Sicilian Defense Closed Variation

FRANCISCO VALLEJO-PONS vs. IAN NEPOMNIACHTCHI
18th Pamplona International, 2008

1. e4, c5
2. Nc3, a6
3. Nge2, d6
4. g3, b5
5. Bg2, Bb7
6. d4, cxd4
7. Nxd4, e6
8. 0-0, b4
9. Nd5!! ....

A surprise sacrifice!  White intends to open-up the e-file.

9. .... exd5
10. exd5, Bc8

Black has accurately predicted that the Bishop is more important in the defense of the King.

11. Re1+, Be7
12. c4 ....

White intends to move his Queen to a4 followed by Nc6.

12. .... Kf8
13. a3, bxa3
14. Rxa3, Bg5
15. Bxg5, Qxg5
16. Ne6+ ....

Another surprise move by White.  taking advantage of Bishop's power along the main diagonal.

16. .... fxe6
17. dxe6, d5
18. Rf3+, Nf6
19. h4!!, Qg6
20. Qxd5!, Ra7
21. e7!!+ ....

The final attack.

21. .... Rxe7

If 21....Ke8, then 22. Qd8+ Kf7, 24. e8=Q+ Rxe8, 25. Qxe8 mate.

22. Rxe7, Qb1+
23. Kh2, Kxe7
24. Re3+, Be6

If 24....Kf8, then 25. Qd6+ Kf7, 26. Re7+ Kg6, 27. Be4+ and White has a great attack.

25. Qxe6+ ....

Black resigns, as mate is inevitable.

If 25....Kd8, then Qe7 mate.

If 25.....Kf8, them 26. Qe7+ Kg8, 27. Bd5+ Nxd5, 28. Qe8 mate.