Annotated chess game

Is this still a book line? It seems to me that not only does Black pick up a pawn, but has a central pawn majority that might prove dangerous. White has the bishop pair and a bit of time to play with whilst black unravels his position. But unless White has something special he can do seriously to discommode Black in the short term, I would rather fancy the latter's chances in the long run.

Why? Because Black gains time with 11...Nc6, which forces exchanges. Further, if White wants to keep his dark squared bishop ( in order to keep up the pressure on the dark squares) he has to move it (12.Nxc6?? Qxf2#!). So 12.Ba3 Nxd4 13.cxd4 d6, say (unless Black would prefer advantures beginning with 13...Qa5ch). Exchanges suit Black, who gains thereby several tempi to catch up in development.

13...Nc6 is quite good tactically, too. White hasn't time to recover the pawn. After 13...dxc3, what would happen if White rettok with the bishop (14.Bxc3)?

If Black Plays 13. ...Nc6 14. Bxc3 black surely equalizes. As white I would be a bit worried about the state of my pawns.

True, but the price is high (and long term) for a temporary gain. White's pawns are more scattered and weak than are Black's.

I agree, But from my view point it was win now or die. Because of the fleetness of my advantage I could not afford to allow black to breath.

Black had to be very patient indeed here. White has developed something of a bind on the position that will require considerable time to crack. As the knight is not yet pinned against the rook, Black could anticipate 19.Be4 by 18...Nd8, planning 19.Bb7 then to deploy the knight at e6. True, it will be some time before the KR will see action, but ... I did mention patience, didn't I?

I agree, patience often is the best defense. It is very hard to resist the temptation of push the issue. If black played 18. ...Bb7 I was intending.... 19. 0-0 followed up with A4. however, black is still ok! With A4 black will have to wait to play maneuver to Ne6.