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12. Nh2 b4
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While White is busy maneuvering on the kingside, I am already storming the queenside with my strong pawns. Pawns are especially valuable in closed positions, because they hold everything together. Pawns aren't worth much in open positions because they tend to act like speed bumps. |
  1 comment
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13. Na4
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I thought Nb1 was better, because the knight can redevelop and reach better squares. The knight isn't very active on a4. |
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13... Be6
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I'm preparing for a c4 boost at some point in the game. |
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14. Ng4
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White is trying to distract me by taking action on the kingside. |
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14... Nd7
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I simply decline his trade offer and maneuver my knight toward the queenside where it is needed. I don't need any complications on the kingside where White's play is. |
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15. Bf3
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White's kingside isn't improving very much, and my queenside is already creeping up. |
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15... Rfb8
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Maybe Rab8 was better, because I should get this rook to the c-file to help with my planned c4 boost. |
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16. b3
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White is passively defending my pawn storm. This move may make my future c4-boost even stronger. |
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16... Nb6
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I wan't to get rid of White's defensive queenside piece. Notice how White's pieces are scattered and inactive, while mine are all directed toward the queenside. |
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17. Nxb6 Rxb6 18. a4
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White is trying to close off the queenside, where all my play is. White shouldn't be worrying about my queenside attack. In closed positions, especially the Closed Sicilian, you should try an attack on the opposite wing before your opponent completes theirs. |
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18... Na5
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Getting more forces for my c4-boost. |
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19. Qd2
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White needs to get his queen in the game for a counterattack. Something he should've been doing a long time ago. |
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19... Rc8
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Now that my rook is off the dangerous diagonal, my c4 boost is ready to play. |
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20. Qg5
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White realizes he needs to counterattack on the kingside instead of trying to defend my queenside storm. |
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20... c4
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My attack was completed first. |
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21. dxc4 dxc4
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Notice how White can't play Qxa5 because of Rc5! trapping his queen. Trapping pieces is common in closed positions. |
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22. Re5
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White sees my threat and tries to challenge my knight, but he has underestimated the power of my pawns. |
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22... cxb3
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Pawns are very valuable in closed positions. A lot of times two pawns can be worth more than a piece, as here. In open games it's the opposite. Pawns are almost worthless and four pawns can sometimes be worth less than a piece. |
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23. Rxa5
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White's other option is accepting the loss of a pawn and passively defending his queenside. |
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23... bxc2
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Now I have two connected advanced passed pawns. Probably better than my knight. |
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