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12... d8c7 | Defending the e5-pawn. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 |
13. f1e1 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. |
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13... f8e8 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 |
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14. b1d2 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 |
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14... c8e6 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 |
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15. c1b2 | White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 |
15... b8d7 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. |
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16. d2f1 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 |
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16... e7f8 | White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 |
17. f3d2 | Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. |
17... a8d8 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. |
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18. f1e3 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 |
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18... b7b5 | An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 |
19. a5b6 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. |
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19... a7b6 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 |
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20. a1d1 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 |
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20... d8a8 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 |
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21. a2b1 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 |
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21... b6b5 | Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 |
22. h2h3 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. |
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22... a8d8 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 |
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23. b1a2 | Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 |
23... d7b6 | Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. |
24. e3f1 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. |
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24... d8a8 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 |
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25. a2b1 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 |
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25... a8d8 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 |
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26. b1a2 | Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 |
26... d8d7 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. |
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27. b2c1 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 |
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27... d5d4 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 |
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28. b3e6 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 |
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28... e8e6 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 |
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29. a2b3 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 |
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29... d4c3 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 |
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30. b3c3 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 |
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30... c7d6 | The b4-pawn falls. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 |
31. d2f3 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. |
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31... d6b4 | With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 |
32. c3a1 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. |
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32... b4e7 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 |
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33. c1b2 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 |
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33... d7a7 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 |
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34. a1b1 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 |
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34... b6a4 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 |
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35. b2a1 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 |
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35... e7e8 | I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 |
36. d3d4 | Sacrificing another pawn. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. |
36... e5d4 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. |
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37. f3d4 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 |
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37... e6e4 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 |
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38. f1g3 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 |
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38... e4e1 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 |
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39. d1e1 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 |
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39... a7e7 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 |
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40. e1e7 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 |
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40... e8e7 | A good and solid move. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 |
41. d4c6 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. |
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41... e7c5 | Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 |
42. c6e5 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. |
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42... c5d5 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 |
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43. e5d3 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 |
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43... f6h5 | This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 |
44. g3h5 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. |
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44... d5h5 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 |
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45. d3e5 | The b-pawn is attacked. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 |
45... h5e2 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. |
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46. b1b3 | Blundering the f-pawn. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 |
46... e2e1 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. |
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47. g1h2 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 |
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47... e1f2 | Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 |
48. a1d4 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. |
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48... f2f5 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 |
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49. e5f3 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 |
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49... f5f4 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 |
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50. h2g1 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 |
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50... f4c1 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 |
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51. g1h2 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 |
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51... f8d6 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 |
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52. g2g3 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 51... f8d6 |
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52... c1c4 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 51... f8d6 52. g2g3 |
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53. b3e3 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 51... f8d6 52. g2g3 52... c1c4 |
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53... c4c2 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 51... f8d6 52. g2g3 52... c1c4 53. b3e3 |
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54. h2g1 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 51... f8d6 52. g2g3 52... c1c4 53. b3e3 53... c4c2 |
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54... g8h7 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 51... f8d6 52. g2g3 52... c1c4 53. b3e3 53... c4c2 54. h2g1 |
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55. f3e5 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 51... f8d6 52. g2g3 52... c1c4 53. b3e3 53... c4c2 54. h2g1 54... g8h7 |
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55... c2b1 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 51... f8d6 52. g2g3 52... c1c4 53. b3e3 53... c4c2 54. h2g1 54... g8h7 55. f3e5 |
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56. g1g2 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 51... f8d6 52. g2g3 52... c1c4 53. b3e3 53... c4c2 54. h2g1 54... g8h7 55. f3e5 55... c2b1 |
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56... b1f5 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 51... f8d6 52. g2g3 52... c1c4 53. b3e3 53... c4c2 54. h2g1 54... g8h7 55. f3e5 55... c2b1 56. g1g2 |
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57. g3g4 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 51... f8d6 52. g2g3 52... c1c4 53. b3e3 53... c4c2 54. h2g1 54... g8h7 55. f3e5 55... c2b1 56. g1g2 56... b1f5 |
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57... f5c2 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 51... f8d6 52. g2g3 52... c1c4 53. b3e3 53... c4c2 54. h2g1 54... g8h7 55. f3e5 55... c2b1 56. g1g2 56... b1f5 57. g3g4 |
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58. g2f3 | Of course, Black could have played differently in the previous moves, but his play has been good enough so far. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 51... f8d6 52. g2g3 52... c1c4 53. b3e3 53... c4c2 54. h2g1 54... g8h7 55. f3e5 55... c2b1 56. g1g2 56... b1f5 57. g3g4 57... f5c2 |
58... f7f6 | It's better to capture the knight before playing this move. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 51... f8d6 52. g2g3 52... c1c4 53. b3e3 53... c4c2 54. h2g1 54... g8h7 55. f3e5 55... c2b1 56. g1g2 56... b1f5 57. g3g4 57... f5c2 58. g2f3 Of course, Black could have played differently in the previous moves, but his play has been good enough so far. |
59. e5d3 | Now Qe4+ is an unpleasant threat. | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 51... f8d6 52. g2g3 52... c1c4 53. b3e3 53... c4c2 54. h2g1 54... g8h7 55. f3e5 55... c2b1 56. g1g2 56... b1f5 57. g3g4 57... f5c2 58. g2f3 Of course, Black could have played differently in the previous moves, but his play has been good enough so far. 58... f7f6 It's better to capture the knight before playing this move. |
59... c2c4 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 51... f8d6 52. g2g3 52... c1c4 53. b3e3 53... c4c2 54. h2g1 54... g8h7 55. f3e5 55... c2b1 56. g1g2 56... b1f5 57. g3g4 57... f5c2 58. g2f3 Of course, Black could have played differently in the previous moves, but his play has been good enough so far. 58... f7f6 It's better to capture the knight before playing this move. 59. e5d3 Now Qe4+ is an unpleasant threat. |
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60. e3e4 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 51... f8d6 52. g2g3 52... c1c4 53. b3e3 53... c4c2 54. h2g1 54... g8h7 55. f3e5 55... c2b1 56. g1g2 56... b1f5 57. g3g4 57... f5c2 58. g2f3 Of course, Black could have played differently in the previous moves, but his play has been good enough so far. 58... f7f6 It's better to capture the knight before playing this move. 59. e5d3 Now Qe4+ is an unpleasant threat. 59... c2c4 |
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60... h7g8 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 51... f8d6 52. g2g3 52... c1c4 53. b3e3 53... c4c2 54. h2g1 54... g8h7 55. f3e5 55... c2b1 56. g1g2 56... b1f5 57. g3g4 57... f5c2 58. g2f3 Of course, Black could have played differently in the previous moves, but his play has been good enough so far. 58... f7f6 It's better to capture the knight before playing this move. 59. e5d3 Now Qe4+ is an unpleasant threat. 59... c2c4 60. e3e4 |
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61. f3e3 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 51... f8d6 52. g2g3 52... c1c4 53. b3e3 53... c4c2 54. h2g1 54... g8h7 55. f3e5 55... c2b1 56. g1g2 56... b1f5 57. g3g4 57... f5c2 58. g2f3 Of course, Black could have played differently in the previous moves, but his play has been good enough so far. 58... f7f6 It's better to capture the knight before playing this move. 59. e5d3 Now Qe4+ is an unpleasant threat. 59... c2c4 60. e3e4 60... h7g8 |
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61... d6f8 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 51... f8d6 52. g2g3 52... c1c4 53. b3e3 53... c4c2 54. h2g1 54... g8h7 55. f3e5 55... c2b1 56. g1g2 56... b1f5 57. g3g4 57... f5c2 58. g2f3 Of course, Black could have played differently in the previous moves, but his play has been good enough so far. 58... f7f6 It's better to capture the knight before playing this move. 59. e5d3 Now Qe4+ is an unpleasant threat. 59... c2c4 60. e3e4 60... h7g8 61. f3e3 |
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62. e4e8 | 1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... g8f6 4. d2d3 4... h7h6 A flexible move that keeps several plans open: he can play g7-g5 and Bg7, a bold idea that became popular a few years ago; or play g6-Bg7; or simply develop the bishop on its natural square, c5, without White being able to play Bc1-g5. 5. c2c3 5... f8c5 6. b2b4 6... c5e7 7. a2a4 7... d7d6 8. d1b3 8... e8g8 9. e1g1 9... c6b8 The knight returns so that Black can prepare c6-d5. A very difficult move for someone not familiar with this opening, but Nakamura has this very well studied. 10. a4a5 10... c7c6 11. b3a2 11... d6d5 12. c4b3 12... d8c7 Defending the e5-pawn. 13. f1e1 13... f8e8 14. b1d2 14... c8e6 15. c1b2 White's pieces on the queenside make a funny impression. 15... b8d7 16. d2f1 16... e7f8 White has no good plan to improve the position, and he is overextended on the queenside. 17. f3d2 Protecting the pawn on e4 so that the other knight can go to e3. 17... a8d8 18. f1e3 18... b7b5 An excellent move to gain space on the queenside. 19. a5b6 19... a7b6 20. a1d1 20... d8a8 21. a2b1 21... b6b5 Preparing Nb6-a4. Black already has a considerable positional advantage. 22. h2h3 22... a8d8 23. b1a2 Not the best square for the queen, but maybe Nepomniachtchi was counting on a draw by move repetition. 23... d7b6 Of course, Nakamura decides to play on, instead of repeating moves with 23...Ra8. 24. e3f1 24... d8a8 25. a2b1 25... a8d8 26. b1a2 Again looking for a repetition, but this isn't the best square. 26... d8d7 27. b2c1 27... d5d4 28. b3e6 28... e8e6 29. a2b3 29... d4c3 30. b3c3 30... c7d6 The b4-pawn falls. 31. d2f3 31... d6b4 With surprising ease, Nakamura has gained a decisive advantage. 32. c3a1 32... b4e7 33. c1b2 33... d7a7 34. a1b1 34... b6a4 35. b2a1 35... e7e8 I like this move, clearing the diagonal for the bishop and defending the c6-pawn, thus reducing the strength of the d3-d4 advance, which Nepomniachtchi decides to play anyway. 36. d3d4 Sacrificing another pawn. 36... e5d4 37. f3d4 37... e6e4 38. f1g3 38... e4e1 39. d1e1 39... a7e7 40. e1e7 40... e8e7 A good and solid move. 41. d4c6 41... e7c5 Black has given back one of the pawns, but the b-pawn is more than enough for victory. 42. c6e5 42... c5d5 43. e5d3 43... f6h5 This is a rapid game, and the lack of time on the clock will affect the players' accuracy in the endgame. 44. g3h5 44... d5h5 45. d3e5 The b-pawn is attacked. 45... h5e2 46. b1b3 Blundering the f-pawn. 46... e2e1 47. g1h2 47... e1f2 Black is two pawns up and has a totally winning position. But nothing is too easy with little time on the clock. 48. a1d4 48... f2f5 49. e5f3 49... f5f4 50. h2g1 50... f4c1 51. g1h2 51... f8d6 52. g2g3 52... c1c4 53. b3e3 53... c4c2 54. h2g1 54... g8h7 55. f3e5 55... c2b1 56. g1g2 56... b1f5 57. g3g4 57... f5c2 58. g2f3 Of course, Black could have played differently in the previous moves, but his play has been good enough so far. 58... f7f6 It's better to capture the knight before playing this move. 59. e5d3 Now Qe4+ is an unpleasant threat. 59... c2c4 60. e3e4 60... h7g8 61. f3e3 61... d6f8 |
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