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62... a4c3 | Black now loses the b-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. 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 62. e4e8 |
63. 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 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. |
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63... c4c3 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 |
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64. e8b5 | With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 |
64... c3c7 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. |
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65. b5d5 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 |
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65... g8h8 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 |
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66. e3f3 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 |
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66... c7h2 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 |
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67. d3f2 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 |
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67... 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 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 |
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68. d5a8 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 |
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68... d6b8 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 |
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69. a8e4 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 |
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69... h2g3 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 |
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70. f3e2 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 |
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70... b8e5 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 |
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71. e4a8 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 |
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71... e5b8 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 |
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72. a8e4 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 |
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72... g3c7 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 |
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73. 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 |
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73... h8h7 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 |
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74. e8e4 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 |
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74... g7g6 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 |
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75. e2f3 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 |
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75... h7g7 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 |
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76. f3g2 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 |
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76... c7g3 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 |
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77. g2f1 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 |
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77... g3c7 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 |
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78. e4d5 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 |
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78... b8a7 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 |
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79. f2d3 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 |
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79... c7e7 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 |
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80. d5f3 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 |
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80... e7d7 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 |
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81. f3e2 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 |
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81... h6h5 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 |
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82. e2f3 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 |
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82... h5g4 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 |
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83. h3g4 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 82... h5g4 |
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83... d7b5 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 82... h5g4 83. h3g4 |
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84. f1g2 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 82... h5g4 83. h3g4 83... d7b5 |
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84... b5b6 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 82... h5g4 83. h3g4 83... d7b5 84. f1g2 |
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85. g2h3 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 82... h5g4 83. h3g4 83... d7b5 84. f1g2 84... b5b6 |
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85... b6d4 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 82... h5g4 83. h3g4 83... d7b5 84. f1g2 84... b5b6 85. g2h3 |
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86. d3f4 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 82... h5g4 83. h3g4 83... d7b5 84. f1g2 84... b5b6 85. g2h3 85... b6d4 |
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86... g7h6 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 82... h5g4 83. h3g4 83... d7b5 84. f1g2 84... b5b6 85. g2h3 85... b6d4 86. d3f4 |
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87. f4e6 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 82... h5g4 83. h3g4 83... d7b5 84. f1g2 84... b5b6 85. g2h3 85... b6d4 86. d3f4 86... g7h6 |
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87... d4e5 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 82... h5g4 83. h3g4 83... d7b5 84. f1g2 84... b5b6 85. g2h3 85... b6d4 86. d3f4 86... g7h6 87. f4e6 |
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88. g4g5 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 82... h5g4 83. h3g4 83... d7b5 84. f1g2 84... b5b6 85. g2h3 85... b6d4 86. d3f4 86... g7h6 87. f4e6 87... d4e5 |
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88... f6g5 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 82... h5g4 83. h3g4 83... d7b5 84. f1g2 84... b5b6 85. g2h3 85... b6d4 86. d3f4 86... g7h6 87. f4e6 87... d4e5 88. g4g5 |
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89. f3f8 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 82... h5g4 83. h3g4 83... d7b5 84. f1g2 84... b5b6 85. g2h3 85... b6d4 86. d3f4 86... g7h6 87. f4e6 87... d4e5 88. g4g5 88... f6g5 |
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89... h6h7 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 82... h5g4 83. h3g4 83... d7b5 84. f1g2 84... b5b6 85. g2h3 85... b6d4 86. d3f4 86... g7h6 87. f4e6 87... d4e5 88. g4g5 88... f6g5 89. f3f8 |
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90. f8f7 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 82... h5g4 83. h3g4 83... d7b5 84. f1g2 84... b5b6 85. g2h3 85... b6d4 86. d3f4 86... g7h6 87. f4e6 87... d4e5 88. g4g5 88... f6g5 89. f3f8 89... h6h7 |
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90... h7h6 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 82... h5g4 83. h3g4 83... d7b5 84. f1g2 84... b5b6 85. g2h3 85... b6d4 86. d3f4 86... g7h6 87. f4e6 87... d4e5 88. g4g5 88... f6g5 89. f3f8 89... h6h7 90. f8f7 |
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91. f7f8 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 82... h5g4 83. h3g4 83... d7b5 84. f1g2 84... b5b6 85. g2h3 85... b6d4 86. d3f4 86... g7h6 87. f4e6 87... d4e5 88. g4g5 88... f6g5 89. f3f8 89... h6h7 90. f8f7 90... h7h6 |
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91... h6h7 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 82... h5g4 83. h3g4 83... d7b5 84. f1g2 84... b5b6 85. g2h3 85... b6d4 86. d3f4 86... g7h6 87. f4e6 87... d4e5 88. g4g5 88... f6g5 89. f3f8 89... h6h7 90. f8f7 90... h7h6 91. f7f8 |
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92. f8f7 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 82... h5g4 83. h3g4 83... d7b5 84. f1g2 84... b5b6 85. g2h3 85... b6d4 86. d3f4 86... g7h6 87. f4e6 87... d4e5 88. g4g5 88... f6g5 89. f3f8 89... h6h7 90. f8f7 90... h7h6 91. f7f8 91... h6h7 |
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92... h7h6 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 82... h5g4 83. h3g4 83... d7b5 84. f1g2 84... b5b6 85. g2h3 85... b6d4 86. d3f4 86... g7h6 87. f4e6 87... d4e5 88. g4g5 88... f6g5 89. f3f8 89... h6h7 90. f8f7 90... h7h6 91. f7f8 91... h6h7 92. f8f7 |
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93. f7f8 | 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 62. e4e8 62... a4c3 Black now loses the b-pawn. 63. d4c3 63... c4c3 64. e8b5 With pawns on the same flank and the excellent combination of queen and knight, White has no problems achieving a draw. 64... c3c7 65. b5d5 65... g8h8 66. e3f3 66... c7h2 67. d3f2 67... f8d6 68. d5a8 68... d6b8 69. a8e4 69... h2g3 70. f3e2 70... b8e5 71. e4a8 71... e5b8 72. a8e4 72... g3c7 73. e4e8 73... h8h7 74. e8e4 74... g7g6 75. e2f3 75... h7g7 76. f3g2 76... c7g3 77. g2f1 77... g3c7 78. e4d5 78... b8a7 79. f2d3 79... c7e7 80. d5f3 80... e7d7 81. f3e2 81... h6h5 82. e2f3 82... h5g4 83. h3g4 83... d7b5 84. f1g2 84... b5b6 85. g2h3 85... b6d4 86. d3f4 86... g7h6 87. f4e6 87... d4e5 88. g4g5 88... f6g5 89. f3f8 89... h6h7 90. f8f7 90... h7h6 91. f7f8 91... h6h7 92. f8f7 92... h7h6 |
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1. b2b3 | ||
1... c7c5 | 1. b2b3 |
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2. c1b2 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 |
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2... b8c6 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 |
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3. g1f3 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 |
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3... g8f6 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 |
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4. e2e3 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 |
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4... g7g6 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 |
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5. b2f6 | Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 |
5... e7f6 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. |
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6. c2c4 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 |
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6... d7d5 | Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 |
7. c4d5 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. |
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7... d8d5 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 |
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8. b1c3 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 |
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8... d5d8 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 |
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9. a1c1 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 |
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9... c8d7 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 9. a1c1 |
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10. f1b5 | It's difficult to say which is the best square for the bishop. It's also not clear what White is going to do after …a7-a6, whether he takes on c6 or comes back. | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 9. a1c1 9... c8d7 |
10... a8c8 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 9. a1c1 9... c8d7 10. f1b5 It's difficult to say which is the best square for the bishop. It's also not clear what White is going to do after …a7-a6, whether he takes on c6 or comes back. |
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11. e1g1 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 9. a1c1 9... c8d7 10. f1b5 It's difficult to say which is the best square for the bishop. It's also not clear what White is going to do after …a7-a6, whether he takes on c6 or comes back. 10... a8c8 |
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11... a7a6 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 9. a1c1 9... c8d7 10. f1b5 It's difficult to say which is the best square for the bishop. It's also not clear what White is going to do after …a7-a6, whether he takes on c6 or comes back. 10... a8c8 11. e1g1 |
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12. b5e2 | Nakamura decides to retreat with the bishop. The other plan is to capture on c6 and play with a quick d2-d4. | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 9. a1c1 9... c8d7 10. f1b5 It's difficult to say which is the best square for the bishop. It's also not clear what White is going to do after …a7-a6, whether he takes on c6 or comes back. 10... a8c8 11. e1g1 11... a7a6 |
12... f8e7 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 9. a1c1 9... c8d7 10. f1b5 It's difficult to say which is the best square for the bishop. It's also not clear what White is going to do after …a7-a6, whether he takes on c6 or comes back. 10... a8c8 11. e1g1 11... a7a6 12. b5e2 Nakamura decides to retreat with the bishop. The other plan is to capture on c6 and play with a quick d2-d4. |
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13. c3e4 | The knight looks pretty on e4, but it can be attacked with f6-f5 and the pressure on c5 isn't dangerous. | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 9. a1c1 9... c8d7 10. f1b5 It's difficult to say which is the best square for the bishop. It's also not clear what White is going to do after …a7-a6, whether he takes on c6 or comes back. 10... a8c8 11. e1g1 11... a7a6 12. b5e2 Nakamura decides to retreat with the bishop. The other plan is to capture on c6 and play with a quick d2-d4. 12... f8e7 |
13... d8b6 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 9. a1c1 9... c8d7 10. f1b5 It's difficult to say which is the best square for the bishop. It's also not clear what White is going to do after …a7-a6, whether he takes on c6 or comes back. 10... a8c8 11. e1g1 11... a7a6 12. b5e2 Nakamura decides to retreat with the bishop. The other plan is to capture on c6 and play with a quick d2-d4. 12... f8e7 13. c3e4 The knight looks pretty on e4, but it can be attacked with f6-f5 and the pressure on c5 isn't dangerous. |
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14. d1c2 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 9. a1c1 9... c8d7 10. f1b5 It's difficult to say which is the best square for the bishop. It's also not clear what White is going to do after …a7-a6, whether he takes on c6 or comes back. 10... a8c8 11. e1g1 11... a7a6 12. b5e2 Nakamura decides to retreat with the bishop. The other plan is to capture on c6 and play with a quick d2-d4. 12... f8e7 13. c3e4 The knight looks pretty on e4, but it can be attacked with f6-f5 and the pressure on c5 isn't dangerous. 13... d8b6 |
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14... d7f5 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 9. a1c1 9... c8d7 10. f1b5 It's difficult to say which is the best square for the bishop. It's also not clear what White is going to do after …a7-a6, whether he takes on c6 or comes back. 10... a8c8 11. e1g1 11... a7a6 12. b5e2 Nakamura decides to retreat with the bishop. The other plan is to capture on c6 and play with a quick d2-d4. 12... f8e7 13. c3e4 The knight looks pretty on e4, but it can be attacked with f6-f5 and the pressure on c5 isn't dangerous. 13... d8b6 14. d1c2 |
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15. d2d3 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 9. a1c1 9... c8d7 10. f1b5 It's difficult to say which is the best square for the bishop. It's also not clear what White is going to do after …a7-a6, whether he takes on c6 or comes back. 10... a8c8 11. e1g1 11... a7a6 12. b5e2 Nakamura decides to retreat with the bishop. The other plan is to capture on c6 and play with a quick d2-d4. 12... f8e7 13. c3e4 The knight looks pretty on e4, but it can be attacked with f6-f5 and the pressure on c5 isn't dangerous. 13... d8b6 14. d1c2 14... d7f5 |
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15... e8g8 | Black has a comfortable position. With his usual top-level positional play, Carlsen quickly increases his advantage. | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 9. a1c1 9... c8d7 10. f1b5 It's difficult to say which is the best square for the bishop. It's also not clear what White is going to do after …a7-a6, whether he takes on c6 or comes back. 10... a8c8 11. e1g1 11... a7a6 12. b5e2 Nakamura decides to retreat with the bishop. The other plan is to capture on c6 and play with a quick d2-d4. 12... f8e7 13. c3e4 The knight looks pretty on e4, but it can be attacked with f6-f5 and the pressure on c5 isn't dangerous. 13... d8b6 14. d1c2 14... d7f5 15. d2d3 |
16. c2b2 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 9. a1c1 9... c8d7 10. f1b5 It's difficult to say which is the best square for the bishop. It's also not clear what White is going to do after …a7-a6, whether he takes on c6 or comes back. 10... a8c8 11. e1g1 11... a7a6 12. b5e2 Nakamura decides to retreat with the bishop. The other plan is to capture on c6 and play with a quick d2-d4. 12... f8e7 13. c3e4 The knight looks pretty on e4, but it can be attacked with f6-f5 and the pressure on c5 isn't dangerous. 13... d8b6 14. d1c2 14... d7f5 15. d2d3 15... e8g8 Black has a comfortable position. With his usual top-level positional play, Carlsen quickly increases his advantage. |
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16... c6b4 | An excellent maneuver, bringing the knight to d5. | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 9. a1c1 9... c8d7 10. f1b5 It's difficult to say which is the best square for the bishop. It's also not clear what White is going to do after …a7-a6, whether he takes on c6 or comes back. 10... a8c8 11. e1g1 11... a7a6 12. b5e2 Nakamura decides to retreat with the bishop. The other plan is to capture on c6 and play with a quick d2-d4. 12... f8e7 13. c3e4 The knight looks pretty on e4, but it can be attacked with f6-f5 and the pressure on c5 isn't dangerous. 13... d8b6 14. d1c2 14... d7f5 15. d2d3 15... e8g8 Black has a comfortable position. With his usual top-level positional play, Carlsen quickly increases his advantage. 16. c2b2 |
17. a2a3 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 9. a1c1 9... c8d7 10. f1b5 It's difficult to say which is the best square for the bishop. It's also not clear what White is going to do after …a7-a6, whether he takes on c6 or comes back. 10... a8c8 11. e1g1 11... a7a6 12. b5e2 Nakamura decides to retreat with the bishop. The other plan is to capture on c6 and play with a quick d2-d4. 12... f8e7 13. c3e4 The knight looks pretty on e4, but it can be attacked with f6-f5 and the pressure on c5 isn't dangerous. 13... d8b6 14. d1c2 14... d7f5 15. d2d3 15... e8g8 Black has a comfortable position. With his usual top-level positional play, Carlsen quickly increases his advantage. 16. c2b2 16... c6b4 An excellent maneuver, bringing the knight to d5. |
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17... b4d5 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 9. a1c1 9... c8d7 10. f1b5 It's difficult to say which is the best square for the bishop. It's also not clear what White is going to do after …a7-a6, whether he takes on c6 or comes back. 10... a8c8 11. e1g1 11... a7a6 12. b5e2 Nakamura decides to retreat with the bishop. The other plan is to capture on c6 and play with a quick d2-d4. 12... f8e7 13. c3e4 The knight looks pretty on e4, but it can be attacked with f6-f5 and the pressure on c5 isn't dangerous. 13... d8b6 14. d1c2 14... d7f5 15. d2d3 15... e8g8 Black has a comfortable position. With his usual top-level positional play, Carlsen quickly increases his advantage. 16. c2b2 16... c6b4 An excellent maneuver, bringing the knight to d5. 17. a2a3 |
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18. f3d2 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 9. a1c1 9... c8d7 10. f1b5 It's difficult to say which is the best square for the bishop. It's also not clear what White is going to do after …a7-a6, whether he takes on c6 or comes back. 10... a8c8 11. e1g1 11... a7a6 12. b5e2 Nakamura decides to retreat with the bishop. The other plan is to capture on c6 and play with a quick d2-d4. 12... f8e7 13. c3e4 The knight looks pretty on e4, but it can be attacked with f6-f5 and the pressure on c5 isn't dangerous. 13... d8b6 14. d1c2 14... d7f5 15. d2d3 15... e8g8 Black has a comfortable position. With his usual top-level positional play, Carlsen quickly increases his advantage. 16. c2b2 16... c6b4 An excellent maneuver, bringing the knight to d5. 17. a2a3 17... b4d5 |
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18... f8d8 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 9. a1c1 9... c8d7 10. f1b5 It's difficult to say which is the best square for the bishop. It's also not clear what White is going to do after …a7-a6, whether he takes on c6 or comes back. 10... a8c8 11. e1g1 11... a7a6 12. b5e2 Nakamura decides to retreat with the bishop. The other plan is to capture on c6 and play with a quick d2-d4. 12... f8e7 13. c3e4 The knight looks pretty on e4, but it can be attacked with f6-f5 and the pressure on c5 isn't dangerous. 13... d8b6 14. d1c2 14... d7f5 15. d2d3 15... e8g8 Black has a comfortable position. With his usual top-level positional play, Carlsen quickly increases his advantage. 16. c2b2 16... c6b4 An excellent maneuver, bringing the knight to d5. 17. a2a3 17... b4d5 18. f3d2 |
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19. e2f3 | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 9. a1c1 9... c8d7 10. f1b5 It's difficult to say which is the best square for the bishop. It's also not clear what White is going to do after …a7-a6, whether he takes on c6 or comes back. 10... a8c8 11. e1g1 11... a7a6 12. b5e2 Nakamura decides to retreat with the bishop. The other plan is to capture on c6 and play with a quick d2-d4. 12... f8e7 13. c3e4 The knight looks pretty on e4, but it can be attacked with f6-f5 and the pressure on c5 isn't dangerous. 13... d8b6 14. d1c2 14... d7f5 15. d2d3 15... e8g8 Black has a comfortable position. With his usual top-level positional play, Carlsen quickly increases his advantage. 16. c2b2 16... c6b4 An excellent maneuver, bringing the knight to d5. 17. a2a3 17... b4d5 18. f3d2 18... f8d8 |
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19... f5e6 | Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. | 1. b2b3 1... c7c5 2. c1b2 2... b8c6 3. g1f3 3... g8f6 4. e2e3 4... g7g6 5. b2f6 Nakamura has played this move a few times before in blitz games. It has pros and cons: White gives up an important bishop and the dark squares are somewhat weakened as a result of the pawn on b3. On the other hand, Black has to play with doubled pawns. It's a move that can only be recommended in rapid time control games. 5... e7f6 6. c2c4 6... d7d5 Black has to open the center before White plays Nc3 and gets a grip on the d5-square. 7. c4d5 7... d8d5 8. b1c3 8... d5d8 9. a1c1 9... c8d7 10. f1b5 It's difficult to say which is the best square for the bishop. It's also not clear what White is going to do after …a7-a6, whether he takes on c6 or comes back. 10... a8c8 11. e1g1 11... a7a6 12. b5e2 Nakamura decides to retreat with the bishop. The other plan is to capture on c6 and play with a quick d2-d4. 12... f8e7 13. c3e4 The knight looks pretty on e4, but it can be attacked with f6-f5 and the pressure on c5 isn't dangerous. 13... d8b6 14. d1c2 14... d7f5 15. d2d3 15... e8g8 Black has a comfortable position. With his usual top-level positional play, Carlsen quickly increases his advantage. 16. c2b2 16... c6b4 An excellent maneuver, bringing the knight to d5. 17. a2a3 17... b4d5 18. f3d2 18... f8d8 19. e2f3 |
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