VISWANATHAN ANAND vs. KIRIL NINOV
Baguio City, 1987
1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, e6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nd4, a6
5. Bd3, Bc5
6. Nb3, Ba7
7. Nc3, Nc6
8. Qe2, d6
9. Be3, Bxe3
White prefers this exchange of Bishops because the Black Bishop is more powerful.
10. Qxe3, Nf6
11. g4 ...
A surprise move. This is part of White's plan to attack Black's King side.
11. ... b5
What happens if the Knight takes the Pawn? If 11. ... Kxg4 then 12.Qg3 Nf6, 13. Qxg7 Rg8, 14. Qh6 ... White succeeds in disrupting the enemy's castling, with a potential attack on its flanks.
12. 0-0-0, 0-0
13. g5!, Ne8
14. f4, b4
15. Ne2, a5
16. Nbd4, Nxd4
17. Nxd4, Qb6
18. e5, Bb7
19. Rhf1, dxe5
20. fxe5, Rd8?!
Black should have played 20...g6 cutting White's Bishop's line of attack.
21. Bxh7, Kxh7
22. g6+!, Kg8
If 22...Kxg6 then 23. Qh3 (with threat of Rg1#) f6, 24. Nxe6! forking three major pieces.
23. Qh3, Nf6
A necessary sacrifice. White threatens Qh7 mate.
24. exf6, fxg6
25. fxg7, Resigns
If 25... Kxg7 then 26. Nxe6+ Kg8, 27. Rxf8 Rxf8, 28. Nxf8 Kxf8, 29. Qh8+ and mate follows soon.
If 25... Rxf1 then 26. Qh8+ Kf7, 27. Rxf1+ Ke7, 28. g8=Q Rxg8, 29. Qxg8 Qxd4, 30. Qf8+ Kd7, 31. Rd1 White wins.
Showing posts with label Viswanathan Anand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Viswanathan Anand. Show all posts
Friday, June 5, 2020
Friday, May 22, 2020
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.
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.
Sunday, May 10, 2020
Gruenfeld Defense: Exchange Variation
VISWANATHAN ANAND vs. IAN NEPOMNIACHTCHI
FIDE Chess.com Online Nations Cup
May 2020
1.d4, Nf6
2. c4, g6
3. Nc3, d5
4. cxd5, Nxd5
5. Bd2, Bg7
6. e4, Nxc3
7. Bxc3, c5
8. d5! ...
Anand opts to neutralize immediately Black's g7 Bishop. This is part of his overall strategy.
8. ... Bxc3
9. bxc3, Qd6
Black hopes to control the c7-h2 diagonal.
10. Qd2, 0-0
11. f4! ...
Most common chess engines regard this as White's best move, in preparation for a center advance.
11. ... e6
12. Nf3, exd5
13. Bc4 ...
If the d5 pawn is taken, White's King would be in danger.
13. ... Be6
14. 0-0, d4
15. f5! ...
An unexpected move. White sacrifices a Bishop for a great pawn advance.
15. ... Bxc4
Black should have sacrificed this Bishop to neutralize White's impending attack. Best move is Bxf5.
If 15...gxf5 then 16. Qg5+ Kh8, 17. Qf6+ Kg8, 18. exf5! pinning the Bishop.
16. e5!, Qd7
17. f6!, Resigns
Mate cannot be prevented at g7.
FIDE Chess.com Online Nations Cup
May 2020
1.d4, Nf6
2. c4, g6
3. Nc3, d5
4. cxd5, Nxd5
5. Bd2, Bg7
6. e4, Nxc3
7. Bxc3, c5
8. d5! ...
Anand opts to neutralize immediately Black's g7 Bishop. This is part of his overall strategy.
8. ... Bxc3
9. bxc3, Qd6
Black hopes to control the c7-h2 diagonal.
10. Qd2, 0-0
11. f4! ...
Most common chess engines regard this as White's best move, in preparation for a center advance.
11. ... e6
12. Nf3, exd5
13. Bc4 ...
If the d5 pawn is taken, White's King would be in danger.
13. ... Be6
14. 0-0, d4
15. f5! ...
An unexpected move. White sacrifices a Bishop for a great pawn advance.
15. ... Bxc4
Black should have sacrificed this Bishop to neutralize White's impending attack. Best move is Bxf5.
If 15...gxf5 then 16. Qg5+ Kh8, 17. Qf6+ Kg8, 18. exf5! pinning the Bishop.
16. e5!, Qd7
17. f6!, Resigns
Mate cannot be prevented at g7.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Sicilian Defense
Viswanathan Anand vs. Peter Svidler
6th Round, 2016 Moscow Candidates Tournament
1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bb5, a6
4. Ba4, Nf6
5. 0-0, Be7
6. Re1, b5
7. Bb3, 0-0
8. a4, Bb7
9. d3, Re8
10. Nbd2, Bf8
11. c3 ...
Anand prepares for d4....
11. ... Na5
12. Bc2, c5
13. d4, exd4
14. cxd4, d5
15. e5, Ne4
16. axb5, axb5
17. Nxe4, dxe4
18. Rxe4 ....
The Rook is poisoned. If 18....Bxe4, 19. Bxe4 followed by 20. Bxh7 and 21. Ng5 with good attacking prospects.
18. .... Nb3
Black offers his Knight in return, to lure White's c2 Bishop away from action.
19. Rxa8, Bxa8
20. Ng5, Nxc1
21. Qh5!! ....
White's attacking prospects are greater than the value of captured material. Here, White has a two-pronged attack.
21. .... h6
22. Qxf7+, Kh8
23. Rg4 ....
The move takes the Rook away from harm, and defends the Knight from Black's Queen. If 23. Qg6, then Black equalizes with Qxg5.
Now, if 23....hxg5, then 22. Qh5+ Kg8, 23. Bh7+ Kh8, 24. Bg6+ Kg8, 25. Qh7 mate.
23. .... Qa5
Black creates a diversion on the Queen side of the board.
24. h4 ....

Whites creates an escape square for his King.
Having no other good move, Black resigns. White's Queen cannot be prevented from going to g6 and h7.
At this point, if 24.....hxg5, then 25. Qh5+ Kg8, 26. Bh7+ Kh8, 27. Bg6+ Kg8, 28. Qh7 mate.
If 24....Qe1+, 25. Kh2 Ne2, 26. Nf3 !!...
A superb play by Viswanathan Anand!
6th Round, 2016 Moscow Candidates Tournament
1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bb5, a6
4. Ba4, Nf6
5. 0-0, Be7
6. Re1, b5
7. Bb3, 0-0
8. a4, Bb7
9. d3, Re8
10. Nbd2, Bf8
11. c3 ...
Anand prepares for d4....
11. ... Na5
12. Bc2, c5
13. d4, exd4
14. cxd4, d5
15. e5, Ne4
16. axb5, axb5
17. Nxe4, dxe4
18. Rxe4 ....
The Rook is poisoned. If 18....Bxe4, 19. Bxe4 followed by 20. Bxh7 and 21. Ng5 with good attacking prospects.
18. .... Nb3
Black offers his Knight in return, to lure White's c2 Bishop away from action.
19. Rxa8, Bxa8
20. Ng5, Nxc1
21. Qh5!! ....
White's attacking prospects are greater than the value of captured material. Here, White has a two-pronged attack.
21. .... h6
22. Qxf7+, Kh8
23. Rg4 ....
The move takes the Rook away from harm, and defends the Knight from Black's Queen. If 23. Qg6, then Black equalizes with Qxg5.
Now, if 23....hxg5, then 22. Qh5+ Kg8, 23. Bh7+ Kh8, 24. Bg6+ Kg8, 25. Qh7 mate.
23. .... Qa5
Black creates a diversion on the Queen side of the board.
24. h4 ....

Whites creates an escape square for his King.
Having no other good move, Black resigns. White's Queen cannot be prevented from going to g6 and h7.
At this point, if 24.....hxg5, then 25. Qh5+ Kg8, 26. Bh7+ Kh8, 27. Bg6+ Kg8, 28. Qh7 mate.
If 24....Qe1+, 25. Kh2 Ne2, 26. Nf3 !!...
A superb play by Viswanathan Anand!
Monday, January 27, 2014
Semi-Slav Defense
The Semi-Slav Defense is a mixture of the Queen's Gambit Declined and the Slav Defense, characterized by Black's pawns advance to both c6 and e6.
The following game is one of Anand's best.
by Lubomir Kavalek, International Chess Grandmaster
LEVON ARONIAN vs. VISWANATHAN ANAND
Wijk ann Zee, 2013
1. d4, d5
2. c4, c6
3. Nf3, Nf6
4. Nc3, e6
5. e3, Nbd7
6. Bd3, dxc4
7. Bxc4, b5
8. Bd3, Bd6
9. 0-0, 0-0
10. Qc2, Bb7
11. a3, Rc8!?
12. Ng5 ....
12. .... c5!
Now, all pieces break loose.
13. Nxh7 ....
13. .... Ng4!
14. f4 ....
14. .... cxd4!
15. exd4?!, Bc5!
16. Be2? ....
16. .... Nde5!!
17. Bxg4 ....
17. .... Bxd4+
18. Kh1, Nxg4
19. Nxf8, f5!
20. Ng6 ....
20. .... Qf6
21. h3 ....
21. .... Qxg6
22. Qe2 ....
After 22. hxg4 Qh6 mates.
22. .... Qh5!
Threatening 23....Qxh3 mate.
23. Qd3, Be3!
The following game is one of Anand's best.
"Anand's love of the Semi-Slav defense goes way back. In 1991 in Brussel, the then 21-year-old Indian grandmaster made headlines by exchanging punches with the former world champion Anatoly Karpov during their quarterfinal Candidates match. The Semi-Slav was Anand's main defense. The score was tied before the last game.
The magical use of the long diagonal h1-a8 helped Anand to win the world championship matches against Vladimir Kramnik in 2008 (Game 3) and Veselin Topalov in 2010 (Game 12). He owns the diagonal, it is his highway to the chess crown. Aronian saw the light bishop come to life and it was a monster. And things got worse after Anand also included the dark bishop into his attack."
by Lubomir Kavalek, International Chess Grandmaster
LEVON ARONIAN vs. VISWANATHAN ANAND
Wijk ann Zee, 2013
1. d4, d5
2. c4, c6
3. Nf3, Nf6
4. Nc3, e6
5. e3, Nbd7
6. Bd3, dxc4
7. Bxc4, b5
8. Bd3, Bd6
The Meran Variation goes 8...a3, 9. e4 c5 ...
9. 0-0, 0-0
10. Qc2, Bb7
11. a3, Rc8!?
This move is a preparation for c5 pawn advance.
12. Ng5 ....
A positional trap that may lead to 12....Bxh2+, 13. Kxh2 Ng4+, 14. Kg1 Qxg5, 15. f3 Ngf6, 16. b4 with a better position for White.
Now, all pieces break loose.
13. Nxh7 ....
White wins a pawn, but his Knight gets stranded along the way.
Not as good as 13....c4, 14. Nxf6 Nxf6, 15. Be2 and White gets the edge.
White blocks the long diagonal, but Anand decides to use his other Bishop.
If 14....h3, then 15. Bh2+ Kh1, 16. Qh4 and Black has plenty of counterplay.
15. exd4?!, Bc5!
A surprise move. This Bishop sacrifice is designed to take control of the g1-a7 diagonal.
White underestimated Black's next move. But capturing the Bishop still retains Black's lead: 16. dxc5 Nxc5, 17. Be2 Qd4+.
16. .... Nde5!!
17. Bxg4 ....
The e5 Knight cannot be captured: 17. fxe5 Qxd4+, 18. Kh1 Qg1+, 19. Rxg1 Nf2 mate.
If 17. dxc5 Qd4+, 18. Kh1 Nf2+, 19. Rxf2 Qxf2 and Black mates either at g2 or at the first rank.
18. Kh1, Nxg4
19. Nxf8, f5!
There is no need for the Black Queen to rush to h4. If 19....Qh4, then 20. Qh7+ and the attack collapses.
This prevents the Queen move for the moment. Black still wins after 20.Qd3 Qh4, 21.Qg3 Qxg3, 22.hxg3 Kxf8, 23.Rd1 (23.Nd1 Ke7 threatening 24...Rh8 mate.) 23...Bxc3; or after 20.Qe2 Qh4! 21.Qxe6+ Kxf8 22.Qxf5+ Kg8 23.Qe6+ Kh8.
21. h3 ....
Other moves would not help. If 21.Qd3 Qxg6 22.Qg3 Nf2+-+; or 21.Ne5 Nxh2! 22.Rf2 Qh4 23.Kg1 Qg3-+.
22. Qe2 ....
After 22. hxg4 Qh6 mates.
22. .... Qh5!
Threatening 23....Qxh3 mate.
23. Qd3, Be3!
White resigns. The move effectively blocks the defense of the h-pawn where the White Queen threatens mate by 24....Qxh3+. If 24. Bxe3 Qxh3+, 25. Kg1 Qxg2 mate.
An amazing chess brilliancy of Viswanathan Anand. The game bears a striking similarity to the game between Rotweli and Rubinstein in Lodz (1907). That game is known as Rubinstein's Immortal Game, and considered one of the greatest chess games of all time.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Sicilian Defense Scheveningen Variation Delayed Keres Attack Perenyi Gambit
ALEXEY SHIROV vs. VISWANATHAN ANAND
8th Amber Tournament, 1999
1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, d6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nxd4, Nf6
5. Nc3, a6
6. Be3, e6
The Scheveningen Variation of the Sicilian Defense. Black's central pawn structure provides a solid defense, controls the important d5 square, and gives flexibility to break in the center using e5 or d5, providing richness in flexibility and variations.
7. g4 ....
The Delayed Keres Attack, with the intention of driving the Black Knight from the center.
7. .... e5
8. Nf5, g6
9. g5 .....
The Perenyi Gambit. White sacrifice the f5 Knight in exchange for an attack.
9. .... gxf5
10. exf5 ....
If 10.....Nfd7, then 11. Bc4 and 12. Qh5 with a strong attack.
10. .... d5!
The table has turned. Now, it is Anand who sacrifices his Knight in order to break in the center.
11. gxf6, d4!!
12. Bc4, Qc7
Of course, not 12....dxc3 or dxe3 because of 13. Bxf7 Kxf7 and Black loses his Queen.
13. Qd3, dxe3
14. fxe3, b5!!
15. Bb3, Bb7
16. Nd5, Qa5+
17. c3, Nd7
18. 0-0-0, Nc5!
19. Qc2, 0-0-0
20. Rhg1, Bh6
21. Rg7, Nxb3
If 21....Bxg7, then 22. fxg7, Rg8, 23. Ne7+ which is favorable for White.
22. Qxb3, Bxd5
23. Rxd5, Qb6
If 23......Rxd5, 24. Qxd5 Rd8, 25. Qc6+ and White gets a strong attack.
24. Rxe5 ....
White defends the e-pawn against Qxe3 which would be disastrous.
24. ..... Qd6!!
White resigns. He cannot avoid mate without losing his e5 Rook.
Superb play by Anand!
8th Amber Tournament, 1999
1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, d6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nxd4, Nf6
5. Nc3, a6
6. Be3, e6
The Scheveningen Variation of the Sicilian Defense. Black's central pawn structure provides a solid defense, controls the important d5 square, and gives flexibility to break in the center using e5 or d5, providing richness in flexibility and variations.
7. g4 ....
The Delayed Keres Attack, with the intention of driving the Black Knight from the center.
7. .... e5
8. Nf5, g6
9. g5 .....
The Perenyi Gambit. White sacrifice the f5 Knight in exchange for an attack.
9. .... gxf5
10. exf5 ....
If 10.....Nfd7, then 11. Bc4 and 12. Qh5 with a strong attack.
10. .... d5!
The table has turned. Now, it is Anand who sacrifices his Knight in order to break in the center.
11. gxf6, d4!!
12. Bc4, Qc7
Of course, not 12....dxc3 or dxe3 because of 13. Bxf7 Kxf7 and Black loses his Queen.
13. Qd3, dxe3
14. fxe3, b5!!
15. Bb3, Bb7
16. Nd5, Qa5+
17. c3, Nd7
18. 0-0-0, Nc5!
19. Qc2, 0-0-0
20. Rhg1, Bh6
21. Rg7, Nxb3
If 21....Bxg7, then 22. fxg7, Rg8, 23. Ne7+ which is favorable for White.
22. Qxb3, Bxd5
23. Rxd5, Qb6
If 23......Rxd5, 24. Qxd5 Rd8, 25. Qc6+ and White gets a strong attack.
24. Rxe5 ....
White defends the e-pawn against Qxe3 which would be disastrous.
24. ..... Qd6!!
White resigns. He cannot avoid mate without losing his e5 Rook.
Superb play by Anand!
Friday, May 10, 2013
Queen's Indian Defense: Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Romanishin Attack
MISO CEBALO vs. VISWANATHAN ANAND
7th Corsica Open, 2003
1. d4, Nf6
2. c4, e6
3. NF3, b6
4. Nc3, Bb7
5. a3, d5
6. cxd5, Nxd5
7. Bd2 ....
The Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Romanishin Attack. The move prepares for a Queenside castling.
7. .... Nd7
8. Nxd5, Bxd5
9. Qc2, Rc8
10. e4,Bb7
11. 0-0-0, Be7
12. Kb1, 0-0
13. Bc3, c5
14. d5, exd5
15. exd5, c4!
16. h4, Re8
17. Be2, Rc5
18. Ng5, Nf8
Protects the h7 pawn and adds pressure on d5.
19. Bf3, Bxg5
20. hxg5, Qxg5
21. Bb4, Rxd5
22. Rxd5, Bxd5
23. Rh5?? ...
To an untrained eye, this may look like a good move, winning an extra piece. But Black's reply shows this to be a blunder. White's best chance to equalize is 23. Bxf8 Kxf8, 24. Qxh7 f6, 25. Qh3 Be6, 26. Qh8+ Ke7, 27. Qh2 Qe5, 28. Qh4 Kd6, 29. Ka1 Kc7, 30. Qh7 Qg5, with a clear (but not yet decisive) Black advantage.
23. .... Qxh5!!
White resigns. If 24. Bxh5, then 24..... Be4, 25. Qxe4 Rxe4 leaves Black with material advantage. Impressive victory for Vishy Anand.
7th Corsica Open, 2003
1. d4, Nf6
2. c4, e6
3. NF3, b6
4. Nc3, Bb7
5. a3, d5
6. cxd5, Nxd5
7. Bd2 ....
The Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Romanishin Attack. The move prepares for a Queenside castling.
7. .... Nd7
8. Nxd5, Bxd5
9. Qc2, Rc8
10. e4,Bb7
11. 0-0-0, Be7
12. Kb1, 0-0
13. Bc3, c5
14. d5, exd5
15. exd5, c4!
16. h4, Re8
17. Be2, Rc5
18. Ng5, Nf8
Protects the h7 pawn and adds pressure on d5.
19. Bf3, Bxg5
20. hxg5, Qxg5
21. Bb4, Rxd5
22. Rxd5, Bxd5
23. Rh5?? ...
To an untrained eye, this may look like a good move, winning an extra piece. But Black's reply shows this to be a blunder. White's best chance to equalize is 23. Bxf8 Kxf8, 24. Qxh7 f6, 25. Qh3 Be6, 26. Qh8+ Ke7, 27. Qh2 Qe5, 28. Qh4 Kd6, 29. Ka1 Kc7, 30. Qh7 Qg5, with a clear (but not yet decisive) Black advantage.
23. .... Qxh5!!
White resigns. If 24. Bxh5, then 24..... Be4, 25. Qxe4 Rxe4 leaves Black with material advantage. Impressive victory for Vishy Anand.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Sicilian Defense, Kan. Polugaevsky Variation
VISWANATHAN ANAND vs. KIRIL NINOV
Baguio City, Philippines, 1987
1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, e6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nxd4, a6
5. Bd3, Bc5
6. Nb3, Ba7
7. Nc3, Nc6
8. Qe2, d6
9. Be3, Bxe3
10. Qxe3, Nf6
11. g4, b5
If 11....Nxg4, 12. Qg3!, White has the advantage.
12. 0-0-0, 0-0
13. g5!, Ne8
14. f4, b4
15. Ne2, a5
16. Nbd4, Nxd4
17. Nxd4, Qb6
18. d5, Bb7
19. Rhf1, dxe5
20. fxe5, Rd8
21. Bxh7+!! ....
A beautiful Bishop sacrifice. It also protects the Knight at d4.
21. .... Kxh7
22. g6+!!, Kg8
If 22....Kxg6, then 23. Qd3+ f5, 24. exf6+ Kf7, 25. fxg7+ Kxg7 26. Qg3+ wins the Rook.
23. Qh3, Nf6
If 23....fxg6, then 24. Rxf8+ Kxf8, 25. Nxe6+ followed by 26. Rxd8!
24. exf6, fxg6
25. fxg7, Resigns
The threat is Qh8 mate. If 25....Kxg7, then 26. Nxe6+ Kg8, 27. Rxd8 Rxd8, 28. Nxd8 Qxd8, 29. Qxe6+ Kh8, 30. Qxg6, and White develops a mating attack.
Fabulous!
Baguio City, Philippines, 1987
1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, e6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nxd4, a6
5. Bd3, Bc5
6. Nb3, Ba7
7. Nc3, Nc6
8. Qe2, d6
9. Be3, Bxe3
10. Qxe3, Nf6
11. g4, b5
If 11....Nxg4, 12. Qg3!, White has the advantage.
12. 0-0-0, 0-0
13. g5!, Ne8
14. f4, b4
15. Ne2, a5
16. Nbd4, Nxd4
17. Nxd4, Qb6
18. d5, Bb7
19. Rhf1, dxe5
20. fxe5, Rd8
21. Bxh7+!! ....
A beautiful Bishop sacrifice. It also protects the Knight at d4.
21. .... Kxh7
22. g6+!!, Kg8
If 22....Kxg6, then 23. Qd3+ f5, 24. exf6+ Kf7, 25. fxg7+ Kxg7 26. Qg3+ wins the Rook.
23. Qh3, Nf6
If 23....fxg6, then 24. Rxf8+ Kxf8, 25. Nxe6+ followed by 26. Rxd8!
24. exf6, fxg6
25. fxg7, Resigns
The threat is Qh8 mate. If 25....Kxg7, then 26. Nxe6+ Kg8, 27. Rxd8 Rxd8, 28. Nxd8 Qxd8, 29. Qxe6+ Kh8, 30. Qxg6, and White develops a mating attack.
Fabulous!
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Sicilian Defense Closed Variation
Wijkaan Zee Hoogovens, 1996
1. e4, c5
2. Nc3, d6
3. f4, g6
4. Nf3, Bg7
5. Bc4, Nc6
6. d3, e6
7. 0-0, Nge7
8. Qe1, h6
9. Bb3, a6
10. e5, Nf5
11. Kh1, Nfd4
12. Ne4, Nxf3
13. Rxf3, dxe5
14. fxe5, Nxe5
15. Rf1, g5
16. Qg3, 0-0
17. Bxg5!! ....
A surprise move! Gelfand was caught off-guard.
17. .... hxg5
18. Nxg5, Ng6
19. Rae1 ....
White could have taken the f7 pawn by 19. Nxf7 Rxf7, 20. Qxg6. But Anand has other plans.
19. .... Qe7
20. Rf5 ....
Now it is clear that White is planning a mate by Queen on h7, but he has to protect the Knight first.
20. .... Bf6
Black knew of White's plan, and figured that he must eliminate the White's Knight.
21. Nxe6!! ....
His plan on the h-file destroyed, White set on plan B: to destroy the kingside pawn structure.
21. .... fxe6
A correct reply. Black would lose more material after 21....Bxe6, 22. Rxe6 fxe6, 23. Qxg6+ Bg7, 24. Bxe6+ Rf7, 25. Rxf7 ...
22. Rxe6!! ....
22. .... Kg7
Forced.
23. Rxe7, Bxe7
24. Rxf8, Bxf8
25. h4!!, Resigns
White delivers the coup d grace. Black opted to resign than lose more materials. If 25....Kh7, 26. h5 Ne7, 27. Qf3 Bg7, 28. Qe4+ Nf5, 29. g4 ....
Friday, March 22, 2013
Vishy (Busy) Knight
S.W.I.F.T. 1992
Sicilian Defense, Kan. Knight Variation
1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, e6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nxd4, a6
5. Nc3, d6
6. a4, Nf6
7. Be2, Nbd7
8. 0-0, Nc5
9. Bf3, Be7
10. g3, 0-0
11. Bg2, Qc7
12. Be3, Rb8
13. f4!, Re8
14. e5, dxe5
15. fxe5, Nfd7
Knight has to back off. Black's Queen cannot take the pawn because of 16. Bf4....
16. Rxf7!! ...
A shocker! Only at this point has Black realized that his King is exposed.
16. .... Kxf7
17. Qh5+!, Kf8
Not 17....Kg8 because of 18. Qxe8. If 17....g3, then 18. Qxh7+ Kf8, 19. Bh6 mate.
18. Rf1+, Nf6
19. exf6, Bxf6
20. Ndb5!, axb5
21. Nxb5, Qd7
The Knight at c5 is lost anyway, and the Black Queen has nowhere to go.
22. Qxh7, Qe7
Vishy may have other plans. Now, Black defends his Knight.
23. Rxf6!! ....
Another stunner! Now, if 23....gxf6, then 24. Bh6+ leads to mate.
23. .... Qxf6
24. Bxc5+, Re7
If 24.....Kf7, then 25. Nd6+ and White wins instantly.
25. Qh8+, Kf7
26. Nd6+, Resigns
Black's King can only go to g6, and mated after 27. Be4+ Kg5, 28. Qh4+.
Fantastic!
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Semi-Slav Defense, Meran Variation
Tata steel, 2013
This game is considered one of the most brilliant chess games ever played. Vishy Anand, 2012 FIDE World Chess Champion, handled the black pieces real well.
1. d4, d5
2. c4, c6
3. Nf3, Nf6
4. Nc3, e6
5. e3, Nd7
6. Bd3, dxc4
7. Bxc4, b5
8. Bd3 ....
The Queen's Gambit Declined, Semi-Slav Defense, Meran Variation.
8. .... Bd6
9. 0-0, 0-0
10. Qc2, Bb7
11. a3, Rc8
12. Ng5, c5!
13. Nxh7 ....
If 13.....Bxh7, Black simply moves his King to h8.
13. .... Ng4!!
14. f4 ....
White's only hope. Game is lost after 14. h3 Bh2+, 15. Kh1 Qh4, and Black threatens 16. Qxh3 ....
Neither can White survive after 14. g3 Qh4, 15. gxh4 Bxh2 mate.
14. .... cxd4!
15. exd4, Bc5!!
A surprise move! Black's intention is to activate the sleeping Knight on d7 and to post his Queen on d4.
16. Be2, Nde5!
Another surprise. Now, if 17. dxc5, Qd4+, 18. Kh1 Nf2+, 19. Rxf2 Qxf2 and Black wins the game.If 17. fxe5 Bxd4+, 18. Kh1 Qh4 and Black threatens mate.
17. Bxg4, Bxd4+
18. Kh1, Nxg4
19. Nxf8, f5
Taking the wandering Knight would prolong the game. If 19....Kxf8, then 20. Qh7 .... Black's Queen is too valuable to stray away from her intended square, which is h4. Now, if 19....Qh4, then 20. Qh7+ and the exchange of Queens would favor White.
20. Ng6, Qf6
21. h3, Qxg6
22. Qe2, Qh5
Black threatens 23....Qxh3 mate.
23. Qd3, Be3!
A fantastic cover! White resigns since he cannot prevent the impending mate without tremendous loss of materials.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Evans Gambit
GARRY KASPAROV vs. VISWANATHAN ANAND
Riga, 1995
1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bc4, Bc5
4. b4 ....
The Evans Gambit, the purpose of which is the control of d4.
4. .... Bxb4
5. c3, Be7
6. d4, Na5
7. Be2!? ....
7. .... exd4
8. Qxd4, Nf6?!
9. e5, Nc6
10. Qh4, Nd5
11. Qg3, g6
If 11.....0-0, then 12. Bh6 ....
12. 0-0, Nb6
13. c4, d6
14. Rd1, Nd7
If 14.....Be6, then 15. c5!! ....
15. Bh6, Ncxe5
16. Nxe5, Nxe5
17. Nc3 ....
17. .... f6
18. c5!, Nf7
19. cxd6, cxd6
20. Qe3!, Nxh6
21. Qxh6, Bf8
22. Qe3+, Kf7
23. Nd5, Be6?!
24. Nf4!, Qe7
25. Re1!!, Resigns
White's pressure on the center would be too much for Black to handle, i.e. 25....d5, 26. Bf3. If 25....Bh6, then 26. Bc4.
Any attempt by Black to remove the beleaguered Bishop would also prove futile. If 25....Bd7 or Bf5, then 26. Bc4+ Ke8 27. Qxe7+ Bxe7 28. Nd5 and White gains a Bishop.
Subtle yet elegant!
Riga, 1995
1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bc4, Bc5
4. b4 ....
The Evans Gambit, the purpose of which is the control of d4.
4. .... Bxb4
5. c3, Be7
6. d4, Na5
7. Be2!? ....
White would rather not part with the Bishop rather than gain a pawn by 7. Nxe5 Nxc4 (not 7....f6, 8. Bf7+ Kf8, 9. Bxg8 fxe5, 10. Bb3 ...), 8. Nxc4 ....
7. .... exd4
Black gains a piece after 7....Nf6, 8. dxe5 Nxe4, 9. Qa4 ....
8. Qxd4, Nf6?!
9. e5, Nc6
10. Qh4, Nd5
11. Qg3, g6
If 11.....0-0, then 12. Bh6 ....
12. 0-0, Nb6
13. c4, d6
If 13.....d6, then 14. cxd5 Qxd5, 15. Nc3 ....
14. Rd1, Nd7
If 14.....Be6, then 15. c5!! ....
15. Bh6, Ncxe5
16. Nxe5, Nxe5
17. Nc3 ....
White does not desire the outcome after 17. Bg7 Bf6, 18. Bxh8 Bxh8, 19. Nc3 b6. Black, with his Bishop Pair, gains equality.
17. .... f6
18. c5!, Nf7
19. cxd6, cxd6
20. Qe3!, Nxh6
21. Qxh6, Bf8
22. Qe3+, Kf7
23. Nd5, Be6?!
24. Nf4!, Qe7
25. Re1!!, Resigns
White's pressure on the center would be too much for Black to handle, i.e. 25....d5, 26. Bf3. If 25....Bh6, then 26. Bc4.
Any attempt by Black to remove the beleaguered Bishop would also prove futile. If 25....Bd7 or Bf5, then 26. Bc4+ Ke8 27. Qxe7+ Bxe7 28. Nd5 and White gains a Bishop.
Subtle yet elegant!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Scandinavian Defense
The Scandinavian Defense is also known as Center Counter Defense, which was discussed in a previous blog. The opening is characterized by the moves 1. e4, d5.
VISWANATHAN ANAND vs. JOEL LAUTIER
Credit Suisse, Biel SUI 1997
1. e4, d5
2. exd5, Qxd5
3. Nc3, Qa5
4. d4, Nf6
5. Nf3, c6
6. Bc4, Bf5
7. Ne5, e6
8. g4, Bg6
9. h4, Nbd7
10. Nxd7, Nxd7
11. h5, Be4
12. Rh3, Bg2
13. Re3, Nb6
14. Bd3, Nd5
15. f3 ....
This innocent-looking move actually provides escape square for White's King.
15. .... Bb4
If 15....Nxe3, 16. Bxe3 0-0, 17. Kf2... then White gets some compensation for material loss in addition to mobility of his pieces (bishop-pair).
16. Kf2, Bxc3
17. bxc3, Qxc3
18. Rb1, Qxd4
19. Rxb7, Rd8
20. h6, gxh6
21. Bg6!! ....
A surprise move! At this point, the table is suddenly turned. White is now the attacker.
21. .... Ne7
Not 22....Qxd1, for then 23. Rxe6+ Kf8, 24. Bxh6+ Kg8, 25. Bxf7 mate.
22. Qxd4, Rxd4
23. Rd3, Rd8
Not 23....Rxd3, 24. Bxd3... and after 25. Kxg2 White's position is far superior.
24. Rxd8+, Kxd8
25. Bd3, Resigns
Black's Bishop will be taken. In addition, White threatens 26. Rb8+ giving White overwhelming material and positional advantage.
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