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11... Qa5
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Notice how the queen can still influence the center even when developed to the side of the board. From a5 she can help control e5, for example. She is also clearing the way for the f-rook to transfer to the queenside. |
 
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12. f3
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White is setting up a super-solid position. The knight on c3 no longer has to worry about the defense of the e4 pawn. |
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12... Rfc8
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Continuing with the theme of queenside counterplay, black attacks the c-pawn a second time. |
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13. b3
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Although the pawns on e4 and c4 seem secure now, this further weakens the h8-a1 diagonal. As with many moves in chess, you have to give up something in order to get something. |
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13... a6
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Black is going to try and open lines on the queenside. A well timed b7-b5 will usually free his position. |
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14. Na4
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Offering to go into an ending with apporximately even chances. |
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14... Qxd2+
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Black doesn't mind the ending, because the "Bind" isn't as significant as it is during the middlegame. |
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15. Kxd2 Nd7
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Black had to react to white's threatened knight fork on b6. Notice that black's e-pawn isn't really hanging, because 16. Bxe7 would be answered by 16. ...Bh6 skewering the rook on c1. |
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16. g4
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Now the e-pawn really is hanging. |
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16... f6
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Driving the bishop away. 17. Bh4 loses to 17. ...Bh6 so white retreats to e3. Normally you wouldn't want to block your g7 bishop with a pawn on f6, but black is intending to continue on with f6-f5, reopening the diagonal. |
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17. Be3 f5
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Ideally, black would like to isolate white's e-pawn while maintaining control over e5. |
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18. gxf5
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White captures on f5 in order to open the g-file for his rooks. |
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18... gxf5 19. Rhg1
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Threatening 20. Bh6. |
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19... Rcf8
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I preferred this to the alternatives at the time, but it does lead to a further reduction in material. Black stands no worse, but has little prospect of creating winning chances. |
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20. Bd4 Rf7 21. Bxg7 Rxg7 22. Rxg7+ Kxg7
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Following the captures, black has lost his "dragon" bishop, but his remaining bishop is better than white's. This is not enough to make a difference in the game, however. |
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23. c5
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A very nice way to secure the draw. It increases the bishop's mobility and prevents black from establishing a superior pawn structure. |
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23... dxc5
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1/2-1/2 Now, once the f-pawns are exchanged both e-pawns will be isolated, so black will have no advantage. A very solid game by white. |
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