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20. d2c4 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. |
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20... b6c7 | A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 |
21. d3d4 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. |
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21... c5d4 | A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 |
22. c4d6 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. |
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22... e7d6 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 |
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23. c1c7 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 |
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23... d6c7 | This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 |
24. b2d4 | The wrong capture. | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. |
24... c7e5 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. |
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25. d4a7 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 |
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25... b7b6 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 |
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26. 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 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 |
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26... c8a8 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 |
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27. a6b5 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 |
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27... a8a3 | Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 |
28. f1d1 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. |
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28... d8c8 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 |
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29. g2g3 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 |
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29... a3a5 | The queen is forced 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. 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 |
30. b5f1 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. |
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30... g8g7 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 |
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31. e4d2 | After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 |
31... d5c3 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. |
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32. d1e1 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 |
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32... b6b5 | Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 |
33. f3g2 | Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. |
33... c8d8 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. |
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34. d2f3 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 |
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34... e6b3 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 |
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35. f3e5 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 |
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35... f6e5 | The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 |
36. f2f4 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. |
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36... b3c4 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 |
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37. f1f3 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 36... b3c4 |
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37... e5e4 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 36... b3c4 37. f1f3 |
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38. f3g4 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 36... b3c4 37. f1f3 37... e5e4 |
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38... a5a2 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 36... b3c4 37. f1f3 37... e5e4 38. f3g4 |
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39. f4f5 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 36... b3c4 37. f1f3 37... e5e4 38. f3g4 38... a5a2 |
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39... d8d2 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 36... b3c4 37. f1f3 37... e5e4 38. f3g4 38... a5a2 39. f4f5 |
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40. f5f6 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 36... b3c4 37. f1f3 37... e5e4 38. f3g4 38... a5a2 39. f4f5 39... d8d2 |
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40... g7f6 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 36... b3c4 37. f1f3 37... e5e4 38. f3g4 38... a5a2 39. f4f5 39... d8d2 40. f5f6 |
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41. g4f4 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 36... b3c4 37. f1f3 37... e5e4 38. f3g4 38... a5a2 39. f4f5 39... d8d2 40. f5f6 40... g7f6 |
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41... f6g7 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 36... b3c4 37. f1f3 37... e5e4 38. f3g4 38... a5a2 39. f4f5 39... d8d2 40. f5f6 40... g7f6 41. g4f4 |
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42. f4e5 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 36... b3c4 37. f1f3 37... e5e4 38. f3g4 38... a5a2 39. f4f5 39... d8d2 40. f5f6 40... g7f6 41. g4f4 41... f6g7 |
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42... f7f6 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 36... b3c4 37. f1f3 37... e5e4 38. f3g4 38... a5a2 39. f4f5 39... d8d2 40. f5f6 40... g7f6 41. g4f4 41... f6g7 42. f4e5 |
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43. e5c7 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 36... b3c4 37. f1f3 37... e5e4 38. f3g4 38... a5a2 39. f4f5 39... d8d2 40. f5f6 40... g7f6 41. g4f4 41... f6g7 42. f4e5 42... f7f6 |
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43... g7h6 | Carlsen decides to simply accept the draw, as this result means winning the match and the tournament. | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 36... b3c4 37. f1f3 37... e5e4 38. f3g4 38... a5a2 39. f4f5 39... d8d2 40. f5f6 40... g7f6 41. g4f4 41... f6g7 42. f4e5 42... f7f6 43. e5c7 |
44. c7f4 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 36... b3c4 37. f1f3 37... e5e4 38. f3g4 38... a5a2 39. f4f5 39... d8d2 40. f5f6 40... g7f6 41. g4f4 41... f6g7 42. f4e5 42... f7f6 43. e5c7 43... g7h6 Carlsen decides to simply accept the draw, as this result means winning the match and the tournament. |
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44... h6g7 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 36... b3c4 37. f1f3 37... e5e4 38. f3g4 38... a5a2 39. f4f5 39... d8d2 40. f5f6 40... g7f6 41. g4f4 41... f6g7 42. f4e5 42... f7f6 43. e5c7 43... g7h6 Carlsen decides to simply accept the draw, as this result means winning the match and the tournament. 44. c7f4 |
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45. f4c7 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 36... b3c4 37. f1f3 37... e5e4 38. f3g4 38... a5a2 39. f4f5 39... d8d2 40. f5f6 40... g7f6 41. g4f4 41... f6g7 42. f4e5 42... f7f6 43. e5c7 43... g7h6 Carlsen decides to simply accept the draw, as this result means winning the match and the tournament. 44. c7f4 44... h6g7 |
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45... g7h6 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 36... b3c4 37. f1f3 37... e5e4 38. f3g4 38... a5a2 39. f4f5 39... d8d2 40. f5f6 40... g7f6 41. g4f4 41... f6g7 42. f4e5 42... f7f6 43. e5c7 43... g7h6 Carlsen decides to simply accept the draw, as this result means winning the match and the tournament. 44. c7f4 44... h6g7 45. f4c7 |
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46. c7f4 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 36... b3c4 37. f1f3 37... e5e4 38. f3g4 38... a5a2 39. f4f5 39... d8d2 40. f5f6 40... g7f6 41. g4f4 41... f6g7 42. f4e5 42... f7f6 43. e5c7 43... g7h6 Carlsen decides to simply accept the draw, as this result means winning the match and the tournament. 44. c7f4 44... h6g7 45. f4c7 45... g7h6 |
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46... h6g7 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 36... b3c4 37. f1f3 37... e5e4 38. f3g4 38... a5a2 39. f4f5 39... d8d2 40. f5f6 40... g7f6 41. g4f4 41... f6g7 42. f4e5 42... f7f6 43. e5c7 43... g7h6 Carlsen decides to simply accept the draw, as this result means winning the match and the tournament. 44. c7f4 44... h6g7 45. f4c7 45... g7h6 46. c7f4 |
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47. f4c7 | 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 19... f5e6 Black is now preparing f6-f5 followed by Bf6. 20. d2c4 20... b6c7 A bad square for the queen, offering White tactical chances. 21. d3d4 21... c5d4 A bold queen sac that works in the game, but this is not the best decision. 22. c4d6 22... e7d6 23. c1c7 23... d6c7 This was Carlsen's idea, I suppose. He has some compensation for the queen, but Black is now fighting for a draw, although this evaluation will suddenly change. 24. b2d4 The wrong capture. 24... c7e5 25. d4a7 25... b7b6 26. a7a6 26... c8a8 27. a6b5 27... a8a3 Evaluating when a queen sacrifice offers compensation is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Here it seems that White has a significant material advantage, with queen against rook and bishop (and Black doesn't even have a pawn for that), however the compensation is completely adequate thanks to the very well-placed black pieces. Note that the doubled pawns are not exactly a weakness here, as they ensure the stability of the black position (a knight cannot go to g5, for example) and make the king safer. In the history of chess no player has been as brilliant at assessing unbalanced positions as Garry Kasparov—there are many wonderful examples of his on this topic. 28. f1d1 28... d8c8 29. g2g3 29... a3a5 The queen is forced back. 30. b5f1 30... g8g7 31. e4d2 After this move Black gains a clear advantage. Nakamura probably realized by now that he had no advantage and that it would be nearly impossible to play for a win. It was better to advance the kingside with 31.h4 or g4 or to simply play something like 31.Kg2. 31... d5c3 32. d1e1 32... b6b5 Despite the material advantage, White's pieces can barely move. 33. f3g2 Giving a square for the knight on f3, but now Black wins a pawn. 33... c8d8 34. d2f3 34... e6b3 35. f3e5 35... f6e5 The b-pawn is advancing quickly. White also has to worry about ...Bc4, trapping the queen. 36. f2f4 36... b3c4 37. f1f3 37... e5e4 38. f3g4 38... a5a2 39. f4f5 39... d8d2 40. f5f6 40... g7f6 41. g4f4 41... f6g7 42. f4e5 42... f7f6 43. e5c7 43... g7h6 Carlsen decides to simply accept the draw, as this result means winning the match and the tournament. 44. c7f4 44... h6g7 45. f4c7 45... g7h6 46. c7f4 46... h6g7 |
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1. d2d4 | ||
1... g8f6 | 1. d2d4 |
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2. c2c4 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 |
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2... e7e6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 |
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3. b1c3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 |
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3... f8b4 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 |
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4. d1c2 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 |
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4... e8g8 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 |
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5. e2e4 | From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 |
5... d7d5 | Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. |
6. e4e5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. |
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6... f6e4 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 |
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7. a2a3 | A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 |
7... b4c3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. |
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8. b2c3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 |
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8... c7c5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 |
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9. f1d3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 |
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9... c5d4 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 |
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10. c3d4 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 |
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10... b8c6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 |
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11. g1e2 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 |
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11... d8a5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 |
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12. e1f1 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 |
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12... f7f6 | The most accurate move. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 |
13. d3e4 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 12... f7f6 The most accurate move. |
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13... d5e4 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 12... f7f6 The most accurate move. 13. d3e4 |
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14. e5f6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 12... f7f6 The most accurate move. 13. d3e4 13... d5e4 |
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14... f8f6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 12... f7f6 The most accurate move. 13. d3e4 13... d5e4 14. e5f6 |
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15. c1e3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 12... f7f6 The most accurate move. 13. d3e4 13... d5e4 14. e5f6 14... f8f6 |
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15... c8d7 | One of many possible moves. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 12... f7f6 The most accurate move. 13. d3e4 13... d5e4 14. e5f6 14... f8f6 15. c1e3 |
16. f1g1 | The best move. White shouldn't be in a hurry to capture on e4. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 12... f7f6 The most accurate move. 13. d3e4 13... d5e4 14. e5f6 14... f8f6 15. c1e3 15... c8d7 One of many possible moves. |
16... a8f8 | The first new move in the game. Of course it's very natural to double rooks on the f-file, but it's probably even better to maneuver the knight immediately. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 12... f7f6 The most accurate move. 13. d3e4 13... d5e4 14. e5f6 14... f8f6 15. c1e3 15... c8d7 One of many possible moves. 16. f1g1 The best move. White shouldn't be in a hurry to capture on e4. |
17. h2h4 | A thematic move that pops up in many lines, as the careful reader has already noticed. The idea is to give luft to the king and also prepare the rook lift with Rh3. White again should exercise patience before going after the e4-pawn. Black is ready to play with e6-e5 with good play. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 12... f7f6 The most accurate move. 13. d3e4 13... d5e4 14. e5f6 14... f8f6 15. c1e3 15... c8d7 One of many possible moves. 16. f1g1 The best move. White shouldn't be in a hurry to capture on e4. 16... a8f8 The first new move in the game. Of course it's very natural to double rooks on the f-file, but it's probably even better to maneuver the knight immediately. |
17... c6e7 | This is Black's only meaningful plan. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 12... f7f6 The most accurate move. 13. d3e4 13... d5e4 14. e5f6 14... f8f6 15. c1e3 15... c8d7 One of many possible moves. 16. f1g1 The best move. White shouldn't be in a hurry to capture on e4. 16... a8f8 The first new move in the game. Of course it's very natural to double rooks on the f-file, but it's probably even better to maneuver the knight immediately. 17. h2h4 A thematic move that pops up in many lines, as the careful reader has already noticed. The idea is to give luft to the king and also prepare the rook lift with Rh3. White again should exercise patience before going after the e4-pawn. Black is ready to play with e6-e5 with good play. |
18. c2e4 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 12... f7f6 The most accurate move. 13. d3e4 13... d5e4 14. e5f6 14... f8f6 15. c1e3 15... c8d7 One of many possible moves. 16. f1g1 The best move. White shouldn't be in a hurry to capture on e4. 16... a8f8 The first new move in the game. Of course it's very natural to double rooks on the f-file, but it's probably even better to maneuver the knight immediately. 17. h2h4 A thematic move that pops up in many lines, as the careful reader has already noticed. The idea is to give luft to the king and also prepare the rook lift with Rh3. White again should exercise patience before going after the e4-pawn. Black is ready to play with e6-e5 with good play. 17... c6e7 This is Black's only meaningful plan. |
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18... e7f5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 12... f7f6 The most accurate move. 13. d3e4 13... d5e4 14. e5f6 14... f8f6 15. c1e3 15... c8d7 One of many possible moves. 16. f1g1 The best move. White shouldn't be in a hurry to capture on e4. 16... a8f8 The first new move in the game. Of course it's very natural to double rooks on the f-file, but it's probably even better to maneuver the knight immediately. 17. h2h4 A thematic move that pops up in many lines, as the careful reader has already noticed. The idea is to give luft to the king and also prepare the rook lift with Rh3. White again should exercise patience before going after the e4-pawn. Black is ready to play with e6-e5 with good play. 17... c6e7 This is Black's only meaningful plan. 18. c2e4 |
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19. e3g5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 12... f7f6 The most accurate move. 13. d3e4 13... d5e4 14. e5f6 14... f8f6 15. c1e3 15... c8d7 One of many possible moves. 16. f1g1 The best move. White shouldn't be in a hurry to capture on e4. 16... a8f8 The first new move in the game. Of course it's very natural to double rooks on the f-file, but it's probably even better to maneuver the knight immediately. 17. h2h4 A thematic move that pops up in many lines, as the careful reader has already noticed. The idea is to give luft to the king and also prepare the rook lift with Rh3. White again should exercise patience before going after the e4-pawn. Black is ready to play with e6-e5 with good play. 17... c6e7 This is Black's only meaningful plan. 18. c2e4 18... e7f5 |
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19... f5d6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 12... f7f6 The most accurate move. 13. d3e4 13... d5e4 14. e5f6 14... f8f6 15. c1e3 15... c8d7 One of many possible moves. 16. f1g1 The best move. White shouldn't be in a hurry to capture on e4. 16... a8f8 The first new move in the game. Of course it's very natural to double rooks on the f-file, but it's probably even better to maneuver the knight immediately. 17. h2h4 A thematic move that pops up in many lines, as the careful reader has already noticed. The idea is to give luft to the king and also prepare the rook lift with Rh3. White again should exercise patience before going after the e4-pawn. Black is ready to play with e6-e5 with good play. 17... c6e7 This is Black's only meaningful plan. 18. c2e4 18... e7f5 19. e3g5 |
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20. e4d3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 12... f7f6 The most accurate move. 13. d3e4 13... d5e4 14. e5f6 14... f8f6 15. c1e3 15... c8d7 One of many possible moves. 16. f1g1 The best move. White shouldn't be in a hurry to capture on e4. 16... a8f8 The first new move in the game. Of course it's very natural to double rooks on the f-file, but it's probably even better to maneuver the knight immediately. 17. h2h4 A thematic move that pops up in many lines, as the careful reader has already noticed. The idea is to give luft to the king and also prepare the rook lift with Rh3. White again should exercise patience before going after the e4-pawn. Black is ready to play with e6-e5 with good play. 17... c6e7 This is Black's only meaningful plan. 18. c2e4 18... e7f5 19. e3g5 19... f5d6 |
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20... f6f2 | A risky move, quite in Wei's style. He's very confident in his calculations. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 12... f7f6 The most accurate move. 13. d3e4 13... d5e4 14. e5f6 14... f8f6 15. c1e3 15... c8d7 One of many possible moves. 16. f1g1 The best move. White shouldn't be in a hurry to capture on e4. 16... a8f8 The first new move in the game. Of course it's very natural to double rooks on the f-file, but it's probably even better to maneuver the knight immediately. 17. h2h4 A thematic move that pops up in many lines, as the careful reader has already noticed. The idea is to give luft to the king and also prepare the rook lift with Rh3. White again should exercise patience before going after the e4-pawn. Black is ready to play with e6-e5 with good play. 17... c6e7 This is Black's only meaningful plan. 18. c2e4 18... e7f5 19. e3g5 19... f5d6 20. e4d3 |
21. g5e7 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 12... f7f6 The most accurate move. 13. d3e4 13... d5e4 14. e5f6 14... f8f6 15. c1e3 15... c8d7 One of many possible moves. 16. f1g1 The best move. White shouldn't be in a hurry to capture on e4. 16... a8f8 The first new move in the game. Of course it's very natural to double rooks on the f-file, but it's probably even better to maneuver the knight immediately. 17. h2h4 A thematic move that pops up in many lines, as the careful reader has already noticed. The idea is to give luft to the king and also prepare the rook lift with Rh3. White again should exercise patience before going after the e4-pawn. Black is ready to play with e6-e5 with good play. 17... c6e7 This is Black's only meaningful plan. 18. c2e4 18... e7f5 19. e3g5 19... f5d6 20. e4d3 20... f6f2 A risky move, quite in Wei's style. He's very confident in his calculations. |
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21... d7c6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 12... f7f6 The most accurate move. 13. d3e4 13... d5e4 14. e5f6 14... f8f6 15. c1e3 15... c8d7 One of many possible moves. 16. f1g1 The best move. White shouldn't be in a hurry to capture on e4. 16... a8f8 The first new move in the game. Of course it's very natural to double rooks on the f-file, but it's probably even better to maneuver the knight immediately. 17. h2h4 A thematic move that pops up in many lines, as the careful reader has already noticed. The idea is to give luft to the king and also prepare the rook lift with Rh3. White again should exercise patience before going after the e4-pawn. Black is ready to play with e6-e5 with good play. 17... c6e7 This is Black's only meaningful plan. 18. c2e4 18... e7f5 19. e3g5 19... f5d6 20. e4d3 20... f6f2 A risky move, quite in Wei's style. He's very confident in his calculations. 21. g5e7 |
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22. h1h2 | Not allowing Black to start an attack. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 12... f7f6 The most accurate move. 13. d3e4 13... d5e4 14. e5f6 14... f8f6 15. c1e3 15... c8d7 One of many possible moves. 16. f1g1 The best move. White shouldn't be in a hurry to capture on e4. 16... a8f8 The first new move in the game. Of course it's very natural to double rooks on the f-file, but it's probably even better to maneuver the knight immediately. 17. h2h4 A thematic move that pops up in many lines, as the careful reader has already noticed. The idea is to give luft to the king and also prepare the rook lift with Rh3. White again should exercise patience before going after the e4-pawn. Black is ready to play with e6-e5 with good play. 17... c6e7 This is Black's only meaningful plan. 18. c2e4 18... e7f5 19. e3g5 19... f5d6 20. e4d3 20... f6f2 A risky move, quite in Wei's style. He's very confident in his calculations. 21. g5e7 21... d7c6 |
22... a5f5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 12... f7f6 The most accurate move. 13. d3e4 13... d5e4 14. e5f6 14... f8f6 15. c1e3 15... c8d7 One of many possible moves. 16. f1g1 The best move. White shouldn't be in a hurry to capture on e4. 16... a8f8 The first new move in the game. Of course it's very natural to double rooks on the f-file, but it's probably even better to maneuver the knight immediately. 17. h2h4 A thematic move that pops up in many lines, as the careful reader has already noticed. The idea is to give luft to the king and also prepare the rook lift with Rh3. White again should exercise patience before going after the e4-pawn. Black is ready to play with e6-e5 with good play. 17... c6e7 This is Black's only meaningful plan. 18. c2e4 18... e7f5 19. e3g5 19... f5d6 20. e4d3 20... f6f2 A risky move, quite in Wei's style. He's very confident in his calculations. 21. g5e7 21... d7c6 22. h1h2 Not allowing Black to start an attack. |
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23. d3f5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 4... e8g8 5. e2e4 From time to time, players with White try to exploit the complicated variations that arise from this straightforward move. The problem is that the lines are already well studied, but Keymer certainly had everything very well prepared and the risk is small. 5... d7d5 Considered by theory as the main move to equalize. 6. e4e5 6... f6e4 7. a2a3 A much rarer move than 7.Bd3 and one that had been somewhat forgotten, having not been played at the highest level for some time. Keymer was probably counting on the surprise factor. 7... b4c3 8. b2c3 8... c7c5 9. f1d3 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b8c6 11. g1e2 11... d8a5 12. e1f1 12... f7f6 The most accurate move. 13. d3e4 13... d5e4 14. e5f6 14... f8f6 15. c1e3 15... c8d7 One of many possible moves. 16. f1g1 The best move. White shouldn't be in a hurry to capture on e4. 16... a8f8 The first new move in the game. Of course it's very natural to double rooks on the f-file, but it's probably even better to maneuver the knight immediately. 17. h2h4 A thematic move that pops up in many lines, as the careful reader has already noticed. The idea is to give luft to the king and also prepare the rook lift with Rh3. White again should exercise patience before going after the e4-pawn. Black is ready to play with e6-e5 with good play. 17... c6e7 This is Black's only meaningful plan. 18. c2e4 18... e7f5 19. e3g5 19... f5d6 20. e4d3 20... f6f2 A risky move, quite in Wei's style. He's very confident in his calculations. 21. g5e7 21... d7c6 22. h1h2 Not allowing Black to start an attack. 22... a5f5 |
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