Sicilian Defense, Nimzowitch - Exchange Variation

BUKHUTI GURGENIDZE vs. ANATOLY LEIN
USSR Championship, 1967

1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, Nf6
3. e5, Nd5
4. Nc3, Nxc3

The Nimzowitch - Exchange Variation of the Sicilian Defense.

5. dxc3, Qc7
6. Bf4, Nc6
7. Bc4, e6
8. 0-0, b6
9. Re1, f5
10. Nh4!, g6
11. Nxf5!! ....

The first of a series of sacrifices aimed at dismantling Black's central pawn structure.

11. .... Na5

If 11....gxf5, then 12. Qh5+ Kd8, 13. Rad1 followed by Bxe6 and White's attack would be overwhelming.

If 11....exf5, then 12. e6! Qxf4, 13. exd7+ Kd8, 14. Re8+ Kc7, 15. d8=Q+ Nxd8, 16. Qxd8+ Kb7, 17. Bd5+ and White's attack gets more than enough compensation for the sacrificed pieces.

12. Bd5, Bb7
13. Nd6!, Bxd6
14. exd6, Qc8
15. Bh6, Rg8
16. Qf3, Bxd5
17. Qxd5, Nc6
18. Rad1 ....

Now, White threatens 19. Rxe6 dxe6, 20. d7 double-check.

18. .... Nd8
19. Qg5 ....

Now, White threatens Qe7 mate.

19. .... Nc6
20. Qf6, g5

At this point, White is already winning, but decided to go for a clean mate, not just material advantage.

If 20.....Qd8, 21. Rxe6+ dxe6, 22. Qxe6+ Ne7, 23. d7+ and Black must sacrifice his Queen to prevent mate.

21. Re5, Resigns

White threatens Rxg5 and mate soon after.

Splendid game!