Italian Game, Max Lange Attack

VISWANATHAN ANAND vs. MAGNUS CARLSEN
Norway Rapid, April 1, 2017

1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bc4, Nf6
4. d4, exd4
5. 0-0, Bc5

Black employs the Max Lange Attack.

6. e5, d5

Black opts to exchange pieces.

7. exf6, dxc4
8. Re1+, Kf8
9. Bg5 ...

White intends to capture the g7 pawn, while attacking the opponent's Queen.

9. ... gxf6
10. Bh6+, Kg8
11. Nc3, Bg4

Black cannot capture the Knight because of the mating threat Qxd8.

12. Ne4, b6
13. c3, Ne5

If 13....dxc3, then 14.Qxd8 Rxd8, 15. Nxf6 mate.

14. Nxe5!,  Bxd1

A stunning Queen sacrifice!  This paves the way for White's victory.

15. Nd7!  ...

Now, it is clear.  White intends to capture the f6 pawn, which leads to mate.

15. ... Be7
16. N4xf6, Bxf6
17. Re8+!, Qxe8
18. Nf6 mate.

Great play by Anand.

Author's note:  While a You Tube video presentation exists, the game is not recorded in other chess literature.  Therefore, there is no certainty that the game was ever played.