne6
5 5
14.Nf5 Qb4 15.c3 Qb5 16.0-0-0 c5
17.f4 exf4 18.Bxf4 a4 19.a3 Qc6
4 4 20.Be5 Ra6 21.Rdf1 Qd7 22.Nh6+
3 3
gxh6 23.Qxh6 f6 24.Bxf6 Qxd3
25.Rf5 Qxe4 26.Rgf1 S,L (2611)-
2 2 A n t o n G u i j a r r o , D ( 2 6 7 4 ) K h a n t y-
1 1
Mansiysk (m/3-rapid) 142/116 2019
Chess Informant 142 [Abramovic,
a b c d e f g h
Bosko] ½-½ (55) Qd3 27.Rg5+ Kf7
6.Bxc6 dxc6 7.Nc4 Nd7 8.Ne3 28.Qh5+ Kf8 29.Bg7+ Ke7 30.Qf7+
The position is equal. 8...Re8 9.g4 Kd6 31.Rd1 Qxd1+ 32.Kxd1 Nxg5
Bxe3 10.Bxe3 Nf8 33.Qxe8 Bxg4+ 34.Kc1 Ne6 35.Bf6
c4 36.Be7+ Ke5 37.Qb5+ Kf4
(Diagram) 38.Qxc4+ Kf5 39.Qd3+ Kf4 40.Qg3+
Kf5 41.Qd3+ Chapter C50-Games
Game 8 (55) ]
12.Qd2 a5 13.0-0-0 c5 14.g5 Qd6
0.43/20
[ 14...Bh3= 0.01/20 ]
15.Qc3 a4

(Diagram)
 253

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.h4 Bb7 17.h5 Qe6 18.h6 g6 This costs Black the game. 26.Bxc5!+-
1.33/21 Nxc5
[ 18...Ng6! 0.55/19 ] [ 26...a3? 27.Qxb4 Nxc5 28.Nf6+
19.Kb1 Nd7 1.43/22 Kf8 29.Qxc5+ Qd6 30.Qc3+- ]
[ 19...c4 1.06/19 ] 27.Qxb4 Qb6 6.35/20
20.Nh2 Qc6 [ 27...Nd7 2.89/21 28.Qxb7 a3 ]
a b c d e f g h
28.Nf6+ White is clearly winning.
28...Kh8 29.Qc3 Qa5 7.25/22
8 8 [ 29...Ne6 4.28/23 30.Nxe8+ Kg8
7 7 31.Nf6+ Kh8 32.Nd5+ Qd4
33.Qxd4+ Nxd4 34.Nxc7 Rc8 ]
6 6 30.Qxa5 Rxa5
5 5 a b c d e f g h

4 4 8 8

3 3 7 7

2 2 6 6

1 1 5 5

a b c d e f g h 4 4
21.Ng4 b5 22.f4 b4 23.Qd2 3 3
0x0.0021618a2b75dp-1022s more active
pieces. 23...exf4 24.Bxf4 Qb6 25.Be3 2 2
Qe6? 3.04/18 1 1
[ 25...Qa5 1.44/19 keeps fighting.
a b c d e f g h
26.Rdf1 Re7 ]
31.Nxe8 Ne6 32.Rdf1 Nxg5 33.Nxc7
 254

Kg8 34.c4 Re5 35.Nb5 Bc6 a b c d e f g h

a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
Weighted Error Value: White=0.08
36.Nd6 Re6 37.Rxg5 Rxd6 38.Kc2 f6 (flawless) /Black=0.34
a b c d e f g h
1-0
8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

39.e5!

(Diagram)
 255

71 C11 16.gxf5 Nxf5 17.Rg5 Rf7 18.Rdg1

Bulmaga,Irina 2386 Be8 19.Kb1 Rfc7 20.Nxd5 Qxd5
Divya,Deshmukh 2490 21.Qxd5 exd5 22.Rxf5
Tata Steel Challengers (11.1) 31.01.2025 1-0 Blackstock,L-Thompson,J
[Kitty Kat] Southend ENG 1972;
B) 7...Nxc5 8.b4 d4 9.Nce2 d3
10.Ng3 Qd4 11.c3 Qxc3+ 12.Bd2
C11: French: Classical System: 4 e5 and Qb2 13.bxc5 Bxc5 14.Ne4 Bxg1
4 Bg5 dxe4 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 15.Nd6+ Ke7 16.Rxg1 Qd4
Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 17.Rh1 f6 18.Nb5 Qe4+ 19.Kf2
a b c d e f g h
Rd8 20.Qg4 Kf7 21.Qh5+ Kg8
0-1 Bauche,T (1978)-Philippe,C
8 8 (2384) Metz op 31th 2013 (1) ]
7 7 7...Nxc5 8.Nf3 Be7 The position is
equal. 9.Be3 0-0 10.Be2 b6
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
6.dxc5 Nc6 7.Bd2N
[ 7.Nf3 Bxc5 8.Bd3 a6 9.Qe2 Qc7 2 2
10.Bd2 b5 11.a3 Rb8 12.Nd1 Nb6 1 1
13.b4 Be7 14.0-0 Nc4 Cudina,I olm2
a b c d e f g h
qual GP2 B2 corr ICCF corr 1948 ]
[ 7.a3 11.0-0 Bb7 12.a3 f6 13.Nb5 fxe5
A) 7...Bxc5 8.Qg4 0-0 9.Bd3 f5 14.fxe5 -0.53/22
( 9...Qe7 10.Nf3 f6 11.Qh4 h6 [ 14.Nxe5= 0.11/22 Bf6 15.Nxc6
12.exf6 Nxf6 13.Bd2 e5 14.fxe5 Bxc6 16.Nd4 ]
Nxe5 15.0-0-0 Nxd3+ 16.cxd3 14...Qb8! 15.b4 Ne4
Be3 17.Rhe1 Bxd2+ 18.Rxd2
Qd6 19.Rde2 Bd7 20.Qd4 a6 (Diagram)
21.Re5 Rac8 22.Kb1 Qc6
23.Rxd5 Nxd5 24.Nxd5
1-0 Varga,C-Bridgwater,W 46/443
Belgrad 1988 (1)) 10.Qh3 Ne7
11.g4 Bxg1 12.Rxg1 Nc5 13.Bd2
Nxd3+ 14.Qxd3 Bd7 15.0-0-0 Rc8
 256

a b c d e f g h
game.
[ 20.Nb2 -1.49/22 ]
8 8 20...Rab8
7 7 a b c d e f g h

6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3

a b c d e f g h 2 2
16.Bd4 -1.87/21 1 1
[ 16.Bd3! -0.62/21 ]
a b c d e f g h
16...a6-+ 17.Nc3 -2.07/22
[ 17.Nd6 -1.55/23 Nxd4 18.Nxd4 21.a4 bxa4 -2.02/22
Nxd6 19.Rxf8+ Bxf8 20.exd6 Qxd6 [ 21...Qxc2 22.Bd3 Qc6 23.axb5
21.Bg4 ] axb5 24.Nd7 Qxd7 25.Bxe4 ]
17...Qc7 ...Nxd4 is the strong threat. [ 21...Rf4 -3.94/22 22.Qe3 Rbf8
[ 17...Nxd4 18.Qxd4 Qc7 19.Nxe4 23.axb5 axb5 ( 23...Qxc2? loses.
dxe4 20.Nd2 ] 24.bxa6 Qc3 25.Qxc3+-; 23...Bxb4?
18.Na4 Nxd4 19.Qxd4 24.Na4-+ ) 24.Bxb5 d4 ( 24...Qxc2
a b c d e f g h
25.Rac1=; 24...Bxb4 25.Nd7 )]
22.Rxa4? -5.08/23
8 8 [ 22.Nxa4 -2.02/22 was the crucial
7 7 defense. Bc6 ( 22...Qxc2 23.Bd3 )
23.Nc5 Nxc5 24.bxc5 ]
6 6 22...Bd8 23.c4 Qxb6 24.c5 Qc6
5 5
25.Raa1

4 4 (Diagram)
3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

b5 Black is more active.

[ 19...Qxc2 20.Bd1 Qc7 21.Bb3= ]
20.Nb6 -3.55/22 This costs White the
 257

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

a5! 31.Qb3 Rf8 32.Rb1 Ba8 Strongly

a b c d e f g h
threatening ...e3. 33.Bb5 Qd5 34.Bc4
Qxe5 35.Bxe6+ Kh8
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
26.Nd2
a b c d e f g h
[ 26.bxa5 Be7 ]
26...Rxf1+ 27.Rxf1 Be7 And now ... (  ...e3) 36.Qh3 e3
axb4 would win. 28.Nxe4 dxe4 29.Kh1
axb4 30.Qxb4 Bxc5 (Diagram)

(Diagram)
 258

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 8 7 /
Black=0.29 (precise)
0-1
 259

72 A15 17.Bxb7 Rc7 18.Bd5 Bc6 19.Ne3

Bok,Benjamin 2583 Bg5 20.f4 exf4 21.gxf4 ½-½ Flores,
Pijpers,Arthur 2474 D (2533)-Paravyan,D (2612)
Tata Steel Challengers (11.2) 31.01.2025 Aimchess Rapid Div 2 W Chess.com
[Kitty Kat] INT 2023 (1.4) ]
7.h4 h6 0.48/20
[ 7...Bg7= -0.01/18 ]
A34: Symmetrical English: 2 Nc3, lines 8.Nxd5 Qxd5 9.d3 White has an
with ...d5 1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.g3 d5 edge. 9...Bg7 10.Be3! Dodges b6
4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Bg2 Nc6 10...Bd4 0.68/20
a b c d e f g h
[ 10...c4= 0.26/20 ]
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
6.Nc3 g6N
a b c d e f g h
[ 6...Nxc3 7.bxc3 e5 8.0-0 Be7 9.d3
0-0 10.Rb1 Qc7 ( 10...Rb8 11.Ne1 11.Qd2 Bxe3 12.Qxe3 Nd4! 13.Rc1
Be6 12.Qa4 Qd7 13.f4 b5 14.Qe4 Dodges Nc2+. And now 0-0 would win.
Na5 15.f5 Bxa2 16.Rb2 Bb3 [ 13.Kd2 looks sharper. Be6 14.b4
17.Qxe5 Bf6 18.Qxc5 Rbc8 19.Qa3 Rd8 15.Nxd4 cxd4 16.Qe4 ]
Bxc3 20.Rxb3 Nxb3 21.Qxb3 Bd4+ 13...Bg4 14.0-0 Bxf3 15.exf3 -0.26/23
22.e3 Rxc1 23.exd4 Qxd4+ 24.Kh1 [ 15.Bxf3 0.11/24 is more appropriate.
Qe3 25.Qb4 0-1 Bluemich,M-Richter, Nxf3+ 16.exf3 ]
K DSB-26 Meisterschaft von 15...Qd6=
Deutschland-24 Duisburg 1929 (13))
11.Nd2 ( 11.Be3 Be6 12.Qa4 b6 (Diagram)
13.Nd2 Rac8 14.f4 exf4 15.Bxf4
Qd7 16.Nc4 Rfd8 17.Bxc6 Qxc6
18.Qxa7 Bxc4 19.dxc4 Qe4
20.Qxb6 Bf6 N,N-N,N 4.g3) 11...Be6
12.Qa4 Rac8 13.Nc4 b6 14.Qb5
Bd7 15.Qa6 Nb8 16.Qb7 Qxb7
 260

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.f4 Rb8 17.Rc4 a5 18.a3 -0.71/22 26.bxa3 Rxd3 27.Bxa4

[ 18.Re1= -0.23/22 ] a b c d e f g h
18...b5 19.Rc3 a4
[ 19...Kd7 is more complex. 20.Rfc1 8 8

Rhc8 21.Bf3 h5 ] 7 7
20.Re1 Rd8 0.01/22
[ Better is 20...e6 -0.58/21 ] 6 6

5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4
8 8
3 3
7 7
2 2
6 6
1 1
5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4 Black must now prevent Ke2. 27...Nd2+!
3 3
28.Ke2! Rxa3 29.Kxd2 Rxa4
30.Rcxc5 Ra7
2 2

1 1
(Diagram)
a b c d e f g h

21.Kf1= Kf8 0.55/22

[ 21...b4= -0.01/20 22.Rc4 e6 ]
22.Qe5 Qxe5 23.Rxe5 Nb3 24.Bc6
b4 The position is equal. 25.Rc2 bxa3!
(Diagram)
 261

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.08

(flawless) /Black=0.15 (very precise)
½-½
 262

73 C54 10.Qxd2 0-0

Lu,Miaoyi 2429 a b c d e f g h
L'Ami,Erwin 2614
Tata Steel Challengers (11.3) 31.01.2025 8 8

[Kitty Kat] 7 7

6 6
C54: Giuoco Piano: 4 c3 Nf6, main lines 5 5
with 5 d4 and 5 d3 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6
3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d4 4 4
[ 5.0-0 d6 6.d4 Bb6 7.h3 0-0 8.a4 3 3
h6 9.d5 Na5 10.Bd3 c6 11.c4 c5
12.Nc3 a6 13.Nh2 Bc7 14.f4 b6 2 2
15.f5 Bd7 16.g4 Nh7 17.Nf3 b5 1 1
18.b3 bxc4 19.Bxc4 Nxc4
a b c d e f g h
0-1 Willy,S (2159)-Estrada Nieto,J
(2241) Charlotte CCCSA Fall IM-D 11.d5 Ne7 12.d6 cxd6 13.Ng5 d5!
2022 (6) ] 14.Qd3 The position is equal. 14...g6
5...exd4 15.Bxd5 d6
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

6.cxd4 Bb4+ 7.Nbd2N 16.Ne4 Kg7 0.85/20 Inhibits Nf6.

[ 7.Nc3 d6 8.d5 Ne5 9.Qa4+ c6 [ 16...Nxd5= 0.00/21 17.Qxd5 Bf5 ]
10.Qxb4 b5 11.Nxe5 dxe5 12.Be2 17.Rfd1 0.42/22
Bb7 13.Be3 a5 14.Qb3 0-0 15.Rd1 [ 17.Qc3+ 0.85/20 f6 18.Rad1 ]
Qc8 16.d6 Rd8 17.0-0 Qb8 18.f4 17...Qb6 18.Qc3+ f6 19.a4 0.11/22
Rxd6 19.Rxd6 Qxd6 20.Rd1 Qc7 [ 19.Rd4 0.49/21 ]
21.fxe5 Qxe5 1-0 Hijl,V-Vereschildt,S 19...Bf5!= Strongly threatening ...Nxd5.
NED-ch U18 Nijmegen 1992 ] 20.a5⇆ White is fighting back 20...Nxd5
7...Nxe4 8.0-0 Nxd2 9.Bxd2 Bxd2 (Diagram)
 263

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

R e m o v e D e f e n d e r 21.Rxd5 Qc6 28.h5! Qe7

22.Qd4 Bxe4 23.Qxe4 Rfe8 24.Qd4 [ 28...Rd7 29.Re3 ]
Re6 25.h4 a6 0.07/23 29.Rd3
[ 25...Rae8 -0.30/23 might be [ 29.Rh3 keeps more tension. Re1+
stronger. ] 30.Kh2 Qe4 31.hxg6 hxg6 32.Qd2 ]
29...Re4 30.Qb6 -0.48/22
a b c d e f g h
[ 30.Qc3= -0.01/23 ]
30...Re1+
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
26.Ra3 Rd8 27.Rc3 Qe8
a b c d e f g h

(Diagram) 31.Kh2 Re5 32.g3 Re6 33.Rd1 Rd7

34.R1d2 g5 0.01/23
[ 34...Re5 -0.44/23 ]
35.Qd4 Kh6
(Diagram)
 264

a b c d e f g h
41...Rh1 Back Rank ]
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
36.Qg4! Re4 37.Qd1
a b c d e f g h
[ 37.Qf3 with more complications. Qe6
38.Qd1 Re1 39.Qf3 ] 41.Qd1
37...Re1 38.Qf3 Kg7 39.Qg4 Qe6 [ 41.g4 seems wilder. Re1 42.Kg3
40.Qa4 -1.31/25 Kf8 43.Kf3 ]
[ 40.Qxe6!= -0.01/24 remains equal. 41...Qf5 42.f3 -0.39/24
Rxe6 41.Kh3 ] [ 42.g4= 0.01/24 Qf4+ 43.Kg2 ]
42...Rde7 43.b4 Qc8 44.Rxe5 dxe5=
a b c d e f g h
Endgame. KQR-KQR 45.Rd8! Qe6
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
40...Re5 0.01/24
[ 40...Re7! -1.31/25 (  ...Rh1+!) 46.Qd3 e4 47.fxe4 Qxe4 48.Qxe4
41.Kg2 ( 41.Rxd6? Rh1+ Skewer Rxe4 KR-KR 49.Rd7+? -2.37/24
42.Kg2 Qh3+ 43.Kf3 Rhe1 44.h6+ [ 49.Kh3 -0.77/26 was forced. ]
Decoy Kxh6 45.Rxf6+ Kh5-+ ) 49...Kh6-+ 50.Rxb7 Kxh5
 265

a b c d e f g h
...f3! is the strong threat.
[ And not 57...Rxb4 58.Rd3+ Kg2
8 8 59.Rd5= ]
7 7 58.Rd2 Rb1+ 59.Ke2 f3+ 60.Ke3
Rb3+ -10.45/25
6 6 [ 60...Re1+ -22.14/21 61.Kd4 f2
5 5
62.Rxf2 Kxf2 63.b5 Ra1 64.Kd5
Rxa5 65.Kc6 Rxb5 66.Kxb5 Ke3
4 4 67.Kc4 g4 68.Kd5 g3 69.Kd6 g2
3 3
70.Ke6 Ke4 ( 70...g1R leads to mate.
71.Kf5 Rd1 72.Ke5 Kf3 73.Kf5 Re1
2 2 74.Kg5 Re5+ 75.Kf6 Kf4 76.Kg6
1 1
Rf5 77.Kh6 Rg5 78.Kh7 Rg1
79.Kh6 Kf5 80.Kh7 Kf6 81.Kh8 Kf7
a b c d e f g h
82.Kh7 Rh1# ) 71.Ke7 g1Q
51.Rxh7+? -5.08/31 ( 71...g1R is a self mate. 72.Ke6 Rd1
[ 51.Kh3 -1.59/28 was the crucial 73.Kf6 Rd6+ 74.Ke7 Ke5 75.Kf7
defense. ] Re6 76.Kg7 Rf6 77.Kg8 Kf5 78.Kg7
51...Kg4 52.Rh6 f5 ...Re2+ would now Ke6 79.Kg8 Rg6+ 80.Kh8 Kf7
be deadly. 81.Kh7 Rf6 82.Kh8 Rh6# ) 72.Kf6
[ 52...Rxb4 53.Rxf6 Rb2+ 54.Kg1= ] Qd4+ 73.Kf7 Ke5 74.Kg6 Qa7
53.Rxa6 -12.84/22 75.Kh5 Qg1 76.Kh6 Kf6 77.Kh7
[ 53.Kg2 -5.17/26 Rxb4 54.Rb6 ] Qg7# ]
53...Re2+ Deflection
[ 53...Rxb4 54.Rb6 Ra4 55.Rb2= ] a b c d e f g h
54.Kg1 L o s e s t h e g a m e . 54...Kxg3
55.Kf1 Wards off Re1+ 55...Rf2+ 8 8

a b c d e f g h 7 7

8 8 6 6

7 7 5 5

6 6 4 4

5 5 3 3

4 4 2 2

3 3 1 1

2 2 a b c d e f g h

1
61.Kd4 Rxb4+ 62.Kc5 Ra4 63.Kb5
1
Ra1 64.a6 f2 Black mates. 65.Rd3+
a b c d e f g h
Kg2
56.Ke1 Rb2 Hoping for ...f4! 57.Rd6 f4 (Diagram)
 266

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

66.Rd2 Kg1
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 3 9 /
Black=0.20 (precise)
0-1
 267

74 C55 6.0-0 d6 7.a4N

Svane,Frederik 2664 [ 7.a3 Bg4 8.h3 Bxf3 9.Qxf3 Nd4
Nguyen,Thai Dai Van 2668 10.Qd1 c6 11.f4 exf4 12.Rxf4 d5
Tata Steel Challengers (11.4) 31.01.2025 13.exd5 cxd5 14.Ba2 Bc5 15.Kh1
[Kitty Kat] Re8 16.Rf1 Ne6 17.g4 d4 18.Na4
Be7 19.g5 Nd7 20.Rxf7 Bd6 21.Rf5
Qc7 ½-½ Edighoffer,H-Melton,R
C55: Two Knights: 4 d3, 4 d4 exd4 5 e5 APCT King ch-1 corr 1996 ]
and Max Lange Attack 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 7...Na5 8.Ba2 Nc6 9.Ne2 White is
Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 Be7 slightly better. 9...Bg4 10.Be3 0.06/18
[ 4...d5 5.exd5 Nxd5 6.0-0 Nb6 [ 10.c3 0.43/20 might be stronger. ]
( 6...Be7 7.Re1 f6 8.d4 Nb6 9.Bb5 10...d5=
0-0 10.dxe5 Qxd1 11.Rxd1 Nxe5 a b c d e f g h
12.Nxe5 fxe5 13.Nc3 Bg4 14.Re1
Bh4 15.Be3 Bf5 16.Na4 Bxc2 8 8

17.Nxb6 cxb6 18.Bc4+ Kh8 19.Bd5 7 7

Bd3 20.Bxb7 Rab8 21.Bd5
0-1 3.c3 g7 4. g5_30545 (2123)- 6 6
Hauge ,L ( 2379 ) Cap pell e op 25t h 5 5
Cappelle la Grande 2009 (3)) 7.Bb5
Bd6 8.d4 e4 9.Re1 f5 10.Bg5 Qd7 4 4
11.c4 0-0 12.c5 exf3 13.cxb6 Qf7 3 3
14.Bxc6 bxc6 15.Qxf3 axb6 16.Nc3
f4 17.Qxc6 Bd7 18.Qd5 Qxd5 2 2
19.Nxd5 1-0 Rojas Keim,L (2680)- 1 1
Vasquez Bonifacio,L (2738) Metz op
a b c d e f g h
28th 2010 (5.5) ]
5.Nc3 0-0 11.Ng3 Be6 12.Ng5 Bg4 13.Nf3 Be6
a b c d e f g h
14.Qe2 dxe4 15.dxe4 Bxa2
8 8 (Diagram)
7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h
 268

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.Rxa2 Qc8 17.Raa1 Re8 18.c3 h6 26.Qa1 -0.29/22

19.a5 a6 20.b4 Qe6 [ 26.Ne1! 0.43/21 ]
a b c d e f g h
26...bxa5 27.Qxa5
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
21.Rfc1 Bf8 22.h3 Nb8 23.Rab1
Nbd7 24.c4 -0.01/22 c5! 28.bxc5
[ 24.Ne1 0.35/19 ] [ 28.Bxc5 Bxc5 29.bxc5 Rxb1
24...b6 25.Qa2 Reb8 0.43/21 30.Rxb1 Qxc4-+ ]
[ 25...c5= -0.04/20 ] 28...Rc8 29.Qc3 Nxc5 30.Qxe5 Qxe5
0.02/18
[ 30...Nfd7! -0.37/21 31.Qd5 a5 ]
(Diagram)

(Diagram)
 269

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

31.Nxe5 Bd6 0.51/23 Decoy 36.Rxb2 And now Bxc5 would

[ 31...a5= -0.03/20 ] win. 36...Nd3 Excellent horsemanship.
37.Rbc2 Nxc1 38.Rxc1 e5 is the
a b c d e f g h
strong threat. 38...Nxe4 Endgame. KRB-
KRN 39.c5 Ng3 1.04/22
8 8 [ Black should play 39...a5! 0.34/21 ]
7 7 40.Kf2 Nf5
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

32.Nf5! Bxe5 2 2
[ 32...Bf8 33.f3 ] 1 1
33.Ne7+! Kh7 34.Nxc8 Rxc8 35.f4↑
a b c d e f g h
White fights for an advantage. 35...Bb2
41.Kf3 a5 42.Ke4 Nxe3 3.06/21
(Diagram) This move loses the game for Black.
[ 42...Kg6 0.76/20 43.Bg1 Re8+
44.Kd5 Re2 ]
43.Kxe3 KR-KR 43...a4 44.Kd4
Hoping for c6. 44...a3 3.32/23
 270

[ 44...Kg6 2.26/20 45.Ke5 a3 ] 54...f4 55.Ke6 20.55/27

45.Ra1+- Ra8 [ Not 55.Rxa3+ Kxg2 56.Ke6 f3= ]
a b c d e f g h
[ 55.Kd6 #19/26 f3 56.gxf3
( 56.Rxa3 Kxg2 57.Ke5 f2= )
8 8 56...Kxf3 57.Ke5 ( 57.Rxa3+ Kf4
7 7 58.Ke6 h5 59.Ra4+ Kg3 60.Kf5
Kxh3 61.Kxg5 Kg3 62.Ra3+ Kf2 )
6 6 57...h5 58.Rxa3+ Ke2 59.Kf5 g4
5 5
60.hxg4 ]
55...h5
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
8 8
2 2
7 7
1 1
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
46.Ra2 Kg6 5.81/24
[ 46...g5 4.10/21 was worth a try. 4 4
47.c6 gxf4 ] 3 3
47.c6 Kf5 48.Kc5 Kxf4 49.c7 Kg3
50.Kb6 g5 2 2

a b c d e f g h 1 1

8 8 a b c d e f g h

7 7 56.Kf5
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

51.Kb7 Re8 52.c8Q Rxc8 53.Kxc8 2 2

[ 53.Rxa3+ Kxg2 54.Kxc8 f5= ] 1 1
53...f5 54.Kd7 Threatening mate with
a b c d e f g h
Ke6!
[ Weaker is 54.Rxa3+ Kxg2 55.Kd8 Weighted Error Value: White=0.10 (very
f4= ]
 271

precise) /Black=0.51
1-0
 272

75 E46 11.Qc2 Bxc3 12.bxc3 -0.79/22

Oro,Faustino 2447 [ 12.Bxc3= 0.24/20 remains equal. e4
Yakubboev,Nodirbek 2659 13.Ne5 ]
Tata Steel Challengers (11.5) 31.01.2025 12...e4! 13.Ne1 -1.15/22
[Kitty Kat] [ 13.Ng5 -0.70/21 ]

a b c d e f g h
E51: Nimzo-Indian: Rubinstein: 4...0-0 5
Nf3 d5 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 8 8

4.e3 0-0 5.Bd2 d5 7 7

a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 13...b5!
2 14.Be2 Nb6 15.a4N
1 1
White is weak on the light squares
[ 15.Qb2 Be6 16.c4 Nxc4 17.Bxc4
a b c d e f g h
Bxc4 18.Bb4 Qe6 19.Bxf8 Rxf8
6.Nf3 Nbd7 7.Rc1 c6 8.Be2 Qe7 20.Nc2 Bxf1 21.Rxf1 a5 22.Na1 a4
9.0-0 White is slightly better. 9...dxc4 23.Nc2 Nd5 24.Rc1 Qd6 25.a3 Nb6
10.Bxc4 e5 26.Qc3 Nc4 27.Re1 h5 28.f3 Re8
a b c d e f g h
29.f4 h4 0-1 Sorensen,H (2442)-
Urke dal ,F ( 253 6) Rilt on Cup 50t h
8 8 S t o c k h o l m 2 0 2 2 ( 7 ) 30.Kf2 Qe6
7 7 31.Rg1 Qg4 32.Qa1 Re6 33.Qd1
Qf5 34.g4 hxg3+ 35.Rxg3 Rh6
6 6 36.Kg1 Rg6 37.Kg2 Nb2 38.Qb1
5 5
Nc4 39.Qd1 Qe6 40.h3 Rxg3+
41.Kxg3 Nd6 42.Nb4 Nf5+ 43.Kf2
4 4 Qf6 44.Qg4 g6 0-1 Piceu,T (2442)-7.
3 3
g2 c6 8.h3 c7 (2536) Mutxamel
5th 2023 (7) 45.Qg5 Qd6 46.Ke2
2 2 Kg7 47.Qg1 c5 48.dxc5 Qxc5
1 1
49.Kd2 Kg8 50.Nc2 Nd6 51.Qa1
Nc4+ 52.Ke2 Qh5+ 53.Ke1 Qxh3
a b c d e f g h
54.Qd4 Qh1+ 55.Ke2 Qg2+ 56.Kd1
 273

Qf1+ 57.Ne1 Qf2 58.Nc2 Kh7 The white rooks are passive.
0-1 Piceu,T (2442)-7. g2  c6 8.h3 [ 17...bxa4 18.fxe4 Bxe4 19.c4 ]
c7_7173 (2536) Mutxamel 5th 2023 18.c4 a6 19.Qb3 -1.53/20
(7) ] [ 19.d5 -1.08/18 ]
15...Bg4↑ 19...Qd7 -0.73/19
[ 15...bxa4?! 16.c4= ] [ 19...Rfb8 -1.53/20 And now ...Nb6
w o u l d w i n . 20.Bb4 bxc4 ( 20...c5
a b c d e f g h
21.fxe4 cxb4 22.Rxf5 ) 21.Qxa4
( 21.Rxc4 c5= ) 21...Qxb4
8 8 ( 21...Rxb4? 22.Qxc6 Rc8
7 7 23.Qxa6 ) 22.Qxb4 Rxb4 23.Rxc4
Rxc4 24.Bxc4 Nd5 ]
6 6 20.Nc2 -1.75/20
5 5
[ 20.fxe4 -0.73/19 Bxe4 ( 20...Nxe4
21.Nf3 ) 21.Nd3 ]
4 4 20...Nb6-+
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 8 8

1 1 7 7

a b c d e f g h 6 6
Black has strong initiative. 16.f3 5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4
8 8
3 3
7 7
2 2
6 6
1 1
5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4 21.cxb5 -2.42/20
3 3
[ 21.Na3 -1.70/19 was worth a try. ]
21...cxb5 aiming for ...Be6.
2 2 [ 21...axb5 22.Nb4 ]
1 1
22.d5 Nbxd5
[ But not 22...Qxd5 23.Qxd5 Nfxd5
a b c d e f g h
( 23...Nbxd5? 24.Nd4 ) 24.Nd4 exf3
Bf5 17.Qd1 -1.27/19 25.Bxf3 ]
[ Better is 17.axb5 -0.77/20 exf3 23.Nd4 exf3 24.gxf3
18.Bd3 Bxd3 19.Qxd3 cxb5
20.gxf3 ] (Diagram)
17...Nxa4 Black is much more active.
 274

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

Nf4! ...Nxe2+ is the strong threat. 31.Nd4 -2.02/22

Deflection 25.Rfd1 [ 31.Rxc8+ -1.50/24 Rxc8 32.Nd4 ]
[ 25.Rfe1 Nxe2+ ] 31...Rxc1 32.Rxc1 Bc4 33.Nf5 Nh5
25...Be6 34.Ra1 a5 35.Ne7+ Kf8
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

26.Qb2 Nxe2+ 27.Nxe2 Qd5 28.e4 36.Nc6 a4 37.Kf2 Rc8 38.Nb4 Rd8
Qb3 29.Bc3 Qxb2 30.Bxb2 Rfc8 39.Ke3 Repels Rd2 39...f6 40.f4 g6

(Diagram) (Diagram)
 275

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

41.Rg1 Kf7 42.h4 Ng7 43.Bc3 Ne6 a2!

44.h5 g5 45.fxg5 fxg5 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 3 2 /
46.Be5 a3 47.Ra1 Black=0.10 (very precise)
0-1
(Diagram)
 276

76 B74 a b c d e f g h
Vaishali,Rameshbabu 2476
Suleymanli,Aydin 2623 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (11.6) 31.01.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
B74: Sicilian Dragon: Classical System
with 9 Nb3 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 4 4
[ 3.c3 d6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Bd3 g6 6.0-0 3 3
Bg7 7.h3 0-0 8.d5 Nb8 9.Re1 Na6
10.Bf4 Nc7 11.Bf1 b5 12.a4 bxa4 2 2
13.Rxa4 a5 14.Bh2 Bd7 15.Ra3 a4 1 1
16.Nbd2 Rb8 17.Nc4 Bb5
a b c d e f g h
1-0 5 - Mainline 6... h5 - Sideli
(2540)-Scarella,E (2425) YUG-ch Novi 6.Be3 Nf6 7.Be2 d6 8.0-0 0-0 9.Nb3
Sad 1985 (13) ] b6 10.f4 Bb7
3...g6 4.d4N a b c d e f g h
[ 4.g3 Bg7 5.Bg2 d6 6.d3 e6 7.0-0
Nge7 8.Re1 0-0 9.Bg5 h6 10.Bd2 8 8

Rb8 11.a4 a6 12.Qc1 Kh7 13.Ne2 7 7

b5 14.axb5 axb5 15.Bc3 e5 16.h3
Be6 17.g4 b4 18.Bd2 f5 6 6
1-0 Winkelmann,A (2183)-Jordan,J 5 5
(2145) Lueneburg distr Cup final
S e e v e t a l 2 0 0 6 ( 1 ) 19.gxf5 gxf5 4 4
20.exf5 Nxf5 21.Ng3 Bd7 22.Nh2 3 3
Nxg3 23.fxg3 Qb6 24.g4 Ne7 25.g5
hxg5 26.Bxg5 Ng6 27.Qd1 Nf4 2 2
28.Bxf4 Rxf4 29.Qh5+ Kg8 30.Bd5+ 1 1
Kf8 31.Rf1 Be8 32.Rxf4+ exf4
a b c d e f g h
33.Qf5+ Ke7 1-0 Spraggett,K (2183)-
Kordonowski,F (2145) 9/191 Hastings 11.Bf3 Nd7 12.Qd2 Nc5 13.Rad1 Rc8
1970 (1) ] 14.Qf2 -0.08/18
4...cxd4 5.Nxd4 Bg7 [ 14.h4 0.28/17 ]
14...Qe8 0.72/18
(Diagram) [ 14...Ba6= -0.08/18 remains equal. ]
15.h4 0.29/18
[ 15.Nxc5! 0.72/18 bxc5 16.e5 ]
15...Nd8 0.71/19
[ 15...Ba6= 0.29/18 ]

(Diagram)
 277

a b c d e f g h
[ 23...Rb8 -0.39/18 deserves
consideration. ]
8 8 24.Qg2= e6 Dodges Nd5 25.Rd2 Qh5
7 7 a b c d e f g h

6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3

a b c d e f g h 2 2
16.Nxc5 0.34/21 1 1
[ 16.h5 0.71/19 ]
a b c d e f g h
16...bxc5 17.h5 f5 0.91/19
[ 17...Rb8 0.37/19 ] 26.b3
18.hxg6 0.44/21 [ 26.Na4 simplifies Qg4 27.c3 Qxg2+
[ 18.Qh4! 0.91/19 ] 28.Kxg2 Nb5 29.c4 ]
18...hxg6 19.g4 -0.01/19 26...Qg4 27.Ne2 e5 1.07/21
[ 19.Qh4 0.54/19 ] [ 27...Nxe2+= -0.14/22 28.Rxe2
19...Ne6 Ho p i n g f o r . . . Ng 5 ! 20.exf5 Qxg2+ 29.Kxg2 d5 ]
Bxf3 28.Qxg4! fxg4 29.Bxd4 cxd4 30.f5
a b c d e f g h
Black must now prevent f6. 30...Kf7
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
21.Qxf3 gxf5 22.Qd5 -0.37/20
[ 22.Nd5= 0.13/20 ] 31.Ng3 0.45/19
22...Qf7! 23.g5 Nd4 0.10/21 [ 31.f6 Bh8 ]
 278

[ Better is 31.Kg2 1.41/20 ] a b c d e f g h

31...Rh8!
[ 31...Rc3 32.Ne4 Rf3 33.Rxf3 8 8

( 33.Nxd6+ Ke7 ) 33...gxf3 34.c4 7 7

( 34.Nxd6+ Ke7; 34.f6 Bh8= )
34...dxc3 35.Nxc3 ] 6 6
32.Re2 -0.48/23 5 5
[ White should play 32.c4 0.36/21
Rh3 33.g6+ Kg8 34.Ne4 ] 4 4
32...d5! ...Rc3 is the strong threat. 3 3
33.f6 Bf8 Strongly threatening ...Rc3.
34.Nf5! 2 2
[ 34.Rxe5? Rxc2 ( 34...Bd6 35.Rxd5 1 1
Bxg3 36.Rxd4 ) 35.Re2 ( 35.Rxd5?
a b c d e f g h
Rhh2-+ ) 35...d3 36.Rxc2 dxc2-+ ]
34...e4 35.Nxd4 Bc5↑ 41.Kg2 Do d g e s Rf 3 41...Bxd4 42.g6
a b c d e f g h
Rh3 Prevents Rh5+.
[ And not 42...Rc2+ 43.Kg3 Bxf6
8 8 44.Rh7+ Kg8 45.Rxf6 ]
7 7 43.Rc7
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

Black is pushing. 36.c3 Bb6 37.Rf5 2 2

Rhd8 38.Rh2 -1.37/25 1 1
[ 38.Kg2!= -0.05/21 ]
a b c d e f g h
38...Rxc3 39.Rh7+ Kg8! 40.Rg7+
Kh8 Prevents Rc8. aiming for g7+. 43...Bxf6
44.Rxf6 d4 45.Rcf7
(Diagram) [ Don't blunder 45.Rf4? d3 46.Rc1
d2-+ ]

(Diagram)
 279

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

45...Kg8! W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 6 9 /
a b c d e f g h
Black=0.15 (very precise)
0-1
8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

46.Rf4 -6.78/22
[ 46.g7 -2.97/21 Rf3 47.Rf8+ Kxg7
48.Rxd8 Kxf6 49.Rxd4 ]
46...d3-+ Black is clearly winning.
47.Rxg4 d2 48.Rf1 Re3
[ Inferior is 48...d1Q 49.Rxd1 Rhd3
50.Re1= ]

(Diagram)
 280

77 D41 Qc5 12.Qd3 ( 12.Bd2 Qxc3

Nogerbek,Kazybek 2514 13.Bxc3 a6 14.Bc4 Rg8 15.Rfd1
Gurel,Ediz 2624 Bb4 16.Bxb4 Nxb4 17.Ne5 Bc6
Tata Steel Challengers (11.7) 31.01.2025 18.Bb3 Ke7 19.f3 Rgd8 20.Kf2
[Kitty Kat] Be8 21.Ke2 f6 22.Nc4 b5 23.Ne3
Nc6 24.Rxd8 Rxd8 25.Bd1 Nd4+
26.Ke1 Rc8 ½-½ Kamsky,G (2695)-
D50: Queen's Gambit Declined: Dutch- Topalov,V (2640) Linares 12th 1994
Peruvian Gambit 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 (6) ) 12...Qd6 13.Qc2 a6 14.Rd1
3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 c5 5.cxd5 cxd4 Qc7 15.Be2 Rc8 16.Be3 Nd4
a b c d e f g h
17.Nxd4 Qxc2 18.Nxc2 Rxc2
19.Rd2 Rxd2 20.Bxd2 Bd6
8 8 21.Bc3 ½-½ Berecz,A (2404)-
7 7 Schueppel,R (2470) Darmogray
Me mo r i a l B d 0 2 3 r d e m a i l I CC F
6 6 email 2008 ]
5 5
7.Bg5 Be7 8.e3 0-0 9.Be2 Nc6
10.Qd3 h6
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
8 8
2 2
7 7
1 1
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
6.Qxd4 exd5N
[ 6...Nxd5 7.e4 Nxc3 8.Qxc3 Nc6 4 4
A) 9.a3 Bd7 10.Be2 Rc8 11.0-0 3 3
Na5 12.Qd3 Ba4 13.Qxd8+ Rxd8
14.Be3 Nb3 15.Bd1 b5 ( 15...a6 2 2
16.Bxb3 Bxb3 17.Rac1 Bd6 1 1
18.Bb6 Ra8 19.Nd4 Ba4 20.Rc4
a b c d e f g h
Bd7 21.Rd1 0-0 22.e5 Bb5
23.Nxb5 axb5 24.Re4 Be7 White has an edge. 11.Bh4 Qb6 12.0-0
25.Rd7 Rfc8 26.g3 Bf8 27.Rxb7 With the idea Bxf6. 12...Rd8 13.Qb5
Queen'S Gambit-5.cd5 cd4 6. d4 Qxb5 The position is equal.
d5 Survey 2021 ) 16.Bxb3 Bxb3 [ 13...d4 seems wilder. 14.Bxf6 Bxf6
17.Rfc1 e5 18.Nxe5 a6 19.Nc6 15.Nd5 Rxd5 16.Qxd5 dxe3 17.Qe4
1 - 0 A n a n d , V ( 2 7 5 3 ) - exf2+ 18.Rxf2 Ne7 ]
Nepomniachtchi,I (2784) Nations 14.Nxb5 g5 15.Bg3 Ne4
Cup Online Prelim Chess.com INT
2020 (5.1); (Diagram)
B) 9.Bb5 Bd7 10.0-0 Qb6 11.a4
 281

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.Rfd1 Nxg3 17.hxg3 Be6 18.Nfd4 21.Nxe6 fxe6 22.Bg4 Kf7 23.Rxc8
a b c d e f g h
Rxc8 24.Rxd5=
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
Black must now prevent Nxe6. 18...Rac8
19.Rac1 Nxd4 20.Nxd4 Bf6 E n d g a m e . P i n . K R B - K R B 24...Rc1+
25.Rd1 Rxd1+
(Diagram)
(Diagram)
 282

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

26.Bxd1 Bxb2 KB-KB 27.f4 Kf6 W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e = 0 . 0 3

28.Kf2 e5 29.Kf3 exf4 30.gxf4 gxf4 (flawless) /Black=0.04 (flawless)
a b c d e f g h
½-½
8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

31.exf4

(Diagram)
 283

78 A34 Repertoire 2023 ]

Yakubboev,Nodirbek 2659 7...Bg7 8.Bc4 0-0 9.0-0 Qc7
Pijpers,Arthur 2474 aiming for ...cxd4. 10.Bd3 Rd8
Tata Steel Challengers (12.1) 01.02.2025 a b c d e f g h
[Kitty Kat]
8 8

7 7
D94: Grünfeld: 4 Nf3 Bg7 5 e3 1.Nf3
Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 6 6
5.d4 5 5
[ 5.e3 e6 6.Qc2 Be7 7.a3 0-0 8.b3
b6 9.Bb2 Ba6 10.Bxa6 Nxa6 11.h4 4 4
Nac7 12.Ne2 Bf6 13.Ng5 g6 14.Nf3 3 3
Bxb2 15.Qxb2 f6 16.b4 e5 17.bxc5
bxc5 18.Qc2 Ne6 19.0-0 Rc8 2 2
0-1 Morozevich,A (2760)-Caruana,F 1 1
(2774) Makedonia Palace GP
a b c d e f g h
Thessaloniki GRE 2013 (7.6) ]
5...Nxc3 11.Ba3 b6 12.Qe2 The position is
a b c d e f g h
equal. 12...Nc6 13.Rac1 Bb7 14.Rfd1
e6 15.h4 Qe7
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
6.bxc3 g6 7.e3N
a b c d e f g h
[ 7.e4 Bg7 8.Bb5+ Nc6 9.0-0 0-0
10.Bxc6 bxc6 11.Ba3 cxd4 12.cxd4 16.e4 Qf6 17.Bb2
Bg4 13.Bc5 Bxf3 14.Qxf3 Bxd4 [ 17.e5!? Qf4 18.Bb2 ( 18.dxc5
15.Rad1 Bxc5 16.Rxd8 Rfxd8 Nxe5 19.Nxe5 Bxe5 )]
17.Qc3 Bb6 18.a4 Rd6 19.a5 Bd4 17...Qf4 18.g3 Qg4 19.Qe3!
20.Qb3 Rad8 21.g3 Re6 0-1 Model I n h i b i t s B h 6 . 19...cxd4 1.31/22
Games-Jan Timman - Garry Kasparov, Black is now going downhill.
I My First Grünfeld Opening [ 19...Na5 0.51/20 ]
 284

20.cxd4 Ho p i n g f o r B e 2 . 20...Rac8 a b c d e f g h
2.06/20
[ 20...e5 1.37/19 ] 8 8

7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 26.Qe3 Nd4 27.Bxd4 exd4 28.Qb3

1 1
Rxc1? 4.68/21
[ 28...Bf6 2.83/19 29.Qxb6 Bxg5
a b c d e f g h
30.hxg5 Qxg5 ]
21.Be2!↑ Keeping Black busy. 21...Qh5 29.Rxc1 Bf6 Black is weak on the light
4.30/21 squares 30.Rc7 Bc8
[ 21...Nxd4 1.74/22 is a better a b c d e f g h
defense. 22.Bxd4 ( 22.Nxd4 Qxe4
23.Qxe4 Bxe4+- ) 22...Qxe4 ] 8 8

22.Ng5 Qh6 23.Qf4 Wards off Bf6 7 7

23...Rf8 24.Ba1 2.60/19
[ 24.e5 4.44/19 ] 6 6
24...a6 3.82/21 5 5
[ 24...Ba8 2.60/19 was called for.
25.Bc4 Qh5 ] 4 4
25.d5 e5 3 3

(Diagram) 2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

31.Nxf7 Deflection 31...Qd2

[ 31...Qg7 32.d6 ]

(Diagram)
 285

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

32.d6! Qe1+ 36.Nf7#

[ 32...Qc3 33.Rxc3 ] a b c d e f g h
33.Bf1 White threatens Ng5+ and mate.
33...Bg7 34.Nh6+ Discovered Attack 8 8

(Double Check). White mates. 34...Kh8 7 7

a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 Weighted Error Value: White=0.23

1 1
(precise) /Black=0.89
1-0
a b c d e f g h

35.Qg8+!! Deflection 35...Rxg8

(Diagram)
 286

79 D35 11...Nbd7 12.Bg3 Bf8

Suleymanli,Aydin 2623 [ 12...Nf8 13.h3 Bd6 14.Rae1 Bxg3
Svane,Frederik 2664 15.Nxg3 Qd6 16.Na4 Be6 17.Nc5
Tata Steel Challengers (12.2) 01.02.2025 b6 18.Na4 N8d7 19.Nc3 Nf8
[Kitty Kat] 20.Rc1 Bd7 21.Rfd1 Ne6 22.Bf5
Rab8 23.a3 Ng5 24.Nce2 Bxf5
25.Nxf5 Qd7 26.Nfg3 Rec8 27.Qf5
D35: Queen's Gambit Declined: ½-½ Niemann,H (2692)-L'Ami,E
Exchange Variation 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 (2627) Tata Steel-B 86th Wijk aan Zee
3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 Be7 2024 (8) ]
a b c d e f g h
13.h3 b5 14.Rac1N
[ 14.Rfc1 Ba6 15.Nf4 Qb6 16.a4 b4
8 8 17.Nce2 Rac8 18.Bxa6 Qxa6
7 7 19.Qd3 Qb7 20.h4 Ne4 21.b3 Bd6
22.Nh5 Be7 23.f3 Nxg3 24.Nhxg3
6 6 Bxh4 25.Nf5 Be7 26.Nf4 Bf8 27.g4
5 5
g6 28.Nxg6 fxg6 ½-½ Mullyaminova,
S (2014)-Steffen,G (1976) World
4 4 Ch ampi o ns hi p Mat ch , 2 9t h Ga me
3 3
M o s c o w 3 ( 5 ) 29.Nd6 Bxd6
30.Qxg6+ Kf8 31.Qxd6+ Re7
2 2 32.Qxh6+ ½-½ Merriman,J (2014)-
1 1
Thompson,I (1976) Berkshire Berks &
Bucks op-A 2023 (5) ]
a b c d e f g h
14...Ba6 15.Rfd1 Qb6
6.e3 0-0 7.Bd3 h6 8.Bh4 c6 9.Nge2 a b c d e f g h
Re8 10.0-0 a5
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
16.e4 b4 17.Na4! Bxd3! 18.Rxd3
a b c d e f g h
Qb5 19.e5 Ne4 20.Qd1 Rac8
11.Qc2 White is slightly better. (Diagram)
 287

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

21.b3 Qb7 22.Bf4 c5! 23.f3 Ng5 31.Qb1 H o p i n g f o r R a 2 . 31...Qa8

24.dxc5 Nxc5 25.Rxd5 Nge6 0.38/22 32.Rd1 Rcd8 33.Nf4 Rxd1+ 34.Qxd1
[ 25...Nxa4= -0.06/23 feels stronger. N x e 6 i s t h e s t r o n g t h r e a t . 34...Rd8
26.bxa4 Ne6 ] 35.Qb1 Nxf4
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
36.Bxf4 0.32/23
26.Nxc5 Bxc5+ 27.Kh1 Qa8 28.Rc2 [ Better is 36.Rxc5 0.74/24 Nxh3
a4 29.Bg3 axb3 30.axb3 Qa3 37.Qc1 ]
36...Bd4 37.Ra2 Qc8 38.Rd2
(Diagram) Black must now prevent Qd1. 38...Bc3
1.23/25
[ 38...Bb6! 0.36/22 ]
39.Rd6 Re8
(Diagram)
 288

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

40.Qd3! Qa8 1.50/25 46.f4 Ra8 2.89/25

[ Black should try 40...Qc5 1.00/24 ] [ 46...Kh7 1.60/23 keeps fighting.
47.Bh4 ( 47.Qxf7 Qxd3 48.Qxe8
a b c d e f g h
Bd4= ) 47...Kg8 ]
47.Bh4 Re8 48.Bf2 Ra8? 3.79/25
8 8 [ 48...h5 1.79/24 49.Qb5 Rf8 ]
7 7 49.Qd5 1.81/26
[ 49.Qe4 3.79/25 Re8 50.Qc4 ]
6 6 49...Re8 2.19/23
5 5
[ 49...Rf8 1.81/26 50.Qc4 Re8 ]
50.Bc5 Qc1 1.93/23
4 4 [ 50...h5 1.42/22 51.Qc6 Rb8 ]
3 3
a b c d e f g h
2 2
8 8
1 1
7 7
a b c d e f g h

41.Kh2 White is more active. 41...Qa5 6 6

42.Rd5 Qa1 43.Qc4 1.00/23 5 5
[ 43.Qb5 1.52/24 Rf8 44.Qc4 ]
43...Qb1 44.Rd3 Qc2 1.88/23 4 4
[ 44...Be1 0.97/23 ] 3 3
45.Bg3+- Qb1
2 2
(Diagram) 1 1

a b c d e f g h
 289

51.Be3 Qb1 52.Qc4 Ra8 2.31/24 [ 58...Qxd3-+ -5.23/24 and all is fine.
[ 52...Be1 1.78/22 53.Qe4 Bc3 ] 59.Qxh6+ Qh7 ]
53.e6 fxe6 54.Qxe6+ Kh8 55.Qd5 59.Qe7 Rg8 60.Qe4+ Kh8
Rf8 2.09/26 a b c d e f g h
[ 55...Ra1 1.55/27 ]
8 8

a b c d e f g h 7 7

8 8 6 6

7 7 5 5

6 6 4 4

5 5 3 3

4 4 2 2

3 3 1 1

2 2 a b c d e f g h

1 1
61.Qd5! Qb2 62.Qc4 Bxd4 63.Qxd4
Endgame. KQR-KQR
a b c d e f g h
[ 63.Rxd4 Rb8 64.Qd5 Qc3 ]
56.Qd6 0.71/24 63...Qe2 64.Re3 Prevents Re8 64...Qf2
[ 56.Qc4+- 2.09/26 is more deadly. ] 65.Re4 Qxd4
56...Kg8? 2.66/27 a b c d e f g h
[ 56...Rf6 0.71/24 was called for.
57.Qd5 Kh7 58.Qe4+ Rg6 ] 8 8

57.Qe6+ Kh8 7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 66.Rxd4 KR-KR 66...Rb8 67.f5 Rb5

1 1
68.g4 h5? 4.55/26
[ 68...g5 2.77/25 69.Kg3 ( 69.fxg6
a b c d e f g h
Kg7+- ) 69...Kg7 ]
58.Bd4?? -5.23/24 Kh7?? 2.65/28 69.Kg3
 290

[ 69.gxh5 Rxf5 70.Rxb4 Rxh5 ] 77.Rxb4 Rc8+ 78.Kd4 Rd8+ 79.Ke3

69...hxg4 5.05/31 Rh8 80.Kf4 Rh3 7.07/29
[ 69...g5 3.32/25 was necessary. [ 80...Rd8 4.17/27 81.Rb6+ Kf7 ]
70.gxh5 ( 70.fxg6 Kg7+- ) 70...Rxf5
71.Rxb4 Rf1 ] a b c d e f g h
70.hxg4 Kg8
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
81.Rb6+ White is clearly winning.
a b c d e f g h
81...Kf7 82.b4 Rc3 83.g5 Rc1 84.Ke5
71.Kf4 g6 72.fxg6 Rd7 would now be a b c d e f g h
deadly. 72...Kg7 73.Ke3 Kxg6 74.Kd3
Kg5 75.Kc4 Rb8 8 8

a b c d e f g h 7 7

8 8 6 6

7 7 5 5

6 6 4 4

5 5 3 3

4 4 2 2

3 3 1 1

2 2 a b c d e f g h

1 1
W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 3 2 /
Black=0.38
a b c d e f g h
1-0
76.Kc5 Kf6? 6.15/30
[ 76...Rb7 3.35/27 77.Rxb4 Rc7+
78.Kb5 Rb7+ 79.Kc5 Rc7+ 80.Kb6
Rc8 ]
 291

80 C78 [ 12...Ne7 13.Nh4 g5 14.Qf3 Kg7

Oro,Faustino 2447 15.Ng3 gxh4 16.Nh5+ Nxh5
Lu,Miaoyi 2429 17.Qxf7+ Kh8 18.Qxh5 Ng8 19.Bxh6
Tata Steel Challengers (12.3) 01.02.2025 Qd7 20.Bf7 Rf8 1-0 Vovk,A (2614)-
[Kitty Kat] Anton,T (2435) Arad 122/121 2014 ]
13.Bxe6 Rxe6 The position is equal.
14.Ng3 d5 15.Qe2 Qd7
C78: Ruy Lopez: Archangelsk and a b c d e f g h
Möller Defences 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6
3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Bc5 8 8

a b c d e f g h 7 7

8 8 6 6

7 7 5 5

6 6 4 4

5 5 3 3

4 4 2 2

3 3 1 1

2 2 a b c d e f g h

1
16.Nh4 Bc5 17.Nhf5 Bf8 18.h4 Rd8
1
19.Be3 d4 20.cxd4 exd4 0.01/21
a b c d e f g h
[ 20...Nxd4 -0.41/19 is superior.
6.c3 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.d3 h6 9.Re1 0-0 21.Bxd4 exd4 ]
10.h3 Re8
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

11.Nbd2 Bb6 12.Nf1 Be6N 21.Bd2= Nb4 22.Rec1 Wards off Nc2
 292

22...c5 23.Bxb4 cxb4 24.h5 a5 29...Rf8 1.99/21

a b c d e f g h
[ 29...Ne5 0.88/20 keeps fighting. ]
30.Qc7+- Re7
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
25.Qc2 0.04/19
a b c d e f g h
[ 25.Qf3! 0.90/19 ]
25...g6 0.61/21 31.Qxd7
[ Better is 25...a4= 0.04/19 ] [ 31.Qxa5 Ref7 32.Ng3 ( 32.Qxb4
Rxf3 33.gxf3 Ne5-+ ) 32...Rxf3
a b c d e f g h
33.gxf3 Ne5-+ ]
31...Rxd7 32.Rc5 Rdf7 2.46/21
8 8 [ 32...Rb7 1.73/21 was worth a try.
7 7 33.Rac1 ( 33.Nexd4 Nxf2 34.Rc6
Nxd3 ) 33...Rff7 ]
6 6 33.Rac1
5 5
[ 33.Nexd4 Bxd4 34.Nxd4 Rxf2
( 34...Nxf2 35.Rc6= )]
4 4 [ 33.Rxb5 Rc8 34.Kf1 ( 34.Nexd4
3 3
Bxd4 35.Nxd4 Rxf2=; 34.Rxa5
Rc2; 34.Rc1 Rxc1+ 35.Nxc1 Rc7= )
2 2 34...Rc2 ]
1 1
33...h5 34.Rc8
[ 34.Nfxd4? Rxf2 ( 34...Nxf2?
a b c d e f g h
35.Rc8-+ ) 35.g3 Ne3-+ ]
26.hxg6 0.01/21 [ 34.Rxb5 b3 35.Rxb3 ( 35.Rxa5
[ 26.Nh4! 0.61/21 ] bxa2 36.Rxa2 Rb7+-; 35.axb3
26...fxg6 27.Nh4 Excellent Rd8+- ) 35...h4 ]
horsemanship. 27...Ng4 28.Nf3 Bg7 [ 34.Nexd4 Bxd4 ( 34...Nxf2 35.Rxb5
1.19/21 Nxd3 36.Rc4 ) 35.Nxd4 Rxf2 ]
[ 28...Bd6= -0.02/21 ] 34...h4 35.R1c6
29.Ne2 And now Qc7 would win. [ 35.Nxh4? Rxf2 ( 35...Nxf2?
 293

36.Nxg6 Pin Rxc8 37.Rxc8+ Kh7 [ 37.Nfxd4? h2+ ( 37...Rxf2? 38.gxh3

38.Ngf4 ) 36.Nxg6 Rxc8 Bxd4 39.Nxd4+-; 37...Nxf2 38.Rxg6
( 36...Rxe2? 37.Nxf8 Rxb2 38.Nd7+ Nxd3 39.Nf5 ) 38.Kh1 Rxf2
Kf7 39.R8c2+- ) 37.Rxc8+ Kf7-+ ] 39.Rc8+ Kh7-+ ]
[ 37.gxh3 Rxf3 38.hxg4 Rxd3 ]
a b c d e f g h
[ 37.Rxg6+- 1.94/22 h2+ 38.Nxh2
Nxf2 39.Nxd4 Nxd3 40.Nf5
8 8 ( 40.Nxb5 Nxb2 41.Nf3 Nd3 )]
7 7 37...h2+ 1.44/23 38.Nxh2 Nxh2?
4.63/24
6 6 [ 38...Nxf2? 39.Ne6 ( 39.Nxb5 Nxd3
5 5
40.Rxg6 Nxb2= ) 39...Nxd3 40.Nxf8
Kxf8 41.b3+- ( 41.Rxg6 Bxb2
4 4 42.Rg5 a4= )]
3 3
[ 38...Ne5 1.66/22 ]
39.Rxg6+- White is clearly winning.
2 2 [ 39.Ne6 Rf6 ]
1 1
39...Rf7 40.Nf5
[ 40.Kxh2 Kh7 ( 40...Rxf2? perishes.
a b c d e f g h
41.Nf5+- ) 41.Rxg7+ Kxg7= ]
Hoping for Rxf8+. 35...h3 40...Kf8
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

36.Rxf8+ 41.Nxg7 a4 42.Ne6+ Ke8 43.Nd4

[ 36.Nfxd4? h2+ ( 36...Nxf2? Rd7 44.Nxb5 Kf7 45.Rd6 Rb7
37.Ne6+- Pin ) 37.Kh1 Rxf2
( 37...Nxf2+ 38.Kxh2 Be5+ 39.Kg1= ) (Diagram)
38.Rxf8+ Kxf8 39.Rc8+ Kf7-+ ]
[ 36.gxh3 Rxf3 37.hxg4 Rxd3= ]
36...Rxf8 37.Nexd4 0.72/21
 294

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

46.Rd5
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.23

(precise) /Black=0.47
1-0
 295

81 [ 9...Ng4 10.Bxc5 Qxc5 11.Qg3 Be6

C45
L'Ami,Erwin 12.f4 0-0-0 13.f5 Bxf5 14.exf5 Ne3
2614
Nogerbek,Kazybek 15.Kd2 Nc4+ 16.Kc1 Nxb2 17.Kxb2
2514
Qb4+ 18.Kc1 Qxc3 19.Rb1 Rd4
Tata Steel Challengers (12.4) 01.02.2025
[Kitty Kat] 20.Rxb7 Qa1+ 21.Rb1 Qxa2 22.f6
g6 23.Qh3+ Rd7 24.Re1 19
Chapter C00-Games Chapter C00
C45: Scotch Game 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 Game Rhd8 25.Re4 c5 26.Bb5 c6
3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Bc5 5.Nxc6 Qf6 27.Bxc6 Kc7 28.Bxd7 Rxd7 29.Rb7+
a b c d e f g h
Kxb7 30.Qxd7+ Kb6 31.Ra4
1-0 Jones,G (2660)-McShane,L
8 8 (2644) Great Britain (ch-m/1-rapid)
7 7 133/118 2017 ]
10.Bxc5 Qxc5
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
6.Qf3 dxc6 7.Nc3 Qe7
[ 7...Be6 8.Be3 Bb4 ( 8...Bd6 9.Qxf6 2 2
Nxf6 10.h3 Bb4 11.f3 0-0-0 12.Bd3 1 1
Nd7 13.0-0 Ne5 14.Be2 Bc4
a b c d e f g h
15.Rfe1 Bxe2 16.Rxe2 Nc4 17.a3
Bxc3 18.bxc3 a5 19.Bf4 f6 20.Kf2 11.0-0 -0.48/18
b6 21.h4 c5 22.Be3 a4 23.Bf4 [ 11.Qg3= -0.04/19 was preferrable. ]
0-1 Navarro,J (1469)-Villca,J (2392) 11...0-0-0 12.Rfe1 Ng4 13.h3 Ne5
Asuncion CIT op 2023 (1)) 9.0-0-0 14.Qe3 Qxe3 15.Rxe3 g5
Qxf3 10.gxf3 Ne7 11.h4 Bxc3
12.bxc3 Rd8 13.Rxd8+ Kxd8 14.h5 (Diagram)
f5 15.c4 Rf8 16.Rg1 Rf7 17.a4 a6
18.a5 g6 19.Rg5 Rf6 20.hxg6 Rxg6
21.c5 Ke8 22.Bd3 1-0 Carlsen,M
(2863)-Ding,L (2791) Carlsen Tour
Final chess24.com INT rapid 2020 (1.
21) ]
8.Bd3 Nf6 9.Be3 White has an edge.
9...Be6N
 296

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.Be2 Rd2 17.Rc1 Rhd8 18.b3 c5 26.c3 Rxd2 27.Nxd2 a3 28.c4 b4

19.Kf1 c6 20.Ke1 f6 -0.31/20 -0.31/24
[ 20...R2d4 -0.69/20 is superior. ] [ 28...Rb8 -0.79/20 ]
29.Nf3 Kd6 30.Ne1 Rh8
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

21.Rd1 R2d4 31.Bf1 h5 32.g3 Ng6 -0.01/23

[ And not 21...Rxc2 22.Rxd8+ Kxd8 [ Black should try 32...g4 -0.59/24
23.Kd1 ] 33.h4 Rd8 ]
22.Nb1 Kc7 23.Rd2 a5 24.Kd1 33.Nd3= g4 34.h4 Ne5 35.Nxe5 Kxe5
-1.18/22
[ 24.c3 -0.71/21 Rxd2 25.Nxd2 ] (Diagram)
24...b5 25.Kc1 a4

(Diagram)
 297

a b c d e f g h
40...Bxd7
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
Endgame. KRB-KRB 36.Rd3! Rh7
[ 36...Kxe4? 37.Re3+ Kd4 KB-KB 41.Kd2 Kd4 42.Bf1 Be8?
38.Rxe6+- ] -0.27/29
37.Kd2 Rf7 [ 42...Kxe4-+ -2.78/31 aiming for ...
[ 37...Kxe4? is the wrong capture. Kf3. 43.Be2 f5 ]
38.Re3+ Kd4 39.Rxe6+- ] 43.e5? -4.50/31 Kxe5? -0.01/40
38.Bg2 Rb7 White must now prevent ... [ Better is 43...fxe5-+ -4.50/31 44.Bd3
Bxc4! 39.Kc1 -0.85/28 Bf7 ]
[ 39.Ke2= -0.01/26 keeps the 44.Bd3= The position is equal. 44...Kd4
balance. ] 45.Bc2 Bf7
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
46.Bd3 Be6 47.Kc2 Ke5
39...Rd7! 40.Rxd7 -2.11/22 [ 47...Bd7!? ]
[ 40.Kc2 -0.64/28 ] 48.Kd2 Bf5 49.Bxf5 Kxf5 KP-KP
 298

50.Ke3 Ke5 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
56.Kg3! Ke3 57.Kg2! Ke2
51.f4+ gxf3 [ 57...Kf4!? 58.Kh3 Ke3= ]
[ 51...Kf5!? ] 58.Kg3 Ke3 59.Kg2! Kf4 (  ...Kg4)
52.Kxf3 Kf5 [ 59...Ke2!? 60.Kg3 Ke3= ]
[ 52...f5!? ] 60.Kh3 Ke3!
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
Weighted Error Value: White=0.21
53.g4+! hxg4+ 54.Kg3 Ke4 55.Kxg4 (precise) /Black=0.24 (precise)
Hoping for h5. 55...f5+ ½-½

(Diagram)
 299

82 D55 a b c d e f g h
Divya,Deshmukh 2490
Bok,Benjamin 2583 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (12.5) 01.02.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
D55: Queen's Gambit Declined: 4 Bg5
Be7: Lines without ...h6 and 6...h6 7 4 4
Bxf6 Piket,Je: 'Chess Informant' Piket, 3 3
Je: 'Chess Informant' Piket,Je: 'Inf 45/
516' Browne,W: 'Inf 45/515' 1.d4 Nf6 2 2
2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Bg5 Be7 5.Nf3 1 1
0-0
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
11.a3 -0.04/20
8 8
[ 11.Qc2 0.35/18 deserves
7 7 consideration. b5 12.b3 Bb7 13.Rfd1
Qe7 14.e4 dxc4 15.bxc4 e5 16.d5
6 6 Rab8 17.dxc6 Bxc6 18.cxb5 axb5
5 5
19.Nd5 Bxd5 20.exd5 Qa3 21.Qe2
Nc5 22.Bxb5 e4 23.Ne1 Rfd8
4 4 24.Rb1 Rb6 25.Bc4 Rxb1 26.Rxb1
3 3
½-½ Piket,J (2470)-Karpov,A (2715)
45/516 Wijk aan Zee 1988 ]
2 2 [ 11.Qe2 dxc4 12.Bxc4 b5 13.Bd3
1 1
c5 14.dxc5 Nxc5 15.Bb1 b4 16.Qc2
g6 17.Ne2 Nd7 18.Rfd1 Bb7
a b c d e f g h
19.Qa4 Bxf3 20.gxf3 Bxb2 21.Rc2
6.e3 h6 7.Bxf6 Bxf6 8.Rc1 c6 9.Bd3 Nb6 22.Rxd8 Nxa4 23.Rxa8 Rxa8
Nd7 10.0-0 a6 24.Rc4 a5 25.Bc2 Nb6 0-1 Xu,Y-
Sethuraman,S Asian Continental 13th
(Diagram) Sharjah 2014 (4) ]
11...dxc4N
[ 11...b5 12.cxd5 cxd5 13.Bb1 Bb7
14.Ne2 g6 15.Nf4 Rc8 16.Qd3 Qe7
17.h4 h5 18.Nxg6 fxg6 19.Qxg6+
Qg7 20.Qxh5 Rfd8 21.Ng5 Nf8
22.Rxc8 Rxc8 23.f4 Bc6 24.Qf3 b4
25.Bd3 bxa3 26.bxa3 1-0 Browne,W-
Remlinger,L 33/551 United States
1981 Bb7 27.Qh3 Rc6 28.h5 Qh6
29.Qg4 Bg7 30.f5 exf5 31.Bxf5 Rc7
 300

32.Be6+ Nxe6 33.Nxe6 Rf7 34.Rxf7 a b c d e f g h

Kxf7 35.Nxg7 Qxg7 36.Qd7+ Kf6
37.Qd6+ Kg5 38.h6 Qxh6 39.Qe7+ 8 8

Kg4 40.Qd7+ Kh4 41.Qh3+ 7 7

½-½ Browne,W (2530)-Vaganian,R
(2625) Saint John (open II) 45/515 6 6
1988 Kg5 42.Qg3+ Kh5 43.Qh2+ 5 5
Kg6 44.Qd6+ Kh7 45.Qe7+ Qg7
46.Qh4+ Kg6 47.Qg3+ Kf6 48.Qe5+ 4 4
Kf7 49.Qc7+ ½-½ Comas,F (2530)-8. 3 3
 e2  b4 9.0-0-0_77057 (2625)
Deutschland 99/188 2007 ] 2 2
12.Bxc4 b5 13.Ba2 c5 The position is 1 1
equal. 14.dxc5 Nxc5 15.Nd4
a b c d e f g h
[ 15.Nd5!? Bxb2 16.Rxc5 exd5
17.Bxd5= ] 21.Qc2! g6→ Black mounts an attack.
15...Bb7 Active counter play!
a b c d e f g h
[ 21...Qxd4 22.Qh7# ]
22.Qc1 Ra1 23.Qxh6 Qxd4 24.Rh5
8 8 -0.60/23 Rd8 -0.12/22
7 7 [ 24...gxh5 25.Qh7# ]
[ 24...Qg7 -0.60/23
6 6 is more appropriate. 25.Qxg7+ Kxg7 ]
5 5
25.Rh4! Qf6
a b c d e f g h
4 4
8 8
3 3
7 7
2 2
6 6
1 1
5 5
a b c d e f g h

16.Ncxb5 Discovered Attack 16...axb5 4 4

17.Rxc5 b4 18.Bb1 Bxd4! 3 3
[ 18...bxa3 19.Qc2 Re8 ( 19...g6?
20.Nxe6 D o u b l e A t t a c k Qb6 2 2
21.Nxf8+- ) 20.Qh7+ Kf8 21.bxa3 ] 1 1
19.exd4 bxa3 20.bxa3 Rxa3
a b c d e f g h

(Diagram) 26.Qh7+ Kf8 Dancing on a razor blade.

27.Rf4 -0.62/22 Qg7 28.Qxg7+ Kxg7
29.Bd3 Wards off Ba6. Discovered
Attack 29...Ra2 30.Bb1 Rb2
 301

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

31.Ra4 Against Ba6 31...Rdd2 32.Be4 41.Kg2 -1.58/25

Bc8 33.Raa1 f5 34.Bf3 e5 ...e4 would [ 41.f3 -0.38/22 ]
now be deadly. 35.Rad1 -0.86/21 41...Kf6 -0.63/23
[ 35.Rfd1 -0.44/20 ] [ 41...Rb1! -1.58/25 Hoping for ...
35...e4 Ba4. 42.f3 Ba4 43.Bxa4 Rxe1
a b c d e f g h
44.fxe4 Re2+ ( 44...Rxe4 45.Bd1;
44...fxe4 45.Kf2-+ ) 45.Kf3 Rxe4 ]
8 8 42.h5 -1.45/23
7 7 [ 42.Re3 -0.63/23 ]
42...Bc6 -0.41/23
6 6 [ 42...Rd2 -1.45/23 And now ...e3!
5 5
would win. 43.Kg1 g5 ]
43.Re3 g5 -0.01/22
4 4 [ 43...gxh5 -0.53/19 44.Bxh5 Kg5 ]
3 3
44.Rc3= Bd5 Strongly threatening ...
e3+. 45.Kf1 f4
2 2

1 1
(Diagram)
a b c d e f g h

36.Rxd2 Rxd2 Endgame. KRB-KRB

37.Bd1 Bb7 aiming for ...e3! 38.Re1
Ba6 -0.48/21
[ 38...g5 -0.87/20 ]
39.h4 Bb5 40.g3 Rb2

(Diagram)
 302

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

46.gxf4 gxf4 47.Ke1 Prevents e3. 56.Bb5 Bxh7 White must now prevent ...
47...f3 48.Rc5 Ke5 49.h6 Rb7 50.Ra5 Bg8. 57.Rd7+ Kc5 -0.65/25
Kd4! [ 57...Ke5 -1.19/26 58.Re7+ Kf6 ]
a b c d e f g h
58.Ba6! Bf5 59.Rd8 Kb6 0.00/24
[ 59...Bg6 -1.15/25 ]
8 8 60.Rd6+ Kc5
7 7 a b c d e f g h

6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3

a b c d e f g h 2 2
51.Bc2 Rb6 52.h7 Rh6 53.Ra7 Rh2 1 1
[ 53...Kc3!? 54.Rc7+ Bc4 55.Rxc4+
a b c d e f g h
( 55.Bxe4? Rh1# ) 55...Kxc4 56.Bxe4
Kd4 57.Bxf3 Rxh7= ] 61.Rd8
54.Rc7 -0.63/25
[ 54.Re7= 0.00/26 ] (Diagram)
54...Be6 55.Ba4 -1.00/24
[ 55.Ra7 -0.60/26 feels stronger. ]
55...Bf5
(Diagram)
 303

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

e3! 62.fxe3 f2+ 63.Kd1 Bg4+ 64.Kc1 71.Rd2 Bc4+ 72.Ke1 Ra3 73.Kf2!
Rh1+ 65.Kb2 f1Q Bd3 74.Kf3 Kc4 75.Rh2 Ra8
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

R e p e l s R f 8 66.Bxf1 Rxf1 KRB-KR 76.Rh4+ Kc3 77.Rd4 Kd2 78.Kf2 Re8

67.Rd4 Be6 68.Kc3 Ra1 69.Kd3 Bd5 79.Ra4 Re7 80.Ra2+ Bc2
70.Ke2 Ra2+
(Diagram)
(Diagram)
 304

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

81.Rb2 Rf7+ 82.Kg3 Kd3 83.Ra2 91.Kg5! Rf5+ 92.Kg4 -1.11/31

Bd1 84.Ra8 Bf3 [ 92.Kh6 -0.48/31 ]
[ 84...Kxe3 85.Re8+ Kd2 86.Re4-+ ] 92...Rb5 93.Ra3 Rb6 94.Ra5 Rb1
85.Ra3+ Ke2 -0.47/28
a b c d e f g h
[ 94...Rg6+ -0.86/28 95.Rg5 Rh6 ]
95.Kg5! Rg1+
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
86.Rb3 Be4 87.Kg4 Bd3 88.e4 Ke3
a b c d e f g h
[ 88...Bxe4? 89.Kg5-+ ]
89.Ra3 Kxe4 90.Ra4+ Ke3 96.Kf6 Rg6+ 97.Ke7 Kd4 98.Ra4+
Bc4 99.Ra1 Bd5 100.Re1 Be4
(Diagram)
(Diagram)
 305

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

101.Kd7 Ke5 102.Kc7 Rc6+ 103.Kd7 111.Re1 Bf5 112.Rc1 Be6 -0.41/30
Rb6 [ 112...Rh7! -1.13/27 113.Kg8 Re7 ]
[ 103...Rd6+ 104.Ke7 Re6+ 113.Rf1 -1.09/28
105.Kd7-+ ] [ 113.Rb1! -0.41/30 ]
104.Rc1 Rh6 105.Re1 Rh7+ 113...Ke5 114.Ke8 Bc4 -0.34/30
a b c d e f g h
[ 114...Rh7 -1.03/30 115.Rf2 Rc7 ]
115.Rc1 -1.19/31
8 8 [ 115.Rb1! -0.34/30 ]
7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

106.Kc8 Kd5 2 2
[ 106...Rh8+? 107.Kc7-+ ] 1 1
107.Kd8 Ra7 ...Kd6! is the strong
a b c d e f g h
threat. 108.Ke8 Bg6+ 109.Kf8 -1.05/28
[ Better is 109.Kd8 -0.35/30 ] 115...Ke6 -0.33/29
109...Kd6! 110.Rc1 Be4
(Diagram)
(Diagram)
 306

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

116.Kf8 -1.34/27 121.Rd3 Be6 122.Rd1 Rh7 123.Kd8!

[ White should try 116.Kd8 -0.33/29 ] Ke5 124.Ke8 Bd5 125.Re1+ Kd6
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
126.Kf8? -#13/21
116...Kf6 -0.40/24 117.Ke8 Be6 [ 126.Rf1= -0.13/21 ]
118.Rf1+ Bf5 119.Rd1! Rc7 120.Rd2 126...Rf7+ 127.Ke8 Rf3 128.Rd1?
Bg4 -#11/24
[ 128.Kd8= -0.13/19 ]
(Diagram) 128...Rf2 129.Rd4 Re2+

(Diagram)
 307

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.16 (very

precise) /Black=0.16 (very precise)
0-1
 308

83 E73 a b c d e f g h
Nguyen,Thai Dai Van 2668
Bulmaga,Irina 2386 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (12.6) 01.02.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
E73: King's Indian: Averbakh Variation
without 6...c5 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 4 4
Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Be2 0-0 3 3
a b c d e f g h
2 2
8 8
1 1
7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6 White is better. 10.dxe6 fxe6
5 5 a b c d e f g h

4 4 8 8

3 3 7 7

2 2 6 6

1 1 5 5

a b c d e f g h 4 4
6.Be3 Nc6 7.d5 Ne5 8.Rc1 e6 3 3
0.76/19
[ 8...c6= 0.19/19 ] 2 2
9.f4 Ned7 1 1

a b c d e f g h
(Diagram)
11.Nh3 b6 12.0-0 Bb7 13.Bf3N
[ 13.Qc2 Qe7 14.Rce1 a6 15.Bf3
Rab8 16.Ng5 h6 17.Nh3 Qf7 18.e5
Ne8 19.Bg4 dxe5 20.fxe5 Qe7
21.Nf4 Nxe5 22.Nxg6 Nxg6 23.Qxg6
Rf6 24.Rxf6 Qxf6 25.Bxe6+ Kh8
26.Qxf6 Nxf6 27.Bf5 Ne8
1-0 Rosenstielke,M (2690)-Koeffner,C
(2512) 53/426_137815 München 1991
28.Ne4 Bxe4 29.Bxe4 Nd6 30.Bd3
Re8 31.b3 Bc3 32.Re2 Kg7 33.Kf1
a5 34.Bf4 Rf8 35.g3 Bf6 36.Kg2
 309

Rd8 37.Re3 Rd7 38.h4 Rf7 39.Re6 [ 20.Qxe6+ simplifies Qxe6 21.Nxe6
Nb7 40.Rc6 Nc5 41.Bc2 Na6 Rf7 22.Nxg7 Kxg7 23.Rxf4 Re8
42.Be4 Re7 1-0 Predke,A (2690)- 24.Ref1 ]
Nasuta,G (2512) tornelo.com (Int.-m/ 20...Qc6 1.13/23
2) 149/190 2021 ] [ Black should try 20...Qe7 0.53/21 ]
13...Nc5 14.Bxc5 bxc5 15.Ng5 Qe8
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

16.e5 D i s c o v e r e d A t t a c k 16...Bxf3 21.Rxf4

17.Qxf3 [ 21.Qxe6+ Qxe6 22.Nxe6 Ng4+- ]
[ 17.gxf3? Nh5 18.exd6 Rd8-+ [ 21.Nxe6 Rfe8 22.Nxg7 ( 22.Nxf4
( 18...Nxf4 19.dxc7 Qe7 20.Nge4 )] Ne4= ) 22...Kxg7 ]
17...dxe5 0.84/21 21...Nh5 22.Rxf8+
[ 17...Nh5 0.41/21 deserves [ 22.Qxe6+ Qxe6 23.Rxf8+ Bxf8 ]
consideration. ] 22...Rxf8 23.Qxe6+
18.Qh3 0.30/23 White is much more [ 23.Nxe6?! Nf4 24.Nxf4 Rxf4= ]
active. 23...Qxe6 24.Nxe6 Bxc3 2.01/22
[ 18.fxe5 h6 19.exf6 Bxf6 ] 25.Nxf8+-
[ 18.Nb5 0.84/21 Qe7 19.Qc6 [ 25.bxc3 Re8 26.Nxc5 ( 26.Nxc7
( 19.fxe5 Nd7 )] Re4 ) 26...Nf6 ]
18...exf4 0.93/21 25...Bd4+
[ 18...Nh5= 0.30/23 ]
19.Rce1 0.46/21 (Diagram)
[ 19.Rxf4 Qe7 ]
[ White should play 19.Nxe6 0.93/21
R c e 1 ! i s t h e s t r o n g t h r e a t . Rf7
20.Rce1 ( 20.Rxf4 Bh6= )]
19...Qd7 20.Rd1
[ 20.Rxe6 Qd4+ 21.Rf2 Rae8=
( 21...Qxc4 22.Re4+- )]
 310

a b c d e f g h
35.Nc7 a5
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
26.Rxd4! cxd4 Endgame. KN-KN
27.Ne6 d3 2.97/24 36.bxa5 Kd7 37.Nb5 Nf5 38.a6
[ 27...Kf7 1.65/22 is a better defense. Bla ck must n ow p reven t a7 . 38...Kc8
28.Nxd4 ( 28.Nxc7 Nf4= ) 28...Ke8 ] 39.c5 White wants to mate with c6.
28.Kf2 aiming for Ke3! 39...Ne7 40.Kf3 Nc6
[ 28.Nxc7? t o o g r e e d y. d2 29.Kf2 a b c d e f g h
d1Q-+ ( 29...d1R? 30.Ke3-+ )]
28...Kf7 29.Nxc7 d2? 4.42/21 8 8

[ 29...Nf4 2.51/22 keeps fighting. 7 7

30.Ke3 Nxg2+ 31.Kxd3 g5 ]
30.Ke2 Nf4+ 6 6

a b c d e f g h 5 5

8 8 4 4

7 7 3 3

6 6 2 2

5 5 1 1

4 4 a b c d e f g h

3 3
41.a3 h5 42.Kf4 Nd8 43.Ke5 19.95/21
[ 43.Ke4 #18/22 Nc6 44.Kd5 Ne7+
2 2 45.Kd6 Nf5+ 46.Ke6 Ng7+ 47.Kf7
1 1
Kd7 48.Kxg7 ]
43...g5 44.Kd5
a b c d e f g h

31.Kxd2 Nxg2 32.b4 Nh4 33.Ke2 (Diagram)

P r e ve n t s Nf 3 . 33...Ke7 34.Nb5 a6
 311

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.08

(flawless) /Black=0.41
1-0
 312

84 C11 11.h4 0.08/18

Gurel,Ediz 2624 [ 11.g3 0.46/20 feels stronger. ]
Vaishali,Rameshbabu 2476 11...0-0= 12.h5 h6 13.Rh3 Rf7
Tata Steel Challengers (12.7) 01.02.2025 [ 13...Qa5 14.Kf2 cxd4 15.cxd4 fxe5
[Kitty Kat] 16.fxe5 Ndxe5 17.dxe5 Nxe5
18.Kg1 Ng4 19.Rg3 e5 20.Rxg4
Bxg4 21.Nxe5 Bxh5 22.Nf4 Rac8
C11: French: Classical System: 4 e5 and 23.Qe1 Qxe1 24.Rxe1 Bb4 25.Rb1
4 Bg5 dxe4 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 d4 26.Bc1 Bf7 27.Nxf7 Rxf7 28.g3
Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 Aronian,L (2781) -Bluebaum,M (2670)
a b c d e f g h
chess24.com (Internet-rapid) 2021
Ch e s s I n f o r ma n t 1 4 9 [ P e r u n o vi c ,
8 8 Milos] 0-1 (79) ]
7 7 14.a3N
[ 14.Qc2 cxd4 15.Bxd4 Qc7 16.exf6
6 6 Nxd4 17.Nexd4 Rxf6 18.f5 Nc5
5 5
19.Nh4 Rf7 20.Ndf3 e5 21.g4 e4
22.Nd4 Qf4 23.Ng6 Qxg4 24.Qh2
4 4 Nd3+ 25.Bxd3 exd3 26.Re3 d2+
3 3
27.Qxd2 Bh4+ 28.Nxh4 Qxh4+
Ivic,V (2599)-Di Berardino,D (2472)
2 2 Budapest 2024 ½-½ (65) ]
1 1
[ 14.Kf2 fxe5 15.fxe5 Bg5 16.Kg1
Bxe3+ 17.Qxe3 Qxb2 18.Re1 Ne7
a b c d e f g h
19.Nh4 Nf8 20.Rg3 Kh8 21.Nf4
6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 a6 8.Ne2 Qb6 cxd4 22.cxd4 Bd7 23.Nfg6+ Nfxg6
9.Qc1 Be7 10.c3 White has an edge. 24.Nxg6+ Kg8 25.Nxe7+ Rxe7
10...f6 26.Bd3 Kh8 27.Rb1 Qxa2 28.Rxb7
a b c d e f g h
Qa4 Xu,Y (2527)-Xu,Y (2554)
Xinghua CHN 2021 CBM 217
8 8 [Grigoriants,Sergey ] 1-0 (53) ]
7 7 14...cxd4 15.cxd4 Na5
6 6 (Diagram)
5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h
 313

a b c d e f g h
[ 25...Rc6 0.79/21 ]
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
16.Qc2 Nc4 17.Bc1 Qa5+ 18.Kd1
a b c d e f g h
fxe5 19.fxe5 -0.04/19
[ 19.dxe5 -0.37/22 Bc5 20.Nh2 ] 26.Ne2 Be8 2.19/21
19...Ndb6 0.32/23 [ 26...Nc6 1.15/21 ]
[ 19...Qb6= -0.04/19 was preferrable. ] 27.Bd2 Nc6 28.Rg3 Kh8 29.Nf4 Rxf4
20.b3 Dancing on a razor blade. 30.Bxf4 Nb6
20...Bd7! a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
31.Rc1 Rb8 32.Rh3 1.32/21
Strongly threatening ...Rc8! 21.Qc3 [ 32.Ka2+- 2.80/23 has better winning
[ 21.bxc4? Ba4 22.c5 Bxc2+-+ ] chances. ]
21...Qxc3 22.Nxc3 Na5 23.Kc2 Rc8 32...Nc4+ 33.bxc4 bxc4+ 34.Ka2
24.Kb2 Na8 0.87/23 a i m i n g f o r B c 2 . 34...cxd3 35.Bd2!
[ 24...Nc6 0.51/22 is superior. ] Prevents Na5. 35...Bd8
25.Bd3 b5 1.24/24 (Diagram)
 314

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

36.Bc3 0.25/23 46.Nd3 Bc4+ 47.Rxc4 dxc4+ 48.Kxc4

[ Better is 36.Rd1 0.70/20 ] Endgame KRB-KRN 48...Rb8 49.Rf2
36...Na5!= 37.Nd2↑ Black is under 0.73/26
pressure. 37...Bb5 38.a4 Bxa4 [ 49.Nxb4 1.44/25 axb4 50.g4 ]
39.Rxd3 Bb5 0.64/24 49...Rc8+ 1.50/25
[ 39...Nc6= 0.26/24 ] [ 49...Be7 0.73/26 ]
40.Rf3 Bb6
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

41.Bxa5 Bxa5 A strong pair of Bishops. 50.Nc5! Re8

42.Nb3 Bb4 43.Nc5 Re8 1.57/24
[ 43...Bc4+ 0.99/24 44.Ka1 Bxc5 (Diagram)
45.dxc5 Rc8 ]
44.Kb3 a5 45.Rc2 Prevents Be2.
45...Kg8
 315

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

51.Rf3 Rc8 52.Kb5 Rb8+ 56.Kc6+- Rf7? 10.72/22 A mistake that

a b c d e f g h
costs the game.
[ 56...Ra7 1.40/24 57.Nxe6 a4 ]
8 8 57.Rxf7
7 7 [ Weaker is 57.Nxe6 a4 58.d5 a3+- ]
57...Kxf7 KB-KN 58.Kd7 g5 59.Nxe6
6 6 T h r e a t e n s t o w i n w i t h N c 5 . 59...a4
5 5
60.Nc5 Bxc5
a b c d e f g h
4 4
8 8
3 3
7 7
2 2
6 6
1 1
5 5
a b c d e f g h

53.Kc6! Rc8+ 54.Kb6 Re8 55.Kb7 4 4

& B i a n c o i s m o r e a c t i v e . 55...Re7+ 3 3
2.00/26
[ 55...a4 1.40/25 was called for. ] 2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h
(Diagram)
61.dxc5 #21/24 KP-KP
[ 61.e6++- 24.60/24 Kg7 62.dxc5 ]
61...a3 62.e6+ Kg7 63.e7 a2 64.e8Q
a1Q KQ-KQ 65.Qg6+ Kf8
(Diagram)
 316

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

66.Qxh6+ Kf7 67.Qg6+ 5.73/5 76.Qe4+ Kh8 77.h6

[ 67.Qh7+ #17/21 Kf8 68.Qe7+ a b c d e f g h
Kg8 69.c6 g4 70.Qe6+ Kh7
71.Qg6+ Kh8 72.c7 ] 8 8

67...Kf8 68.Qf5+ 25.12/23 7 7

[ 68.Qd6+ #20/19 Kf7 69.Qe7+
Kg8 70.c6 g4 71.Qe8+ Kh7 6 6
72.Qg6+ Kh8 73.c7 ] 5 5
68...Kg8 69.Qxg5+ Kh8 70.c6
White wants to mate with Qf4. 70...Qd4+ 4 4

a b c d e f g h 3 3

8 8 2 2

7 7 1 1

6 6 a b c d e f g h

5 5
Weighted Error Value: White=0.09
(flawless) /Black=0.30
4 4 1-0
3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

71.Kc8 Qd8+ would kill now. 71...Qc4

72.Qe5+ Kh7 73.c7 White mates.
73...Qa6+ 74.Kd8 Qb6 75.Kd7 Qa7
 317

85 C11 a b c d e f g h
Pijpers,Arthur 2474
Divya,Deshmukh 2490 8 8

Tata Steel Challengers (13.1) 02.02.2025 7 7

[Kitty Kat]
6 6

5 5
C11: French: Classical System: 4 e5 and
4 Bg5 dxe4 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 4 4
Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 3 3
a b c d e f g h
2 2
8 8
1 1
7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6 10.Na4! &Bianco is more active. 10...f6
5 5 a b c d e f g h

4 4 8 8

3 3 7 7

2 2 6 6

1 1 5 5

a b c d e f g h 4 4
6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 Be7 8.dxc5 0-0 3 3
9.a3 a6 0.88/20
[ 9...Bxc5= 0.14/22 10.Qd3 d4 2 2
11.Nxd4 Ndxe5 12.fxe5 Bxd4 ] 1 1

a b c d e f g h

(Diagram) 11.exf6 Nxf6 12.Be2 0.58/21

[ White should play 12.Nb6 0.95/19
Rb8 13.Bd3 ]
12...Ng4! 13.Bd2 e5! 14.fxe5 Ncxe5
15.0-0! Hoping for Nxe5. 15...Qc7⇆

(Diagram)
 318

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

(  ...Nxf3+). Black is fighting back Weighted Error Value: White=0.05

16.Nxe5 Bxc5+ (flawless) /Black=0.12 (very precise)
[ M u c h l e s s s t r o n g i s 16...Rxf1+ ½-½
17.Kxf1 Nxh2+ 18.Kg1 Qxe5
19.Bc3 ]
17.Nxc5 Qxc5+ 18.Kh1 Rxf1+
19.Qxf1 White threatens Qf7+ and mate.
19...Nf2+ 20.Kg1 Nh3+
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

D i s c o ve r e d A t t a c k ( D o u b l e C h e c k )
21.Kh1 Intending Qf7+ and mate.
21...Nf2+ 22.Kg1 Nh3+ Discovered
A t t a c k ( D o u b l e C h e c k ) 23.Kh1
Threatening mate with Qf7+. 23...Nf2+
 319

86 C42 11.0-0 Na6N

Svane,Frederik 2664 [ 11...Rd8 12.a4 ( 12.Re1+ Kf8
Gurel,Ediz 2624 13.h3 h6 14.c4 9) Petroff Sidelines-
Tata Steel Challengers (13.2) 02.02.2025 Petroff sidelines: 3...d6 4.N) 12...a5
[Kitty Kat] 13.Nbd2 Na6 14.c3 Nc7 15.Nc4
Ncd5 16.Re1+ Kf8 17.h3 b6 18.Bg5
Ba6 19.Bf1 Rd7 20.Bh4 Nh5 21.g4
C42: Petroff Defence: 3 Nxe5 and Nhf4 22.Kh2 Bxc4 23.Bxc4 Bf6
unusual White 3rd moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 24.Bxd5 Nxd5 25.c4 Bxh4 26.cxd5
Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d3 Nf6 1-0 Tirb,A (2556)-Rushkin (2431) 26th
a b c d e f g h
Open Cappelle la Grande FRA 2010
(3) Bf6 27.dxc6 Rc7 28.d5 Bxb2
8 8 29.Rab1 Bc3 30.Rec1 Bb4 31.Ne1
7 7 b5 32.axb5 Rb8 33.Nc2 Rxb5
34.Rd1 Rc8 35.Rd4 Rcb8 36.Rb3
6 6 Kg7 37.Kg2 h6 38.h4 Kf6 39.Rf3+
5 5
Kg7 40.Rdf4 f5 41.gxf5 1-0 Kobo,O
(2556)-Wadsworth,M (2431)
4 4 Dortmund Sparkassen op 50th 2023
3 3
(3) ]
12.c3 Dodge s Nb 4 12...Nc7 13.Re1+
2 2 Be6 14.Ng5 Kd7 15.Nd2
1 1
[ 15.Nxe6 keeps more tension. Rae8
16.Nd2 Rxe6 17.Rxe6 Nxe6 18.Nf3 ]
a b c d e f g h
15...Rae8
6.d4 g6 7.Bb5+ c6 8.Bd3 Bg7 a b c d e f g h
W h i t e h a s a n e d g e . 9.Qe2+ Qe7
10.Qxe7+ Kxe7 8 8

a b c d e f g h 7 7

8 8 6 6

7 7 5 5

6 6 4 4

5 5 3 3

4 4 2 2

3 3 1 1

2 2 a b c d e f g h

1 1
16.Nxe6 Nxe6 17.Nf3 h5 18.h4 Bh6
19.Bxh6 Rxh6 20.g3 Rhh8
a b c d e f g h
(Diagram)
 320

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

21.c4 Re7 22.b4 Ra8 23.Rab1 Rae8 ...Nxd4! is the strong threat. 28.Rec1
0.40/21 White is more active. 28...Rd8 29.Re1
[ 23...a5= 0.01/20 deserves -0.01/18
consideration. ] [ 29.Bf1 0.50/21 ]
24.a4 Kc8 25.Red1 Kb8 29...Rde8!= aiming for ...Nxd4! 30.Rec1
a b c d e f g h
-0.01/17
[ 30.Kg2 0.54/19 ]
8 8 30...Rd8!
7 7 a b c d e f g h

6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3

a b c d e f g h 2 2
26.a5 Rd8 27.Re1 Rde8 1 1

a b c d e f g h
(Diagram)
31.Kg2 d5

(Diagram)
 321

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

32.a6 0.15/20 dxc4 33.Rxc4 Rd6 A g a i n s t b 5 41.Ra1 Nb5 42.Rda2

34.axb7 Kxb7 35.Bf1 Nc7 A n d n o w B x b 5 w o u l d w i n . 42...Kb8
a b c d e f g h
43.Rc1 0.21/23
[ 43.Ne5 0.65/22 Nxe5 44.dxe5 ]
8 8 43...Nxd4 44.Nxd4 Rxd4 45.Rxc6
7 7 Ne5!
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1

a b c d e f g h 3 3

36.Rc5 Ne6 37.Re5 Ng4 38.Re2 Rc7 2 2

0.63/22 1 1
[ 38...Red7= 0.23/20
a b c d e f g h
was preferrable. ]
39.Rd2 Rcd7 40.Rbd1! Nc7 46.Rc3 Strongly threatening Ra5.
46...Rxb4 47.Ba6 Rc7 The position is
(Diagram) equal. 48.Rac2 Rxc3 49.Rxc3
Endgame. KRB-KRN 49...Ka8 50.Rc8+
Rb8

(Diagram)
 322

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

51.Rc7 Rb6 52.Rc8+ Rb8 White must Weighted Error Value: White=0.10 (very
n o w p r e ve n t . . . Rxc 8 . 53.Rc5 Ng4 precise) /Black=0.05 (flawless)
54.Rc7 Rb6 55.Rc8+ Rb8 ½-½
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

56.Rc7 Rb6 57.Rc8+ Rb8 58.Rc7

(Diagram)
 323

87 B52 [Bartel,Mateusz] 1-0 (33) ]

Vaishali,Rameshbabu 2476 7.a3 Ng6 8.Nd5N The position is equal.
L'Ami,Erwin 2614 [ 8.h4 h5 9.b4 cxb4 10.axb4 Nxb4
Tata Steel Challengers (13.3) 02.02.2025 11.Rb1 Nc6 12.Ba4 #1
[Kitty Kat] 4) The Moscow Variation 3.Bb5-3...
Bd7 4.c4 Nc6 ]
8...Be7 9.b4 0-0 10.h4 -0.22/21
B52: Sicilian: Moscow Variation with 3... [ 10.0-0 0.20/18 might be stronger. ]
Bd7 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Bd7 10...Re8 0.35/21
4.c4 Nc6 5.Nc3 e5 [ 10...Bg4= -0.22/21 ]
[ 5...g6 6.d4 cxd4 7.Nxd4 Bg7
8.Be3 Nf6 9.h3 0-0 10.0-0 Rc8 a b c d e f g h
11.b3 a6 12.Bxc6 Bxc6 13.Nxc6
Rxc6 14.Rc1 b5 15.cxb5 axb5 8 8

16.Qd3 b4 17.Nd5 Rxc1 18.Rxc1 7 7

Nxd5 19.exd5 Qa8 20.Rc2
Ongut,T (2373)-Hartmann,G (2393) 6 6
Sa nt i ag o d e Ch il e 2 0 23 ZUS D3 2 5 5
[John Watson] ½-½ (64) ]
4 4

a b c d e f g h 3 3

8 8 2 2

7 7 1 1

6 6 a b c d e f g h

5 5
11.h5 Nf8 12.Bb2 0.10/20
[ 12.h6 0.61/20 g6 13.0-0 ]
4 4 12...b6 0.64/18
3 3
[ 12...Bg4= 0.10/20 ]
13.Ba4 0.32/21
2 2 [ 13.h6 0.64/18 g6 14.0-0 ]
1 1
13...Ne6 14.0-0 h6 15.Nh2 -0.01/19
[ 15.Bc3 0.32/18 deserves
a b c d e f g h
consideration. ]
6.d3 Nge7 15...Rf8
[ 6...g6 7.Nd5 Bg7 8.0-0 h6 9.b4
Nge7 10.bxc5 dxc5 11.Be3 b6 (Diagram)
12.Qc1 f5 13.a4 f4 14.Bd2 g5
15.Bc3 g4 16.Nd2 0-0 17.a5 Rb8
18.axb6 axb6 19.Qb2 Ng6 20.Bxc6
Bxc6 21.Ra6 Bartel,M (2638)-Sjugirov,
S (2635) Rhodes 2013 CBM 157
 324

a b c d e f g h
26.Qxa1 Ra8 ]
25.a5+- Qf7
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
16.Ng4 Rc8 0.52/21
a b c d e f g h
[ 16...Nf4= 0.19/20 feels stronger. ]
17.Nge3 Nc7 1.19/24 26.axb6 Rxb6 2.41/23
[ 17...Bg5 0.63/22 ] [ 26...Ne8 1.46/24 is a better
18.Bxc6 Bxc6 19.Nxe7+ Qxe7 20.f4 defense. 27.b7 ( 27.bxa6 Rxb6
[ 20.Nf5 is interesting. Qf6 21.f4 Bd7 28.g4 Bc6=; 27.Rxa6 Rxa6 28.bxa6
22.fxe5 dxe5 23.Qg4 ] Rxb6 ) 27...Rxb7 ]
20...Bd7 27.Ba5 Rb7 28.b6 Ne8 29.Qg4 Bc6
a b c d e f g h
30.Rf3 Rab8
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
21.f5 f6 0.82/21
[ 21...Ne8 0.45/20 ] 31.Kh2 1.34/23
22.b5 a6 23.a4 Ra8 24.Bc3 Rfb8 [ 31.Rf2+- 1.81/25 ]
1.70/26 31...d5 2.55/25
[ 24...axb5 0.82/22 25.axb5 Rxa1 [ 31...Rxb6 1.34/23 32.Bxb6 Rxb6 ]
 325

32.cxd5 Bb5 33.Rc1 1.14/25 a b c d e f g h

[ White should try 33.Nc4+- 1.77/23 ]
33...Bxd3 34.Rxc5 Nd6 35.Rc6 8 8

[ M u c h w o r s e i s 35.Rc7?! Rxc7 7 7
36.bxc7 Rb5 ]
35...Nxe4 1.93/23 6 6
[ 35...Rd7 1.26/23 was necessary. ] 5 5

4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
8 8
2 2
7 7
1 1
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
38.Nd5!↑ 1.56/24 Black is under strong
4 4 pressure. 38...Qxd5 39.Rxd7
3 3
Really sharp! 39...Ng5
a b c d e f g h
2 2
8 8
1 1
7 7
a b c d e f g h

36.d6!+- Rd7 37.Rc7 0.65/22 6 6

[ 37.Nd1!+- 1.78/22 Qd5 38.Rc7 5 5
Qxd6 39.Nb2 ]
37...Kh8? 3.74/25 4 4
[ 37...Nxd6? 38.Rxd7 Qxd7 3 3
39.Nd5+- ]
[ 37...Ng5! 0.65/22 ] 2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h
(Diagram)
40.Rxd3 Qxd3

(Diagram)
 326

a b c d e f g h
Kh7 46.d7 Qb6 47.d8Q Qxd8
48.Qxd8 ]
8 8 [ 43...Qe5+ 0.72/22 is a better
7 7 chance. 44.Kg1 Qc5+ 45.Kh2 Qe5+
46.Kg1 Qc5+ 47.Bf2 e3 ]
6 6 44.Re7+- Strongly threatening Re8+.
5 5
Active counter play! 44...Kh7 6.89/21
[ 44...Qf4+ 4.67/23 45.Bg3 Qd2 ]
4 4 45.Qd7 Qxd7
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 8 8

1 1 7 7

a b c d e f g h 6 6
41.b7 Hoping for Rc7. 41...Qd5 2.53/25 5 5
[ 41...Qb5? 42.Rc7 Rxb7 43.d7!
Qxd7 44.Rxd7 Rxd7 45.Bb6+- ] 4 4
[ 41...Kh7 1.29/25 ] 3 3
42.Qa4 1.02/24
[ 42.Qb4+- 2.53/25 has better winning 2 2
chances. e4 43.Rd8+ Rxd8 44.Bxd8 1 1
Qe5+ 45.Kg1 ]
a b c d e f g h
42...e4
[ 42...Rxb7 43.Rd8+ ] 46.Rxd7 Endgame KRB-KRN 46...Ne6
47.Bf2 a5 48.Ba7 e3 49.Kg3
a b c d e f g h
[ Weaker is 49.Bxb8 e2= ]
49...a4 50.Bxb8 Intending Ba7 and
8 8 mate. 50...a3
7 7
(Diagram)
6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

43.Be1! Qxf5? 4.80/25

[ 43...Rxb7 44.Rxb7 Qxb7 45.Qe8+
 327

a b c d e f g h
60.Bg3 Qb5 61.Qc2+ Kh8 62.b8Q+
Qxb8 63.Bxb8 ]
8 8 56...Qb5+ 57.Kg1 White mates.
7 7 57...Qb6+ 58.Kh2 Qb5 59.Bg3 Qxh5+
60.Qh3
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
51.Rc7! Nxc7
[ 51...a2 52.Rc1 ] 2 2
52.dxc7 KB-KP 52...e2 53.Kf2 a2 1 1
54.c8Q 16.95/23
a b c d e f g h
[ 54.Kxe2 #22/22 a1Q 55.c8Q Qh1
56.Kf2 Qh4+ 57.Bg3 Qd4+ 58.Kf1 W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e = 0 . 2 5
Qd3+ 59.Kg1 Qd1+ 60.Kh2 Qxh5+ (precise) /Black=0.91
61.Qh3 Qxh3+ 62.Kxh3 ] 1-0
54...a1Q 55.Kxe2 White wants to mate
with Bf4. 55...Qb2+
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

56.Kf1 18.88/22
[ 56.Kf3 #19/22 Qb3+ 57.Kg4
Qd1+ 58.Kg3 Qb3+ 59.Kh2 Qb4
 328

88 E36 35.Rh6 Bd3 36.Re1 Bxe4 37.Rxe4

Bok,Benjamin 2583 Rxf7 38.Be5+ Kg8 1-0 Bancroft,H
Nguyen,Thai Dai Van 2668 (2606)-Mecelica,E (2554) 21st ch-
Tata Steel Challengers (13.4) 02.02.2025 EUR Indiv 2021 Reykjavik ISL (3.1) ]
[Kitty Kat] 8.e3 Nd5N Discovered Attack
[ 8...h6 9.Bxf6 Qxf6 10.Nf3 0-0
11.Bxc4 Re8 12.Rd1 a6 13.0-0 Bd7
E36: Nimzo-Indian: Classical: 4...d5 5 a3 14.Rd2 Qe7 15.Ba2 Qd6 16.Rc1
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 Rac8 17.Bb1 Ne7 18.Ne5 Nd5
d5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 19.Qb3 Bb5 20.Qc2 Nf6 21.h3
a b c d e f g h
Red8 22.Ng4 Qe7 23.Nxf6+
½-½ Kaussen,O (2630)-Puccini,J
8 8 (2 5 60 ) DDR- c or r H/ 1 19 DDR c o r r
7 7 1984 (10) Qxf6 24.Qh7+ Kf8
25.Rdc2 Bc6 26.Rc5 Ke7 27.Ba2
6 6 Rd7 28.Bc4 Bd5 29.Bf1 g6 30.Qxh6
5 5
Rh8 31.Qf4 Qxf4 32.exf4 c6
33.R5c3 a5 34.f3 Rhd8 35.Kf2 a4
4 4 36.Ke3 Bb3 37.Rd3 f6 38.Be2
3 3
½-½ Gurevich,M (2630)-Parligras,M
(2560) EU-ch 6th Warsaw 2005 (10) ]
2 2 9.Bxd8 The position is equal. 9...Nxc3
1 1
10.Bxc7 Nd5
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

6.Qxc3 Nc6 0.46/18 8 8

[ 6...dxc4= 0.09/19 7.Qxc4 b6 ] 7 7

7.Bg5 0.09/20
[ 7.Nf3 0.46/18 should be 6 6
considered. ] 5 5
7...dxc4
[ 7...Ne4!? 8.Bxd8 Nxc3 9.Bxc7 4 4
Nxd4 10.Rc1 Na4 11.cxd5 exd5 3 3
12.Be5 Nc6 13.Bxg7 Rg8 14.Bc3
d4 15.Bd2 Nxb2 16.g3 Be6 17.Bg2 2 2
Nc4 18.Nf3 f6 19.0-0 Kf7 20.Bf4 1 1
Nxa3 21.Nd2 Nb5 22.Ne4 Rac8
a b c d e f g h
23.Rc5 a6 ½-½ Dreev,A (2677)-
Avrukh,B (2585) EU-Cup 28th Eilat 11.Bg3 Na5 12.Ne2 b5 13.Nc3
2012 (2.4) 24.Rb1 Nca7 25.Rh5 Kg7 -0.14/19
26.h3 Bf7 27.Bh6+ Kg6 28.g4 Be6 [ 13.e4 0.22/19 feels stronger. Nb3
29.f4 Bc4 30.f5+ Kf7 31.Bf4 Kg7 14.Rd1 ]
32.g5 Bxe2 33.gxf6+ Kh8 34.f7 Rg7 13...a6 0.27/19
 329

[ 13...Nb3 -0.14/19 14.Rd1 Bd7 ] [ 21...Nxd4? 22.Rbd1+- ]

14.Be2 -0.17/21 22.Ke3
[ 14.e4 0.27/19 Nxc3 15.bxc3 ] [ 22.Bxb3 cxb3 23.Rhc1 f5 ]
14...Bb7 15.Nxd5 Bxd5 22...f5 23.Rhd1 g5 24.Be1 fxe4
a b c d e f g h
0.63/21
[ 24...Rf7= 0.18/19 ]
8 8 25.fxe4 Rf4
7 7 a b c d e f g h

6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3

a b c d e f g h 2 2
16.f3 Nb3 17.Rb1 Rc8 18.Bd1 Kd7 1 1
0.39/21
a b c d e f g h
[ 18...Ke7= -0.05/19 ]
19.e4 Bb7 20.Bc2 26.Bg3 Rff8 27.Bxb3 0.16/20
[ 20.Bxb3 cxb3 21.0-0 Rc2 ] [ White should try 27.Be5 1.04/21 ]
20...a5 27...cxb3= 28.Rf1 Rxf1 29.Rxf1
[ 20...Nxd4? 21.Rd1+- ] E n d g a m e . K R B - K R B 29...Ke7
Dodges Rf7+
a b c d e f g h
[ 29...Rc2!? ]
30.Be1 b4
8 8

7 7 (Diagram)

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

21.Kf2 Rhf8
 330

a b c d e f g h
38...Kc7 39.Rf7+ Kb8 40.Bd6+ Ka7
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
31.axb4 Rc1 0.54/22
[ 31...Rc2= 0.01/23 ] 41.Bc5+? -2.21/25
32.bxa5 Ke8! 33.Kd2 Rc2+ 34.Ke3 [ 41.d5 -0.45/21 ]
H o p i n g f o r R f 6 . 34...Rxb2 Strongly 41...Ka6-+ Threatens to win with ...b2.
threatening ...Rb1! 35.Bb4 Rxg2 42.Re7 -2.97/25
a b c d e f g h
[ 42.Rf1 -2.01/19 ]
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
36.Rf8+ Kd7 37.Rf7+ Kc8 38.Rf8+
a b c d e f g h
[ 38.Rxh7 b2 39.Rh8+ Kc7 40.Rh7+
Kb8 ( 40...Kc6? 41.d5+ exd5 42...b2!
42.Rh6+ Kd7 43.Rh7+ Kc8 44.Rh8+ [ 42...Rxh2 43.Rxe6+ Kxa5 44.d5 ]
Kc7 45.Rh7+ Kb8 46.Rh8+ Bc8 43.Rxe6+
47.Bd6+ Kb7 48.a6+ Ka7 49.Bc5+ [ 43.Rxh7 b1Q ( 43...b1R? 44.d5-+ )
Kxa6 50.Rh6+ Ka5 51.Rb6-+ ) 44.d5 Qb2 ( 44...exd5 45.Rh6+
41.Bd6+ Ka8-+ ] Kxa5 46.Bb6+ Kb5 47.exd5 Qb3+
 331

48.Ke4 Qxd5+ 49.Ke3 Qe4#; a b c d e f g h

44...exd5 45.Rh6+ Kxa5 46.Bb6+
Kb5 47.exd5 Qb3+ 48.Kd4 Qxd5+ 8 8

49.Ke3 Qe4# )] 7 7
43...Kxa5 44.Rb6 Ba6
[ 44...Rxh2? 45.Rxb7 Rh3+ 6 6
46.Kd2+- ] 5 5
45.Rb8 Re2+
[ 45...Rxh2 46.d5 ] 4 4

3 3
a b c d e f g h
2 2
8 8
1 1
7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 648...Rh2!
5 5
[ 48...b1R 49.Rxb1 g4+ 50.hxg4
hxg4+ ( 50...Bxb1 51.Kxe2 hxg4
4 4 52.e6 ) 51.Kxg4 Bxb1 52.Kh5 ]
3 3
[ 48...b1B 49.Be7-+ ]
[ 48...g4+ 49.hxg4 b1Q ( 49...b1R?
2 2 50.Rxb1 hxg4+ 51.Kxg4-+ ) 50.Rxb1
1 1
hxg4+ 51.Kxg4 Bxb1 52.Kg5 ]
49.Kg3 Re2 0.01/19
a b c d e f g h
[ 49...b1Q 50.Rxb1= ]
46.Kf3 Bd3 47.h3 h5 -1.29/23 [ Black should play 49...Rd2-+ -3.35/22
[ 47...b1R 48.Rxb1 Rxe4 49.Rb3 50.Bb4+ Ka6 51.Bxd2 Bb5 ]
Rf4+ 50.Ke3= ] 50.Kf3= Ka4
[ 47...Bb5-+ -2.23/21 48.Ra8+ Ba6 ] [ 50...g4+ 51.hxg4 b1R 52.Rxb1
48.e5? -3.24/23 hxg4+ 53.Kxg4 Bxb1 54.Kf3-+ ]
[ 48.d5 -1.29/23 might work better. ]

(Diagram)
(Diagram)
 332

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

51.e6? -10.22/20 Bb5-+ W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 4 7 /

[ 51...b1B 52.e7= ] Black=0.24 (precise)
[ 51...b1N 52.Rxb1 g4+ 53.hxg4 0-1
hxg4+ 54.Kxg4 Bxb1 55.d5-+ ]
[ 51...Rxe6 52.Rxb2 Bf5 53.d5 ]
52.Ra8+ Kb3 53.Rb8 g4+ -10.89/17
[ 53...b1B? 54.Rxb5+ Kc3
55.Rxb1+- ( 55.Kxe2 Bd3+ 56.Ke3
Bxb5+- )]
[ 53...Kc4 -6.58/16 54.Kxe2 b1Q
( 54...b1B? 55.Ke3+- ) 55.Rxb5 Qe4+
( 55...Kxb5? 56.e7-+ ) 56.Kf1 Kxb5 ]
54.hxg4 hxg4+
[ 54...b1B? is the wrong capture.
55.Rxb5+ Kc4 56.Kxe2+- ( 56.Rxb1
Rxe6 57.gxh5 Rh6+- )]
55.Kxg4 Kc4
[ 55...b1B? perishes. 56.Rxb5+ Kc4
57.Rxb1+- ]

(Diagram)
 333

89 A13 bxc6 13.Qxd4 Qg6 14.e4 Bh3

Nogerbek,Kazybek 2514 15.Nh4 Qg4 16.Rae1 0-0 17.Re3
Oro,Faustino 2447 Qxh4 18.Rxh3 Qg4 19.Qd3 h6
Tata Steel Challengers (13.5) 02.02.2025 20.exd5 Rfd8 21.Qd1 Qf5 22.Rf3
[Kitty Kat] ½-½ Dvoirys,S (2549)-Golod,V (2606)
102/7 Israel 2008 ]
[ 7...Bg4 8.h3 Bh5 9.g4 Bg6 10.Ne5
A13: English Opening: 1...e6 1.Nf3 d5 Rc8 11.h4 Bd6 12.h5 Bxb1 13.Rxb1
2.e3 c5 3.b3 Nf6 4.Bb2 e6 5.c4 Nc6 Qe7 14.f4 Ne4 15.h6 f6 16.Nxc6
a b c d e f g h
bxc6 17.Ba6 Rc7 18.Qf3 c4
19.hxg7 Qxg7 20.bxc4 Nc5 21.g5
8 8 Nd3+ 22.Ke2 0-1 Baillon,O (2246)-
7 7 Demais,T (1984) Clichy rapid op 2022
(7) ]
6 6 [ 7...a6 8.Bxc6+ bxc6 9.0-0 Bd6
5 5
10.Nc3 Bg4 11.Rc1 0-0 12.h3 Bh5
13.d3 Re8 14.Re1 Re6 15.e4 Qe7
4 4 16.exd5 Bxf3 17.Rxe6 fxe6 18.Qxf3
3 3
exd5 19.Qe2 Qf7 20.Na4 Re8
21.Qf3 Qe7 22.g3 1-0 Zotkin,Y
2 2 (2460)-C1 11.Nbd2 Nc5 (2383) IECC
1 1
T002002 IECC email (9) ]
8.Nc3 Bd7 9.0-0 Be7 White is slightly
a b c d e f g h
better. 10.Rc1 0-0
6.cxd5 exd5 7.Bb5 Qb6N 0.42/21 a b c d e f g h
[ 7...Bd6= 0.00/19 ]
[ 7...Be7 8.0-0 0-0 9.d4 Bg4 8 8

( 9...cxd4 10.Nxd4 Nxd4 11.Qxd4 7 7

Qa5 12.Bd3 Be6 13.Nc3 Rfc8
14.Rfc1 Ba3 15.Bxa3 Qxa3 16.Rc2 6 6
a6 17.Rb1 Qa5 18.b4 Qd8 19.a4 5 5
Rc7 20.a5 Rac8 21.Rbc1 Qd7
22.h3 h6 23.Qe5 Ne8 24.f4 4 4
0-1 Zlotnikov,M-Chernosvitov,A 3 3
Voskresensk_187040 1992) 10.dxc5
Bxc5 11.Bxc6 bxc6 12.Qc2 Bd6 2 2
13.Nbd2 Rc8 14.Ng5 g6 15.Qc3 1 1
Be7 16.h3 Be6 17.Rfd1 c5 18.Qe5
a b c d e f g h
Qc7 19.Qc3 d4 20.Qd3 Bf5 21.e4
Bd7 22.Re1 ½-½ Trkaljanov,V (2663)- 11.Be2 0.11/20
Lasker,E (2386) op Velden 1993 (4) ] [ 11.d4 0.57/19 was preferrable. ]
[ 7...Bd7 8.0-0 Bd6 9.Bxf6 Qxf6 11...Qd8 0.85/20
10.Nc3 Qe6 11.d4 cxd4 12.Bxc6 [ 11...d4= 0.11/20 12.Na4 Qb4 ]
 334

12.Na4 Di s c o ve r e d A t t a c k 12...b6 a b c d e f g h
13.d4 cxd4 14.Nxd4 Nxd4 15.Qxd4
Rc8 8 8

a b c d e f g h 7 7

8 8 6 6

7 7 5 5

6 6 4 4

5 5 3 3

4 4 2 2

3 3 1 1

2 2 a b c d e f g h

1
26.Rc6 1
Rxe6! is the strong threat.
26...Bd7 1.47/22
a b c d e f g h
[ 26...Bd6 1.01/22 ]
16.Rxc8 Qxc8 17.Nc3 Bc6 18.Rd1 27.Rc2 Be6 28.Nf4 Qd6 29.Qa6 Qd7
Rd8 19.Bf3 h6 20.Ne2 Bb7 30.Nd3 0.78/23 White has more active
a b c d e f g h
pieces.
[ 30.Nxe6 1.23/22 fxe6 31.Bh5 ]
8 8 30...Bd6
7 7 a b c d e f g h

6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3

a b c d e f g h 2 2
21.h3 Qc7 22.Ng3 Threatens to win 1 1
with Rc1. 22...Bc8 23.Rc1 Qb8
a b c d e f g h
24.Qd3 Ne8 25.Nh5
[ 25.Bxd5 Be6 26.e4 Bf6 ] 31.Bd4 0.41/22
25...Be6 [ 31.Rd2 1.07/22 ]
31...Bf5 And now ...Nc7 would win.
(Diagram) 32.Rd2
[ 32.Bxd5? Nc7 33.Rxc7 Qxc7-+
 335

( 33...Bxc7? 34.Bc4-+ )] a b c d e f g h
32...Rc8 33.Rd1
[ 33.Bxd5? Nc7 34.Qxa7 Nxd5 8 8

35.Qxd7 Bxd7-+ ] 7 7
33...Bb8 1.02/22
[ 33...Rc2 0.54/20 feels stronger. ] 6 6

5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4
8 8
3 3
7 7
2 2
6 6
1 1
5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4 39.Nxd5! D e f l e c t i o n 39...Bd6
3 3
Repels Ne7+
[ 39...Qxd5? loses. 40.Qg4+- ]
2 2 40.Qf3 0.21/24
1 1
[ 40.f4 0.65/21 ]
40...Qe6!=
a b c d e f g h
[ 40...Qxd5? is the wrong capture.
34.a4 0.47/21 41.Qg4 Bf8 42.Qxc8+- ]
[ White should try 34.Nf4! 1.02/22 ]
34...Be4 35.Bg4 Bf5 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
41.Qg4 Qxg4 42.hxg4 Rc2 43.f3 Nf2
36.Bxf5 Qxf5 37.Nb4 Nd6 38.Qe2 44.Rb1↑ White has the initiative.
Ne4 44...Nd3 Against Rb2 45.e4 0.19/24
(Diagram) [ 45.Bc3! 0.55/24 might be stronger. ]
 336

45...Bc5 0.91/24 a b c d e f g h
[ 45...Rc1+= 0.19/24 remains equal.
46.Rxc1 Nxc1 ] 8 8

7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3 a b c d e f g h

2 2 51.Nxb4 Nb3 52.Nc6 Kf8 53.Kf2 Ke8

1 1
54.Ke3 f6 55.Kf4 Kd7
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

46.Bxc5 bxc5 1.35/24 Endgame. KRN- 8 8

KRN 7 7
[ 46...Nxc5 0.91/25 47.Rd1 Nxb3 ]
47.a5 0.76/23 6 6
[ 47.Rd1 1.35/24 Nc1 48.Ne3 Ne2+ 5 5
49.Kf2 ]
47...a6 1.25/25 4 4
[ 47...Rd2 0.76/23 ] 3 3
48.Rd1 Rc1 49.Rxc1 Deflection
49...Nxc1 KN-KN 50.b4 cxb4 2 2

1 1
(Diagram)
a b c d e f g h

56.Nb4 Black must now prevent Kf5.

56...Ke6 57.Nxa6 Nxa5 58.Nc7+ Kf7
59.Ke3 Nc4+ 60.Kd4 Ne5

(Diagram)
 337

a b c d e f g h
Dodges Nc8 70...Ng6
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
61.Nd5 Ke6 62.Nf4+ Kf7 63.Nd3
Nc6+ 2.21/29 71.Kd7? 1.11/29
[ 63...Nd7 1.25/27 64.g3 g6 ] [ 71.Kd8!+- 3.96/29 Nf8 72.Nc5 ]
64.Kc5 Ne7 2.22/30 71...Nf8+ 72.Kd6 Ne6 73.Kd5
[ 64...Na5 1.46/27 65.Nf4 g6 ] Prevents Nd4. aiming for Nc5. 73...Nc7+
65.Kd6+- Nc8+ 3.18/31 74.Kc4 Ke6? 3.46/32
[ 65...g5 2.18/30 66.g3 Nc8+ [ 74...Ne6 1.12/29 was worth a try. ]
67.Kc5 Ke6 ] 75.Nb4+- Ne8
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
76.Nc6 1.59/28
66.Kc7 Ne7 67.Kd7 g5? 7.32/31 [ 76.Nc2+- 2.71/30 ]
[ 67...Ng6 2.33/29 68.f4 Nf8+ 69.Kd6 76...Nd6+? 3.56/30
Ne6 ] [ 76...Kd6 1.59/28 might work better.
68.g3 Ng6 69.Kd6 Ne7 70.Kc7 77.Nd4 Ng7 ]
 338

77.Kd3? 1.21/29 precise) /Black=0.13 (very precise)

[ 77.Kc5+- 3.56/30 ] 1-0
77...Kf7 78.Kd4 Nb5+ 79.Kc4 Na3+
80.Kc3 Strongly threatening Nd4.
80...Kg6? 4.59/33
[ 80...Nb1+ 1.23/27 81.Kd3 Na3 ]

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

81.Ne7++- White is clearly winning.

81...Kf7 82.Nf5 Kg6 12.86/27
[ 82...Nb5+ 4.38/29 83.Kc4 Nc7
84.Nxh6+ Ke6 ]
83.Nd6
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Weighted Error Value: White=0.11 (very

 339

90 B49 Bb7 14.a3 Rad8 15.Rae1 Bc6

Bulmaga,Irina 2386 a b c d e f g h
Suleymanli,Aydin 2623
Tata Steel Challengers (13.6) 02.02.2025 8 8

[Kitty Kat] 7 7

6 6
B85: Sicilian Scheveningen: 6 Be2 a6, 5 5
lines with early Be3 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6
3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 Qc7 4 4

a b c d e f g h 3 3

8 8 2 2

7 7 1 1

6 6 a b c d e f g h

5
16.Bf3 Qb7 17.Nd1 Ne8 18.c3N
5
[ 18.Nf2 Bf6 19.Bxf6 Nxf6 20.e5
4 4 Ne8 21.Ng4 Bxf3 22.Rxf3 dxe5
3 3
23.fxe5 Qe7 24.Nf6+ Kh8 25.Qh4
h6 26.Qe4 Nxf6 27.exf6 Qd6
2 2 28.Rd3 Qb6 29.fxg7+ Kxg7 30.Rg3+
1 1
Kh8 31.Qf4 e5 32.Qxe5+ f6
Zhigalko,S (2656) -Bukavshin,I (2657)
a b c d e f g h
2015 [Paunovic,Tomislav] 1-0 (39)
6.Be2 a6 7.Be3 Nf6 8.0-0 Be7 9.f4 33.Qh5 Qc7 34.Qxh6+ Qh7 35.Qf4
d6 10.Kh1 0-0 Qxc2 36.Rh3+ Kg8 37.Qg4+ Kf7
a b c d e f g h
38.Qe6+ Kg7 39.Qe7+
Chapter B51-Games Game 19 (39) ]
8 8 18...f6 19.Nf2 White is slightly better.
7 7 19...e5 20.Be3
[ Of course not 20.fxe5 dxe5 21.Be3
6 6 Nd6 ]
5 5
20...Nc7

4 4 (Diagram)
3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

11.Qe1 Nxd4 12.Bxd4 b5 13.Qg3

 340

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

21.f5 -0.04/21 26.Qg4 Rc8 27.Be7? -3.82/22

[ 21.Bg4 0.42/20 might be stronger. ] [ 27.Be3 -1.81/23 ]
21...d5= 22.Bh5 27...Nd5-+ 28.Bc5 e3 29.Rg1 e2
a b c d e f g h
30.Rxe2 Nf4
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1

a b c d e f g h 1 1

a b c d e f g h
Threatens to win with Bh6. 22...Bd6
[ 22...Kh8? 23.Qh3 h6 24.Bg6+- ] 31.Be3 Nxe2 32.Qxe2 Rcd8 33.Bg4
23.Nd3 -0.64/20 Be4 34.Qf2? -4.80/26
[ 23.Bf3= -0.19/20 ] [ 34.Re1 -2.04/24 ]
23...dxe4 White is on the road to 34...Bxg2+ Black is clearly winning.
losing. 24.Nc5 -1.57/25 35.Rxg2 -7.31/25
[ White should play 24.Nf2 -0.81/23 ] [ 35.Qxg2 -4.88/26 Qxg2+ 36.Kxg2
24...Bxc5 25.Bxc5 Rd3 Rxe3 37.Kf2 ]

(Diagram) (Diagram)
 341

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

35...Rd1+! W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 5 7 /
a b c d e f g h
Black=0.10 (very precise)
0-1
8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

36.Bxd1 Rxd1+ 37.Qg1 Rxg1+

38.Kxg1 Qe4

(Diagram)
 342

91 B90 21.d6+ Kg6 22.Bxf6 Nc6 23.Qe4+

Lu,Miaoyi 2429 Costa,L (2472)-Sethuraman,S (2576)
Yakubboev,Nodirbek 2659 Wangels 2024 0-1 (37)) 9.Bb3 e6
Tata Steel Challengers (13.7) 02.02.2025 10.Qe2 Nc5 11.0-0-0 Be7 12.f4 Bd7
[Kitty Kat] 13.Kb1 Nxb3 14.cxb3 Rd8 15.f5 e5
16.Bxf6 gxf6 17.Nd5 Qb8 18.Nc2
Bc6 19.Nce3 b5 20.Rc1 Rc8
B90: Sicilian Najdorf: Unusual White 6th 21.Rc2 Bxd5 22.Nxd5 Neverov,V
moves, 6 Be3 Ng4 and 6 Be3 e5 1.e4 (2226)-Meyer,P Berlin 1998 CR97-81
c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 [Joachim] 1-0 ]
5.Nc3 a6 [ 7...b5 8.a4 b4 9.Nd5 Nxe4 10.Bh4
a b c d e f g h
Bb7 11.Bc4 Nd7 12.Qe2 Rc8 13.f3
g5 14.fxe4 gxh4 15.Bxa6 Bxa6
8 8 16.Qxa6 Bg7 17.0-0-0 e6 18.Nc6
7 7 Nb8 19.Nxb8 Rxb8 20.Nf4 0-0
21.Kb1 Bxb2 22.g4 Paravyan,D
6 6 (2617) -Chigaev,M (2631) Russia 152/
5 5
81 2022 [Arsovic,Goran] 0-1 (34) ]
8.Qd2 b5 White has an edge. 9.a3 Qc7
4 4 0.45/19
3 3
[ 9...Nbd7= -0.01/18 ]
10.0-0-0 Nbd7
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
6.Rg1 -0.08/18
[ 6.Bg5 0.43/18 ] 6 6
6...h5 0.33/17 5 5
[ 6...e5= -0.08/18 7.Nf3 h6 ]
7.Bg5 e6N 4 4
[ 7...Nbd7 8.Bc4 ( 8.Qd2 e6 9.a4 3 3
Be7 10.f4 Nc5 11.Bd3 Bd7 12.Rf1
Rc8 13.a5 b5 14.b4 Nxd3+ 15.cxd3 2 2
d5 16.Rb1 dxe4 17.dxe4 Rc4 18.e5 1 1
Bc8 Nepomniachtchi,I (2773) -
a b c d e f g h
Fedoseev,V (2701) chess.com (Int.-
rapid) 152/(81) 2022 [Arsovic,Goran]) 11.f4 Rb8 0.51/18
8...Qc7 ( 8...e6 9.Qe2 b5 10.Bb3 b4 [ 11...Bb7= 0.19/19 ]
11.Nd5 Bb7 12.0-0-0 exd5 13.exd5+ 12.Bd3 b4 13.Nd5 -1.72/21 Loses the
Be7 14.Nf5 Kf8 15.Rge1 Ne5 game. 13...exd5-+ 14.exd5 bxa3
16.Qd2 Ng6 17.Qxb4 Qd7 18.Rxe7 [ 14...Nxd5 15.Rge1+ Be7 16.Bxe7
Nxe7 19.Nxd6 Bc8 20.Nxf7 Kxf7 Nxe7 17.Nf5 bxa3 18.Rxe7+ Kd8
 343

19.b4= ( 19.bxa3 g6 )] a b c d e f g h

15.b3 Black must now prevent Rge1+.
15...Bb7 8 8

a b c d e f g h 7 7

8 8 6 6

7 7 5 5

6 6 4 4

5 5 3 3

4 4 2 2

3 3 1 1

2 2 a b c d e f g h

1 1
21.Bxd5 Nxd5 22.Rd3 f5
[ Don't blunder 22...a2? 23.Kb2-+ ]
a b c d e f g h
23.Kb1 Bg7 24.Nc6+ Qxc6 25.Rxd5
16.Rge1+ Rh6
a b c d e f g h
[ Not 25...Qc3 26.Rxd6+ Kc7
27.Re7+ Kc8 28.Qxc3+ Bxc3
8 8 29.Rc6+ Kd8 30.Rcc7= ( 30.Rxf7
7 7 Bb4 )]
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
Kd8! 17.Re3 -2.51/18
[ 17.Be4 -1.67/20 is a better defense. ] 2 2
17...Nb6 1 1
[ 17...Bxd5? 18.Bxa6 Nc5 19.Bb5-+ ]
a b c d e f g h
18.Rde1 White threatens Re8+ and
mate. 18...Qc5 26.Qa5+ Kc8 27.Rd3 Re6 28.Rde3
[ 18...Nbxd5? 19.Re8+ Kd7 20.Bf5# ] -12.47/22
19.Be4 Bxd5 20.Bxf6+ gxf6 [ 28.Rxe6 -4.92/23 fxe6 29.Qd2 ]
(Diagram) 28...Rb5 29.Qxa3 Rxe3 30.Rxe3 Qb6
 344

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

31.Rg3 W e i g h t e d E r r o r V a l u e : W h i t e =0 . 8 8 /
a b c d e f g h
Black=0.11 (very precise)
0-1
8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Ra5! 32.Qxa5
[ 32.Rxg7 Rxa3 ]
32...Qg1+

(Diagram)