Zukertort Opening

The Zukertort Opening was already discussed in one previous blog.  The following game demonstrates the Nimzo-Larsen Variation of the opening.

VIACHESLAV RAGOZIN vs. PETER ROMANOVSKY
Leningrad, 1927

1. Nf3, Nf6
2. b3 ....

The Nimzo-Larsen Variation.  It aims to develop the c1 Bishop at once.

2. .... g6
3. Bb2, Bg7
4. g3, d5
5. Bg2, c5
6. 0-0, 0-0
7. d3, Nc6
8. c4, d4
9. Nbd2, Qc7
10. h3, Nh5
11. Ne4, b6
12. a3, Bb7
13. Qc2, f5
14. Ned2, e5!!

Solidifying the central pawn structure.  This is crucial to the outcome of the game.

15. b4, Rae8

Black correctly assessed that the center is more important than his right flank.  If 15....cxb4, 16. axb4 Nxb4, 17. Qb3 a5, 18. Ba3.... then the resulting position favors White.

16. Rfb1, e4!!
17. dxe4, fxe4
18. Ng5 ....

It is unwise to take the pawn. If 18. Nxe4 cxb4, 19. axb4 Nxb4, 20. Qb3 Bxe4 then Black gains material.

18. .... Rxf2!!
19. Ndxe4 ....

 If 19. Kxf2 then Black replies with 19....Qxg3!! Kg1, 20. Nxb4 threatening 21. Qxg2 mate.

19..... Nxb4
20. axb4, Rxg2+
21. Kxg2, Qxg3+
22. Kf1 ....

If 22. Kh1, then Black continues with 22....Be5, 23. e3 Qxg5...

22. .... Bxe4
23. Qxe4 ....

No other choice. For if 23. Nxe4 Rf8+...

23. .... Rxe4
24. Nxe4, Qxh3+
White resigns.

No matter where the White King goes, he will have a hard time defending his position (i.e. 25. Kg1 Nf4!! and mate next move. If 25. Ke1 or Kf2 Black still weaves a mating net with combination of Bh6, Nf4, Qe3, or Qh1).