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45... g8f8
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6
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46. e7b7
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8
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46... d4b4
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7
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47. b7d7
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4
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47... b4d4
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7
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48. d7b7
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4
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48... d4b4
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7
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49. g3c3
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It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed.
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4
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49... f6f5
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed.
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50. b7d7
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5
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50... b4d4
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7
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51. d7e6
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4
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51... d4d6
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Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer.
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6
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52. e6d6
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer.
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52... f8d6
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6
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53. c6c7
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6
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53... e5e4
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7
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54. g2g3
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4
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54... g7c3
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3
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55. c7c8q
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3
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55... h8h7
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q
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56. c8c3
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7
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56... f5f4
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The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check.
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3
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57. g3f4
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check.
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57... d6f4
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4
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58. c3g3
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4
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58... f4d2
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3
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59. g3c7
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Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force.
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2
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59... h7g6
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force.
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60. c7b6
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6
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60... g6h7
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6
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61. b6b7
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7
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61... h7h8
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7
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62. b7a8
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8
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62... h8g7
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8
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63. a8e4
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8 62... h8g7
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63... g7f6
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8 62... h8g7 63. a8e4
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64. e4f3
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8 62... h8g7 63. a8e4 63... g7f6
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64... f6g6
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8 62... h8g7 63. a8e4 63... g7f6 64. e4f3
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65. h2g2
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8 62... h8g7 63. a8e4 63... g7f6 64. e4f3 64... f6g6
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65... d2a2
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8 62... h8g7 63. a8e4 63... g7f6 64. e4f3 64... f6g6 65. h2g2
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66. f3e4
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8 62... h8g7 63. a8e4 63... g7f6 64. e4f3 64... f6g6 65. h2g2 65... d2a2
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66... g6f6
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8 62... h8g7 63. a8e4 63... g7f6 64. e4f3 64... f6g6 65. h2g2 65... d2a2 66. f3e4
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67. e4f4
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8 62... h8g7 63. a8e4 63... g7f6 64. e4f3 64... f6g6 65. h2g2 65... d2a2 66. f3e4 66... g6f6
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67... f6g6
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8 62... h8g7 63. a8e4 63... g7f6 64. e4f3 64... f6g6 65. h2g2 65... d2a2 66. f3e4 66... g6f6 67. e4f4
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68. f4d6
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8 62... h8g7 63. a8e4 63... g7f6 64. e4f3 64... f6g6 65. h2g2 65... d2a2 66. f3e4 66... g6f6 67. e4f4 67... f6g6
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68... g6g7
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8 62... h8g7 63. a8e4 63... g7f6 64. e4f3 64... f6g6 65. h2g2 65... d2a2 66. f3e4 66... g6f6 67. e4f4 67... f6g6 68. f4d6
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69. d6e5
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8 62... h8g7 63. a8e4 63... g7f6 64. e4f3 64... f6g6 65. h2g2 65... d2a2 66. f3e4 66... g6f6 67. e4f4 67... f6g6 68. f4d6 68... g6g7
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69... g7h7
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8 62... h8g7 63. a8e4 63... g7f6 64. e4f3 64... f6g6 65. h2g2 65... d2a2 66. f3e4 66... g6f6 67. e4f4 67... f6g6 68. f4d6 68... g6g7 69. d6e5
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70. a4a5
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8 62... h8g7 63. a8e4 63... g7f6 64. e4f3 64... f6g6 65. h2g2 65... d2a2 66. f3e4 66... g6f6 67. e4f4 67... f6g6 68. f4d6 68... g6g7 69. d6e5 69... g7h7
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70... a2g8
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8 62... h8g7 63. a8e4 63... g7f6 64. e4f3 64... f6g6 65. h2g2 65... d2a2 66. f3e4 66... g6f6 67. e4f4 67... f6g6 68. f4d6 68... g6g7 69. d6e5 69... g7h7 70. a4a5
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71. g2h2
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8 62... h8g7 63. a8e4 63... g7f6 64. e4f3 64... f6g6 65. h2g2 65... d2a2 66. f3e4 66... g6f6 67. e4f4 67... f6g6 68. f4d6 68... g6g7 69. d6e5 69... g7h7 70. a4a5 70... a2g8
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71... g8f7
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8 62... h8g7 63. a8e4 63... g7f6 64. e4f3 64... f6g6 65. h2g2 65... d2a2 66. f3e4 66... g6f6 67. e4f4 67... f6g6 68. f4d6 68... g6g7 69. d6e5 69... g7h7 70. a4a5 70... a2g8 71. g2h2
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72. e5e4
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8 62... h8g7 63. a8e4 63... g7f6 64. e4f3 64... f6g6 65. h2g2 65... d2a2 66. f3e4 66... g6f6 67. e4f4 67... f6g6 68. f4d6 68... g6g7 69. d6e5 69... g7h7 70. a4a5 70... a2g8 71. g2h2 71... g8f7
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72... h7g7
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8 62... h8g7 63. a8e4 63... g7f6 64. e4f3 64... f6g6 65. h2g2 65... d2a2 66. f3e4 66... g6f6 67. e4f4 67... f6g6 68. f4d6 68... g6g7 69. d6e5 69... g7h7 70. a4a5 70... a2g8 71. g2h2 71... g8f7 72. e5e4
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73. a5a6
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An excellent start for Adams who proved once again his perfect understanding of the Ruy Lopez!
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1. e2e4 Michael Adams is one of the few top players who sticks to this aggressive move mainly. 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1b5 3... a7a6 Good news. Fabiano Caruana prefers play with more pieces on the board. This decision might be influenced by the fact that Adams was revealed as Carlsen's secret weapon in Sochi, where there were plenty of Berlins. Decisive Berlins actually. 4. b5a4 4... g8f6 5. e1g1 5... f8e7 6. f1e1 6... b7b5 7. a4b3 7... e8g8 8. d2d3 The Anti-Marshall is another good sign for the viewers. Both sides keep their options wide open, even though there is no immediate central clash. 8... d7d6 9. c2c3 9... c6a5 10. b3c2 10... c7c5 11. b1d2 11... a5c6 12. d2f1 12... h7h6 A small subtlety. Fabiano excludes the option Bc1-g5xf6 after which the white knight from f1 will go to d5 in great comfort (Nf1-e3-d5) . Then White will get a chance to dominate on the light squares, although I know a lot of people who have no fear for this. 13. f1e3 13... f8e8 Black's plan is to regroup with Be7-f8, and eventually to fianchettoe it later after g7-g6. The main idea is to carry out the freeing central blow d6-d5. 14. a2a4 14... c8e6 15. h2h3 15... e7f8 16. f3h2 The idea is to once more weaken the control on the d5 square with Nh2-g4. Mickey can also go for the kingside attack with Qd1-f3 and Ne3-f5. 16... b5b4 Fabiano comes out with a novelty first. I have the feeling though that the principled move remains d6-d5, for example 17. c2b3 Very logical. Adams takes care of the light squares. 17... a8b8 18. b3c4 18... b4c3 Fabiano also plays logically and opens the b-file for his rook. Next comes an excellent resource. 19. b2c3 19... d6d5 The same old central approach. This time it is tactically supported by the lose position of the c3 pawn. 20. c4a6 20... d8a5 21. c3c4 21... a5a6 Safe and strong. 22. e4d5 22... e6d5 23. c4d5 23... c6b4 The outcome of the central break is positive for Fabiano. He shattered Mickey's central control and now enjoys clear play against White's d-pawns. 24. a1a3 24... f6d5 25. e3g4 25... f7f6 26. h2f1 White reroutes his pieces to their optimal squares. 26... b8d8 So does Black. The idea is to pile upagainst the d-pawn and capture it in the end. 27. f1g3 27... c5c4 Caruana decided that the time had come to cash in the advantage. However, in hindsight this might not be the most optimal way. He could have been more cautious with 28. g4h6 Superb! Adams needs no second invitation! For the sacrificed piece he will get two pawns and constant threats against the weak black king. 28... g7h6 29. d1g4 29... g8h8 30. d3c4 30... d5e7 31. g4h5 31... e7g8 32. g3f5 32... a6b7 33. a3g3 33... b7h7 34. f5h4 Ah! This slows down the attack. Mickey was winning with the beautiful line 34... g8e7 Now Fabiano stabilizes the situation although it remains very delicate for both sides. Black always risks to blunder some material or get checkmated, while White needs to skilfully mount pressure or else he might end up losing slowly. 35. c1a3 35... b4c6 36. g1h2 36... f8g7 37. a3e7 37... c6e7 38. e1d1 Both the players are maneuvering skillfully. Instead of the last move, White could have traded some pawns with 38... h7g8 39. d1b1 39... d8b8 40. b1d1 40... e8d8 Black rejects the repetition of moves. 41. c4c5 41... d8d1 42. h5d1 42... b8b4 Without the rooks on the board Black's position becomes more vulnerable. He has too many squares to defend and this way the pawns become stronger. 43. d1d7 43... b4h4 44. d7e7 44... h4d4 45. c5c6 45... g8f8 46. e7b7 46... d4b4 47. b7d7 47... b4d4 48. d7b7 48... d4b4 49. g3c3 It is Mickey's turn to turn the repetition offer down! He risks nothing indeed. 49... f6f5 50. b7d7 50... b4d4 51. d7e6 51... d4d6 Fabiano could not find a satisfactory defense against the pawn promoting plan and sacrifices the piece back for the c-passer. 52. e6d6 52... f8d6 53. c6c7 53... e5e4 54. g2g3 54... g7c3 55. c7c8q 55... h8h7 56. c8c3 56... f5f4 The best defense again. Black's only chance is the perpetual check. 57. g3f4 57... d6f4 58. c3g3 58... f4d2 59. g3c7 Alas, this defense does not work to the iron grip by Adams. He wins a second pawn by force. 59... h7g6 60. c7b6 60... g6h7 61. b6b7 61... h7h8 62. b7a8 62... h8g7 63. a8e4 63... g7f6 64. e4f3 64... f6g6 65. h2g2 65... d2a2 66. f3e4 66... g6f6 67. e4f4 67... f6g6 68. f4d6 68... g6g7 69. d6e5 69... g7h7 70. a4a5 70... a2g8 71. g2h2 71... g8f7 72. e5e4 72... h7g7
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1. d2d4
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1... g8f6
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1. d2d4
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2. c2c4
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6
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2... e7e6
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4
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3. g2g3
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6
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3... d7d5
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3
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4. f1g2
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5
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4... f8b4
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2
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5. b1d2
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4
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5... e8g8
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2
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6. g1f3
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8
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6... d5c4
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3
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7. d1c2
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A tricky opening line.
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4
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7... c7c5
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Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move.
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line.
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8. d4c5
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move.
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8... c4c3
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It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible.
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5
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9. b2c3
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible.
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9... b4c5
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3
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10. e1g1
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5
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10... d8c7
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1
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11. d2e4
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A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces.
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7
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11... f6e4
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces.
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12. c2e4
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4
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12... b8d7
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4 12. c2e4
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13. c1f4
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White's lead in the development gives him the advantage.
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4 12. c2e4 12... b8d7
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13... c5d6
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4 12. c2e4 12... b8d7 13. c1f4 White's lead in the development gives him the advantage.
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14. f4d6
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4 12. c2e4 12... b8d7 13. c1f4 White's lead in the development gives him the advantage. 13... c5d6
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14... c7d6
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4 12. c2e4 12... b8d7 13. c1f4 White's lead in the development gives him the advantage. 13... c5d6 14. f4d6
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15. f1d1
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4 12. c2e4 12... b8d7 13. c1f4 White's lead in the development gives him the advantage. 13... c5d6 14. f4d6 14... c7d6
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15... d6c7
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4 12. c2e4 12... b8d7 13. c1f4 White's lead in the development gives him the advantage. 13... c5d6 14. f4d6 14... c7d6 15. f1d1
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16. e4b4
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Black's main problem is his bishop on c8. If it can come out and reach c6, everything will be fine. But since the white bishop dominates on the long diagonal and the half-open b-file is in White's hands, this is not easy to achieve. That is what Catalan is all about!
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4 12. c2e4 12... b8d7 13. c1f4 White's lead in the development gives him the advantage. 13... c5d6 14. f4d6 14... c7d6 15. f1d1 15... d6c7
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16... d7f6
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4 12. c2e4 12... b8d7 13. c1f4 White's lead in the development gives him the advantage. 13... c5d6 14. f4d6 14... c7d6 15. f1d1 15... d6c7 16. e4b4 Black's main problem is his bishop on c8. If it can come out and reach c6, everything will be fine. But since the white bishop dominates on the long diagonal and the half-open b-file is in White's hands, this is not easy to achieve. That is what Catalan is all about!
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17. f3d4
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Opens the g2-monster and threatens Nd4-b5-d6.
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4 12. c2e4 12... b8d7 13. c1f4 White's lead in the development gives him the advantage. 13... c5d6 14. f4d6 14... c7d6 15. f1d1 15... d6c7 16. e4b4 Black's main problem is his bishop on c8. If it can come out and reach c6, everything will be fine. But since the white bishop dominates on the long diagonal and the half-open b-file is in White's hands, this is not easy to achieve. That is what Catalan is all about! 16... d7f6
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17... a7a6
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4 12. c2e4 12... b8d7 13. c1f4 White's lead in the development gives him the advantage. 13... c5d6 14. f4d6 14... c7d6 15. f1d1 15... d6c7 16. e4b4 Black's main problem is his bishop on c8. If it can come out and reach c6, everything will be fine. But since the white bishop dominates on the long diagonal and the half-open b-file is in White's hands, this is not easy to achieve. That is what Catalan is all about! 16... d7f6 17. f3d4 Opens the g2-monster and threatens Nd4-b5-d6.
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18. d4b3
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4 12. c2e4 12... b8d7 13. c1f4 White's lead in the development gives him the advantage. 13... c5d6 14. f4d6 14... c7d6 15. f1d1 15... d6c7 16. e4b4 Black's main problem is his bishop on c8. If it can come out and reach c6, everything will be fine. But since the white bishop dominates on the long diagonal and the half-open b-file is in White's hands, this is not easy to achieve. That is what Catalan is all about! 16... d7f6 17. f3d4 Opens the g2-monster and threatens Nd4-b5-d6. 17... a7a6
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18... a6a5
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An important moment. Adams lures the queen to c5 in order to win a tempo with b7-b6 move and free the bishop. That appears a bit slow though.
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4 12. c2e4 12... b8d7 13. c1f4 White's lead in the development gives him the advantage. 13... c5d6 14. f4d6 14... c7d6 15. f1d1 15... d6c7 16. e4b4 Black's main problem is his bishop on c8. If it can come out and reach c6, everything will be fine. But since the white bishop dominates on the long diagonal and the half-open b-file is in White's hands, this is not easy to achieve. That is what Catalan is all about! 16... d7f6 17. f3d4 Opens the g2-monster and threatens Nd4-b5-d6. 17... a7a6 18. d4b3
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19. b4c5
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4 12. c2e4 12... b8d7 13. c1f4 White's lead in the development gives him the advantage. 13... c5d6 14. f4d6 14... c7d6 15. f1d1 15... d6c7 16. e4b4 Black's main problem is his bishop on c8. If it can come out and reach c6, everything will be fine. But since the white bishop dominates on the long diagonal and the half-open b-file is in White's hands, this is not easy to achieve. That is what Catalan is all about! 16... d7f6 17. f3d4 Opens the g2-monster and threatens Nd4-b5-d6. 17... a7a6 18. d4b3 18... a6a5 An important moment. Adams lures the queen to c5 in order to win a tempo with b7-b6 move and free the bishop. That appears a bit slow though.
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19... c7b8
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4 12. c2e4 12... b8d7 13. c1f4 White's lead in the development gives him the advantage. 13... c5d6 14. f4d6 14... c7d6 15. f1d1 15... d6c7 16. e4b4 Black's main problem is his bishop on c8. If it can come out and reach c6, everything will be fine. But since the white bishop dominates on the long diagonal and the half-open b-file is in White's hands, this is not easy to achieve. That is what Catalan is all about! 16... d7f6 17. f3d4 Opens the g2-monster and threatens Nd4-b5-d6. 17... a7a6 18. d4b3 18... a6a5 An important moment. Adams lures the queen to c5 in order to win a tempo with b7-b6 move and free the bishop. That appears a bit slow though. 19. b4c5
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20. a1b1
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This increases the pressure along the b file. Mickey will have to sacrifice a pawn to free his position sooner or later. However, Anish missed some counterplay by his opponent.
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4 12. c2e4 12... b8d7 13. c1f4 White's lead in the development gives him the advantage. 13... c5d6 14. f4d6 14... c7d6 15. f1d1 15... d6c7 16. e4b4 Black's main problem is his bishop on c8. If it can come out and reach c6, everything will be fine. But since the white bishop dominates on the long diagonal and the half-open b-file is in White's hands, this is not easy to achieve. That is what Catalan is all about! 16... d7f6 17. f3d4 Opens the g2-monster and threatens Nd4-b5-d6. 17... a7a6 18. d4b3 18... a6a5 An important moment. Adams lures the queen to c5 in order to win a tempo with b7-b6 move and free the bishop. That appears a bit slow though. 19. b4c5 19... c7b8
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20... b7b6
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4 12. c2e4 12... b8d7 13. c1f4 White's lead in the development gives him the advantage. 13... c5d6 14. f4d6 14... c7d6 15. f1d1 15... d6c7 16. e4b4 Black's main problem is his bishop on c8. If it can come out and reach c6, everything will be fine. But since the white bishop dominates on the long diagonal and the half-open b-file is in White's hands, this is not easy to achieve. That is what Catalan is all about! 16... d7f6 17. f3d4 Opens the g2-monster and threatens Nd4-b5-d6. 17... a7a6 18. d4b3 18... a6a5 An important moment. Adams lures the queen to c5 in order to win a tempo with b7-b6 move and free the bishop. That appears a bit slow though. 19. b4c5 19... c7b8 20. a1b1 This increases the pressure along the b file. Mickey will have to sacrifice a pawn to free his position sooner or later. However, Anish missed some counterplay by his opponent.
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21. c5d6
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4 12. c2e4 12... b8d7 13. c1f4 White's lead in the development gives him the advantage. 13... c5d6 14. f4d6 14... c7d6 15. f1d1 15... d6c7 16. e4b4 Black's main problem is his bishop on c8. If it can come out and reach c6, everything will be fine. But since the white bishop dominates on the long diagonal and the half-open b-file is in White's hands, this is not easy to achieve. That is what Catalan is all about! 16... d7f6 17. f3d4 Opens the g2-monster and threatens Nd4-b5-d6. 17... a7a6 18. d4b3 18... a6a5 An important moment. Adams lures the queen to c5 in order to win a tempo with b7-b6 move and free the bishop. That appears a bit slow though. 19. b4c5 19... c7b8 20. a1b1 This increases the pressure along the b file. Mickey will have to sacrifice a pawn to free his position sooner or later. However, Anish missed some counterplay by his opponent. 20... b7b6
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21... f6d5
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Or else Black is completely paralized.
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4 12. c2e4 12... b8d7 13. c1f4 White's lead in the development gives him the advantage. 13... c5d6 14. f4d6 14... c7d6 15. f1d1 15... d6c7 16. e4b4 Black's main problem is his bishop on c8. If it can come out and reach c6, everything will be fine. But since the white bishop dominates on the long diagonal and the half-open b-file is in White's hands, this is not easy to achieve. That is what Catalan is all about! 16... d7f6 17. f3d4 Opens the g2-monster and threatens Nd4-b5-d6. 17... a7a6 18. d4b3 18... a6a5 An important moment. Adams lures the queen to c5 in order to win a tempo with b7-b6 move and free the bishop. That appears a bit slow though. 19. b4c5 19... c7b8 20. a1b1 This increases the pressure along the b file. Mickey will have to sacrifice a pawn to free his position sooner or later. However, Anish missed some counterplay by his opponent. 20... b7b6 21. c5d6
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22. d6b8
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4 12. c2e4 12... b8d7 13. c1f4 White's lead in the development gives him the advantage. 13... c5d6 14. f4d6 14... c7d6 15. f1d1 15... d6c7 16. e4b4 Black's main problem is his bishop on c8. If it can come out and reach c6, everything will be fine. But since the white bishop dominates on the long diagonal and the half-open b-file is in White's hands, this is not easy to achieve. That is what Catalan is all about! 16... d7f6 17. f3d4 Opens the g2-monster and threatens Nd4-b5-d6. 17... a7a6 18. d4b3 18... a6a5 An important moment. Adams lures the queen to c5 in order to win a tempo with b7-b6 move and free the bishop. That appears a bit slow though. 19. b4c5 19... c7b8 20. a1b1 This increases the pressure along the b file. Mickey will have to sacrifice a pawn to free his position sooner or later. However, Anish missed some counterplay by his opponent. 20... b7b6 21. c5d6 21... f6d5 Or else Black is completely paralized.
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22... a8b8
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... f8b4 5. b1d2 5... e8g8 6. g1f3 6... d5c4 7. d1c2 A tricky opening line. 7... c7c5 Anish thought that Mickey was not too familiar with the line. According to my Megabase, this is the third main move. 8. d4c5 8... c4c3 It is useful to break the opponent's pawn chain whenever possible. 9. b2c3 9... b4c5 10. e1g1 10... d8c7 11. d2e4 A logical novelty. White clears the road for his pieces. 11... f6e4 12. c2e4 12... b8d7 13. c1f4 White's lead in the development gives him the advantage. 13... c5d6 14. f4d6 14... c7d6 15. f1d1 15... d6c7 16. e4b4 Black's main problem is his bishop on c8. If it can come out and reach c6, everything will be fine. But since the white bishop dominates on the long diagonal and the half-open b-file is in White's hands, this is not easy to achieve. That is what Catalan is all about! 16... d7f6 17. f3d4 Opens the g2-monster and threatens Nd4-b5-d6. 17... a7a6 18. d4b3 18... a6a5 An important moment. Adams lures the queen to c5 in order to win a tempo with b7-b6 move and free the bishop. That appears a bit slow though. 19. b4c5 19... c7b8 20. a1b1 This increases the pressure along the b file. Mickey will have to sacrifice a pawn to free his position sooner or later. However, Anish missed some counterplay by his opponent. 20... b7b6 21. c5d6 21... f6d5 Or else Black is completely paralized. 22. d6b8
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