|
|
1. e4
|
A short Sicilian game with an interesting checkmate at the end, |
 
|
| |
|
|
1... c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 e5 5. Nb5
|
Strongest response. |
|
| |
|
|
5... a6 6. Nd6+ Bxd6 7. Qxd6 Qf6 8. Qd3
|
One of many alternatives in a fairly common position, with a better winning percentage for White. Black must play carefully. |
1 comment
|
| |
|
|
8... Nh6
|
?! An innovation which did not turn out well for Black. It leaves the d5 hole weak and the threat of ...Ng4 is easily parried. |
|
| |
|
|
9. Nc3
|
Since Black has decided not to defend d5, White will control it. |
|
| |
|
|
9... Rb8
|
Preparing for a push down the b file and protecting the rook from Nc7+, but White gets a dangerous initiative here and Black's developmental advantage is suffering. Black was probably concerned that after the more natural ...0-0, 10 Nd5 Qd8 that Bxh6 would leave his K exposed. |
2 comments
|
| |
|
|
10. Nd5
|
White must strike quickly before Black can regroup, occupying d5 and preparing a quick attack |
|
| |
|
|
10... Qd6
|
?! This aggressive response exposes Black's queen to tactical threats and makes development harder. Better is the more patient 10 ...Qd8. |
|
| |
|
|
11. Bg5
|
!! I rarely give this rating to my own moves but this is a very subtle but diabolical move with a hidden sting made possible by Black's inaccurate Q move, which is also very difficult to meet effectively. The immediate threat is the somewhat subtle 12 Nf6+! Ke7 (otherwise the Q is lost) 13 Ng4+ f6 14 QxQ+ KxQ 15 NxN PxN 16 BxP with an easily won game. And the natural looking 11 ...0-0? is now met by Ne7+! winning the Q. |
2 comments
|
| |
|
|
11... f6
|
?? Wants to drive off the Bishop and probably play 0-0 next move, and is willing to accept Bxh6 doubling and weakening the K side pawns, but misses the primary threat and so loses even more quickly. Black's best move was probably the defensive retreat ...Ng8! and patient defense, although White retains a clear edge. |
|
| |
|
|
12. Nxf6+
|
! Fairly obvious now but exposing the hidden threat. |
|
| |
|
|
12... Ke7
|
Otherwise the Q is lost. |
|
| |
|
|
13. Ng4+
|
Forces the K to e6 with check if Black wants to defend the exposed Q. |
|
| |
|
|
13... Ke6 14. Qc4+
|
And my opponent resigns, since checkmate follows after the forced ...Qd5, 15 QxQ#. |
|
| |
(1665)