Scandinavian Defense

HIKARU NAKAMURA vs. ALIREZA FIROUZJA
Magnus Carlsen Invitational 2020

1. e4, d5

Firouzja chooses the Scandinavian Defense.

2. exd5, Qxd5
3. Nc3, Qa5
4. b4 ...

Known as the Leonhardt Gambit,  with the objective of driving away Black's Queen.  d4 is an alternative choice.

4. ...  Qxb4

5. Rb1, Qd6
6. d4, Qd8?!

A devious move.  Better options would be Nf6 or c6 (to control d5).

7. Bc4, Nf6
8. Nf3, e6
9. 0-0, Be7
10. Ne5! ...

Now, White prepares for a center attack.

10. ...  0-0
11. Re1, c5

Black challenges the center pawn.   Chess observers say Nf6 is a better move.

12. d5 !!

White chooses to advance the pawn, hoping for an exchange.

12. ...  exd5
 13. Nxd5,  Be6?

Considered a blunder by chess observers.   But after 13....Nxf5, 14. Qxd5 Qxd5,  15. Bxd5 Bf6,  16. Nxf7 Rxf7, 17. Re8+  White's attack becomes fatal.

14. Nxf7!!,  Resigns

If 14....Rxf7 then 15. Nxe7 Qxe7, 16. Rxe6!  White wins.

If 14....Bxf7 then 15. Nxe7+ Kh8, 16. Qxd8 Rxd8, 17. Bxf7  White has the advantage.

If 14....Kxf7 then 15. Rxe6 Kxe6, 16. Nxf6+ Kxf6, 17. Qf3+ Kg6, 18. Qe4+ Rf5,  19. Qe6+ Kh5, 20. Be2+ kH4, 21. g3+ Kh3, 22. Qxf4 mate.

This was one of Nakamura's best games.