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63. g2h3 | 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. 62... b4d6 |
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63... 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. 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 |
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64. h3g4 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 |
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64... 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 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 |
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65. f7e6 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 |
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65... f8e7 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 |
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66. f2f4 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 |
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66... g5f4 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 |
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67. g3f4 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 |
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67... e7d6 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 |
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68. e6c4 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 |
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68... d6b8 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 |
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69. c4d5 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 |
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69... e5f4 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 |
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70. e4e5 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 69... e5f4 |
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70... f6e5 | Amazingly, the position is drawn now. | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 69... e5f4 70. e4e5 |
71. d5e4 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 69... e5f4 70. e4e5 70... f6e5 Amazingly, the position is drawn now. |
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71... h8g8 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 69... e5f4 70. e4e5 70... f6e5 Amazingly, the position is drawn now. 71. d5e4 |
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72. f5e6 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 69... e5f4 70. e4e5 70... f6e5 Amazingly, the position is drawn now. 71. d5e4 71... h8g8 |
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72... 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. 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 69... e5f4 70. e4e5 70... f6e5 Amazingly, the position is drawn now. 71. d5e4 71... h8g8 72. f5e6 |
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73. e6g6 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 69... e5f4 70. e4e5 70... f6e5 Amazingly, the position is drawn now. 71. d5e4 71... h8g8 72. f5e6 72... g8h8 |
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73... b8c8 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 69... e5f4 70. e4e5 70... f6e5 Amazingly, the position is drawn now. 71. d5e4 71... h8g8 72. f5e6 72... g8h8 73. e6g6 |
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74. e4f5 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 69... e5f4 70. e4e5 70... f6e5 Amazingly, the position is drawn now. 71. d5e4 71... h8g8 72. f5e6 72... g8h8 73. e6g6 73... b8c8 |
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74... c8g8 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 69... e5f4 70. e4e5 70... f6e5 Amazingly, the position is drawn now. 71. d5e4 71... h8g8 72. f5e6 72... g8h8 73. e6g6 73... b8c8 74. e4f5 |
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75. g4f3 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 69... e5f4 70. e4e5 70... f6e5 Amazingly, the position is drawn now. 71. d5e4 71... h8g8 72. f5e6 72... g8h8 73. e6g6 73... b8c8 74. e4f5 74... c8g8 |
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75... e5f6 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 69... e5f4 70. e4e5 70... f6e5 Amazingly, the position is drawn now. 71. d5e4 71... h8g8 72. f5e6 72... g8h8 73. e6g6 73... b8c8 74. e4f5 74... c8g8 75. g4f3 |
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76. f5e4 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 69... e5f4 70. e4e5 70... f6e5 Amazingly, the position is drawn now. 71. d5e4 71... h8g8 72. f5e6 72... g8h8 73. e6g6 73... b8c8 74. e4f5 74... c8g8 75. g4f3 75... e5f6 |
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76... f6e5 | The final 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. 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 69... e5f4 70. e4e5 70... f6e5 Amazingly, the position is drawn now. 71. d5e4 71... h8g8 72. f5e6 72... g8h8 73. e6g6 73... b8c8 74. e4f5 74... c8g8 75. g4f3 75... e5f6 76. f5e4 |
77. h5h6 | Black is unable to defend now. | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 69... e5f4 70. e4e5 70... f6e5 Amazingly, the position is drawn now. 71. d5e4 71... h8g8 72. f5e6 72... g8h8 73. e6g6 73... b8c8 74. e4f5 74... c8g8 75. g4f3 75... e5f6 76. f5e4 76... f6e5 The final mistake. |
77... e5b8 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 69... e5f4 70. e4e5 70... f6e5 Amazingly, the position is drawn now. 71. d5e4 71... h8g8 72. f5e6 72... g8h8 73. e6g6 73... b8c8 74. e4f5 74... c8g8 75. g4f3 75... e5f6 76. f5e4 76... f6e5 The final mistake. 77. h5h6 Black is unable to defend now. |
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78. g6g5 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 69... e5f4 70. e4e5 70... f6e5 Amazingly, the position is drawn now. 71. d5e4 71... h8g8 72. f5e6 72... g8h8 73. e6g6 73... b8c8 74. e4f5 74... c8g8 75. g4f3 75... e5f6 76. f5e4 76... f6e5 The final mistake. 77. h5h6 Black is unable to defend now. 77... e5b8 |
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78... g8f8 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 69... e5f4 70. e4e5 70... f6e5 Amazingly, the position is drawn now. 71. d5e4 71... h8g8 72. f5e6 72... g8h8 73. e6g6 73... b8c8 74. e4f5 74... c8g8 75. g4f3 75... e5f6 76. f5e4 76... f6e5 The final mistake. 77. h5h6 Black is unable to defend now. 77... e5b8 78. g6g5 |
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79. h6g7 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 69... e5f4 70. e4e5 70... f6e5 Amazingly, the position is drawn now. 71. d5e4 71... h8g8 72. f5e6 72... g8h8 73. e6g6 73... b8c8 74. e4f5 74... c8g8 75. g4f3 75... e5f6 76. f5e4 76... f6e5 The final mistake. 77. h5h6 Black is unable to defend now. 77... e5b8 78. g6g5 78... g8f8 |
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79... f8g7 | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 69... e5f4 70. e4e5 70... f6e5 Amazingly, the position is drawn now. 71. d5e4 71... h8g8 72. f5e6 72... g8h8 73. e6g6 73... b8c8 74. e4f5 74... c8g8 75. g4f3 75... e5f6 76. f5e4 76... f6e5 The final mistake. 77. h5h6 Black is unable to defend now. 77... e5b8 78. g6g5 78... g8f8 79. h6g7 |
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80. g5h4 | A dramatic endgame that certainly can teach us a lot. | 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. 62... b4d6 63. g2h3 63... d6e7 64. h3g4 64... e7f6 65. f7e6 65... f8e7 66. f2f4 66... g5f4 67. g3f4 67... e7d6 68. e6c4 68... d6b8 69. c4d5 69... e5f4 70. e4e5 70... f6e5 Amazingly, the position is drawn now. 71. d5e4 71... h8g8 72. f5e6 72... g8h8 73. e6g6 73... b8c8 74. e4f5 74... c8g8 75. g4f3 75... e5f6 76. f5e4 76... f6e5 The final mistake. 77. h5h6 Black is unable to defend now. 77... e5b8 78. g6g5 78... g8f8 79. h6g7 79... f8g7 |
1. f2f3 | A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. | |
1... f7f5 | Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. |
2. d2d4 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. |
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2... d7d6 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 |
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3. e1d3 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 |
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3... e8f6 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 |
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4. h1g3 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 |
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4... h8g6 | Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 |
5. a2a4 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). |
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5... a7a5 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 |
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6. e2e4 | A very risky move. | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 |
6... f5e4 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. |
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7. f3e4 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 |
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7... b8a7 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 |
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8. h2h3 | Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 |
8... e7e5 | This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. |
9. c1e3 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. |
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9... e5d4 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 |
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10. e3d4 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 |
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10... a7d4 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 |
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11. g1d4 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 |
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11... c8e6 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 |
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12. d1f1 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 |
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12... f6d7 | Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 |
13. g3f5 | There are simpler moves. | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. |
13... g6e5 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. |
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14. d3f4 | This puts White under a lot of pressure. | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 |
14... e6c4 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. |
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15. f1f2 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 |
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15... g7g6 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 |
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16. f5e3 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 |
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16... g6g5 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 |
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17. f4d5 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 |
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17... f8f2 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 |
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18. g1f2 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 |
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18... c4d5 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 |
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19. e4d5 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 |
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19... d7c5 | An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 |
20. a1a3 | An ugly move, but what to do $2 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. |
20... g8g6 | Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 |
21. d4d1 | A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. |
21... g6e4 | Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. |
22. c2c4 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. |
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22... e4f4 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 |
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23. f2g1 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 22... e4f4 |
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23... d8a8 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 22... e4f4 23. f2g1 |
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24. b1h7 | White at least gets a pawn for the suffering. That's a cheap price for such a good position for Black. | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 22... e4f4 23. f2g1 23... d8a8 |
24... c8b8 | It's nearly always a decent option to play Kb8 after castling. | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 22... e4f4 23. f2g1 23... d8a8 24. b1h7 White at least gets a pawn for the suffering. That's a cheap price for such a good position for Black. |
25. a3c3 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 22... e4f4 23. f2g1 23... d8a8 24. b1h7 White at least gets a pawn for the suffering. That's a cheap price for such a good position for Black. 24... c8b8 It's nearly always a decent option to play Kb8 after castling. |
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25... d8e8 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 22... e4f4 23. f2g1 23... d8a8 24. b1h7 White at least gets a pawn for the suffering. That's a cheap price for such a good position for Black. 24... c8b8 It's nearly always a decent option to play Kb8 after castling. 25. a3c3 |
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26. h7c2 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 22... e4f4 23. f2g1 23... d8a8 24. b1h7 White at least gets a pawn for the suffering. That's a cheap price for such a good position for Black. 24... c8b8 It's nearly always a decent option to play Kb8 after castling. 25. a3c3 25... d8e8 |
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26... e5d3 | The position is ready for a winning tactical sequence. | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 22... e4f4 23. f2g1 23... d8a8 24. b1h7 White at least gets a pawn for the suffering. That's a cheap price for such a good position for Black. 24... c8b8 It's nearly always a decent option to play Kb8 after castling. 25. a3c3 25... d8e8 26. h7c2 |
27. c2d3 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 22... e4f4 23. f2g1 23... d8a8 24. b1h7 White at least gets a pawn for the suffering. That's a cheap price for such a good position for Black. 24... c8b8 It's nearly always a decent option to play Kb8 after castling. 25. a3c3 25... d8e8 26. h7c2 26... e5d3 The position is ready for a winning tactical sequence. |
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27... f4e3 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 22... e4f4 23. f2g1 23... d8a8 24. b1h7 White at least gets a pawn for the suffering. That's a cheap price for such a good position for Black. 24... c8b8 It's nearly always a decent option to play Kb8 after castling. 25. a3c3 25... d8e8 26. h7c2 26... e5d3 The position is ready for a winning tactical sequence. 27. c2d3 |
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28. g1h2 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 22... e4f4 23. f2g1 23... d8a8 24. b1h7 White at least gets a pawn for the suffering. That's a cheap price for such a good position for Black. 24... c8b8 It's nearly always a decent option to play Kb8 after castling. 25. a3c3 25... d8e8 26. h7c2 26... e5d3 The position is ready for a winning tactical sequence. 27. c2d3 27... f4e3 |
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28... e3f4 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 22... e4f4 23. f2g1 23... d8a8 24. b1h7 White at least gets a pawn for the suffering. That's a cheap price for such a good position for Black. 24... c8b8 It's nearly always a decent option to play Kb8 after castling. 25. a3c3 25... d8e8 26. h7c2 26... e5d3 The position is ready for a winning tactical sequence. 27. c2d3 27... f4e3 28. g1h2 |
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29. h2h1 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 22... e4f4 23. f2g1 23... d8a8 24. b1h7 White at least gets a pawn for the suffering. That's a cheap price for such a good position for Black. 24... c8b8 It's nearly always a decent option to play Kb8 after castling. 25. a3c3 25... d8e8 26. h7c2 26... e5d3 The position is ready for a winning tactical sequence. 27. c2d3 27... f4e3 28. g1h2 28... e3f4 |
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29... f4f2 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 22... e4f4 23. f2g1 23... d8a8 24. b1h7 White at least gets a pawn for the suffering. That's a cheap price for such a good position for Black. 24... c8b8 It's nearly always a decent option to play Kb8 after castling. 25. a3c3 25... d8e8 26. h7c2 26... e5d3 The position is ready for a winning tactical sequence. 27. c2d3 27... f4e3 28. g1h2 28... e3f4 29. h2h1 |
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30. c3c1 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 22... e4f4 23. f2g1 23... d8a8 24. b1h7 White at least gets a pawn for the suffering. That's a cheap price for such a good position for Black. 24... c8b8 It's nearly always a decent option to play Kb8 after castling. 25. a3c3 25... d8e8 26. h7c2 26... e5d3 The position is ready for a winning tactical sequence. 27. c2d3 27... f4e3 28. g1h2 28... e3f4 29. h2h1 29... f4f2 |
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30... g5g4 | The final touch to this beautiful game. White's king is left without protection—perhaps it would have been better not to have captured that pawn on h7 $2 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 22... e4f4 23. f2g1 23... d8a8 24. b1h7 White at least gets a pawn for the suffering. That's a cheap price for such a good position for Black. 24... c8b8 It's nearly always a decent option to play Kb8 after castling. 25. a3c3 25... d8e8 26. h7c2 26... e5d3 The position is ready for a winning tactical sequence. 27. c2d3 27... f4e3 28. g1h2 28... e3f4 29. h2h1 29... f4f2 30. c3c1 |
31. d1f1 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 22... e4f4 23. f2g1 23... d8a8 24. b1h7 White at least gets a pawn for the suffering. That's a cheap price for such a good position for Black. 24... c8b8 It's nearly always a decent option to play Kb8 after castling. 25. a3c3 25... d8e8 26. h7c2 26... e5d3 The position is ready for a winning tactical sequence. 27. c2d3 27... f4e3 28. g1h2 28... e3f4 29. h2h1 29... f4f2 30. c3c1 30... g5g4 The final touch to this beautiful game. White's king is left without protection—perhaps it would have been better not to have captured that pawn on h7 $2 |
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31... c5d3 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 22... e4f4 23. f2g1 23... d8a8 24. b1h7 White at least gets a pawn for the suffering. That's a cheap price for such a good position for Black. 24... c8b8 It's nearly always a decent option to play Kb8 after castling. 25. a3c3 25... d8e8 26. h7c2 26... e5d3 The position is ready for a winning tactical sequence. 27. c2d3 27... f4e3 28. g1h2 28... e3f4 29. h2h1 29... f4f2 30. c3c1 30... g5g4 The final touch to this beautiful game. White's king is left without protection—perhaps it would have been better not to have captured that pawn on h7 $2 31. d1f1 |
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32. f1d3 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 22... e4f4 23. f2g1 23... d8a8 24. b1h7 White at least gets a pawn for the suffering. That's a cheap price for such a good position for Black. 24... c8b8 It's nearly always a decent option to play Kb8 after castling. 25. a3c3 25... d8e8 26. h7c2 26... e5d3 The position is ready for a winning tactical sequence. 27. c2d3 27... f4e3 28. g1h2 28... e3f4 29. h2h1 29... f4f2 30. c3c1 30... g5g4 The final touch to this beautiful game. White's king is left without protection—perhaps it would have been better not to have captured that pawn on h7 $2 31. d1f1 31... c5d3 |
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32... g4h3 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 22... e4f4 23. f2g1 23... d8a8 24. b1h7 White at least gets a pawn for the suffering. That's a cheap price for such a good position for Black. 24... c8b8 It's nearly always a decent option to play Kb8 after castling. 25. a3c3 25... d8e8 26. h7c2 26... e5d3 The position is ready for a winning tactical sequence. 27. c2d3 27... f4e3 28. g1h2 28... e3f4 29. h2h1 29... f4f2 30. c3c1 30... g5g4 The final touch to this beautiful game. White's king is left without protection—perhaps it would have been better not to have captured that pawn on h7 $2 31. d1f1 31... c5d3 32. f1d3 |
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33. d3h3 | 1. f2f3 A strange first move, since it looks passive and the pawn takes away a square from the knight. Advancing the f-pawn two squares seems to be better—this was played by Gukesh in his game against Nakamura. In all other games 1.e4 was tried. 1... f7f5 Black takes the chance to gain some space and create a pawn formation that allows for freer development. 2. d2d4 2... d7d6 3. e1d3 3... e8f6 4. h1g3 4... h8g6 Only four moves have been played and White's position is already difficult, something that can only happen at this level in a freestyle game. Carlsen has problems finishing his development: If e2-e4 is played, then he loses castling rights after the pawn exchange and a check on g4 (although he will allow this later). I thought of 5.Qf2 to castle on the kingside, but then the plan of a6 or a5 followed by Ba7 is unpleasant. Another plan is to develop the bishop to a2 (Carlsen's attempt) or c2 (with 5.c3). 5. a2a4 5... a7a5 6. e2e4 A very risky move. 6... f5e4 7. f3e4 7... b8a7 8. h2h3 Preventing any Ng4 tactics when the bishop goes to e3. 8... e7e5 This simplifies the game, but it helps White to equalize. 9. c1e3 9... e5d4 10. e3d4 10... a7d4 11. g1d4 11... c8e6 12. d1f1 12... f6d7 Controlling the e5-square. White needs to be careful now not to put himself at a positional disadvantage. 13. g3f5 There are simpler moves. 13... g6e5 14. d3f4 This puts White under a lot of pressure. 14... e6c4 15. f1f2 15... g7g6 16. f5e3 16... g6g5 17. f4d5 17... f8f2 18. g1f2 18... c4d5 19. e4d5 19... d7c5 An excellent move, improving the knight while preventing White from moving the c-pawn. 20. a1a3 An ugly move, but what to do $2 20... g8g6 Again preventing the c-pawn from moving. 21. d4d1 A desperate attempt to push the c-pawn and finish development, but it's too late now. 21... g6e4 Sindarov is an aggressive player and an excellent tactician, and he conducts the remainder of the game in splendid form. 22. c2c4 22... e4f4 23. f2g1 23... d8a8 24. b1h7 White at least gets a pawn for the suffering. That's a cheap price for such a good position for Black. 24... c8b8 It's nearly always a decent option to play Kb8 after castling. 25. a3c3 25... d8e8 26. h7c2 26... e5d3 The position is ready for a winning tactical sequence. 27. c2d3 27... f4e3 28. g1h2 28... e3f4 29. h2h1 29... f4f2 30. c3c1 30... g5g4 The final touch to this beautiful game. White's king is left without protection—perhaps it would have been better not to have captured that pawn on h7 $2 31. d1f1 31... c5d3 32. f1d3 32... g4h3 |
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