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26... a7b6
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1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... f8c5 4. b2b4 Wow! The Evans Gambit at the highest possible level! Hikaru supoprts his reputation of a trouble-maker. Some years back he tried the King's Gambit, and now the Evans one. "It is an English opening", Hikaru explained later, "and much better than the King's Gambit." Since the opening is named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the hosts felt quite enthusiastic about it and Nigel Short even joked that Nakamura had already deserved his next year's invitation with this choice. 4... c5b4 5. c2c3 5... b4a5 On the other hand, Hikaru's opening choice should not be a complete surprive if we recall the player who revived the gambit. Garry Kasparov that is, yes! The following crushing game was played 19 years ago, and the victim was... Anand. 6. d2d4 6... d7d6 7. d1b3 7... d8d7 8. d4e5 8... a5b6 9. a2a4 "This got me slightly off-line" - Vishy. Indeed, this is quite a rare move and the majority of the games continued instead 9... c6a5 The light-squared bishop is a beast and should be traded at once! 10. b3a2 10... a5c4 11. a2c4 11... g8e7 12. e5d6 12... c7d6 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 Vishy decided to make sensible and solid moves first and not take unnecessary risk. 14. c4d3 14... e7g6 15. a4a5 15... b6c5 16. c1e3 White wants to attack the d6-pawn and needs the bishops off the board. 16... f8e8 Vishy plays in a very classical way and prepares the d6-d5 advance. 17. b1d2 17... c5e3 18. d3e3 18... d6d5 19. f1e1 19... d5e4 20. d2e4 The weak isolated pawn disappeared but White has the initiative. He threatens now Ne4-f6! 20... d7e7 21. e4d6 21... e7e3 22. f2e3 22... e8d8 The white pawns are a mess but since Black did not finish his development there are various problems along the open d- and half-open b-file. 23. e1d1 23... a8b8 24. d1d4 24... c8e6 The bishop is out and it is time for White to take care of the balance. 25. c3c4 25... b7b6 26. a5b6
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27. a1a7
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1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... f8c5 4. b2b4 Wow! The Evans Gambit at the highest possible level! Hikaru supoprts his reputation of a trouble-maker. Some years back he tried the King's Gambit, and now the Evans one. "It is an English opening", Hikaru explained later, "and much better than the King's Gambit." Since the opening is named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the hosts felt quite enthusiastic about it and Nigel Short even joked that Nakamura had already deserved his next year's invitation with this choice. 4... c5b4 5. c2c3 5... b4a5 On the other hand, Hikaru's opening choice should not be a complete surprive if we recall the player who revived the gambit. Garry Kasparov that is, yes! The following crushing game was played 19 years ago, and the victim was... Anand. 6. d2d4 6... d7d6 7. d1b3 7... d8d7 8. d4e5 8... a5b6 9. a2a4 "This got me slightly off-line" - Vishy. Indeed, this is quite a rare move and the majority of the games continued instead 9... c6a5 The light-squared bishop is a beast and should be traded at once! 10. b3a2 10... a5c4 11. a2c4 11... g8e7 12. e5d6 12... c7d6 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 Vishy decided to make sensible and solid moves first and not take unnecessary risk. 14. c4d3 14... e7g6 15. a4a5 15... b6c5 16. c1e3 White wants to attack the d6-pawn and needs the bishops off the board. 16... f8e8 Vishy plays in a very classical way and prepares the d6-d5 advance. 17. b1d2 17... c5e3 18. d3e3 18... d6d5 19. f1e1 19... d5e4 20. d2e4 The weak isolated pawn disappeared but White has the initiative. He threatens now Ne4-f6! 20... d7e7 21. e4d6 21... e7e3 22. f2e3 22... e8d8 The white pawns are a mess but since Black did not finish his development there are various problems along the open d- and half-open b-file. 23. e1d1 23... a8b8 24. d1d4 24... c8e6 The bishop is out and it is time for White to take care of the balance. 25. c3c4 25... b7b6 26. a5b6 26... a7b6
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27... h7h6
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1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... f8c5 4. b2b4 Wow! The Evans Gambit at the highest possible level! Hikaru supoprts his reputation of a trouble-maker. Some years back he tried the King's Gambit, and now the Evans one. "It is an English opening", Hikaru explained later, "and much better than the King's Gambit." Since the opening is named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the hosts felt quite enthusiastic about it and Nigel Short even joked that Nakamura had already deserved his next year's invitation with this choice. 4... c5b4 5. c2c3 5... b4a5 On the other hand, Hikaru's opening choice should not be a complete surprive if we recall the player who revived the gambit. Garry Kasparov that is, yes! The following crushing game was played 19 years ago, and the victim was... Anand. 6. d2d4 6... d7d6 7. d1b3 7... d8d7 8. d4e5 8... a5b6 9. a2a4 "This got me slightly off-line" - Vishy. Indeed, this is quite a rare move and the majority of the games continued instead 9... c6a5 The light-squared bishop is a beast and should be traded at once! 10. b3a2 10... a5c4 11. a2c4 11... g8e7 12. e5d6 12... c7d6 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 Vishy decided to make sensible and solid moves first and not take unnecessary risk. 14. c4d3 14... e7g6 15. a4a5 15... b6c5 16. c1e3 White wants to attack the d6-pawn and needs the bishops off the board. 16... f8e8 Vishy plays in a very classical way and prepares the d6-d5 advance. 17. b1d2 17... c5e3 18. d3e3 18... d6d5 19. f1e1 19... d5e4 20. d2e4 The weak isolated pawn disappeared but White has the initiative. He threatens now Ne4-f6! 20... d7e7 21. e4d6 21... e7e3 22. f2e3 22... e8d8 The white pawns are a mess but since Black did not finish his development there are various problems along the open d- and half-open b-file. 23. e1d1 23... a8b8 24. d1d4 24... c8e6 The bishop is out and it is time for White to take care of the balance. 25. c3c4 25... b7b6 26. a5b6 26... a7b6 27. a1a7
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28. h2h3
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1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... f8c5 4. b2b4 Wow! The Evans Gambit at the highest possible level! Hikaru supoprts his reputation of a trouble-maker. Some years back he tried the King's Gambit, and now the Evans one. "It is an English opening", Hikaru explained later, "and much better than the King's Gambit." Since the opening is named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the hosts felt quite enthusiastic about it and Nigel Short even joked that Nakamura had already deserved his next year's invitation with this choice. 4... c5b4 5. c2c3 5... b4a5 On the other hand, Hikaru's opening choice should not be a complete surprive if we recall the player who revived the gambit. Garry Kasparov that is, yes! The following crushing game was played 19 years ago, and the victim was... Anand. 6. d2d4 6... d7d6 7. d1b3 7... d8d7 8. d4e5 8... a5b6 9. a2a4 "This got me slightly off-line" - Vishy. Indeed, this is quite a rare move and the majority of the games continued instead 9... c6a5 The light-squared bishop is a beast and should be traded at once! 10. b3a2 10... a5c4 11. a2c4 11... g8e7 12. e5d6 12... c7d6 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 Vishy decided to make sensible and solid moves first and not take unnecessary risk. 14. c4d3 14... e7g6 15. a4a5 15... b6c5 16. c1e3 White wants to attack the d6-pawn and needs the bishops off the board. 16... f8e8 Vishy plays in a very classical way and prepares the d6-d5 advance. 17. b1d2 17... c5e3 18. d3e3 18... d6d5 19. f1e1 19... d5e4 20. d2e4 The weak isolated pawn disappeared but White has the initiative. He threatens now Ne4-f6! 20... d7e7 21. e4d6 21... e7e3 22. f2e3 22... e8d8 The white pawns are a mess but since Black did not finish his development there are various problems along the open d- and half-open b-file. 23. e1d1 23... a8b8 24. d1d4 24... c8e6 The bishop is out and it is time for White to take care of the balance. 25. c3c4 25... b7b6 26. a5b6 26... a7b6 27. a1a7 27... h7h6
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28... b8a8
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1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... f8c5 4. b2b4 Wow! The Evans Gambit at the highest possible level! Hikaru supoprts his reputation of a trouble-maker. Some years back he tried the King's Gambit, and now the Evans one. "It is an English opening", Hikaru explained later, "and much better than the King's Gambit." Since the opening is named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the hosts felt quite enthusiastic about it and Nigel Short even joked that Nakamura had already deserved his next year's invitation with this choice. 4... c5b4 5. c2c3 5... b4a5 On the other hand, Hikaru's opening choice should not be a complete surprive if we recall the player who revived the gambit. Garry Kasparov that is, yes! The following crushing game was played 19 years ago, and the victim was... Anand. 6. d2d4 6... d7d6 7. d1b3 7... d8d7 8. d4e5 8... a5b6 9. a2a4 "This got me slightly off-line" - Vishy. Indeed, this is quite a rare move and the majority of the games continued instead 9... c6a5 The light-squared bishop is a beast and should be traded at once! 10. b3a2 10... a5c4 11. a2c4 11... g8e7 12. e5d6 12... c7d6 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 Vishy decided to make sensible and solid moves first and not take unnecessary risk. 14. c4d3 14... e7g6 15. a4a5 15... b6c5 16. c1e3 White wants to attack the d6-pawn and needs the bishops off the board. 16... f8e8 Vishy plays in a very classical way and prepares the d6-d5 advance. 17. b1d2 17... c5e3 18. d3e3 18... d6d5 19. f1e1 19... d5e4 20. d2e4 The weak isolated pawn disappeared but White has the initiative. He threatens now Ne4-f6! 20... d7e7 21. e4d6 21... e7e3 22. f2e3 22... e8d8 The white pawns are a mess but since Black did not finish his development there are various problems along the open d- and half-open b-file. 23. e1d1 23... a8b8 24. d1d4 24... c8e6 The bishop is out and it is time for White to take care of the balance. 25. c3c4 25... b7b6 26. a5b6 26... a7b6 27. a1a7 27... h7h6 28. h2h3
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29. a7b7
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1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... f8c5 4. b2b4 Wow! The Evans Gambit at the highest possible level! Hikaru supoprts his reputation of a trouble-maker. Some years back he tried the King's Gambit, and now the Evans one. "It is an English opening", Hikaru explained later, "and much better than the King's Gambit." Since the opening is named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the hosts felt quite enthusiastic about it and Nigel Short even joked that Nakamura had already deserved his next year's invitation with this choice. 4... c5b4 5. c2c3 5... b4a5 On the other hand, Hikaru's opening choice should not be a complete surprive if we recall the player who revived the gambit. Garry Kasparov that is, yes! The following crushing game was played 19 years ago, and the victim was... Anand. 6. d2d4 6... d7d6 7. d1b3 7... d8d7 8. d4e5 8... a5b6 9. a2a4 "This got me slightly off-line" - Vishy. Indeed, this is quite a rare move and the majority of the games continued instead 9... c6a5 The light-squared bishop is a beast and should be traded at once! 10. b3a2 10... a5c4 11. a2c4 11... g8e7 12. e5d6 12... c7d6 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 Vishy decided to make sensible and solid moves first and not take unnecessary risk. 14. c4d3 14... e7g6 15. a4a5 15... b6c5 16. c1e3 White wants to attack the d6-pawn and needs the bishops off the board. 16... f8e8 Vishy plays in a very classical way and prepares the d6-d5 advance. 17. b1d2 17... c5e3 18. d3e3 18... d6d5 19. f1e1 19... d5e4 20. d2e4 The weak isolated pawn disappeared but White has the initiative. He threatens now Ne4-f6! 20... d7e7 21. e4d6 21... e7e3 22. f2e3 22... e8d8 The white pawns are a mess but since Black did not finish his development there are various problems along the open d- and half-open b-file. 23. e1d1 23... a8b8 24. d1d4 24... c8e6 The bishop is out and it is time for White to take care of the balance. 25. c3c4 25... b7b6 26. a5b6 26... a7b6 27. a1a7 27... h7h6 28. h2h3 28... b8a8
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29... d8b8
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1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... f8c5 4. b2b4 Wow! The Evans Gambit at the highest possible level! Hikaru supoprts his reputation of a trouble-maker. Some years back he tried the King's Gambit, and now the Evans one. "It is an English opening", Hikaru explained later, "and much better than the King's Gambit." Since the opening is named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the hosts felt quite enthusiastic about it and Nigel Short even joked that Nakamura had already deserved his next year's invitation with this choice. 4... c5b4 5. c2c3 5... b4a5 On the other hand, Hikaru's opening choice should not be a complete surprive if we recall the player who revived the gambit. Garry Kasparov that is, yes! The following crushing game was played 19 years ago, and the victim was... Anand. 6. d2d4 6... d7d6 7. d1b3 7... d8d7 8. d4e5 8... a5b6 9. a2a4 "This got me slightly off-line" - Vishy. Indeed, this is quite a rare move and the majority of the games continued instead 9... c6a5 The light-squared bishop is a beast and should be traded at once! 10. b3a2 10... a5c4 11. a2c4 11... g8e7 12. e5d6 12... c7d6 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 Vishy decided to make sensible and solid moves first and not take unnecessary risk. 14. c4d3 14... e7g6 15. a4a5 15... b6c5 16. c1e3 White wants to attack the d6-pawn and needs the bishops off the board. 16... f8e8 Vishy plays in a very classical way and prepares the d6-d5 advance. 17. b1d2 17... c5e3 18. d3e3 18... d6d5 19. f1e1 19... d5e4 20. d2e4 The weak isolated pawn disappeared but White has the initiative. He threatens now Ne4-f6! 20... d7e7 21. e4d6 21... e7e3 22. f2e3 22... e8d8 The white pawns are a mess but since Black did not finish his development there are various problems along the open d- and half-open b-file. 23. e1d1 23... a8b8 24. d1d4 24... c8e6 The bishop is out and it is time for White to take care of the balance. 25. c3c4 25... b7b6 26. a5b6 26... a7b6 27. a1a7 27... h7h6 28. h2h3 28... b8a8 29. a7b7
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30. b7c7
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Nakamura keeps the active rook on the board.
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1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... f8c5 4. b2b4 Wow! The Evans Gambit at the highest possible level! Hikaru supoprts his reputation of a trouble-maker. Some years back he tried the King's Gambit, and now the Evans one. "It is an English opening", Hikaru explained later, "and much better than the King's Gambit." Since the opening is named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the hosts felt quite enthusiastic about it and Nigel Short even joked that Nakamura had already deserved his next year's invitation with this choice. 4... c5b4 5. c2c3 5... b4a5 On the other hand, Hikaru's opening choice should not be a complete surprive if we recall the player who revived the gambit. Garry Kasparov that is, yes! The following crushing game was played 19 years ago, and the victim was... Anand. 6. d2d4 6... d7d6 7. d1b3 7... d8d7 8. d4e5 8... a5b6 9. a2a4 "This got me slightly off-line" - Vishy. Indeed, this is quite a rare move and the majority of the games continued instead 9... c6a5 The light-squared bishop is a beast and should be traded at once! 10. b3a2 10... a5c4 11. a2c4 11... g8e7 12. e5d6 12... c7d6 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 Vishy decided to make sensible and solid moves first and not take unnecessary risk. 14. c4d3 14... e7g6 15. a4a5 15... b6c5 16. c1e3 White wants to attack the d6-pawn and needs the bishops off the board. 16... f8e8 Vishy plays in a very classical way and prepares the d6-d5 advance. 17. b1d2 17... c5e3 18. d3e3 18... d6d5 19. f1e1 19... d5e4 20. d2e4 The weak isolated pawn disappeared but White has the initiative. He threatens now Ne4-f6! 20... d7e7 21. e4d6 21... e7e3 22. f2e3 22... e8d8 The white pawns are a mess but since Black did not finish his development there are various problems along the open d- and half-open b-file. 23. e1d1 23... a8b8 24. d1d4 24... c8e6 The bishop is out and it is time for White to take care of the balance. 25. c3c4 25... b7b6 26. a5b6 26... a7b6 27. a1a7 27... h7h6 28. h2h3 28... b8a8 29. a7b7 29... d8b8
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30... a8a5
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1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... f8c5 4. b2b4 Wow! The Evans Gambit at the highest possible level! Hikaru supoprts his reputation of a trouble-maker. Some years back he tried the King's Gambit, and now the Evans one. "It is an English opening", Hikaru explained later, "and much better than the King's Gambit." Since the opening is named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the hosts felt quite enthusiastic about it and Nigel Short even joked that Nakamura had already deserved his next year's invitation with this choice. 4... c5b4 5. c2c3 5... b4a5 On the other hand, Hikaru's opening choice should not be a complete surprive if we recall the player who revived the gambit. Garry Kasparov that is, yes! The following crushing game was played 19 years ago, and the victim was... Anand. 6. d2d4 6... d7d6 7. d1b3 7... d8d7 8. d4e5 8... a5b6 9. a2a4 "This got me slightly off-line" - Vishy. Indeed, this is quite a rare move and the majority of the games continued instead 9... c6a5 The light-squared bishop is a beast and should be traded at once! 10. b3a2 10... a5c4 11. a2c4 11... g8e7 12. e5d6 12... c7d6 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 Vishy decided to make sensible and solid moves first and not take unnecessary risk. 14. c4d3 14... e7g6 15. a4a5 15... b6c5 16. c1e3 White wants to attack the d6-pawn and needs the bishops off the board. 16... f8e8 Vishy plays in a very classical way and prepares the d6-d5 advance. 17. b1d2 17... c5e3 18. d3e3 18... d6d5 19. f1e1 19... d5e4 20. d2e4 The weak isolated pawn disappeared but White has the initiative. He threatens now Ne4-f6! 20... d7e7 21. e4d6 21... e7e3 22. f2e3 22... e8d8 The white pawns are a mess but since Black did not finish his development there are various problems along the open d- and half-open b-file. 23. e1d1 23... a8b8 24. d1d4 24... c8e6 The bishop is out and it is time for White to take care of the balance. 25. c3c4 25... b7b6 26. a5b6 26... a7b6 27. a1a7 27... h7h6 28. h2h3 28... b8a8 29. a7b7 29... d8b8 30. b7c7 Nakamura keeps the active rook on the board.
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31. g1h2
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1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... f8c5 4. b2b4 Wow! The Evans Gambit at the highest possible level! Hikaru supoprts his reputation of a trouble-maker. Some years back he tried the King's Gambit, and now the Evans one. "It is an English opening", Hikaru explained later, "and much better than the King's Gambit." Since the opening is named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the hosts felt quite enthusiastic about it and Nigel Short even joked that Nakamura had already deserved his next year's invitation with this choice. 4... c5b4 5. c2c3 5... b4a5 On the other hand, Hikaru's opening choice should not be a complete surprive if we recall the player who revived the gambit. Garry Kasparov that is, yes! The following crushing game was played 19 years ago, and the victim was... Anand. 6. d2d4 6... d7d6 7. d1b3 7... d8d7 8. d4e5 8... a5b6 9. a2a4 "This got me slightly off-line" - Vishy. Indeed, this is quite a rare move and the majority of the games continued instead 9... c6a5 The light-squared bishop is a beast and should be traded at once! 10. b3a2 10... a5c4 11. a2c4 11... g8e7 12. e5d6 12... c7d6 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 Vishy decided to make sensible and solid moves first and not take unnecessary risk. 14. c4d3 14... e7g6 15. a4a5 15... b6c5 16. c1e3 White wants to attack the d6-pawn and needs the bishops off the board. 16... f8e8 Vishy plays in a very classical way and prepares the d6-d5 advance. 17. b1d2 17... c5e3 18. d3e3 18... d6d5 19. f1e1 19... d5e4 20. d2e4 The weak isolated pawn disappeared but White has the initiative. He threatens now Ne4-f6! 20... d7e7 21. e4d6 21... e7e3 22. f2e3 22... e8d8 The white pawns are a mess but since Black did not finish his development there are various problems along the open d- and half-open b-file. 23. e1d1 23... a8b8 24. d1d4 24... c8e6 The bishop is out and it is time for White to take care of the balance. 25. c3c4 25... b7b6 26. a5b6 26... a7b6 27. a1a7 27... h7h6 28. h2h3 28... b8a8 29. a7b7 29... d8b8 30. b7c7 Nakamura keeps the active rook on the board. 30... a8a5
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31... a5c5
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1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... f8c5 4. b2b4 Wow! The Evans Gambit at the highest possible level! Hikaru supoprts his reputation of a trouble-maker. Some years back he tried the King's Gambit, and now the Evans one. "It is an English opening", Hikaru explained later, "and much better than the King's Gambit." Since the opening is named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the hosts felt quite enthusiastic about it and Nigel Short even joked that Nakamura had already deserved his next year's invitation with this choice. 4... c5b4 5. c2c3 5... b4a5 On the other hand, Hikaru's opening choice should not be a complete surprive if we recall the player who revived the gambit. Garry Kasparov that is, yes! The following crushing game was played 19 years ago, and the victim was... Anand. 6. d2d4 6... d7d6 7. d1b3 7... d8d7 8. d4e5 8... a5b6 9. a2a4 "This got me slightly off-line" - Vishy. Indeed, this is quite a rare move and the majority of the games continued instead 9... c6a5 The light-squared bishop is a beast and should be traded at once! 10. b3a2 10... a5c4 11. a2c4 11... g8e7 12. e5d6 12... c7d6 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 Vishy decided to make sensible and solid moves first and not take unnecessary risk. 14. c4d3 14... e7g6 15. a4a5 15... b6c5 16. c1e3 White wants to attack the d6-pawn and needs the bishops off the board. 16... f8e8 Vishy plays in a very classical way and prepares the d6-d5 advance. 17. b1d2 17... c5e3 18. d3e3 18... d6d5 19. f1e1 19... d5e4 20. d2e4 The weak isolated pawn disappeared but White has the initiative. He threatens now Ne4-f6! 20... d7e7 21. e4d6 21... e7e3 22. f2e3 22... e8d8 The white pawns are a mess but since Black did not finish his development there are various problems along the open d- and half-open b-file. 23. e1d1 23... a8b8 24. d1d4 24... c8e6 The bishop is out and it is time for White to take care of the balance. 25. c3c4 25... b7b6 26. a5b6 26... a7b6 27. a1a7 27... h7h6 28. h2h3 28... b8a8 29. a7b7 29... d8b8 30. b7c7 Nakamura keeps the active rook on the board. 30... a8a5 31. g1h2
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32. c7a7
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1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... f8c5 4. b2b4 Wow! The Evans Gambit at the highest possible level! Hikaru supoprts his reputation of a trouble-maker. Some years back he tried the King's Gambit, and now the Evans one. "It is an English opening", Hikaru explained later, "and much better than the King's Gambit." Since the opening is named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the hosts felt quite enthusiastic about it and Nigel Short even joked that Nakamura had already deserved his next year's invitation with this choice. 4... c5b4 5. c2c3 5... b4a5 On the other hand, Hikaru's opening choice should not be a complete surprive if we recall the player who revived the gambit. Garry Kasparov that is, yes! The following crushing game was played 19 years ago, and the victim was... Anand. 6. d2d4 6... d7d6 7. d1b3 7... d8d7 8. d4e5 8... a5b6 9. a2a4 "This got me slightly off-line" - Vishy. Indeed, this is quite a rare move and the majority of the games continued instead 9... c6a5 The light-squared bishop is a beast and should be traded at once! 10. b3a2 10... a5c4 11. a2c4 11... g8e7 12. e5d6 12... c7d6 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 Vishy decided to make sensible and solid moves first and not take unnecessary risk. 14. c4d3 14... e7g6 15. a4a5 15... b6c5 16. c1e3 White wants to attack the d6-pawn and needs the bishops off the board. 16... f8e8 Vishy plays in a very classical way and prepares the d6-d5 advance. 17. b1d2 17... c5e3 18. d3e3 18... d6d5 19. f1e1 19... d5e4 20. d2e4 The weak isolated pawn disappeared but White has the initiative. He threatens now Ne4-f6! 20... d7e7 21. e4d6 21... e7e3 22. f2e3 22... e8d8 The white pawns are a mess but since Black did not finish his development there are various problems along the open d- and half-open b-file. 23. e1d1 23... a8b8 24. d1d4 24... c8e6 The bishop is out and it is time for White to take care of the balance. 25. c3c4 25... b7b6 26. a5b6 26... a7b6 27. a1a7 27... h7h6 28. h2h3 28... b8a8 29. a7b7 29... d8b8 30. b7c7 Nakamura keeps the active rook on the board. 30... a8a5 31. g1h2 31... a5c5
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32... g8f8
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1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... f8c5 4. b2b4 Wow! The Evans Gambit at the highest possible level! Hikaru supoprts his reputation of a trouble-maker. Some years back he tried the King's Gambit, and now the Evans one. "It is an English opening", Hikaru explained later, "and much better than the King's Gambit." Since the opening is named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the hosts felt quite enthusiastic about it and Nigel Short even joked that Nakamura had already deserved his next year's invitation with this choice. 4... c5b4 5. c2c3 5... b4a5 On the other hand, Hikaru's opening choice should not be a complete surprive if we recall the player who revived the gambit. Garry Kasparov that is, yes! The following crushing game was played 19 years ago, and the victim was... Anand. 6. d2d4 6... d7d6 7. d1b3 7... d8d7 8. d4e5 8... a5b6 9. a2a4 "This got me slightly off-line" - Vishy. Indeed, this is quite a rare move and the majority of the games continued instead 9... c6a5 The light-squared bishop is a beast and should be traded at once! 10. b3a2 10... a5c4 11. a2c4 11... g8e7 12. e5d6 12... c7d6 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 Vishy decided to make sensible and solid moves first and not take unnecessary risk. 14. c4d3 14... e7g6 15. a4a5 15... b6c5 16. c1e3 White wants to attack the d6-pawn and needs the bishops off the board. 16... f8e8 Vishy plays in a very classical way and prepares the d6-d5 advance. 17. b1d2 17... c5e3 18. d3e3 18... d6d5 19. f1e1 19... d5e4 20. d2e4 The weak isolated pawn disappeared but White has the initiative. He threatens now Ne4-f6! 20... d7e7 21. e4d6 21... e7e3 22. f2e3 22... e8d8 The white pawns are a mess but since Black did not finish his development there are various problems along the open d- and half-open b-file. 23. e1d1 23... a8b8 24. d1d4 24... c8e6 The bishop is out and it is time for White to take care of the balance. 25. c3c4 25... b7b6 26. a5b6 26... a7b6 27. a1a7 27... h7h6 28. h2h3 28... b8a8 29. a7b7 29... d8b8 30. b7c7 Nakamura keeps the active rook on the board. 30... a8a5 31. g1h2 31... a5c5 32. c7a7
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33. g2g4
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1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... f8c5 4. b2b4 Wow! The Evans Gambit at the highest possible level! Hikaru supoprts his reputation of a trouble-maker. Some years back he tried the King's Gambit, and now the Evans one. "It is an English opening", Hikaru explained later, "and much better than the King's Gambit." Since the opening is named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the hosts felt quite enthusiastic about it and Nigel Short even joked that Nakamura had already deserved his next year's invitation with this choice. 4... c5b4 5. c2c3 5... b4a5 On the other hand, Hikaru's opening choice should not be a complete surprive if we recall the player who revived the gambit. Garry Kasparov that is, yes! The following crushing game was played 19 years ago, and the victim was... Anand. 6. d2d4 6... d7d6 7. d1b3 7... d8d7 8. d4e5 8... a5b6 9. a2a4 "This got me slightly off-line" - Vishy. Indeed, this is quite a rare move and the majority of the games continued instead 9... c6a5 The light-squared bishop is a beast and should be traded at once! 10. b3a2 10... a5c4 11. a2c4 11... g8e7 12. e5d6 12... c7d6 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 Vishy decided to make sensible and solid moves first and not take unnecessary risk. 14. c4d3 14... e7g6 15. a4a5 15... b6c5 16. c1e3 White wants to attack the d6-pawn and needs the bishops off the board. 16... f8e8 Vishy plays in a very classical way and prepares the d6-d5 advance. 17. b1d2 17... c5e3 18. d3e3 18... d6d5 19. f1e1 19... d5e4 20. d2e4 The weak isolated pawn disappeared but White has the initiative. He threatens now Ne4-f6! 20... d7e7 21. e4d6 21... e7e3 22. f2e3 22... e8d8 The white pawns are a mess but since Black did not finish his development there are various problems along the open d- and half-open b-file. 23. e1d1 23... a8b8 24. d1d4 24... c8e6 The bishop is out and it is time for White to take care of the balance. 25. c3c4 25... b7b6 26. a5b6 26... a7b6 27. a1a7 27... h7h6 28. h2h3 28... b8a8 29. a7b7 29... d8b8 30. b7c7 Nakamura keeps the active rook on the board. 30... a8a5 31. g1h2 31... a5c5 32. c7a7 32... g8f8
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33... c5a5
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Vishy forces the draw.
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1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... f8c5 4. b2b4 Wow! The Evans Gambit at the highest possible level! Hikaru supoprts his reputation of a trouble-maker. Some years back he tried the King's Gambit, and now the Evans one. "It is an English opening", Hikaru explained later, "and much better than the King's Gambit." Since the opening is named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the hosts felt quite enthusiastic about it and Nigel Short even joked that Nakamura had already deserved his next year's invitation with this choice. 4... c5b4 5. c2c3 5... b4a5 On the other hand, Hikaru's opening choice should not be a complete surprive if we recall the player who revived the gambit. Garry Kasparov that is, yes! The following crushing game was played 19 years ago, and the victim was... Anand. 6. d2d4 6... d7d6 7. d1b3 7... d8d7 8. d4e5 8... a5b6 9. a2a4 "This got me slightly off-line" - Vishy. Indeed, this is quite a rare move and the majority of the games continued instead 9... c6a5 The light-squared bishop is a beast and should be traded at once! 10. b3a2 10... a5c4 11. a2c4 11... g8e7 12. e5d6 12... c7d6 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 Vishy decided to make sensible and solid moves first and not take unnecessary risk. 14. c4d3 14... e7g6 15. a4a5 15... b6c5 16. c1e3 White wants to attack the d6-pawn and needs the bishops off the board. 16... f8e8 Vishy plays in a very classical way and prepares the d6-d5 advance. 17. b1d2 17... c5e3 18. d3e3 18... d6d5 19. f1e1 19... d5e4 20. d2e4 The weak isolated pawn disappeared but White has the initiative. He threatens now Ne4-f6! 20... d7e7 21. e4d6 21... e7e3 22. f2e3 22... e8d8 The white pawns are a mess but since Black did not finish his development there are various problems along the open d- and half-open b-file. 23. e1d1 23... a8b8 24. d1d4 24... c8e6 The bishop is out and it is time for White to take care of the balance. 25. c3c4 25... b7b6 26. a5b6 26... a7b6 27. a1a7 27... h7h6 28. h2h3 28... b8a8 29. a7b7 29... d8b8 30. b7c7 Nakamura keeps the active rook on the board. 30... a8a5 31. g1h2 31... a5c5 32. c7a7 32... g8f8 33. g2g4
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34. a7c7
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Nakamura cannot avoid the repetition.
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1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... f8c5 4. b2b4 Wow! The Evans Gambit at the highest possible level! Hikaru supoprts his reputation of a trouble-maker. Some years back he tried the King's Gambit, and now the Evans one. "It is an English opening", Hikaru explained later, "and much better than the King's Gambit." Since the opening is named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the hosts felt quite enthusiastic about it and Nigel Short even joked that Nakamura had already deserved his next year's invitation with this choice. 4... c5b4 5. c2c3 5... b4a5 On the other hand, Hikaru's opening choice should not be a complete surprive if we recall the player who revived the gambit. Garry Kasparov that is, yes! The following crushing game was played 19 years ago, and the victim was... Anand. 6. d2d4 6... d7d6 7. d1b3 7... d8d7 8. d4e5 8... a5b6 9. a2a4 "This got me slightly off-line" - Vishy. Indeed, this is quite a rare move and the majority of the games continued instead 9... c6a5 The light-squared bishop is a beast and should be traded at once! 10. b3a2 10... a5c4 11. a2c4 11... g8e7 12. e5d6 12... c7d6 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 Vishy decided to make sensible and solid moves first and not take unnecessary risk. 14. c4d3 14... e7g6 15. a4a5 15... b6c5 16. c1e3 White wants to attack the d6-pawn and needs the bishops off the board. 16... f8e8 Vishy plays in a very classical way and prepares the d6-d5 advance. 17. b1d2 17... c5e3 18. d3e3 18... d6d5 19. f1e1 19... d5e4 20. d2e4 The weak isolated pawn disappeared but White has the initiative. He threatens now Ne4-f6! 20... d7e7 21. e4d6 21... e7e3 22. f2e3 22... e8d8 The white pawns are a mess but since Black did not finish his development there are various problems along the open d- and half-open b-file. 23. e1d1 23... a8b8 24. d1d4 24... c8e6 The bishop is out and it is time for White to take care of the balance. 25. c3c4 25... b7b6 26. a5b6 26... a7b6 27. a1a7 27... h7h6 28. h2h3 28... b8a8 29. a7b7 29... d8b8 30. b7c7 Nakamura keeps the active rook on the board. 30... a8a5 31. g1h2 31... a5c5 32. c7a7 32... g8f8 33. g2g4 33... c5a5 Vishy forces the draw.
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34... a5c5
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1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... f8c5 4. b2b4 Wow! The Evans Gambit at the highest possible level! Hikaru supoprts his reputation of a trouble-maker. Some years back he tried the King's Gambit, and now the Evans one. "It is an English opening", Hikaru explained later, "and much better than the King's Gambit." Since the opening is named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the hosts felt quite enthusiastic about it and Nigel Short even joked that Nakamura had already deserved his next year's invitation with this choice. 4... c5b4 5. c2c3 5... b4a5 On the other hand, Hikaru's opening choice should not be a complete surprive if we recall the player who revived the gambit. Garry Kasparov that is, yes! The following crushing game was played 19 years ago, and the victim was... Anand. 6. d2d4 6... d7d6 7. d1b3 7... d8d7 8. d4e5 8... a5b6 9. a2a4 "This got me slightly off-line" - Vishy. Indeed, this is quite a rare move and the majority of the games continued instead 9... c6a5 The light-squared bishop is a beast and should be traded at once! 10. b3a2 10... a5c4 11. a2c4 11... g8e7 12. e5d6 12... c7d6 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 Vishy decided to make sensible and solid moves first and not take unnecessary risk. 14. c4d3 14... e7g6 15. a4a5 15... b6c5 16. c1e3 White wants to attack the d6-pawn and needs the bishops off the board. 16... f8e8 Vishy plays in a very classical way and prepares the d6-d5 advance. 17. b1d2 17... c5e3 18. d3e3 18... d6d5 19. f1e1 19... d5e4 20. d2e4 The weak isolated pawn disappeared but White has the initiative. He threatens now Ne4-f6! 20... d7e7 21. e4d6 21... e7e3 22. f2e3 22... e8d8 The white pawns are a mess but since Black did not finish his development there are various problems along the open d- and half-open b-file. 23. e1d1 23... a8b8 24. d1d4 24... c8e6 The bishop is out and it is time for White to take care of the balance. 25. c3c4 25... b7b6 26. a5b6 26... a7b6 27. a1a7 27... h7h6 28. h2h3 28... b8a8 29. a7b7 29... d8b8 30. b7c7 Nakamura keeps the active rook on the board. 30... a8a5 31. g1h2 31... a5c5 32. c7a7 32... g8f8 33. g2g4 33... c5a5 Vishy forces the draw. 34. a7c7 Nakamura cannot avoid the repetition.
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35. c7a7
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1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... f8c5 4. b2b4 Wow! The Evans Gambit at the highest possible level! Hikaru supoprts his reputation of a trouble-maker. Some years back he tried the King's Gambit, and now the Evans one. "It is an English opening", Hikaru explained later, "and much better than the King's Gambit." Since the opening is named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the hosts felt quite enthusiastic about it and Nigel Short even joked that Nakamura had already deserved his next year's invitation with this choice. 4... c5b4 5. c2c3 5... b4a5 On the other hand, Hikaru's opening choice should not be a complete surprive if we recall the player who revived the gambit. Garry Kasparov that is, yes! The following crushing game was played 19 years ago, and the victim was... Anand. 6. d2d4 6... d7d6 7. d1b3 7... d8d7 8. d4e5 8... a5b6 9. a2a4 "This got me slightly off-line" - Vishy. Indeed, this is quite a rare move and the majority of the games continued instead 9... c6a5 The light-squared bishop is a beast and should be traded at once! 10. b3a2 10... a5c4 11. a2c4 11... g8e7 12. e5d6 12... c7d6 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 Vishy decided to make sensible and solid moves first and not take unnecessary risk. 14. c4d3 14... e7g6 15. a4a5 15... b6c5 16. c1e3 White wants to attack the d6-pawn and needs the bishops off the board. 16... f8e8 Vishy plays in a very classical way and prepares the d6-d5 advance. 17. b1d2 17... c5e3 18. d3e3 18... d6d5 19. f1e1 19... d5e4 20. d2e4 The weak isolated pawn disappeared but White has the initiative. He threatens now Ne4-f6! 20... d7e7 21. e4d6 21... e7e3 22. f2e3 22... e8d8 The white pawns are a mess but since Black did not finish his development there are various problems along the open d- and half-open b-file. 23. e1d1 23... a8b8 24. d1d4 24... c8e6 The bishop is out and it is time for White to take care of the balance. 25. c3c4 25... b7b6 26. a5b6 26... a7b6 27. a1a7 27... h7h6 28. h2h3 28... b8a8 29. a7b7 29... d8b8 30. b7c7 Nakamura keeps the active rook on the board. 30... a8a5 31. g1h2 31... a5c5 32. c7a7 32... g8f8 33. g2g4 33... c5a5 Vishy forces the draw. 34. a7c7 Nakamura cannot avoid the repetition. 34... a5c5
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35... c5a5
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1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... f8c5 4. b2b4 Wow! The Evans Gambit at the highest possible level! Hikaru supoprts his reputation of a trouble-maker. Some years back he tried the King's Gambit, and now the Evans one. "It is an English opening", Hikaru explained later, "and much better than the King's Gambit." Since the opening is named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the hosts felt quite enthusiastic about it and Nigel Short even joked that Nakamura had already deserved his next year's invitation with this choice. 4... c5b4 5. c2c3 5... b4a5 On the other hand, Hikaru's opening choice should not be a complete surprive if we recall the player who revived the gambit. Garry Kasparov that is, yes! The following crushing game was played 19 years ago, and the victim was... Anand. 6. d2d4 6... d7d6 7. d1b3 7... d8d7 8. d4e5 8... a5b6 9. a2a4 "This got me slightly off-line" - Vishy. Indeed, this is quite a rare move and the majority of the games continued instead 9... c6a5 The light-squared bishop is a beast and should be traded at once! 10. b3a2 10... a5c4 11. a2c4 11... g8e7 12. e5d6 12... c7d6 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 Vishy decided to make sensible and solid moves first and not take unnecessary risk. 14. c4d3 14... e7g6 15. a4a5 15... b6c5 16. c1e3 White wants to attack the d6-pawn and needs the bishops off the board. 16... f8e8 Vishy plays in a very classical way and prepares the d6-d5 advance. 17. b1d2 17... c5e3 18. d3e3 18... d6d5 19. f1e1 19... d5e4 20. d2e4 The weak isolated pawn disappeared but White has the initiative. He threatens now Ne4-f6! 20... d7e7 21. e4d6 21... e7e3 22. f2e3 22... e8d8 The white pawns are a mess but since Black did not finish his development there are various problems along the open d- and half-open b-file. 23. e1d1 23... a8b8 24. d1d4 24... c8e6 The bishop is out and it is time for White to take care of the balance. 25. c3c4 25... b7b6 26. a5b6 26... a7b6 27. a1a7 27... h7h6 28. h2h3 28... b8a8 29. a7b7 29... d8b8 30. b7c7 Nakamura keeps the active rook on the board. 30... a8a5 31. g1h2 31... a5c5 32. c7a7 32... g8f8 33. g2g4 33... c5a5 Vishy forces the draw. 34. a7c7 Nakamura cannot avoid the repetition. 34... a5c5 35. c7a7
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36. a7c7
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1. e2e4 1... e7e5 2. g1f3 2... b8c6 3. f1c4 3... f8c5 4. b2b4 Wow! The Evans Gambit at the highest possible level! Hikaru supoprts his reputation of a trouble-maker. Some years back he tried the King's Gambit, and now the Evans one. "It is an English opening", Hikaru explained later, "and much better than the King's Gambit." Since the opening is named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the hosts felt quite enthusiastic about it and Nigel Short even joked that Nakamura had already deserved his next year's invitation with this choice. 4... c5b4 5. c2c3 5... b4a5 On the other hand, Hikaru's opening choice should not be a complete surprive if we recall the player who revived the gambit. Garry Kasparov that is, yes! The following crushing game was played 19 years ago, and the victim was... Anand. 6. d2d4 6... d7d6 7. d1b3 7... d8d7 8. d4e5 8... a5b6 9. a2a4 "This got me slightly off-line" - Vishy. Indeed, this is quite a rare move and the majority of the games continued instead 9... c6a5 The light-squared bishop is a beast and should be traded at once! 10. b3a2 10... a5c4 11. a2c4 11... g8e7 12. e5d6 12... c7d6 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 Vishy decided to make sensible and solid moves first and not take unnecessary risk. 14. c4d3 14... e7g6 15. a4a5 15... b6c5 16. c1e3 White wants to attack the d6-pawn and needs the bishops off the board. 16... f8e8 Vishy plays in a very classical way and prepares the d6-d5 advance. 17. b1d2 17... c5e3 18. d3e3 18... d6d5 19. f1e1 19... d5e4 20. d2e4 The weak isolated pawn disappeared but White has the initiative. He threatens now Ne4-f6! 20... d7e7 21. e4d6 21... e7e3 22. f2e3 22... e8d8 The white pawns are a mess but since Black did not finish his development there are various problems along the open d- and half-open b-file. 23. e1d1 23... a8b8 24. d1d4 24... c8e6 The bishop is out and it is time for White to take care of the balance. 25. c3c4 25... b7b6 26. a5b6 26... a7b6 27. a1a7 27... h7h6 28. h2h3 28... b8a8 29. a7b7 29... d8b8 30. b7c7 Nakamura keeps the active rook on the board. 30... a8a5 31. g1h2 31... a5c5 32. c7a7 32... g8f8 33. g2g4 33... c5a5 Vishy forces the draw. 34. a7c7 Nakamura cannot avoid the repetition. 34... a5c5 35. c7a7 35... c5a5
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1. d2d4
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After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle...
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1... g8f6
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle...
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2. c2c4
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6
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2... e7e6
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4
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3. g1f3
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6
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3... d7d5
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3
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4. c1g5
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5
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4... f8e7
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5
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5. d1c2
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The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..."
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7
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5... h7h6
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..."
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6. g5f6
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6
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6... e7f6
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6
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7. e2e3
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6
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7... c7c5
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Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well.
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3
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8. c4d5
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well.
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8... c5d4
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5
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9. f1b5
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The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed.
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4
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9... c8d7
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed.
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10. d5e6
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A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation.
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7
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10... d8a5
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation.
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11. b1d2
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5
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11... a5b5
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2
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12. e6d7
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5
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12... b8d7
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7
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13. c2e4
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7
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13... e8f8
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4
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14. f3d4
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8
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14... b5b2
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4
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15. a1b1
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2
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15... b2a2
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1
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16. e4b7
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All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice.
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2
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16... a8d8
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice.
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17. b7b4
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8
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17... f8g8
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4
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18. e1g1
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Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board.
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8
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18... a7a5
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board.
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19. b4c3
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5
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19... a2d5
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3
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20. c3c7
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5
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20... d7f8
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7
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21. b1b5
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8
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21... d5d7
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5
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22. c7d7
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7
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22... d8d7
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7
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23. d2f3
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7
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23... f6d4
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3
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24. f3d4
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4
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24... f8e6
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This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded.
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4
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25. d4e6
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded.
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25... f7e6
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6
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26. b5a5
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6
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26... g8f7
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5
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27. g2g4
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White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks.
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7
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27... h8c8
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It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks!
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks.
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28. f1b1
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks!
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28... c8c2
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1
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29. a5a8
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2
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29... c2c4
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8
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30. h2h3
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8 29... c2c4
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30... h6h5
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A blunder. Passive defense was more stubborn.
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8 29... c2c4 30. h2h3
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31. g4h5
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8 29... c2c4 30. h2h3 30... h6h5 A blunder. Passive defense was more stubborn.
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31... c4h4
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8 29... c2c4 30. h2h3 30... h6h5 A blunder. Passive defense was more stubborn. 31. g4h5
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32. a8h8
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8 29... c2c4 30. h2h3 30... h6h5 A blunder. Passive defense was more stubborn. 31. g4h5 31... c4h4
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32... f7f6
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8 29... c2c4 30. h2h3 30... h6h5 A blunder. Passive defense was more stubborn. 31. g4h5 31... c4h4 32. a8h8
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33. g1h2
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Diagram [#] The g file decides the battle.
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8 29... c2c4 30. h2h3 30... h6h5 A blunder. Passive defense was more stubborn. 31. g4h5 31... c4h4 32. a8h8 32... f7f6
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33... d7d5
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8 29... c2c4 30. h2h3 30... h6h5 A blunder. Passive defense was more stubborn. 31. g4h5 31... c4h4 32. a8h8 32... f7f6 33. g1h2 Diagram [#] The g file decides the battle.
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34. h8f8
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8 29... c2c4 30. h2h3 30... h6h5 A blunder. Passive defense was more stubborn. 31. g4h5 31... c4h4 32. a8h8 32... f7f6 33. g1h2 Diagram [#] The g file decides the battle. 33... d7d5
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34... f6e7
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8 29... c2c4 30. h2h3 30... h6h5 A blunder. Passive defense was more stubborn. 31. g4h5 31... c4h4 32. a8h8 32... f7f6 33. g1h2 Diagram [#] The g file decides the battle. 33... d7d5 34. h8f8
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35. f8f3
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8 29... c2c4 30. h2h3 30... h6h5 A blunder. Passive defense was more stubborn. 31. g4h5 31... c4h4 32. a8h8 32... f7f6 33. g1h2 Diagram [#] The g file decides the battle. 33... d7d5 34. h8f8 34... f6e7
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35... d5f5
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8 29... c2c4 30. h2h3 30... h6h5 A blunder. Passive defense was more stubborn. 31. g4h5 31... c4h4 32. a8h8 32... f7f6 33. g1h2 Diagram [#] The g file decides the battle. 33... d7d5 34. h8f8 34... f6e7 35. f8f3
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36. f3f5
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8 29... c2c4 30. h2h3 30... h6h5 A blunder. Passive defense was more stubborn. 31. g4h5 31... c4h4 32. a8h8 32... f7f6 33. g1h2 Diagram [#] The g file decides the battle. 33... d7d5 34. h8f8 34... f6e7 35. f8f3 35... d5f5
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36... e6f5
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8 29... c2c4 30. h2h3 30... h6h5 A blunder. Passive defense was more stubborn. 31. g4h5 31... c4h4 32. a8h8 32... f7f6 33. g1h2 Diagram [#] The g file decides the battle. 33... d7d5 34. h8f8 34... f6e7 35. f8f3 35... d5f5 36. f3f5
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37. b1g1
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8 29... c2c4 30. h2h3 30... h6h5 A blunder. Passive defense was more stubborn. 31. g4h5 31... c4h4 32. a8h8 32... f7f6 33. g1h2 Diagram [#] The g file decides the battle. 33... d7d5 34. h8f8 34... f6e7 35. f8f3 35... d5f5 36. f3f5 36... e6f5
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37... e7f6
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8 29... c2c4 30. h2h3 30... h6h5 A blunder. Passive defense was more stubborn. 31. g4h5 31... c4h4 32. a8h8 32... f7f6 33. g1h2 Diagram [#] The g file decides the battle. 33... d7d5 34. h8f8 34... f6e7 35. f8f3 35... d5f5 36. f3f5 36... e6f5 37. b1g1
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38. g1g6
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8 29... c2c4 30. h2h3 30... h6h5 A blunder. Passive defense was more stubborn. 31. g4h5 31... c4h4 32. a8h8 32... f7f6 33. g1h2 Diagram [#] The g file decides the battle. 33... d7d5 34. h8f8 34... f6e7 35. f8f3 35... d5f5 36. f3f5 36... e6f5 37. b1g1 37... e7f6
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38... f6f7
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8 29... c2c4 30. h2h3 30... h6h5 A blunder. Passive defense was more stubborn. 31. g4h5 31... c4h4 32. a8h8 32... f7f6 33. g1h2 Diagram [#] The g file decides the battle. 33... d7d5 34. h8f8 34... f6e7 35. f8f3 35... d5f5 36. f3f5 36... e6f5 37. b1g1 37... e7f6 38. g1g6
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39. g6g5
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8 29... c2c4 30. h2h3 30... h6h5 A blunder. Passive defense was more stubborn. 31. g4h5 31... c4h4 32. a8h8 32... f7f6 33. g1h2 Diagram [#] The g file decides the battle. 33... d7d5 34. h8f8 34... f6e7 35. f8f3 35... d5f5 36. f3f5 36... e6f5 37. b1g1 37... e7f6 38. g1g6 38... f6f7
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39... f7f6
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8 29... c2c4 30. h2h3 30... h6h5 A blunder. Passive defense was more stubborn. 31. g4h5 31... c4h4 32. a8h8 32... f7f6 33. g1h2 Diagram [#] The g file decides the battle. 33... d7d5 34. h8f8 34... f6e7 35. f8f3 35... d5f5 36. f3f5 36... e6f5 37. b1g1 37... e7f6 38. g1g6 38... f6f7 39. g6g5
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40. f2f4
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The rook is lost, so Adams resigned. A very nice example of a nice opening preparation leading to an advantage that lasted till the endgame!
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1. d2d4 After the fascinating Evans Gambit Hikaru switches to the semi-closed openings. Which does not mean that he is up for a lenghty maneuvering battle... 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. c1g5 4... f8e7 5. d1c2 The words with which Hikaru described his game in the opening are fun to listen to: "Well, I do not know, it was interesting, I kind of just played something..." 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... e7f6 7. e2e3 7... c7c5 Adams felt tempted to use the absence of the white knight on c3 and strike in the center at once. As it turns out, this attempt is premature and the American GM has done his homework well. 8. c4d5 8... c5d4 9. f1b5 The forced play is favorable for the first player who is slightly better developed. 9... c8d7 10. d5e6 A nice temporary piece sacrifice, which was part of Nakamura's preparation. 10... d8a5 11. b1d2 11... a5b5 12. e6d7 12... b8d7 13. c2e4 13... e8f8 14. f3d4 14... b5b2 15. a1b1 15... b2a2 16. e4b7 All these moves were more or less forced. Now a curious situation arises where it becomes evident that Black will sooner or later lose his a-pawn and there will be an endgame four versus three on the kingside. Whether this will be a win for White or a draw will depend on the remaining pieces and the pawn structure. For example, very good for White will be a pure knight endgame which a theoretical win. Very good for Black will be a single rook endgame which is usually a draw. A critical moment has arisen and Mickey has to make a tough choice. 16... a8d8 17. b7b4 17... f8g8 18. e1g1 Now logically the endgame in question appears on the board. 18... a7a5 19. b4c3 19... a2d5 20. c3c7 20... d7f8 21. b1b5 21... d5d7 22. c7d7 22... d8d7 23. d2f3 23... f6d4 24. f3d4 24... f8e6 This weakens the pawn structure but the knight is a trouble-maker and should be traded. 25. d4e6 25... f7e6 26. b5a5 26... g8f7 27. g2g4 White's plan is to advance the h pawn to h5, bring the king to g3, eventually attack the e6-pawn with both rooks (on a6 and e5 for example) and then push f2-f4 and g4-g5. Nakamura thought that he had decent winning chances with all rooks still on the board and considered the position a draw with a single pair of rooks. 27... h8c8 It should be noted though that Vishy Anand's classical knowledge and excellent memory gave us a good example to study and understand the arising endgame. He mentioned the game Karpov-Hort, Waddinxveen 1979 (analysed deeply by Jan Timman in one of his books) where the 12th world champion managed to win a similar endgame with only one pair of rooks! 28. f1b1 28... c8c2 29. a5a8 29... c2c4 30. h2h3 30... h6h5 A blunder. Passive defense was more stubborn. 31. g4h5 31... c4h4 32. a8h8 32... f7f6 33. g1h2 Diagram [#] The g file decides the battle. 33... d7d5 34. h8f8 34... f6e7 35. f8f3 35... d5f5 36. f3f5 36... e6f5 37. b1g1 37... e7f6 38. g1g6 38... f6f7 39. g6g5 39... f7f6
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1. e2e4
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