(1) Laren,P (2305) - Edwards,J (2480) [E42]
APCT, 1993



1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4
The Nimo-Indian Defense. Idea to prevent e2-e4

4.e3
Idea Nge2 to avoid doubled pawns after Bxc3

4...c5 5.Nge2 cxd4 6.exd4 d5
Giving white a choice between an immediate a3 or c4-c5 first.

7.a3 Be7
Preserving the dark-squared bishop

8.c5
White has chances now with a three-on-two queenside majority. Black has counter-play in the center

8...b6
Actively challenging the majority.

9.b4 a5
threat axb5

10.Na4
Permiting the recapture with axb5 and also pressuring the b6-pawn

10...bxc5 11.dxc5 axb4 12.axb4
So, the question is, are the connected pawns strong or targets?

12...Nc6
Attacking the backward b4-pawn.

13.Bd2
Protecting the b4-pawn, but dangerous. Note that the white king cannot move! All black needs is check! [13.b5 Qa5+ 14.Nec3 d4~~ ]

13...Ne4! 14.Nb6
Diagram Looks good for white. The threats are Rxa8 and Nxa8. But it's actually black to move and win, and there may be four ways to do it!

14...Bxc5!
Threatening Bxf2 mate [14...Nxf2 15.Kxf2 Bh4+ 16.Ng3 Qf6+ 17.Qf3 Qxa1 18.Nxa8 Qxa8-/+ ; 14...Bh4-+ ; 14...Nxb4 15.Bxb4 Qxb6 16.cxb6 Bxb4+-+ ]

15.bxc5 Qf6
With two threats, Qxf2 mate and Rxa1 -+ 0-1