Modern Defense, Standard Line

JUDIT POLGAR vs. ALEXEY SHIROV
Amsterdam, 1995

1. e4, g6
2. d4, Bg7
3. Nc3 ....

The Standard Line of the Modern Defense.

3. .... c6
4. Bc4, d6
5. Qf3, e6
6. Nge2, b5
7. Bb3, a5
8. a3, Ba6
9. d5, cxd5
10. exd5, e5
11. Ne4, Qc7
12. c4!, bxc4
13. Ba4, Nd7
14. N2c3, Ke7?!

A better continuation for Black is N8f6, which could have prevented the incoming slaughter.

15. Nxd6!! ....

15. .... Qxd6

Not 15...Kxd6, because of 16. Ne4+ Ke7, 17. d6 double check.

16. Ne4, Qxd5
17. Bg5, Ndf6

If 17....f6, then 18. Rd1 Qb7, 19. Rxd7 and White wins.

18. Rd1, Qb7
19. Rd7+, Qxd7
20. Bxd7, h6
21. Qd1, Resigns

Black could not prevent 22. Qd6+ which ensures victory for White.

If 21....hxg5, 22. Qd6+ Kd8, 23. Bc6+ Kc8, 24. Bxa8 ....

A fantastic game!