Sicilian Defense

GM Ian Rogers vs. IM Michael Hennigan
Hastings Premier, 1993

1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bb5, e6
4. Bxc6, bxc6
5. 0-0, d5
6. d3, Ne7
7. c4, Ng6

Undeterred by a double-pawn, Black develops his pieces.

8. Nc3, Be7

Black should have moved 8. .... Bd6 right away.

9. b3, 0-0
10. Ba3, Bd6
11. Re1, d4
12. Na4, e5

Black has to block the advance of White's e-pawn.

13. Bxc5, Nf4
14. g3?! ....

A dubious move.  14. h3 makes more sense.

14. .... Nh3+
15. Kg2, Bg4

Black threatens Ng5 winning the Knight.

16. Qd2, f5!!
 

17. Ng1 ....

White cannot take the pawn.  Doing so would put tremendous pressure on the f-file.

If 17. Nxe5 Bxe5, 18. Bxf8 Ng5! Black plays aggressively.

17. .... Nxg1
18. Kxg1, Bf3
19. Bxd6, Qxd6
20. Qg5, f4
21. Rec1 ....

White's King intends to run to the queen side.

21. .... Rf6
22. Kf1, Rg6
23. c5, Qc7
24. Qh4, Rh6
25. Qg5, Rh5!!
 

 The Queen is "mated", so White resigns.  While 25.....Rxh2 is also good, the text nails down the Queen immediately.

A superb ending !