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13. d2d3 | So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 |
13... b8c6 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). |
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14. a2a4 | Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 |
14... a7a6 | And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. |
15. g2g3 | This gives the queen a retreating square. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. |
15... b7b5 | The natural follow-up. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. |
16. c4a3 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. |
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16... a8b8 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 |
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17. a4b5 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 |
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17... a6b5 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 |
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18. c1g5 | An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 |
18... c7d6 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. |
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19. f1c1 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 |
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19... c6e5 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 |
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20. f3g2 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 |
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20... e5d7 | The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 |
21. a3c2 | Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. |
21... d8b6 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. |
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22. b2b4 | An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 |
22... e6e5 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. |
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23. h3h4 | A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 |
23... b8a8 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. |
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24. g2f1 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 |
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24... f8c8 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 |
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25. a1a8 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 |
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25... c8a8 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 |
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26. c1a1 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 |
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26... b6c6 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 |
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27. a1a8 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 |
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27... c6a8 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 |
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28. f1c1 | The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 |
28... a8b7 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. |
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29. e2d1 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 |
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29... f6e8 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 |
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30. g5d2 | White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 |
30... d7b8 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. |
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31. c2e1 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 |
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31... b8c6 | Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 |
32. d1b3 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. |
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32... c6b4 | This changes the character of the game. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 |
33. d2b4 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. |
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33... d6b4 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 |
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34. e1f3 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 |
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34... b7e7 | A blunder. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 |
35. c1c6 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. |
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35... h7h6 | Necessary prophylaxis. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 |
36. c6b5 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. |
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36... b4d6 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 |
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37. h4h5 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 |
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37... e8f6 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 |
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38. f3h4 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 |
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38... e7d7 | Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 |
39. b5a6 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. |
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39... g8h7 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 |
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40. a6a2 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 |
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40... h7g8 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 |
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41. a2a8 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 |
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41... d7e8 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 |
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42. a8a6 | The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 |
42... d6f8 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. |
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43. a6b6 | The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 |
43... f6h7 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. |
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44. b6g6 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 |
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44... h7g5 | The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 |
45. g6f5 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. |
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45... e8b8 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 |
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46. b3c4 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 |
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46... f8d6 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 |
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47. g1g2 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 |
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47... g8f8 | Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 |
48. h4g6 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. |
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48... f8g8 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 |
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49. f5d7 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 |
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49... d6f8 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 |
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50. g6h4 | Keymer keeps maneuvering. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 |
50... f8d6 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. |
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51. h4f5 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 |
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51... d6f8 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 |
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52. f5h4 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 |
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52... f8d6 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 52. f5h4 |
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53. h4f3 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 52. f5h4 52... f8d6 |
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53... b8f8 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 52. f5h4 52... f8d6 53. h4f3 |
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54. f3g5 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 52. f5h4 52... f8d6 53. h4f3 53... b8f8 |
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54... h6g5 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 52. f5h4 52... f8d6 53. h4f3 53... b8f8 54. f3g5 |
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55. c4f7 | White finally wins material. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 52. f5h4 52... f8d6 53. h4f3 53... b8f8 54. f3g5 54... h6g5 |
55... g8h8 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 52. f5h4 52... f8d6 53. h4f3 53... b8f8 54. f3g5 54... h6g5 55. c4f7 White finally wins material. |
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56. f7b3 | It's like it's all over, but there are still some adventures left. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 52. f5h4 52... f8d6 53. h4f3 53... b8f8 54. f3g5 54... h6g5 55. c4f7 White finally wins material. 55... g8h8 |
56... d6e7 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 52. f5h4 52... f8d6 53. h4f3 53... b8f8 54. f3g5 54... h6g5 55. c4f7 White finally wins material. 55... g8h8 56. f7b3 It's like it's all over, but there are still some adventures left. |
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57. d7e6 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 52. f5h4 52... f8d6 53. h4f3 53... b8f8 54. f3g5 54... h6g5 55. c4f7 White finally wins material. 55... g8h8 56. f7b3 It's like it's all over, but there are still some adventures left. 56... d6e7 |
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57... e7f6 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 52. f5h4 52... f8d6 53. h4f3 53... b8f8 54. f3g5 54... h6g5 55. c4f7 White finally wins material. 55... g8h8 56. f7b3 It's like it's all over, but there are still some adventures left. 56... d6e7 57. d7e6 |
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58. b3c4 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 52. f5h4 52... f8d6 53. h4f3 53... b8f8 54. f3g5 54... h6g5 55. c4f7 White finally wins material. 55... g8h8 56. f7b3 It's like it's all over, but there are still some adventures left. 56... d6e7 57. d7e6 57... e7f6 |
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58... h8h7 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 52. f5h4 52... f8d6 53. h4f3 53... b8f8 54. f3g5 54... h6g5 55. c4f7 White finally wins material. 55... g8h8 56. f7b3 It's like it's all over, but there are still some adventures left. 56... d6e7 57. d7e6 57... e7f6 58. b3c4 |
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59. e6f5 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 52. f5h4 52... f8d6 53. h4f3 53... b8f8 54. f3g5 54... h6g5 55. c4f7 White finally wins material. 55... g8h8 56. f7b3 It's like it's all over, but there are still some adventures left. 56... d6e7 57. d7e6 57... e7f6 58. b3c4 58... h8h7 |
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59... h7h8 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 52. f5h4 52... f8d6 53. h4f3 53... b8f8 54. f3g5 54... h6g5 55. c4f7 White finally wins material. 55... g8h8 56. f7b3 It's like it's all over, but there are still some adventures left. 56... d6e7 57. d7e6 57... e7f6 58. b3c4 58... h8h7 59. e6f5 |
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60. f5g6 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 52. f5h4 52... f8d6 53. h4f3 53... b8f8 54. f3g5 54... h6g5 55. c4f7 White finally wins material. 55... g8h8 56. f7b3 It's like it's all over, but there are still some adventures left. 56... d6e7 57. d7e6 57... e7f6 58. b3c4 58... h8h7 59. e6f5 59... h7h8 |
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60... f6e7 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 52. f5h4 52... f8d6 53. h4f3 53... b8f8 54. f3g5 54... h6g5 55. c4f7 White finally wins material. 55... g8h8 56. f7b3 It's like it's all over, but there are still some adventures left. 56... d6e7 57. d7e6 57... e7f6 58. b3c4 58... h8h7 59. e6f5 59... h7h8 60. f5g6 |
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61. c4f7 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 52. f5h4 52... f8d6 53. h4f3 53... b8f8 54. f3g5 54... h6g5 55. c4f7 White finally wins material. 55... g8h8 56. f7b3 It's like it's all over, but there are still some adventures left. 56... d6e7 57. d7e6 57... e7f6 58. b3c4 58... h8h7 59. e6f5 59... h7h8 60. f5g6 60... f6e7 |
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61... e7b4 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 52. f5h4 52... f8d6 53. h4f3 53... b8f8 54. f3g5 54... h6g5 55. c4f7 White finally wins material. 55... g8h8 56. f7b3 It's like it's all over, but there are still some adventures left. 56... d6e7 57. d7e6 57... e7f6 58. b3c4 58... h8h7 59. e6f5 59... h7h8 60. f5g6 60... f6e7 61. c4f7 |
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62. g6f5 | White is patiently waiting for the best moment to strike. | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 52. f5h4 52... f8d6 53. h4f3 53... b8f8 54. f3g5 54... h6g5 55. c4f7 White finally wins material. 55... g8h8 56. f7b3 It's like it's all over, but there are still some adventures left. 56... d6e7 57. d7e6 57... e7f6 58. b3c4 58... h8h7 59. e6f5 59... h7h8 60. f5g6 60... f6e7 61. c4f7 61... e7b4 |
62... b4d6 | 1. e2e4 1... c7c6 2. g1f3 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 The Two Knights Variation is a good choice for White in the Caro-Kann, ideal for someone who likes to play with the bishops, since in the main line Black quickly exchanges the light-squared bishop for a knight. This reason is probably why it was one of the favorite lines of Bobby Fischer; the American genius had a well-documented preference for positions with a bishop against a knight. 3... c8g4 4. h2h3 4... g4f3 5. d1f3 5... e7e6 6. f1e2 The most popular move nowadays. Interestingly, Keymer is quite used to playing this position as Black, having last played it in an important Olympiad game last year. 6... g8f6 7. e1g1 7... d5d4 It's often said that knights prefer closed positions. If we look at it from that perspective, this move makes a lot of sense, especially since it gains time by threatening the white knight. Fortunately, things in chess are more complicated than that, which is why it's so fascinating. 8. c3b1 8... f8d6 9. c2c3 A rare move. 9... c6c5 10. c3d4 10... c5d4 11. b1a3 11... e8g8 12. a3c4 12... d6c7 13. d2d3 So far, natural play by both sides. Here Black has the option of immediately attacking the c4-knight, although this doesn't change the evaluation of the position (equality). 13... b8c6 14. a2a4 Keymer decides to secure the knight against b7-b5. 14... a7a6 And Praggnanandhaa decides to push b7-b5 anyway. 15. g2g3 This gives the queen a retreating square. 15... b7b5 The natural follow-up. 16. c4a3 16... a8b8 17. a4b5 17... a6b5 18. c1g5 An unpleasant pin, simultaneously vacating the c1-square for the rook. 18... c7d6 19. f1c1 19... c6e5 20. f3g2 20... e5d7 The knight returns before White plays f2-f4. 21. a3c2 Attacking the pawn on d4. White also has another idea, which will be seen in the next move. 21... d8b6 22. b2b4 An excellent prophylactic move, preventing Black's knight from going to c5. White's position has improved, and he now has the typical microadvantage that is promised by the Two Knights Variation of the Caro-Kann. 22... e6e5 23. h3h4 A somewhat mysterious move, although it doesn't change much, given the slow character of the position. 23... b8a8 24. g2f1 24... f8c8 25. a1a8 25... c8a8 26. c1a1 26... b6c6 27. a1a8 27... c6a8 28. f1c1 The position looks harmless, but Black still needs to be careful: if White organizes his pieces, the advantage of the bishop pair can be felt. My impression is that Praggnanandhaa now played a bit too slowly. 28... a8b7 29. e2d1 29... f6e8 30. g5d2 White is preparing Ne1-Nf3-Bb3. 30... d7b8 31. c2e1 31... b8c6 Black counterattacks by pressing the pawn on b4. 32. d1b3 32... c6b4 This changes the character of the game. 33. d2b4 33... d6b4 34. e1f3 34... b7e7 A blunder. 35. c1c6 35... h7h6 Necessary prophylaxis. 36. c6b5 36... b4d6 37. h4h5 37... e8f6 38. f3h4 38... e7d7 Black is holding for now, but the position is very difficult in practice. The light-squared bishop is a monster, and the difference in activity of the knights is also very clear. The f7-pawn will be a constant source of headache. 39. b5a6 39... g8h7 40. a6a2 40... h7g8 41. a2a8 41... d7e8 42. a8a6 The position is a nightmare to defend, since White can try different plans. It's not a surprise that Black quickly makes a mistake. 42... d6f8 43. a6b6 The idea is to play Nf3 and Qc7, for instance. Black is paralyzed. 43... f6h7 44. b6g6 44... h7g5 The position remains horrible, but at least not immediately losing. That said, this evaluation lasts only a few moves. 45. g6f5 45... e8b8 46. b3c4 46... f8d6 47. g1g2 47... g8f8 Now White is winning by force, and it's difficult to suggest good ideas for Black. 48. h4g6 48... f8g8 49. f5d7 49... d6f8 50. g6h4 Keymer keeps maneuvering. 50... f8d6 51. h4f5 51... d6f8 52. f5h4 52... f8d6 53. h4f3 53... b8f8 54. f3g5 54... h6g5 55. c4f7 White finally wins material. 55... g8h8 56. f7b3 It's like it's all over, but there are still some adventures left. 56... d6e7 57. d7e6 57... e7f6 58. b3c4 58... h8h7 59. e6f5 59... h7h8 60. f5g6 60... f6e7 61. c4f7 61... e7b4 62. g6f5 White is patiently waiting for the best moment to strike. |
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