Thomas Bartell (2350) - Mark Kernighan (2216) [D35]
Westfield Action Quads/Westfield, NJ USA 2005
3... Be7 avoids White's exact set-up.
4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 Be7 6. e3
The start of an interesting approach to the position, with the idea of f3 and e4. More standard is to play for a minority attack on the queenside.
8... Ne4!?
Trying to exchange pieces and interfere with White's plan.
9... f5!?
10.
Black has removed some pieces but strengthened White's center. His next exchange only serves to help White further.
13. Rfb1 b6 14. a4 gives White an easy edge with a queenside attack.
13... Bxf4 14. Nxf4 Qc7 15. Qd2
15. Qf5!?
White has achieved his goal and will eventually build up a kingside initiative. But Black is not without chances, especially due to the weak c-pawn and c4-square.
17... Rae8 18. e5 Nc4 19. Qc1 (19. Qf2 f6)
19... Qa5
or immediately 17... Nc4=
18. e5 c5!? 19. Nh5 Qe7 20. Qf4 Rc6 21. Qg3
An interesting maneuver, which forces Black's Rook to g6 where it will be attacked by the f-pawn. 21. Ng3!? g6 is unclear.
21... Rg6 22. Qf2 cxd4 23. cxd4 Rc8 24. f4! Rh6 25. Ng3 Qh4! 26. h3 Rhc6 27. Qf3 Qe7?!
27... Rc3!=
28. f5
28... Qh4 29. Ne2 Nc4 30. Rd1 Ra6
With the "threat" of Rxa2 or Ra3--and thinking the d-pawn is protected by a tactical trick. Note 30... Qe4!? 31. Qxe4 dxe4 is unclear. But is the d-pawn guarded by a Knight fork? White has tactics of his own and they are better.
33. e6?! R8c7 (33... Nxd1? 34. Qxf7+ Kh8 35. e7+-) 34. Qb8+ Rc8 35. exf7+ Kf8 36. Qb4+ Qe7 is messy.
33... Qe4??
A time blunder
in an otherwise still difficult position for both sides. Black was down to
Game in 3 minutes. Forced is
33... Rxc1 34. Nxc1! Qd8 35. Re1 Nc2 36. Re4 Nxd4 37. Ne2
34. Qxc8+!
A pattern that we should remember from "Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess"! After 34...Rxc8 then 35.Rxc8# is mate.
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